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From the Newsrooms: Maharlika Investment Fund still for review; Filipino supply mission hit by Chinese vessels
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS have made the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) a bit of an embarrassment for the Marcos administration. Its announcement in 2022 was met with furious controversy. Now its start is shaken by more disturbing questions.Newsrooms reported the memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 12 ordering the Bureau of Treasury, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Develop.....»»
PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to attend the final day of the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, or PBCE, sending Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instead. PBCE is the main assembly yearly of the country’s biggest trade group Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An incumbent president usually attends the second day of the PBCE to personally receive the business group’s resolution and suggestions on various issues. Malacañang did not give any detail on Marcos’ failure the biggest gathering of businessmen yearly. However, Vice President Sara Duterte attended the first day of the conference, in which she urged PCCI officials and members to join the Department of Education in reviewing the current senior high school system and provide valuable insights on skills matching in order to produce employable graduates. Besides the President, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual also did not make it which according to the Department of Trade and Industry communication’s chief, Undersecretary Kim Lokin, Pascual has not been feeling well since Wednesday. Cabinet officials, however, were in the event. They included Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan and Internal Revenue Commissioner Artemio Lumagui Jr. Resolution submitted Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. The resolution included the positions of various sectors, namely agriculture, energy and power; the environment and climate change; education and human resources development; industry and trade; ease of doing business and stability of rules and regulations; infrastructure, transport and logistics; innovation and digitalization; taxation, and tourism. Under the sectors of agriculture, energy and power, the business group urged the national government to develop a long-term plan to attain food security in agriculture and fishery through infrastructure support, technology transfer, product diversification, export enhancement, economies of scale, and adherence to the improvement of value chains and supply chains. For energy and power, the PCCI wanted the Marcos administration to ensure adequate and affordable power supply throughout the country by considering modern technology and harnessing renewable energy resources that meet the criteria of reliability and affordability. In terms of caring for the environment and climate change, PCCI officers and members also wanted the government to update and continue the execution of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (2010- 2022) which envisions a climate risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous, and self-reliant communities and thriving and productive ecosystems. For education and human resources development, the government was urged to propel the Philippine education system to world-class status by harnessing new technologies, fostering innovation, and implementing comprehensive reforms that will prepare students for success in the digital age and the globalized world of work. Empowering businesses For industry and trade, the Marcos administration wanted to empower industries and enterprises by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support programs to enhance their competitiveness both in the domestic and international markets, contribute to economic growth, and promote innovation in the Philippines’ industrial and trade sectors. Furthermore, the government was also advised to provide a stable and predictable business environment by ensuring clear, consistent, and transparent regulations, streamlining and simplifying bureaucratic processes, reducing unnecessary red tape, and eliminating barriers that hinder business growth and development. Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. Despite the ongoing Build, Better More infrastructure program, PCCI urged the government to implement a comprehensive national infrastructure, transportation and logistics master plan that outlines a long-term vision for connectivity and country-wide development. Together with the goal of urban decongestion, the strategy shall encompass the development of growth/business centers in different regions to create more employment opportunities and encourage people to relocate outside Metro Manila. The post PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAP placed under NEDA
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the transfer of the Development Academy of the Philippines from the Office of the President to the National Economic and Development Authority as part of the current administration’s rightsizing policy. Based on Executive Order 45, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang transferred DAP to NEDA to strengthen the relationship between NEDA and DAP for human resource development programs, research, data collection and information services. Socioeconomic goals The EO also wants to make sure that its study, education, and training are in line with the socioeconomic goals of the national government. “Pursuant to the rightsizing policy of the national government, it is imperative to streamline and rationalize the functional relationships of agencies with complementary mandates to promote coordination, efficiency, and organizational coherence in the bureaucracy,” part of the EO released to media showed on Thursday. The DAP, established under Presidential Decree No. 205, is currently connected to the OP under Section 23, Chapter 8, Title II, Book II of Executive Order 292, also known as the Administrative Code of 1987. Run programs for human resources It was created to help and promote the country’s development efforts by running programs for human resources that are meant to train people about development and improve management skills in the key parts of the government and the economy. NEDA is the main organization ensuring that all social and economic policies, plans and programs are ongoing, coordinated and thoroughly integrated. Its other job is to improve the analytical, operational, and evaluation skills of civil workers and the productivity of agencies listed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 in order to make the government run more smoothly. The post DAP placed under NEDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace: DAP now under NEDA
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has transferred the Development Academy of the Philippines from the Office of the President to the National Economic and Development Authority as part of the current administration's rightsizing policy. Based on Executive Order No. 45, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang transferred DAP to NEDA to strengthen the relationship between NEDA and DAP for human resource development programs, research, data collection and information services. The EO also wants to make sure that its study, education and training services are in line with the socioeconomic goals of the national government. "Pursuant to the rightsizing policy of the national government, it is imperative to streamline and rationalize the functional relationships of agencies with complementary mandates to promote coordination, efficiency, and organizational coherence in the bureaucracy," part of the EO released to media showed on Thursday. The DAP, established under Presidential Decree No. 205, is currently connected to the OP under Section 23, Chapter 8, Title II, Book II of Executive Order No. 292, also known as the Administrative Code of 1987. It was created to help and promote the country's development efforts by running programs for human resources that are meant to train people about development and improve management skills in the key parts of the government and the economy. NEDA is the main organization ensuring that all social and economic policies, plans and programs are ongoing, coordinated and thoroughly integrated. Its other job is to improve the analytical, operational and evaluation skills of civil workers and the productivity of agencies listed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 in order to make the government run more smoothly. The post Palace: DAP now under NEDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Moratorium vs NDCP career grant imposed
Malacañang has imposed a moratorium on the grant of career executive service rank to graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines. The Memorandum Circular No. 35, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 2 October, has suspended the implementation of Executive Order 145 that grants CES rank to the graduates of the Master in National Security Administration program of the NDCP. The MC 35 underscored the need to re-evaluate the foregoing policy of granting CES rank to graduates of the MNSA program of the NDCP, “in order to ensure that its objectives are consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations.” “The implementation of EO 145 is hereby suspended, pending the study of the policy implications of EO 145, and consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the NDCP, to be conducted by the CES Board,” the new order stated. Within 60 days from the issuance of the MC 35, the CES Board is tasked to submit to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a comprehensive report on its findings together with its recommendations which will include either the lifting of the moratorium or the revocation of the EO 145. The MC 35 states that one of the strategies for good governance and improving bureaucratic efficiency under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 “is to guarantee competent and agile human resources in the government,” which includes strengthening the CES through the continuous updating of its programs, and the development of a new competency framework for the public sector. The post Moratorium vs NDCP career grant imposed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos suspends pass-through fees
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this week told local government units to suspend the “pass-through fees” to facilitate the smooth transport of goods across regions. The three-paged Executive Order 41, which Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed on 25 September, explicitly prohibits all LGUs from collecting toll fees and charges from any motor vehicle transporting goods or merchandise as they traverse national roads and other roads that were not constructed or financed by the LGUs themselves. “In the interest of public welfare, all LGUs are further strongly urged to suspend or discontinue the collection of fees such as, but not limited to, sticker fees, discharging fees, delivery fees, market fees, toll fees, entry fees, or Mayor’s Permit fees, that are imposed upon all motor vehicles transporting goods and passing through any local public roads constructed and funded by said LGUs,” the EO read. The Executive Order underscored that the unapproved imposition of pass-through fees has a notable effect on transportation and logistics expenses. These increased costs are frequently transferred to consumers, who ultimately shoulder the responsibility of covering the rise in prices of goods and commodities. Furthermore, the EO also highlights that the reduction of transportation and logistics expenses is a fundamental component of the Marcos administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. “In order to uphold the welfare and advance the best interest of the Filipino people, it is the overarching policy of the administration to consolidate all essential components within the value and supply chain, and reduce the costs of food logistics, which play a pivotal role in effectively tempering the inflation rate in the country,” the EO added. The post Marcos suspends pass-through fees appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl can do without China — Bersamin
Executive Secretary Justice Lucas Bersamin on Thursday said that the Philippines can live without China despite their strong economic ties, adding that the country should avoid being dependent on its Asian neighbor. Nonetheless, Bersamin said in a recent TV interview that Philippine-China relations have many aspects, and that he is not in a position to talk about them because of his closeness with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “We are dealing with issues diplomatically. It is still possible for us to go with China, but about the economic viability of our relations or the economic dimensions if we were to go against China. You know, we can’t say that we are dependent on China,” Bersamin said. “China might be our trading partner or supplier, or it gives us some products that we may need, but we should not be too dependent on China. I don’t think China will even want us to be dependent because China knows that we have a multilateral approach,” Bersamin added. Bersamin’s statement comes as the Philippines is facing increasing pressure from China in the South China Sea. China has been militarizing islands and reefs in the disputed waters despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated its claims. He maintained that the Philippines has exclusive rights to the fisheries and natural resources in the West Philippine Sea, which China is claiming as part of its nine-dash line territory (recently expanded to 10-dash line) in the South China Sea. “That’s probably why China is acting like that. But beyond that, we do not want to have a conflict with China. We do not want to provoke a conflict with China because we can coexist with China,” Bersamin said. He refused to contrast the Marcos administration with the previous Duterte government, which was seen to be close to China. “I don’t want to compare,” he said. “We leave that to the Presidents to make those decisions, the directions that they take.” Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that China has become the Philippines’ primary trade partner. As of May, total exports to the Philippines reached $6.44 billion, with China having 16.6 percent of the trade volume. The post Phl can do without China — Bersamin appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bersamin: ‘Phl can live without China’
Executive Secretary Justice Lucas Bersamin on Thursday said that the Philippines can live without China and that it should avoid overdependence on its Asian neighbor despite the two countries' strong economic ties. In a recent interview with journalist Ka Tunying, he asked Bersamin whether the Philippines is dependent on China. He responded that the question has many aspects and that he is not in a position to speak about it because he is too close to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. However, Bersamin did say that the Philippines is dealing with the issue of its relationship with China diplomatically. He also said that it is still possible for the Philippines to go with China but that the country should not be too dependent on its Asian neighbor. "We are dealing with (several) issues diplomatically. It is still possible for us to go with China, but about the economic viability of our relations or the economic dimensions if we were to go against China. You know, we can't say that we are dependent on China," Bersamin said. "China might be our trading partner or supplier, or it gives us some products that we may need, but we should not be too dependent on China. I don't think China will even want us to be dependent because China knows that we have a multilateral approach," Bersamin added. Bersamin's statement comes when the Philippines is facing increasing pressure from China in the South China Sea. China has been militarizing islands and reefs in the disputed waters despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated its claims. When asked if he thinks China needs the Philippines more than the Philippines needs China, Bersamin said that the Philippines has exclusive rights to the fisheries and natural resources in that area. "Perhaps China is acting this way because they know that in the eyes of other countries, we are the ones who should be recognized as having the exclusive right to own these fisheries and natural resources in that area," Bersamin said. "That's probably why China is acting like that. But beyond that, we do not want to have a conflict with China. We do not want to provoke a conflict with China because we can coexist with China." Ka Tunying, meanwhile, said that more countries are siding with the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea dispute because the current administration is being more transparent about what China is doing. "The biggest news today regarding China's aggression is that more countries are siding with us because this administration is becoming transparent about what China is doing in the WPS (West Philippine Sea). Did you notice that during the previous administration, they intentionally did not report what China was doing because we didn't want to upset China back then?" Ka Tunying asked Bersamin. Bersamin said that he was not paying much attention to the issue during the previous administration. Still, he said that he wants to avoid comparing the two administrations' foreign policy directions. "I don't want to compare," he said. "We leave that to the Presidents to make those decisions, the directions that they take," he added. Despite the dispute, the Philippines and China have maintained close economic ties. Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that China has become the Philippines' primary trade partner, representing a significant portion of the nation's exports and serving as the leading provider of imported products. As of May, exports reached a total of $6.44 billion, with China carrying out 16.6 percent of total exports during the month. Import costs, meanwhile continued to surpass export receipts, hitting $10.84 billion during the month. China was also the country's biggest source of imported goods, supplying 24 percent of the country's total imports. The post Bersamin: ‘Phl can live without China’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bersamin: Marcos ‘carefully considering’ permanent DA chief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering delegating the Department of Agriculture to someone else, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Thursday. Bersamin said that Marcos is aware that he probably needs a regular secretary to head the DA, especially given the numerous issues facing the agriculture sector. "But I think he's carefully considering who should be the agriculture secretary because the agriculture portfolio has a lot of issues," Bersamin said in an interview with Anthony Taberna. Bersamin said that he does not have any information yet on who Marcos favors, but he believes the President is on his way to making a decision. "He can't just leave it in the hands of people who can't decide quickly on a regular secretary. So I do not like to second-guess the President," Bersamin said. When asked if there is a shortlist of candidates, Bersamin said that there may be one, but he did not elaborate. Bersamin also said that Marcos has been thinking about delegating the DA portfolio for a while now and has been receiving advice from many people on the matter. "Some are also suggesting that it's time for him to delegate it to someone else so he can concentrate on other needs of the country," Bersamin said. However, Bersamin said that he believes that the advice that Marcos should still be the one to head the DA carries more weight. Marcos has been serving as the concurrent DA secretary since he assumed office in June 2022. The agriculture sector is facing a number of challenges, including rising food prices, supply chain disruptions and the effects of climate change. Marcos has pledged to make agriculture a top priority of his administration and has announced a number of measures to address the challenges facing the sector, such as increasing investments in agriculture, providing support to farmers and developing new technologies. The post Bersamin: Marcos ‘carefully considering’ permanent DA chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang
Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang was recently commended by his hometown Mexico, Pampanga for his dedication to public service and exemplary leadership, enabling him to rise from the ranks. The Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico on 11 September 2023 presented Bingcang a copy of Municipal Resolution No. 138-2023, which expresses the municipality’s “pride and honor” on the recent appointment of Bingcang to the top management position of BCDA. This comes on the heels of the Angeles City Council’s resolution last month commending Bingcang for bringing pride to the province of Pampanga. “Engr. Bingcang has performed vital tasks that prove his commitment and love for Pampanga and the Metro Clark areas through his roles in the planning and implementation of key projects,” a resolution issued by the Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico read. Bingcang led the completion of some of BCDA’s biggest projects, which serve as major social and economic growth drivers in Northern and Central Luzon. These are the completion of the Philippines’ longest toll road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway; the development of Clark Freeport Zone and the first phase of the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City; as well as the expansion and modernization of Clark International Airport. “We at BCDA will not be able to achieve all these accomplishments without the help of our public and private sector partners, like the Municipality Government of Mexico. A lot still needs to be done. We would like to get your continued support as we move forward with our One Clark vision, which will further put Pampanga and the rest of Northern and Central Luzon into the center of investment and development,” Bingcang said. Climbing the career ladder, Bingcang started working at BCDA as Project Development Officer III in 1996. He then held various positions on development and project management through the years until his promotion as Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group in 2019. In March 2023, he was appointed as President and CEO of the Clark International Airport Corporation, a subsidiary of the BCDA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. then appointed Bingcang as BCDA President and CEO, taking his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 6 June in Malacañang Palace. Born and raised in Mexico, Pampanga, Bingcang is a licensed electrical engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. He also attended an Urban Policy and Governance program at the Nanyang Technological University, and trained at the Harvard Kennedy School in Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure. -end- The post Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI
Led by Transportation Undersecretary Cesar B. Chavez, the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc. took their oath before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on Monday. Chavez, a consistent appointee to various government agencies by seven successive presidents, was elected president of the NDCPAAI for 2023-2025. He is currently Undersecretary for Railways under the Department of Transportation. “Grateful to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for administering our oath in Malacañang this morning as the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc.,” Chavez said. “Our association will strive to be more meaningful and relevant for its members and the country. We will actively foster a platform that encourages greater collaboration between the NDCP, its alumni, and stakeholders, contributing to the national discourse and policy development on all aspects of national security,” he added. Chavez pursued a military and national security education, completing courses such as basic and advance intelligence, psychological warfare, and command and general staff management. He earned a Master’s degree in National Security Administration at NDCP, a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Administration from Bicol University, and a Senior Executive certificate on national and international security from Harvard Kennedy School. He also finished the Strategic Management Program at the National University of Singapore. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” Domingo was elected vice president. Domingo has served as ambassador to New Zealand and held positions in the Philippine Missions to the UN, in New York and Geneva, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. NDCP executive vice president Aldrin Cuña was elected secretary general of the association. Captain Luidegar “Lloyd” Casis will head the committee on military affairs. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy. Casis is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992. He is currently chief of the capabilities and weapons systems division of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, OJ5, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Aboitiz InfraCapital first vice president Christopher Camba will chair the Committee on Ways and Means. With over 20 years of corporate experience within the Aboitiz Group, he has had diverse roles spanning audit, finance, operations, marketing, risk management, and government relations. Commission on Appointments director and NDCP professor Vladimir Mata was elected head of the Homecoming Committee. He is a lieutenant colonel and currently acting commander of the Marine Reserve Brigade in Northern Luzon. Zamboanga del Sur First District Rep. Divina Grace Yu will serve as chairperson of the Committee on Chairmanship. She has been serving as Deputy House Speaker since 2020. Morong, Rizal RTC Branch 79 Judge Maria Josefina San Juan-Torres was chosen to chair the Committee on Awards. She is vice president of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (Asia Pacific Chapter). Valenzuela City Administrator Atty. Jaime De Veyra will join Judge San Juan-Torres in the Awards Committee. He has held roles in the Public Estates Authority and the Philippine Mining Development Corporation as chief legal counsel and CEO. CGA Capt. Jeremias “Jerry” Simon will chair the Committee on Membership. The post Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sara lauds support for OVP budget
Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday thanked President Ferdinand Marcor Jr. and other administration officials for defending the P125-million confidential fund of the Office of the Vice President. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to several officials of the Marcos administration who stood by the Office of the Vice President as it faced the storm of attacks on the 2022 confidential fund,” Duterte said in a statement. Duterte also expressed gratitude to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo for standing by the OVP amid the issue. “These efforts are genuinely appreciated because they help counter the lies told by Rep. France Castro and the Makabayan bloc in Congress on the 2022 OVP confidential fund,” Duterte said. The Vice President slammed Sen. Risa Hontiveros and House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro of ACT Teachers Partylist who questioned the transfer of budget allocations in 2022 to OVP’s confidential funds, saying such an item was not provided under last year’s General Appropriation Act. “Senator Risa Hontiveros, while she amuses the nation with her flair for drama, could only wish the 2022 OVP confidential fund was accessed illegally,” Duterte said. “It’s a shame they still cannot produce any proof to support their dirty imagination. The indignity they have caused Congress and the Senate should be enough for us not to give them serious attention,” she added. “But I believe the lies they peddled to the public will eventually lose their charm and the OVP and DepEd will persist, be vindicated, and realize their aspirations for the Filipinos and the country.” Meanwhile, Hontiveros, in reply to Duterte’s statements, said that her questioning of the OVP confidential is “just work and no drama.” “VP Sara, I thought the OVP (Office of the Vice President) can live without confidential funds? Then why do you seem to be sweating out for only a budget hearing? All agencies are releasing their proposed budget,” Hontiveros asked. The post Sara lauds support for OVP budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM, hoarders in test of wills over price cap
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left yesterday for Indonesia, but not before taking a potshot at smugglers and hoarders over the spiraling price of rice that necessitated his issuance of a price cap on the staple grain. Marcos in his departure speech said that even as he attends the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, controlling the rice price surge will be top of mind. Early in his presidency, Marcos said he would work to bring down the price of rice to P20 a kilo, half of the P41 to P45 per kilo price ceiling he imposed via Executive Order 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, last Thursday. The President was adamant that there is no valid reason rice should be selling for upwards of P50 per kilo, considering that data from the Department of Agriculture showed that with the coming rice harvest and imports, there’ll be enough rice buffer stocks to last the year. “Based on our studies, the only reason for this is that there are smugglers and hoarders,” he said in Filipino. The price cap — P41 per kilo for regular-milled rice and P45/kilo for the well-milled variety — will be implemented starting today, 5 September. Rice retailers across the nation were one in saying that they could not possibly sell at below their purchase price despite the government’s threat to penalize violators of EO 39. Monitoring teams from the DA and the trade, local government and justice departments, along with those from local government units, will go around wet markets and supermarkets to ensure compliance with the price cap. Temporary measure Earlier, Marcos tried to assure traders and the public that the price ceiling would be temporary while waiting for local farmers to harvest their palay. “I need to explain that this is only temporary. It won’t last long. We are harvesting rice, we are harvesting rice here in the Philippines, [until] the season is over,” he stressed. “And so when the time comes, we’ll also have imported rice. It will come in at the same time [as the local harvest]. We will take it to the market, we will let rice retailers cap their own prices,” he added. The President said he will work with ASEAN leaders during the summit to address the various challenges facing the region, including the territorial irritants in the South China Sea (see related story). As the “epicenter of growth” in Asia, ASEAN-member countries can play a big role in ensuring food security, calling for climate justice, protecting migrant workers, and fully tapping the potential of digital economies. “We will foster cooperation with these countries in areas such as trade and investment, climate action, food security, clean energy, and maritime cooperation,” Marcos said, before boarding his plane with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Marcos said he will also take part in the ASEAN Plus 3 and East Asia summits where he will discuss developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Welcomed “ASEAN has always been closely intertwined with Philippine foreign policy,” the President said. “My administration will continue to ensure that our constructive engagements with ASEAN, our dialogue partners, and stakeholders will serve our national interest and the wellbeing of the Filipino people.” The ASEAN Summit is the second to be held in Indonesia this year after the one held in Labuan Bajo last May. House lawmakers welcomed the rice price ceiling set to be enforced today but expressed reservations, including making it more “flexible” based on prevailing regional market conditions. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said, “The situation will vary per region, so a national rice price ceiling should be made more responsive to local supply-demand dynamics.” Salceda emphasized that increasing domestic supply and diversifying importation sources like Pakistan and the United States should be the long-term solution. “We’ve seen this crisis before. We know how to deal with it. It mostly involves signaling to our world partners that we will not over-import so that they don’t anticipate and drive prices up,” Salceda said. Independent opposition lawmaker Edcel Lagman said that Marcos should have imposed the rice price cap when the commodity was being sold at P50 to P60 per kilo. Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday declared that P2 billion sourced from this year’s budget will be earmarked to aid rice retailers who may be affected by the price cap. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_eao The post BBM, hoarders in test of wills over price cap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos imposes rice price cap of P41/P45
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has imposed a price cap on rice amid what the Palace described Thursday as supply chain challenges and widespread hoarding to effect an artificial shortage. Mr. Marcos’ Executive Order 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, set a mandatory price ceiling of P41 per kilo for regularly milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice. With the order released yesterday, Malacañang said the President seeks to ease “the considerable economic strain on Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized,” arising from the spiking inflation. In justifying the price cap, the EO cited reports from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry that members of a rice cartel have been actively engaged in hoarding and price manipulation. These illegal activities, coupled with global supply issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the oil price swings, have contributed to the rising rice prices, it added. Nonetheless, the EO said the arrival of imported rice and the expected local production surplus are seen to stabilize the rice supply. Marcos, who concurrently heads the DA, last week inspected several rice storage facilities and ordered the Bureau of Customs and other agencies to raid warehouses storing hoarded rice. He also ordered the Philippine Competition Commission to take action against the cartels. Likewise, he ordered penalties for merchants who leverage their dominant market position or who collude with one another to mark up rice prices. Rice price increased The National Economic and Development Authority said the price of rice in the Philippines increased by 1 percent from January 2022 to 4.2 percent in July 2023. Early in his administration, Marcos said his aspiration was to bring down the price of rice to P20 per kilo. The DA last month projected the supply of rice for the second semester would hit 10.15 million metric tons (MMT), of which 2.53 MMT is ending stock from the first semester. Of the volume, 7.20 MMT is the expected output from domestic production, with 0.41 MMT representing imported rice. The overall supply would result in an ending stock of 2.39 MMT which would be good for 64 days, more than enough to meet the present demand of 7.76 MMT, the DA said. The price cap shall remain in force until lifted by the President upon the recommendation of the Price Coordinating Council and the agriculture and trade departments. The DA and the DTI will lead in the implementation of EO 39 by doing price checks in wet markets and supermarkets. “The EO primarily mandates the DTI and the DA to strictly implement the price ceilings. We will visit major wet markets and retail stores in the coming days,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual told reporters. “This is not the sole responsibility of the DTI and DA because it’s a whole of government approach to ensure that rice in the markets is reasonably priced and remains a conveniently accessible staple food to Filipinos,” Pascual added. The DTI chief pointed out during the Laging Handa Public Briefing yesterday that the EO is not mainly on the retail price of rice but also its supply. Not a price freeze “There is no price freeze but a price cap, to be clear. Traders can still lower their prices. This EO is being implemented to prevent price manipulation in the market. Despite the ample supply, prices of rice surged in the past few days,” Pascual said. He maintained the price cap does not apply to other varieties of rice and is only meant for regular-milled rice and well-milled rice. “We have premium varieties that are not covered by the price cap. During our rounds, we will ensure that the subjects of EO 39 are not mislabeled as premium,” he added. Under the Price Act, retailers violating the price ceiling face imprisonment of from one to 10 years and/or fines of P5,000 to P1 million. Price manipulators and hoarders, on the other hand, face prison sentences from five to 15 years and fines of from P5,000 to P2 million. In a media interview in Palawan yesterday, where he opened the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month, Marcos said the DA and DTI will be joined by the Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government in enforcing the price ceiling. “We have put together a structure for the continuing monitoring,” the President said. “These agencies already have regular inspections when it comes to other issues, so they will now apply the price ceilings that I have ordered in the EO that I signed on Thursday.” Focus on Metro Marcos said the government will focus on Metro Manila, where the problem of rising rice prices is most acute. However, he urged the public to report retailers who are selling rice above the price ceiling to the police, the DA, the DTI, or their local government. “If you find someone selling rice above the price ceiling, please report it,” he said. “We need your help to ensure that everyone has access to affordable rice.” The price ceiling on rice was set in response to the recent surge in rice prices. As of 28 August, the average price of regular milled rice in Metro Manila was P42 per kilo, while the average price of well-milled rice was P48 per kilo. The post Marcos imposes rice price cap of P41/P45 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Govt preps for new amnesty package
The government is now preparing a “new amnesty package” for non-State armed groups to bring them into mainstream society, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said, stressing that it would be a “landmark move” towards peace and development for the country. Bersamin likewise noted that the amnesty program was in the works following the announcement of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address when he sought concurrence for the initiative. "In a landmark move toward reconciliation and reintegration, the Philippine government shall soon establish a new amnesty package that would allow members of non-State armed groups to relinquish their arms and return to society," Bersamin said in his message, which was delivered by Undersecretary Severo Catura, during the International Humanitarian Law Day on Saturday. The Executive Secretary said the amnesty program would provide a "dignified pathway" for the former combatants to rebuild their lives, become productive, and contribute to society's progress. "More importantly, this initiative shall be a bold step toward ending the vicious cycle of violence, and fostering a culture of forgiveness and unity that promotes national healing," he added. Bersamin said the Marcos administration's move to institutionalize a program to encourage the rebels to return to the fold of the law shows its adherence to international humanitarian laws, which promotes peace and sustainable development. The Philippines embraces IHL as a cornerstone for human rights advocacy in the midst of such challenging circumstances, Bersamin emphasized. "In its adherence to IHL, the State acknowledges its duty to protect civilian populations and non-combatants from harm at all times, and to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. This commitment lays the groundwork for a safer environment where human rights are respected, and innocent lives are safeguarded,” he added, assuring that Marcos administration would continue to observe genuine consultations and listen to affected communities to know their needs. "These consultations empower local voices and promote socio-economic development in marginalized communities, acting as deterrents against the allure of extremist ideologies," Bersamin said. The post Govt preps for new amnesty package appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
October is communications month
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proclaimed October as Communications Month to emphasize its significance in fostering a nation, Malacañang said on Sunday. In a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed a two-page order that Marcos issued on 2 August. With that, Proclamation No. 308 proclaims 11 October as the anniversary of PCO. According to PCO, the move is an effort by the Marcos administration to acknowledge the "vital role" that media and communication play in involving and energizing the Filipino people and improving the standard of public dialogue on all governance issues. "The administration aims to provide true, accurate and relevant information regarding its policies, priority programs, and projects to nurture a well-informed and enlightened citizenry through appropriate media," Marcos said. With that, Marcos tasked the PCO with leading the annual celebration of Communications Month. In addition, Marcos invited everyone in government, business, and non-governmental groups to participate in and support the PCO's celebration of Communications Month and its anniversary. Secretary Cheloy Garafil now serves as the PCO's chief. She took over from attorney Trixie Cruz-Angeles in 2022 after the latter resigned from her position due to "medical reasons." The post October is communications month appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos admin launches ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of governance, leadership
The Marcos administration on Saturday officially launched the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign as its brand of governance and leadership. In a statement, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the latest “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, which comes with an approved logo, is part of administration efforts to promote an “all-inclusive” plan for economic and social transformation. “Bagong Pilipinas is the overarching theme of the Administration’s brand of governance and leadership, which calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government,” she stressed. According to Garafil, the Bagong Pilipinas campaign serves as the “overarching theme of the Marcos administration” which is characterized by a “principled, accountable and dependable government reinforced by unified institutions of society.” Garafil also noted that the campaign is aimed to foster the government’s commitment toward the attainment of comprehensive policy reforms and full economic recovery. Under the Memorandum Circular 24 inked by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 3 July, Garafil said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., directed all national government agencies and instrumentalities, to adopt the "Bagong Pilipinas" campaign in their programs, activities, and projects. MC 24 likewise covers government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges. Marcos' directive also includes the incorporation of the "Bagong Pilipinas" logo in their letterheads, websites, official social media accounts, and other documents and instruments of all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and SUCs. Malacañang has yet to release a copy of MC 24 and the approved logo. In his previous vlogs, Marcos repeatedly mentioned his plan to transform the country into a "new Philippines." The Bagong Pilipinas brand was also part of Marcos’ bid for the presidency during the 2022 elections. Now it becomes part of the Marcos administration’s communications strategy. The post Marcos admin launches ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of governance, leadership appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gadon takes oath of office amid disbarment controversy
President Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday remained confident that Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon would contribute to addressing poverty in the country amid disbarment controversy. The Chief Executive said this on social media as Gadon took his oath of office before Marcos in Malacañang on Monday, 10 July, underscoring that the appointment of the said Presidential Adviser is among the steps his administration is taking to address poverty. "Our steps are continuous to end poverty in the country. Part of this is our appointment of Mr. Larry Gadon as Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation," Marcos said on his Twitter account. "We are confident that (Gadon's) experience and skills will help identify the needs of our countrymen," Marcos added. Marcos appointed Gadon as a presidential adviser to help combat poverty and improve the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society. However, the Supreme Court disbarred Gadon a few days after his appointment over making profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles. Malacañang said last month that Gadon's work as an adviser will not be affected by his status. In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Gadon will stay in his new role to address the urgent matters in Marcos’ anti-poverty program. “The President believes he will do a good job,” Bersamin said. The post Gadon takes oath of office amid disbarment controversy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace declares 20 June as National Refugee Day
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared June 20 of every year as National Refugee Day, Malacañang said on Thursday. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the declaration under Proclamation No. 265 on behalf of Marcos earlier this week. “The Philippines has a long-standing humanitarian tradition opening its arms to those who seek safety, and promoting an environment suitable for people forced to flee their countries of origin, stateless persons, and populations at risk of statelessness,” said Proclamation number 265. The President said that his administration acknowledges the need for a national observance of World Refugee Day in order to safeguard and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons and asylum seekers. Marcos called on all government agencies, state universities and colleges, the private sector, civil society groups and other agencies based in the Philippines to actively participate and provide necessary support for the effective enforcement of the proclamation. The proclamation concluded, “Now, therefore, I, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare June 20 of every year as the ‘National Refugee Day.’” The post Palace declares 20 June as National Refugee Day 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......»»