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Draft Security Law Targets Civil Society and Journalists in Hungary
In a fresh attempt to silence critical voices, Hungary's government has submitted a "defence of sovereignty" bill to parliament that will give a government controlled body broad powers to target civil society and.....»»
Nuke developers call to set competitive playing field
Government regulators are now urged to prioritize the establishment of a level-playing field to entice developers to pour in massive capital for the development and integration of nuclear power into the country's electricity grid. During the second nuclear energy roundtable talks between the Philippines and Canada on Tuesday, Felino Bernardo, chief operating officer of Aboitiz Power Corp.'s Thermal Business Group, emphasized the need for well-coordinated industry policies to help kick off local nuclear adoption. "I think it will start with the amendment or the passing of laws in the Lower House. Once done, it requires setting up the regulatory body, and for that regulatory body to build its capability and come up with regulations, policies, and guidelines for us developers to follow," Bernardo said. "The DoE (Department of Energy) has to come up with the right signal for developers to come up with their plans to make sure that we build accordingly," he added. Coordinated deals Bernardo noted that nuclear power plants, whose operations can last as long as 80 years, require a different set of policies for power deal contracts. "That is quite different from what we have now. The current CSP (Competitive Selection Process) policies are only for 15 years. Now, nuclear power plants can live as long as 40, 60 years, and some probably 80, so you have to match the two," he explained. According to Bernardo, nuclear power, particularly the small modular reactors, "have a place in our economy because we need all of them and we will need a lot of them." He, however, noted that developers need to make sure that they can deliver nuclear power safely. Aboitiz Power Corp., the holding company for energy-related investments of the Aboitiz Group, previously announced its exploratory discussion with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., an American firm that can potentially help the company’s local nuclear energy development. The forum yesterday served as a platform for industry experts, policymakers, and leaders to collectively deliberate on the significant questions and concerns related to the transition to nuclear energy. It covered the determining mechanisms for transition financing, assessing the commercial viability of nuclear energy, and exploring the potential for retrofitting and upgrading existing plants to be nuclear-capable. Congress support Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla reiterated that the government would need the support of Congress in ratifying a law that would help jumpstart nuclear development. Pending the law, Lotilla pointed out that the DoE and all other concerned government agencies are actively looking out for possible sites where a nuclear power plant can be built. To recall, the House Nuclear Energy Committee approved a consolidated substitute bill last March that seeks to comprehensive atomic regulatory framework and establish the Philippine Atomic Regulatory Commission. Since the government is prohibited from taking on power generation endeavors, the DoE has also tapped the National Economic and Development Authority to work on the private sector’s participation in nuclear development. The post Nuke developers call to set competitive playing field appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fools in suits
When a ranking Department of Agriculture official was asked in a recent Congress hearing what steps the agency had taken to break the rice cartel, he replied that he did not believe that a “mafia” existed. Coming from a high DA official, the statement revealed that nothing was being done to stop the syndicate that everyone in the industry knows about since, to the authorities, it does not exist. In the reenacted Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and forming cartels for agricultural and fishery products are considered economic sabotage and are non-bailable offenses for which a long jail term could be meted out. The strengthened law, however, lacks strong teeth against government officials who are in cahoots or protect the syndicates. Contained in the proposed bill is a provision indicating that any government officer or employee found to be an accomplice in the commission of the crime will “suffer the additional penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, exercising the right to vote, from participating in any public election, and forfeiture of employment monetary and financial benefits.” The bill is pending in both houses of Congress. With the slow grind of justice in the country, a public official looking for a fast buck will not hesitate to risk his job in exchange for a huge payback. The recent series of events showed the markets are being manipulated by the big players in the sugar, vegetable and rice businesses. These syndicates are known to be deeply entrenched due to their connections with government bigwigs who facilitate their domination of the markets either through edicts or the use of public resources. In the most ridiculous situation, the recent spike in onion prices was found to be artificial since farmers were even throwing away their harvests because of low farmgate prices, thus there was no reason for prices to surge. Later, it was exposed in a congressional hearing that a cartel had succeeded in manipulating the onion market to create a condition that would require its importation, from which its members would make a killing. The warehouse and storage facilities are controlled by the mafia which makes it easy to create artificial conditions to which the market reacts by raising retail prices. The ultimate goal is to coax the government to allow importation from suppliers in overseas markets that are also flooded with the commodity, The cartel rakes in profits from both the high markup and the kickbacks from the overseas suppliers desperate to sell their surplus. The woeful victims are the Filipino farmers whom the cartel boxes out of the market. In extreme cases, these farmers just throw away their harvest since they cannot afford to transport their products without the middlemen who are also in the pocket of the cartel. The same goes for the rice industry, where the market was manipulated for a different reason, which was to kill the rice tariffication law that kicked the National Food Authority out of the import business. Rice prices then surged to as high as P56 a kilo, which pushed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to impose price ceilings. The NFA used to have a monopoly on importation, but that resulted in acrimonious confrontations at the apex of government. The tariffication law, in turn, opened importation to all grain traders and relegated the NFA to buying rice from local farmers. Under the new anti-smuggling bill which has the endorsement of Mr. Marcos, an Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council headed by the President or his designated permanent representative will be formed. The proposed body will have the power to investigate and file charges, as well as freeze violators’ funds, properties, bank deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records. The creation of the body looks good on paper but in the real world, it might just add another layer of bureaucracy and source of corruption unless the cartel, which DA officials claim does not exist, is dismantled. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has a simple solution for breaking the cartel, which is for the government to confiscate all the rice overstock and let the owners of the warehouses prove that their huge inventory is legitimate. Such a move would prompt the traders to release more rice into the market to avoid confiscation. The imposition of the price cap on rice indicated that the prices are artificial since the markets are now selling at lower than the manipulated prices despite conditions being constant. An expected bumper harvest is also prompting the prices to go back to normal, after the attempt of the cartel to create a price shock to support their effort to return to the old ways. To know the real situation, President Marcos goes out of his way to see what is on the ground. His underlings, particularly at the Department of Agriculture, should do better. The post Fools in suits appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NASA joins the still controversial search for UFOs
NASA on Thursday officially joined the search for UFOs -- but reflecting the stigma attached to the field, the US space agency wouldn't identify the director of the new program tasked with tracking mystery flying objects. The official's appointment is the result of a year-long NASA fact-finding report into what NASA calls "unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP)." "At NASA, it's in our DNA to explore -- and to ask why things are the way they are," NASA chief Bill Nelson said. An independent team of 16 researchers concluded in the report that the search for UAPs "demands a rigorous, evidence-based approach." NASA is well positioned to play a prominent role, thanks to its satellite capabilities and other technical assets. But the agency stressed in its report that any findings of possible extraterrestrial origin "must be the hypothesis of last resort -- the answer we turn to only after ruling out all other possibilities." "We want to shift the conversation about UAP from sensationalism to science," Nelson said. Even if NASA has long explored the heavens, hunting for the origin, identity, and purpose of a growing number of unexplained flying objects over planet Earth is bringing unprecedented challenges. Military and civilian pilots keep offering a multitude of reports on strange sightings. But decades of movies and sci-fi books about aliens mean the entire topic is mostly laughed off by the public as the territory of cranks. That atmosphere explained the unusual decision by NASA to decline to identify the lead UAP official's identity. "We need to ensure that the scientific process and methods are free," said Daniel Evans, who worked on the year-long NASA report leading to the announcement. "Some of the threats and the harassment have been beyond the pale quite frankly," Evans said. 800 events There have been more than 800 "events" collected over 27 years, of which two to five percent are thought to be possibly anomalous, the report's authors said during a May meeting. These are defined as "anything that is not readily understandable by the operator or the sensor," or "something that is doing something weird," said team member Nadia Drake. The US government has begun taking the issue of UAPs more seriously in recent years, in part due to concerns that they are related to foreign surveillance. One example of a still unexplained phenomenon was a flying metallic orb spotted by an MQ-9 drone at an undisclosed location in the Middle East, which was shown to Congress in April. NASA's work, which relies on unclassified material, is separate from a parallel Pentagon investigation, though the two are coordinating on matters of how to apply scientific tools and methods. In July, a former US intelligence officer made headlines when he told a congressional committee he "absolutely" believes the government is in possession of unidentified anomalous phenomena -- as well as remains of their alien operators. "My testimony is based on information I've been given by individuals with a longstanding track record of legitimacy and service to this country -- many of whom also shared compelling evidence in the form of photography, official documentation, and classified oral testimony," David Grusch told lawmakers. Earlier this week, the alleged bodies of two "non-human" beings were presented during a congressional hearing in Mexico, generating a mixture of surprise, disbelief, and ridicule on social media. The purported mummified remains, which had a grayish color and a human-like body form, were brought by Jaime Maussan, a controversial Mexican journalist and researcher who reported finding them in Peru in 2017. The post NASA joins the still controversial search for UFOs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t, businesses told to adopt AI boom
The government and private sector need to collaboratively launch a nationwide effort to push for the adoption of science-backed artificial intelligence or AI to help communities and businesses keep up with the rapid technological advancement. In an interview with reporters last Friday, Dr. Sanjay Sarma, CEO, president, and dean of the Asia School of Business or ASB, reiterated that AI is developing at an unprecedented pace and will be everywhere soon. “AI can potentially replace jobs so let’s accept that. The Philippines should become the country that leads the world in how to use AI, in call centers, for instance,” Sarma told reporters. “Here in the Philippines, it has to be a national effort. The government needs to be cognizant that this is an epic moment. It's like, you know, climate change is going to damage the environment, it will hurt a lot of people. This is technology change is just like climate change,” he said. Unlike other technologies such as automated teller machines or ATMs, which took about 15 years to be widely accepted, AI is a development that needs urgent adoption. Like ATMs, which previously raised concerns about replacing the job of bank tellers, AI will help industries develop further. “Bank tellers did not lose their jobs. Bank tellers did something more advanced, which is selling mortgages and things like that. The job changed because of technology,” he explained. Thus, in blending in with the changes brought about by AI, Sarma proposed that local industries like the business process outsourcing sector should upgrade more into becoming a technology space. “At this level, you have to go up because the attack comes from below. It's like a tiger, you know, it's chasing you, You climb a tree, and the tiger learns to climb the first 10 feet, well, you have to climb higher. So you have to go higher up in the cognitive stock to go higher,” he said. To complement the benefits of AI, Sarma noted that the local service industry workers, for instance, have to do the things that technology cannot. “For example, this Chat GPT cannot negotiate with you, can't do any planning, can't do dispute resolution. It can't calm an angry customer. So you have to figure out what the technology can do and what humans can do, that the technology can't. And you're to develop human capital in those directions.” Sarma is a professor of mechanical engineering and the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a leading authority in AI, the Internet of Things, and Education. ASB, established in 2015 by Bank Negara Malaysia in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management, aims to be a premier business school that develops transformative and principled leaders who will contribute to the advancement of the emerging world, particularly in Asia. Last July, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers asked the Congress and Palace to consider creating an agency that will oversee responsible AI use in the country. Barbers cited that at least 520,000 employees across different industries may be affected by the integration of AI. In March, he filed a bill eyeing to create the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority, which will serve as an AI monitoring body tasked to supervise the “development and deployment of AI technologies.” Primarily, it will ensure compliance with AI ethics principles and guidelines and protect the “rights and welfare of individuals and communities affected by AI technologies.” The post Gov’t, businesses told to adopt AI boom appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pork’s different strokes
Efforts have begun in the House of Representatives to raise the Motor Vehicle Road Users Charge or the Road Users Tax after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. identified the levy as a main source of precious funds. The eagerness of the members of the House to comply with the proposal to hike the tax makes people wary. Proceeds from the tax are the favorite source of legislative pork. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda’s bill indicates the MVUC which ranges from P120 to P4,000 will be raised to between P2,080 and P10,400 for cars, depending on their gross weight. Under the proposal, the MVUC will be increased by a fixed rate yearly until 2025, and by 5 percent from 2026 onwards. Salceda is looking at collecting P151 billion more in revenue from 2024 to 2027 through the higher MVUC. The higher collections should be earmarked for road improvements which is under the Department of Public Works and Highways after President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law abolishing the graft-tainted Road Board. The disposition of the MVUC sparked the feud between House members and the Department of Budget and Management during the initial years of the Duterte term after then Budget Secretary Ben Diokno refused to release the MUVC proceeds until the Road Board was dissolved. Moreover, the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III exploited the RUT funds using them as leverage to get House members to impeach former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and to obtain the legislators’ approval for his political agenda, such as a measure seeking to postpone the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao election to allow Noynoy to place his appointees in the Muslim region. The Road Board had an unusual collection setup that practically freed its state audit, making it a perfect “cash cow” as termed by some senators. Gutierrez was impeached overwhelmingly in the House after Noynoy first dangled the pork barrel, saying through his House allies that those who would vote against the impeachment would not receive their pork barrel while those who signed the measure would get a P20-million bonus taken from the Road Board.Later, Gutierrez, knowing that she was in a losing situation, resigned from her post despite her having a guaranteed term. She was replaced by Noynoy’s favorite associate justice, Conchita Carpio-Morales, who carried out the yellow brand of selective justice. Gutierrez had displeased Noynoy when she dismissed the case against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the P729-million fertilizer fund scam. Former Chief Justice Renato Corona Jr. was also ousted through impeachment and the leverage used, in turn, were the DAP funds. It was ironic that Noynoy’s allies vowed to abolish the Road Board, which under the law that created it, had full discretion on its use. Its disposition was beyond the scope of the Commission on Audit since the RUT was not part of the budget. Former Sen. Franklin Drilon, for instance, said the body would be abolished by the Senate despite the House allies of former President Arroyo’s withdrawal and eventual rescinding of the bill that sought to terminate the anomalous 2001 creation. Congressmen turned the RUT proceeds into a source of fast money through collusion with Road Board officials. Since the DPWH is now the custodian of the funds, attention must also be directed at the agency in the proper disposition of the MUVC proceeds. Increasing the audit-free funds plus the recently discovered P215 billion in insertions in the budget through the generic flood mitigation projects exposed maneuvers to pilfer public funds. The post Pork’s different strokes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House mulls bigger CoA budget
House lawmakers on Thursday rallied to grant the Commission on Audit a bigger chunk of next year’s P5.768 trillion proposed national budget to strengthen its power to uphold accountability and transparency within the national government. The proposed allocation for the audit body in 2024 is only P13.36 trillion, way lower than its current funding of P13.8 trillion. From the 2023 General Appropriations Act, CoA received a budget cut of P42,494,000 to the 2023 National Expenditure Program of the Department of Budget and Management. Citing the crucial role of the CoA against mismanagement of public funds, Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel said the CoA must get and be entitled to receive a bigger share of the national budget, especially when there is huge funding for confidential and intelligence funds for various agencies Manuel lobbied the proposal to the House Committee on Appropriations, which is looking into the CoA’s budget for 2024. CoA’s mission is to ensure accountability for public resources, promote transparency, and help improve government operations in partnership with stakeholders to benefit the public. Its mandate includes examining, auditing and settling all accounts about the revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of funds and property owned or held, or pertaining to, the government. The rookie lawmaker noted that while there has been a downward trend in CoA’s budget since 2022, the confidential and intelligence funds that he believes the CoA should be examining more, are surging. “This is despite the fact that for 2024, we have a proposed increase of 9.5 percent in the total national budget. So, the pie will grow, but the budget of CoA will decrease,” he said. Mismanagement of funds While several agencies sought bulk of confidential and intelligence funds, CoA chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba said they also requested the same at P10 million being utilized for their operations to assist the prosecution in cases involving mismanagement of funds revealed in audit reports. “Our auditors often become witnesses in the cases filed in the Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan. We help the security of our witnesses when needed,” Cardoba told lawmakers. “When someone complains about our personnel, we hire third-party investigators to help us,” the CoA chief explained. Next year’s proposed national spending plan is P5 million or 9.5 percent higher than 2023’s P5.268 trillion spending program, which the House had approved in barely six weeks under the General Appropriations Bill. Regardless, according to Manuel, given that there are still many items to be audited in the last year and the current national budget, CoA should be getting a bigger budget allocation. Echoing Manuel, ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro said CoA has been assisting Congress, whose role is the power of the purse, in determining if funds given to the government agencies and their attached offices are properly used. “If there is an agency that is a plus for me, it is CoA because I can really see its performance. It releases performance audits and observations that help Congress,” she said. In a similar vein to the minority members, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chairperson of the appropriations panel, also underscored that CoA’s role stands as a cornerstone of fiscal integrity “in a landscape where financial prudence and transparency are indispensable.” “Scrutinizing the use of public funds and resources not only ensures accountability but also fosters an environment of trust. Every peso spent with integrity, every transaction examined thoroughly, contributes to the overarching goal of economic growth,” the economist-lawmaker said. The CoA, according to Quimbo, is not merely an auditing agency, but a custodian of the nation’s financial health. The post House mulls bigger CoA budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides support to flood victims in Davao City
In an effort to bolster the country's disaster preparedness and response capabilities, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has been advocating for two crucial bills in the Senate that he earlier filed: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), and SBN 193, mandating the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide. On Saturday, July 29, Go led two relief operations for thousands of flood victims in Barangays Lasang and Bunawan in Davao City. In his speech, Go said that the government should remain proactive in its approach in dealing with disaster-related situations, considering that the country is highly vulnerable to natural calamities. SBN 188 proposes the creation of the DDR, an independent government agency dedicated to strengthening the nation's resilience against the impacts of natural and human-induced disasters. The DDR aims to consolidate disaster-related functions and resources from different agencies under a single, unified body. By streamlining disaster response efforts, the department can facilitate quicker and more efficient aid delivery to affected communities during times of crisis. “Importante po ito sa akin. Unang-una, halimbawa dito po sa Barangay Lasang, binaha sila. Di ba ang barangay po ang nakikipag-coordinate kaagad with the LGUs. Ito pong barangay level na pagbaha, how about ‘yung mga national level, o municipal level o city level, o province-wide na pagbaha… maayos na koordinasyon ang kailangan,” he said. “Bago dumating ang bagyo, balita pa lang sa PAGASA, coordination kaagad ng Department of Disaster Resilience, kung mayroon tayong isang departamentong nakatutok para sa mga disaster related… bago dumating ang bagyo, coordination with LGUs. Ilikas ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar, dalahin sa mga evacuation center. Preposition of goods by the DSWD,” Go added. “Kailangan koordinasyon kaagad ng departamento na i-involve kaagad ang mga ibang departamento na kasamahan niya. DSWD preposition of goods, mga Coast Guard, Navy para ilikas agad ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at maayos na evacuation center, sa Department of Health para malinis ang evacuation center, sanitation para ligtas ang mga kababayan natin. At pag-alis ng bagyo, hindi lang puro task force, dapat isang departamento na pwedeng mag-coordinate hanggang makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay ang lugar na tinamaan ng bagyo. Restoration of normalcy kaagad at rehabilitation effort,” he said. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR, emphasizing the importance of such institution in improving operations in managing and responding to future crises. "Things can be better if there will be an independent authority or department, but it’s not that simple – tanggap po namin iyon… We leave it to Congress and we leave it to the Palace, to Malacañang. Meanwhile, kami naman, we are doing our best given the limitations, makakaasa po kayo," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a past interview. Alongside the establishment of DDR, Go champions SBN 193, which calls for the creation of mandatory evacuation centers across the Philippines. These evacuation centers are designed to be equipped with necessary facilities to provide temporary shelter and essential services to evacuees during disasters. The senator noted that these evacuation centers will be strategically placed in areas less prone to hazards, ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuees during disasters. Furthermore, the centers will be equipped with essential amenities such as food, clean water, medical services, sanitation facilities, and temporary sleeping quarters. Go cited that the Philippines, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, is no stranger to the destructive forces of nature. “Yearly, the country faces the threat of typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other hazards. These disasters not only result in loss of lives and livelihoods but also impede economic progress and development,” shared Go. To minimize the devastating impact of disasters, Go underscored that comprehensive disaster resilience measures are imperative. The senator is confident that by supporting these priority bills, the Senate and the Filipino people can collectively work towards a safer, more resilient nation, where communities can recover swiftly and thrive even in the face of adversity. “Ang lugar natin nasa Pacific Ring of Fire tayo. Prone tayo sa mga bagyo, prone tayo sa pagputok ng bulkan, prone tayo sa sunog, ‘di ba? So dapat po ay magkaroon na tayo ng isang maayos na departamento, Department of Disaster Resilience at Mandatory Evacuation Center sa mga syudad, munisipyo, at probinsya para hindi magamit ang mga eskwelahan tuwing may mga sunog, baha. Nagagamit po ang eskwelahan, naantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata dahil ginagamit po as evacuation center,” he said. Together with Councilors Dante Apostol, Marissa Abella, Diosdado Mahipus, and Al Ryan Alejandre, Go provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks to 4,399 flood victims. The senator also extended shoes, mobile phones, bicycles, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, urged those who have health issues to seek assistance from the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored, brings together various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DHOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), under one roof to provide a convenient process for availing medical assistance particularly for poor and indigent patients in public hospitals. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have assisted more than seven million Filipinos, according to DOH data. In SPMC alone, the Malasakit Center there has assisted more than 200,000 patients. On the same day, Go attended the ribbon-cutting of the multipurpose building in Brgy. Lasang and road concretion with drainage canal construction in Brgy. Bunawan, two infrastructure projects he supported the funding of as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He likewise supported the acquisition of multi-purpose vehicles for the community, construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads, rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city, the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for SPMC and the acquisition of ambulances, among others. ### The post Bong Go provides support to flood victims in Davao City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nuke remains on table — DoE
The development of nuclear energy as a viable source of affordable and reliable power remains on the agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. even if he did not mention it in his second State of the Nation Address. However, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said a legal and regulatory framework should first be ratified to better prioritize this development. “Congress is still considering the law, right? That’s why even in terms of placing it on the agenda or legislative agenda, normally we will do it when there is one version in the House or the Senate,” Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said in an interview with reporters at the sidelines of a post-SoNA forum on Tuesday. “Right now, the House is still considering its version of the legal and regulatory framework for nuclear,” he added. Regulatory body in pipeline To recall, the House Nuclear Energy Committee approved a consolidated substitute bill last March that seeks a comprehensive atomic regulatory framework and establishes the Philippine Atomic Regulatory Commission. In his inaugural SoNA, Marcos signified his support for the adoption of nuclear energy as part of the country’s power mix. “I believe it is time to re-examine our strategy towards building nuclear power plants in the Philippines,” Marcos said. To recall, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 164 entitled, “Adopting a National Position for a Nuclear Energy Program, and Other Purposes.” Pending the law, Lotilla pointed out that the Department of Energy and all other concerned government agencies are actively looking for possible sites where a nuclear power plant can be built. Since the government is prohibited from taking on any power generation endeavor, the DoE has also tapped the National Economic and Development Authority to work on the private sector’s participation in nuclear development. The post Nuke remains on table — DoE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR accelerates water security initiatives
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Thursday said it will ramp up efforts to improve the country’s water supply situation, amidst lingering shortage concerns over the El Niño climate pattern and growing population demand. Aside from working with other government agencies and the private sector to identify potential sources of surface water for over 1,400 barangays at higher risk of dry spells, the DENR’s newly-created Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) is set to release an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan that will account for all water resources in the country and set directions on optimizing the use of existing supply through impoundment, treatment, and recycling. “The solution to our problems starts with fixing the disconnected and fragmented management of water by more than a dozen agencies of government,” Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said, noting that aside from the DENR, several other government agencies and other entities are involved in managing water resources for a variety of uses such as power generation, irrigation, and household distribution. These agencies include the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Local Water Utilities Administration, over 500 water districts, the Laguna Lake Development Authority, and the National Water Resources Board. Aside from these, there are thousands of private water providers primarily servicing residential communities nationwide. “There are long-standing institutional issues which we now have a strong chance of solving and this unlocks some of the barriers in managing water. It also opens the possibility of coordinating projects between agencies to enter with more efficient programs like the construction of multi-use dams and reservoirs,” she added. On top of the creation of the WRMO, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his State of the Nation Address that his administration will give a "special focus" on improving water security, with efforts that should be "cohesive, centralized, and systematic." Around P14.6 Billion has been allocated in the 2023 national budget for water supply projects. Further, a portion of the P276 Billion flood control budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways will be repurposed for initiatives such as offline storage to address multiple needs for irrigation, power generation, industry, and domestic uses. The WRMO is a transitory body pending the creation of the Department of Water Resource Management which is covered by several bills pending before both houses of Congress, including House Bill 2880, authored by AGRI Party-list Representative Wilbert Lee, Senate Bill 1021 filed by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Senate Bill 102, filed by Senator Grace Poe. Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority submitted the revised draft executive version of the bill to the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. The bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Public Services; Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation; and Finance. The post DENR accelerates water security initiatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tony Bennett, last of classic American crooners, dead at 96
Tony Bennett, the last in a generation of classic American crooners whose ceaselessly cheery spirit bridged generations to make him a hitmaker across seven decades, died Friday in New York. He was 96. Raised in an era when big bands defined US pop music, Bennett achieved an improbable second act when he started winning over young audiences in the 1990s -- not by reinventing himself but by demonstrating his sheer joy in belting out the standards. And then at age 88, Bennett, in 2014 became the oldest person ever to reach number one on the US album sales chart through a collection of duets with Lady Gaga -- who became his friend and touring companion but only one of a long list of younger stars who rushed to work with the singing great. Bennett's publicist, Sylvia Weiner, announced his death. Likened since the start of his career to Frank Sinatra, Bennett first tried to distance himself but eventually followed much of the same path as other crooners of yore -- singing in nightclubs, on television, and for movies, although his attempts to act ended quickly. His gift proved to be his stage presence. With a welcoming smile and dapper suit, he sang with gusto and a smooth vibrato in a strong, clearly enunciated voice, which he kept in shape through training from the operatic Bel Canto tradition. Starting with his recording of the film song "Because of You" in 1951, Bennett sang dozens of hits including "Rags to Riches," "Stranger in Paradise" and, in what would become his signature tune, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," which landed him two of his career's 19 Grammy Awards. But the British Invasion led by The Beatles initially took a toll on the singer, whose music suddenly sounded quaint and antiquated. He nearly died of a cocaine overdose in 1979 before sobering up and eventually reviving his career. "When rap came along, or disco, whatever the new fashion was at the moment, I didn't try to find something that would fit whatever the style was of the whole music scene," Bennett told the British culture magazine Clash. "I just stayed myself and sang sincerely and tried to just stay honest with myself -- never compromising, just doing the best songs that I could think of for the public. "And luckily it just paid off." Singing as hardscrabble youth Tony Bennett -- his stage name came after advice from showbiz A-lister Bob Hope -- was born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in the Astoria neighborhood of New York's Queens borough. His father was a struggling grocer who immigrated from southern Italy's Calabria region, to which his mother also traced her ancestry. He showed early promise as an entertainer, singing at age nine next to legendary New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia when he ceremonially opened the city's Triborough Bridge, now known as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. But his father's death at age 10, at a time when the United States was still struggling to exit the Great Depression, led him to leave school and earn money through jobs including singing at Italian restaurants and caricature painting, which remained a lifelong side career. During World War II, Bennett was drafted into the 63rd Infantry Division and was sent to France and Germany. But he was demoted after cursing out an officer from the South who objected to Bennett dining with an African American friend in the then racially segregated army. As punishment, Bennett spent his tour of duty digging out bodies and shipping them. But after the Allied victory, Bennett found an unexpected break into music as he waited with fellow troops in Wiesbaden, Germany to return home. With the city's opera house still intact, a US Army band performed a weekly show to be broadcast on military radio across Germany. Taken on as the band's librarian, Bennett was quickly impressed with his voice and was made one of four vocalists. "During this period in the army, I enjoyed the most musical freedom I've ever had in my life," Bennett later wrote in his autobiography, "The Good Life." "I could sing whatever I wanted, and there was no one around to tell me any different," he wrote. Outspoken against racism and war When he returned to the United States, he took formal singing lessons through the GI Bill, which covered educational expenses for returning troops. His experiences made Bennett a lifelong liberal. He became especially enraged in the 1950s when he played in Miami with jazz pioneer Duke Ellington, who was not allowed to attend a press party due to segregation at the hotel. In a then risky move for a popular entertainer, he accepted an invitation from singer Harry Belafonte to join civil rights icon Martin Luther King in the 1965 march from Selma, Alabama in support of equal voting rights for African Americans. He later wrote in his memoir that the hostility of the white state troopers reminded him of Nazi Germany. He was also an outspoken opponent of war, at times raising controversy. "The first time I saw a dead German, that's when I became a pacifist," he told popular radio host Howard Stern days after the 11 September 2001 attacks. Late in life, still cool Bennett was married three times and had four children including Antonia Bennett, who has followed his path as a singer of pop and jazz standards. But his son Danny Bennett was most instrumental in his father's career, aggressively courting MTV and other players in the pop world as a manager for his father. By the early 1990s, Bennett -- his style and look little changed from the 1960s, except for more gray hair -- was appearing in music videos on MTV and singing warm-up at concerts by alternative rock giants such as Smashing Pumpkins and Porno for Pyros. Proof that Bennett was back came in 1993 when he presented a prize at the MTV Video Music Awards alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who hailed his cool factor and playfully sang part of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." His career only kept building and a decade later, he released three successful albums of duets. On one of them, "Body and Soul," he sang with Amy Winehouse in her last recording before she died in 2011 at age 27. He marked his 90th birthday with a star-studded concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall, which was turned into a television special and album. The title was taken from a song popularized by Bennett: "The Best Is Yet to Come." Bennett toured the United States and Europe into his final decade, playing his last public performance before the coronavirus pandemic halted touring in New Jersey on 11 March 2020. Soon after, he revealed he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. He had kept his condition quiet for years. Upon turning 95, Bennett played two more birthday concerts, again at Radio City Music Hall, with Lady Gaga -- shows billed as his farewell to New York. He then canceled the remainder of his 2021 tour dates on "doctors' orders." "And let the music play as long as there's a song to sing / And I will stay younger than spring," he crooned during the first of his farewell shows, in a rendition of his ballad "This Is All I Ask." "You've been a good audience," Bennett said prior to his encore. "I love this audience." The post Tony Bennett, last of classic American crooners, dead at 96 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Budget airline but with better services
Passengers of AirAsia Philippines can expect better services from low-cost air carrier sets to add more routes, increase the frequency and utilize wide-body aircraft following its recent transfer to a bigger terminal. AirAsia Philippines started welcoming passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 last week. It will operate all its domestic flights to and from the Centennial terminal — offering guests bigger space, better amenities, and a more comfortable travel experience. “We keep saying that this is a winning move for our guests because they deserve only the best from us. Moving to Terminal 2 will allow us to add more routes, increase the frequency and utilize wide-body aircraft soon to improve connectivity and enhance customer experience,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla said. Isla also pointed out that AirAsia Philippines’ On-Time Performance, or OTP the past months reached an average of around 80 to 85 percent. 100% on some days “We even reach a high of 100 percent on some days when there are no factors causing disruptions such as weather or lightning red alerts, air traffic congestion, and non-scheduled maintenance,” he added. For Civil Aeronautics Board executive director Carmelo Arcilla, “industry stakeholders and government to continue to engage to ensure that passengers ultimately win.” “We shall work closely with the industry towards full and strict adherence to the Air Passenger Bill of Rights as we endeavor to go above and beyond in the service of the Filipino people,” Arcilla said. AirAsia Philippines has been allocated 20 check-in counters for guests entering the south wing of the terminal. At Terminal 2, AirAsia Philippines passengers can utilize the seven operational aero bridges in the south wing and four remote parking bays during high traffic or peak hours. AirAsia operates more than 100 domestic flights daily and aims to increase routes and frequency during winter to provide guests with affordable flights. The post Budget airline but with better services appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Enforce safeguards on MIF Bill, Go urges
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said the public will hold the Executive to its commitment to enforce safeguards in the administration of the Maharlika Investment Fund after the Senate approved the Bill on its third and final reading early Wednesday morning. In the explanation of his vote which was inserted into the records after the Senate voted on the measure, Go, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, stressed that the legislative branch will sternly monitor the implementation of the measure should it be enacted into law, highlighting Congress’ oversight to ensure that public funds used and the welfare of the people, in general, are protected and upheld. “Babantayan po namin ito. (We will guard this Bill) And just a reminder that any law can be amended or repealed when necessary. We will exercise to the fullest extent our oversight to ensure that the welfare and future of Filipinos are upheld and protected,” he said. While recognizing the need to explore investment opportunities for the national government to generate additional resources to fund the post-Covid-19 economic recovery, Go asserts that the government must be prudent and careful in utilizing limited resources. “The intention of the proposed measure, that is to ensure that our country will attain economic transformation, growth, and sustainability, is noble. Lahat naman po tayo gustong tuluyang maka-recover ang ekonomiya, (We all want our economy to recover)” he said. Go gave his support to the said measure, cognizant of the capability of the Executive to fully implement the law as intended. He also reminded that Congress is giving its trust to the Executive but will not shy away from its oversight powers just to safeguard the interest of the Filipino people. “Given this, I give my conditional support to this measure knowing that this went through scrutiny by the collective wisdom of the whole legislative body and with utmost trust and respect in the capability of the executive to implement this as intended,” he said. Meanwhile, Go’s team assisted fire-hit families in Cotabato City on Monday, 29 May as part of the senator’s efforts to bolster fire prevention efforts in the country. Go’s staff distributed grocery packs, vitamins, shirts, masks, sandals, snacks, caps, and balls for basketball and volleyball to five affected households at Barangay Malagapas hall. Furthermore, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance. In his video message, Go said that he continues to push for a stronger fire prevention campaign nationwide. He cited that the Bureau of Fire Protection is currently undergoing a modernization program, following the enactment of Republic Act 11589 in 2021. The post Enforce safeguards on MIF Bill, Go urges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go wants safeguards enforced in MIF bill
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reminded the executive branch of government to follow and enforce safeguards in the Maharlika Investment Fund bill as it gets Senate approval. “To the executive, we will hold you to your commitment that safeguards will be followed and fully enforced. Hindi dapat masasayang ang pondo ng bayan. Pangalagaan at siguruhin na walang mawawala sa korapsyon o misuse of funds,” he said. Senate Bill No. 2020 creating the Maharlika Investment Fund was approved by the Senate on its third and final reading in the early morning of Wednesday, 31 May. In the explanation of his vote which was inserted into the records after the Senate voted on the measure, Go, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, stressed that the legislative branch will sternly monitor the implementation of the measure should it be enacted into law, highlighting Congress’ oversight to ensure that public funds used and the welfare of the people, in general, are protected and upheld. “Babantayan po namin ito. And just a reminder that any law can be amended or repealed when necessary. We will exercise to the fullest extent our oversight to ensure that the welfare and future of Filipinos are upheld and protected,” he said. While recognizing the need to explore investment opportunities for the national government to generate additional resources to fund the post-COVID-19 economic recovery, Go asserts that the government must be prudent and careful in utilizing limited resources. “The intention of the proposed measure, that is to ensure that our country will attain economic transformation, growth, and sustainability, is noble. Lahat naman po tayo gustong tuluyang maka-recover ang ekonomiya,” he said. “However, government resources are limited, lalo na ngayon bawat piso, bawat sentimo ay napakahalaga. That is why I commend the good sponsor for ensuring that safeguards are in place to protect the funds of the Filipino people,” he said, commending Sen. Mark Villar who sponsored the measure. Go gave his support to the measure, cognizant of the capability of the Executive to fully implement the law as intended. He also reminded that Congress is giving its trust to the Executive but will not shy away from its oversight powers just to safeguard the interest of the Filipino people. “Given this, I give my conditional support to this measure knowing that this went through scrutiny by the collective wisdom of the whole legislative body and with utmost trust and respect in the capability of the executive to implement this as intended,” he said. The bill was approved after an 11-hour session a few days after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. certified it as urgent, thereby allowing Senate to pass the same measure on second and third reading at the same day. The House of Representatives passed its own version in December of last year. A bicameral conference was held on Wednesday, 31 May, to reconcile the two versions. Upon adoption, the bill can be transmitted to the President for his approval. In previous interviews, Go asserted the need to have credible, competent, and trustworthy fund managers. “Kailangan competent, trustworthy, at saka talagang maaasahan mo na walang pondong masayang dito… Unahin natin palagi ang interes ng bansa at kung ano makakabuti sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga mahihirap,” he stressed earlier. The post Go wants safeguards enforced in MIF bill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mandatory use of body cameras pushed
A bill has been filed in the Senate Wednesday mandating every law enforcer to use wearable cameras during special police operations and other similar activities. Senate Bill 2199 or the Body-worn Camera Act was filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo to ensure transparency and strengthen evidence quality during law enforcement operations, including warrants of arrest, implementation of search warrants, enforcement of visitorial powers of the Chief Philippine National Police and unit commanders, anti-illegal drugs operation, among others. According to the bill, the law will provide for an effective law enforcement operation beginning from the investigation, apprehension, detention and to prosecution — “by utilizing sound and modern procedure in crime investigation.” Body-worn camera refers to an electronic camera system designated to law enforcement units for creating, generating, sending, receiving, storing, displaying, and processing audio-visual recordings that may be worn during operations. Under SB 2199, body-worn cameras shall meet the following minimum standard requirement of 720p or higher video resolution; built-in frame rate, audio, date and time-stamping, and GPS; eight hours continuous battery life; capability to store eight hours continuous audio-video footage; and with a night mode built-in. Tulfo believes that legislating the proposal to require law enforcement officers to wear and activate body-worn cameras will help the investigating body to go-in depth probes that will be based on the captured and recorded evidence by the cameras during the entire operation. The post Mandatory use of body cameras pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Move over Corgis: Jack Russell becomes new royal top dog
Beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, corgis have become an enduring symbol of the British royal family. But there is a new breed on the block -- the plucky Jack Russell Terrier. Bluebell and Beth, two rescue dogs belonging to King Charles III's wife Queen Camilla, are the new hairy residents of Buckingham Palace. The pooches have been captured in photos with the queen consort and appeared in a portrait of the royal couple for their 15th wedding anniversary in 2020. "I think it's fair to say that the Jack Russell is probably going to increase in popularity," said Bill Lambert, spokesman for The Kennel Club. The governing body for all matters canine in Britain has noted a rise in registrations of new puppies. Ownership of corgis, Queen Elizabeth's constant companions throughout her 70-year reign, may "fall back a little bit", he added. According to Lambert, Jack Russells, like all dogs, enjoy company but they also like "a bit of luxury". Queen Camilla adopted Beth from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where she is the royal patron. Bluebell was rehomed from the same south London shelter some time later. Originally bred in the 19th century for fox hunting, the energetic Jack Russell Terrier is already a popular breed in Britain. At an agility training course for dogs, Lesley Roberts said she has owned Jack Russells for about 35 years. Sporting a purple collar, her pet Lorna jumped up and down impatiently in the hope of securing a treat. "I suppose it's quite a nice thing to have a royal dog," Roberts said with a laugh. The post Move over Corgis: Jack Russell becomes new royal top dog appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Revilla lauds order creating water resource office
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Friday commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for issuing an order directing the creation of the Water Resource Management Office in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources amid the looming water crisis brought about by the El Niño phenomenon in the country. Revilla expressed support for Marcos’ Executive Order 22 which served as a “swift and responsive action” of the government to address the emerging impacts of the dry season. The senator also filed Senate Bill 1428, known as the “Water Regulatory Commission Act of 2022,” seeking the creation of a Water Regulatory Commission that would consolidate water-related agencies into one government body—which is still pending in the Upper House. SB 1428 aims to rationalize the economic and administrative regulation of water utilities through an independent, quasi-judicial body. Its functions also include the policy-setting for water supply, sewerage, and septage management; issuing licenses; setting, reviewing, and approving rates; reviewing and suspending contracts; initiating investigations on erring officials through its quasi-judicial nature; among others. “This proposed measure targets to consolidate the economic and administrative regulation of water utilities in a single body, so we could prevent overlapping of services,” Revilla told reporters. The National Water Resources Board has logged about 11 million Filipinos that don’t have access to clean water. Revilla cited that most of them are forced to use unsafe water coming from deep wells, springs, rivers, and lakes, including rainwater. The post Revilla lauds order creating water resource office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong backs body cam proposal
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has recently expressed his support for the proposal to equip police officers with body cameras especially during anti-illegal drug operations. In an ambush interview after personally aiding indigent residents in Roxas City, Capiz on Monday, the senator emphasized the importance of transparency in police operations, particularly in the implementation of warrants of arrest and the apprehension of suspects. “We are urging law enforcers to utilize those body cams purchased by the Philippine National Police so that there will be no doubts and there will be transparency in every operation that they will conduct,” said Go, who also serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order. The senator also emphasized the importance of discipline in the police force. In an effort to improve the quality of evidence gathered during drug operations, it has been suggested that authorities use the footage captured from body cameras worn by police officers before, during, and after drug busts. By relying on body camera footage, authorities can improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations and ensure that any wrongdoing or misconduct by law enforcement personnel can be investigated and addressed accordingly. Go, however, pointed out that only a few bad apples exist in the PNP and stressed that corrupt officers must be separated from the honest ones to prevent the spread of corruption. The lawmaker also said that police officers should not have any reason to get involved in corruption, especially with the increase in their salaries. He then emphasized that the police force should continue fulfilling their responsibility to protect Filipinos and combat the illegal drug trade, which destroys families and communities. Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill 422 which, if passed into law, will entitle any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and Philippine National Police, who is facing before the prosecutor’s office, court or any competent body, any charge arising from an incident related to the performance of official duty to free legal assistance. The senator stated that in the past, some police officers were wrongfully accused, prompting former president Duterte and himself to offer legal aid to those officers. The post Kuya Bong backs body cam proposal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Protect 150K Pinoys in Taiwan, Go urges DMW
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his call for the Department of Migrant Workers, to closely monitor the development of the growing tensions between Taiwan and China to prepare for necessary contingency measures to protect the welfare of 150,000 Taiwan-based overseas Filipino workers. Go, in an interview during a relief operation for fire victims in Parañaque City on 12 April, underscored the need for the government to prioritize the safety and welfare of OFWs. “As former president Rodrigo Duterte said during the UN General Assembly in 2020, ‘when elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled flat.’ Our country is close to Taiwan. In this situation, the Philippines is the grass. We will be caught in the crossfire if these two giants fight,” Go said in Filipino China recently simulated a three-day air and sea drill, dubbed the “Joint Sword” drills, around the Taiwan Strait. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the said military exercises were meant to be a “stern warning to the provocative activities of Taiwan’s independence secessionist forces and their collusion with external forces.” He said he has his full trust that President Bongbong Marcos Jr. will prioritize the interest of fellow Filipinos and the country. “It’s better to be a friend to all and enemy to none. It’s hard for us to empathize. Filipinos just want to live quietly. Importantly, the health and life of every OFW in Taiwan may be affected in case of trouble there,” he added. When asked if the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will create a new conflict, Go said the government must prioritize what is best for Filipinos. “I’m sure our government and our military will not allow us to be used or we will be trapped,” he added. Meanwhile, Go has expressed his support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s plan to investigate Philippine National Police officials reportedly linked to a billion-peso drug haul. “You know, the truth must come out. Truth always,” he said. The fight against illegal drugs, he said, should continue. “We don’t want to waste what former president (Rodrigo) Duterte started against illegal drugs. When illegal drugs are back, crime will come back, government corruption will come back,” Go said in Filipino. The PNP, on 11 April, welcomed the DILG’s decision to probe the arrest of former police officer Rodolfo Mayo who was implicated in the P6.7-billion drug haul in October last year. The DILG expressed doubts that Mayo acted alone, indicating that there may have been other officers involved. “There is no forgiveness for those involved in illegal drugs. You know, it’s a big sin to our countrymen when you are involved in illegal drugs, especially the police who are supposed to implement the law,” he added. Go cited the need to separate the few bad apples from the many honest and dedicated police officers who are working hard to keep the community safe. “We fully support our police and military, they just have to do their job right for our countrymen,” he said. Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill 422 which, if passed into law, will entitle any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and Philippine National Police facing charges before the prosecutor’s office, court, or any competent body, arising from an incident related to the performance of official duty, to free legal assistance. He added that in the past, some police officers were wrongfully accused, prompting former president Duterte and himself to offer legal aid. The post Protect 150K Pinoys in Taiwan, Go urges DMW appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go supports DILG’s investigation of officials linked to drug haul
Senator Bong Go has expressed his support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s plan to investigate Philippine National Police officials reportedly linked to a billion-peso drug haul. Go emphasized the importance of truth and accountability in addressing the issue of illegal drugs, which has been a major concern in the country for years. “Alam n’yo, the truth must come out. Katotohanan lagi. In fairness sa lahat ng pulis, ‘yung totoo po (dapat malaman),” said Go. He also reiterated that the fight against illegal drugs should continue, citing, “Ayaw nating masayang ang inumpisahan ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na labanan po ang ilegal na droga. Kapag bumalik ang ilegal na droga, babalik po ang kriminalidad, babalik po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno.” On Tuesday, the PNP welcomed the DILG’s decision to probe the arrest of former police officer Rodolfo Mayo who was implicated in the PhP6.7-billion drug haul in October last year and has since been terminated from his position. The DILG expressed doubts about Mayo acting alone, indicating that there may have been other officers involved. Meanwhile, in terms of what should be done with the police officials who are found to be involved in illegal drug activities, Go said that they should be held accountable for their actions. “Wala pong kapatawaran ‘yung mga involved sa ilegal na droga. Alam n’yo, malaking kasalanan po ‘yan sa mga kababayan natin kapag kayo mismo ay involved sa ilegal na droga lalung-lalo na po ang mga dapat nagpapaimplementa ng batas natin, ‘yung kapulisan,” Go said. The senator also stressed the importance of separating the few bad apples from the many honest and dedicated police officers who are working hard to keep the community safe. “Full support po tayo sa pulis at militar, gawin lang nila ng tama ang kanilang trabaho para sa ating mga kababayan,” he concluded. Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill No. 422 which, if passed into law, will entitle any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and Philippine National Police, who is facing before the prosecutor's office, court, or any competent body, any charge arising from an incident related to the performance of official duty to free legal assistance. The senator stated that in the past, some police officers were wrongfully accused, prompting former president Duterte and himself to offer legal aid to those officers. The post Bong Go supports DILG’s investigation of officials linked to drug haul appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»