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Lady Spikers begin push for top spot
Defending champion La Salle, after a slight stumble in the first round, wants some serious business to regain its rightful place on top when it begins its crucial second-round campaign in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum......»»
Research for next-gen rice varieties to push through
AN OFFICIAL from the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) said that research for next-generation rice varieties or new rice varieties that are being bred by the Institution of Breeders will push through......»»
BPOs with full work-from-home schemes can keep tax perks in new House bill
Business process outsourcing (BPO) companies can implement a full work-from-home scheme while retaining their full tax incentives in a new House bill amending the CREATE Act......»»
Bankman-Fried to testify at his US crypto trial
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, plans to make another high-stakes gamble and testify in his defense on Thursday at his criminal fraud trial. Bankman-Fried's decision to take the stand comes after three weeks of devastating testimony for the 31-year-old known as SBF, who has been accused of stealing billions of dollars from clients. His lawyer, Mark Cohen, told Judge Lewis Kaplan he expected Bankman-Fried's testimony to last for four or five hours. He is expected to begin around 2:00 p.m. (1800 GMT). Prosecutors were wrapping up their case on Thursday and handing it over to the defense, which said it plans to call four witnesses, including Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried, once one of the most respected figures in crypto, has been charged with seven counts of fraud, embezzlement, and criminal conspiracy. If convicted, he could face a de facto life sentence of more than 100 years in prison. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate had, in just a few years, turned his FTX platform into the world's second-biggest crypto exchange -- making him a tech-world billionaire wunderkind. But his empire began to crumble last November when a news report pointed to unhealthy ties between FTX and Alameda Research, Bankman-Fried's personally owned trading company. Amid growing revelations, major investors pulled their money out of FTX, sinking it swiftly into bankruptcy. Some $8.7 billion was still unaccounted for after the dust settled, according to the receiver appointed to manage the liquidation. Bankman-Fried has denied taking other people's money, blaming former colleagues for the situation. But key witnesses in recent weeks, all former FTX or Alameda employees, refuted his account. Supported by internal documents compiled by the prosecution, they said he was behind the breaches and did not lose sight of the financial situation of FTX and Alameda. Ex-girlfriend offers evidence Among those taking the stand was Caroline Ellison, Bankman-Fried's former business partner and girlfriend. She offered conclusive evidence against him and delivered details on his management, saying he was involved in all major decisions. Ellison, a Stanford University mathematics graduate, was appointed by Bankman-Fried in 2021 to head Alameda, whose activities were largely financed by money from customers of FTX without their knowledge. She has pleaded guilty to fraud charges and agreed to cooperate with the prosecution, as have two other close associates of Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried's decision to testify in his defense is unusual in a country where criminal defendants generally decline to do so because they have to face cross-examination and run the risk of incriminating themselves. Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, comedian Bill Cosby, singer R. Kelly, and drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman were among high-profile defendants who declined to testify at their recent trials. A Cornell University study of hundreds of trials published in 2009 found that 77 percent of defendants who chose to testify were convicted while 72 percent of those who declined to take the stand were found guilty. The post Bankman-Fried to testify at his US crypto trial appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New U.S. speaker rallies support for Israel
The United States House of Representatives is back in business with the newly-elected Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, introducing a resolution supporting Israel in its war with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. The resolution passed with support from all but nine Democrats and just one Republican dissenter. The first successful act of Johnson signals a stable leadership despite being the least experienced speaker in the post Civil War era, having never chaired a committee or held a senior leadership role. “We all know that the world is in turmoil — but a strong America is good for the entire world,” Johnson told lawmakers after his election on Wednesday that ended the paralysis of Congress. Biden congratulated the new speaker and vowed to work with him, adding that the US now needed “to move swiftly to address our national security needs and to avoid a shutdown.” Ahead of the filing of the Israel resolution, the Louisiana congressman said in his acceptance speech that the bill is overdue as America’s “greatest ally in the Middle East is under attack.” The little-known ally of Donald Trump who spearheaded legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election won the unanimous support of his party to replace Kevin McCarthy who was ousted in a right-wing coup on 3 October. The post New U.S. speaker rallies support for Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys
Amid prevailing financial hardships particularly among poor Filipinos, the pivotal role of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Centers comes to fore through the compelling narrative of 23-year-old Wally Bernardo of Cavite. A small baking business, which Wally runs with his partner, helps cover his dialysis expenses. His ordeal started in 2017 when a nagging backache unveiled an unsettling reality — a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease secondary to arthritis. Initially misdiagnosed with high blood pressure, he soon found himself restricted to the regular hum of dialysis machines, a routine that escalated from three times a week to an excruciating 12 times a week, as his condition worsened. As Wally’s medical bills soared, he sought intervention from a Malasakit Center, which led to a much-needed relief for his dire financial situation. Recounting the day his relatives approached the center, Wally said, After that we approached the social health service as I knew there was Malasakit here.” “My relatives went there and gave us our bill. It was processed at about noon. In the afternoon we were already discharged.” The indelible mark of gratitude is apparent in Wally’s words, “Thank you to Senator Bong Go, to his staff. We are really grateful for his help, in giving us a guarantee letter, in assuring those who have not much finances.” As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go persistently encouraged the public to avail themselves of the medical and financial assistance offered by the Malasakit Centers. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, or Republic Act 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go, has so far facilitated the establishment of 159 operational Malasakit Centers across the country. Meanwhile, Go’s outreach team, together with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador, conducted a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium in Nagcarlan, Laguna last Tuesday, 17 October. Go provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball for 450 market vendors. He also gave away shoes, and mobile phones to select recipients. The post Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his support for the proposed budget for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies during the Senate Finance sub-committee hearing on Tuesday, 3 October. He however appealed to the concerned agencies of government, particularly DTI, to address rising prices of commodities, mitigate the impact of inflation, and provide more livelihood opportunities for the poor to help them recover from the pandemic and other recent crises. “Bigyan po ninyo ng mas maraming oportunidad na makabangon ang mga mahihirap. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he explained. “Trabaho po ng DTI na bantayan rin ang mga presyo ng bilihin lalo na ngayon na lumalala ang inflation. Bagamat hindi natin kontrolado ang global factors na nagdudulot nito, sikapin dapat ng gobyerno na pagaanin ang hirap na dinadala ng ating mga kababayang pinakanangangailangan,” he appealed. Go’s stance comes in the wake of the recent Pulse Asia survey, conducted from 10 to 14 September, which showed that poverty and inflation were identified as two of the most pressing concerns. It is for this reason that the senator has urged the government to prioritize the creation of better job opportunities as a crucial step towards alleviating the suffering of the people and stabilizing the country's economy. “Nais kong iparating ang aking suporta para sa proposed budget at mga programa ng DTI. Ang DTI ay may malaking papel sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at pagpapabuti ng kalagayan ng ating mga negosyante at manggagawa,” said Go. Through Senator Mark Villar who presided over the budget hearing, Go manifested his support for DTI as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the country, considering that it is responsible for crafting and implementing policies, programs, and projects that promote a competitive and innovative business environment. “Sa pagtugon sa mga hamon ng kasalukuyang panahon, napakahalaga na maglaan tayo ng sapat na pondo para sa DTI upang maipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang mahalagang mga proyekto at programa. Sa tulong ng mga programa ng DTI, mas mapapaunlad natin ang sektor ng negosyo sa bansa at mas magkakaroon tayo ng mas maraming pagkakataon para sa trabaho at kabuhayan,” he added. Moreover, Go said that the department is entrusted with the vital task of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that constitute the backbone of the Philippine economy. These businesses are crucial in generating employment and driving economic growth. Go highlighted Republic Act No. 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. Authored and co-sponsored by Go, the OTOP Philippines Program is a government-led initiative that allows each town or city in the country to capitalize on a unique product or service that embodies its identity, culture, and traditions. “Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado,” Go said, adding that by leveraging local resources, the program not only invigorates economic activities but also fosters cultural preservation. Meanwhile, Go also co-sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2021, which aims to institutionalize the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project under DTI. The proposed measure seeks to amend RA 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises as amended by RA 9501, also known as the Magna Carta for MSMEs. If enacted, the SSF program would offer more cost-effective solutions to MSMEs by providing access to shared facilities and services that will help them improve the quality and productivity of their products, including equipment, tools, and machinery that they can use to upgrade their production processes that are typically expensive for individual MSMEs. During the previous administration, Go advocated for the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which seeks to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises in crises and provide livelihood opportunities to more Filipinos. “Sa programang ito, tuturuan ang mga benepisyaryo na magnegosyo at bibigyan ng suporta para palaguin ito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang iyong negosyo, napalago ito, at naiuwi sa pamilya ang kinita mula dito,” he said. He continues to support the implementation of the program to help more Filipinos in need of government support amid trying times. Last year, Go successfully appealed for the budget allocation for the PPG program during the deliberations on the 2023 budget of the DTI. “Marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, maraming nagsara na negosyo dahil po sa pandemya kaya naman napakahalagang maipagpatuloy ang programang ito,” he said. “Isa itong paraan upang maipakita natin ang ating malasakit sa mga Pilipinong apektado ng iba't ibang krisis, mula sa nakaraang pandemya hanggang sa mga kasalukuyang kalamidad, at mabigyan sila ng bagong pag-asa na magkaroon ng maayos na kabuhayan,” he added. Furthermore, Senator Go filed SBN 420, which aims to establish the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) that will be operated under the purview of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The primary objective of this proposed program is to offer temporary employment opportunities to individuals experiencing economic hardships, poverty, displacement, or seasonal unemployment. By creating such opportunities, REAP can assist those affected in achieving financial stability during challenging periods. The post Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Internet Transaction Act gets Senate nod on final reading
The Senate approved, on the third and final reading, the proposed Internet Transactions Act, which was also certified urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with 20-1-0 votes from the lawmakers. In a statement on Tuesday, Senator Mark Villar, sponsor of the proposed measure, thanked his colleagues for passing the measure during Monday’s plenary session before the month-long congressional break of the chamber. Senate Bill 1846, which is one of the 20 priority bills that the Marcos administration hoped to pass before the end of December this year, seeks to ensure that all goods and services transacted digitally will be as advertised. The bill also ensures that electronic commerce transactions will be reliable, secure, and accessible to all consumers. "Today, we achieved the approval of the ITA on its third reading, a great feat for ITA which has been pending in this chamber since the 18th Congress,” said Villar, who chairs the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship. SB 1846 shall hold digital platforms or e-marketplaces liable, along with the online merchant or retailer, if they fail to perform their responsibilities as laid down in the bill and cause damage to the consumer. The proposed measure sets penalties for e-marketplaces, e-retailers, online merchants, or digital platforms that sell illegal digital products, ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense and P500,000 to P1.5 million for the third and subsequent offenses. The bill pushes the establishment of a code of conduct for all companies involved in e-commerce in order to safeguard and advance consumer interests. Villar noted that the bill will “pave the way for the creation” of an e-commerce bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry, which will oversee internet-based activities that presently lack regulation and is tasked to establish and manage an online business registry of all internet merchants. The Internet Transactions Act is also seen to empower the DTI secretary by giving it authority to issue take-down orders that will render digital platforms inaccessible in the country if the goods, services, or digital products advertised are found to be "imminently injurious, unsafe, or dangerous to the public.” The post Internet Transaction Act gets Senate nod on final reading 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......»»
Anti-agricultural economic sabotage bill marked as urgent
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent a measure defining the crime of agricultural economic sabotage, providing penalties, and also creating an anti-agricultural economic sabotage council. The President approved Senate Bill No. 2432 as urgent earlier this week through a letter addressed to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. In the letter to Zubiri, Marcos said there is a need to facilitate the passage of SB No. 2432, "especially now that the country is beset by rising prices and shortages in agricultural products, partly due to the nefarious acts of smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel." The bill repeals Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, and seeks to promote the productivity of the agriculture sector and protect farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers and ensure reasonable and affordable prices of agricultural and fishery products for consumers. The bill also imposes severe sanctions on the nefarious acts of smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel of agricultural and fishery products, including a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine thrice the value of the agricultural and fishery products subject of the crime as economic sabotage. Any government officer or employee found to be an accomplice in the commission of the crime shall "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 read. When the offender is a juridical person, criminal liability shall be attached to all officers who participated in the decision that led to the commission of the crime, with a penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification to engage in any business involving importation, transportation, storage, and warehousing, and domestic trade of agricultural and fishery products. Government authorities also have the right to confiscate the agricultural and fishery products that are subject to the prohibited acts and the properties used in the commission of the crime of agricultural economic sabotage, such as, but not limited to, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, storage areas, warehouses, boxes, cases, trunks, and other containers of whatever character used as a receptacle of agricultural and fishery products. The proposed measure is among the expanded Common Legislative Agenda discussed during the 3rd LEDAC Meeting. The bill is now pending in the period of interpellations in the Senate, while a Technical Working Group is currently finalizing the version of the House of Representatives. The post Anti-agricultural economic sabotage bill marked as urgent appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides help to micro-entrepreneurs in flood-hit General Santos City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues efforts to help boost the economic recovery of communities affected by calamities and other crises. His team delivered aid to flood-stricken micro-entrepreneurs in General Santos City on Thursday, 14 September. Go’s team held the relief operation at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office. Eight small business owners received masks, vitamins, shirts, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball while there were also select recipients of shoes from Go. Meanwhile, with the aim of bolstering local communities and nurturing economic recovery, DTI distributed livelihood kits to provide additional support for the recovery of affected micro-businesses. “Ang programang ito ay ating isinulong noong administrasyon ni dating pangulong Duterte at patuloy na sinusuportahan ngayon para maipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa ating maliliit na negosyante na naapektuhan ng sakuna at krisis,” Go said. “Tuturuan ang mga benepisyaryo na magnegosyo at bibigyan ng negosyo kits para palaguin ito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan mo ang iyong negosyo at napalago mo ito. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng iyong pamilya,” he explained further. Moreover, Go reiterated his push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), The proposed SBN 188 aims to establish a Cabinet-secretary-level department to develop holistic measures for better disaster preparedness. In his video message, Go highlighted that, if established, the DDR would focus on three critical areas: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. By concentrating on these significant aspects, the proposed department aims to improve the country's ability to mitigate risks, effectively respond to disasters, and facilitate a sustainable recovery process for affected communities. “Parati po akong umiikot sa buong Pilipinas dahil ‘yan po ang aking pangako, pupuntahan ko po kayo basta kaya ng oras at panahon ko… Sunog, lindol, baha, buhawi, putok ng bulkan pinuntahan ko po iyan lahat para makatulong sa abot ng aking makakaya, makabigay ng solusyon sa problema nila, makabigay ng proyekto na makakabenepisyo sa lugar, at makapag-iwan po ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” he said. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go reached out to residents with health concerns and advised them that they may visit the Malasakit Centers at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in nearby Koronadal City. Go principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The center is a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients may take advantage of the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. To date, there are now 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Apart from the Malasakit Centers, Go has also been pushing for the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country. In General Santos City, two Super Health Centers have been funded to be established. The Super Health Centers offer basic medical services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. “Sa mga kapatid ko, sa mga kapitbahay ko, mag-ingat kayo parati at magdasal tayo. Nandito lang kaming mga lingkod-bayan niyo at handang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat sa abot ng aming makakaya, puntahan niyo lang kami at handa kaming magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aming makakaya,” said Go. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported several projects in the province including the construction of roads in Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Tantangan, and Surallah; acquisition of a dump truck for the local government of Norala; construction of riverbank protection in Koronadal City and T’boli; installation of street lights in Koronadal City, Norala and Tupi; and the construction of a slaughterhouse in T’boli. On the same day, Go’s team also provided similar assistance to micro-entrepreneurs also affected by heavy rains in Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. The post Bong Go provides help to micro-entrepreneurs in flood-hit General Santos City 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......»»
Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, underscored the significance of education as a gateway to a brighter future during the 50th Commencement Exercises of Cavite State University - CCAT Rosario Campus on Tuesday, September 5. The graduation ceremony was also attended by other officials, such as Rosario Vice Mayor Bamm Gonzales and General Trias Mayor Jonjon Ferrer, among others. “Sa mga graduates, sa mga estudyante, kahit anong course po ang inyong kinuha, ishi-share ko lang po sa inyo ang natutunan ko sa buhay. Isa lang ang sikreto diyan, mahalin n’yo po ang inyong kapwa Pilipino, hinding-hindi po kayo magkakamali. Malay n’yo po pagdating ng panahon kayo rin po ang mamumuno sa bayan o magiging senador ng bansa. Totoo iyan. Kaya unahin ninyo ang interes ng kapwa natin Pilipino,” Go said in his speech. “Ako po hindi ko po akalain na magiging senador po ako. At nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo, sa Panginoon na dinala po niya ako rito. Kaya naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he continued. Go emphasized how education can open doors to countless opportunities as he commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance, recognizing their hard work throughout their academic journey. He reminded them that their graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities and challenges. “Ngayong araw, tayo'y nagkakaisa upang parangalan hindi lamang ang pagwawakas ng academic journey kundi ang pagsilang ng isang bagong yugto sa buhay ng 680 estudyante ng inyong unibersidad,” highlighted Go. “Half a century ago, this campus was founded with a dream to cultivate abilities and expertise in the realms of Industrial Technology, Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Education. Now, that dream persists, and I am both honored and humbled to be part of this milestone commencement ceremony,” he continued. The senator also expressed his gratitude to the school officials, including University President Dr. Hernando Robles, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Agnes Nuestro, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Mary Jane Tepora, Vice President for Business and Resource Generation Ms. Lolita Herrera, and Campus Administrator Dr. Lauro Pascua, among others. “To the committed University Administrative Council, our distinguished campus leaders, honored deans, and the lively academic community that envelops us, I offer my sincere thanks for your unwavering dedication to excellence,” Go highlighted. “To the parents and guardians, your affection and encouragement have been the pillars of these graduates' achievements. Your faith in them has ignited their resolve, and today, we revel in your victory as well,” he added. In his speech, Go took the opportunity to discuss his legislative efforts aimed at fortifying the education sector. He expressed his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through various initiatives. SBN 1359 or the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," was co-authored and co-sponsored by Go and received approval on the third and final reading in March. This proposed legislation aims to put an end to the practice of denying students access to examinations or other educational assessments due to unpaid tuition or school fees. The bill ensures that no student's education is compromised due to financial constraints. In a bid to enhance access to tertiary education, Go co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 1360. This bill seeks to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) by amending Republic Act No. 10931, known as the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act. By broadening the reach of TES, Go expressed his confidence that more underprivileged students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education. In times of disasters and emergencies, students facing financial hardships often find it challenging to repay loans. To address this concern, Go introduced SBN 1864, known as the "Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act." This proposed measure offers relief to students who have taken out loans but are unable to meet their repayment obligations due to unforeseen circumstances. It underscores the importance of compassion and support during trying times. Go also earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting a quality education. NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. “To the graduates, remember that your education is not merely a ladder for personal success; it is a potent tool for uplifting our community and the broader society. Wield it with wisdom, and never lose sight of the values and principles that have been so lovingly instilled in you,” Go said. “As I draw to a close, I leave you with a philosophy that has steered me throughout my existence: ‘Ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang isang karapatan, kundi isang tungkulin na may kalakip na responsibilidad.’ Mabuhay ang Cavite State University – CCAT Rosario Campus! Mabuhay ang mga bagong graduates,” the senator concluded. Go also provided tokens to students who graduated with honors. He encouraged them to use their education to serve their community and the country. The post Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI will soon power restaurant operations
Online food and grocery platform foodpanda and software company TabSquare are joining hands to empower restaurants with artificial intelligence or AI-powered in-restaurant solutions. The collaboration is part of a region-wide partnership, including other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, to help restaurant partners digitize their ordering, payment, and customer engagement-related processes. In the Philippines, the announcement was made during foodpanda’s recent partner vendors summit, entitled “CRAVE: Creating Relationships and Advancing Vendor Experiences.” At the event, partner vendor attendees were provided a firsthand end-to-end experience using TabSquare, showcasing its convenience, seamless operations, and efficiency. With TabSquare’s Smart QR solution, foodpanda’s vendor partners can automate tasks, including order processing and payments, while ensuring enhanced profitability. It also contributes to labor savings by minimizing order errors and reducing staff workload. foodpanda Philippines commercial director Luis Antonio Yanga says, “By offering digital menus through QR codes, we enable customers to place orders and make payments via TabSquare’s platform effortlessly. This enhances the dining experience by seamlessly bridging the offline-to-online gap and providing efficient solutions for thousands of partner vendors and merchants.” Delivering convenience to diners and restos alike With foodpanda and TabSquare’s combined data and predictive technologies, restaurant partners can enhance customer engagement and retention. Restaurant owners can review the transactions via TabSquare’s analytics, which provides valuable insights to support partners in improving menu items, pricing, and promotions, among other things. “This enables restaurant owners to identify trends and personalize subsequent experiences based on customers’ purchasing history,” Yanga said. Moreover, digital menus offer numerous advantages, including reduced reliance on wait staff, minimized employee turnover, decreased losses on food and finances due to human error, and more efficient menu changes without costly reprints. According to foodpanda and TabSquare’s data, restaurants using this digital solution can see up to 10 percent higher bill sizes, up to 50 percent reduction in staff costs, and better customer satisfaction. At the same time, restaurants on foodpanda see an average of at least a 10 percent uplift in business performance since joining the platform. In the dining service, there has been a massive shift in digitally-led solutions and services, which TabSquare believes will further enhance the appeal of its services. The post AI will soon power restaurant operations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Even Indian lenders drawn to SBCorp’s P3
A high-ranking official of a Department of Trade and Industry-attached agency has revealed that even traditional Indian lenders based in the Philippines want to avail of the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-Asenso, or P3, Program of the government. Small Business Corporation or SBCorp president and CEO Robert Bastillo made the revelation when he guested on the second Daily Tribune’s Asian Innovation Forum on Tuesday. He said half of the funds allocated to P3 are meant for cooperatives, micro-finance institutions, and private financing companies that have members that can easily access micro-entrepreneurs, particularly those who own sari-sari or small stores. “P3 was conceptualized to combat loan sharks or informal money lenders. When we visited a cooperative in a municipality in Bicol recently, we discovered that Indian lenders were now lowering their interest rate to 5 percent per month,” Bastillo said. “Surprisingly, some Indian lenders even wanted to avail themselves of our P3 program. If that is the case, it means the program has an impact,” he added. He explained that SBCorp is ready to provide funding to micro and small entrepreneurs to eventually expand operations in the long run or when banking institutions are not yet ready to provide MSE loans to them due to a lack of a banking track record. “That is why we are asking Congress to add more funds to SBCorp. The current fund is not enough to help MSMEs in their entrepreneurial journey,” he said. SBCorp estimated that there is a P300 to P400 billion financing gap in the country, which means that banking institutions, even cooperatives, and microfinancing institutions are not able to respond to the needs of MSE lenders. “We are asking for P50 billion for our total capital, including our current fund. While for the P3, we are aiming to make it a full-fledged law for it to have automatic appropriations. We aim that 10 to 15 percent of the current financing gap will be given to us, enough to serve MSEs and cooperatives, among others,” he said. In March 2023, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading of House Bill 7363, or the proposed P3 Act, with an overwhelming 278 votes. The “P3 Act aims to provide an affordable, accessible, and simple financing program for MSEs, especially those in the poorest populations and underserved areas. HB 7363 mandates the creation of the P3 Fund, which shall be lent out to qualified MSEs under such terms and conditions that will meet the purposes of the Act. The P3 Fund shall be accessible through the SBCorp. and accredited partner financial institutions such as rural banks, thrift banks, development banks, cooperative banks, cooperatives, non-stock savings and loan associations, microfinance non-government organizations and lending companies. Currently, the P3 Program, with an annual allocation of P1.5 billion from the national government, is intended to provide micro-entrepreneurs with an alternative source of financing that is easy to access at a reasonable interest rate, that is in a safe environment away from dubious practices of informal lenders, and that is sustainable as delinquent borrowers are effectively barred from borrowing in the next loan cycle. Under the P3 Program, a microenterprise can borrow between P5,000 and P200,000, depending on its business status and repayment capacity, with no collateral requirement. Interest rates and service fees, all in, do not exceed 2.5 percent monthly. The post Even Indian lenders drawn to SBCorp’s P3 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OTOP bill seen helping MSMEs, local products
Senator Mark Villar on Tuesday thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the One Town, One Product, or OTOP, bill which will greatly help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sector or MSMEs in the country. Villar said the newly enacted OTOP law will also boost the promotion of local products. Marcos signed the OTOP bill on 24 August which authorizes the Department of Trade and Industry to establish the OTOP Philippines Trustmark, an assurance that the products under the program represent the country’s best merchandise. Villar said the OTOP Philippines Trustmark signifies business and products are “excellent in terms of quality, design, value and marketability.” The law covers all the OTOP Philippines programs including local delicacies, agricultural-based products, artisanal crafts, and skills-based services that can only be found in the country. Bill seeks rural upliftment Villar underscored that the OTOP law is also envisioned to assist rural communities in growing the local economy and promote the convergence of initiatives from local government units, national government agencies, and the private sector in developing and promoting Philippine products. Under the newly enacted law, the regional and provincial offices of the DTI shall, in cooperation with the concerned LGUs, determine the beneficiaries of the OTOP Program based on the qualifications and standards in place. Beneficiaries will be provided a comprehensive package of assistance covering areas of product development, product design, packaging and labeling assistance, technology updating, and product enhancement. On the other hand, the DTI and the Department of Science and Technology will be in charge of providing capacity building through training opportunities, standards and market compliance, market access, and product promotion. Villar said all LGUs must establish their own local OTOP Hub in any location that has high foot traffic of consumers, preferably in the city or municipal hall. The post OTOP bill seen helping MSMEs, local products appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Recently enacted OTOP bill to aid MSMEs, boosts Phl products
The One Town, One Product bill will greatly help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sector or MSMEs in the country. “Gusto po natin ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa mga local MSMEs and consumers na batas na po ang One Town, One Product,” said Senator Mark Villar. The newly enactyed OTOP law will also boost the promotion of Philippine local products. Marcos signed the OTOP bill into law on 24 August which authorizes the Department of Trade and Industry to establish the OTOP Philippines Trustmark, an assurance that the products under the program represent the country's best merchandise. The OTOP Philippines Trustmark shall signify that the business and products have been marked as “excellent in terms of quality, design, value, and marketability," Villar said. The law covers all the OTOP Philippines programs including local delicacies, agricultural-based products, artisanal crafts, and skills-based services that can only be found in the country. Villar underscored that the OTOP law is also envisioned to assist rural communities in growing the local economy and promote the convergence of initiatives from local government units, national government agencies, and the private sector in developing and promoting Philippine products. Under the newly enacted law, the regional and provincial offices of the DTI shall, in cooperation with the concerned LGUs, determine the beneficiaries of the OTOP Program based on the qualifications and standards in place. Beneficiaries will be provided a comprehensive package of assistance covering areas of product development, product design, packaging and labeling assistance, technology updating, and product enhancement. On the other hand, the DTI and the Department of Science and Technology will be in charge of providing capacity building through training opportunities, Standards and Market Compliance, Market Access, and Product Promotion. The law also creates the OTOP Philippines Hubs, which will be strategically located in ports of entry such as airports, seaports, bus terminals, high-traffic retail outlets like malls, tourist destinations, and other consumer-frequented locations. LGUs must establish their own local OTOP Hub in any location that has high foot traffic of consumers, preferably in the city or municipal hall. The post Recently enacted OTOP bill to aid MSMEs, boosts Phl products appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go bats for consumer protection vs fake products
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his concern over the unchecked proliferation of fake products in the market, emphasizing the grave socio-economic consequences it may bring. Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Trade, called upon the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other agencies to ensure full implementation of the Consumer Act and protect consumer rights. "Nasa Senate Committee on Trade na ang isyu hinggil sa proliferation ng mga fake products sa merkado. At bilang miyembro ng komiteng ito, asahan na talagang tutukan ko ang isyung ito," Go said. This is after the reported proliferation of scammers exploiting celebrity visuals for unregistered medicine endorsements. Go also earlier stressed the need to regulate the operations of online pharmacies in the country, as proposed under the eBotika bill, which was filed by Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel Biron. Meanwhile, the senator's commitment to consumer protection is evident in his co-sponsorship and co-authorship of Senate Bill 1846, or the Internet Transactions Bill, aimed at combating the proliferation of fake products through the protection of consumers and merchants engaged in e-commerce. The bill reflects a timely response to the global pandemic's impact on boosting online businesses nationwide, where the risk of encountering fake products has increased. "The pandemic required us to explore new ways and more convenient options to do business. As we enter the new normal, online transactions have become a necessity, if not the new norm for all of us. This makes the issue of fake products even more pressing," cited Go. He further noted the vast coverage of e-commerce, including basic needs like food, drink, and clothing, where fake products can infiltrate the market. The country's internet economy is projected to grow to $26 billion in gross merchandise value by 2025, according to Google and Temasek's 2021 eConomy SEA Report, highlighting the urgency to address the fake products issue. Go emphasized the importance of protecting small businesses and online sellers from this threat, especially during these times, as it is crucial to the country's recovery. "Protektahan po natin ang ating mga maliliit na negosyo at ating mga online sellers na ang gusto lamang ay maghanapbuhay para sa kanilang mga pamilya, lalung-lalo na po ngayong panahong ito,” said Go. “The proliferation of fake products undermines their efforts and is detrimental to the recovery of our country," he stressed. The proposed law also seeks to mandate the creation of an e-Commerce Bureau under the DTI for better regulation of fake products and provides for the regulatory jurisdiction of the DTI over e-marketplaces, e-retailers, and other digital platforms that may be conduits for fake products. Furthermore, Go continues to advocate for the digitalization of government transactions to reduce red tape, prevent corruption, and improve service delivery. He filed Senate Bill 194, the proposed E-governance Act, to strengthen data sharing among government agencies and digitalize traditional workflows. “The government must use information and communications technology to better serve its purpose and get closer to the people in an era where practically everything can be done online and through other digital channels,” said Go. “This includes taking decisive action against the proliferation of fake products that threaten our economy and the well-being of our citizens,” he earlier said. The post Bong Go bats for consumer protection vs fake products appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»