We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Topacio: ‘President Arroyo has done no wrongdoing during her term’
The camp of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo deemed "baseless" the graft and malversation raps filed against the former president before the Ombudsman last week, accusing her of abuse of discretion over the disbursement of P38.807 billion in Malamapya funds during her presidency. Arroyo's legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, said that while they have yet to receive the copy of the complaint-- and learned about it through the news-- they have no doubt that the accusations will be disproven. "Suffice it to state that based on newspaper reports, the complainant admits that the funds concerned were used for public purposes," the lawyer said. "In accordance with settled legal principles, Pres. Arroyo has done no wrongdoing during her term, and we are confident that these charges will be proven false, in the same manner, that other accusations made before them have been shown to be baseless," he said. Topacio was referring to a 34-page complaint filed by National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms or NASECORE president Petronilo "Pete" Ilagan and Boses ng Konsyumer Alliance Inc. president Rogelio Reyes, suing Arroyo of 96 counts each of graft and malversation. The complainants cited irregularities in the utilization of Malampaya funds during Arroyo's incumbency, specifically the realigning of the revenues to finance government projects for which the funds were not intended. Arroyo was the Philippine president from 2001 to 2010. Ilagan and Reyes accused Arroyo of taking advantage of her post in allowing the use of P38.807 billion of Malampaya funds for purposes other than the avowed intention of Presidential Decree 910 and as highlighted by a 2017 special audit on the fund by the Commission on Audit. PD 910, signed in 1976, mandates that the profits from Malampaya remitted to the government should be used to finance energy resource development and exploration activities. However, it also stipulates that Malampaya earnings can also be used for "other purposes as directed by the President," which the complainants argued was abused by Arroyo. "Respondent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo whimsically took the opportunity of the said law's inadequacy and deliberately twisted the interpretation of the said provision to mean that she, as President, had the discretion to use the Malampaya Fund for whatever purpose she deemed fit," the complainants said. Ilagan and Reyes heavily emphasized Arroyo's command to direct the Malampaya funds to agricultural and irrigation programs, disaster rehabilitation, transport projects, national security activities, and cash assistance to the transport sector under the Pantawid Pasada Program, which they claimed was entirely unrelated to energy development. "In short, the Malampaya fund became a discretionary fund of the Office of the President, and disbursements therefrom became subject of whims and caprice of the respondent without regard to the purpose and policy of Presidential Decree No. 910," the complainants said of Arroyo. In the meantime, Topacio expressed their intention to defer it to the justice system and thereafter present a counterargument against the charges in due time. Arroyo and three of her Cabinet secretaries were previously sued for plunder by the National Bureau of Investigation before the Ombudsman for purportedly stealing a P900-million Malampaya fund intended for the impoverished back-to-back typhoon victims in 2009. She was cleared of the charges in 2016 following then-Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales' verdict that the NBI "failed to prove" that they colluded in the illegal diversion of Malampaya fund. The post Topacio: ‘President Arroyo has done no wrongdoing during her term’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indonesia sanctions 11 industrial firms over Jakarta pollution spikes
Indonesia has sanctioned 11 industrial firms for failing to meet operational standards as the government moves to deal with major pollution spikes in the capital Jakarta, the environment minister said Monday. Air pollution levels in the megalopolis of about 30 million people have risen to some of the highest in the world in recent months, topping global rankings multiple times since the beginning of August, according to Swiss air monitor IQAir. The government had blamed weather patterns and vehicle emissions for the spike but some ministers have recently acknowledged coal-fired power plants and factories around the capital were also partly responsible. "We have imposed administrative sanctions on 11 entities," Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar told a news conference, without identifying the firms. "This means that based on inspections, we have identified areas where they don't meet the standards, and they are required to rectify these issues." She said the sanctioned firms were coal stockpiling, smelting, paper and charcoal companies. The administrative sanctions were not outlined. The action came on the same day that President Joko Widodo inaugurated Jakarta's first elevated light railway line, which he said would alleviate chronic traffic and help reduce pollution. The Light Rail Transit will link central Jakarta to surrounding satellite cities such as Bekasi. Widodo said in a cabinet meeting last week that the long dry season, vehicle emissions and industrial activities were all factors in the pollution spike. In another move to improve the city's air quality, the Jakarta administration has ordered half its civil servants to work from home in a two-month trial that started last week. Jakarta officials have stressed that no public services would be affected by the trial, emphasizing that only non-essential government workers can work from home. The post Indonesia sanctions 11 industrial firms over Jakarta pollution spikes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan says North Korea threat more serious than ‘ever’
Japan said Friday that North Korea posed a more serious threat to its national security than "ever before", as nuclear-armed Pyongyang rattles its neighbours with repeated missile tests and belligerent rhetoric. In its annual white paper -- a rundown of the most pressing military threats and plans to ensure stability -- Japan's defence ministry made a case for a significant hike in domestic defence spending as the world enters "a new era of crisis". While China's growing military might and Russia's invasion of Ukraine were major focuses of the white paper, North Korea also ranked as a key concern for Japan. "North Korea's military activities pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan's national security than ever before," the document said. "It is believed that North Korea has the ability to attack Japan with nuclear weapons fitted to ballistic missiles." The white paper, approved by the cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday morning, comes as North Korea ramps up the frequency of its missile tests. North Korean state media on Thursday released photos of Kim Jong Un giving Russia's defence minister a tour of the country's newest and most advanced weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and previously unseen military drones. Russia, another historic ally of North Korea, is one of a handful of nations with which Pyongyang maintains friendly relations. Kim Jong Un has been steadfast in his support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles -- a charge Pyongyang has denied. Pyongyang's recent weapons tests -- the latest was on Monday -- come as Tokyo, Seoul and Washington increase military cooperation to counter the North's growing nuclear threats and China's influence in the region. The white paper said China's military activities posed "an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" to Japan while reiterating that joint military drills with Russia were also a concern. China regularly sends government ships to islands in dispute with Tokyo while also conducting naval drills in waters including in the Pacific, raising alarm in Japan and area nations. Beijing has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many leading democracies fearing China may also move to aggressively take over Taiwan. "The international community is facing its greatest trial since World War II and we have entered a new era of crisis," Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said in the document. The white paper reiterated Tokyo's commitment to boost its military spending and capacity. For decades, Japan has capped military spending at around one percent of GDP. But late last year, Kishida's government approved a plan to increase defence spending to two percent of GDP by fiscal year 2027, to around 11 trillion yen ($78.7 billion). The post Japan says North Korea threat more serious than ‘ever’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The vagaries of resignation (1)
The alleged involvement of high-ranking police officers, three generals, and 15 colonels, in the recycling, selling, and distribution of the prohibited drugs, if true, is the worst act that those who are tasked to enforce the law could commit. Such a commission is a crime, a betrayal of the trust reposed on them by the people, a violation of their oath of office as public servants, and unpardonable malfeasance in office. Based on their alleged participation in the illegal drug trade, their courtesy resignations, which submission was required of them by the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and upon the recommendation of the five-man committee and the National Police Commission, mandated to evaluate their performance as police officers and to probe their engagement in the nefarious and illegal drug cartel, have been accepted by the President, as announced by the latter in his State of the Nation Address. The announcement was received with thunderous applause by the audience composed of the members of the Senate and the House Representatives, members of the Cabinet, Diplomatic Corps, local government officials, and other dignitaries and guests. Without delving into the reason for requiring almost a thousand higher-level of police officers to submit their courtesy resignations, and its acceptance by the Chief Executive, a citizen would welcome such development given the widespread talked-about and public perception of police personnel dipping their hands into the huge cookie jar of illegal drug money. The immediate reaction is one of elation from those who have heard of the termination of their services because they would certainly think that those whose resignations were accepted were guilty of serious misdemeanors or crimes, and therefore deserving of their being kicked out from the service. It is, however, vital to know the antecedents of the filing of their resignations to give objective and appropriate remarks on the issue. A few months ago, the DILG Secretary publicly announced that based on his department’s and the PNP’s investigation, there were a few ranking police officers involved in the prohibited drug activities hence, there was a need for a cleansing of the police organization. He, thereafter, decided that the best way to get rid of these police scalawags was to ask for almost a thousand police generals and colonels to hand in their courtesy resignations. Immediately this lawyer, on various platforms, including this column, criticized the DILG honcho on the inappropriateness and illegality of the directive. Inappropriate because if you want to exclude less than five police officers from the hierarchy, why include those who are on the list of suspected drug coddlers? It is illegal because the order (certainly not a plea, nor a request and neither an appeal, anybody who says otherwise is a poor liar) to resign violates the security of tenure given to all employees of the government. The phrase “courtesy resignation” is, in reality, a demand/directive to resign laced with threats and intimidation, which failure to comply with would result in adverse repercussions to the one who disobeys the same. This writer argued that the legal way to pluck out from the police force these scoundrels was to file administrative and/or criminal charges against them and be given the opportunity to defend themselves under the constitutional guarantee of due process. The argument of the DILG head that it would be only tedious to apply the regular way to removing errant police officers but they could, meanwhile, use their position to influence the outcome of the administrative/criminal case, is hogwash. Under the law, there is an automatic preventive suspension of 90 days upon the filing of the complaint and therefore there is no way the suspended police officer could interfere with the legal process using his/her position. A 90-day suspension is sufficient for law enforcement authorities to prosecute the suspected criminals in uniform. If they have enough evidence to hurdle the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt in court, then the accused will be placed behind bars. By just asking them to resign, the suspected guilty ones were given the opportunity not only to make hay on their criminal activities but to cover up their crimes using their office and position as they remained in office for 7 months for the acceptance of their resignations. (To be continued) The post The vagaries of resignation (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blinken in Tonga warns of ‘predatory’ Chinese aid
Antony Blinken on Wednesday became the first US secretary of state to visit Tonga, dedicating a new US embassy and warning South Pacific nations about the perils of "predatory" Chinese investment. As part of a drive to build Washington's influence across the region and to counter Beijing's growing clout, Blinken touched down in Nuku'alofa on a diplomatic charm offensive. "We're a Pacific nation," and "we very much see the future in the Indo-Pacific region," Blinken told his hosts while pledging support on projects that are important to them. "We really understand what is a priority for the people here," he said, citing issues like climate change, development and illegal fishing. "There are a long list of things that we're working on together, but it's all driven by focusing on what's concrete, what can really make a difference in people's lives." But he also had a barbed warning about aid from Beijing -- which has increased dramatically in recent years -- saying it often comes with strings attached. "As China's engagement in the region has grown, there has been some -- from our perspective – increasingly problematic behaviour," Blinken said. He claimed China had been behind "some predatory economic activities, and also investments that are done in a way that can actually undermine good governance and promote corruption". Earlier this year, Micronesia's then-leader David Panuelo publicly accused China of engaging in harassment and espionage, and bribing members of his cabinet. Diplomatic hub Tonga, a Polynesian archipelago of about 100,000 people, is the latest in a string of Pacific island states being targeted in a renewed US diplomatic push. The new US embassy in the capital Nuku'alofa was officially opened in May, but Blinken's hosts said his visit signalled Washington's renewed interest in the region. "His presence here today is a testament to the fact that our partnership is growing from strength to strength," said Tongan Prime Minister Hu'akavemeiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, welcoming a "shared respect for democracy, rule of law and the rights and freedoms of others". The United States also has plans to open embassies in Vanuatu and Kiribati. In February, it restored its embassy in Solomon Islands after a 30-year hiatus. Chinese state-controlled media painted Blinken's visit as evidence that the United States no longer had confidence in its ally Australia to manage relations with Pacific Island nations. The United States has been the dominant military force in the South Pacific since World War II. But the region is increasingly an arena for powers to compete for commercial, political and military influence. China, the rising military power in the region, has also asserted itself through its expanding diplomatic reach, investment, police training and security deals. While in Tonga, Blinken also commented on the abrupt removal of Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang from office. "I wish him well," Blinken said, while vowing to work with his replacement Wang Yi. "I've also known Wang Yi for more than a decade. I've met with him repeatedly," Blinken said. "I anticipate being able to work well with him as we have in the past." "It is important for us to manage this relationship responsibly. That starts with diplomacy, that starts with engaging, and I will work with whoever the relevant Chinese counterpart is." The post Blinken in Tonga warns of ‘predatory’ Chinese aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Galvez returns as presidential peace adviser
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reappointed former AFP chief Carlito Galvez Jr. as presidential peace adviser after being renamed senior undersecretary of the Department of National Defense. In a statement Saturday, Galvez said Marcos reinstated him as the secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity to help in pushing forward the Bangsamoro peace process because “this is where his heart is.” Galvez was previously appointed as OPAPRU secretary by former President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018. In January this year, Marcos swore in Galvez as the DND officer-in-charge and later led several activities related to the defense sector. Galvez said he is determined to help the administration “unleash the full economic potential” of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Earlier this weekend, Galvez joined Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. in visiting the BARMM office in Cotabato City to assess the progress and development of peace initiatives in the region. Lagdameo and Galvez also met separately with BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Embrahim, Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Mohagher Iqbal, and other BARMM officials, to discuss possible areas of cooperation between the national and Bangsamoro government, particularly on initiatives that aim to boost the region’s standing as a commercial and trading center in Mindanao as well as maintaining peace and security situation in the region. Lagdameo is currently the co-chairperson of the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization, the body mandated to coordinate and mobilize national government agencies in the implementation of the Normalization Program for Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, their families, and communities. Galvez said there’s remarkable economic progress taking place in the BARMM region. Hence, he recommended the revival of what he described as “sea-lane of commerce” in the South. The president’s peace adviser was referring to the development of a coastal area that stretches from Malabang to the Polloc Port, and further down south to the island provinces of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. Galvez cited BARMM as the biggest contributor to the country’s fish industry, followed by the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) and Soccsksargen (Region 12), respectively. The economic activities within the Maguindanao del Norte and BARMM’s Island provinces are expected to increase after the BARMM’s Ministry of Transportation approved Roll On/Roll Off operations in April this year. The post Galvez returns as presidential peace adviser appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IAC-IMO creation ordered to tackle inflation, economic concerns
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an Executive Order to establish the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook to tackle inflation and improve economic initiatives, Malacañang said over the weekend. President Marcos signed EO 28 Friday, specifying that the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook will act as advisory body to the Economic Development Group (EDG; comprised of the economic cluster in the Cabinet) on measures aimed at maintaining inflation, particularly in food and energy, and within the government’s target range. Furthermore, the EO restructured and renamed the Economic Development Cluster as the Economic Development Group, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the streamlined coordination of programs, activities, and priorities to achieve sustained economic growth efficiently and effectively. “(Given) the increasing prices of key commodities, particularly food and energy resources, the creation of an advisory body to the EDC, tasked to directly address inflation, will strengthen the EDC and reinforce existing government initiatives aimed to improve the economy and the quality of life of the Filipino people,” part of the EO reads. Members The IAC-IMO will comprise of the following members: the Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority as chairman; the Secretary of Finance as co-chairman; the Budget Secretary as vice chairman; and additional members including the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry and Interior. According to the EO, the EDG is responsible for harmonizing, coordinating, complementing, and synergizing efforts to facilitate rapid, inclusive, and sustained growth in the country. The EO mandates the EDG to create an environment that fosters the growth and competitiveness of private enterprises and the generation of employment opportunities to uplift people and alleviate poverty. Enhancing agricultural enterprises Additionally, the EDG is tasked with enhancing agricultural and rural enterprises and implementing trade policies that are crucial for achieving food security and promoting equitable economic growth. Furthermore, the EDG addresses inflation concerns, ensuring food and energy security while considering the interests of producers, consumers, and the overall economy. The EO also emphasizes the importance of conducting research and development activities relevant to the needs of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises, as well as national industries. Moreover, the EDG is responsible for enhancing national productivity and the competitiveness of domestic products and services. It is also entrusted with ensuring the equitable distribution of economic opportunities and benefits among the Filipino population. To prevent duplication of efforts and unnecessary bureaucracy, the EO instructs the EDG to defer to the NEDA Board and its inter-agency committees, as stipulated in EO 230 issued in 1987, regarding matters under their primary purview. The post IAC-IMO creation ordered to tackle inflation, economic concerns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Disaster resiliency must be prioritized
Typhoons occur very often in our country. Located along the typhoon belt in the Pacific, the Philippines is visited by 20 typhoons on average yearly. Some have been more devastating than most — ravaging lands, destroying properties, and claiming the lives of our affected Filipinos. And because of climate change, in addition to our geographical location in the Pacific, the Philippines is exposed to natural calamities that are getting more often and more severe. While we can’t prevent the entry of typhoons, we could very well stay one step ahead to minimize the damage brought by these natural disasters and hopefully save more lives through a more prepared and proactive approach, better coordination among concerned government agencies, and stronger cooperation from the public. As super typhoon “Betty” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday, I pray for the safety of all our affected kababayans and hope for an efficient restoration of normalcy once the typhoon passes. I commend our frontline government agencies and local authorities who, days before the typhoon’s entry, so far have reportedly already made necessary preparations to deal with this and its aftermath. These preparations and more go a long way in securing the lives and property of our affected Filipinos. Nevertheless, considering our country’s vulnerability to natural calamities, we must continue instituting measures that will ensure more proactive and effective disaster preparedness and response. Thus, I continue advocating for several disaster resilience measures, including the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience through my proposed Senate Bill No. 188. If the bill is enacted into law, the DDR shall serve as an empowered and highly-specialized cabinet level-department with a clear unity of command, responsible for ensuring safe, adaptive, and disaster-resilient communities. It shall lead the crafting and implementation of programs and activities to reduce the risk of all types of natural hazards and effects of climate change and manage the impact of disasters. I have also filed SBN 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Centers Act, which seeks to require the establishment of evacuation centers in every province, city, and municipality throughout the country that shall provide basic needs and assistance to all evacuees. Also, I have introduced SBN 192, also known as the Rental Housing Subsidy Act, in a bid to provide disaster victims better and more affordable access to the formal housing market through the provision of rental subsidies by the government. Finally, SBN 1709 proposes to amend the provisions of the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010” to mandate the grant of hazard pay to the personnel of respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices and Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Committees, as well as all accredited community disaster volunteers enlisted to their respective territorial jurisdictions during the State of Calamity declared by the President. Under the proposed measure, all personnel of the LDRRMOs in all provinces, cities, and municipalities and all accredited community disaster volunteers, regardless of their employment status, shall be granted a hazard pay of P3,000 every month if it is enacted into law. This is in recognition of their invaluable sacrifices and contributions in looking after the safety of our people in the face of disasters and even at the risk of their own lives. Similarly, our dedication to public service never ceases. From Monday to Sunday, our work inside and outside the hallowed halls of the Senate continues. On top of our Senate sessions, I led the distribution of aid to 1,663 indigents from Gapan City, municipalities of Cabiao and Peñaranda in Nueva Ecija; 1,000 in Pasig City, as well as 1,201 fire victims in Sta. Cruz, Manila last week. On 25 May, I also visited Davao de Oro for the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center, inspect a two-story multi-purpose building, and led a relief activity for 1,000 residents in Maco town. We attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in Libertad town and Barangay Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City, and spearheaded three relief operations for 1,000 indigents in Libertad, and 2,000 in Barangay Balubal, and another 300 in the city on 26 May. Apart from the groundbreaking of the Escalante City Super Health Center in Negros Occidental on 27 May, I aided 2,000 residents of the city composed of fisherfolks, tricycle drivers, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. I joined the 25th Manlambus Festival where I was able to watch a carabao race and provided aid to 200 carabao owners. On 28 May, I inspected the Sariaya Super Health Center in Quezon province and helped 1,000 indigents in the town. In Lucena City, 1,500 residents received aid. I also joined the Pasayahan Festival and inspected the Lucena City Promenade, whose funding I supported. My outreach teams extended aid to 400 barangay health workers and nutritionists in Macalelon, Quezon; 373 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority graduates in Argao, Cebu; and 1,200 tricycle drivers in San Luis, Pampanga. Indigents, including 81 in Llanera, Nueva Ecija; 500 in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental; 250 in Dipaculao and 233 in San Luis, Aurora. Also, our office joined the dental and medical mission of 150 indigents in Pandan, Antique. In the face of inevitable natural hazards, we all must exert efforts to build a more disaster-resilient nation. Through effective measures, preparations, proper coordination, and widespread cooperation, we can all save lives, help each other recover, and rise again even stronger. The post Disaster resiliency must be prioritized appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cabinet shake-up looms (2)
The energy sector is also in dire straits. Just yesterday, five power plants shut down affecting the Luzon power grid that brought brownouts to many areas. The telecommunications in the country, instead of improving, has deteriorated. The use of laptops and cellular phones has been an ordeal and vexing. Lines are suddenly cut off in the middle of conversations, connecting or reconnecting is exasperating. The hotline that will give access to the office of the President over complaints by the citizens on the abuses and inaction by government officials and employees appears not to be efficiently operating. Either the hotline telephones are just constantly ringing with no one attending to them or inaccessible, to the consternation and frustration of callers seeking government response and action. In a recent convention of government personnel in Davao, a department secretary was the target of biting criticisms owing to his delayed attendance because he gave more priority to his playing golf. The irate attendees talked about his arrival with wailing sirens and a fleet of police security and staff, his demand to wear a bulletproof vest, and his outrageous self-entitlement demeanor. There are saving graces, however, in other areas like the field of education, social welfare, agrarian, tourism, housing and health. The vice-president and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte, as expected, has introduced programs geared toward streamlining its services to the teachers and the students. She has undertaken measures to improve not only the quality of education but the safety of the students as well. She has endeavored to respond to the needs of the teachers and made sure that the school buildings and facilities are ready for the students and the school supplies sufficiently adequate and readily available to them. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian has brought to the office his vast experience as a multi-awarded Mayor of Valenzuela to provide social services for the welfare of those in the vortex of poverty, victims of calamities, and natural disasters. He made sure that the government is well-equipped with food packages, relief goods, clothes, and medicines even before the disaster struck. He has made innovations to deliver the services promptly. efficiently and adequately. The Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, without fanfare and minus the glare of publicity, has implemented the law on land reform bringing joy to the landless who have been neglected for years. He has continued the policy of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to distribute idle government lands to the poor without the bureaucratic red tape and the corruption that characterized the grant and distribution of those land-reformed areas. Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia-Frasco, a firm believer in the tourism industry as a driver of economic growth, has embarked on resting programs and policies to attract more tourists. Pursuant to the administration’s policy of ensuring connectivity and accessibility with other countries, she has engaged in route development with her counterparts. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose “Jerry” Acuzar, with his rich background in real estate business and development, has not disappointed the expectations of those who admire his crown jewel development of Las Casas Resort in Bataan that transport anybody who goes there to the beautiful Spanish era of yesteryears of grandiose and magnificent houses. He has improved the human settlements and policies commenced by the Duterte administration. He is currently putting up housing units for those without decent dwellings for their families following the ambitious project of PBBM to provide comfortable housing to more than a million house-deprived Filipinos. Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Health, Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, continues with her competent work as Health Undersecretary under the previous leadership. She has strictly implemented the health protocols that were established to contain the dreaded Covid-19 and relaxing them when circumstances so permit but maintaining the minimum necessaries to prevent its spread and is succeeding judging from the apparent return to normalcy of people’s daily activities. In the coming appointment or replacement of Cabinet officials, PBBM certainly will be guided by the performance or the lack of it of the heads of the government entities. With the looming Cabinet shake-up, there is wisdom in the observation that members of the Cabinet should not be politicians or current elected officials. Politicians will always be aiming for higher positions and will be using their offices as springboards to reach their lofty ambitions hence they will be playing politics. Sadly, in the performance of their duties, their personal interest prevails over national interest. This was so evident in the past as well as in the present. Those who want to be appointed are constantly and shamelessly engage in sucking activities with the present dispensation. They are the piranhas that should be avoided for they will only bring ruin and embarrassment to the appointing power. The President must be spared and shielded from these scoundrels. The post Cabinet shake-up looms (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA on Del Rosario: ‘Consummate diplomat, inspiring leader’
Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who ushered the Philippines’ case against China in the 2016 landmark decision that cemented Manila’s claim over the West Philippine Sea, passed away at 83, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Tuesday. In a statement, the DFA said Del Rosario died while en route to San Francisco in the United States. It did not elaborate further on the cause of the passing of the agency’s former chief. The DFA described Del Rosario as a “staunch advocate of protecting and advancing national security and promoting the rights and welfare of Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad.” He joined the Cabinet of late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as DFA secretary from 2011 to March 2016. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo also extended his condolences to the family of the country’s former top diplomat. “I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario. He was a consummate diplomat and an inspiring leader who led the DFA with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service. You will be missed, Mr. Secretary,” said Manalo. 2016 Arbitral Ruling During his stint as the DFA chief, Del Rosario led the country’s arbitral case before the Hague-based court and challenged China’s historic nine-dash claim in the South China Sea. On 12 July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration favored the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea – a landmark decision that the People’s Republic of China continues to reject. Even after his stint at the DFA ended, Del Rosario continued to speak against Chinese activities in the WPS, which earned the ire of Aquino’s successor, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte and Del Rosario traded barbs at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, after the latter said that ranking Chinese officials helped the former president win in the 2016 elections. In response to Del Rosario’s allegation, the Duterte administration accused Del Rosario of being a “traitor” for ordering the withdrawal of Filipino ships during the 2012 standoff with China in Scarborough Shoal. The former DFA chief explained that he mistakenly believed that China would keep its promise to call off its ships in a deal that was brokered by the United States. Before taking the helm of the DFA under the Aquino administration, Del Rosario also served as Philippine Ambassador to the United States under former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001 to 2006. Diplomats pay tribute As the news spread about the passing of Del Rosario, the international community also expressed its condolences to the family of the former DFA chief. Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jana Treybalová Šedivá said: “He was a source of inspiration and I learned so much from him.” “You will be missed also by Czech friends and colleagues, dear Albert,” she added. European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron described Del Rosario as "soft-spoken" but an "indefatigable diplomat and patriot whose role in strengthening EU-Philippines relations was critical." Likewise, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko expressed his gratitude to Del Rosario for his contributions to the Philippines-Japan bilateral relations. “His contributions to the Philippines-Japan relationship as symbolized by the conferment of a Japanese Decoration last year and his leadership to uphold the rule of law in the sea will never be forgotten,” Koshikawa said. Last November, the Japanese government conferred on Del Rosario the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, citing him for becoming an “instrument” in building the Japan-Philippines bilateral relationship toward becoming a “strategic partnership”. “Especially, he has significantly contributed in ensuring the safety of ships navigating the waters around the Philippines by strengthening the maritime security relations between both nations,” it said. It also acknowledged Del Rosario’s role in the historic victory of the Philippines in the special arbitral tribunal that favored the country against the People’s Republic of China in 2016. The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded by the Emperor of Japan to individuals, both Japanese and foreign, in recognition of long and/or especially meritorious service. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu also mourned the passing of Del Rosario, whom she described as a “good friend” to Australia. “Secretary Del Rosario will always be remembered for his support for UNCLOS and the rules-based international order,” YU said. Del Rosario is survived by his wife Gretchen and his children. The post DFA on Del Rosario: ‘Consummate diplomat, inspiring leader’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Numerous Individuals and Businesses Profit from Trump Media Stock
Former President Donald J. Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, had a successful first official trading session on the Nasdaq, with shares surging and approaching.....»»
Baltimore Bridge collapse: Police had about 90 seconds to stop traffic before bridge fell
BALTIMORE — It was the middle of the night when a dispatcher’s warning crackled over the radio: A massive cargo ship had lost its steering capabilities and was heading toward the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Within about 90 seconds, police officers who happened to be nearby responded that they managed to stop vehicle traffic over.....»»
The future of food
I met Ella, Singapore's first robotic barista, at Changi International Airport. Ella serves various drinks non-stop, from a classic latte to a Pandan Tea latte......»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
Lessons from Shohei Ohtanis Interpreter Blame: The Daily Guardia
Los Angeles Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has found himself at the center of a scandal involving alleged sports betting activities and theft.....»»
Rice imports as of mid-March 886,963 MT
The country’s rice imports as of mid-March have surpassed the total volume recorded in the entire first quarter of last year by a double-digit rate, to over 880,000 metric tons, government data showed......»»
Stop motorcycle taxi expansion, Marcos urged
Various transport groups yesterday appealed to President Marcos to stop the expansion of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila amid the impending decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board o authorize several companies as players in the pilot study......»»
Stocks retreat as investors stay on sidelines
Share prices retreated yesterday as investors opted to stay on the sidelines with trading shortened to three sessions this Holy Week......»»
Remove the chaff from the grains
Other than the questioned selling of the buffer stock of rice to traders, what’s happening at the National Food Authority (NFA)? With 132 of around 2,000 NFA officials and employees all around the country suspended for six months without pay, this agency attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA) is struggling to stay relevant in the over-all schemes of the government on food security......»»
Thin volume seen on short trading week
Local stocks are expected to move sideways this week with only three trading days due to the Holy Week break......»»