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Room to improve: Oftana still wants to be better after 3-Point Shootout reign
TNT's Calvin Oftana dethrones Paul Lee for the Guards/Wings Three-Point Shootout crown during the PBA All-Star Weekend in Bacolod City.....»»
PH still among countries perceived to have corrupt governments
The Philippines remained among Asian countries perceived to have corrupt governments, but the “slight improvement” in the country’s ranking should be seen as “a challenge to do better and a reason for hope that the country is headed in the right direction,” according to a top Palace official. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin did not even.....»»
Kapatik World Tattoo Expo showcases a global tapestry of ink, culture, and camaraderie
Kapatik World Tattoo Expo showcases a global tapestry of ink, culture, and camaraderie.....»»
'WalangPasok: January 9 idineklarang non-working holiday sa Maynila
BILANG paggunita ng pista ng Itim na Nazareno, idineklara ang January 9 bilang special non-working holiday sa lungsod ng Maynila. Ibig sabihin niyan, sa Maynila lamang ang walang pasok. Ang nabanggit na holiday ay idineklara ni Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin sa ilalim ng Proclamation 434. “I, Lucas Bersamin, Executive Secretary, by authority of the President,.....»»
Palace declares special holidays in provinces
Malacañang has declared special holidays in various parts of the country to celebrate local events and festivals, under proclamations signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of President Marcos......»»
SC orders VP Sara to respond to petition on constitutionality of OVP’s P125M CF
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has directed Vice President Sara Duterte to respond to the petition that questions the constitutionality of the P125-million confidential fund (CF) allocated for the Office of the Vice President in 2022. In a two-page notice made public Monday, the High Tribunal also directed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and.....»»
Sara Duterte asked to respond to petition assailing P125 million confidential fund transfer
In a two-page notice, the SC En Banc ordered Duterte, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and the Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to file their comment within 10 days from receipt of notice without giving due course to the petition......»»
DBP now exempted from remitting 2022 net earnings with gov t
Marcos issued Executive Order No. 48 signed through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin which adjusted the percentage of net earnings to be declared and remitted by DBP for Calendar Year 2022 from 50% to 0%......»»
Marcos’ Bonifacio Day message: Love and serve your country
In a speech delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Marcos called on Filipinos to be “modern-day heroes” to commemorate the 160th birth anniversary of Bonifacio......»»
‘Government-NDF final peace agreement likely’
With both parties agreeing to resolve the decades-old armed conflict, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin broached the possibility of the government and the National Democratic Front, the communists group’s political wing, reaching a final peace agreement in the next months......»»
President okays work-from-home setup for workers, public schools on Oct. 31
MANILA, Philippines — Government employees and asynchronous classes for public students on October 31 have been allowed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. However, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that government agencies who are involved in the delivery of basic necessities will still continue with their usual operations and render the necessary services in person. READ:.....»»
From the Newsrooms: Maharlika Investment Fund still for review; Filipino supply mission hit by Chinese vessels
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS have made the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) a bit of an embarrassment for the Marcos administration. Its announcement in 2022 was met with furious controversy. Now its start is shaken by more disturbing questions.Newsrooms reported the memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 12 ordering the Bureau of Treasury, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Develop.....»»
PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to attend the final day of the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, or PBCE, sending Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instead. PBCE is the main assembly yearly of the country’s biggest trade group Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An incumbent president usually attends the second day of the PBCE to personally receive the business group’s resolution and suggestions on various issues. Malacañang did not give any detail on Marcos’ failure the biggest gathering of businessmen yearly. However, Vice President Sara Duterte attended the first day of the conference, in which she urged PCCI officials and members to join the Department of Education in reviewing the current senior high school system and provide valuable insights on skills matching in order to produce employable graduates. Besides the President, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual also did not make it which according to the Department of Trade and Industry communication’s chief, Undersecretary Kim Lokin, Pascual has not been feeling well since Wednesday. Cabinet officials, however, were in the event. They included Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan and Internal Revenue Commissioner Artemio Lumagui Jr. Resolution submitted Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. The resolution included the positions of various sectors, namely agriculture, energy and power; the environment and climate change; education and human resources development; industry and trade; ease of doing business and stability of rules and regulations; infrastructure, transport and logistics; innovation and digitalization; taxation, and tourism. Under the sectors of agriculture, energy and power, the business group urged the national government to develop a long-term plan to attain food security in agriculture and fishery through infrastructure support, technology transfer, product diversification, export enhancement, economies of scale, and adherence to the improvement of value chains and supply chains. For energy and power, the PCCI wanted the Marcos administration to ensure adequate and affordable power supply throughout the country by considering modern technology and harnessing renewable energy resources that meet the criteria of reliability and affordability. In terms of caring for the environment and climate change, PCCI officers and members also wanted the government to update and continue the execution of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (2010- 2022) which envisions a climate risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous, and self-reliant communities and thriving and productive ecosystems. For education and human resources development, the government was urged to propel the Philippine education system to world-class status by harnessing new technologies, fostering innovation, and implementing comprehensive reforms that will prepare students for success in the digital age and the globalized world of work. Empowering businesses For industry and trade, the Marcos administration wanted to empower industries and enterprises by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support programs to enhance their competitiveness both in the domestic and international markets, contribute to economic growth, and promote innovation in the Philippines’ industrial and trade sectors. Furthermore, the government was also advised to provide a stable and predictable business environment by ensuring clear, consistent, and transparent regulations, streamlining and simplifying bureaucratic processes, reducing unnecessary red tape, and eliminating barriers that hinder business growth and development. Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. Despite the ongoing Build, Better More infrastructure program, PCCI urged the government to implement a comprehensive national infrastructure, transportation and logistics master plan that outlines a long-term vision for connectivity and country-wide development. Together with the goal of urban decongestion, the strategy shall encompass the development of growth/business centers in different regions to create more employment opportunities and encourage people to relocate outside Metro Manila. The post PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAP placed under NEDA
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the transfer of the Development Academy of the Philippines from the Office of the President to the National Economic and Development Authority as part of the current administration’s rightsizing policy. Based on Executive Order 45, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang transferred DAP to NEDA to strengthen the relationship between NEDA and DAP for human resource development programs, research, data collection and information services. Socioeconomic goals The EO also wants to make sure that its study, education, and training are in line with the socioeconomic goals of the national government. “Pursuant to the rightsizing policy of the national government, it is imperative to streamline and rationalize the functional relationships of agencies with complementary mandates to promote coordination, efficiency, and organizational coherence in the bureaucracy,” part of the EO released to media showed on Thursday. The DAP, established under Presidential Decree No. 205, is currently connected to the OP under Section 23, Chapter 8, Title II, Book II of Executive Order 292, also known as the Administrative Code of 1987. Run programs for human resources It was created to help and promote the country’s development efforts by running programs for human resources that are meant to train people about development and improve management skills in the key parts of the government and the economy. NEDA is the main organization ensuring that all social and economic policies, plans and programs are ongoing, coordinated and thoroughly integrated. Its other job is to improve the analytical, operational, and evaluation skills of civil workers and the productivity of agencies listed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 in order to make the government run more smoothly. The post DAP placed under NEDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace: 3 November not a holiday
Malacañang on Thursday denied the existence of a proclamation declaring 3 November 2023 a holiday. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin made a brief statement after a now-deleted social media post circulated online claiming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that there is such a holiday declaration. "Fake news," Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told reporters when asked about the reports' legitimacy. Bersamin also debunked another report on Wednesday night claiming that government work and classes in public schools on 31 October 2023 would be suspended from 12 noon onwards. The non-working holidays, All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, fall on November 1 and 2, respectively. In preparation for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, the Palace designated Monday, 30 October, as a non-working holiday. The post Palace: 3 November not a holiday appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace: DAP now under NEDA
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has transferred the Development Academy of the Philippines from the Office of the President to the National Economic and Development Authority as part of the current administration's rightsizing policy. Based on Executive Order No. 45, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang transferred DAP to NEDA to strengthen the relationship between NEDA and DAP for human resource development programs, research, data collection and information services. The EO also wants to make sure that its study, education and training services are in line with the socioeconomic goals of the national government. "Pursuant to the rightsizing policy of the national government, it is imperative to streamline and rationalize the functional relationships of agencies with complementary mandates to promote coordination, efficiency, and organizational coherence in the bureaucracy," part of the EO released to media showed on Thursday. The DAP, established under Presidential Decree No. 205, is currently connected to the OP under Section 23, Chapter 8, Title II, Book II of Executive Order No. 292, also known as the Administrative Code of 1987. It was created to help and promote the country's development efforts by running programs for human resources that are meant to train people about development and improve management skills in the key parts of the government and the economy. NEDA is the main organization ensuring that all social and economic policies, plans and programs are ongoing, coordinated and thoroughly integrated. Its other job is to improve the analytical, operational and evaluation skills of civil workers and the productivity of agencies listed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 in order to make the government run more smoothly. The post Palace: DAP now under NEDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace: ‘Northrail met standards for abolition, not producing desired outcomes’
Malacañang announced on Saturday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the abolition of the North Luzon Railways Corp. as it is no longer cost-efficient and producing desired outcomes. The Memorandum Order 17 was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin—by the authority of President Marcos—on 19 October. The Governance Commission for GOCCs determined that Northrail has met the standards for abolition for not producing the desired outcomes; no longer achieving the objectives and purposes for which it was designed and created; not being cost-efficient; and not generating the level of social, and physical, and economic returns vis-a-vis the resource inputs. In ordering the abolition, Marcos tasked the Bases Conversion and Development Authority board of directors to act as the administrator and liquidator of Northrail. The BCDA should settle the Northrail liabilities, including the payment of separation incentive pay to affective officials and personnel as well as undertake the necessary steps in liquidating Northrail’s assets and assist in the winding up of its corporate affairs. The BCDA directors shall also conduct an inventory of all of Northrail's existing programs and projects and either terminate or transfer them to concerned government agencies. The inventory also includes the list of Northrail's assets and liabilities and how to dispose of or settle them. The BCDA is also tasked to formulate a Change Management Plan for affected stakeholders of Northrail. It shall likewise conduct an inventory of all pending cases brought by and against Northrail and formulate the appropriate actions to resolve the cases. The original copies of Northrail’s corporate books and account and financial records will be surrendered to the Commission on Audit by the BCDA board of directors. Palace said the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel shall provide the necessary legal assistance to the BCDA in this endeavor. The GCG shall monitor the implementation of the abolition of the Northrail. The Department of Transportation, as the supervising agency of the Northrail, shall continue to oversee the programs and activities relative to liquidation and winding-up of the affairs by the Northrail. Malacañang imposed the separation incentive pay to all effective personnel and officials of Northrail. Those who have rendered 20 years of service may avail of the following separation benefits of 1.00 x Monthly Basic Salary x No. of years. 20 years and 1 day to 30 years: 1.25 x MBS x No. of years 30 years and 1 day and above: 1.50 x MBS x No. of years The separation pay shall be charged against the available corporate funds of Northrail, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing policies. The Northrail was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 31 July 1995. It was then created as a wholly owned subsidiary of the BCDA to develop, construct, operate, and manage a railroad system to serve Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon. In 2015, the National Economic and Development Authority Board approved the North-South Commuter Railway Project, which was financed through official development assistance from Japan, effectively rendering the Northrail project terminated. The GCG ordered the “deactivation” of the Northrail, through Memorandum Order No. 2019-05 on 20 May 2019. The post Palace: ‘Northrail met standards for abolition, not producing desired outcomes’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IRR suspension: Delicate balance
Malacañang’s announcement of the suspension of implementing rules and regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund on 18 October, ten days short to two months after its release, was no surprise to many. Critics of the sovereign wealth fund recently raised concerns about its legality by filing a legal challenge with the Supreme Court. They argued that the fund needed to be properly established in accordance with constitutional requirements. The petitioners said the economic viability assessment mandated by the Constitution was not fulfilled, and the creation of the MIF, under Republic Act 11954 or Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023 signed on 18 July, infringed upon the central bank’s independence. The President was surprised, not by the IRR suspension, but by how alarming news reports were interpreting the suspension order “somehow as a judgment of the rightness or wrongness of the Maharlika Fund.” When the IRR of a law is suspended, the guidelines and procedures necessary to put the law into effect are temporarily halted or are still being finalized. For all intents and purposes, the IRR provides specific details on how the law should be implemented, including the processes, requirements, and timelines involved. To say that more improvements could be made, specifically to the MIF’s organizational structure to make it a better organization, is deemed a sugar-coated narrative rather than owning up to the flaws or imperfections. If an IRR is suspended, it could indeed affect the law’s implementation. Without clear guidelines and procedures, government agencies and individuals may face uncertainties or difficulties in complying with the law’s requirements. This could lead to delays or a lack of implementation, and hinder the intended objectives of the law. The suspension of the IRR, which offers an opportunity to identify and rectify such unintended outcomes, is a temporary measure and does not necessarily mean the law is invalidated. It may be a temporary setback for various reasons, such as legal challenges, revisions, or policy changes. Once the IRR issues are resolved, the law’s implementation can proceed with clarity to facilitate its smooth execution. Within the realm of governance and legislation, a delicate balance exists between effective enforcement and essential flexibility. The recent suspension memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin exemplifies such circumstances — an afterthought that the IRR warrants a critical evaluation. Laws, like the Maharlika Investment Fund Act, are designed to address specific issues, but the world is dynamic and constantly evolving. What may have been effective at the time of enactment, though just a little more than a year ago, may need to be made more suitable and adequate in the face of changing realities. Suspending IRRs acknowledges the need for flexibility, allowing for a reassessment of the law’s applicability in the present context, and ensuring that the legislation remains relevant and adaptive to the challenges of an ever-changing society. On to the end of 2023 — a timeline set by the President for the MIF to be operational, the thorough study of the IRR must engage relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, legal experts and affected parties, to gather diverse perspectives and ensure an inclusive decision-making process. Only by involving those directly impacted by the law can the suspension’s objective be tailored to address their concerns, leading to a more equitable and effective legal framework for the controversial MIF, devoid of self-serving interests. The post IRR suspension: Delicate balance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines suspends rollout of sovereign wealth fund
MANILA, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has ordered the suspension of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) implementation as the government studies the sovereign wealth fund's implementing rules and regulations (IRR), the country's Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Wednesday. In a statement, Bersamin said Marcos "issued the suspension because he wanted to study careful.....»»
Moratorium vs NDCP career grant imposed
Malacañang has imposed a moratorium on the grant of career executive service rank to graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines. The Memorandum Circular No. 35, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 2 October, has suspended the implementation of Executive Order 145 that grants CES rank to the graduates of the Master in National Security Administration program of the NDCP. The MC 35 underscored the need to re-evaluate the foregoing policy of granting CES rank to graduates of the MNSA program of the NDCP, “in order to ensure that its objectives are consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations.” “The implementation of EO 145 is hereby suspended, pending the study of the policy implications of EO 145, and consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the NDCP, to be conducted by the CES Board,” the new order stated. Within 60 days from the issuance of the MC 35, the CES Board is tasked to submit to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a comprehensive report on its findings together with its recommendations which will include either the lifting of the moratorium or the revocation of the EO 145. The MC 35 states that one of the strategies for good governance and improving bureaucratic efficiency under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 “is to guarantee competent and agile human resources in the government,” which includes strengthening the CES through the continuous updating of its programs, and the development of a new competency framework for the public sector. The post Moratorium vs NDCP career grant imposed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»