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U.S. Measles Cases Surpass 2023 Levels, C.D.C. Says – The Daily Guardian
The Daily Guardian – Measles Cases on the Rise in the United States Measles cases in the United States have been steadily increasing this year,.....»»
Stocks move in step with Asia-wide rally
Local stocks recovered yesterday, moving in step with Asian peers, ahead of US inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s thinking on rate cuts, while the crypto world got a boost after exchange-traded funds to track Bitcoin were approved in the United States......»»
BPI capital hike gets BSP approval
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has approved the request of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands to beef up its capitalization ahead of its merger with Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Bank Corp......»»
Torture in Egypt a ‘crime against humanity’ — rights groups
Egyptian authorities' "widespread and systematic" use of torture is "a crime against humanity", rights groups said Monday in an appeal to the United Nations to review Egypt's rights record. The report, submitted to the UN Committee against Torture, tracked the use of methods including "beatings, electrical shocks, sexual violence" and denial of access to medical care by members of the security services. Egyptian authorities "use of torture is so widespread and systematic as to amount to a crime against humanity under customary international law," the coalition of six rights groups said. Torture has been used "as a political tool to curtail dissent" in Egypt's long-running practice of targeting "human rights defenders, minorities, journalists, academics and opposition politicians," according to Mohamed Lotfy, the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms' executive director. The coalition submitting the report included the ECRF, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), and London-based human rights organization REDRESS. In November the UN committee will review Egypt's record under the UN Convention against Torture. Cairo has long been criticized for its rights record during the decade-long rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi who oversaw a crackdown on dissent. Rights groups estimate the country has around 60,000 political prisoners. Many of them, according to rights groups, have been subjected to brutal conditions in overcrowded cells and regularly mistreated by prison authorities. "Torture is dismissed as merely isolated acts of misconduct instead of being seen for what it really is: a deliberate attack on Egypt's citizens that is a crime against humanity," said Rupert Skilbeck, director of REDRESS. According to Monday's report, the use of torture is "part of a state policy," enabled by "emergency laws, 'counter-terrorism' laws and policies, and rampant impunity" for violations. Cairo has regularly denied torturing people in detention. US military aid The United States has repeatedly criticized Egypt's human rights record, accusing authorities of torture and "life-threatening prison conditions". Despite such persistent concerns, the administration of President Joe Biden last month approved most military aid to Cairo, in a total package that exceeds $1.2 billion and includes $235 million subject to human rights conditions imposed by Congress. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, citing national security interests, waved those restrictions but withheld a separate $85 million over rights issues. However, the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, threatened to block the military funding, in a move rights groups applauded on Sunday. "This decision is a needed first step... to hold the Egyptian regime accountable for its egregious human rights violations," 14 rights organizations said in a joint statement applauding congressional efforts to pull support from Egypt. Cardin replaced Senator Bob Menendez, who on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in New York to bribery and extortion allegations involving the Egyptian government. Since last year, Sisi's administration has made apparent overtures to the decimated opposition, launching a "national dialogue", pardoning political prisoners, and releasing detainees. But ahead of a presidential election in December that Sisi is widely expected to win, experts say the government has done little to actually advance its rights record. Despite the release of nearly 1,000 political prisoners in the past year, rights groups recorded almost three times as many detained over the same period. The post Torture in Egypt a ‘crime against humanity’ — rights groups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
JPMorgan Chase to pay $75 mn to settle Epstein-linked sex trafficking suit
JPMorgan Chase announced Tuesday that it will pay $75 million to settle a US Virgin Islands' (USVI) lawsuit that accused the bank of facilitating Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring. The big US bank, which previously reached a $290 million settlement with Epstein's victims, also announced an agreement with former JPMorgan executive Jes Staley for an undisclosed sum. These cases together resolve the bank's remaining litigation over its embarrassing long-running association with the late Epstein. The agreement with the USVI came a few weeks ahead of a scheduled trial in New York that likely would have bruised both sides. While the USVI accused JPMorgan of turning a "blind eye" to Epstein's conduct due to profit concerns, the bank levied essentially the same charge against USVI, saying the government helped Epstein obtain visas that allowed him to bring victims to the island. The settlement, which must be approved by a US court, includes $30 million to support USVI charitable organizations, $25 million to enhance USVI law enforcement to combat human trafficking and $20 million in attorneys' fees. JPMorgan did not admit liability as part of the settlement, but the "firm deeply regrets any association with this man, and would never have continued doing business with him if it believed he was using the bank in any way to commit his heinous crimes," the bank said in a statement. "JPMorgan believes this settlement is in the best interest of all parties," the bank said. The USVI had originally sought $190 million in damages for the bank's role in enabling Epstein's sex crimes, including in the Virgin Islands, where he had a residence. The USVI said JPMorgan "knowingly, negligently, and unlawfully provided and pulled the levers through which recruiters and victims were paid and was indispensable to the operation and concealment of the Epstein trafficking enterprise," according the original complaint. Bank hits back The bank hit back forcefully, saying in a May legal filing that the USVI government was "complicit in the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein." Under a "quid pro quo" relationship with top USVI officials, Epstein "gave them advice, influence, and favors," JPMorgan said in the filing. "In exchange, they shielded and even rewarded him... looking the other way when he walked through USVI airports accompanied by girls and young women." US Virgin Islands Attorney General Ariel Smith said Tuesday the agreement would prevent human trafficking in the future. "This settlement is an historic victory for survivors and for state enforcement, and it should sound the alarm on Wall Street about banks' responsibilities under the law to detect and prevent human trafficking," Smith said. "We are proud to have stood alongside the survivors throughout this litigation, and this settlement reflects our continued commitment to them," Smith said. The USVI press release listed a number of "substantial commitments" by JPMorgan to combat human trafficking, including informing law enforcement of perpetrators and terminating customers' accounts if there is credible evidence of wrongdoing. But a JPMorgan spokesperson said the bank has not changed or fortified its policies due to the accord. "There are no new commitments. Our controls, compliance, risk, and other functions are always improving, and we are continually investing to become even better," said JPMorgan's Trish Wexler. "We have always worked closely with law enforcement to help combat human trafficking, and we will continue to look for ways to invest in advancing this important mission." The post JPMorgan Chase to pay $75 mn to settle Epstein-linked sex trafficking suit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
High BoI figures show capital swing
As a testament to the strides taken to raise the country’s laggard investments, the country’s main investment promotion agency, the Board of Investments reported registering P720 billion worth of investments for the year until August. In a forum on Thursday, BoI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego said they now see positive investment growth for the rest of the year. “As of August of 2023, the BoI approvals amounted to 72 percent of the P1-trillion investment target for the year,” she added. Last Tuesday, BoI chairperson and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said he is confident of hitting and even surpassing the 2023 investment approvals target of P1.5 trillion. He said the investment promotion agency has projects in the pipeline, some of which came from past foreign trips of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the investment missions of the Department of Trade and Industry. Last year, the BoI approved an estimated P729 billion worth of new projects, which is 11 percent higher than the P655.4 billion approved in 2021. On Thursday, the BoI announced that it granted green lane endorsement to five floating solar power projects in Laguna Lake under Executive Order 18 or “Constituting Green Lanes for Strategic Investments,” meant to expedite, streamline and automate government approval and registration process of priority and strategic investments. “In keeping with the government’s goal of accelerating the realization of green investments in the Philippines, the BOI has given the go-ahead to ACEN Corporation’s requests for Green Lane processing of several renewable energy ventures located in Laguna Lake,” Pascual explained. The approved projects include SolarAce4, AC Laguna, AC Subic, GigaWind1 and Ingrid Floating Solar Power Plants, which are consistent with the government’s mission to accelerate the growth of eco-friendly investments. In accordance with EO 18, the five renewable energy. or RE, projects are now identified and designated as strategic investments, which are expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027. Obtaining green lane status expedites permit and license issuance, including resolving strategic investment issues. Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo awarded the Green Lane Certificates of Endorsement to ACEN president and CEO Eric Francia in an awarding ceremony at the BoI Main Office in Makati City last 6 September 2023. BoI Governor Ramos-Samaniego and Executive Director Bobby Fondevilla of the Investment Assistance Center are present in the ceremony, and ACEN representatives namely Anabelle Natividad, authorized representative; Atty. Lucky Aranas, project lawyer; and Miguel Ignacio, project manager. SolarAce4 covers 100 hectares of the lake surface area in Santa Cruz, Laguna, and will produce a 140-megawatt peak of clean energy. AC Laguna Floating Solar Power Plant — AC Laguna is located on 200 hectares of lake surface area in Victoria and Pila, Laguna, and will generate 280MWp of clean energy. The AC SUBIC Floating Solar Power Plant, occupying 200 hectares of lake surface area in Victoria and Santa Cruz, Laguna, is expected to produce 280MWp of clean energy. GigaWind1 Floating Solar Power Plant covers 200 hectares of lake surface area in Kalayaan and Paete, Laguna and will generate 280MWp of sustainable energy. Finally, Ingrid Floating Solar Power Plant is located on 100 hectares of lake surface area in Lumban, Laguna and will produce 140MWp of clean energy. At the forefront of Asia Pacific’s renewables revolution, ACEN is the first energy company in Southeast Asia to announce a Net Zero roadmap. ACEN, established in 2011, is the renewable energy platform of the Ayala Group. Its portfolio continues to grow with new solar and wind farms under construction in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Lao PDR and India. ACEN aims to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia and is targeting to reach 20 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. Its key markets are the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India. The post High BoI figures show capital swing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate to continue IACAT probe despite suspension of travel guidelines
The Senate wil continue its scheduled investigation into the departure formalities for international-bound Filipino passengers imposed by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking despite the suspension of the guidelines' implementation. In a press conference at the Senate, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said while the suspension of the “stricter” guidelines is a welcome development, the upper chamber is still keen to know the basis behind such guidelines. “First of all, we thank them for the suspension because they’re supposed to implement it on 3 September, Sunday. So they will suspend it but at the same time, they have to explain to us how did they come up with the guidelines,” Zubiri said. He noted that the IACAT must explain the basis for requiring international-bound Filipino travelers to provide various documents such as original copies of birth certificates and affidavits of consular service for the traveler’s destination, among others. “There is no law that requires us to do so. So, in the absence of a law, we want to ask them their basis for these added requirements for Filipinos to travel abroad,” he added. He issued the remarks after the Department of Justice on Thursday suspended the implementation of the IACAT’s revised guidelines on departure formalities. On Wednesday, the upper chamber approved an unnumbered resolution seeking to stop the implementation of the revised guidelines on 3 September. It was followed by a separate unnumbered resolution that aimed to challenge the constitutionality of the travel guidelines before the Supreme Court. Zubiri lauded Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, for suspending the implementation of the “stricter” travel guidelines, which has earned criticism from Filipino travelers ahead of the order's scheduled implementation on the weekend. “This proves that government agencies and the DOJ secretary are listening and sensitive to the pulse of the public,” he said. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva expressed his gratitude to the IACAT for “heeding our call to suspend the implementation of the revised IACAT travel guidelines.” “This is indeed a testament that our government listens. But our work does not stop here. We look forward to a dialogue with Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and the IACAT council to resolve the issues and find better solutions to combat human trafficking,” Villanueva said in a separate statement. “Our position remains. The revised IACAT travel guidelines are unreasonable, prone to abuse, and misplaced. The government should not put the burden on our kababayans but instead strengthen their programs against trafficking,” he added. Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate panel on Public Services, likewise welcomed the suspension of the new travel guidelines. “It averted what could have been a chaotic situation at our airports with the possible flight misses and boarding delays due to the cumbersome requirements,” Poe said. “We are one in our goal to give ease and security to legitimate travelers while making it hard for wrongdoers to victimize the public,” she added. The post Senate to continue IACAT probe despite suspension of travel guidelines appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t seeks Indon capital
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno presented to Indonesia’s business community the Philippine economic plans for securing investments in infrastructure, energy and technology. In a statement by the Department of Finance on Thursday, it said Diokno conducted the talk in Jakarta City on Wednesday ahead of the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting from 24 to 25 August. The listeners included members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Philippine Business Club Indonesia, and officials of foreign embassies in Jakarta. Diokno said the Philippine lawmakers are now studying all measures for faster public-private partnerships or PPPs as the Marcos administration aims to build 197 infrastructure flagship projects, including railways, airports and water management, among others. PPP crucial “The PPP Act, which is currently pending in the Senate, consolidates all legal frameworks on PPP and creates a unified system for investors to refer to when engaging in PPP projects,” DoF said. To build more capital for Philippine infrastructure development and diversify investment channels, Diokno said government agencies are now crafting the rules and regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund. “This is the Philippines’ first sovereign investment fund that will serve as a platform for investors to engage in direct equity investments in Philippine ventures,” he said. Diokno said both the legislative proposal and newly approved sovereign fund will support economic expansion from liberalized investment laws passed by the previous Duterte administration. Diokno shared amendments to the Public Service Act which now allows full foreign ownership from 40 percent previously of various businesses, such as airlines and telecommunications. Amid growing concerns with climate change, the finance chief said this applies also to renewable energy facilities, such as solar plants. Indonesia, along with China and India, is among the world’s largest exporter of coal, according to the International Energy Agency. However, Indonesia vowed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, while it is 2050 for the Philippines. To ensure efficient management and profitability of infrastructure, Diokno said the government also eased processes for foreign investors under the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. “To help foster the development of high quality, modern, and sustainable infrastructure in the country, we wasted no time in building a fertile business and investment ecosystem for private players,” Diokno said. The post Gov’t seeks Indon capital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘NBN-ZTE, China’s first salvo’
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday refuted a claim that it was his father, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, who promised China the BRP Sierra Madre would be removed from Ayungin Shoal. Ejercito pointed out that it was his father who ordered in 1999 that the World War II-era ship be run aground to bolster the Philippines’ sovereignty claim to what was also called the Second Thomas Shoal. The senator was reacting to a former government official’s claim in an opinion piece in a national daily that it was Estrada who promised the Chinese the Sierra Madre would be removed. “That claim seems inconsistent. The mere fact that President Estrada was the one who ordered the BRP Sierra Madre be grounded on Ayungin Shoal, it’s impossible that he would commit to removing the same,” he told reporters in a Viber message. Ejercito also took a swipe at the ex-official in connection with a controversial project the administration he worked for entered into with China. “At least President Erap had the courage to fight for our sovereignty,” the senator said. “Unlike them who paved the way for the NBN-ZTE, the first salvo of Chinese intrusions in our country.” Estrada’s son to former actress Guia Gomez was referring to the canceled National Broadband Network project with ZTE Corp., a Chinese telecommunications firm. China continues to insist it has territorial rights over Ayungin Shoal, which is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, as affirmed by a 2016 arbitral ruling. No such pledge After a China Coast Guard vessel used a water cannon in an attempt to drive away Philippine Coast Guard-led resupply boats headed to the BRP Sierra Madre last 5 August, Beijing claimed the Philippines had pledged to tow away the scuttled tank landing ship that serves as the Philippines’ outpost on Ayungin. In reaction, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he knew of no such promise by the Philippine government to remove the Sierra Madre, adding that if there was such a pledge made by a past administration, he was rescinding it. “Who was closer to China? Was it Erap? The VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) was in fact approved during his time,” Ejercito averred, referring to the military cooperation deal between the Philippines and the United States. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines decided in 1999 to deploy the BRP Sierra Madre as a permanent station on Ayungin Shoal in response to China’s illegal occupation of Panganiban Reef in 1995. The deployment was years ahead, according to the DFA, of the conclusion in 2002 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. “[It] is therefore not a violation of the DOC,” the DFA pointed out. The post ‘NBN-ZTE, China’s first salvo’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
JV: Not my father who made ‘deal’ to remove BRP Sierra Madre
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday refuted claims that it was his father, former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, who made an alleged agreement with China to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal. Ejercito said the claim that it was his father who committed to removing the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal is “impossible,” since it was Estrada who ordered the grounding of the World War II ship in the low-tide elevation. “That claim seems inconsistent. The mere fact President Estrada was the one who ordered the BRP Sierra Madre be grounded in Ayungin Shoal, it’s impossible he will commit to remove the same,” he told reporters in a Viber message. He also took a swipe against columnist Rigoberto Tiglao, who claimed it was his father who made such a commitment to China. “At least President Erap had the courage to fight for our sovereignty,” he said. “Unlike them who paved the way for NBN-ZTE, the first salvo of Chinese intrusions in our country,” he added, referring to the canceled National Broadband Network project with ZTE Corp., a Chinese telecommunications firm, during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now Pampanga 2nd District Representative. Tiglao served as the former presidential spokesperson and Chief of Staff of Arroyo, who served as the 14th president of the Philippines following the ouster of Estrada during the second People Power Revolution or EDSA II in 2001. China is insisting on its territorial rights over the Ayungin Shoal, which is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It also claimed the Philippine government had repeatedly made promises to tow away the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. “Who was closer to China? Was it Erap? The VFA was in fact approved also during his time,” said Ejercito, referring to the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines decided in 1999 to deploy the BRP Sierra Madre as a permanent station on Ayungin Shoal in response to China’s illegal occupation of Panganiban Reef in 1995. It also explained that the Philippine station on Ayungin Shoal was deployed in 1999, years ahead of the conclusion in 2002 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. “[It] is therefore not a violation of the DOC,” the DFA pointed out. The post JV: Not my father who made ‘deal’ to remove BRP Sierra Madre appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Congress earmarks funds NAIA infra projects
House Committee on Appropriations Vice-chairperson and Makati City Representative Luis Jose Angel Campos Jr. on Sunday announced that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is set to receive some P2.8 billion for infrastructure projects. Campos disclosed that also included is the P1.2-billion budget for the acquisition of a new traffic management system following the New Year’s Day breakdown that disrupted hundreds of flights. He said that the P1.2 billion in the proposed 2024 budget was allocated for the communications, navigation, and surveillance-air traffic management system which seeks to improve the efficiency of the country’s main gateway. “We are counting on the new CNS-ATM system to optimize airspace and airport efficiency, reduce flight delays, and improve travel experience,” said Campos in a statement. “Our hopes are high that the new system, once installed and fully functional, could potentially increase airport capacity to accommodate more flights in the years ahead,” he added. The move comes as Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista in January cited the need for a backup system, as the current system in use estimated to be worth P13 billion — is already in its midlife. Last month, the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., opted to push through with plans to privatize NAIA through a solicited bid with the upfront payment cost now being studied and initially estimated at P30 billion. In June this year, the DoTr and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal to the NEDA Board seeking a private concession to invest and improve the NAIA for 15 years. The NEDA Board approved the 15-year concession period, with the option to renew for another 10 years based on a performance review, and should the two new airports — the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and the Sangley International Airport in Cavite — be delayed. Before this, the Manila International Airport Consortium in April submitted an unsolicited proposal to take over NAIA, but this was deemed “de facto closed” when the government opted for a solicited bid. At present, NAIA’s terminals service over 40 million passengers versus its 32-million annual capacity, with 38 to 40 landings and takeoffs made per hour. The post Congress earmarks funds NAIA infra projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Israel parliament clips Supreme Court powers
Israel’s parliament defied a tense session, pressure from thousands of demonstrators and boycott by opposition lawmakers to pass a controversial bill limiting the powers of the Supreme Court on Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition allies approved the bill with 64 votes in the 120-seat chamber. The vote took place hours after Netanyahu, 73, returned to the Knesset only a day after undergoing surgery to have a pacemaker fitted. The premier justified the decision to press ahead with the vote as a “necessary democratic step.” “We passed the amendment on reasonableness so that the elected government can carry out policy in line with the decision of the majority of the citizens of the country,” he said in a televised address. Critics charge that the judicial revamp limiting the powers of the High Court in striking down government decisions which the judges deem “unreasonable,” could open the way to more authoritarian government by removing checks and balances on the Israeli executive. Netanyahu’s coalition government, which includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, argues that the proposed changes are needed to ensure a better balance of power. Division among Israelis remain as the Histadrut trade union confederation threatened a nationwide strike in response to the passage of the bill, urging the government to resume negotiations with the opposition. “Any unilateral progress of the reform will have serious consequences,” Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David warned in a statement. A walkout staged by Histadrut in March within hours prompted Netanyahu to halt the legislative process, paving the way for cross-party talks which ultimately collapsed. Rallies continued into the evening on Monday in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the country’s commercial hub, while demonstrators blocked roads. Police used water cannon and mounted officers were deployed against the crowds. with AFP The post Israel parliament clips Supreme Court powers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solving China, Russia
Dear Editor Seeing the problem for what it truly is means half solving it. Both Russia and China have stubborn false views/beliefs and false historical narratives, coupled with avarice, in coveting what is not theirs. That’s the bottom line. Both nations need to see this. And that is the solution to the crises they have created, the peaceful way. Russia has harbored resentment against independent Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and hallucinates that Ukraine is still part of “Mother Russia,” as opposed to the historic Act signed by Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Ukraine’s first president Leonid Kravchuk on 8 December 1991, recognizing Ukraine as an independent country. It was overwhelmingly approved by the people (90 percent) of Ukraine in a referendum even before the formal accord declaring their independence. China, for its part, in claiming almost all (90 percent) of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea has only its own fabled “nine-dash line” to back up and defend its robbery or its continuing illegal occupation of the disputed sea. Studies and research by international experts and history professors disprove the “line.” Can we imagine if all nations created their own story and map artwork of the “nine-dash line” to invade neighboring territories? The situation in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China is no different from the ongoing senseless, savage Russia-Ukraine war which Russia started and continues to inflame. It is a war better called the “Russia War.” May sanity prevail and humanity in humans triumph. Stop the bloodshed. China’s bullying is not limited to its bullying of our fishermen. It is depictive of its impudence and defiance of international law, more so its disrespect and contempt for our ethos and dignity as a people and nation. Imperious. BBM would do well to take every “goodwill” gesture of China to the Philippines with a grain of salt, if not view it as an act of ill will. Any help, aid, or “trade cooperation” China has offered and may offer in the future is and would be meaningless, and could be construed as fraught with bad intentions — unless they repent. China used to be a good friend to the Philippines, but not anymore. Dear officials of the land, beware of the present Chinese officials playing (subtle) the “forbidden fruit” game. Don’t bite the bug or the bait. Succumb not. What they are doing in the West Philippine Sea is unprecedented and indefensible. Open your eyes. Be very careful in dealing with them until they behave and cease their aggressions and juvenile sweeping claims to the contested body of water. Go ahead, dear senators, with your proposal to bring the WPS row to the United Nations for another just, intelligent decision/resolution of the brewing time bomb (for the world) on account of the incessant robber of foreign territories. It is a wise move. There are only two “ifs” — two crucial “ifs” — for China and the world to ponder upon. One is, if China won’t still budge and recognize another international ruling, this time by the United Nations no less, then all nations, not only the Philippines, should brace themselves for the undesirable. The other “if” is: If the Chinese leaders can’t and will not really accept the 2016 ruling of the arbitral tribunal rejecting its “nine-dash line” myth, before the action/decision of the United Nations, the only remaining wise thing left for them to do is to accept reason and justness. By doing so, they may engage our country and the rest of the claimant countries involved in the WPS row in a dialogue (serious, transparent, and sincere) to reach a compromise “win-win solution” for all — for the sake of peace and the saving of lives, and the preservation of our planet. Play fair and humane. That is even wiser. “God will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” — Psalm 9:8 (NLT) The post Solving China, Russia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA records P80.585-B investments for 1st half of 2023
On track to achieve its investment targets for the year, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority Board has greenlighted 102 ecozone developer-locator projects with capital investment of P80.585 billion for the first semester of the year, 2.5 times bigger than the investment pledges approved for the same period last year under the Duterte administration. “We remain optimistic that we will sustain our positive growth trajectory for the second half of the year, given the notable increase in our KPIs on investments, jobs and exports from a more aggressive whole-of-government approach in investment promotion,” noted PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga. He added, “For the first year of PFRM administration (July 2022- June 2023), PEZA has by far generated investments of P198.796 billion worth of investments from 206 projects, actual direct jobs of 1,805,770 (cumulative), and actual direct exports of $58.494 billion.” Among the 206 projects, 11 big-ticket projects with minimum P1 billion capital investment have also been approved/registered by PEZA during this time. These big-ticket projects with total capital investments of P154.966 billion came from the following sectors: ecozone development (P119.259 billion), export manufacturing (P33.946 billion), and ecozone facilities (P1.761 billion). Panga noted, “We continue to contribute to the overall positive performance of the administration and serve as a tool to constantly attract investments in the country and promote the Philippines as an investment haven in Asia.” With this, PEZA is ramping up its investment promotion and facilitation initiatives to bring in much-needed FDIs to the country. This is ahead of the anticipated influx of investors to the country as PEZA conducts follow-through on the outbound missions done by the President. “This June, PEZA welcomed several French, Czech and Dongguan delegations to the Philippines and facilitated the learning visit and study tour of the Ugandan and Papua New Guinean delegation. PEZA likewise received delegations from China, Taiwan and Japan in the first semester of the year,” stated the PEZA chief. In addition to this, PEZA is collaborating with various government agencies such Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment for the promotion of industrial peace in the ecozones; and the Bureau of Corrections, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Privatization Management Office for utilization of public lands for ecozone development. “With the inclusion of the ecozone development program in the country’s medium-term plan (2023-2028), we aim to develop more ecozones in rural and new growth areas and introduce new frontiers catering to emerging and niche industries,” explained the PEZA chief. To complement this, PEZA is implementing its several automation initiatives pursuant to the call of the President to enhance the ease of doing business in the Philippines. Panga noted, “We have partnered with the DICT to fast track the implementation of our digitalization and to align with the automation efforts of the whole government. We are strengthening our one-stop-shop services to cater to our agile locators and the changing investment landscape globally.” “For our part, we shall continue to perform our mandate to contribute to the overall growth of the nation. In keeping with the EO 18 directive of the President, we will implement a whole-of-government approach as we aim promote the Philippines as the enviable investment destination in the region,” he stated. The post PEZA records P80.585-B investments for 1st half of 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taiwan test-firing missiles
TAIPEI (AFP) — Taiwan will kick off a two-day missile live-firing test on Monday ahead of its largest annual military exercises as the island ramps up preparations against an increasingly assertive China. The 23 million Taiwanese people live under constant threat of invasion by Beijing, which views the self-ruled democracy as part of its territory to be seized one day. The missile firings in southern Pingtung county came as relations between Taipei and Beijing are increasingly strained, with China conducting two major military exercises around the island in the past year. The latest was in April, when Beijing simulated targeted strikes on Taiwan and encirclement of the island. State media also reported dozens of planes practicing an “aerial blockade.” Those war games were a response to President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier that month. Monday and Tuesday’s missile tests come against the backdrop of aerial and naval maneuvers by Beijing in and around the Taiwan Strait — a 180-kilometer-wide (122-mile-wide) passage between the island and mainland China. Last month, eight Chinese warplanes approached Taiwan’s contiguous zone — or the band of sea within 24 nautical miles (44 kilometers) of its coast. In May, China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group sailed through the Taiwan Strait in a rare voyage. Relations have not fared better in the diplomatic sphere. Since the election of Tsai — who rejects China’s claim to Taiwan — Beijing has refused to speak with her government. Last week, Taiwan’s immigration department announced it had rejected applications by Chinese tourism officials to visit the island for a mid-July international travel fair. Citing the “overall cross-strait situation”, the immigration agency said there were doubts about the “necessity, urgency and irreplaceability” of the participation of Chinese tourism officials. Only tourism operators from China had their visas approved. The post Taiwan test-firing missiles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Martin-Sara tension far from over?
Members of the House of Representatives were quick to come in defense of Speaker Martin Romualdez amid tensions with Vice President Sara Duterte, with whom he had shared the leadership of the ruling Lakas-CMD party. The strangely fueled statements of multiple congressmen professing full support for Romualdez came a day after Duterte made a forceful remark against the House chief, saying he had “absolutely nothing to do” with her VP bid in the May 2022 polls. Instead, the VP said, it was Senator Imee Marcos who convinced her to run for the post alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the latter’s brother. Although not explicitly referring to Duterte, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe asserted on Thursday that the House has no time for “partisan distractions” since members of the lower chamber are busy and cannot afford to squander their time on “useless partisan bickering.” “The House of Representatives will not be slowed down by premature partisanship. All these political rumblings are unnecessary distractions that will only brake our momentum in ensuring the swift passage of President Marcos’ priority measures and those that were approved by LEDAC,” said Dalipe, member of the ruling party. Santa Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House public order panel and former deputy speaker, claimed that while both Duterte and his House colleagues fully support the President, such backing would be more robust if it were free of political squabbles. Fernandez also appealed to Duterte, “who ran and won on a platform espousing unity, to join the President in translating this call for unity into action.” “We can achieve these goals, which we all want for our people, if we do away with political bickerings. We should instead work together and keep a laser focus on what needs to be done to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for all Filipinos,” he added. Tensions between Romualdez and Duterte flared again after the latter retaliated against Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, saying he was “badly informed” or “made to believe a lie” that Romualdez had tremendously helped Duterte’s vice presidential candidacy. Duterte was eventually recruited to join Lakas-CMD, which she co-leads with Romualdez before she tendered her irrevocable resignation on 20 May. Her departure, however, was thought to be in retaliation to the demotion of Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the position of the House’s second-highest official after she was accused of staging a coup against Romualdez. “The Speaker worked hard for then-Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s vice-presidential bid because he genuinely believed that she would make a difference. Their rift is sad news and I hope that it will be mended soon,” said Barzaga, former deputy speaker and a stalwart of National Unity Party. “There was no Speaker Romualdez in the picture,” Duterte said previously, responding to Barzaga. “To say that he ‘tremendously helped in pushing for’ my vice presidential bid is acutely inaccurate — an insult to thousands of groups and individuals who incessantly implored me to reconsider an earlier decision not to join national politics.” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, secretary-general of the VP’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s party, the PDP Laban, pointed out that the conflict had been defused; hence there’s no need to exaggerate it. “As noted by the Vice President, political disagreements stand as part and parcel of the democratic process,” Pimentel added. “Let us leave it at that and focus instead on realizing our collective goal of providing a safe, comfortable life for every Filipino.” The NUP, the second biggest party in the House after Lakas-CMD, has also come out in support of Romualdez and has pushed for boosted cooperation between the legislative and executive branches. “Our nation’s leaders would break faith with this broad and deep public support for national unity were we to waste our time with vacuous political discord that could only break apart the super-majority coalition in both the House and the Senate—and wreak havoc on the ‘Agenda for Peace and Prosperity’ of President Marcos to improve the lives of all Filipinos,” said its president LRay Villafuerte on Wednesday. Villafuerte also cautioned that political squabbles might jeopardize the supermajority coalition in the legislature, which has allowed Mr. Marcos to push ahead in his first year in office on his vision for a prosperous and peaceful Philippines. The post Martin-Sara tension far from over? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Public service without break
I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants The Senate adjourned sine die last 31 May 31 its First Regular Session of the 19th Congress. Our first such session under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos. Six of the proposed measures that hurdled the Senate are now laws, including several of my co-authored and co-sponsored bills, such as the SIM Registration Act, postponement of the December 2022 Barangay and SK Elections, and naturalization of our national basketball team key player, Justin Brownlee. Senate Bill 1849, which I co-sponsored, has also been enacted, amending certain provisions of Republic Act No. 11709 to establish a fixed term and retirement age for some officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that would hopefully better promote their welfare. I likewise co-sponsored RA 11938, converting the municipality of Carmona, Cavite into a city. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I am also particularly happy that the Bicameral Conference Report on our proposed Regional Specialty Centers Act has already been ratified, marking a significant milestone towards improving access to specialized healthcare across the country. As the principal sponsor of the measure, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of establishing more specialty centers in various regions to ensure that our Filipinos have better access to the specialized medical services they require. This measure is a steadfast commitment, and a collective vision to improve our healthcare system. It is our people’s experiences and stories that have driven us to aim for a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of Filipinos. Likewise approved on third and final reading in the Senate are several bills that I co-authored and co-sponsored, such as: (1) the proposed Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act which seeks to establish safe routes for cyclists, pedestrians, and slow vehicles across the entire country; (2) Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act which aims to institutionalize the grant of a teaching allowance for public school teachers; (3) No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act which seeks to protect students from preventing them in taking exams due to outstanding financial obligations; (4) New Agrarian Emancipation Act which seeks to condone almost P58 billion worth of loans that agrarian reform beneficiaries incurred in owning lands under the government’s agrarian reform programs; (5) Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act which aims to stimulate economic growth for decent job generation; and (6) Senate Bill No. 2021 which aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by granting them access to shared facilities and services, technology, and skills training. The proposed National Day for Awareness on the Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire Act, and the Cultural Mapping Act, which I both co-authored, have also hurdled the Senate. Meanwhile, I likewise filed several other measures in a bid to bring services closer to our people, especially the needy, the hopeless, and the helpless. These include bills establishing Mental Health Offices in higher educational institutions, mandating financial literacy and entrepreneurship as core subjects in the junior and senior high school curricula, and institutionalizing a technical-vocational program specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. To improve the resilience of the agricultural sector, I also filed a bill seeking to provide immediate financial assistance to ARBs in the event of natural calamities and another measure that proposes to expand the services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and encourage private sector participation in agricultural insurance. Among others, I also filed bills seeking to institutionalize the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), a flagship housing program of President Marcos, Jr.; establish a comprehensive framework to accelerate infrastructure flagship programs; strengthen our coast guard; better protect our kasambahays, freelance and media workers; and provide equitable incentives to our para-athletes. After a hectic yet fruitful legislative year, I continue to personally visit our kababayans in need to provide the necessary aid. On June 1, I was in Samal, Bataan with my team to witness the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center and distribute aid to 500 of its struggling residents. We also visited Balanga City to provide similar assistance to 1,008 indigents. Batangas was our destination the following day where I inspected the Super Health Center and a multipurpose building which will be the new municipal hall in Ibaan. I also led relief operations for 1,000 of my fellow Batanguenos in Ibaan and 1,086 in Sta. Teresita. Meanwhile, I was in Naga City, Camarines Sur on June 3 where I attended the 1st Bicol Social Media Summit and assisted 1,500 indigent residents. I then conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Bicol Medical Center in the city and likewise aided 824 patients and 2,702 frontliners. The DSWD also committed to providing financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. Thereafter, I inspected a bypass road in the city, a project I also supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. Across the country, my outreach teams aided 5,102 Typhoon Agaton victims in Banate, Iloilo; 170 fire-hit families in Parañaque City; five fire-hit families in Cotabato City and three more in Catbalogan City, Samar. Indigent families were also aided, including 420 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 598 in Socorro, Surigao del Norte; 1,000 in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; 40 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 520 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; 180 in Sibalom, Antique; 518 in Kalibo, Aklan; 83 TESDA graduates in Carcar City, Cebu; and 408 barangay health workers in Sariaya, Quezon. My staff likewise attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants. As we have always done and as we are mandated to do, we should continue spending the days ahead trying to help uplift the lives of our Filipino people. The post Public service without break appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bistek’ pleads not guilty to graft case
This was the first words uttered by former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista after pleading not guilty to graft charges he and his former City Administrator Aldrin Cuña are facing before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division at their arraignment yesterday morning. The graft case was in connection with the alleged anomalous computerization project worth P32 million which the two former city officials awarded to Geodata Solutions for an Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System despite the absence of a specific appropriation approved by the city council. “Not guilty po tayo. (This is) politically motivated. The case was filed against me by the Quezon City government,” Bautista said after coming out from their arraignment and faced the media. But he refused to drop names as to who is behind the filing of the supposed “politically motivated” case against him. “Kayo na bahala roon, (It’s up to you.),” he said. Bautista along with Cuña personally entered their non-guilty plea during their arraignment for the case filed by the Ombudsman, which accused them of exercising “partiality” in awarding the contract. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said it was the Office of the Ombudsman who elevated the case at the graft court Sandiganbayan. Enrico Mira Jr., counsel for Cuña, tried to defer the arraignment by telling the graft court that they have filed a Motion to Quash a day before, but the Sandiganbayan denied, since Cuña failed to serve the prosecution a copy of the said pleading ahead of the arraignment date in violation of Rules of Court. Associate Justice Theresa Gomez-Estoesta said the Division Chairperson immediately ruled that “Section 13 of the Rules of Court is clear. The motion is denied outright.” Bautista also told reporters that he had served his city well starting from then Kabatang Barangay, (now Sangguinang Kabataan or SK) and became an honorary council member as the youth representative, then became a vice mayor, and mayor until his term ended in 2019. “I devoted myself to Quezon City for 34 years, and then because of politics, we have this (case),” Bautista said. The post ‘Bistek’ pleads not guilty to graft case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Herbert Bautista on graft case: ‘Not guilty, politically motivated’
Former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista pleaded not guilty to graft charges he and his former city administrator Aldrin Cuña are facing before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division, at their arraignment yesterday morning. Bautista called the charges "politically motivated." “Not guilty po tayo. (This is) politically motivated. The case was filed against me by the Quezon City government,” Bautista said after the arraignment. But he refused to say who is behind the filing of the case against him. “Kayo na bahala roon (It's up to you.),” he said. The graft case was in connection with the alleged anomalous computerization project worth P32 million that the two former city officials awarded to Geodata Solutions for an Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System, despite the absence of a specific appropriation approved by the city council. The case was filed by the Ombudsman, which accused them of exercising "partiality" in awarding the contract. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reiterated this point to the Daily Tribune. “Ombudsman po ang nag-file ng case sa Sandiganbayan, hindi po QC government (It was the Ombudsman that filed the case with the Sandiganbayan, not the QC government),” Belmonte said. Enrico Mira, Jr., counsel for Cuña, tried to defer the arraignment by telling the graft court that they had filed a Motion to Quash a day before, but the Sandiganbayan denied the appeal, since Cuña failed to serve the prosecution a copy of the said pleading ahead of the arraignment date in violation of the Rules of Court. Associate Justice Theresa Gomez-Estoesta, the Division chairperson, immediately ruled that "Section 13 of the Rules of Court is clear. The motion is denied outright." She ordered that the pre-trial conference should commence, with both the prosecution and defense agreeing to the existence, due execution and authenticity of documents related to the Geodata contract such as Bids and Awards Committee Resolution, Notice of Award and delivery receipts, among others. Bautista also told reporters that he had served his city well, starting from the Kabatang Barangay (now Sangguinang Kabataan or SK) and becoming an honorary council member as youth representative, then vice mayor and finally mayor until his term ended in 2019. "I devoted myself to Quezon City for 34 years, and then because of politics, we have this (case),” Bautista said. The post Herbert Bautista on graft case: ‘Not guilty, politically motivated’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Greenpeace gets go-ahead to contest oil and gas licenses
Greenpeace said Britain's High Court had on Tuesday approved its legal challenge against the government's offering of new oil and gas exploration licenses in the North Sea. The London court's decision would allow Greenpeace a judicial review of the licenses announced as part of an energy strategy aimed at freeing the United Kingdom from dependence on Russian oil and gas following its Ukraine invasion. More than 100 requests for licenses have been submitted, according to Greenpeace. "This verdict is the first real setback for the government's reckless oil and gas licensing round," said Philip Evans, a climate campaigner for Greenpeace. "Ministers will now be forced to justify in front of a judge why they want to unleash a new drilling frenzy in the North Sea against the advice of leading scientists and the UN chief, without assessing the climate impact," he added. The department for energy security did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. The post Greenpeace gets go-ahead to contest oil and gas licenses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»