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LTO innovates responses to backlogs
The Land Transportation Office, or LTO, now under the leadership of Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, has committed to implementing innovative solutions to immediately address the piles of problems “inherited” from the previous leaderships. Mendoza, whom Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista tasked to help the agency improve its current state, expressed confidence that he could turn the LTO around and make it more efficient and effective. He said this aligns with the Marcos administration’s marching orders to digitalize and bring government services closer to the people seamlessly. Mendoza has already begun to execute some changes, such as streamlining the driver’s license application process, implementing a new online vehicle registration system, and reducing the number of fixers at LTO offices, among others. Speaking in a recent interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, Mendoza disclosed that his agency is studying cost-effective ways to produce license plates. Presently, the LTO has a manufacturing plant with eight machines working to produce license plates, but as recently directed by Bautista, the agency is looking at outsourcing them instead of producing them. “We make the plates ourselves, although we are studying if maybe it is high time to review whether the LTO should produce or outsource the plates. I told Secretary Bautista that in terms of efficiency, it might be less costly and faster if we outsource it,” Mendoza said. “We are thoroughly studying those options to weigh which will be less costly to the government. Thus, finally, we could resolve all the backlogs,” he added. Million plates a month Mendoza added that the agency’s plate-making plant could produce a million monthly plates to replace all the backlogs — from the old green plates to the new white ones. He said before the end of November, the license plate backlog will hopefully be fully addressed. With production in full swing, a motorist with a newly acquired four-wheel vehicle can claim his license plates within 10 days. In the meantime, new motorcycle owners can now get their plates immediately. This significantly improved from the previous year when motorists took years to get their plates. To recall, in March, ex-LTO chief Jay Art Tugade issued a memo suspending the production of license plates due to a shortage of materials. Online portal needs full utilization Mendoza said the LTO is also working on finally utilizing the Land Transportation Management System, or LTMS, a P3.14-billion portal created to address Filipinos’ motoring concerns. He lamented that the underutilization of the online portal, which he described as just one of the many inherited problems of the agency, was a misuse of government funds. “The system design is incomplete, and you know that as much as possible, we want to be fully digital as instructed by the President. We want motorists to be able to apply for a license and register their vehicles through that platform,” Mendoza said. “We supposedly have all the facilities. There will be no need to go to LTO offices as it will also address the issues of fixers. However, we cannot do all these until we fully resolve the website’s functionalities,” he said, adding that the LTO would need the developers to provide them with some missing source and application codes. The LTMS was jointly developed by German technology firm Dermalog and its local partners, Holy Family Printing Corp., Microgenesis, and Verzontal Builders Inc. The project went through competitive bidding in May 2018. The LTO’s online portal is a one-stop shop that will integrate all LTO services in a single contactless database system and digital platform. “We are waiting for their reply. I have been open since my first day in office, and I’ve been very open to them. There is a problem, let us talk about it. However, they have not replied to my letters on the source code and application code issue. We have to protect the government’s interest, and the government’s interest is to get the source and application codes so we can do the enhancements ourselves,” Mendoza said. According to the new LTO chief, hiring another third-party team to resolve the LTMS issues might cost the government at least another billion pesos. Mendoza asked why the government does not just find another software developer, saying: “We already paid for the contract.” “If we do it, maybe they will spend another billion just to complete everything, so the government will save a lot if we do it ourselves. We have DICT with us, and LTO is also hiring technical people for us to be able to do it ourselves. So, we can do it, we don’t need foreigners to teach us.” The post LTO innovates responses to backlogs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chip maker Intel beats earnings expectations as it pursues rivals
US chip giant Intel on Thursday said it made more money than expected in the recently ended quarter as it continued to invest in a "geographically balanced" supply chain. Intel shares jumped more than 7 percent to $34.88 in after-market trades. "We delivered a standout third quarter, underscored by across-the-board progress on our process and product roadmaps; agreements with new foundry customers, and momentum as we bring AI everywhere," said Intel chief executive Pat Gelsinger. Intel reported revenue of $14.2 billion, which was 8 percent less than the amount seen in the same quarter a year earlier but ahead of forecasts. Net income tallied $300 million, compared with $1 billion profit in the same period in 2022, earnings figures showed. "Our results exceeded expectations," said Intel chief financial officer David Zinsner, who said earnings benefited from "expense discipline." Intel has been working to catch up with rivals, especially Nvidia, when it comes to powerful chips needed to handle the computing demands of artificial intelligence. Intel touted investments being made in chip production facilities with an aim of creating a "geographically balanced, secure, resilient supply chain." California-based Intel is seen as a key tool for the United States to reduce its dependence on major global producers, such as Taiwan's TSMC. Earlier this year, Intel announced it would spend $25 billion on a new plant in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it the country's single largest foreign investment. The "agreement in principle" would see the semiconductor firm build the facility in the southern city of Kiryat Gat that would open by 2027 and operate at least until 2035, Israel's finance ministry said. Intel has been operating in Israel since the 1970s with development centers and a production site that employs some 12,000 people, the finance ministry said. In 2017, Intel acquired Israel-based Mobileye, which makes technology for automated driving systems in vehicles, for just over $15 billion. Gelsinger said Intel teams have kept operations going despite the war between Israel and Hamas. "Our utmost priority is the safety and welfare of our people in Israel and their families," Gelsinger said. "Despite all of these challenges, they're performing extremely well. I am praying for a swift return to peace." China Gelsinger said Intel was carefully studying updated rules in the United States that tighten curbs on exports of state-of-the-art AI chips to China. "We do believe that we'll have plenty of opportunity in China," Gelsinger said. "We are continuing to deploy our products there broadly, even as we comply and work with (the United States) around the regulations that they're putting in place." The new rules tighten measures from a year ago that banned the sale to China of microchips crucial to manufacturing powerful AI systems. Calls to further close the supply chain grew after the popularity of generative AI platform ChatGPT. When announcing the beefed-up curbs, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo insisted they were intended to close loopholes and prevent China's development of AI for military use. "It's true that AI has the potential for huge societal benefit. But it also can do tremendous and profound harm if it's in the wrong hands and in the wrong militaries," she told US media. The rules will not affect chips used in consumer goods such as laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, though some will be subject to export licensing requirements. China has said it is "strongly dissatisfied" and "firmly opposes" the curbs. "The US continues to generalize the concept of national security, abuse export control measures, and implement unilateral bullying," the commerce ministry said in a statement. The post Chip maker Intel beats earnings expectations as it pursues rivals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandiganbayan junks ex-BoC exec’s plea
The Sandiganbayan has junked the appeal of an ex-official of the Bureau of Correction and a private defendant convicted of graft over an anomalous sugar deal worth over P10 million in 2000. In a seven-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division turned down the appeal filed by ex-BoC official Benjamin Bongon and Roger Ang, who were found guilty of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and were sentenced to up to seven years behind bars by the Cebu Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in December 2017. The lower court, likewise, ordered the accused to pay a P10,859,063 fine. The graft case involved the 28,000 bags of unmanifested imported sugar carried by M/V Affy that the BoC seized in 1999 and was later auctioned in 2000. Ang, the proprietor of Consumer Enterprises, won the bidding and deposited P21 million, equivalent to the price of 28,000 bags. However, a composite team reported to Bongon, the erstwhile chief of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division of the BoC-Port of Cebu, that only 13,753 bags of sugar were offloaded from the vessel and subsequently acquired by Ang. This prompted Ang to refund P10,859,063, corresponding to the surplus of his initial payment of P21,341,600. The post Sandiganbayan junks ex-BoC exec’s plea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fruitas acquires Foodpanda tools
Backed by a newly-acquired top-notch technology, listed food and beverage kiosk operator Fruitas Holdings Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary Fly Kitchen Inc., is growing its cloud kitchen business to better serve the growing customer demand. In a stock exchange report on Tuesday, Fruitas Holdings disclosed that it bought out culinary equipment and technology formerly utilized by Foodpanda to support the planned expansion. “We are pleased to announce this tactical purchase of top-quality kitchen equipment from Foodpanda. This decision reflects our dedication to providing outstanding gastronomic experiences to our patrons,” Fruitas Holdings president and chief executive officer Lester Yu said. Foodpanda is a global food delivery service provider in 40 countries across five continents. Cloud only for delivery A cloud kitchen prepares food exclusively for delivery or takeout, without any dine-in customers. It is a cost-effective way for restaurants to expand their existing business or launch a new virtual brand. According to Fruitas, the acquisition will particularly enable Fly Kitchen’s menu expansion with new methods, processes, and flavors. By using cutting-edge equipment, the company can streamline its operations — from food preparation to presentation, resulting in even higher service and product quality. The advanced kitchen equipment will likewise give Fly Kitchen the freedom to experiment with new recipes, which will excite the taste buds of its loyal consumers and new customers. The kitchen equipment will open the door for the company to collaborate with and prepare third-party brands that would fit well with its present cloud kitchen operations. Starting with a single stall opened in 2002, the Fruitas group now operates over 25 brands in its portfolio, including food concepts such as Fruitas Fresh from Babot’s Farm, Buko Loco, Buko ni Fruitas, De Original Jamaican Pattie, Johnn Lemon, and Juice Avenue, among others. The group also recently launched Fruitas dairy-based ice cream and the Soy & Bean soy product line. The post Fruitas acquires Foodpanda tools appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better services seen after GCash acquires ECPay
Customers can expect better services from financial service provider Gcash after its parent firm Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. or Mynt acquired 77 percent of Globe Telecom Inc.'s stake in Electronic Commerce Payments Inc. or ECPay for P2.31 billion. In a stock report on Monday, Globe disclosed that ECPay’s minority stakeholder, Payment One, Inc., is also a party to the transaction — effectively making it a full acquisition of ECPay by Mynt. The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals but once it is closed, ECPay will have access to GCash's platform which would translate to easier and more seamless services for users. “Mynt’s digital savviness will spill over to ECPay, maximizing its previously untapped potential. GCash, on the other hand, can further differentiate itself from its competition as mobile wallets in various shapes and sizes continue to pop up," Globe’s Chief Finance Officer, Rizza Maniego-Eala said in the report. "With ECPay in Mynt’s capable hands, Globe can better steer its ventures and synergistically grow the entire Globe Group ecosystem,” she added. Meanwhile, for Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu, GCash's "aggressive expansion" presents a "perfect environment for strategic synergies with ECPay." "Mynt’s acquisition of ECPay will enable more efficient and effective sharing of each other’s strengths and resources, thus creating a seamless and upgraded experience for their customers," Cu said. Incorporated in 2001, ECPay is one of the leading electronic payment service providers in the country. It was acquired by Globe in 2019 to enhance its distribution network. The ECPay Platform enables merchant partners to process bill payments, electronic prepaid mobile phone top-up loading, electronic pins, e-wallet and cash card reloading, airline ticket payments, online shopping payments, and credit card payments in their various outlets. Aside from boosting payment services, GCash, through its subsidiary Fuse Lending Inc., is also improving its lending services to its end-users. The recently said it expects to disburse hundred million pesos more loans to Filipinos in need — a move that will uphold digital and financial inclusion nationwide. Since 2016, Fuse has disbursed P100 billion in loans and has helped over 3 million Filipinos achieve their dreams. The post Better services seen after GCash acquires ECPay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl’s flight recon gets boost
Armed Forces chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr., on Tuesday, expressed delight over the new Cessna C-208B reconnaissance plane that the United States turned over to the Philippines. Brawner said the Grand Caravan EX plane would boost the AFP’s maritime patrol capabilities in the West Philippine Sea. “Definitely, this aircraft will boost our capability to patrol our maritime seas. This aircraft will help us, will boost our capability in making sure that we secure our territory and our sovereign rights,” Brawner said. Brawner issued the statement after the ceremonial acceptance, turnover, and blessing of the plane at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was also on hand to accept the documents for the plane from Col. Edward Evans of the US Air Force. The C-208B was acquired through a grant amounting to $17,586,702 for three units under the Foreign Military Sales Program of the United States. The Philippines received the first two C-208B planes on 27 July 2017. Teodoro said the new air asset will be used for all types of operations, including internal security, territorial defense, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, specifically in conducting rapid damage assessment during calamities and disasters. PAF chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño said the brand-new aircraft will be immediately deployed to “wherever it is needed.” The C-208B EX is a single-engine turboprop ISR-modified aircraft that offers a reliable, adaptable, and cost-effective solution for ISR operations, with its ISR capability including line-of-sight live data and air-to-ground information streaming. The plane is known for its rugged utility and flexibility. It can operate up to 912 nautical miles at a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet. The post Phl’s flight recon gets boost appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gibo orders ‘re-horizoning’ AFP’s modernization plan
The Department of National Defense is reviewing which projects should be prioritized under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program, which has now covered three different administrations. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday said the review is at a critical point because if it takes too long, the prices of equipment and platforms being sought by the AFP may go up. “We have to build up our capabilities as soon as possible, so this cannot be delayed,” Teodoro said. “We are working day and night to establish our own systems and whatever capabilities that we can get from our treaty partners and allies.” He said the AFP wants its assets to achieve interoperability, making them more effective for the tasks at hand. He said the review may be completed by the end of the year. Teodoro earlier ordered the AFP and his staff to start “re-horizoning” and the “re-strategization” of the AFP modernization program, clearly referring to the long-term Horizons Modernization Program. Horizon 1, covering 2013 to 2017 during the late Benigno Aquino III’s presidency, focused on acquiring essential equipment and weapons systems to improve the AFP’s minimum credible defense posture. Some of the key projects completed during this phase included the acquisition of new frigates, fighter jets and armored vehicles. Horizon 2, from 2018 to 2022, during the Duterte administration, acquired more advanced equipment and weapons systems like helicopters and air defense systems to enhance the AFP’s deterrence and response capabilities. Set for 2023 to 2028, Horizon 3 focused on acquiring next-generation equipment and weapons systems to ensure the capability of the AFP to defend the country against external aggression. With Teodoro’s “re-horizoning” statement, the Marcos government is being seen as detaching from the original Horizons plan that was partly implemented by both the Aquino and Duterte administrations. Teodoro said he wants the AFP to secure weapons systems and platforms capable of meeting all kinds of security threats. He conceded that acquiring the systems could be expensive, but they will at least be “synergistic” and capable of handling security challenges. “The Philippines is a potential vital contributor to the regional stability and security if we are a strong nation, with strong armed forces, and that is what we are working very hard to achieve,” he said. AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military is now working on a more strategic approach to meet security threats. The post Gibo orders ‘re-horizoning’ AFP’s modernization plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND will expedite AFP modernization
The Department of National Defense is exerting all efforts to expedite the ongoing modernization program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the conduct of a review to determine which projects should be prioritized, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Tuesday. In a chance interview, Teodoro stressed that the review is currently at a critical point because if it takes much longer, the prices of equipment and platforms being sought by the AFP are more likely to go up. “The fact that the sooner we wait and the sooner mas mabagal na matapos ang review natin, mamahal ng mamahal ang mga gamit,” he said. "We have to build up our capabilities as soon as possible, so this cannot be delayed and we are working day and night to try to establish our own systems and whatever capabilities that we can get from our treaty partners and other allies, we're trying to converge this into interoperable systems, its critical, highly critical that we get it now," he added. Hence, Teodoro hopes that the review will be completed by the end of the year. “It's by the end of the year because it really includes even where are we going to establish our bases, then the capabilities because if you will increase the capabilities, you will also increase your funding requirements,” he said. “Even though this platform (C-208B aircraft), is donated, we have to appropriate more funds to maintain and operate it in an optimal manner annually,” he added. Teodoro earlier ordered the AFP and his staff to start "rehorizoning" and "restrategization" the modernization program. More defense assets Further, Teodoro stressed the importance of upholding the country's territorial integrity and sovereign rights by acquiring more defense assets and weapon systems that are capable of confronting all kinds of security threats. Teodoro added he wants weapon systems and platforms to be acquired in the ongoing AFP modernization program to be capable of facing all kinds of security threats. “Another national security goal, which is of paramount importance now, is the ability to secure the territorial integrity of our country, to secure our sovereign rights and our jurisdiction,” he said. Teodoro acknowledges that acquiring these systems could be expensive, but it will be at least "synergistic" and capable of handling these security challenges. “The Philippines is a potential vital contributor to regional stability and security if we are a strong nation, with strong armed forces; and that is what we are working very hard to achieve,” he said. Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military organization is now working on a more strategic approach as to how they will defend the country from any kind of security threat. “Well the secretary of national defense ordered also, not just the re-horizoning of our modernization program but to look really into our strategy of defending our country, so now we're looking at a change in our strategic direction when it comes to defending the archipelago because our modernization program will also depend on that shift in our strategy,” he said. Brawner said the AFP is focusing on defense projection covering the nine features “being occupied by the Philippines.” According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, the Philippines occupies a total of nine features in the Spratly Islands. It said the Thitu Island, the largest, boasts the only Philippine airstrip in the Spratlys. The post DND will expedite AFP modernization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taylor Swift, Beyonce reporting jobs trigger controversy
It's rare for a news outlet to dedicate a reporter to one personality, but the publication USA Today has decided Taylor Swift and Beyonce are phenomena requiring their own beats. The recent announcement by Gannett, which owns USA Today, that it was seeking two journalists to cover the biggest names in music as if they were running for president triggered both excitement and eye rolls -- and broader conversation about coverage priorities in an increasingly fragmented and financially precarious news media environment. Gannett, which owns more than 200 daily newspapers, has slashed jobs across local markets over the past several years, laying off six percent of its news division in December. So news of the Tay and Bey positions struck a nerve. "I suppose now is a good time to remind Twitter that I'm the only full-time news reporter left at my newspaper that was sold by Gannett in December," said Brad Vidmar on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Vidmar, 41, works for The Hawk Eye, a newspaper in Burlington, Iowa that GateHouse, an investment firm-run publishing company, purchased in late 2016. In 2019 GateHouse acquired Gannett and took its name, becoming the largest newspaper company in the nation -- and one with a reputation for scooping newspapers before curtailing their resources. Gannett resold The Hawk Eye to a family-owned media company in late 2022 -- its staff a skeleton of what it once was. "They just kept cutting and cutting and cutting staff all across the board," Vidmar told AFP. "What you saw was a situation where there are fewer reporters, reporters forced to take on multiple beats." Losing local content meant filling the paper with wire stories or stories from the broader USA Today network, he explained. Vidmar said Gannett's announcement of the Swift job made "my eyes roll." "They've been downsizing newsrooms for years now, but of course, they need somebody dedicated to covering Taylor Swift," he said. Shaping a generation Gannett said the new positions will be employed by USA Today and The Tennessean, the company's Nashville-based paper. The aim of the new jobs -- which are in addition to three music reporters The Tennessean now employs -- will be to "capture the excitement around Swift's ongoing tour... while also providing thoughtful analysis of her music and career," Gannett said. Another position is aimed at similarly analyzing Beyonce's impact. The NewsGuild's New York branch was skeptical, writing on X: "Gannett's strategy to be profitable again: 1) Lay off hundreds of reporters 2) Destroy local news coverage 3) Hire a Taylor Swift reporter." Lark-Marie Anton, Gannett's chief communications officer, said in a statement to AFP that "these roles do not come at the expense of other jobs," noting that in Gannett's bid to "grow our audience," the company has hired 225 journalists since March and has more than 100 open roles. "Taylor Swift and Beyonce Knowles-Carter are artists and businesswomen. Their work has tremendous economic impact and societal significance influencing multiple industries and our culture -- they are shaping a generation," Anton said. Under pressure Robert Thompson, a media scholar at Syracuse University, said his initial reaction to the new jobs was questioning whether "this is a joke." But he said after more reflection "I think it would be silly to categorically dismiss this... There are so few things that everybody really kind of knows whether they're fans or not, and Beyonce and Taylor Swift are some of the very rare ones." The jobs have the potential to allow for "really insightful ways to tell the story of 21st-century America through the lens of its most popular personages," he said. On the other hand, Thompson acknowledged that the negative reaction to the new jobs in light of dwindling local news coverage is reasonable. "If you were to get a bunch of people together and say, 'We've got X number of dollars, how should they be spent?' Most of them would probably not say the Taylor Swift beat," he said. "But that doesn't mean that separate from that context there can't be some really good things to come of it." If performed correctly, the new jobs are not necessarily the "dream" careers some headlines have touted them as he said. The fan bases for both Swift and Beyonce are notoriously defensive -- music critics who make even the slightest negative comment about their idols can be doxxed or receive death threats. Along with the "organized wrath" of Swifties and the Beyhive, the worlds these artists have curated are famously guarded. Plus, Thompson noted, "The eyes of the profession are going to be on these poor folks when they finally get hired." "That first piece that they file -- it better be really good." The post Taylor Swift, Beyonce reporting jobs trigger controversy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl gets brand-new C-208B from US
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., along with Philippine Air Force chief Lt.Gen. Stephen Parreño and USAF Joint US Military Assistance Group chief Col. Edward Evans, graced the official turnover of the newly delivered Cessna-208B (C-208B) Grand Caravan EX Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft Nr 5671, on Tuesday at the Clark Airbase in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The AFP's new air asset is a brand new ISR aircraft granted by the United States government to the Philippines and is intended to strengthen the surveillance capabilities of the Philippine Air Force. Teodoro said the aircraft will contribute to the country's goal to secure the Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in its 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone. Brawner, meanwhile, said the newly arrived aircraft "will boost" the AFP's capability of patrolling the country's maritime seas. "Definitely this aircraft will help us, will boost our capability in making sure that we secure our territory and our sovereign rights," said Brawner. The C-208B will be operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing, specifically its 3032nd Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron under the supervision of 303rd Aerial Reconnaissance Group. It will augment the PAF’s two similar units acquired in 2017. See more photos here (via Lade Kabagani): The post Phl gets brand-new C-208B from US appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM greenlights agrarian debt moratorium extension
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday gave the green light to a two-year moratorium of payments for land amortization and interest owed by agrarian reform beneficiaries. Marcos has officially endorsed an executive order (EO) that extends the agrarian debt moratorium, which he initially sanctioned in September 2022, for an extra two-year duration. This executive order stretches the debt moratorium until September 2025. Marcos, who currently holds the position of agriculture chief alongside his role as President, mentioned that the previous executive order did not include particular agrarian reform beneficiaries. He also noted the importance of helping some 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to help the government attain its bid for food security. "So, I urge the DAR with all government agencies to strive for a smooth and immediate execution of this IRR so that our beneficiaries may be freed from the burden of debts and reap the benefits from the land that they tirelessly cultivate, continue to facilitate the delivery of support services to all ARBs and make them your foremost priority in all our development efforts," he said. Marcos assured the local farmers of the government's continued support to empower them and help the nation in securing a "more progressive, sustainable and resilient future." "This will enable us and ARBs and the rest of our farmers to realize the utmost potential and reach for our aspirations for our families, for our communities and for our country," he said. "To achieve this, we have collaborated with experts, we have strengthened our supply chains and pushed for the enactment of the new Agrarian Emancipation Act. I therefore acknowledge the efforts of the DAR and other implementing agencies for supporting our endeavor to help our producers lead more dignified lives and attain food security for our people," Marcos added. Enacted on 9 July 2023, RA 11953 forgives all outstanding loans, encompassing accrued interests, penalties, and surcharges, incurred by Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) on the land they were granted. This debt forgiveness extends to approximately 1.173 million hectares of land, benefiting approximately 610,054 ARBs who collectively had incurred an estimated P57.55 billion in unpaid amortizations. Additionally, RA 11953 puts an end to the obligation of 10,201 ARBs, cultivating 11,531 hectares of land obtained through either the voluntary land transfer or direct payment scheme (VLT/DPS), to pay P206.247 million in overdue just compensation to the landowners. Further advantages for ARBs include exemption from estate tax payments and automatic inclusion in the Registry System of Basic Sectors in Agriculture, facilitating their access to support services provided by the Department of Agriculture. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) outline procedures for expediting the debt forgiveness process and the government's payment of outstanding just compensation to landowners for lands acquired under the VLT/DPS. The post PBBM greenlights agrarian debt moratorium extension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro sounds off on AFP modernization shift
Even before the country can complete its so-called Horizons Modernization Program to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. yesterday said there is a pressing need to “re-vision and re-horizon” the country’s security posture. “This is a task I have given the [AFP] general headquarters — aligned with past pronouncements that we have to re-vision and re-horizon our strategic thoughts — from strategic principles, defense planning, to our modernization,” Teodoro said. The defense chief issued the statement during the christening and commissioning of the BRP Valentin Diaz (PS177) and the BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS178) at Philippine Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard in Manila. He said the “re-horizon” would be to make the country’s armed forces “more responsive to the challenges of the times, adding that there’s a need to “preserve a rules-based international order.” The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa were acquired through US foreign military financing and its Excess Defense Article Program. The vessels were valued at $13.8 million dollars or P780 million. “This is a welcome and timely addition to the Philippine fleet because the sooner we can complete, of course in coordination with our partners in the Philippine Coast Guard, our littoral defenses, the sooner we can pursue our vast position in defending our sovereign rights,” Teodoro said. The Philippines must be able to present credible deterrence through a more modern AFP, Teodoro said. Collaboration US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the commissioning of the two latest Philippine Navy ships is an “illustration of Washington’s continued collaboration” with the Philippines in pursuit of the modernization goals of the AFP. “This ceremony symbolizes continued US support for our Philippine Navy allies, who are on the frontlines defending Philippine sovereign rights in the South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea,” she added. “The Philippines is the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific, merited by the ambitious agenda we have set together for our alliance,” Carlson said. The BRP Valentin Diaz, formerly the USS Chinook, is the ninth Cyclone-class patrol ship of the US Navy. The BRP Ladislao Diwa, formerly the USS Monsoon, is the US Navy’s fourth Cyclone-class patrol ship. The two patrol vessels were transferred upon decommissioning in Bahrain on 18 March and were delivered to the Philippines last May. Carlson said: “Their dedicated service and the missions they undertake are central to the shared US-Philippine goal of ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Carlson said. “The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa are entering into service for the Philippine Navy at an important time when the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly complex,” she added. Long-term plan “From patrolling Philippine waters to protecting legitimate economic activities and combating illegal fishing, to delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the missions undertaken by these two vessels will not be easy,” she said. The AFP’s Horizons Modernization Program is a long-term plan divided into three phases, or Horizons, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the AFP’s modernization. Horizon 1 (2013-2022) prioritized the acquisition of new equipment and weapons systems, as well as the enhancement of AFP trainings and doctrine. Horizon 1 acquisitions included FA-50PH light fighter jets, S-211 combat utility helicopters, and the BRP Jose Rizal frigate. Horizon 2 (2023-2028) focuses on the strategic capabilities of the AFP, such as its ability to project power and conduct joint operations. Horizon 2’s key projects include the acquisition of submarines, the construction of new naval bases, and the development of a missile defense system. Horizon 3 (2029-2034) is concerned with the overall readiness and sustainability of the AFP. Some of the key projects under Horizon 3 include the improvement of the AFP’s logistics and maintenance capabilities and the development of a comprehensive human resources plan. The total cost of the Horizons modernization program is estimated to be around P1 trillion. The government has allocated P75 billion for Horizon 1, P150 billion for Horizon 2, and P175 billion for Horizon 3. The post Teodoro sounds off on AFP modernization shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Artists scoot off Scooter Braun’s management
Scooter Braun’s an empire no more. Multiple reports say major artists, among them Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel, have parted ways with the music executive. Braun, known for discovering Justin Bieber on YouTube, is also stepping back from managing the Canadian singer, though Bieber’s departure from Braun has been denied by sources. NBC News reported that there’s no bad blood between the artists and Braun. The talent manager is said to be preparing for his role as chief executive officer of the American branch of HYBE, the South Korean multinational entertainment company behind the K-pop titan BTS. In 2021, Braun sold his Ithaca Holdings to HYBE for US$1.05 billion. Braun earned the ire of Taylor Swift and her global fandom in 2018 when he acquired the rights to her first six albums when he purchased the label Big Machine Record Group. Swift called the move her “worst case scenario.” Braun then sold Swift’s music catalog for $300 million to Shamrock Holdings, leading to Swift announcing that she would rerecord her albums. So far, Swift has released the new versions of Fearless, Red and Speak Now. She is set to release 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in October. Braun is said to still be managing Hollywood acts Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin, Carly Rae Jepsen and Ava Max. The post Artists scoot off Scooter Braun’s management appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Leadership row resurges over Maguindanao Norte
The conundrum continues. As one sage claims: put five lawyers in a room to interpret a legal riddle and you will have five differing answers. Legal hermeneutics is cerebral calisthenics lawyers are trained for. We see this in the on-and-off legal and political maneuverings for the governorship of the newly created Maguindanao del Norte province. Some wise observers compare it to the Game of Thrones, especially the first major story, “The Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros,” which describes the “web of political conflicts among the noble families... to claim the throne.” We thought the exercise by the President of his inherent power of appointment, as this column suggested in previous articles, to fill the lacuna of leadership had written finis to the controversy. We thought wrong. The province is plunged again into a political crisis. As a caveat, the following is an off-the-cuff commentary substantially based on reports published in tri- and social media. We haven’t read the text of the decision. We had to observe caution because the case is still pending and therefore covered by the sub judice rule which prohibits public discussion of the merits of a pending case under pain of contempt of court. The recent imbroglio springs from a report of an alleged decision by a Division of the Supreme Court litigating an issue (a Mandamus not a Quo Warranto petition) regarding the appointment by then Acting Vice Governor Aimee Sinsuat of the Provincial Treasurer of the newly created province of Maguindanao del Norte. The decision includes a statement that the appointment made by Sinsuat was “valid.” Then-elected Vice Governor Aimee Sinsuat of the mother province of Maguindanao assumed the office of Acting Governor by virtue of the transitory provision of the law which called for a plebiscite for the splitting of Maguindanao into del Sur and Norte. The assumption by Sinsuat was questioned, inter alia, for the alleged inapplicability of the law because the plebiscite was conducted after the 2023 national and local elections (the law was premised on the plebiscite being conducted before the elections). The BARMM Ministry of Local Government debunked the claim of Vice Governor Sinsuat to the office. The BARMMN leadership then recommended Senior Minister Abdul Raof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua for Acting Governor to prevent paralysis of the government service. This was approved by the President who issued an appointment designating Macacua as Acting Governor and Bai Sinsuat as Acting Vice Governor, with the latter accepting it without a whimper of protest. This calmed the stormy political waters, grumbling, and maneuvering for the province’s Governorship until a Division of the Supreme Court came out with a decision upholding the appointment made by then Acting Governor Sinsuat. This has resurrected hope in the camp of Sinsuat that their interpretation of the law was correct, ergo, she should be the Acting Governor and not Macacua. This has ruffled political feathers and created confusion among Maguindanaons. Who is the legal Acting Governor of the province? Speculations on the effect of the decision flew thick and fast prompting Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim Murad to appeal to the public not to spread rumors that tend to create political instability. There are valid questions that beg answers. Was the Supreme Court aware of the appointment by the President of Macacua as Acting Governor and Sinsuat as Vice Governor? If yes, will this not lead to a constitutional crisis with the judiciary questioning the exercise of a presidential prerogative absent abuse or irregularity in the process? Was the acceptance by Sinsuat of her appointment by the President as Vice Governor without reservation made her estopped from questioning the legitimacy of the appointment of Macacua? Does the dispositive part of the decision about the legality of the appointment made by then Acting Governor Sinsuat constitute the fallo of the case or was it a mere obiter dictum? Meantime, the decision has not yet acquired finality. The BARMM will definitely file a Motion for Reconsideration. There’s still a long way to go. This column echoes the appeal of the Interim Chief Minister for the public to refrain from making any unnecessary comments that will add fuel to the controversy. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Leadership row resurges over Maguindanao Norte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia released from NBP
Retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, the former military comptroller from 1993 until 2004 who was convicted of charges arising from illegal wealth, is now a free man after he was ordered released from the New Bilibid Prison. Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang carried out the order after Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla approved the release of Garcia, whose sentence has been fully served upon computation, including the 3,288 GCTA under RA 10592 or the law granting good conduct time allowance for persons deprived of liberty. Garcia was sentenced by the Sandiganbayan Second Division for four up to eight years in prison for direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code; and another four to six years in jail for facilitating money laundering under Section 4 (b) of Republic Act 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Law). He was also sentenced for a minimum of one year and eight months to maximum of two years and four months for perjury by the anti-graft’s court and maximum of two years for violation of 96th and 97th Article of War by the General Court Martial of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Based on record, Garcia was sentenced to a definite prison term of 18 years and four months, but whose time served with time allowances have already exceeded his maximum sentence, computed based on Republic Act No. 10592. Records also showed that Garcia was received by the NBP on 16 September 2011 but his actual detention started in June 2005. Thus, he has actually served 17 years, five months and eight days in prison. Catapang said there is no longer any legal ground for Garcia to be detained at the NBP after having served his maximum sentence. According to prosecutors, while serving as AFP deputy chief of staff for comptrollership, Garcia acquired funds, real estate and other assets "by receiving commissions, gifts, shares, percentages, kickbacks, or other forms of pecuniary benefits, like shopping money or gratitude money" while handling government contracts. The post Ex-AFP comptroller Carlos Garcia released from NBP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UnionBank net income for first half of 2023 at P6.4B
Union Bank of the Philippines delivered a net income of P6.4 billion in the first six months of 2023, up by 6 percent against the same period last year. Net revenues for the first half of the year amounted to P34.4 billion, increasing by 60 percent versus the same period last year. Net interest income grew 41 percent to P24.0 billion, largely attributable to the 43 percent increase in the bank’s loan portfolio plus better net interest margin. Net interest margin increased by 60 bps to 5.2 percent. The bank’s strong focus on high-yielding consumer loans more than offset the impact of the rising cost of funds. The bank’s proportion of consumer loans to total loans improved to 55 percent this year versus 42 percent last year. Fees and other income more than doubled to P10.5 billion, primarily due to card-related transactions, digital transactions and the growing base of the bank’s key subsidiaries. Operating expenses were up by 82 percent to P21.8 billion on account of one-time integration cost of the acquired Citi consumer business and the establishment of UnionDigital. Excluding the planned costs attributed to these new business segments, the increase in operating expenses was in line with volume growth. Total assets as of June 2023 amounted to P1.1 trillion, up by 27 percent from June 2022. Net loans and receivables climbed up by 43 percent to P522.2 billion, while total deposits increased by 25 percent to P693.3 billion. “We consider this year as a period of investing for our future. Our costs will temporarily be elevated this year, while the integration of the acquired Citi consumer business is ongoing. Having said this, we have a healthy earning asset base. We have a well-diversified consumer loan mix and all segments are growing in double digits. As soon as we complete the Citi integration, we expect a substantial reduction in operating expenses that will bring us back to above-industry ROE we have been known to deliver,” said Manuel R. Lozano, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “All our consumer business engines are running in full speed. We now have over 12 million customers. The acquired Citi business is contributing around one-third of our income today. CitySavings continues to be a market leader in providing salary loans. UnionDigital is already profitable and growing fast. This kind of momentum gives me confidence that UnionBank will achieve its goal of becoming the largest and most profitable retail bank in the Philippines by 2025.” said Edwin R. Bautista, president and chief executive officer. The post UnionBank net income for first half of 2023 at P6.4B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Conman duped PAGCOR worth P75M
An official of a private corporation engaged in e-sabong was shocked to learn that the performance bond he posted on behalf of the corporation worth millions of pesos is now gone after it was released by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to an unauthorized individual. Joaquin P. Sy, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Finance Officer of Kamura Highlands Gaming and Holdings Inc., told the Daily Tribune that in his meeting with PAGCOR's AVP for Fund Management Lolita Gonzales last week, he was able to confirm that a check worth 75 million pesos was issued in the name of one Jewel Castro and was immediately encashed thereafter last year. Sy said that he personally posted the performance bond on 4 April 2022 with the PAGCOR Office in Malate, Manila on behalf of Kamura Highlands Gaming and Holdings Inc., through two manager’s checks payable to PAGCOR and drawn against his personal bank accounts. In return, PAGCOR issued official receipts and other documents proving the bond had been posted. Sy said the original copies of receipts and documents are still in his possession. As per the strict requirements of PAGCOR, the original copy of the receipts must be surrendered before the withdrawal of the bond is allowed. It is also mandatory that checks must be payable in the name of the corporation which posted the bond. It was learned that just a few months after the posting of the said performance bond, President Duterte ordered Pagcor to stop the operation of E-Sabong. Sy in May 2022 submitted a letter request to then Pagcor Chairman Andrea Domingo thru Dianne Erica Jogno—then VP for e-sabong licensing department— for the withdrawal of the said bond but to no avail. Several attempts to follow it up were also proved futile, Sy claimed. In 10 July 2023 Sy filed a letter request addressed to Mr. Alejandro Tengco, newly appointed PAGCOR Chairman and CEO. Sy was able to gain access to PAGCOR’s Finance Department only and was told of the anomaly. According to Sy, Gonzales told him the release of P75 million check to a certain Jewel Camura is an exceptional case. She, however, refused to elaborate nor provide him with the details and documents regarding the anomalous release of his money. Records show that Sy acquired majority shareholdings of Kamuraand in 2021, and on February 2022 an election of corporate officers was held where he became the treasurer and chairman of the board while his brother and his nominee Bernard Parocha were elected as the corporate secretary and vice president respectively. The post Conman duped PAGCOR worth P75M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Discordant voices (1)
Two high government functionaries of the government can’t help themselves from being off-key with the position of their principal, the Chief Executive. They are either having difficulty in understanding the clear, unequivocal, and assertive language of the President or they just want to be solo players. In either case, they do not help in projecting a solid, irreversible, and correct foreign policy on the International Criminal Court’s intransigent intrusion on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ICC wants to supplant our judicial system with its own by investigating drug-related killings and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the presidential term of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and in the latter’s incumbency as Mayor of Davao City. In issuing public statements which are at war with PBBM’s pronouncements on the ICC, they not only undermine the government’s position but give an arsenal to the international interloper to justify its unlawful and vexing interference with the country’s governance. Despite PBBM’s declaration that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines at the start of his presidency in the face of ICC’s attempts at intruding in our manner of administering justice to criminal offenders, these two high government officials gave pronouncements not only contrary to the President’s but illogical and balderdash submissions. On 17 March 2018, FPRRD ordered the withdrawal of the Philippines from the Rome Statute which created the ICC following the commencement by the ICC’s former special prosecutor Fatou Bensouda of a preliminary examination on whether or not the ICC could properly assume jurisdiction over complaints of drug-related killings. A year after, on 17 March 2019, the withdrawal became effective. In September 2021, former prosecutor Bensouda launched a formal inquiry into the drug war. Instead of slamming the ICC for its attempt to subject the Philippines, by that time already non-member state, the withdrawal has been effective, this government lawyer, who at the time headed the justice department, against FPRRD’s position that the ICC never acquired jurisdiction, filed a deferral request of the contemplated probe. Such filing is inconsistent with the “no jurisdiction” policy of the government. For if the ICC has no jurisdiction, this writer argued then as he criticized the move, why should our government request for a suspension of the investigation when it has no jurisdiction? By filing such deferral request, our country effectively placed itself under the jurisdiction of the ICC. Moreover, this columnist further slammed the deferral request action because the reason for its submission was anchored on the offer of the government to submit proof that its judicial system is working. Why should we be the ones to prove that our system of justice is working? It is the ICC that is accusing us that ours is not working, so it should be the ICC that should provide proof that the Philippines is incapable of prosecuting those committing crimes against humanity and committing mass murders. It is elementary that one who alleges must prove, and not the other being accused. That wrong legal maneuver was supported by the other government official who is a lawyer and who substituted him as the head of the office he once held under the previous administration. The former said that such filing of a request was just an act of courtesy, apparently either not understanding the depth of the folly or ignoring the absurdity and incongruity of the same. As this columnist anticipated and said so on various occasions and platforms, the ICC denied the deferral request. Instead of realizing his mistake, this government counsel, who then was appointed to another office handling legal matters, did another monstrous booboo by submitting a motion for reconsideration, adding another brick of error, and strengthening the contradiction of arguing against the lack of jurisdiction of the ICC but invalidating it by subjecting the Philippine government to its jurisdiction. (To be continued) The post Discordant voices (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP: Fair treatment for SoNA rallyists
The Philippine National Police discourage the burning of effigies during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address or SoNA by any groups that would demonstrate support or protests on Monday. In a radio interview on Saturday, PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, said the destruction of effigies by progressive groups will not be allowed during their demonstration as it would cause heavy traffic. “ We have already conveyed the request that we discourage the burning of effigies. There are existing laws when it comes to burning in public places,” Fajardo said, noting that the Quezon City government provided permits to four groups for the upcoming SoNA. She also noted that protesters are only allowed to position in Tandang Sora near Commonwealth, while pro-government groups are designated in front of the St. Peter Parish also along Commonwealth. The city government has allotted between 2 and 3 lanes for protesters or rallyists along Commonwealth Avenue. It also opened a zipper lane on the southbound. Fajardo said the two different groups are given more or less two kilometers distance to prevent possible commotion between them during their demonstrations on Monday. “There are given safe distances between these groups that have acquired permits,” she added. Fajardo said the PNP will apply fair treatment between the administration supporters and anti-government groups. “Whatever security coverage will be given to militant groups will be the same treatment to be provided with the pro-government rallyists,” she said while assuring that the PNP has enough security personnel to cover these different groups. Fajardo warned that police would not allow any group to leave their designated areas as stipulated in the permits. “We are hoping for their compliance to what has been agreed upon,” she said. The PNP will allow progressive groups to demonstrate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. while pro-government groups will conduct their programs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fajardo said. Rallyists are given a chance to demonstrate according to what has been provided by their permits, she added: “It was very clear where should they stay and they should maintain discipline among their ranks.” ‘PNP 100% ready for SoNA’ In a separate radio interview, PNP Public Affairs Chief, BGen. Redrico Maranan said the PNP is all set for the President’s second SoNA noting that they have not monitored any threat ahead of the event. “Patuloy ang paglalatag natin ng security measures at patuloy ang pagkalap natin ng impormasyon sa paligid (We continue to lay down security measures and acquiring more information in the surroundings),” he said. Maranan said more than 22,000 police personnel, including a force multiplier, will be deployed in the entire Metro Manila during SoNA. The post PNP: Fair treatment for SoNA rallyists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner Jr. is next AFP chief — Palace
Malacañang on Wednesday announced that Philippine Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., will serve as the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines replacing General Andres Centino who will be appointed Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. “Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner will be the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and will take the place of General Andres Centino who was re-appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the said post earlier this year,” the Palace said an announcement made through the Presidential Communications Office. It was not known though when Brawner will assume the top AFP post. Brawner was appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army on 20 December 2021. He graduated in the Top 2 in the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989 and has been serving the military organization in various capacities for 34 years. He served as company commander of the 6th Special Forces Company; battalion commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion; operations officer of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne); chief of staff of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division; chief of public affairs of the Philippine Army; spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment. Brawner is also a former brigade commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in the aftermath of the Marawi Siege in 2017. He once served as Commandant of Cadets at the Philippine Military Academy, where he played an important role in the total eradication of hazing and maltreatment in the Cadet Corps. Brawner later served as the first deputy chief of staff for Financial Management, J10, of the AFP. He is also the former commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, where he supervised the unit’s combat operations that resulted in the decisive neutralization of Jorge Madlos or “Ka Oris,” the notorious commander of the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army. Malacañang said that Brawner has exemplified the highest levels of excellence in his military schooling, a top notcher in his classes in the Special Forces Operations Course, Intelligence Officer Course, and the AFP Comptrollership Course. Brawner acquired three Master’s degrees in Information Management from the Ateneo de Manila University; Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand and from the European School of Management, Oxford, United Kingdom; and a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Brawner also received numerous awards and recognitions, including The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers or TOPS in 2013 from the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati; and the Lapu-Lapu Award from President Rodrigo Duterte, for his valuable contributions to the neutralization of Abu Dar, the last of the original leaders of the Maute-ISIS faction. In March this year, Brawner was inducted into the US Army War College or UASWC International Fellows Hall of Fame in recognition of his service in the highest command position in the Philippine Army. The post Brawner Jr. is next AFP chief — Palace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»