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Lebanon court orders ex-car boss Ghosn out of Beirut home: official
A Lebanese judge has decided to evict former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn from his luxury home, a judicial official said Saturday, four years after an investment firm accused him of "trespassing". Ghosn, who took up residency in the Beirut property after fleeing prosecution in Japan in 2019, appealed the ruling on Friday, the official added. A spokesperson for Ghosn confirmed he had appealed. Ghosn and his wife must "vacate the property... within a month", according to a copy of the decision seen by AFP and dated 16 October. The home with pink walls in the Lebanese capital's upscale Ashrafieh neighborhood is worth some $19 million and is registered to Lebanese company Phoinos Investment, the judicial official said, requesting anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media. Phoinos initiated the legal action in 2019 and has accused Ghosn of "trespassing on private property and living in the home without legal basis", the official added. According to the court document, Ghosn said the company was affiliated with Nissan and that "the property was purchased... for his residence, and there is a signed agreement with Nissan that grants him the right to reside" there. Ghosn occupied the home "according to a contractual relationship linking... Ghosn and Nissan", the decision said. However, the end of that relationship and the plaintiff's wish to retake the property invalidates "the legal basis" of his occupancy, it added. In a written statement to AFP, a Ghosn spokesperson said documents that had been unavailable for prior hearings in the cast would support his appeal. "He will now be able to present all the documents held up in Japan that he was unable to secure on time," the statement said. Ghosn, the former chairman and chief executive of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, was arrested in Japan in November 2018 on suspicion of financial misconduct, before being sacked by Nissan's board in a unanimous decision. He jumped bail late the following year and made a dramatic escape from Japan hidden in an audio-equipment box, landing in Beirut, where he remains an international fugitive. Ghosn has always denied the charges against him, arguing they were cooked up by Nissan executives who opposed his attempts to more closely integrate the firm with French partner Renault. Japan and France have sought his arrest, but Lebanon does not extradite its citizens, and judicial authorities have slapped a travel ban on Ghosn, who holds Lebanese, French, and Brazilian nationality. The post Lebanon court orders ex-car boss Ghosn out of Beirut home: official appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., on Tuesday said the military organization needs to acquire modern defense equipment and weapons so it can better protect and defend the country against external threats. Aside from modern weapons, Brawner cited the need to equip soldiers with the resources and skills to prepare them for any challenges in fighting and neutralizing threats. Brawner said the AFP also envisions the creation of “citizen warriors” or recruiting more reservists that can be readily tapped during emergencies. Asked if the AFP is ready to meet any external aggression, Brawner said: “When it comes to Filipinos’ fighting spirit, we are number one because, for the longest time, we have been fighting for years, so we are one of the most capable fighters in the world so we just need modern equipment, modern weapons and that’s what we are doing in our modernization effort.” Brawner said an allocation of huge funds is needed to acquire more modern defense equipment and weapons. He said the AFP is targeting to acquire “multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines and the like” under the third Horizon of the AFP modernization program. Five-year program The Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028. Horizon 2 was undertaken from 2018 to 2022, and Horizon 1 was pushed from 2013 to 2017. Brawner said such procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms to enhance the military organization’s external or territorial defense capability. The post Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner: Modern weapons ‘crucial’ to combatting external threats
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said the military organization needs to acquire modernized defense equipment and weapons so it can better protect and defend the country against any external threat. Aside from modernized weapons, Brawner also cited the need to equip soldiers with the resources and skills to prepare them for any challenges of fighting and neutralizing threats. Brawner said the AFP is also envisioning the creation of “citizen warriors” or recruiting more reservists that can be readily tapped during emergencies. “‘Yung taong bayan ay kailangang ihanda natin, tingnan nyo po yung nangyari sa Israel nung umatake yung Hamas, ang mga unang dumepensa sa bansa nila ay yung mga citizen warriors, yung mga reservists, yun din po ang gusto nating mangyari dito,” he said in an interview over the DZRH. “Gusto po natin talagang ihanda yung ating mga kababayan mga mamamayan for any eventuality whether it is man made or even natural,” he added. Asked if the AFP is ready for any external aggression, Brawner said: “When it comes to Filipinos’ fighting spirit, we number one, because for the longest time—we have been fighting for years, so we are one of the most fighters in the world so we just need modern equipment, modern weapons and that’s what we are doing in our modernization effort.” Brawner said an allocation of huge funds is needed to acquire more modern defense equipment and weapons. “Because really mahal po kasi yung mga kagamitan na kailangan natin but we have to invest in our defense kasi kung hindi po natin gagawin yan, kahit na anong gastos natin sa ibang mga bagay pero kung may mangyari man, kung may umatake sa atin mawawala lahat ito,” he added. Brawner earlier said the AFP is targeting to acquire “multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines and the like” under the third Horizon of the AFP modernization program. The Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028. Horizon 2 was undertaken from 2018 to 2022 and the Horizon 1 was pushed from 2013 to 2017. Brawner said such procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms geared at enhancing the external or territorial defense capability of the military organization. Among the platforms procured in the ongoing AFP Modernization Program include the S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, missile frigates, close air support aircraft, air defense surveillance radars, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones, corvettes, anti-submarine helicopters, light tanks, tactical radios, amphibious assault vehicles, civil engineering equipment, and modern pistols......»»
PBBM eager to resolve diplomatic tensions with Kuwait
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to successfully resolve the diplomatic tensions between Kuwait and the Philippines following a brief meeting with Kuwait's Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In a roundtable interview with the reporters on Saturday morning (Manila time), Marcos said Kuwait's Crown Prince approached him at the sidelines of the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh. According to Marcos, Kuwait's Crown Prince requested a brief meeting to address the ongoing discord between the two nations. "He said, 'Can we have a quick chat for just 3 to 5 minutes?' He assured me it wouldn't take long, and we readily agreed," Marcos told the reporters, describing how the impromptu meeting started. In the discussion, the Crown Prince expressed his dissatisfaction with the actions of his people and disapproved of the strained relations between Kuwait and the Philippines. "The words that he used are 'Do not listen to them. These words come from small people. I do not agree with what they have been doing'," Marcos said. He added that the Crown Prince absolved the Philippines of any need to apologize. According to the Chief Executive, the Crown Prince told him: "There is no reason for you to apologize to us. In fact, I will apologize to you." He cited the enduring support of President Marcos's father for Kuwait, emphasizing the historical ties between the nations. "We will fix it, and we will make it right because we love the Philippines," the Crown Prince affirmed, promising resolution and reconciliation between the two countries. Earlier this year, Kuwait told the Philippines to honor the Gulf state's sovereignty after the Middle Eastern country halted issuing new entry visas to citizens of the Southeast Asian country due to a labor agreement dispute. Kuwait has announced that it will extend the temporary prohibition on all types of visas for Filipino workers. However, they have also confirmed that they will renew visas for those who hold valid residence permits and wish to continue their employment in Kuwait. In 2018, the Philippines and Kuwait entered into a labor agreement aimed at regulating domestic workers. This agreement came about following a dispute between the two nations, which resulted in a ban on Filipino workers after a domestic worker was tragically murdered. This year, another distressing incident occurred when a 35-year-old Filipina maid was killed by a Kuwaiti teenager, prompting the Philippines to reevaluate its labor agreement with Kuwait. This incident occurred nearly five years after the murder of Joanna Daniela Demafelis, a Filipina domestic worker whose body was discovered in a freezer after being killed by her employers. These events caused a diplomatic strain and led the then-president, Rodrigo Duterte, to temporarily ban Filipinos seeking employment in the Gulf country. The post PBBM eager to resolve diplomatic tensions with Kuwait appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all
It has nothing to do with that particular country, or so they claimed rather cautiously and diplomatically. Navies of the Philippines and the United States opened their bilateral naval exercises yesterday, along with six other countries, at Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The drills involve at-shore events at the Philippine Navy’s headquarters before going out to sea for exercises intended to improve the allied naval forces’ interoperability. Dubbed Exercise Sama-Sama, or Together, the exercise, according to Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, has nothing to do with a particular country that has figured in increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. But Adaci was obviously referring to China whose coast guard had used water cannons on Philippine Coast Guard-led resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS. Adaci opened the exercise with US Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Karl Thomas. “The exercise is designed to be conducted here in Manila and the southern Luzon area,” Adaci said. Thomas, for his part, stressed the need to recognize the rules-based international order. Strong word “I think it is important that all nations have a right to sail and operate in the West Philippine Sea — free from worrying about being attacked,” Thomas said. “And attack is probably a strong word.” “I would say, free from being coerced, free from being intimidated. You know we want the commons to be common and open and free. And so long as our nations operate in accordance with the rule of law, in accordance with the rules and regulations, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he said. Like Adaci, Thomas did not mention China, but it is common knowledge that the United States military has been conducting “freedom of navigation” patrols to keep the South China Sea open to international commerce. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week ordered the PCG to cut the 300-meter floating barrier installed by Chinese militia vessels at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. PN assets in action A 2016 arbitral ruling deemed China’s territorial claim on nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap the WPS, invalid. The ruling stemmed from a 2013 case filed by the Philippines against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, after Beijing seized control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. As the PCA junked China’s nine-dash line South China Sea claim, it affirmed the Philippines’ entitlement to its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Around 700 sailors and marines from different PN units are participating in the exercise, which will see in action, among other assets, the BRP Antonio Luna, and an AW109 naval helicopter. For the second straight year, the exercise will include the navies of Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Australia. They will be participating mainly in humanitarian assistance and disaster response drills. Observers Meanwhile, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Indonesian Navy are also joining as observers the naval exercise that dates back to 1994 when it was known as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. In 2017, its name was changed to Exercise Sama-Sama. Subsequently, the exercise was conducted annually across various regions: In 2017 at Naval Forces Central; in 2018 at Naval Forces Northern Luzon; in 2019 at Naval Forces West; and in 2021 at the Northern Luzon Command. Last year, it was held alongside Exercise Lumbas — the bilateral navy-to-navy exercise between the Philippines and Australia — with the limited participation of France, Japan and the United Kingdom. According to the PN, the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the capabilities of both nations in responding to regional crises. Additionally, it aims to strengthen its capacities to address non-traditional challenges, including territorial defense, natural and man-made disasters, counterterrorism, maritime security and transnational crimes. The post U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN CONVENTION — Trump exudes winner’s confidence
ANAHEIM (AFP) — Donald Trump received a rapturous welcome at California’s Republican Party Convention on Friday (Saturday in Manila), mocking party rivals and dishing out red meat for an adoring audience in this Democratic stronghold. The former reality TV star, who holds a commanding poll lead in the race to become the 2024 Republican presidential candidate, called rival Chris Christie a “loser” and claimed credit for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s electoral victories. “I’m the one that turned Florida red, not him,” the 77-year-old told party members in Anaheim, days after he skipped the Republican presidential debate in nearby Simi Valley. “Without me, he was dead,” Trump said, a reference to the endorsement he gave DeSantis before he was swept to the governor’s mansion in 2018. DeSantis, who was due to speak at the gathering later Friday, is currently a distant second in the contest to capture the Republican nomination, polling at just 16 percent against Trump’s 59 percent, according to an NBC News survey. “They told me, ‘Don’t hit him, he’s a Republican.’ I don’t give a damn. I hit him hard and now he’s like a bird that is seriously wounded,” he said. At the Republican debate earlier this week, DeSantis and Christie both launched broadsides against the former commander-in-chief, demanding to know why he was ducking questions over his record and his divisiveness. But none of the six men and one woman on the stage on Wednesday landed any knock-out blows. Trump is favored to win California’s Republican Party primary, which, because of the size of the state, could put him on a path to quickly clinch the national nomination. Homelessness His 90-minute speech on Friday focused on the US-Mexico border, where thousands of people are crossing illegally every day, as well as rehearsing some of his regular lines about dismantling the “radical prosecutors” who are coming after him in his multiple legal cases. He also touched on issues dear to the hearts of Californians, including the exploding homelessness crisis in Los Angeles and San Francisco, water resources and moves to transition to green power. Attendees at the event, which runs until Sunday, were enthusiastic for the former president, with some bashing party bigwigs for not showing sufficient fealty. “It’s unfortunate that the mainstream Republican Party that’s sponsoring this convention is not doing more to support President Trump,” Karen Anthoupoulos told AFP. “They do more to sabotage him, really,” the 62-year-old said. “I’m afraid there are some Republicans-in-name-only,” agreed Sharon Lyn Stein, 73. “And I wish they would not be so unsupportive of a man who had the best four years in our country’s history.” The post CALIFORNIA REPUBLICAN CONVENTION — Trump exudes winner’s confidence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. Consistent top performers It’s also important to note that AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land, and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities, and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation — positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Robust policies Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve,” he said. Corporate governance For his part, UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat said, “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices.” Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation – positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. The company adheres to a stringent code of conduct that guides the behavior of its employees, fostering an environment of trust and integrity. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve.” “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices,” said UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat. Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company actively pursues environmental and social responsibility, demonstrating its dedication to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SWAT raids cops’ house in ‘Betflix’ crackdown
SWAT teams led a crackdown on illegal online gambling network in Thailand on Monday that saw the house of potentially the next police chief raided. One of the 30 houses targeted was in central Bangkok and belonged to Deputy National Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, who is touted as a possible candidate to replace the outgoing police chief. Surachate, well known in Thailand for his regular appearances in the media giving updates on investigations, denied any involvement in the alleged gambling ring. “I’m not worried at all, because I’m not involved in this and I can answer any question,” he told reporters outside his home while the raid was under way. “Today I see this as nothing more than internal politics within the police,” he said. Police Major General Trairong Phiwpan said the raids stemmed from a probe into a gambling website called “Betflix” and 12 subsidiary sites. Investigators have issued 23 arrest warrants, he said, including eight for police officers —though Surachate said he was not among them. Officers conducting the raid said they were unaware whose house it was. The long-serving Surachate — nicknamed “the cat with nine lives” — has been linked to powerful figures in the previous government. He was appointed by ex-deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan as chief of the Immigration Bureau in September 2018. He disappeared in 2019 over unclear reasons, before then-prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made him a special adviser on strategy to police in 2021. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who took office last month, told reporters he was monitoring the situation. “There may be the need to set up an independent investigation committee, “because this is a big problem,” he said. “It affects the morale and public impression towards the police.” Thai police have long been dogged by allegations of endemic corruption. WITH AFP The post SWAT raids cops’ house in ‘Betflix’ crackdown 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......»»
PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites
The official sendoff rites for the 500-strong Philippine team to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou takes place today at the Philippine International Convention Center with the Philippine Sports Commission leading the way. The 11 a.m. event will have as guest speaker Executive Secretary Luis Bersamin, according to PSC chairperson Richard “Dickie” Bachmann. “Our athletes are the heart and soul of the country’s campaign in Hangzhou, both in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games,” chairman Bachmann said. The opening ceremony of the Asian Games will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center on 23 September. A total of 481 events in 61 disciplines are going to be disputed. Team Philippines previously sent 271 athletes to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2018 and brought home four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes for 19th place. Golfer Yuka Saso (women’s individual and team events), weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (53kg) and skateboarder Margielyn Didal were the delegation’s top performers. “With the all-out support from our national government through the PSC, I’m positive that our athletes will deliver,” added the sports agency chief, who is set to be joined by PSC Commissioner Bong Coo, Commissioner Fritz Gaston, Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Commissioner Walter Torres in the event. Sports officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Paralympic Committee, the different National Sports Associations and Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission Richard Gomez are also expected to attend the sendoff rites. The post PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Breathing osmosis of public service
Education and public service are deeply ingrained in his family heritage. His mother dedicated her career to educating students in public schools, while his father pursued a profession in government as a lawyer specializing in human rights. Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education or CHEd, recalled that his mother, a teacher at the Esteban Abada High School in Manila, always brought him to school when he was still a young boy. His mother became the principal of Ramon Magsaysay High School, also in Manila, before her retirement. He said he and his siblings grew up breathing the osmosis of public service. “So, when I was growing up, the importance of education was drilled into us. Our mother always tells us to finish our education; nothing will happen in our lives if we don’t graduate from college,” De Vera said, adding that he and his siblings all graduated from public schools. “We are nine siblings, but my parents don’t have the money to send us to private schools. All of us graduated from the University of the Philippines. We are products of public schools; we were just the ‘iskolar ng bayan’ through and through.” Popoy, who finished a bachelor’s degree in History from UP, teaches political science and history at the De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines. He completed his master’s in social science at De La Salle University and doctoral studies in public administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also has a master’s degree in higher education policy and higher education administration from the University of Southern California, one of the top schools in the United States of America, and later worked at the state legislature in California for three years. “In that sense, after I graduated from college, one of the options that I saw is either I take up law or teach, or to work in government, etc. There was an opportunity to teach, so I got into education.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, De Vera also served as a consultant to several government agencies and provided his expertise to congressmen and senators. “Simultaneously, while I was teaching, I was also a consultant to the government. I worked as a consultant and then as chief of staff at the House and Senate.” His extensive academic background and government experience were benchmarks for his appointment as CHEd Commissioner in 2016, highlighting his qualifications for the position. “Since my background is in public administration and I also teach, I have a certain level of confidence that I really understand government, and I want to prove that I can do what I teach. I have a lot of involvement in the House and the Senate, from being an executive assistant until becoming chief of staff. I went through them one by one.” De Vera’s proficiency in legislative affairs from 1988 to 2010 (except for his three years abroad) encompasses a plethora of skills, including bill drafting, speech writing, and crafting amendments. Such expertise is a direct result of his extensive involvement and experience in the realm of legislation. Before his appointment to CHEd, he served as vice president for Public Affairs at UP in 2011. In 2004, he became part of the board of regents in some state universities and colleges. When he took the offer to head CHEd in 2018 after serving as commissioner for two years, he was confident because he survived UP. “I have a high level of confidence that I can do the job because they say that if you survived to govern UP, you can govern everything else because UP is the most ungovernable university in the country. So, if you survived there, you understand the public university system,” he admitted. He narrated to have experienced a sense of ease and familiarity when he joined CHEd. “It felt natural, perhaps because it aligns with my expertise. I might have had some reservations if it were a different department outside my field. However, since there was an opening at CHEd, I decided to offer my assistance, and that’s how I found myself here,” he shared. In running an agency with only 1,400 employees and serving more than 2,000 public and private higher education institutions across the country lies the challenge, De Vera said. With the scope of responsibilities, he gets to visit all state universities and colleges. Riding a bicycle, he witnessed first-hand the brilliance, resilience, and great potential of state universities and colleges. “I would be the first CHEd chair who visited all the state universities and colleges in this country. No one has done that yet,” he said, adding that he had already visited 100 of the 114 state-run universities. “I think in a year, I will finish all of them. The feeling is so different when you see what’s happening on the ground. So, from the start of my appointment, I started going around. I’ve gone to the farthest parts of the country.” As the chairperson, he said his firsthand experience in higher education enables him to speak with confidence and authority on the subject. “By engaging directly with students and faculty, attentively listening to their concerns, and providing meaningful responses, I believe I have made a significant impact. The presence of a secretary in these interactions creates a distinct atmosphere, instilling a sense of importance and value in education stakeholders. This ability to make those on the ground feel significant is a legacy I take pride in,” he said. One of the legacies De Vera is proud of is the implementation of free higher education, which coincided with his tenure. “I consider myself privileged because my predecessors did not have the opportunity to enact such a policy. Despite the challenges encountered, I believe that the beneficiaries truly reaped the benefits of this initiative,” he said. In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the country was confronted with unprecedented difficulties and uncertainties. CHEd, however, managed to navigate these challenges and ensured that education persisted. “This, in itself, is an accomplishment. Despite various government interventions being affected, we remained steadfast in delivering education to the best of our abilities,” he said. De Vera actively advocates for an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities for marginalized sectors to complete their tertiary education. He seeks to create “first-generation graduates” as a legacy of the current administration. This program aims to offer educational opportunities to young Filipinos from minority and indigenous groups, children of rebel returnees, and other marginalized communities, enabling them to complete their education successfully. “Why not consciously make our legacy about bringing these individuals into the mainstream and ensuring they have the opportunity to finish their education? This emerging phenomenon is something we can truly focus on.” He added: “If we can successfully accomplish this within the next three years while I am in office, I can confidently say that it will be a legacy achieved by the Marcos administration. While the Duterte administration initiated free higher education, the Marcos administration aims to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of marginalized individuals.” The post Breathing osmosis of public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty takes the spotlight
Beauty enthusiasts were drawn to a “new light” on the night of 7 September as Rustan’s The Beauty Source, the Philippines' foremost destination for opulent beauty, proudly introduced its annual Beauty Addict event. “See Beauty in a new light” came the invitation, and the retail hub renowned for curating the world’s most prestigious beauty brands in makeup, skincare, fragrance and personal care products, welcomed guests to its revamped Beauty Hall. The transformed space boasts of world-class interiors and cutting-edge retail architecture, providing the perfect backdrop for the most coveted and luxurious beauty brands. The occasion raised the bar for luxury retail and reaffirmed Rustan’s dedication to only choose the best products for its affluent customers. Excitement meets elegance The big day welcomed luxury beauty brands, such as CHANEL, Clarins, La Prairie, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tom Ford, MAC, La Mer, Clé de Peau Beauté, Shiseido, Hermes, Diptyque, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, L’Occitane, Grown Alchemist, Malin+Goetz, L:a Bruket and many more. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by Rustan’s chief executive officer Zenaida Tantoco, president Donnie Tantoco and executive vice president Anton Huang, accompanied by the radiant Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. The evening was further elevated with captivating performances by the Halili Dance Group and the Manila String Machine Orchestra, with Bea Tantoco. As the night unfolded, guests reveled in a special afterparty with live music from Renee Dominique and renowned local DJs. The open dancefloor beckoned, while the champagne bar, sponsored by the Philippine Wine Merchants, and delectable hors d’oeuvres by Margarite Forés ensured a night to remember. Exclusive beauty gifts and selfie contest For the early birds, a prized two-sided Beauty LED Compact Mirror was given away to the first 100 visitors at Rustan’s Beauty Hall. With LED lights that mimic sunlight, this attractive mirror has both conventional and magnifying mirrors. Sharing event selfies on social media accounts qualified the selfie-savvy participants for the competition, which gave the chance to win the prized “Best Selfie Award,” which came with a hefty P10,000 Rustan’s The Beauty Source shopping spree. Glamour all the way to November From 8 to 17 September, Rustan’s offered a one-week promotion with exclusive discounts and rewards to keep its customers happy. With the Beauty Addict Holiday Gift with Purchase promotion, which is active until 30 November, Rustan’s continued the celebration throughout the holiday season. A Kate Spade New York Make It Pop Floral Jewelry Box was given out to Beauty Addict members with a minimum purchase. Rustan’s introduced the Beauty Addict Holiday Raffle, with the big prize being a three-night vacation for two in the romantic city of love — Paris, France — to heighten the anticipation. The winner will also receive KrisFlyer miles from Singapore Airlines to use on a Business Class Saver Award ticket to Paris, France. Every P2,500 spent at Rustan’s Beauty Source rewarded Beauty Addict members one entry into an electronic drawing. Every Metrobank card transaction give cardholders two entries. Promo ends 30 November. The post Beauty takes the spotlight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malaysian court upholds ex-leader Najib’s audit tampering acquittal
A Malaysian court upheld on Tuesday the acquittal of jailed former prime minister Najib Razak on an audit tampering charge in the investigation into corruption at the 1MDB state wealth fund. Najib is serving a 12-year prison term on other graft charges related to the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad financial scandal. The plundering of the fund led to investigations around the world, including in the United States, Switzerland and Singapore, into the use of their financial systems to launder money. But Malaysia's Court of Appeal struck out the appeal by state prosecutors against the acquittal of the audit tampering charge after prosecutors did not submit documents in time, Najib's lawyer Mohamed Shafee Abdullah told AFP. "In this case, the prosecution evidently found no grounds for appeal, resulting in no petition being filed," he said in a statement. Najib, the 70-year-old leader of Malaysia for nine years until 2018, was acquitted in March after a Kuala Lumpur High Court judge ruled prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence that he had tampered with an audit report on scandal-racked 1MDB. That charge focused on allegations that Najib ordered a report by the government's official audit body on the 1MDB sovereign wealth fund to be altered in February 2016. Najib's co-accused, former 1MDB chief Arul Kanda Kandasamy, was also acquitted. The former Malaysian premier's acquittal from the tampering charge does not affect his current jail sentence and he faces dozens more charges that could lengthen that term. Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor was found guilty of graft in 2022 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. She remains on bail pending an appeal. The post Malaysian court upholds ex-leader Najib’s audit tampering acquittal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ERRAMON Aboitiz: Renaissance man
The Aboitiz family is a big player in Philippine business for over a century. With businesses covering a wide range of industries, including power, banking, food, and infrastructure, the clan’s Aboitiz Group has been creating jobs and opportunities for Filipinos. Founded by Paulino Aboitiz, son of a Spanish farmer who migrated to the Philippines in the late 1800s, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., or AEV, has grown from being an abaca-trading and general-merchandise business to a conglomerate with interests in power, banking, food, property, biofuel and construction. The group is undergoing its Great Transformation to establish itself as the Philippines’ pioneering techglomerate. This innovative growth strategy, powered by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers the entire group to advance businesses and uplift communities. Among the driving forces propelling the Group’s business revolution is Erramon “Montxu” Aboitiz. Montxu previously served as the president and chief executive at Aboitiz Equity Ventures for 10 years from 2009 to 2019. He also briefly held the role of CEO at Aboitiz Power Corp. in 2018. Presently, he serves as a director at AEV and Endeavor Philippines and as chairman of the Board of Directors at Union Bank of the Philippines. Likewise, he serves as a board observer of the Aboitiz & Company. The Asian Institute of Management named Montxu as the new chairman of its Board of Trustees, effective from 1 September 2023. Montxu joined a respected group of successful business leaders who are dedicated to advancing the progress and welfare of Asia and its inhabitants. He was the 7th chairman of AIM, taking over from Peter Garrucho who held the position since 2017. Montxu graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, USA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance. In 2011, he was awarded the Management Man of the Year by the Management Association of the Philippines and recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Seven years after that, AIM awarded Montxu with an honorary doctorate in management. Social responsibility runs in Aboitiz blood The Aboitiz Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the Aboitiz Group, donated $10 million to AIM in 2019 — known as the Aboitiz 100th Anniversary Commitment Fund. The fund aims to bridge the local and regional gap in data science and innovation. As a result of this generous donation, AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship is now able to provide top-notch education and research opportunities in data science, with a focus on practical applications. This is made possible by collaborating with data science professionals and leaders from around the world. Recently, Montxu was elected chairperson of the AIM board of trustees. He is widely recognized for his strong commitment to social responsibility and philanthropy. Regarding the endowment to AIM, Montxu said it targeted assisting AIM in its efforts “to expand its curriculum and facilities towards the direction of a bold future, and the skills and education it will require.” Through his leadership in the Aboitiz Group and the Aboitiz Foundation, he has spearheaded numerous projects that have made a positive impact on local communities. As chairman of the Aboitiz Foundation, Montxu has played a key role in shaping its initiatives. The foundation focuses on three key areas which are education, enterprise development, and environmental conservation. “As businessmen, there is no doubt we seek profits and a return on our capital. But as Filipinos, we are equally guided by a sense of purpose to find meaningful ways of contributing to our communities across the country. This symbiotic relationship of profit and contributing to society is our secret sauce to true sustainability, allowing the Aboitiz Group to drive change for a better world by advancing business and communities,” Montxu added. The foundation implemented various programs and scholarships to improve access to quality education, foster entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities, and promote sustainability. Aboitiz Foundation has been heavily involved in rehabilitating and improving schools in underprivileged areas. They have renovated classrooms, libraries and other facilities, providing students with better learning environments. The foundation has also donated learning materials and equipment to enhance the educational experience of students. Aboitiz Foundation supports community-based programs that aim to uplift marginalized communities. These programs focus on various aspects such as health, nutrition, livelihood, and disaster resilience. The foundation works closely with local organizations and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions and empower communities to become self-sufficient. Aboitiz Foundation places significant emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability. They have initiated projects to protect and restore ecosystems, promote renewable energy, and reduce carbon footprint. The foundation actively supports reforestation efforts, marine conservation, and waste management initiatives. The foundation also has a strong focus on disaster response and preparedness. They have been at the forefront of providing immediate relief and support during natural disasters, such as typhoons, earthquakes and floods. The foundation also works towards building resilient communities by conducting disaster risk reduction and management training programs. Montxu Aboitiz encourages and supports employee volunteerism within the Aboitiz Group. The company promotes a culture of giving back by providing employees with opportunities to engage in community service and volunteer activities. This not only benefits the communities they serve but also fosters a sense of social responsibility among the employees. It also collaborates with various non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of their social responsibility initiatives. They work together to address complex social issues and implement sustainable solutions that create lasting change. Aligned with the United Nations Global Compact, AEV drives policies, advocacies, and initiatives to make a lasting impact. The post ERRAMON Aboitiz: Renaissance man appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family killed by Nazis to be beatified in Catholic first
A Polish couple and their seven children, killed by Nazis during World War II for hiding Jews, will be beatified Sunday, the first time an entire family is given one of Catholicism's highest honors. The ceremony in the family's hometown of Markowa in south-east Poland will be attended by over 30,000 people, including 80 bishops, 1,000 priests, the country's chief rabbi, and an Israeli delegation. It was there, on 24 March 1944, that German police acting on a tip-off shot dead Jozef Ulma and his wife Wiktoria, who was seven months pregnant and partially gave birth during the execution. Their children, Stanislawa, Barbara, Wladyslav, Franciszek, Antoni, and Maria, aged between two and eight, were killed too, along with the eight Jews the family had been hiding in the attic. The eight -- Shaul Goldmann and his five children, including his daughter Lea Didner and her five-year-old daughter, and Golda Gruenfeld -- were also shot before the family farmhouse was looted and set on fire. The police fired up into the attic from the floor below, "and the blood of the victims began to drip from the ceiling... onto a photograph of two Jewish women lying on a table below", Vatican News said. That photograph "has been preserved as a 'relic'", it said. Baptism of blood The massacre followed "a story of love and friendship", said Italian journalist Manuela Tulli, who has written a book on the family along with Polish historian and priest Pawel Rytel-Andrianik. "When the Jews asked for help, they opened their doors. They lived together for a year and a half, cooking and eating together", Tulli told AFP. Jozef Ulma was a keen photographer as well as a farmer, and photographs he took that survived reveal the family's life through simple, everyday scenes. "We see the children running barefoot in the grass, doing their homework, the mother hanging out the washing," Tulli said. The families were denounced by a Polish policeman. After they were executed, 24 Jews in Markowa were murdered by their Polish neighbors. The Ulma family will be the first ever to be beatified, a key step on a possible path to sainthood in the Catholic Church. And in a rare move, the Ulmas' newborn seventh child will also earn the title of "blessed". The child is eligible for beatification through the concept of "baptism of blood", having been born "at the time of the mother's martyrdom", according to the Vatican's department for saints. Usually, people need to have performed a miracle to be eligible for beatification, but martyrs are exempt. Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma were recognized by Israel in 1995 as members of the "Righteous among the Nations", an honor for non-Jews who tried to save Jews from Nazi extermination. The family also has a museum dedicated to it in Markowa and in 2018 Poland decreed 24 March -- the date of the massacre -- a day of remembrance for Poles who rescued Jews during the German occupation. The post Family killed by Nazis to be beatified in Catholic first appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hong Kong flooded by heaviest rainfall in 140 years
Hong Kong was flooded by the heaviest rainfall in nearly 140 years on Friday, leaving the city's streets and some subway stations under water and forcing its schools to close. Just across the border, authorities in China's tech hub Shenzhen recorded the heaviest rains since records began in 1952. Climate change has increased the intensity of tropical storms, experts say, with more rain and stronger gusts leading to flash floods and coastal damage. The heavy rains in Hong Kong started on Thursday and in the hour leading up to midnight, the city's weather observatory recorded hourly rainfall of 158.1 millimeters at its headquarters, the highest since records began in 1884. On Friday afternoon, the Hospital Authority said at least 110 people were hospitalized due to injuries, with four in serious condition. A man was found unconscious off the shore of western Hong Kong Island and declared dead at the hospital, though authorities were still investigating if the death was flood-related. The city's highest rainstorm warning level, "black", was hoisted for a record-breaking 16 hours before being lowered at 3:40 pm Friday, with rainfall mostly easing by late afternoon. "It's absolutely shocking," said Jacky, 52, who lives in the Wong Tai Sin district with his elderly parents. "I don't remember floods ever being this bad in our district." "The bottom floor of the mall is completely flooded, the water level is higher than the storefronts... it's turned our day into chaos," he added. Authorities issued flash flood warnings, with emergency services conducting rescue operations in parts of the territory. "Residents living in close proximity to rivers should stay alert to weather conditions and should consider evacuation" if their homes are flooded, the observatory said. It also warned of potential landslips, telling motorists to "keep away from steep slopes or retaining walls". Hong Kong's stock exchange cancelled all trading sessions on Friday. 'Once in a century' Hong Kong Chief Secretary Eric Chan described the deluge as "a once-in-a-century heavy rainstorm", adding that extreme conditions would continue until midnight local time (1600 GMT). "It's like putting four bathtubs of water into one bathtub... it will spill," Chan said at a press conference, when asked if the government had done enough to prevent flooding. The Hong Kong Observatory said it recorded more than 600 millimeters of rainfall at its headquarters over 24 hours -- roughly a quarter of the city's annual average. Earlier in the day, taxis struggled through flooded roads as commuters attempted to make their way to work, with some cars stranded in the deluge. "It felt like the whole neighborhood was isolated by the floodwater. One of the underground car parks is totally under water," Olivia Lam, who lives on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island, told AFP. "The water was almost waist-deep outside my building, and that's not the worst (case) in the neighborhood." An AFP reporter saw boulders and mud from a landslide block off a two-lane road in the Shau Kei Wan district, with mud also spilling over into a nearby basketball court. Residents of a public housing block just 30 meters from the landslide lined up with buckets to collect fresh water after the building's supply was disrupted. Roads were also flooded on the island of Lantau, where rivers swelled over their banks. Southern China was hit the previous weekend by two typhoons in quick succession -- Saola and Haikui -- though Hong Kong avoided a feared direct hit. Tens of millions of people in the densely populated coastal areas of southern China had sheltered indoors ahead of those storms. Hong Kong's weather observatory said the latest torrential rain was brought by the "trough of low pressure associated with (the) remnant of Haikui". Authorities suspended schools and cargo clearance services on the city's border with Shenzhen were paused. The border disruption came hours after Hong Kong authorities announced that Shenzhen was preparing to discharge water from its reservoir, which they said could lead to flooding in northern parts of the city. Hong Kong's subway operator said there was a service disruption on one of its lines after a station in the Wong Tai Sin district was flooded. A handful of other stations were also affected by the rain. Footage posted on social media showed a subway train not stopping at Wong Tai Sin station, which had floodwater on its platform. The flooding could cost Hong Kong at least $100 million, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence estimate, compared to $470 million in damage when the city was hit by typhoon Mangkhut in 2018. The post Hong Kong flooded by heaviest rainfall in 140 years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBM flags PNP’s P27-B ‘overdraft’
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been spending a whopping P26.7 billion annually for “unauthorized” excess positions in the organization, covering ranks from Lieutenant Generals and below, according to a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) document, In a letter dated 12 October 2022 addressed to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., Mary Anne Z. Dela Vega, Director of the Budget Department’s Budget and Management Bureau, submitted a matrix of PNP rank distribution approved by the DBM covering the 226,410 members of the police force. The DBM-approved rank distribution did not match the actual strength and distribution of ranks implemented by the PNP leadership, contrary to existing laws and regulations. The following excess positions were noted in the following ranks: Lieutenant General, 5; Major General, 6; Brigadier General, 24; Colonel, 232; Lieutenant Colonel, 910; Major, 1,410; Captain, 1,835; Staff Sergeant, 31,729; and Corporal, 30,052. The total excess positions stand at 66,203 with a combined annual base pay of P26.707 billion. DILG sources said these excess positions, which go beyond the DBM-authorized number of personnel, are considered “illegal." On the other hand, DBM and DILG data showed that there are 77,190 unfilled positions in the PNP hierarchy, with the rank of Patrolman/Patrolwoman suffering the biggest discrepancy with 66,958 unfilled posts. The DBM-authorized positions for Patrolman stands at 129,926 but the actual strength per PNP record as of 30 June 2023 stood at only 62,968. These unfilled positions have a combined budget of P23.838 billion that was not spent on the recruitment of more Patrolmen and women. “This explains why we severely lack police visibility in our communities. And this has an adverse effect on the overall campaign to preserve peace and order and protect the people from crimes,” said a DILG insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Other PNP ranks that remain unfilled include Lieutenant, 1,066; Executive Master Sergeant, 2,382; Chief Master Sergeant, 3,878; Senior Master Sergeant, 463; and Master Sergeant, 2,443. For star rank positions, the DBM allows only three for Lieutenant Generals but there are presently eight officials having that rank. For Major General, the DBM allows only 11 but 17 are now occupying the position while for Brig. General, only 86 are allowed but 110 were appointed to the rank. For non-star ranks, there are only 624 colonels allowed by the DBM but the PNP has 856. The DBM authorized 2,000 for Lt. Cols. but the actual number of officers with that rank stands at 2,910. “… we wish to reiterate that any changes in the PNP’s organizational structure should be supported by a study and recommendation of NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission), to include its impact on the hierarchy and leadership structure of the organization, and subsequently, the same shall be subject to the President’s approval,” the DBM letter said. Napolcom Commissioner Alberto Bernardo, who is also Vice Chairperson of the body, was furnished a copy of the said letter but could not be reached for comment. An earlier letter to the DILG dated 19 July 2018 and signed by then Secretary Benjamin Diokno warned that except for such offices created by the Constitution, the creation of public offices is primarily a legislative function. Therefore, these excess positions in the PNP not otherwise authorized by the DBM are contrary to law and may only be considered ad hoc or temporary positions. Likewise, the realignment of PNP funds to these excess positions was a power reserved only to the President and the use of savings to augment items in the general appropriations law for the executive branch is his sole prerogative and not any police official in the case of the PNP. Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, specifically states that; “the General Appropriations Act shall not contain any itemization of personal services, which shall be prepared by the Secretary after enactment of the (GAA), for consideration and approval of the President.” The twin acts of creating excess positions and using realigned savings to fund these posts by the PNP leadership are prohibited by law. “While the Napolcom is duty-bound to advise the president on all matters relating to police functions and administration, it cannot recommend to the President the promotion of Third Level PNP officers to excess and prohibited positions,” the DILG source further explained. The post DBM flags PNP’s P27-B ‘overdraft’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh
Since his call in 2017 to veto Republic Act 10931, the law granting free higher education, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has been singing the same dissonant melody. A similar theme can be heard in his most recent attempt to cast doubt on the program’s long-term viability, which is frequently praised as one of the Duterte administration’s legacies. However, as Diokno continues to bang his well-worn drum, it becomes increasingly obvious that his arguments are out of tune and lacking in both substance and harmony. The frequently repeated assertion by Diokno that the free college program is “anti-poor” because of its supposed bias toward wealthy students doesn’t ring true with logic or facts. His claim that wealthy students have supplanted their less advantaged peers in the competition for openings at state universities and colleges lacks supporting data. He tries to play the fiscal unsustainability card by asserting that the program is an exorbitant financial burden for the government. This perspective is myopic because education spending continues to be one of the most effective ways to boost the economy and create jobs. In fact, a World Bank report has said that every dollar spent on education generates ten times as much in economic benefits, thus emphasizing the real worth of such expenditures under RA 10931. Additionally, Diokno ignores the reality that the program has been in force since 2018 after President Duterte rebuffed his veto campaign. After six years of effective implementation, for Diokno to suddenly pronounce it untenable sounds more like pessimism than a valid criticism. Diokno also veers away from the upbeat chorus that is led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, former President Duterte, as he continues to play his dirge. His persistent pessimism has turned him into a maestro of despair rather than a conductor of progress. The Finance chief certainly needs a lot of the can-do attitude of both Marcos and Duterte, the latter with the bravado and tenacity he showed in guiding the country through the turbulent waters of the Covid-19 pandemic. Diokno should learn to instill confidence in the hearts of the populace, or he should just hand the job to someone who would tackle it with more vigor. Diokno claims that wealthy kids who can afford review lessons and other incidental costs are disproportionately benefited by RA 10931. This claim is again without basis as a lot of impoverished students have gained access to higher education without having to pay tuition thanks to this law. A thorough assessment by the Commission on Higher Education showed that the free college program has dramatically increased enrollment rates among students from low-income families. This should lay bare the falsity of Diokno’s claims. If we may add, the CHEd study also resonated with people by emphasizing its contribution to closing the achievement gap between the affluent and the less fortunate. Probably most befuddling of all was Diokno’s unsettling claim that the program benefits students who live close to public universities and colleges. This conflicts with what we see on the ground, of students renting bed space or living with their relatives so they can be near their schools, wherever they may be located. Additionally, the value of an educated citizenry transcends geographical boundaries in the grand scheme of nation-building. It’s ironic that for a Finance chief, the needed comprehension of the complexity of not only our economy and the numbers but also how they relate to society and people seems absent from Diokno’s spiel opposing free higher education. His quest to repeal RA 10931 has fallen short of capturing the long-term benefits of investing in education to improve the lives of underprivileged youngsters. Diokno’s desire to take away what Duterte and Congress have given would be a step backward and an assult in the minds of millions of Filipino students. While undermining President Duterte’s legacy, Diokno’s dissonant song poses a threat to muffle the dreams of numerous Filipino students, one that is intended to deprive them of the opportunity to pursue higher education and the prospect of a better future. The post Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»