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PBBM signs Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act to create more jobs, boost economic growth
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act on Wednesday, a measure that aims to address the various challenges plaguing the Philippine labor sector. In a ceremonial signing held at the Malacañang Palace, Marcos Jr. thanked both the Senate and the House of Representatives for the timely passage of the bill, one of his administration's priority legislative measures. "The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act is a significant milestone towards the sustainable and inclusive development of our country," Marcos Jr. said. "It will help us solve the various challenges plaguing our labor sector such as low-quality jobs, skills mismatch, and underemployment among others," he added. The law also addresses the need to update the skills of Filipino workers and promote the use of digital technologies, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Crucially, the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act will establish the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Interagency Council, which will craft a master plan for employment generation and recovery. The council will be chaired by the Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and co-chaired by the Secretaries of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), with representatives from other agencies and from various sectors. All government agencies, including local government units (LGUs), are enjoined to cooperate and coordinate with the council to ensure the effective integration of the plan into their policies and programs. Marcos Jr. directed the council and all concerned government agencies to fast-track the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the law so that workers and stakeholders can immediately benefit from it. He also enjoined the DOLE and NEDA to harmonize the Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028 and the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan to ensure that all government efforts and resources will be effectively and efficiently managed. Marcos Jr. said that the government will continue to provide support and other incentives To businesses, especially MSMEs such as increased access to financing and capital to promote self-reliance and spur employment generation. Under the law, the government will also incentivize employers, industry stakeholders, and private partners who will facilitate skills development, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing amongst businesses and workers. "With this concerted effort, I am confident that we will not only achieve the goals of this law but we will also realize our vision of Bagong Pilipinas," Marcos Jr. said. Marcos Jr. added that the government knows that Filipinos desire to have decent, stable, and dignified jobs. "With the passage of this law, we are opening a new chapter in our country where there will be sufficient and high-quality employment opportunities for everyone," he said. Marcos Jr. called on everyone to join the government in ensuring the success of the law and in shaping a prosperous and new Philippines. In a separate statement, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan welcomed the passage of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act. "We support the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act as it contributes to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which aims to increase employability, expand access to employment opportunities, and achieve shared labor market governance," Balisacan said. "With the passage of the TPB, this will facilitate stronger coordination and partnership among relevant agencies and stakeholders for the efficient implementation of employment programs," Balisacan added. The TPB Plan shall serve as the State's master plan for employment generation and recovery, aiming to achieve short-term goals and a long-term vision of a "matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa bawat Pilipino". The post PBBM signs Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act to create more jobs, boost economic growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate to approve 17 bills up for final reading says Zubiri
The upper chamber will approve 17 bills that are set for the third and final reading, said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday. Zubiri noted that four of these bills are part of the priority legislation of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC while 12 are local bills for the improvement of state universities and colleges. “In fact, on Monday, we will approve four measures that are part of our LEDAC commitments. And so far, we are on track to meeting our deadlines because, by the end of this year, we hope to approve all 20 LEDAC priority measures pending in the Senate,” the Senate President said. Zubiri noted that the Senate has approved a total of five bills on second reading during the previous week which includes Senate Bill 2001 or the New Philippine Passport Act; SB 1846 or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023; SB 2224 or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act; SB 2028 or An Act Recognizing the Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians; and SB 2233 or the Public Private Partnership Act. These bills, except for SB 2028, are LEDAC priority bills, he said. “These measures will be up for final reading on Monday. The deliberations on these bills have been exhaustive and I am confident that we did a good job of crafting these pieces of legislation, the efforts and expertise of the legislative staff in the Senate included,” he added. There are two bills pending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature including the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act and the Local Government Unit Income Classification Act. The Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, meanwhile, has been approved by the Senate on final reading and is on standby for bicameral committee action. Zubiri said there are 12 local bills involving SUCs that are also up for approval on final reading. After the approval of the four LEDAC measures on Monday, the Senate will set the schedule for the bicameral conference committee hearing with their counterparts in the lower house, bringing the measures closer to enactment into law. Undergoing amendments before their approval on the second reading is the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers while the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act—which has been certified as urgent and has a high possibility of being approved in its third reading. Further, the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, Waste-to-Energy Bill, Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and National Service Training Program, as well as the National Disease Prevention Management Authority/Center for Disease Prevention Bill are all in the interpellation and are pending approval on second reading. Zubiri assured that the Senate will meet its commitment to approve on final reading the remaining 17 of the 20 LEDAC measures before the session adjourns in December of this year. The remaining LEDAC bills, he added, are all up for deliberations and discussions. ”With our pace in approving these LEDAC measures, I am confident that come December, all of our LEDAC commitments will have been met," Zubiri said. The post Senate to approve 17 bills up for final reading says Zubiri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go joins Asian Games send-off; renews advocacy for athletes’ welfare
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go recognized athletes, coaches, and sports officials for their contributions to Philippine sports and their crucial roles in representing the nation on the international stage, during the send-off ceremony on Monday, 18 September, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, for Filipino participants in the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. “Today, we gather here not only to celebrate the excellence of our athletes but also to bid them the best of luck as they embark on a journey to represent our great nation at the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China," said Go. Go took the opportunity to shed light on his proposed Senate Bill No. 2116, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. "This bill which I authored carries the potential to bring about positive change in the lives of our athletes, particularly our para-athletes," he said. Go emphasized the need to increase the incentives for para-athletes, stating, "Sana po’y ma-increase naman rin po ang kanilang incentives na natatanggap dahil ‘yung honor po na dala nila sa ating bayan, pareho naman po ‘yong gold, silver, bronze at pinaghirapan rin po nila." The proposed measures seek to upgrade the incentives for para-athletes. This bill intends to provide equal opportunities and recognition to all athletes, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports. "The heart of this legislation is inclusivity and equality. It aims to elevate or increase the incentives for our para-athletes," he mentioned. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance said he continues to advocate for additional budget for sports programs under the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). "During the budget deliberation last year, ang ipinasa po na budget ng PSC more or less about P200 million. Ako po mismo sa Senado bilang inyong chairman po ng Committee on Sports and as vice chair ng Committee on Finance, isinulong ko talaga na madagdagan po ng P1 billion po ang pondo ng Philippine Sports Commission," he said. He revealed that during the budget deliberations last year, he sponsored and successfully secured financial support for athletes participating in international competitions such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, which took place in Cambodia, and the forthcoming Asian Games in China. He also disclosed the allocation of P50 million through the PSC for the Asian Games, along with P30 million specifically for Asian para-games. Go also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in achieving sports excellence. "’Pag nagsama ang gobyerno at pribadong sektor, walang imposible.” Meanwhile, in his speech, the senator also touched on the state of sports facilities in the country, emphasizing the need for comfortable training grounds for athletes. "Ako, sa abot ng aking makakaya ay tutulong po ako sa ating mga sports program ng ating bansa," he assured. In line with his focus on grassroots sports development, Go also spoke about the National Academy of Sports (NAS), a fully operational institution located in New Clark City in Tarlac. "Ngayon po pwede na pong mag-aral at the same time mag-training, training at the same time mag-aral diyan po sa National Academy of Sports," he said. This initiative aims to ensure that athletes do not have to sacrifice their education for their sports careers. Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11470 in June 2020, which provides for the establishment of the NAS System and its main campus. Go was an author and co-sponsor of the measure. Go is also prioritizing the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG) as a platform to scout and recruit athletes for the national pool. He filed SBN 423, or the proposed PNG Act, which seeks to create a nationwide platform for athletes, particularly the youth, to display their abilities. During the ambush interview, Go also emphasized the importance of grassroots programs in encouraging youth to engage in sports and lead a healthy lifestyle. "Grassroots program, it's one way na ma-e-engganyo natin ang ating mga kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs, and to keep us healthy and fit," he said. He further elaborated on the connection between sports and health, saying, "Malaking bagay na fit tayo. Ang importante rin sa akin bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Health, dalawa po 'yan. Importante sa akin ang sports at health. Magka-connect ang dalawang ito dahil para sa akin, kapag fit ka, healthy ka. Pangalagaan po natin ang kalusugan ng bawat isa. Katumbas ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat Pilipino." Toward the end of his speech, Go expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support for Filipino athletes. "Salamat po mga athletes. And of course, gusto ko rin pong pasalamatan ang suporta po sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa suporta niya sa SEA Games, sa Asian Games, at sa lahat pa po ng future competition," he said. Go likewise extended his thanks to PSC Chairman Dickie Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, and the Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo for their ongoing support and contribution to the athletic community. He likewise thanked the athletes, para-athletes, and coaches for their dedication and sacrifices in training. "Athletes, para-athletes, coaches salamat po sa inyong lahat, sa inyong sakripisyo sa pagte-training. Alam kong ito na po ‘yung panahon na inaantay natin," Go said. As the athletes prepare for their journey to Hangzhou, China, Go assured them of his full support. "To our athletes, I know that we stand with you every step of the way. We believe in your potential, and we are confident that you will make our country proud on the international stage," he concluded. The upcoming Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8. The event was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See more photos here: The post Bong Go joins Asian Games send-off; renews advocacy for athletes’ welfare 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......»»
Kuya Bong backs Vice Mayors’ League mission
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go recently expressed his support for the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines and its efforts of bringing government services closer to communities in need during the 3rd Quarter 2023 National Executive Board Meeting held at Dusit Thani Hotel, Davao City last Wednesday. The Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines gathered in an assembly, bringing together vice mayors from various regions of the country as the meeting aimed to discuss vital issues and strategies to enhance the lives of Filipinos at the local level. Go commended the hard work and dedication of the vice mayors in their respective municipalities and acknowledged the challenges they face daily while striving to improve the lives of their constituents. The senator also emphasized that despite holding different positions in the government, they all share a common mission — to serve the Filipino people with dedication and compassion. “Our nation continues to face challenges, but with your steadfast commitment and strong leadership, we have made remarkable progress in enhancing local governance, improving public services, and fostering sustainable development. I am proud of the strides we have taken together to make our municipalities vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking,” Go said in his video message. He then recognized the importance of fostering a strong partnership between national and local government officials, stressing that their collaborative efforts would result in more effective governance and improved public services. “I am confident that through our united efforts, we can continue to uplift the lives of our constituents and create lasting positive change. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to public service, embodying the ideals of integrity, compassion, and innovation,” said the lawmaker. Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill 194, aptly titled the E-Governance Act which aims to establish an integrated and interconnected information and resource-sharing and communications network that spans national and local governments. If passed, it shall mandate the creation of an internal records management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public services. The utilization of digital platforms and online systems streamlines administrative processes, simplifies public service delivery and improves citizen engagement. “Government should always be responsive to the demands of changing times. It is for this reason that I filed the proposed E-Governance Act,” Go said. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, the lawmaker also stressed the importance of bringing public health services closer to communities through the help of local government units. The post Kuya Bong backs Vice Mayors’ League mission appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides support to flood victims in Davao City
In an effort to bolster the country's disaster preparedness and response capabilities, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has been advocating for two crucial bills in the Senate that he earlier filed: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), and SBN 193, mandating the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide. On Saturday, July 29, Go led two relief operations for thousands of flood victims in Barangays Lasang and Bunawan in Davao City. In his speech, Go said that the government should remain proactive in its approach in dealing with disaster-related situations, considering that the country is highly vulnerable to natural calamities. SBN 188 proposes the creation of the DDR, an independent government agency dedicated to strengthening the nation's resilience against the impacts of natural and human-induced disasters. The DDR aims to consolidate disaster-related functions and resources from different agencies under a single, unified body. By streamlining disaster response efforts, the department can facilitate quicker and more efficient aid delivery to affected communities during times of crisis. “Importante po ito sa akin. Unang-una, halimbawa dito po sa Barangay Lasang, binaha sila. Di ba ang barangay po ang nakikipag-coordinate kaagad with the LGUs. Ito pong barangay level na pagbaha, how about ‘yung mga national level, o municipal level o city level, o province-wide na pagbaha… maayos na koordinasyon ang kailangan,” he said. “Bago dumating ang bagyo, balita pa lang sa PAGASA, coordination kaagad ng Department of Disaster Resilience, kung mayroon tayong isang departamentong nakatutok para sa mga disaster related… bago dumating ang bagyo, coordination with LGUs. Ilikas ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar, dalahin sa mga evacuation center. Preposition of goods by the DSWD,” Go added. “Kailangan koordinasyon kaagad ng departamento na i-involve kaagad ang mga ibang departamento na kasamahan niya. DSWD preposition of goods, mga Coast Guard, Navy para ilikas agad ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at maayos na evacuation center, sa Department of Health para malinis ang evacuation center, sanitation para ligtas ang mga kababayan natin. At pag-alis ng bagyo, hindi lang puro task force, dapat isang departamento na pwedeng mag-coordinate hanggang makabalik sa normal na pamumuhay ang lugar na tinamaan ng bagyo. Restoration of normalcy kaagad at rehabilitation effort,” he said. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR, emphasizing the importance of such institution in improving operations in managing and responding to future crises. "Things can be better if there will be an independent authority or department, but it’s not that simple – tanggap po namin iyon… We leave it to Congress and we leave it to the Palace, to Malacañang. Meanwhile, kami naman, we are doing our best given the limitations, makakaasa po kayo," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a past interview. Alongside the establishment of DDR, Go champions SBN 193, which calls for the creation of mandatory evacuation centers across the Philippines. These evacuation centers are designed to be equipped with necessary facilities to provide temporary shelter and essential services to evacuees during disasters. The senator noted that these evacuation centers will be strategically placed in areas less prone to hazards, ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuees during disasters. Furthermore, the centers will be equipped with essential amenities such as food, clean water, medical services, sanitation facilities, and temporary sleeping quarters. Go cited that the Philippines, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, is no stranger to the destructive forces of nature. “Yearly, the country faces the threat of typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other hazards. These disasters not only result in loss of lives and livelihoods but also impede economic progress and development,” shared Go. To minimize the devastating impact of disasters, Go underscored that comprehensive disaster resilience measures are imperative. The senator is confident that by supporting these priority bills, the Senate and the Filipino people can collectively work towards a safer, more resilient nation, where communities can recover swiftly and thrive even in the face of adversity. “Ang lugar natin nasa Pacific Ring of Fire tayo. Prone tayo sa mga bagyo, prone tayo sa pagputok ng bulkan, prone tayo sa sunog, ‘di ba? So dapat po ay magkaroon na tayo ng isang maayos na departamento, Department of Disaster Resilience at Mandatory Evacuation Center sa mga syudad, munisipyo, at probinsya para hindi magamit ang mga eskwelahan tuwing may mga sunog, baha. Nagagamit po ang eskwelahan, naantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata dahil ginagamit po as evacuation center,” he said. Together with Councilors Dante Apostol, Marissa Abella, Diosdado Mahipus, and Al Ryan Alejandre, Go provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks to 4,399 flood victims. The senator also extended shoes, mobile phones, bicycles, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, urged those who have health issues to seek assistance from the Malasakit Center at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which Go principally authored and sponsored, brings together various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DHOH), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), under one roof to provide a convenient process for availing medical assistance particularly for poor and indigent patients in public hospitals. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have assisted more than seven million Filipinos, according to DOH data. In SPMC alone, the Malasakit Center there has assisted more than 200,000 patients. On the same day, Go attended the ribbon-cutting of the multipurpose building in Brgy. Lasang and road concretion with drainage canal construction in Brgy. Bunawan, two infrastructure projects he supported the funding of as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He likewise supported the acquisition of multi-purpose vehicles for the community, construction of various multipurpose buildings and local roads, rehabilitation of water systems, drainage systems and flood control structures in different barangays throughout the city, the construction of a 300-bed capacity infectious diseases building for SPMC and the acquisition of ambulances, among others. ### The post Bong Go provides support to flood victims in Davao City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maharlika backers confident big bet on controversial fund will pay off
Defenders of the Maharlika Investment Fund in Congress welcomed the president’s signing of the bill on Tuesday, drumming up confidence in its potential returns despite a public that remains divided on its benefits......»»
Senators’ quest for P150 wage hike remains
Senators have committed to still push for a P150 across-the-board wage hike nationwide even with the recent approval of a P40 increase in the daily minimum wage of private sector workers in the National Capital Region. Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. told reporters on Monday that he will continue to push for the passage of the measure legislating a nationwide wage hike of P150. Revilla’s Senate Bill 2018 targets a P150 wage increase for all private sector employees regardless of region. “Laborers are the backbone of the country’s economy and their great contribution to the nation should be reciprocated with a true living wage,” Revilla said, noting that it was high time the government granted the across-the-board wage increase for employees nationwide. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he is confident the Upper House will “listen to overwhelming clamors” for a P150 wage increase for workers throughout the country. “The Senate will make a stand on this issue. Alam ko maraming magagalit sa ating mga negosyante, but share-share lang. Kailangan din po nilang magshare ng biyaya sa ating mga manggagawa (I know many businessmen will be angry with us but they must share. They also need to share their blessings with our workers),” Zubiri said in a radio interview over the weekend. Citing the Pulse Asia survey undertaken last month, Zubiri lamented that increasing the pay of workers only ranked second among the top issues in the country next to controlling inflation. Zubiri said he will use the recent Pulse Asia survey as “exhibit A” to convince his colleagues to support the quest for a wage hike when the Senate resumes deliberations on the matter. “The idea is to have a uniform P150 minimum wage increase nationwide, and they are eyeing several proposals on how to accomplish this,” he said. The post Senators’ quest for P150 wage hike remains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Villar confident Marcos will sign bill freeing 600 K farmers from debt
Sen. Cynthia Villar expressed confidence that President Marcos will prioritize the signing into law of a bill condoning the loans of farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries......»»
Bourses weaken amid persistent debt fears
Asian markets sank Wednesday on worries that hardline Republicans could vote down a crucial bill to hike the US borrowing limit and risk a catastrophic default that could hammer an already fragile global economy. Further signs that China’s post-pandemic recovery was fading added to the downbeat mood on trading floors, as did worries that the US Federal Reserve is likely to increase interest rates again next month. Local shares slid on heavy turnover as funds were tracking the latest Morgan Stanley Capital International or MSCI rebalancing results and with the end-of-month window dressing at hand, according to Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan. Wall St. was still a mixed bag to open the week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 50 points and the S&P 500 up by 0.9 percent, he added. Buoyant mood dissipates The buoyant mood that started the week, after US President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy finalized a debt deal, was giving way to a fear that the far-right Freedom Caucus could torpedo it. The Treasury has warned that if the borrowing ceiling is not lifted by June 5, the government will run out of cash to service its debt obligations. Members on both sides of the political spectrum have raised concerns about the agreement, with Republicans saying it does not have enough spending cuts and the left wing of the Democratic Party unhappy that Biden agreed to any limits at all. The Treasury has warned that if the borrowing ceiling is not lifted by June 5, the government will run out of cash to service its debt obligations. While McCarthy has described the deal as “transformational” and expressed confidence the bill will pass, leading Freedom Caucus member Chip Roy called it a “turd sandwich.” “Not one Republican should vote for this deal. It is a bad deal. No one sent us here to borrow an additional $4 trillion to get absolutely nothing in return,” Roy said at a Freedom Caucus news conference. He later warned McCarthy would face a “reckoning.” That came as another GOP Representative, Dan Bishop, called party members to vote McCarthy out as speaker. And CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson said ratings agencies were “already sharpening their pencils on downgrades for the US credit rating.” Still, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries remained confident, telling Bloomberg Television: “We will be able to get this bill over the finish line tomorrow.” Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the other two indices primarily on the excitement around artificial intelligence, which briefly pushed Nvidia’s market cap above $1 trillion on Thursday. The post Bourses weaken amid persistent debt fears appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maharlika timely, beneficial — Villar
Senator Mark Villar remains confident of the benefits of establishing the country’s sovereign wealth fund, saying it is very timely and beneficial to revamping the Philippine economy hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Upper Chamber said there’s no need to ratify the MIF bill since the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the measure during a pre-bicameral session on Wednesday. In a press briefing, Villar shied away from politicking, reiterating that the benefits of Senate Bill 2020 had been carefully studied and thoroughly analyzed. “These have been tackled during the debates, the benefits of the Maharlika bill — definitely this is not political. This is for our economy, especially since we were badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and we need to revamp our economy,” he said in the vernacular when asked if politics had influenced him in shepherding the passage of the measure. Villar said having a sovereign wealth fund is not a “new concept” at all as many countries worldwide are utilizing the fund system. The neophyte senator said the Maharlika Fund’s primary concept is to acquire additional income for the country, attract additional capital for the Philippine economy, and boost the infrastructure, energy, and agricultural sectors. 350K jobs seen Citing an analysis by the National Economic and Development Authority, Villar said the sovereign investment system under the Maharlika bill is seen to create up to 350,000 jobs for Filipinos. “The larger the investments, the larger the income,” he added. Villar said the government will start the first phase of implementation as soon as the law is enacted. “Of course, it takes some time to form a corporation, but once the Maharlika [Investment] Corporation is formed, we can start attracting investment. Eventually, we will have the income, and at the same time we can help different sectors of our economy,” he stressed. “I think, hindi naman aabot ng two years (it won’t take two years). I think the national government is ready to implement the Maharlika bill as soon as possible.” Villar said the other potential benefits from the MIF include capital accumulation, sustainable development, economic stability, financial sustainability, foreign investments and reduction of foreign debt. “I believe that in the very near future, we will see many investments coming from other countries through the Maharlika Fund,” he said. Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday called on the public to “not worry” about the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund, stressing that “all safeguards” are in place. “I am very proud of this measure, I am very proud of the Senate version because of the safeguards that we put in place,” he told reporters in a chance interview. “I am calling on our fellow Filipinos not to worry because all of the safeguards that we could place, we put them there,” he added. The post Maharlika timely, beneficial — Villar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Race against time for US debt crisis bill in Congress
The bill hammered out by US leaders to prevent the country from a catastrophic default on its debts will face one last hurdle this week: Passing Congress. Top Republicans and Democrats scrambled Monday to secure congressional support for the measure, with President Joe Biden feeling "very good" about its prospects despite having just days left before the government starts running out of money. The deal, finalized Sunday by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy after weeks of frantic negotiations, faces opposition from the progressive and hard-right wings of their respective parties. Ultra-conservative Republicans feel McCarthy should have secured far deeper spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling and allowing the government to keep borrowing money. The left wing of the Democratic Party is equally unhappy that Biden agreed to any spending limits at all. The House Rules Committee will meet Tuesday to set the parameters for the upcoming vote, now scheduled for Wednesday. Delay tactics Biden and McCarthy both say they believe the bill will pass the House and then move swiftly to the Senate. "I never say I'm confident what the Congress is going to do. But I feel very good about it," Biden said Monday, adding that he had spoken to lawmakers. But organized dissent could force some nerve-shredding delays. The key deadline is June 5 -- when, according to Treasury estimates, the government will no longer have the funds required to pay all its debts and bills. If that scenario morphs into a full-fledged default, the repercussions would be disastrous for the US and the wider global economy. The basic framework of the deal lifts the federal debt ceiling, which is currently $31.4 trillion, for two years — enough to get past the next presidential election in 2024. In return, the Republicans secured some limits on federal spending over the same period. As they finalized the text Sunday, Biden and McCarthy both went into hard-sell mode to shore up support in their parties. Biden's message to dissident Democrats, he said Monday: "Talk to me." Win, win Both Biden and McCarthy were backed by vocal spin operations insisting the agreement clearly represented a victory for their side. "You want to try to make it look like I made some compromise on the debt ceiling -- I didn't," Biden told reporters. McCarthy, for his part, touted the agreement as a "historic series of wins." But like Biden, McCarthy will have to quell members of his own party who aren't keen on the bill. "I want to raise the debt ceiling. It'd be irresponsible not to do it," Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News Sunday. "But what I will not do is adopt the Biden defense budget and call it a success," Graham said, calling for bigger increases to the Pentagon's budget than currently agreed. "I will not be intimidated by June 5." In reality, the agreement represents a mutual climb down of sorts from Democratic and Republican negotiators. Biden had initially refused to negotiate over spending issues as a condition for raising the debt ceiling, accusing the Republicans of taking the economy, hostage. And the big cuts that Republicans wanted are not there, although non-defense spending will remain effectively flat next year, and only rise nominally in 2025. McCarthy's wafer-thin majority in the House will require significant Democratic backing to balance out Republican dissent. One Republican tweeted out a vomit emoji in response to the deal, with another calling it "an insult to the American people." At the same time, a member of the House Progressive Caucus, Ro Khanna, said a large number of fellow Democrats were still "in flux as to where they're going to be on this." Democrats hold the majority in the Senate, but individual senators could try and hold up the bill with amendment votes that would bring the process perilously close to the June 5 deadline. One element likely to rile Democratic environmental hawks was the surprise inclusion of a measure to accelerate the completion of an oil pipeline project that has been stalled by green concerns. Both the House and Senate are expected to return on Tuesday, after a long holiday weekend. The post Race against time for US debt crisis bill in Congress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malacañang confident Trump won’t cut security aid over anti-terror law
"The chances of this proposed measure turning into law are very small. So let's just let it be. That is the personal opinion of Congresswoman Wild," Roque said in Filipino, referring to a US bill seeking to cut American funding to Philippine military and police until they makes certain reforms......»»
AMLC chief confident Philippines to avoid sanctions from dirty money laundering
The Philippines is likely to avoid sanctions from global watchdog Financial Action Task Force with the passage of the anti-terror bill, the Anti-Money Laundering Council said......»»
Guevarra confident Duterte will wait for DOJ review of anti-terrorism bill
Guevarra told reporters that he is confident that Duterte "will wait for and consider not only the comments of DOJ but also those of other government agencies whose comments were requested by the office of the executive secretary.".....»»
House leaves Quiboloy’s fate to Senate
The House of Representatives will no longer pursue and implement the warrant of arrest it issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy after it approved on final reading the bill revoking the franchise of the evangelist’s alleged TV network......»»
Boxing trainer Domingo is confident Jerusalem will upset Shigeoka
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Veteran boxing trainer, Michael Domingo of ZIP Sanman Boxing Team, is confident that his prized ward Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem will make a repeat of the latter’s January 2023 world title victory in Japan. The Cebu-based Jerusalem will face the defending World Boxing Council (WBC) world minimumweight champion, Yudai Shigeoka, in Nagoya,.....»»
Rice imports as of mid-March 886,963 MT
The country’s rice imports as of mid-March have surpassed the total volume recorded in the entire first quarter of last year by a double-digit rate, to over 880,000 metric tons, government data showed......»»
NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand's ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. "I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union of our ratification of the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EUFTA)......»»
Saintfiet confident, hopes for ‘miracle’ as PH men’s football team hosts Iraq
Hoping to take advantage of playing at home, the Philippine men's football team targets a breakthrough win in the joint qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup as it battles favored Iraq.....»»