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Ombudsman vindicates (3)
It was the incendiary Independent Auditor’s Report on the Department of Health’s accounts and financial operations, crafted by a state auditor, a colleague of Heidi Mendoza’s, and released prematurely that roused strife between former CoA chairpersons allied with the senators of the Republic against President Rodrigo Duterte and Health Secretary Francisco Duque. On CoA’s and the senators’ side were Grace Pulido Tan, Heidi Mendoza and Michael Aguinaldo allied with Senators Richard Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan. Words and deeds are enough to establish culpability for conspiracy by the former CoA chiefs and the senators of the Republic to destabilize the Duterte administration, to say the least, and to incite the people to sedition, at most. Immediately, this column issued commentaries informing the people that the report released by CoA on the alleged irregularities in DoH funds for Covid-19 was not an annual audit report but mere Audit Observation Memorandums, or AOMs, that were released prematurely. Almost instantaneously, Mendoza came from nowhere to declare that the release of the CoA findings on the P67.32 billion in DoH funds was not premature. The writings and voices of the former CoA chairpersons were loud, clear and eloquent in defense of an annual audit report that never was. “Today I weep for my colleague, a CoA-UN auditor, who just died of a heart attack. He was the auditor behind the DoH report. Stress can kill. Please let us offer a minute of prayer,” Mendoza said. Mendoza was referring to lawyer Jake Cimafranca who wrote the Independent Auditor’s Report on DoH’s accounts. Both Mendoza and Grace Pulido Tan were quick to say that the CoA annual audit report on DoH’s accounts and financial operations was regular and went through the process of review and approval before its release. The release was not premature, both said. The premature release put CoA under fire from President Duterte and administration officials like DoH Secretary Francisco Duque and allies for the screaming headlines in local newspapers and internet news flashes in capital cities around the world that said P67.32 billion intended to protect the people from Covid-19 was being lost to corruption. During the House hearing on CoA’s audit of the DoH, then CoA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo announced that CoA would continue making and publishing audit reports on government agencies despite criticism from Duterte and Duque. Citing the huge misstatements and deficiencies contained in the Independent Auditor’s Report, Senator Leila M. De Lima submitted P.S. Res. No. 859 ( Resolution directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the findings of the Commission on Audit report on the DoH on the reported unspent funds, misstatements, irregularities and deficiencies, with the end in view of addressing recurrent issues that plagued its services, as well as the persistent faults and lapses that gave rise to wastage even amid times of scarcity and shortages, and holding accountable, identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the same). The Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) headed by Senator Richard J. Gordon submitted its partial committee report to the Senate, preluded by a poem entitled “Pity the Nation” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (After Khalil Gibran) 2007. “Pity the nation whose people are sheep And whose shepherds mislead them Pity the nation whose leaders are liars Whose sages are silenced And whose bigots haunt the airwaves Pity the nation that raises not its voice Except to praise conquerors And acclaim the bully as hero.” (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maharlika’s questions linger (1)
The ink of BBM’s signature on the law creating the Maharlika Investment Corporation, or MIC, is now dry, and the Implementing Rules and Regulations have been issued. But still, the criticisms continue unabated from Pinoy kibitzers, i.e., management experts, private economic think tanks, to the top echelons of leading business organizations. Over the weekend, as the MIC’s partial start-up capital was remitted to the National Treasury, a leading periodical (not DAILY TRIBUNE) headlined the claim of the leadership of DBP, Michael de Jesus, that “gains from MIC’s trailblazing activities” will surely be forthcoming by the end of BBM’s term. Yet beneath the headline of the same broadsheet was a reference to well-regarded businessman George Barcelon, PCCI president and an esteemed fellow member of the Rotary Club of Makati, who said the MIC should have first finalized its board and management line-ups before DBP and Landbank made any contributions. Further, during the Institute of Corporate Directors-sponsored talk on the MIC of Dr. Bernardo Villegas last week, several ICD fellow members raised questions to Doc Bernie and the panel composed of yours truly and fellow governance advocate Francisco del Rosario. Not only that, several friends in my Upsilon Sigma Phi and AIM chat groups, who count among them several well-informed, leading management and business lights of our country, had concerns and comments about the MIC. Given this apparent continuing widespread interest from people whom I have great respect for and who certainly have only the best interest of the country in mind in voicing their observations, I would like to give it a shot and share what I believe are the key issues that are perennially raised and my own reactions to these comments. Do we need another GOCC when other agencies and GOCCs are in place? There is a frequent reference to NDC, a GOCC under the DTI with a long history of hits and misses. It has historically ventured into businesses that the private sector would generally not be interested in but nevertheless deemed important for the country’s economic development. However, saddled with relatively modest capital and some under- and non-performing assets on its balance sheet, NDC has never really figured in any blockbuster transactions or has high-potential assets that could catch the interest of multilateral or global venture funds. The bottom line, surely prospective foreign investors would rather partner with a GOCC that has a clean balance sheet, significant capital, is manned by leading management and investment experts, and is supported by a board composed of the highest economic agencies in the country. Mandating LandBank and DBP to invest P75 billion in the MIC will deprive other borrowers needing credit, such as farmers and MSMEs. Indeed, it will theoretically reduce their loanable funds to this extent. However, a cursory look at LandBank’s latest published financial statements will indicate that loans and receivables are only at about 30 percent of total assets, suggesting that they are underlending relative to their lending capacity. In fact, during the Senate hearings on MIC, I recall the bank officials disclosing that almost 90 percent of their liquidity is invested in government securities. Why this is so is another story. Furthermore, other than BSP regulatory constraints, these GFIs are not geared, philosophically and organizationally, to be investing in equity, particularly of long-term duration, i.e., non-allied undertakings such as infrastructure or the agriculture sector, which are expected to be the MIC’s target investee industries. MIC will bypass the budget and appropriations process, reducing the government’s resources that could otherwise have been made available for the country’s other needs. Yes, MIC will bypass the budget and appropriation process because perhaps that was the whole intention. But as noted by Dr. Villegas in his ICD talk, with our current deficit, the national budget is intended for the country’s pressing operating needs. In contrast, the long-term capital funding required for infra and the like is precisely the funding gap that MIC could fill through joint ventures with foreign investors. Until next week… OBF! *** For comments, email bing_matoto@yahoo.com. (To be continued) The post Maharlika’s questions linger (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
On right track
"Culture and the arts reflect our identity as Filipinos, as people. We must have a strong patriotism to embrace our culture and identity fully.” It may be a long and arduous road toward a free and genuine Filipino culture, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay says, “In taking a whole of government approach, we are on the right track in attaining Philippine Development Goals.” Casaysay, who managed the community relations and major festivals and celebrations of the country’s largest city for nine years (from 2004 to 2013), now leads NCCA in preserving, developing, and promoting the Philippine arts and culture. Founded in 1987, NCCA “promotes unity among individuals involved in the conservation of cultural properties, such as artworks, ethnographic collections, archaeological artifacts, and other materials of historical significance.” He admitted that before joining the agency, he only read the works of national artists like Bienvenido Lumbera, Nick Joaquin, and Ricky Lee. He watched the films of esteemed Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal and Marilou Abaya. “I only heard and read about the productions of the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring the Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Harmonic Orchestra,” he said. “It was only when I became the executive director that I was able to watch those productions inside the CCP in the front row and even stand on stage giving out messages.” “I now meet our national artists up close and personal. I have the luxury of being introduced to many theater greats in the Philippine Education Theater Association and other theater productions,” he added. He went on to say that he also had the pleasure of meeting Alice Reyes (whom he described as “graceful and very down to earth”), Ryan Cayabyab (“cool and very accommodating”), Virgilio Almario (“so dignified”), Ramon Santos (“unassuming”), Ricky Lee (“down to earth and very accommodating”), Nora Aunor (“warm and humble”) and Agnes Locsin (“friendly and very warm”). In the absence of regional offices to connect with local artists and cultural workers, he said NCCA works with sub-commissions whose members are elected from among the private sector members from different communities. “Ours is a complex network that we have to deal with,” Casaysay said. “A lot of challenges each day. The most difficult part is we don’t have a huge budget, although the grants we give out come from the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts.” These grants, he said, are derived from the proposals coming from civil society organizations, individual artists and cultural workers, other national government agencies, schools, colleges, universities, and local government units for their culture and arts programs and projects. Through the Sentro Rizal Office, the NCCA also engages in international initiatives. Every day has a lot of challenges and struggles to confront and hurdle, but still, with the most gracious style, he jested. The NCCA oversees the entire recognition process, from the call for submissions and selection to the presentation of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, the Order of National Artists and the National Heritage Awards. Culture is a nation’s soul “Culture is the soul of the nation. Without culture, a nation doesn’t have an identity. Culture refers to the way of life of a nation. Thus, everything that we do as a people becomes our culture,” he said. “Culture is best manifested through the arts that are said to be the best expressions of culture.” “All seven types of arts contribute to the overall growth and advancement not just of a person but of the community and the nation as well,” he said, referring to architecture and allied arts, cinema or film, dance, drama or theater, literary arts, music and visual arts. Throughout the pandemic, he felt disheartened by the perception of the arts sector as being “non-essential.” “We cannot imagine the online platform without some of the best online programs communicated through the arts — films, dances, poetry, music, or even Netflix,” he said. Citing the NCCA’s role in supporting and promoting the interests of indigenous people groups, Casaysay said valuing and preserving the cultural heritage of IPs contributes to the diversity and richness of Philippine culture. Through its programs, projects, and collaborations, the NCCA empowers IPs to protect, revitalize, and celebrate their unique cultural traditions, languages, and arts, ensuring their continued existence and appreciation for future generations. “Other aspects, such as indigenous cultures and cultural heritage, also contribute to a nation’s progress and development,” he said. Indigenous cultures, he said, refer to the knowledge, skills, and practices of our culture bearers that are preserved and handed down from one generation to another. “Cultural heritage may be tangible or intangible and is considered the wealth of a nation in terms of its glorious past. All these facets of culture are important in the life of a nation and are essential towards the holistic advancement of a country,” he said. Opportunities The lack of widespread discussion and engagement among Filipinos regarding culture is a primary concern Casaysay and many others share. “There are many challenges faced by the NCCA in this aspect. To enumerate a few — due to the lack of interest generally by Filipinos in arts and culture. For many, culture and the arts are seen as not essential; for many, it is only for the elite,” he said. He lamented the current trend wherein the younger generation shows greater appreciation for foreign cultures, such as those from Korea or the United States, rather than their own. Instead of viewing these as obstacles, he said the NCCA sees them as opportunities for growth and enhancement. Expressing confidence in the significant achievements of the NCCA in fostering greater appreciation, understanding, respect, and love for arts and culture among Filipinos, he said these encompass various aspects, including policy formulation, programming and promotions. Several laws have been enacted to safeguard the country’s cultural heritage, such as the Republic Act 10066 of 2009, commonly known as the National Heritage Law. Moreover, the NCCA organizes institutional programs throughout the year to celebrate and promote different facets of Filipino culture. Notable examples include National Arts Month held every February, Food Month and Literature Month in April; Heritage Month in May, Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (OPM Week) in the last week of July, and IP Month in October, among others. “The NCCA is also in charge of the cultural mapping and monitoring of the local culture and arts councils in the local government units,” he said, adding that it needs to intensify its efforts to be able to reach the grassroots levels. Since dreams don’t become reality through magic but by sweat, determination, and hard work, Casaysay said the NCCA will harness and maximize more platforms to reach a larger market, especially the younger generation. The dream of having a Department of Culture is neither a mountain high enough. The post On right track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Branding governance
It was once observed that an archipelago like the Philippines would more likely find it difficult to be united as a nation. Compared to smaller countries like Singapore, for instance, whose progress has been undeniably immense, ours is harder to pull together. Is it our so-called “halo-halo” culture? Regionalism is either a bane or a boon depending on where you stand. Some say the rise of leaders from Mindanao brought up the issue of “Imperial Manila” where funds were more likely to be funneled. The general sentiment on this matter is that Manila’s limited use of its vast influence led to the provinces’ slow growth and development. On another significant note, it is believed that the term “Imperial Manila” was born sometime after the toppling of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. through the People Power Revolution. Some say the whole thing was done “without the participation of provincials,” as Amando Doronila once wrote in his column. This is, of course, highly debatable, as history is often interpreted in various ways. Strangely enough, the issues of unity and equality once again rise to the fore with the release of Memorandum Circular 24 issued on 3 July. In said memorandum, “Bagong Pilipinas” will serve as a “branding and communication strategy characterized by a principled, accountable and dependable government.” The concept is hinged on the government’s commitment “to assisting Filipinos in realizing their ‘goals and aspirations.’” Moreover, the logo would be “incorporated into the letterheads, websites, official social media accounts, and other documents of all state agencies and entities.” “Bagong Pilipinas” is to be our rallying cry, the reason for being, an end goal. The response was immediate, and why not? It has been one slogan and logo controversy after another lately, from the rebranding of the tourism campaign slogan and logo to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s new logo. Now “Bagong Pilipinas” is said to be just another unoriginal creation, in fact reminiscent of “Bagong Lipunan,” or New Society, during the regime of the President’s father from 1972 to 1986. In a couple of public speeches, President Bongbong Marcos has referred to a “New Philippines.” From his campaign call for unity, the messaging carried across by the jingle titled “Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Mukha” composed by Filipino rapper Andrew E of “Humanap Ka Ng Panget” fame, to his choice of Cabinet members not all entirely allied with his party, BBM is clearly intent on forging the path to the Philippines he envisions to be better. There is a growing opinion that President Marcos Jr., having inherited a slew of ills from previous leaderships, would really like to begin again with a fresh slate, though that being impossible, at least with a fresh mindset for all. This, Bagong Pilipinas is a reminder made into policy for all of us, top to bottom, side to side, that we should really just simply “love the Philippines” first to make our dreams come true. The post Branding governance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP pivots to external security, increases maritime presence
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is shifting its efforts to external security operations after "substantial gains" in internal security initiatives against the communist New People’s Army and other local terrorist groups. In a press conference on Tuesday, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the shift from internal to external security operations will include more aerial and maritime patrols over the West Philippine Sea with an increased presence to 90 percent. "With our substantial gains on ISO, a shift to external security operations is on the horizon as we strengthen our security posture with the increased conduct of aerial and surface maritime patrols through our naval and air force air assets and ground forces,” he said. Aguilar did not give further details on the frequency of these patrols, but added that “The deployment of additional surface patrol ships increased the AFP’s presence in the KIG to about 90 percent of the time. This is a dramatic increase from the baseline of 30 percent in 2022.” The AFP has improved its capabilities and presence in the country’s strategic locations and maritime detachments in the Batanes group of islands, Kalayaan Island Group, and Tawi-Tawi and facilitated the completion of personnel barracks in Likas, Parola and Kota Stations in the Kalayaan Island Group, said Aguilar. “These are complemented by partnering with our ally and strategic partner armed forces from our global and regional allied countries that enables leveraging of capabilities through information sharing, subject matter expert exchange, and joint and combined maritime exercises,” he added, noting that the efforts “are with the help of an interagency-wholistic effort” through the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea. Aguilar said the AFP’s efforts to address internal security threats have resulted in a significant reduction in rebel and terrorist numbers and firearms and the clearing of areas where rebels used to maintain a presence. “It is noteworthy that from five active Communist terrorist group guerilla fronts from year-end 2022, two were dismantled; two were weakened, leaving only one active,” Aguilar said. In total, he added, 20 are on a weakened status and one is active. “With these, we have safeguarded the safety and welfare of our fellow citizens. Thanks to the tireless efforts, support and cooperation of government agencies and different sectors of society,” said Aguilar. The AFP declared the NPA “tremendously reduced” to around 1,800 members—from a peak of 24,000 rebels, of which around 400 have already been identified and are now facing criminal charges. The post AFP pivots to external security, increases maritime presence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BoC lauds Mactan port anti-drug efforts
The local government of Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province recently feted the Bureau of Customs Subport of Mactan and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for their significant role in the seizure of 17 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P120 million at Mactan Cebu International Airport recently. The commendation certificate was presented to Mactan Port Collector Gerardo A. Campo and other allied agencies who collaborated to maintain peace and order and curb the influx of illegal drugs in the city. The award ceremony took place the other day at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall grounds, led by City Mayor Junard Chan. “The subport of Mactan is committed to safeguarding the nation against any form of smuggling and remains steadfast in fulfilling its mission,” Campo said. He added that the constant guidance of Cebu District Collector Atty. Elvira Cruz to the BoC Subport of Mactan is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives in protecting the country against smuggling. Meanwhile, the Subport of Mactan, in its collection report, had surpassed its target collection for the first quarter. Based on the report, it has collected P313,735,174.61 from January to March 2023 as against the target of P310,710,000 or deviation of P3,035,174.61 or 0.98 percent. The post BoC lauds Mactan port anti-drug efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No objections for e-motorcycle tax breaks in EO12 review
Views and position papers elicited from government agencies and EV industry stakeholders for the revision of an executive order have offered no objection to the inclusion of e-motorcycles in the tax incentives......»»
Earthquake summit highlights engineering solutions, stricter policy implementation
A recent earthquake summit, organized by the Office of Civil Defense, highlighted the need for enhanced coordination mechanisms, engineering solutions alongside maximum utilization of available technologies and stricter policy implementation to strengthen the country’s preparedness......»»
Whole-of-government approach to protect Mt. Apo from destructive fires
COLLABORATIVE efforts from local government units, national government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders are put in place to protect Mt. Apo against fire amid El Niño......»»
Government calls for Earth Hour switch-off tonight
Government agencies are calling on the public to join the Earth Hour today by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m......»»
OFW aspirants told: Engage with licensed recruitment agencies only
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The regional director of the Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas (DMW-7) warned aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to engage with only legitimate and licensed recruitment agencies. Lawyer Karl Arriola, DMW-7 director, told CDN Digital that even if he was a lawyer, he still subscribed to the doctors’ advice: Prevention.....»»
EDITORIAL - Vaping minors
Law enforcement agencies are expressing alarm over the increasing use of vapes by minors, and the rise in the illegal importation of prohibited substances used in e-cigarettes. The problem should not come as a surprise, however, since the government practically asked for it......»»
State firms spent better in February
State agencies recorded a better spending rate as of February as the government ramped up the release of its cash allocations to fund various projects......»»
Baguio City working double time for green parking buildings
The Baguio City government said that it is meeting weekly with other concerned agencies to speed up the establishment of several multi-level parking structures......»»
Wearing of PNP uniforms is illegal, police exec reminds civilians
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Civilians are prohibited by law from wearing police uniforms or other uniforms of law enforcement agencies in the Philippines. This was the reminder of Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO). READ: ‘Policewoman’ nabbed, charged for unauthorized use of PNP uniform, ID.....»»
Palace announces new appointees
Malacañang has announced a new set of appointees in several agencies, including the finance and agriculture departments and the Office of the President......»»
CSC: Adopt flexible work arrangements for Ramadan
All state agencies should allow flexible work arrangements for Muslim officials and employees during the fasting period of Ramadan, according to the Civil Service Commission......»»
TIN registration at your fingertips
Our government agencies are trying to keep pace with rapid technology advancements through the digitalization of some of their operations to streamline administrative processes, improve compliance and provide better services......»»
Ukraine, allies slam Pope Francis’ ‘white flag’ comment
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian and allied officials Sunday criticized Pope Francis for saying that Kyiv should have the “courage” to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, a statement many interpreted as a call for Ukraine to surrender. The foreign ministers of Ukraine and Poland, a vocal ally of Kyiv, condemned the pope’s remarks......»»
Haiti: US evacuates embassy staff amid gang violence
A high-profile terrorist leader has been eliminated in a successful covert operation conducted by intelligence agencies in a remote area. The mission, which involved precise.....»»