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Fiscal standoff
The P213 billion allocated for fiscal year 2023 is indisputable proof that the burden of the military and uniformed personnel pension has become beyond difficult to sustain to the point of forcing the government to resort to borrowing. To forestall this fiscal stand-off, the next best thing to do is to allow the finance secretary all the latitude to navigate — free of obstructionist opposition — so that the ship of state can sail on an even keel on turbulent financial waters. Every proposed action plan of Secretary Benjamin Diokno to address the specter of fiscal collapse has the imprimatur of the President and the acquiescence of the so-called “economic team” — except that there is a newly appointed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor who replaced Dr. Felipe Medalla, which change of leadership has had very limited dissemination. Apparently, crucial matters of public information have become less and less sensitive to open and vibrant democratic discourse. In all that has already been expounded on the subject, it’s safe to say that Mr. Diokno has done his homework, this despite some “trial-and-error” attempts by the House of Representatives to “approximate” what could be the “best of all possible worlds” by congressional fiat. However, it was clear that the vocal committee chairman in Congress sort of “miscalculated” the acceptable threshold desired by the “military and uniformed sector,” thereby leaving it to the President — as Commander in Chief — to be the one to eventually “tame the beast.” Incidentally, FM Jr.’s newly appointed defense chief, albeit a returning one, is singing a different tune and is clearly in cross-purposes with what the finance chief has rolled out to be the “silver bullet” that would solve the pension problem. The policy domain benefits from evidence-based data and doing the science or the math is not alien to an economist like Diokno. On the other hand, political views hardly benefit from evidence, science, or math, and in this realm, it seems understandable why the defense chief’s normative proposal is rather parochial or scoped on maximizing what is good for the defense and military that he heads. After all, if he can play his cards well, a la President Fidel Ramos, his position could catapult him to higher office. When FVR signed Republic Act 7898 on 23 February 1995, its aim was a 15-year modernization program for the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Army consequent to the withdrawal of the US military bases and illegal occupation by China of Mischief Reef. The commitment to spend P50 billion within the first five years and presumably thereafter, however, never gained headway reportedly because the programs were “influenced” by lawmakers. Neither did the Philippine Navy get the lion’s share of the modernization fund to upgrade its patrol capabilities, surface warfare, and its maritime detection and surveillance capacities even while the authors of said law knew that the imminent enemy was China and the theater of engagement would be the West Philippine Sea. This explains why the country was a sitting duck when China occupied Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Then, this prompted the administration of President Noynoy Aquino to enact Republic Act 10349 as an expanded version of the AFP modernization program. While the needs of the Philippine Navy were given priority, the allocation of financial resources was subjected to a tedious, legalistic, and complex process with Congress having the last say. Reportedly, even the spending plan was incongruent with the capabilities that needed to be reinforced. Furthermore, the AFP Retirement and Separation Benefits System which was supposedly created to take care of the military pension system was mired in mismanagement that led to its deactivation or abolition. Substantial government seed capital went down the drain, achieving nothing because of the military’s own making. A case of “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero?” What about that recent audit report of the Commission on Audit on pension overpayments and underpayments made by the AFP Pension Management System that has gone loco? The post Fiscal standoff appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UNITED AND PRODUCTIVE House of Representatives
Given its record harvest of legislation, the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez concluded the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress on a high note. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez Speaker - 19th Congress, House of Representatives First Regular Session Legislative Accomplishments BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LEDAC Priority Bills: SIM Registration Act (RA 11934) Postponement of Barangay and SK Elections to October 2023 (RA 11935) Amending the Fixed Term of the AFP Chief of Staff and other High-Ranking Officials (RA 11939) Agrarian Reform Debts Condonation (RA 11953) Maharlika Investment Fund (RA 11954) Magna Carta of Seafarers E-Governance Act / E-Government Act Negros Island Region Virology Institute of the Philippines Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act National Disease Prevention Management Authority or Center for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Reserve Corps Philippine Passport Act Internet Transaction Act / E-Commerce Law Waste-to-Energy Bill Free Legal Assistance for Police and Soldiers Apprenticeship Act Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers Valuation Reform Eastern Visayas Development Authority Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery National Citizens Service Training Program Rightsizing the National Government National Land Use Act 30-Year National Infrastructure Program Department of Health Specialty Centers Act/Regional Specialty Hospitals Ease of Paying Taxes Local Government Unit Income Classification Amendment to Universal Health Care Act Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act Philippine Salt Industry Development Act Social Impact Bills: HB 5001 - No exam fees in private HEIs for underprivileged students who rank in the top 10 in high school HB 00005 - On-site, in-city, near city, and off-city resettlement program based on people's plan HB 0227 - Protection and welfare of caregivers HB 00988 - Increasing service incentive leave HB 00454 - Enhanced protection, security, and benefits for media workers HB 4477 - Greater responsibility and accountability from private employment agencies, amending Batas Kasambahay HB 04479 - Expanding prohibited acts of discrimination against women on account of sex, amending Labor Code HB 06416 - Strengthening mental health services of state universities and colleges HB 06483 - Abolition of "no permit, no exam" practice in college HB 06509 - Free legal assistance to uniformed personnel for the performance of duty HB 06492 - Freedom of Religion Act HB 00206 - Lowering the optional retirement age of government workers from 60 to 56 HB 06574 - Promotion and delivery of mental health services in basic education HB 06572 - Establishment of public schools of the future in technology HB 06680 - Free full insurance coverage to all qualified agrarian reform beneficiaries HB 01270 - Protection and promotion of the welfare of workers in the film, television, and radio entertainment industry HB 06716 - Mandating the establishment of fisherfolk resettlement areas HB 06718 - Protection and incentives for freelance workers HB 07354 - Evacuation centers in every city and municipality HB 04605 - Right of married women to retain their maiden surnames HB 06772 - Presidential power to suspend or adjust PhilHealth premium increases HB 07387 - Expanding the services for crop insurance HB 07535 - P1 million for centenarians HB 07561 - Mandatory insurance coverage and benefits for all line workers HB 07584 - Abolition of "no permit, no exam" in elementary and secondary classes HB 07909 - Extension of estate tax amnesty HB 07718 - Strengthening the law against illegal recruitment Quote (SFMGR): “As the House of Representatives amply demonstrated, we remain committed to implementing policies that will further stimulate economic activity, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. We will not allow any distraction to derail our efforts at finding appropriate and timely solutions to the problems affecting the lives of our people.” House Leaders: Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" D. Puno Deputy Speakers: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Isidro T. Ungab Roberto V. Puno Camille A. Villar Kristine Singson-Meehan Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza Ralph G. Recto Vincent Franco "Duke" D. Frasco Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" A. Marcos The post UNITED AND PRODUCTIVE House of Representatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Elections without politics
Contrary to what many foreign nationals and even Filipinos themselves believe, partisan politics is prohibited in the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the Republic of the Philippines on 30 October 2023. No less than Filipino lawmakers themselves have advised the people against engaging in partisan politics during the barangay and SK elections, citing the prohibition against it under the Omnibus Election Code and Section 93 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines. Under Section 93 on Partisan Political Activity, it is stated that, “No local official or employee in the career civil service shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity or take part in any election, initiative, referendum, plebiscite, or recall, except to vote, nor shall he use his official authority or influence to cause the performance of any political activity by any person or body.” He may, however, express his views, on current issues, or mention the names of certain candidates for public office whom he supports. Elective local officials may take part in partisan politics and electoral activities, but it shall be unlawful for them to solicit contributions from their subordinates or subject these subordinates to any of the prohibited acts under the Omnibus Election Code. To be elected on 30 October are 42,027 punong barangay or chairmen and 294,189 barangay councilors or kagawad, and the same numbers for the SK chairmen and councilors or kagawad. The barangay election shall be non-partisan and shall be conducted in an expeditious and inexpensive manner. No person who files a certificate of candidacy shall represent or allow himself to be represented as a candidate of any political party or any other organization and/or group. The barangay is the basic political unit that serves as the primary planning and implementing unit for government policies, plans, programs, projects and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled. No person shall be eligible to be a barangay official unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, and an actual resident of the barangay for at least six months immediately preceding the election; able to read and write, and on the date of the election is at least twenty-one years of age. A German national asked: Is the barangay captain a politician? A barangay captain or barangay chairman is the highest elected official in a barangay, the smallest level of administrative division of the Philippines. Also within the barangay are sitios and puroks or sub-divisions of the barangay. The barangay captain does not belong to any political party, nor allow himself to belong to any of them to serve their interest. He works for and serves solely the interests of his constituents within the village. Another foreign national asked: Is a barangay political? A barangay is a political unit but the behavior, official actions and motivations of its leader are not partisan. The chief officials and officers of each barangay are the punong barangay, seven sangguniang barangay members, the SK chairman, a barangay secretary and a barangay treasurer. Are officials of the 42,027 barangays considered government employees of the Republic of the Philippines? Yes, absolutely. The punong barangay, sangguniang barangay members, the KB chairman, the barangay secretary and the barangay treasurer are regular government employees and, as such, are entitled to fixed salaries, alliances, insurance, medical and dental coverage, retirement and benefits. The SK was created in 1975 to train and develop the youth into a strong workforce to serve and protect the homeland. There are lingering voices of dislike for the KB. In fact, many barangay captains find them unnecessary, a nuisance, and a waste of huge amounts of money. Their abolition would be a boon to the thousands of villages in the entire country, they say. The post Elections without politics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBP bucks merger, cites need for law
The Development Bank of the Philippines has filed an appeal with the Office of the President to reconsider the proposed merger with the Land Bank of the Philippines or LandBank as the former insists it must be first approved by Congress as required by law. This is a response to statements by Alex Quiroz, chairperson of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations last Monday, who said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can approve the proposed merger without a new law from Congress. However, in a DBP statement, the bank argued Republic Act 10149 limits the commission to the “evaluation of performance and determination of the relevance of GOCCs and implementation of mergers.” The law says the commission may “recommend to the president the merger of GOCCs and implement the merger unless otherwise directed by the president.” Best interest of the State These should be done only after the commission determined the merger will be in the best interest of the State. The law adds the commission must consult with the relevant government agencies and stakeholders before adopting an ownership and operations manual and the government-corporate standards governing GOCCs. In its statement, DBP said the merger’s proponent, Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno must yet present compelling and detailed arguments that the DBP and the LandBank cannot perform its duties separately and contribute to national development on their own. Diokno said that the President had agreed to the proposed merger in a Cabinet meeting last month as the finance chief said it will remove redundancies in the operations of the two banks and because of the need of DBP for recapitalization of up to P100 billion and capital infusion from the national government. He added the merger will improve the weaknesses of both banks. Will complicate processes However, the DBP said the merger will complicate banking processes and goals as DBP mechanisms are specifically designed to serve stakeholders in the infrastructure industry. “DBP is to develop industry; Land Bank, agriculture. Yet, there is no showing of any redundancy and how the proposed merger would effectively address the alleged ‘inefficiencies.” DBP added that the talks and steps for the proposed merger will divert the bank’s focus and energy toward helping boost relevant industries amid the challenging economic environment. “We will explore all options and available remedies to strongly articulate our position that the merger is unwarranted and ill-timed given the existing socio-economic milieu that necessitates a responsive and progressive development financing institution such as DBP.” The post DBP bucks merger, cites need for law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sugar regulator chief quits
Agri group bucks sale of smuggled sugar Administrator David John Thaddeus Alba of the Sugar Regulatory Administration has resigned amid the controversial importation of 440,000 metric tons of sugar......»»
GAB chief bucks escalation of NCR alert system to Level 2
MANILA - Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Baham Mitra said he does not prefer putting Metro Manila back under Alert Level 2 despite an uptick in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the province.Mitra, the former Palawan governor, said bringing back some stringent Covid-19 measures in Metro Manila could drastically stop the momentum of seeing pro.....»»
NBA: James triple-double pulls Lakers past Grizzlies
LeBron James returned from a one-game absence to post a 23-point triple-double on Wednesday and lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 136-124 NBA victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. James sat out the Lakers’ come-from-behind double-overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday with a sore left ankle. READ: NBA: Giannis tows Bucks over Thunder .....»»
Church visits are allowed only until 10 p.m. – Police chief
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Church visits on Maundy Thursday will only be allowed until 10 p.m. the chief of the Cebu City police announced on Thursday, March 28. Police Colonel Ireneo B. Dalogdog, City Director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said that the public is not allowed inside religious places past 10:00 p.m......»»
Pentagon chief reaffirms support after latest China aggression in WPS
Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday. .....»»
New DCPO chief pledges technology-driven approach
THE new director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) underscored the utilization of technology to streamline their operations......»»
Victims of Baltimore bridge collapse include those from Mexico, Guatemala
Maryland [US], March 27 (ANI): Among those reported missing following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the US are Mexican nationals, CNN reported, citing Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section of Mexico's Embassy in Washington. Laveaga refrained from specifying the exact number of missing Mexican nationals when he addressed reporters near the scene on Tuesday. A reporter asked Laveaga: ".....»»
Ministry helping improve BARMM’s business climate names 10 new officials
The Bangsamoro chief minister has filled out ten regional positions in one of the ministries under him to boost its operation as requested by business blocs enticing foreign investors to venture into viable businesses in the region......»»
Russian Spy Chief Makes Bizarre Claim of US, UK, and Ukraine Involvement in Moscow Attack
In a recent development, the director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has made startling accusations against Ukraine, the US, and the UK, claiming they.....»»
New DCPO chief to focus on personnel morale, asset optimization
THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) bid farewell to PCol. Alberto Lupaz and welcomed its new City Director, PCol. Richard Bad-ang, in a turn-over ceremony at the Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor on March 22......»»
Philippines declares 'strategic defeat' of NPA rebels
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines declared on Tuesday a "strategic defeat" of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels, who have been fighting against the government since the 1960s, saying there is no more active guerilla fronts in the country. Eduardo Ano, National Security Adviser and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said "thousands" of NPA insurgents have decided to return t.....»»
Missing man found dead in Barangay Bonbon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 50-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks was found dead in Sitio Golivas, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. The victim was identified as Adriano Fuentes Durano, a resident of Kiniasan, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. Police Major Philip John Libres, chief of Malubog Police Community Precinct, stated that on Tuesday.....»»
17 killed as truck loaded with sand collides with passenger van
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews /25 March) – Seventeen persons were killed when a truck loaded with sand collided with a passenger van in Antipas, North Cotabato Monday noon. Captain Godofredo Tupas, Chief of Police of Antipas town said the collision happened along a curve at the boundary of Barangay Greenhills and Lohong at 12:48 p.m. The van […].....»»
Philippines declares 'strategic defeat' of NPA rebels
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines declared on Tuesday a "strategic defeat" of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels, who have been fighting against the government since the 1960s, saying there is no more active guerilla fronts in the country. Eduardo Ano, National Security Adviser and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said "thousands" of NPA insurgents have decided to return t.....»»
Village chief rewardscouple for missing girl recovery
Village chief rewardscouple for missing girl recovery.....»»
SC allows UN expert to act as friend of the court in Maria Ressa s cyber libel plea
Irene Khan, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion, has been allowed by the Supreme Court (SC) to sit as an "amicus curiae" to the court in the appeal for the cyber libel case of Rappler.com chief executive officer Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos......»»