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MMDA: Nebrija went ‘overboard’
Suspended Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Task Force Special Operations Unit chief Bong Nebrija “went overboard” when he named Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and a former lawmaker as violators of the EDSA Carousel policy, according to acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes......»»
Contractor questioned over Cubao asphalt work
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday questioned a contractor in Cubao, Quezon City for an asphalt overlay project without presenting a schedule. The project was conducted in New York Avenue according to the report of the MMDA, that resulted in a traffic jam in the northbound lanes of EDSA along with the inner roads in Cubao. According to Bong Nebrida, chief of the MMDA Task Force for Special Operations, they saw the asphalt work at dawn yesterday which earned the ire of motorists in the northbound lane of EDSA. Nebrida said the main arterial route of New York Avenue is being used by provincial buses to reach their respective terminals. Due to the asphalt project the exit of the buses was delayed because New York Avenue was closed to traffic and they opted to go to EDSA resulting to traffic jam that reached Santolan Avenue. The post Contractor questioned over Cubao asphalt work appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites
The official sendoff rites for the 500-strong Philippine team to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou takes place today at the Philippine International Convention Center with the Philippine Sports Commission leading the way. The 11 a.m. event will have as guest speaker Executive Secretary Luis Bersamin, according to PSC chairperson Richard “Dickie” Bachmann. “Our athletes are the heart and soul of the country’s campaign in Hangzhou, both in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games,” chairman Bachmann said. The opening ceremony of the Asian Games will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center on 23 September. A total of 481 events in 61 disciplines are going to be disputed. Team Philippines previously sent 271 athletes to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2018 and brought home four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes for 19th place. Golfer Yuka Saso (women’s individual and team events), weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (53kg) and skateboarder Margielyn Didal were the delegation’s top performers. “With the all-out support from our national government through the PSC, I’m positive that our athletes will deliver,” added the sports agency chief, who is set to be joined by PSC Commissioner Bong Coo, Commissioner Fritz Gaston, Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Commissioner Walter Torres in the event. Sports officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Paralympic Committee, the different National Sports Associations and Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission Richard Gomez are also expected to attend the sendoff rites. The post PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rest areas for Cebu tourists
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting the Queen City of the South, Cebu, the Department of Tourism is geared to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday, which was graced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the Provincial Government of Cebu, and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug, and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who pledged to match the number of rest areas turned over by the DoT to the province. DoT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. Assets enhanced Moreover, a separate MOA was signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DoT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete, and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu’s tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism, fully support this collaboration between local government units cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said on the sisterhood agreement of the two tourism provinces. Meanwhile, the turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel “Lito” Lapid and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. The post More rest areas for Cebu tourists appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT
To continuously provide convenience to vacationers visiting Cebu, the Department of Tourism is eyeing to establish more tourist rest areas or TRAs in the province. During the unveiling of a TRA in Carcar City, Cebu last Friday graced by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced that the DoT, the provincial government of Cebu and the DoT’s attached agency, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, have sealed a memorandum of agreement to erect TRAs in Bogo City and the municipalities of Pinamungajan, Dumanjug and Santander, all in Cebu. These additional TRAs are part of the initiative led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who has pledged to match the number of TRAs turned over by the DoT to the province. The DOT has inaugurated two TRAs in Medellin and in Carcar City, with two more to be completed soon in Carmen and Moalboal. A separate MOA was also signed by TIEZA chief operating officer Mark Lapid for the promotion and development of TIEZA’s assets. The agreement is between the DOT’s infrastructure arm and the municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete and Moalboal. According to the agreement, Cebu will support TIEZA’s property marketing efforts via the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council. These high-value assets are anticipated to improve Cebu's tourism portfolio and package deals while also generating income and employment for the province and concerned LGUs. Meanwhile, the establishment of sisterhood relations between Cebu and Albay provinces was also formalized through the MOA between Governor Garcia and Albay Governor Edcel "Grex" Lagman. “We, in the Department of Tourism fully support this collaboration between local government units, cognizant of our President’s priority to ensure that tourism development thrives to strengthen collaboration and engagement,” Frasco said. The turnover and inauguration ceremony of a TRA in Carcar City was also graced by Cebu Governor Garcia, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Carcar City Mayor Patricio Barcenas, TIEZA COO Lapid and Senators Manuel "Lito" Lapid and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. The post More rest areas to rise in Cebu — DoT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go calls on Chinese gov’t to ‘stop bullying’ Philippines
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go condemned at the Senate plenary on Monday, 7 August the recent harassment of Philippine vessels by the Chinese Coast Guard. The harassment in question took place during a peaceful resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal on 5 August. The Chinese Coast Guard used a water cannon against the Philippine vessels, an act Go has vehemently condemned. "Grabeng respeto ang ibinigay sa inyo, simula pa noong panahon ni dating pangulong Duterte. Sa anim na taon, binigay ni Pangulong Duterte ang lahat ng respeto,” he said in his manifestation in support of the privilege speech of Senate President Migz Zubiri. The senator’s condemnation references the cordial diplomatic relationship cultivated under the previous administration of then president Rodrigo Duterte, where much respect was extended to China. Go emphasized the need for resilience and strength in the face of such incidents, urging the nation to uphold its worth and to protect its sovereignty. He asserted, "What is ours is ours. We must remain consistent on our foreign policy of being friends to all enemy to none. But we must also stand firm on protecting our sovereignty." The senator has also appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., being the chief architect of the country's foreign policy, to continue to safeguard the safety of Filipinos and the country’s national interests. He expressed his confidence that Marcos will uphold the country's sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea with the assistance of international partners. He emphasized that this issue does not solely concern the Philippines but also the entire world. Go called upon members of the international community to demonstrate sincerity not just in words, but in actions, in respecting other nations. The PCG has already condemned the Chinese Coast Guard's actions and called it "illegal" and "dangerous". These actions, the PCG said, not only disregarded the safety of the crew and the supply boats, but also violated international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The post Bong Go calls on Chinese gov’t to ‘stop bullying’ Philippines appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Revilla to summon DPWH, MMDA to Senate over “unresolved flooding”
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Monday chided the Department of Public Works and Highways and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority over the ineffective implementation of the flood control program in Metro Manila. Revilla told reporters that the Senate Committee on Public Works, which he chairs, is set to summon DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan and MMDA chairperson Romando Artes “to demand answers on the still unresolved flooding in the country that continues to recur every time there is a heavy downpour” due to inclement weather. “Nakakapikon na itong sitwasyon natin na sa tuwing uulan ay palagi na lang tayong baha, samantalang napakadaming proyekto at bilyon-bilyon ang ginagastos para masawata ang pagbaha, pero ganun pa rin at paulit-ulit,” he said. “We must sit down and, once and for all, come up with workable and effective solutions,” he added. Citing the General Appropriations Act from 2019 to 2023, Revilla said the DPWH received a total of P594.62 billion appropriation for their flood control program while MMDA had P6 billion. “Taon-taon tayong naglalaan ng pondo sa dalawang ahensya na ito para solusyonan ang problema sa baha. Pero bakit hindi natin maramdaman? Saan ba nilalagak ang pondo sa programang ito kasi yung baha, hindi naman nawawala tuwing umuulan. Sa totoo lang, lalo ngang tumataas ang baha na nararanasan natin,” he said. Revilla also expressed disappointment over the inadequate response of DPWH and MMDA. He said they were “merely releasing press statements” every time the country would be submerged in floods. “Hindi na paliwanag ang kailangan ng taumbayan, ang kailangan natin ay aksiyon, solusyon at hindi anesthesia para hindi maramdaman ng publiko ang hirap sa pagbaha dahil lamang sa hindi matukoy ang problema,” he stressed. Revilla slammed the agencies after receiving reports that at least 425 flooding incidents were reported due to the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Egay. The post Revilla to summon DPWH, MMDA to Senate over “unresolved flooding” appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’
By: Ann JEnireene Gomez and Alvin Murcia With GLEN JACOB JOSE, Tiziana Celine Piatos AND JOM GARNER, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa warned of “big trouble” if the International Criminal Court comes to the Philippines to arrest him or anyone else. “I already expected that, their insistence on meddling in our domestic affairs. Let them, let them do what they want,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino in an interview with Frontline Tonight. “I’ll be here, I am not hiding. If they have a warrant of arrest, let them serve the warrant,” Dela Rosa said, with one caveat — that he’ll only allow himself to be arrested by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner ordered to do so by the ICC. Dela Rosa was responding to a statement of Senate President Miguel Zubiri that the government will have no choice but to turn over anyone to the ICC if the arrest warrant will be coursed through local courts and will be served by local authorities. “We are still a sovereign country, and they (accused) are still citizens of this country. They do that with many other countries. However, the danger there is if Senator Bato dela Rosa goes to a country that is friendly to the ICC, then they will arrest him. Here in the Philippines, the process is they must coordinate with the local courts,” Zubiri said. The ICC’s Appeals Chamber voted 3-2 on Tuesday to deny the Philippines’ appeal to stop the ICC Office of the Prosecutor from resuming its investigation. “There’s no problem if the Philippine government would be the one to arrest me, but not the foreigners,” he said. “If it’s the government of the Philippines that would decide to arrest me, what can I do? But if they (ICC) would come here to take me, our government would have none of that.” “There’s going to be big trouble if they would insist on coming here against our government’s expressed will. That would be too blatant an interference and they would be treating us like fools,” he added. Chill Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino, who offered to stand as legal counsel for a fellow lawmaker in the ICC probe, advised Dela Rosa to “Just chill”. “I accept the proposal of Sen. Dela Rosa to a lawyer for him. I am now speaking as the counsel for Senator Dela Rosa,” said Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, in an online press conference yesterday. He said nothing has changed in the Philippines’ position on the dismissal of the ICC Pre-Chamber in the country’s appeal regarding the probe of the “war on drugs.” The ICC, he added, has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday advised former president Rodrigo Duterte and Dela Rosa to stay away from countries where the ICC has influence. Dela Rosa is accused of implementing the alleged iron-fist policy of Duterte as a Davao regional police official and later as Duterte’s first Philippine National Police chief in 2016. “They are citizens of the republic who also need our protection,” Remulla said, adding that Duterte and Dela Rosa should refrain from going to countries in Europe. Why Sara? But even before Remulla came out with his advice, Dela Rosa had already said he would not deliver himself to the ICC. “I will make sure not to go to those countries that are friendly with the ICC,” he said. He also brushed aside efforts to involve Vice President Sara Duterte in the ICC probe, calling the move politically motivated against one who could become the country’s next president. He reiterated that the Vice President’s name was never mentioned in proceedings that looked into the alleged activities of the so-called Davao Death Squad. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate the extrajudicial killings allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s so-called war on drugs. The DoJ expressed deep disappointment and strong disagreement with the denial by the ICC of the Office of the Solicitor General’s appeal to stop the probe on account of the Philippines having withdrawn from the ICC, and its having a fully functioning justice system. It said the rejection of the appeal was based on the ICC’s flawed interpretation of its jurisdiction as a court of last resort — that it could only assume jurisdiction when a member country showed it was not capable of investigating and prosecuting crimes within its borders. The DoJ pointed out that the principle of complementarity, enshrined in the Rome Statute that created the ICC, recognizes the jurisdiction of local courts to try crimes within their respective countries. “The dissenting opinions of two esteemed justices out of the five-judge panel highlight the grave errors in the majority decision,” the DoJ said in a statement. “These dissenting justices rightly recognized the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining an independent and effective legal system.” “Their dissenting opinions underscore the existence of a legitimate difference of legal interpretation, casting doubt on the majority’s ruling,” it added. Remulla had lambasted the ICC for meddling in Philippine affairs and said the government would not honor any arrest warrant issued by the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Duterte, had been firm in saying the ICC had no jurisdiction over events that transpired in the Philippines. PNP no ICC lackey Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it would not be dictated to by the ICC as it recognizes the stance of the government that the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over the conduct of the drug war probe. “The PNP is under the executive department and we will follow the lead of the national government that there is a question with respect to sovereignty and jurisdiction of the ICC,” PNP spokesperson P/Col. Jean Fajardo said. Duterte, as Davao City mayor from 2011 to 2016 and as the country’s president from 2016 to 2022, is seen as the ICC prosecutor’s primary target, along with his former police chief, Dela Rosa. Government data showed that about 6,200 people died in “legitimate” anti-drug operations during the Duterte presidency, including law enforcement officers killed in action. Government critics claim as many as 15,000 to 30,000 were killed. Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte appeared to have been included in the complaints filed with the ICC prosecutor, along with her father’s long-time aide, the now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. “No comment,” was the terse reply of the Vice President’s camp on her alleged inclusion in the ICC complaints. Go, on the other hand, said the ICC had no “business meddling in our internal affairs, where our courts remain fully functional and free from political interference.” “Probes into the war on drugs are presently being conducted by the competent authorities. Filipinos should be judged by fellow Filipinos before Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws,” Go said. With the ICC ruling, the DoJ vowed to continue to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the nation’s legal system and strongly urged the ICC to reconsider its decision and recognize the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. “Furthermore, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the well-being and support of all victims affected by the drug war,” Remulla’s department said. “The DoJ, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is willing and able to assist those who had suffered harm or loss during this challenging period. We encourage all individuals with evidence and witnesses to come forward and share their testimonies with us,” it added. Former president Duterte, through his former spokesperson Harry Roque, shrugged off the ICC decision. In a Facebook post, Roque said Duterte has always maintained that as an independent and sovereign state, only Philippine courts can try any crime committed in Philippine territory. “He has time and again said that because of this, he will face all his accusers anytime but before Philippine courts and before Filipino judges only,” Roque said. In a television interview, Zubiri said the upper chamber would “not give up” Dela Rosa should the ICC issue a warrant of arrest against the latter. “Without the local warrant of arrest issued by the courts, then as far as I’m concerned, he is still a working member of the Senate and accorded of course that respect, similar to Senator De Lima and Senator [Antonio] Trillanes,” he said. “Only when the warrant of arrest was issued, then we allowed or we agreed that he may be taken in custody,” he added. The post BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest
Sen. Bong Go went to Albay on Thursday, 22 June to provide support to evacuees affected by Mt. Mayon’s unrest, aid indigents, and conduct an inspection of the Super Health Center in Tabaco City. Emphasizing the significance of investing in local health facilities, Go underscored the role of Super Health Centers in enhancing the accessibility of vital healthcare services for the local residents. “Ito pong Super Health Center, isa po ito sa pamamaraan para ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan at madi-decongest ang mga ospital dahil hindi na kailangan ng mga buntis na pumunta ng ospital, pwede na po diyan ‘yung mga primary care,” he underscored. The Super Health Center that Go inspected is located in the National Housing Authority resettlement area in Brgy. San Vicente. The housing project was part of the Duterte administration’s efforts to provide housing for Typhoon Rolly victims in 2020. The project was approved in 2021 and started construction in 2022. There are 2361 housing units, built on a 20 hectare LGU property. This strategic location for the Super Health Center was made to provide essential medical services to recovering typhoon victims and their community. It will benefit the more than 2000 housing beneficiaries residing in the area. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Aside from Tabaco City, the DOH has identified the cities of Legazpi and Ligao; and the town of Camalig, Malilipot, and Pio Duran as locations for the Super Health Centers in Albay. Super Health Centers shall offer basic medical services under one roof, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Go also took the lead in organizing a relief operation at the Barangay San Antonio covered court in the city. The operation assisted 151 evacuees and 250 indigent residents. Go personally oversaw the distribution of essential aid from his office such as grocery packs, snacks, masks, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. Select individuals were also given additional items, including shirts, shoes, mobile phones, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Furthermore, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to all qualified beneficiaries. More indigents will also be provided aid in the coming days through the initiative of the Office of Sen. Go, the LGU, and DSWD. Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to assist those with medical concerns as he encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City. Currently, there are 158 operational Malasakit Centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo na mabayaran ang inyong billing,” said Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, to help boost development in Albay and as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control systems in Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malinao, Manito, Oas and Polangui. On the same day, Go likewise extended his assistance to evacuees in the town of Malilipot. Amid the continued state of unrest of the Mayon Volcano, Go reiterated his call for the passage of his proposed measures that will establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), as well as mandatory evacuation centers throughout the country. Go stressed that his proposed Senate Bill No. 188, which will establish the DDR, would centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure more swift and effective response to emergencies. “It should be a cabinet-level dahil tuwing mayro'ng sakuna, dapat may point person talaga with clear authority and mandate,” added Go. The creation of the said department, if enacted into law, shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR. "Nabanggit nga kanina, paano natin pagbabawalan doon ‘eh coordination lang naman tayo, hindi ho ba? So kailangan po ng mas malakas na kapangyarihan ang Office of Civil Defense, maaaring maging departamento o authority; but it needs legislation," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a recent interview when asked about evacuation efforts in permanent danger zones near active volcanoes. "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," the OCD chief said. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted his proposed SBN 193 which seeks to mandate the establishment of permanent, secure, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every municipality, city, and province throughout the Philippines. “Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, hindi rin maaantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata tuwing ginagamit na pansamantalang tuluyan ang mga eskuwelahan. Mas madali ring makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan kung protektado at komportable sila sa mga dedicated evacuation centers lalo na sa Albay at sa mga malalapit sa aktibong bulkan, pati na rin sa coastlines o ibang danger zones kapag may bagyo o iba pang kalamidad na dumarating,” he said. “Hindi man natin masasabi kung kailan darating ang sakuna, mas mabuti nang laging handa tayo,” he ended. The post Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clavano apologizes for faux pas vs Bantag
Justice assistant secretary and spokesman Atty. Mico Clavano yesterday apologized and corrected his earlier statement that one of the major reasons authorities could not arrest former Bureau of Corrections director general Gerald Q. Bantag was due to his police connections. Clavano in a message said, “I apologize for any confusion my earlier statement may have caused. I would like to correct my error and clarify that Mr. Bantag did not serve in the Philippine National Police, but rather graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy.” He added, “I regret any confusion this may have caused and hope this clarification clears up any misunderstanding.” The DoJ official previously acknowledged the complexity of apprehending Bantag due to his connections within the police force and other law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, the Philippine National Police apparently took offense to the statement of Clavano that one of the major reasons why Bantag could not be easily arrested is his police connections. Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, PNP chief public information officer, said Bantag has never joined the police organization and as such, has never been a police officer — contradicting the DoJ spokesman’s statement that Bantag “is a police officer.” “The Philippine National Police would like to clarify that Mr. Gerald Bantag has never been a member of the Philippine National Police, based on record, he used to be a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officer before his appointment in Bureau of Corrections,” said Maranan in a statement. While Bantag graduated from the PNP Academy, he chose to be in the BJMP after his graduation in 1996. Graduates of the PNPA have the option to choose among the PNP, BJMP and the Bureau of Fire Protection after their graduation. The DoJ has offered P2-million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of Bantag who was charged with murder for the death of an inmate at the New Bilibid Prison. A P1-million reward was also offered to his then deputy, Ricardo Zulueta. Clavano was quoted saying that Bantag’s police connections makes his arrest tricky, Maranan said the PNP remains committed to its task of enforcing the law, including arresting fugitives from justice. “We want to emphasize that irrespective of one’s rank, stature, or source of commissionship of any officer; the PNP will arrest any individual who has violated the law. The achievements of our police tracker teams exemplify our record in arresting wanted persons,” Maranan said. The post Clavano apologizes for faux pas vs Bantag appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate tackles airlines’ booking glitches, offloading mess
Growing complaints from various passengers against budget carrier, Cebu Pacific’s overbooking, offloading, and booking glitches have reached the Senate inquiry on Wednesday. This came after Senate committee chairperson, Senator Nancy Binay, filed Senate Resolution No. 575 pushing for an investigation on the customers’ complaints against Cebu Pacific due to recent flight cancellations. During the hearing, Binay said her office was able to compile at least 3,000 complaints from the passengers, which have been aired through social media platforms. “We have since seen it fit to invite our other airlines to this hearing because these problems, it seemed, have only grown in number. Our passengers face inconveniences on multiple fronts on account of flight delays, cancelations, offloading, and overbooking,” Binay stressed. Overseas worker, James Bartolome, said he has yet to receive his refund from Cebu Pacific after his flight going to Qatar was canceled. After knowing that his original flight was canceled, Bartolome opted to book another airline as the budget carrier won’t be able to give him an earlier flight. Senator JV Ejercito said the airport and airline operations will provide the “first and last impressions” to the tourists and potential investors entering the country. “We need to systematize this for our tourism and business climate,” he said, sharing that he was not even spared from experiencing flight delays. Binay emphasized the need to identify problems and immediately craft strategies to prevent similar complaints in the future. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said that Cebu Pacific and other similar airline companies should acknowledge the impacts of flight cancellations and other airline mess. “Incidents like these could discourage tourists so this hearing should serve as a platform to air the grievances of the frustrated and helpless passengers,” Go said, citing that these may affect the country’s tourism industry and the economy. “Remember that we are still reviving from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added. Go said the airlines must immediately act and rectify these issues by imposing proper mechanisms for compensating affected passengers—which includes food provisions during flight cancellation and alternative flight schedules. During the hearing, several Cebu Pacific passengers also complained about apparent website errors that resulted in them being charged multiple times for transactions yet it appeared to be unsuccessful. Cebu Pacific chief marketing and customer experience officer, Candice Iyog, explained that there is a part of the flow where if a passenger clicks proceed, it commits the changes even before the passenger pays. “We recognize that and we are taking that feedback as well,” Iyog said. The Cebu Pacific, she added, is already working on “a fix or an enhancement” to the interface of the website, which will likely be ready at the end of this month. “Depending on when it's ready, we're looking at possibly, end of July that we will be able to implement this change in the user experience,” she said. Senator Risa Hontiveros lamented that in several instances when passengers’ original flights were canceled, Cebu Pacific offered flight rebooking and passengers were immediately made to pay before they could confirm their purchase of travel tickets. Citing a passenger’s experience, the airline’s website technical issue made them pay a bill of P16,000-worth of add-ons after availing of Cebu Pacific’s free rebooking option, following the cancellation of flights. Iyog said they recently reminded their customer service agents to allow passengers to get back to their original flight or to remove add-ons that were “accidentally added.” “We don’t want to cancel flights for our passengers. It’s bad business and we don’t want to disrupt our passengers—that’s why we give options,” Iyog noted. Tougher passengers’ rights Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe slammed the budget carrier for lacking customer service agents directly responding to these complaints. Poe called on for a tougher policy on air passengers' rights to address the cancellations and delays in flights by local airlines besetting travelers. "This pressing public service issue calls for urgent effective solutions as it involves not only the air passengers' rights but also the overall impact on the country's tourism and economy,” she added. While overbooking is a globally accepted practice, Poe said "systematic delays and cancellations are not." Also, Hontiveros pressed that the government agencies should step in to prevent more passengers from being disrupted in their travels due to canceled, rescheduled, and delayed flights in Cebu Pacific and other airline companies. “These kinds of inconveniences disrupt the travel experiences also of tourists, and as the chair said, could negatively affect the tourism sector,” she added. Aside from the reported overbooking, offloading, booking, and flight cancellations, Senator Raffy Tulfo said that adding extra flights daily amid lacking proper airplane maintenance can be called “abuses of the airline companies.” He lamented that it could pose danger and compromise the safety of all airline passengers, “There were safety issues surrounding the uploading, overbooking, and flight cancellations of airlines. If these airlines don’t care about fulfilling their obligations to provide air transport for their passengers, I will not be surprised that they are cutting corners when it comes to safety as well,” Tulfo pressed on. Tulfo said extra flights can also cause fatigue in pilots and flight attendants. For his part, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa wants the Civil Aeronautics Board to become proactive in resolving the massive airline mess in the country. Dela Rosa asked CAB if it is amenable to institutionalize the Air Passenger Bill of Rights in order to protect the public from erring airline companies. "What is your position? Do you agree with the proposal to create a law that will institutionalize the Air Passenger Bill of Rights?" asked Dela Rosa. In response, CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, said they have been very supportive of the proposal. “But it seems it is not among the priorities of Congress,” he said. Dela Rosa said he is mulling to proposed the bill in the Senate “not to discourage the airline industry but to protect the public interest. The post Senate tackles airlines’ booking glitches, offloading mess appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go: Food, hotel stay, reimbursement for inconvenienced flyers
Senator Christopher “Bong" Go on Wednesday called on airlines to provide passengers affected by canceled or delayed flights with food and water, alternative flights, accommodation in nearby hotels, and prompt reimbursement of expenses they incurred from disrupted trips. The senator made the call during the Senate inquiry on passenger complaints against Cebu Pacific, including the airline's overbooking, offloading, and online booking glitches. Senator Nancy Binay chaired the hearing of her Committee on Tourism. Earlier, she filed Senate Resolution 575 that called for the investigation after her office compiled at least 3,000 complaints from passengers from social media platforms. Binay emphasized the need to identify problems and immediately craft strategies to prevent similar complaints in the future. Go told the Committee that even former president Rodrigo Duterte experienced a flight scheduled at five o'clock but changed to 9:30 last Saturday. The senator also cited his own experience that caused him to celebrate his birthday on an airplane at midnight of 14 June. "Last Saturday, I have an 11:25 p.m. flight. I received the boarding time on my cellphone at 10:40 p.m. It means you have to get ready. Then all of a sudden, when you are in the door, you will be told that the airplane has not yet arrived?" he said in another instance of delayed flight. "Why is that? What the online advisory said was different, that the plane was already there when the truth was that it was not there. Passengers should be given proper information to have a comfortable travel." Go added, "The situation is also difficult for our OFWs who are working tirelessly abroad to support their families. Delayed or canceled flights may jeopardize their employment and livelihood." He also lamented the practice of selling more airline tickets than available seats, which has led to situations where passengers with confirmed reservations have been denied boarding, disrupting their plans and causing immense inconvenience. "The airline should compensate affected passengers for their inconvenience," Go said. During the hearing, several Cebu Pacific passengers complained about apparent website errors that resulted in them being charged multiple times for transactions, yet it appeared to be unsuccessful. Cebu Pacific chief marketing and customer experience officer, Candice Iyog, told the committee that the airline is already working on “a fix or an enhancement” to the interface of the website, which will likely be ready at the end of this month. Iyog said they recently reminded their customer service agents to allow passengers to get back to their original flight or to remove add-ons that were “accidentally added.” The post Bong Go: Food, hotel stay, reimbursement for inconvenienced flyers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Resign en masse, Rody tells cops
Former president Rodrigo Duterte demanded yesterday the resignation of the entire Philippine National Police force, saying that many of its members had become the “gatekeepers” for the nation’s illicit drug trade. “We have a fractured police force in this country,” Duterte said on his weekly program over the SMNI channel. Duterte expressed dismay over the Senate’s recent investigation into the alleged cover-up by police officials of the P6.7-billion shabu bust where the drugs were allegedly seized from a police sergeant. He lamented that some police officers were not just protecting drug dealers, “but are into drug dealing themselves.” “The volume is one too many. How many police personnel are involved? There are many; it goes up to the generals,” he said. If he were still president, Duterte said he would order all members of the PNP, from the lowest-ranked patrolman to its chief (General Benjamin Acorda Jr.) to surrender all the firearms issued to them. He said he would then order the Armed Forces of the Philippines to take over police duties following the dismantling of the PNP. “The army would be happy to take over. And I suppose that is what should happen,” Duterte said, adding that he trusted the military more than the police. “The AFP knows what is right and wrong, and what is right for the country,” he said, slamming the “built-in arrogance” of rogue cops, especially those involved in the drug trade. Generals accused of coverup In October 2022, PNP officers seized 990 kilograms of shabu, worth P6.7 billion, from an office in Tondo, Manila. Several PNP generals were accused of trying to cover up the arrest of an alleged drug dealer, dismissed police sergeant Rodolfo Mayo, even as kilos of the drugs were found to have been pilfered. Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who oversees the PNP, assured Duterte and the public that the PNP was not hopeless as an organization. Abalos said criminal complaints had been filed against about 50 PNP members, including two generals. Abalos said a plan is afoot to place the PNP Internal Affairs Service under the supervision of the Office of the President or the DILG to make it totally independent of the PNP. Go welcomes raps Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go backed the filing of charges against the police generals and policemen tagged in the coverup in the P6.7-billion drug bust. “I welcome that. That’s the right thing to do. The truth must always come out, and those found guilty should be held accountable and prosecuted,” Go told reporters Thursday. “We, along with [former] President Duterte, fully supported the PNP. That’s why we worked to double their salaries to work against the illegal drug trade so they would not engage in those activities,” he said. ‘PNP functioning well’ For his part, PNP public information chief P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the PNP continues to function well, citing a 10-percent decline in so-called index crimes, from 18,270 from 1 January to 9 June last year to 16,492 crimes for the same period this year. In the campaign against illegal drugs, Maranan said the PNP conducted 19,464 operations, arrested 25,641 persons, and confiscated P6.2 billion worth of illegal drugs for the period cited this year. A total of 836 PNP personnel were dismissed and 1,703 were suspended as of 7 June, Maranan added. “This is a manifestation of the PNP’s well-functioning disciplinary mechanism to weed out those who are unfit to be in the organization,” Maranan said. He said the PNP recently achieved an 80-percent trust and performance rating. The post Resign en masse, Rody tells cops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandiganbayan clears ex-Tagbina mayor
The Sandiganbayan Third Division recently acquitted former Tagbina town, Surigao del Sur Mayor Rufo Pabelonia of technical malversation as no further evidence was presented to prove ill will on his part, other than discrepancies on computation. The anti-graft court Third Division cleared Pabelonia of alleged technical malversation involving P300,000 in municipal funds. “Reviewing closely the evidence introduced by both parties, this Court is convinced beyond a moral certainty that accused Mayor Pabelonia did not act with evident bad faith in the construction of the gymnasium to the detriment of the government,” said the anti-graft court in a 30-page ruling. Pabelonia, now 70, was mayor from 1986 to 1995. The three charges involved Pabelonia’s part in allegedly diverting P63,000 from local funds appropriated for the construction of the Tagbina Municipal Building to pay for the cash gift of municipal officials and employees, including casual workers, in 1990. The second charge also involved the diversion of P151,642 from funds intended for the Tagongon Barangay Gymnasium to pay the claim of another municipal building contractor, while the third charge was for unexplained expenses worth P54,849 for the same gymnasium. Pabelonia was cleared in other graft raps arising from other projects in 1987, for which he was arrested in Davao City in 2018 for failing to appear in his arraignments. The Sandiganbayan said then that “the prosecution was not able to present proof other than the documents signed by Pabelonia.” Last year, the Sandiganbayan acquitted him of another graft charge stemming from projects for rehabilitating a public school in his town 26 years ago, citing the prosecution’s failure to show evidence other than paperwork signed by the local chief executive. The post Sandiganbayan clears ex-Tagbina mayor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte not keen to lead Marcos drug war
Despite the lobbying of his close allies, Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte has rejected calls for him to become the country’s anti-drug czar under the Marcos administration. Duterte said he is not keen on leading the government’s anti-drug campaign, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should be given "the greatest elbow room" to do so in a year. “Mukhang hindi na rin tama (I don't think it's right), Pastor, because there is the President duly elected and it is his duty to enforce the law and solve crimes,” Duterte told Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in an interview on the SMNI Channel aired Wednesday night. Duterte preferred to leave the job to Marcos, stressing that “it’s a matter of leadership.” “Let us give Marcos the greatest elbow room leeway to do his job in just one year,” he said. Senators Christopher “Bong” Go earlier raised the idea to make Duterte the anti-drug czar during a Senate hearing into the recent multibillion shabu haul, where various members of the Philippine National Police were implicated for alleged illegal drug trade and cover-up activities. Go said the previous government had significantly reduced drug syndicates and criminality. “It's really necessary, we really need to apply the iron hand to these policemen. They really need to be scared,” he stressed. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela, who was Duterte’s PNP chief when the anti-drug war was launched, backed Go’s recommendation, saying the former President is a good fit for the position. ”Ako, personally, maganda sana. Babalik iyong takot ng mga drug syndicate, particularly sa mga pulis na involved dito sa drugs, mga ninja cop,” he said in an earlier interview. The post Duterte not keen to lead Marcos drug war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate approves bill establishing regional medical specialty centers
The Senate on Monday approved Senate Bill No. 2212, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, on third and final reading. All 24 senators agreed to pass the measure, which is one of the priority measures in the Common Legislative Agenda of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council. The bill aims to establish up to 53 specialty centers throughout the country by 2028, in an effort to decentralize the services of specialty centers such as the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, which are all located in Manila Manila. For Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, principal author and co-sponsor of the measure, the approval of the measure in the Senate is a “fulfillment” of his promise during last year’s campaign. “This bill is a shot in the arm of our public health system. To borrow a medical term, it is a major transfusion of resources to government hospitals in the regions, nearer to the sick who need affordable care,” Zubiri said. The Senate chief explained that the measure will be a huge help for those who the sick Filipinos who live in far-flung areas of the country. “For the sick, the journey to big cities for treatment is the road to bankruptcy. Not only is the hospital bill enormous, transient stay is also expensive. What little money has been begged or borrowed end up being spent on lodging of carers instead of cure. The individual patient may survive, but family finances will not,” he said. “If the people cannot go to where excellent care are, then government must bring excellent medical care to them,” he added. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who sponsored the measure, expressed his gratitude to his fellow senators for supporting the measure. “I want to express my profound thanks to our esteemed colleagues who diligently worked and expressed their unwavering support for the passage of this measure,” Go said in his manifestation. The measure, he said, is a “steadfast commitment, and a collective vision to improve our healthcare system. It demonstrates our dedication to delivering efficient specialized health care to every Filipino.” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, in his first State of the Nation Address, highlighted the need to make medical services more accessible outside Metro Manila. The post Senate approves bill establishing regional medical specialty centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PGMA clears FL from ‘coup’
Breaking her silence on the alleged House tussle, former President, now Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo slammed efforts to drag First Lady Liza-Marcos into allegations that the latter supported a plan to oust Speaker Martin Romualdez. The effort to pull her into the friction at the legislature “is disrespectful to her and to her intelligence,” Arroyo said in a social media post yesterday. “A report is going around that I was ‘duped’ by a congresswoman into thinking that the alleged House coup had the blessings of the First Lady. I am truly sorry that she should even be dragged into this political fantasy of a House coup,” Arroyo said. She slammed efforts to spread “pathetic rumors” from those who “are the ones duping the Filipino people.” “They should now move on to the serious business of making positive contributions to national progress,” Arroyo said of the rumor mongers. The social media post came on the heels of allegations that she orchestrated a failed coup against Romualdez. Rumors flew thick about the failed ouster move on 17 May when members of the House, before it adjourned session, voted Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. as the new senior deputy speaker in place of Arroyo. Gonzales is one of the chamber’s deputy speakers before he was promoted to the second-highest post at the House. The reason given for the switch in posts was that it will relieve Arroyo of “the heavy load required from the position.” Congratulations flowed A day after the apparent demotion, congratulatory messages from congressmen from prominent political parties in the House poured for Gonzales, as well as for Romualdez, which caused more tongues to wag. But the former Chief Executive previously set the record straight, saying that despite her previous ambitions, she had no intention of succeeding Romualdez and that she respected Mr. Marcos’ choice to support his cousin as House leader. “I will just say three things: Every politician worth his or her salt would know that in the Philippines, no House coup can ever succeed without the consent of the President. That is simply a fact of life in Philippine politics.” “Second, I made a humble contribution to the joining of forces that became the UniTeam, and the resulting supermajority in the House is a major force for delivering our President’s agenda. Thus, I would never take any action to destroy it.” “Third, I did not have any conversation, here or abroad, with any congressman or congresswoman, or any other politician active or retired, to plot, support, encourage or participate in any way in any alleged House coup.” Arroyo’s post puts it. Likewise, Arroyo firmly stated that being Speaker once more “is no longer part of my political objectives.” Arroyo held the post from 2018 to 2019. Arroyo added that when she learned of reports that she was suspected of plotting a “coup” against Romualdez, “I decided I must speak out to clarify my political position.” She ceded, however, that some of her actions may have been “misconstrued, such as my recent trip with a delegation of Congressmen to South Korea for some official meetings.” Arroyo insisted that her only aims as representative of the 2nd district of Pampanga were to support the legislative agenda of Speaker Romualdez and President Marcos and to use whatever experience as a former President to help out “when I am called upon to do so.” Diplomatic responsibility Outside of her role as Congresswoman, her public interest is to help reduce tension between the United States and China, “given that I was strongly allied to both countries when I was President.” Arroyo was elected Speaker of the 17th Congress in place of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez. The fire was further fueled by an announcement of Vice President Sara Duterte, after the Arroyo’s demotion, that she was tendering her “irrevocable resignation” from the ruling Lakas-CMD, which she co-leads with Romualdez. Days following Arroyo’s statement, Romualdez slammed claimed attempts to destabilize the House, declaring that the lower chamber was “in order” and would not in any way allow political maneuverings. “There is still much work to do, so occasional moves to destabilize the House should be nipped in the bud,” he said. After exchanging barbs, Romualdez and Arroyo were seen together at the rostrum at Gonzales’ oathtaking on Monday last week, indicating that no further turmoil was on the horizon. Before the ceremony, Romualdez and Gonzales even made a traditional gesture of respect on Arroyo on the plenary floor with a pagmamano. The next day, Romualdez and Arroyo were spotted together after the swearing-in of 19 new Lakas-CMD members, dousing all suspicions of the leadership dispute in the chamber. The post PGMA clears FL from ‘coup’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
To `sow fear’ among scalawags, Go proposes Duterte anti-drug czar
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday raised the idea of making former president Rodrigo Duterte the country’s anti-drug czar to “sow fear” among cops involved in criminalities. Go made this suggestion during the discussion of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the possible cover-up by the Philippine National Police among its ranks involved in the P6.7-billion “shabu” haul in Manila last year. At the hearing, Go asked former PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. if Duterte would be helpful should he be tapped as the country’s anti-drug czar by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “If ever, well. It’s a prerogative of the President as the appointing authority. If ever, do you think it would be helpful if President Duterte will be appointed as drug czar?" Go said in vernacular. Azurin responded that he will be supportive of any government initiative to eliminate the distribution of illegal drugs in the country. “I don’t know if I can comment on that, what the setup would be, but anything on the campaign against illegal drugs, I will be supportive,” he said. Considering the number of cops allegedly involved in the supposed “recycling” of confiscated drugs, Go sees the efforts of the Duterte administration against drug activities and criminalities might be put to waste “if it continues to proliferate.” “Let’s not waste what former President Duterte started to fight against illegal drugs. Once the illegal drugs return, we know that criminality and corruption will also go back,” Go said. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the committee chairperson, expressed dismay and frustration over the alleged involvement of policemen in the “shabu” mess considering that the country’s war on drugs campaign has already reached the international scene. “I feel bad about it, you listen to me all policemen, my case has already reached the ICC because of our fight against illegal drugs. Despite this, all you think about is money. You are even in a syndicate. I can't digest this if this is happening to the police—joining a syndicate,” Dela Rosa said in vernacular. Dela Rosa said the Senate panel has acquired substantial basis to conclude that there was “really an attempt to cover up” the arrest of PMSgt. Rodolfo Mayo during an illegal drug operation last year. “For me, it is an attempted cover-up. It was not fully consummated by the fact that in the end, Mayo was also charged,” he said. Mayo was physically present during the second and third hearings on his case. But he did not divulge anything nor implicate anyone in the illegal matter. The senators cited Mayo in contempt for refusing to cooperate with Dela Rosa warned the attempted cover-up “has yet to be seen.” Senators also cited Mayo’s superior, National Capital Region Drug Enforcement officer-in-charge Lieutenant Colonel Arnulfo Ibañez, in contempt for testifying that he was not aware of his subordinate’s activities. The post To `sow fear’ among scalawags, Go proposes Duterte anti-drug czar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gatchalian gets clear path to CA confirmation
A Commission on Appointments panel on Tuesday, 16 May, endorsed the confirmation of Valenzuela Rep. Rex Gatchalian's appointment as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. After thorough deliberation, the Bicameral CA Committee on labor, employment, social welfare, and migrant workers approved the motion of Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte to bring Gatchalian’s appointment to the CA plenary. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda vouched for Gatchalian’s ability to head the DSWD being a disciplinarian and powerful leader. “He knows the grassroots being a local chief executive. He is able to communicate this very clearly and he really seems to have a very logical mind if I am not mistaken. He’s focused on his job, at the same time he has compassion on the people being a mayor,” Legarda said. CA vice chair Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. of Pangasinan praised Gatchalian’s confirmation describing him as a true public servant in the government. While Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria of 2nd District Negros Oriental said he has known Gatchalian to be hard working, intelligent dedicated public servant. “His first-hand experience into the needs of his constituents back then when he was a local chief executive and his background working in the legislative branch are the very qualities that make him a perfect fit for the post,” Sagarbarria said. Other CA members also voted on the confirmation of Gatchalian including Cavite Rep. Lani Revilla; Surigao del Sur Rep. Johny Pimentel; and CA Assistant minority floor leader Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos. Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, JV Ejercito, Grace Poe, Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go and Risa Hontiveros also supported Gatchalian. Meanwhile, Gatchalian vowed to put a premium on the development programs of the DSWD. “Yes social welfare is very important, but equally as important will be the development programs of the department because these development programs are the ones to break the chain of the cycle of poverty,” he said. Gatchalian said he will be working on strengthening the DSWD flagship programs including the 4Ps, sustainable livelihood program, community-driven of Kalahi CIDS, human capital investments, digitalization social welfare program, and boosting social protection programs nationwide, as well as expanding efforts to attract more social workers by establishing a DSWD academy. “We want to make that every single social welfare that we do launch should be targeted measurable, conditional and as clear exit mechanism so that we don’t saddle the country with one dole out program over another,” he said. Gatchalian also vowed to tap into the existing capacities of the private sector in partnership with the government to make sure the country will become disaster prepared. The post Gatchalian gets clear path to CA confirmation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong pushes stronger judiciary fiscal autonomy
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go recently introduced Senate Bill 2111 which seeks to define the scope and extent of the fiscal autonomy of the Judicial Branch of government and ensure that it has the necessary independence and resources to effectively perform its functions, which are critical in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. “The Judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. It is only fitting that we provide them with the necessary resources and independence to effectively perform their duties,” said Go. The proposed bill — “The Fiscal Autonomy Act of Judicial Branch of Government” — seeks to affirm and strengthen the constitutional mandate and powers of the Judiciary as a co-equal branch of government. It cited that the Judiciary’s fiscal autonomy as mandated under Section 3, Article VIII of the Constitution, which means that appropriations for the Judiciary may not be reduced below the amount appropriated for the previous year, and the releases of the appropriations shall not be conditioned on the submission of any work and financial plan nor any financial report, whatsoever. The proposed bill also mandates that the budget proposal prepared by the Supreme Court shall be incorporated in the draft national budget without any revision. If passed into law, the Department of Budget and Management can suggest revisions to the budget proposal, but it must first consult with the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice in writing regarding their comments and suggestions. The DBM is also mandated to automatically release to the Supreme Court, without need for any request, the monthly cash requirements of the Judiciary. “Fiscal autonomy is important for the Judiciary to ensure its impartiality and independence from other branches of government. This bill is a step towards empowering the Judiciary to fulfill its constitutional mandate,” said the lawmaker. If enacted, the proposed measure shall also create a trust fund called the “Judiciary Trust Fund”, which shall be dedicated to the use of the Judiciary. All the funds collected for or accruing to the Judiciary may be deposited and kept in the said trust fund and from which funds needed for its operation shall be drawn. The Judiciary can still collect legal fees, but the percentage used for cost-of-living allowances and office equipment and facilities will change. All legal fees prescribed in Rule 141 of the Rules of Court will now be part of the Judicial Trust Fund. GM It will also allow the Supreme Court to create new offices and reorganize its administrative structure at the national and regional levels, within the limit of its available resources. This is to help carry out the goals of the bill and enable the Judiciary to take on additional functions and responsibilities. The Supreme Court can decide how many court personnel are needed to keep the Judiciary running smoothly, within the limits of the approved budget and hiring policies. The Supreme Court will also ensure that personnel receive sufficient and competitive compensation to ensure the continuity of service and sustainability, as well as support career development programs. “By guaranteeing the fiscal autonomy of the Judiciary, we are not only upholding the Constitution, but we are also showing our commitment to a fair and just legal system,” said Go. The post Kuya Bong pushes stronger judiciary fiscal autonomy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»