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Frasco gets love amid video ad fiasco
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco received a bunch of love and support from various government officials after her department got involved in the brouhaha surrounding the “Love the Philippines” campaign video that featured tourist scenes that turned out to have been shot in other countries. On Wednesday, former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor sent a letter of support to Frasco, saying that she was backing the “Love the Philippines” rebrand and that she “genuinely believes it is authentic and has the legs to go global.” “Keep on moving forward! This is just a tiny bump on the road,” said Gabor, the chairperson and president of the International School of Sustainable Tourism. Meanwhile, Cebu 5th District Board Member Andrei Duterte signed a resolution expressing Cebu officials’ support for the DoT’s tourism campaign slogan “Love the Philippines” and for Frasco, “a true-blooded Cebuana and former mayor of Liloan, Cebu.” Lawmakers’ backing For Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Tourism, what is important is not to lose sight of what the campaign is all about — which is to love the Philippines and share the love that Filipinos are known for. “Being a member of the Senate committee on tourism, we must work together to correct any mistakes, improve our efforts to promote our country, and give our support to the efforts of the present administration to uplift our economy and the lives of the poor,” Go said in a statement. He said what is important is the sincerity to perform the duty well and to serve the nation by ensuring that no public funds go to waste. “With this, I continue to support Secretary Frasco and the rest of the DoT for their efforts to further improve our country’s tourism sector. I laud their immediate action in addressing the issue that the promotional video has caused and in ensuring that public funds are not wasted. Instead of dwelling on the problem, let us work together to provide solutions,” he said. Senator Sonny Angara said the video mess “should not diminish” the accomplishments of Frasco in promoting the country to the world. Angara commended Frasco for swiftly terminating the DoT’s contract with advertising agency DDB Philippines. “Clearly there were issues with what was presented by the advertising agency but what is important is that Secretary Frasco acted immediately to address the issue and ensure that no public funds were wasted for this purpose,” he said. Angara said Frasco should be given a chance to redeem herself, citing the latter’s efforts to revive the country’s tourism industry hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. “What the DoT has done over the past two years following the pandemic has been remarkable and with Secretary Frasco leading the charge in declaring the Philippines open for tourists, I am confident that Philippine tourism will be able to reach new heights and the world will see the many reasons to love the Philippines,” he said. Records show the DoT has logged 2.67 million international visitor arrivals as of 29 June this year, 2.44 million of them foreigners. The DoT is targeting a baseline of 4.8 million international tourist arrivals. In 2022, the industry contributed 6.2 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, churning P1.87 trillion in tourism revenues. Limbo Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay said the campaign for the country’s new tourism slogan is now in “marketing limbo.” Binay said the DoT should “accept” that the enhancement of the Philippine tourism brand is going through uncertainties following the video mess of its contracted advertising agency. The DoT said an “exhaustive” investigation into the use of non-original video footage by the agency, DDB Philippines, is ongoing. The probe follows the DoT’s termination of the contract with the ad agency for more promotional tourism videos. “We appreciate the actions taken by the DoT against the ad agency. But the big question right now is whether or not to continue with the ‘Love’ campaign,” Binay said. Ending deal with DDB On Monday, the DoT announced it was terminating its contract with DDB Philippines, stating that they are one with Filipinos in expressing outrage and extreme disappointment at the use of non-original/stock footage purporting to be scenes from the Philippines as a component of the launch of the enhanced tourism branding campaign, “Love the Philippines.” Under the terms of the DoT’s contract with DDB Philippines, “material/s produced by the winning bidder should be original and aligned with the DoT’s advocacies.” “The DoT reserves the right to change, suspend, or discontinue temporarily or permanently the contract at any time should the DoT deem the agency incapable of the project,” the statement read. @tribunephl_raf @tribunephl_Lade The post Frasco gets love amid video ad fiasco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds PBBM’s first year accomplishments
Sen. Bong Go expressed his support for the leadership of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. given the administration’s performance during its first year in office. “So far, so good naman po. Ang importante dito ay maipagpapatuloy ang magagandang programa na naumpisahan po ni dating pangulong Duterte at ilapit po natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na yung pangkalusugan,” Go said in an interview after his team distributed assistance to the residents of Hagonoy in Davao del Sur on Saturday, 1 July. Go then stressed that the Marcos administration must continue to strengthen efforts to uplift the lives of poor Filipinos, as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which is considered to be the country’s roadmap towards full and inclusive economic transformation. “Ilapit po natin sa mga kababayan natin lalong-lalo na po mga mahihirap. Marami pong mga kababayan natin ang mahihirap, sila po ang nangangailangan ng gobyerno. 'Yung mga helpless, hopeless nating mga kababayan. Tulungan po natin sila,” he said. "Basta uunahin ko parati ang makakatulong sa mahihirap, uunahin ko parati ang interes ng bayan, interes ng mga kababayan nating mahihirap,” he stressed further. Go then recognized the significance of building upon the strong foundations laid by former president Rodrigo Duterte especially in ensuring the accessibility of medical services for all Filipinos and in providing them a safer and more comfortable life. “Sana ay ipagpatuloy ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ang mga magagandang nasimulan nito sa kanilang unang taon at pati na rin yung mga magagandang programa ng nakaraang administrasyon ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Sana ay madagdagan pa ang mga ito, lalo na yung mga proyekto at programang nakakatulong talaga sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan,” he said. He then reiterated his commitment to supporting the Marcos administration's legislative priorities, with a particular focus on strengthening the healthcare system. “In fact, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, we have recently passed one of his priority measures, the Regional Specialty Centers Bill, which I principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate,” he said, citing Senate Bill No. 2212, otherwise known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was passed before the session break and is now awaiting the approval of the President before it can be enacted into law. The establishment of specialty centers is among the health-related legislative agenda contained in the PDP 2023 to 2028. Go said that being part of a majority bloc in the Senate, he is committed to actively contribute to the enactment of legislative measures that benefit the marginalized sectors of society. “I will continue to support efforts to address the needs of the poor, the hopeless and the helpless sectors of our society by reducing poverty and improving social protection, ensuring food security, and providing safe and resilient communities for our people,” he said. “Rest assured, we will continue working with the current administration in bringing crucial government health services closer to the people,” he added. The post Bong Go lauds PBBM’s first year accomplishments appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zubiri, Angara cite OP for comprehensive CIF report
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate finance committee chair Sonny Angara both defended the Office of the President (OP)’s P10.7-billion budget next year following the OP’s comprehensive report on its use of confidential and intelligence funds......»»
Senate seeks Spanish counterpart’s aid in crafting Phl-EU free trade pact
A delegation of senators visited Spain during the celebration of the 75th year of the Philippines-European Union’s diplomatic relations. The country’s official inter-parliamentary visit was led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday. He was accompanied by Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Estrada, Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Mark Villar, along with Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier. The Philippine senators met their counterparts and discussed the enhanced trade between the Philippines and the EU. During the commemoration of the Phl-EU ties, Zubiri urged their counterparts to build stronger partnerships and solid relationships anchored in history. “Let us build on 500 years of friendship and history. The foundations of our friendship are anchored on our shared history, our shared culture, and our shared Catholic faith. Though we are proud to be our own independent Republic, we are also grateful for our heritage and our Hispanidad,” Zubiri told their counterparts in a meeting. In a statement Tuesday, Zubiri said he met with his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Rollán, and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray. During their meeting, Zubiri said he sought the assistance of Rollán as the Philippines is targeting to develop a free trade agreement with the EU. Rollán, in response, expressed his willingness to help the Philippines in crafting the pact saying that “Spain is well-positioned to offer support in the post-pandemic period as the head of the EU.” “Spain’s doors are always open for the Philippines. The visit is a welcome opportunity to reinforce the already excellent relations between the Philippines and Spain,” he added. Spain currently leads the EU for the extension of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), which allows about 6,000 Filipino products to enter the EU duty-free. EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron previously said that the EU is considering the resumption of FTA talks with a Southeast Asian country “which could be Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines.”.....»»
Republican hardliners oust US House speaker in historic vote
Kevin McCarthy was axed Tuesday as speaker of the US House of Representatives in a brutal, historic rebellion by far-right Republicans furious at his cooperation with Democrats. The maneuver laid bare the chaotic levels of infighting among Republicans heading to the 2024 presidential election almost certainly led by Donald Trump, who is making history of his own as the first former or serving president to be the target of multiple criminal indictments. The first ouster of a speaker in the House's 234-year history was supported by only a handful of right-wing Republican hardliners. However, the House was almost evenly divided and with Democrats joining eight rebel Republicans rather than riding to McCarthy's rescue, he had no way to survive. The 58-year-old former entrepreneur -- who did not comment as he left the chamber -- had sparked fury among conservatives when he passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure at the weekend backed by the White House to avert a government shutdown. Florida conservative Matt Gaetz, who forced the removal vote, gambled that he could oust McCarthy with just a few Republicans, helped by Democrats loath to bail out a speaker who only recently opened a highly politicized impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Republicans were warned by their leadership about plunging the party "into chaos" but Gaetz, who has repeatedly complained about McCarthy failing to honor agreements made with conservatives, retorted: "Chaos is Speaker McCarthy." "The reason Kevin McCarthy went down today is because nobody trusts Kevin McCarthy," he added after the vote. "Kevin McCarthy has made multiple contradictory promises, and when they all came due, he lost." Democrats, too, had no love for McCarthy, pointing to his decision to renege on a deal with Biden on spending limits agreed earlier this year in high-stakes talks over the federal budget. Biden issued a statement through his press secretary after McCarthy's overthrow urging the House to quickly choose a replacement, arguing that the urgent challenges facing the country "will not wait." 'Pigsty of incompetence' The New Democrat Coalition, a bloc of pro-business Democratic lawmakers, described McCarthy as "simply not trustworthy." And Congressional Progressive Caucus chairwoman Pramila Jayapal, a leading leftist, vowed to let Republicans "wallow in their pigsty of incompetence" rather than rescue McCarthy. The tussle came just days after the House and Senate passed a measure to avert a costly government shutdown -- both with big bipartisan majorities -- by extending federal funding through mid-November. Conservatives were furious, seeing their chances dashed by forcing massive budget cuts. They accused McCarthy of a flip-flop, saying he'd promised an end to hastily prepared stopgap legislation, hammered out with the support of the opposition, and a return to budgeting through the committee process. The writing was on the wall after Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries encouraged his members to oust McCarthy. Every Democrat then joined 11 rebel Republicans to reject a preliminary motion that would have blocked the final ouster vote. With McCarthy out, a temporary speaker put the House into recess until a permanent replacement is elected. Republicans will gather at 6:30 pm (2230 GMT) to discuss putting up a candidate for a vote to be the new speaker -- and it is not out of the question that McCarthy could be nominated for a return to the role he just lost. It took 15 rounds of balloting for the Californian to win the gavel in January, but the fight demonstrated that he has the support of most of the party, and he could try to persuade the rank-and-file to rally behind him once more. Alternatively, he may bow out. This could set up a showdown among his lieutenants -- most likely House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. But Republican hopefuls may shy from taking on what looks like a poisoned chalice in which the hard-right faction will continue to exercise control from the sidelines. Trump -- who is facing 91 felony indictments and was in court Tuesday in New York as a defendant in a civil fraud trial -- berated Republicans on his social media platform for "always fighting among themselves." Tellingly, though, he offered no support for McCarthy. The post Republican hardliners oust US House speaker in historic vote appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Internet Transaction Act gets Senate nod on final reading
The Senate approved, on the third and final reading, the proposed Internet Transactions Act, which was also certified urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with 20-1-0 votes from the lawmakers. In a statement on Tuesday, Senator Mark Villar, sponsor of the proposed measure, thanked his colleagues for passing the measure during Monday’s plenary session before the month-long congressional break of the chamber. Senate Bill 1846, which is one of the 20 priority bills that the Marcos administration hoped to pass before the end of December this year, seeks to ensure that all goods and services transacted digitally will be as advertised. The bill also ensures that electronic commerce transactions will be reliable, secure, and accessible to all consumers. "Today, we achieved the approval of the ITA on its third reading, a great feat for ITA which has been pending in this chamber since the 18th Congress,” said Villar, who chairs the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship. SB 1846 shall hold digital platforms or e-marketplaces liable, along with the online merchant or retailer, if they fail to perform their responsibilities as laid down in the bill and cause damage to the consumer. The proposed measure sets penalties for e-marketplaces, e-retailers, online merchants, or digital platforms that sell illegal digital products, ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense and P500,000 to P1.5 million for the third and subsequent offenses. The bill pushes the establishment of a code of conduct for all companies involved in e-commerce in order to safeguard and advance consumer interests. Villar noted that the bill will “pave the way for the creation” of an e-commerce bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry, which will oversee internet-based activities that presently lack regulation and is tasked to establish and manage an online business registry of all internet merchants. The Internet Transactions Act is also seen to empower the DTI secretary by giving it authority to issue take-down orders that will render digital platforms inaccessible in the country if the goods, services, or digital products advertised are found to be "imminently injurious, unsafe, or dangerous to the public.” The post Internet Transaction Act gets Senate nod on final reading appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed
Senators welcomed the move of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a proposed measure crafting a Magna Carta for seafarers. Senator Raffy Tulfo, the sponsor of Senate Bill 2221 otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, said the passage of the proposed measure will promote the welfare and continuous employment of seafarers on board foreign-owned vessels. "I am very happy that we have passed the first phase of the period of amendments for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill yesterday (25 Sept), which coincides with the celebration of the National Maritime Week,” he said. In a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dated 25 September, Marcos emphasized the need for the immediate enactment of SB 2221 to address "recurring deficiencies in our domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers.” Tulfo expressed confidence that the bill will soon be passed into law. "Matapos ang unang stage ng period of amendment at ang suportang ito mula mismo kay Pangulong BBM, mas tiwala ako na mapapabilis ang pagsasabatas ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill," he said, as he rallied for the need to address shortcomings in the education and certification of Filipino mariners. Among other lawmakers who filed their versions of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers include Senators Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, Bato dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Robinhood Padilla, Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, Win Gatchalian, Bong Revilla, Christopher Bong Go, Mark Villar, Loren Legarda, and Zubiri. Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers earlier cited the significant role of Filipino seafarers in global trade and marine transportation. He noted the industry’s huge contribution of all overseas Filipino workers to the country's economy. Go said the Philippines has been the primary source of maritime labor and considered the manning capital of seafarers globally since 1987. Of the 1.5 million mariners worldwide, 25 percent are Filipino sea-based workers, making them the single biggest nationality bloc in the maritime industry, he added. Hence, the passage of a proposed Magna Carta for the Seafarer must be crucial “for protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers in situations where they are vulnerable or exploited, such as during emergencies, accidents, or conflicts,” said Go. The post Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mark Villar pushes e-commerce protection vs. online scams
Senator Mark Villar on Wednesday stressed the need to legislate a measure that would provide safety nets to those involved in electronic commerce. Villar is the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 1846, also known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, which was approved by the Senate in its second reading following the period of individual amendments in the plenary session. "Through our successful collaboration with other senators, the amendments presented and adopted to the Internet Transactions Act ensure the utmost safeguard for both the consumers and merchants engaged in digital transactions,” Villar said. SB 1846 highlights the regulation of e-commerce transactions between digital platforms or e-marketplaces and consumers. The proposed measure also outlines the subsidiary liability of the online merchant or retailer, should it fail to fulfill its responsibilities, as laid down by the bill, to aggrieved consumers. Once enacted, Villar said the measure would protect e-commerce users and retailers against online scams. He said the SB 1846 “will be extremely helpful” not just for the regulation of e-commerce transactions but also for the welfare of consumers. "The success of the recent session on the amendments of the bill shows the dedication of our senators in ensuring that it passes into law. Hopefully, we see through the process successfully. Ito ay magiging malaking tulong para sa mga consumers, lalo na sa mga biktima ng mga e-commerce scams and fraud transactions,” Villar stressed. The bill is pending the approval of the Senate in its third and final reading. Once signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Villar said the measure will become the “regulatory framework on the legal repercussions of online scams and it will provide safety measures for both consumers and merchants participating in digital transactions.” The post Mark Villar pushes e-commerce protection vs. online scams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zubiri: Coral destruction in WPS a global food security threat
The destruction of the marine ecosystem in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the Escoda (Sabina) and Rozul (Iroquois) Reefs, threatens global food security, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri warned. “This is a wanton destruction of our future food security areas. I am really angry with what they are doing,” Zubiri said in a statement. He made the comment following the report of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command of missing and destroyed corals along Rozul Reef. The discovery of damaged corals came after the sightings of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the area. The report was confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard, which found similar observations on the seabed of Escoda Reef, also in the West Philippine Sea. According to Zubiri, the destruction of marine ecosystems will have global consequences. “This is not a destruction only on the Philippine side, but for the whole world. It’s for the whole world because the species of fish that breed there are not only being harvested by Filipino fishermen, but also harvested by Malaysian fishermen, Vietnamese fishermen, even Chinese fishermen,” he pointed out. “So it is for the good of the world if our coral reefs are protected. That’s why I’m really very mad,” he added. He also made an appeal to the Chinese Embassy in Manila to “tell their militia vessels to put a stop on this wanton destruction.” ‘Marine ranger stations’ To safeguard the country’s marine resources in the West Philippine Sea, the Senate chief said the upper chamber would propose a P600 million budget to build marine ranger stations across the country. “We agreed to it already. We already spoke to Senator Sonny Angara. The P600 million is to build marine ranger stations in different parts of the Philippines, including the West Philippine Sea,” he said. He noted that the upper chamber is working closely with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources in setting up marine ranger stations in key coastal areas nationwide. Aside from budget allocations for the establishment of marine ranger stations, Zubiri also vowed to fight for bigger allotments for the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy in the national budget for 2024 to boost their capabilities to protect and monitor the country’s maritime zones. “This budget is a critical budget. This is the time that we have to put our money where our mouth is. This is the time that we need to increase the budget for ships, patrol crafts, and marine research centers,” he said. Under the proposed P5.768-trillion National Expenditure Plan for 2024, the PCG has been allocated with P24.014 billion, an increase of nearly 10 percent from its allotment of P21.92 billion this year. On the other hand, P40.97 billion has been set aside for the Navy, up from its current budget of P34.98 billion. The post Zubiri: Coral destruction in WPS a global food security threat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go urges more sports funding for grassroots dev’t, facilities, and athletes
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored during a budget hearing on Tuesday, 12 September, the critical role of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in promoting sports as a key factor in national development. He emphasized the necessity of adequate funding for both grassroots sports development and the country's participation in international competitions. “Noong nakaraan ay ipinaglaban natin sa deliberasyon ng ating 2023 budget ang karagdagang pondo para sa PSC. Sa katunayan, ang budget lang sana ng PSC ngayong taon ay nasa humigit-kumulang P200 million lamang. Tayo ang nagsulong ng dagdag sa pondo nila kaya nabigyan pa ito ng P1 billion, kasama na ang dagdag pondo sa pagdaraos ng FIBA 2023, budget para sa grassroots sports programs, at suporta sa mga lalahok sa iba pang international competitions,” he cited earlier. Go, in his opening statement, expressed his strong belief that sports can serve as a deterrent for the youth against engaging in illegal drugs and other harmful activities. He also mentioned that sports can be a way to continue the campaign against illegal drugs initiated by former president Rodrigo Duterte. “Sabi ko nga, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit. At isa rin po ito sa paraan na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Isang paraan ito na maipagpatuloy ang kampanya ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na labanan ang iligal na droga dahil kapag bumalik po ang iligal na droga, babalik po ang kriminalidad, babalik po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno,” Go said. The senator also highlighted the recent achievements of the Philippines in the international sports community, including the successful hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He praised the event organizers and shared his experience participating in a dry-run before the opening, emphasizing that "’pag nandyan po ang disiplina, kaya natin, gugustuhin natin na maging well-organized po tayo." Go likewise underscored the international attention that the Philippines has garnered through its successful hosting of sports events, particularly the FIBA World Cup. "Malaking tulong po iyon sa pag-promote po ng kagandahan ng ating bansa. For 17 days, nakatutok po sa ating bayan ang buong mundo dahil napakaganda po ng ating bansa," he said. The senator then expressed his pride in Gilas Pilipinas for earning a spot in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. "Alam ko po na ibinigay ninyo ang lahat, ginawa ninyo po ang lahat para lumaban. Puso po ang ginamit ninyo at 'never say die' ang attitude ng ating Gilas Pilipinas," he said. Go also took the opportunity to commend the country’s performance in the Southeast Asian Games. He then extended his well wishes for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled from 25 September to 8 October. However, the senator also hinted at areas for improvement, suggesting that while the country has had successes, there is still work to be done. "Though mayroon mang dapat ayusin, may panahon pa kayong ayusin ang mga ito," Go added while stressing the importance of supporting both grassroots and elite sports development. "For this year’s budget, with the support of our Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Senator Sonny Angara, we allocated funding for PSC’s grassroots program and the preparation, training, and participation of our national athletes in international sports competitions," he revealed. The PSC proposed a budget of P3.3 billion for 2024, but the DBM only approved P210 million. This is a reduction of more than 93 percent from the agency’s proposal. Go also touched on the need for proper training facilities for athletes. He mentioned the need for repairs at the Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena (PhilSports Arena) and comfortable barracks for athletes. “Mahalaga na magkaroon ng tama at sapat na training ang ating mga manlalaro. Kaya naman gusto ko ring pagtuunan ng pansin na mayroon tayong sports facilities na maaaring maging training center ng ating mga atleta,” he said. “Ako po'y saksi mismo, napasyalan ko ang inyong matagal ng pasilidad, itong Phil Sports, nakapaglaro na kami doon, medyo tumutulo na rin ang gym. Kailangan na sigurong magkaroon ng repair, at yung mga barracks ng atleta, dapat komportable, dahil iba talaga kapag suportado sila, mula pagkain, yung kanilang tirahan at bago sila sumabak sa competition, dapat kumbaga lahat ng laban naman ay dapat alagang-alaga po ang ating mga atleta,” he shared. Go noticed that the facilities that were presented during the hearing are in bad condition and that they really need to be improved. He urged the government to allocate funds for the construction of comfortable housing for the athletes, instead of spending on flood control projects in areas where there are no people. “Napapansin ko ang mga pasilidad na pinakita kanina. Talagang kailangan po, the more we should invest sa mga sports facilities natin na sira,” he added. “Bigyan naman natin ng maayos at komportable na tirahan ang ating mga atleta. Nananawagan ako sa DPWH, instead of flood control projects sa mga lugar na walang tao, dito na lang sa ating mga atleta na kailangan nila ng komportableng tirahan man lang. Baka pwede ninyo mapaglaanan ng pondo,” said Go. Meanwhile, he also discussed the National Academy of Sports (NAS) at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, established under Republic Act No. 11470 that he authored and co-sponsored, which allows students to train while getting quality secondary education. The law provided for the establishment of the NAS System and Main Campus. The NAS also offers a secondary education program with an integrated special curriculum on sports which was developed in close coordination with PSC and the Department of Education. “Pwede silang mag-training, at the same time, mag-aral. Pwede silang mag-aral, at the same time, mag-training. Wala pong masasakripisyo. 'Yan po ang National Academy of Sports, batas na po at may sariling pasilidad,” he said. The senator then called on the PSC to maximize the facilities at New Clark City, initially used for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. He also reiterated his support for the establishment of the Philippine Sports Training Center and asked for updates on its status. Go urged his colleagues to fight for a sufficient budget for PSC’s programs to ensure continuous sports development in the country. “Kaya naman po hinihimok ko ang ating mga kasamahan na suportahan ang budget ng Philippine Sports Commission at GAB para tuluy-tuloy lang po ang sports development sa ating bansa,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go urges more sports funding for grassroots dev’t, facilities, and athletes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go seeks bigger sports budget
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored during a budget hearing on Tuesday, 12 September, the critical role of the Philippine Sports Commission in promoting sports as a key factor in national development. He emphasized the necessity of adequate funding for both grassroots sports development and the country’s participation in international competitions. In his opening statement, Go expressed strong belief that sports can serve as a deterrent for the youth against engaging in illegal drugs and other harmful activities. He also mentioned that sports can be a way to continue the campaign against illegal drugs initiated by former president Rodrigo Duterte. The senator also highlighted the recent achievements of the Philippines in the international sports community, including the successful hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He praised the event organizers and shared his experience participating in a dry-run before the opening. Go likewise underscored the international attention that the Philippines has garnered through its successful hosting of sports events, particularly the FIBA World Cup. The senator then expressed his pride in Gilas Pilipinas for earning a spot in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Go also took the opportunity to commend the country’s performance in the Southeast Asian Games. He then extended his well wishes for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled from 25 September to 8 October. However, the senator also hinted at areas for improvement, suggesting that while the country has had successes, there is still work to be done. “For this year’s budget, with the support of our chairman of the Committee on Finance, Senator Sonny Angara, we allocated funding for PSC’s grassroots program and the preparation, training, and participation of our national athletes in international sports competitions,” he revealed. The PSC proposed a budget of P3.3 billion for 2024, but the DBM only approved P210 million. This is a reduction of more than 93 percent from the agency’s proposal. The post Go seeks bigger sports budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Race to find survivors as Morocco quake deaths top 1,300
Morocco's deadliest earthquake in decades has killed more than 1,300 people, authorities said Saturday, as troops and emergency services scrambled to reach remote mountain villages where casualties are still feared trapped. Authorities declared three days of national mourning, but the Red Cross warned that it could take years to repair the damage. The 6.8-magnitude quake struck late Friday in a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of the tourist city of Marrakesh, the US Geological Survey reported. With strong tremors also felt in the coastal cities of Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira, the quake caused widespread damage and sent terrified residents and tourists scrambling to safety in the middle of the night. "I was nearly asleep when I heard the doors and the shutters banging," said Ghannou Najem, a Casablanca resident in her 80s who was visiting Marrakesh when the quake hit. "I went outside in a panic. I thought I was going to die alone." In the mountain village of Tafeghaghte near the quake's epicentre, virtually no buildings were left standing. The traditional clay bricks used by the region's Berber inhabitants proved no match for the rare quake. In the late afternoon, soldiers continued to search through debris, but most survivors headed to the cemetery where loud screams punctuated the last rites as some 70 villagers were laid to rest. "Three of my grandchildren and their mother were killed -- they are still under the rubble," villager Omar Benhanna, 72, told AFP. "Just a while ago, we were all playing together," he added. It was the strongest-ever quake to hit the North African kingdom, and one expert described it as the region's "biggest in more than 120 years". "Where destructive earthquakes are rare, buildings are simply not constructed robustly enough... so many collapse, resulting in high casualties," said Bill McGuire, professor emeritus at Britain's University College London. Updated interior ministry figures on Saturday showed the quake killed at least 1,305 people, the vast majority in Al-Haouz, the epicentre, and Taroudant provinces. Another 1,832 people were injured, including 1,220 in a critical condition, the ministry said. Civil defence Colonel Hicham Choukri who is heading relief operations told state television earlier the epicentre and strength of the earthquake created "an exceptional emergency situation". After a meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI, the palace announced three days of national mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast on all public buildings. 'Unbearable' screams Faisal Badour, an engineer, said he felt the quake three times in his building in Marrakesh. "There are families who are still sleeping outside because we were so scared of the force of this earthquake," he said. "The screaming and crying was unbearable." Frenchman Michael Bizet, 43, who owns three traditional riad houses in Marrakesh's old town, told AFP he was in bed when the quake struck. "I thought my bed was going to fly away. I went out into the street half-naked and immediately went to see my riads. It was total chaos, a real catastrophe, madness," he said. Footage on social media showed part of a minaret collapsed on Jemaa el-Fna square in the historic city. An AFP correspondent saw hundreds of people flocking to the square to spend the night for fear of aftershocks, some with blankets while others slept on the ground. Houda Outassaf, a local resident, said she was "still in shock" after feeling the earth shake beneath her feet -- and losing relatives. "I have at least 10 members of my family who died... I can hardly believe it, as I was with them no more than two days ago," she said. The regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakesh called on residents to donate blood for the injured. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced that a Cup of African Nations qualifier against Liberia, due to have been played on Saturday in the coastal city of Agadir, had been postponed indefinitely. Significant damage likely "We heard screams at the time of the tremor," a resident of Essaouira, 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Marrakesh, told AFP. "Pieces of facades have fallen." The USGS PAGER system, which provides preliminary assessments on the impact of earthquakes, issued a "red alert" for economic losses, saying extensive damage is probable. The Red Cross said it was mobilising resources to support the Moroccan Red Crescent, but its Middle East and North Africa director, Hossam Elsharkawi, warned: "We are looking at many months if not years of response." Foreign leaders expressed their condolences and many offered assistance, including Israel with which Morocco normalised relations in 2020. Neighbour and regional rival Algeria announced it was suspending a two-year-old ban on all Moroccan flights through its airspace to enable aid deliveries and medical evacuations. US President Joe Biden said he was "deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation". Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed "deep grief for the victims" and hope that "the Moroccan government and people will be able to overcome the impact of this disaster". In 2004, at least 628 people were killed and 926 injured when a quake hit Al Hoceima in northeastern Morocco, and in 1960 a magnitude 6.7 quake in Agadir killed more than 12,000. The 7.3-magnitude El Asnam earthquake in Algeria killed 2,500 people and left at least 300,000 homeless in 1980. The post Race to find survivors as Morocco quake deaths top 1,300 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go supports new five-year plan to combat malnutrition
Senator Bong Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, expressed his support for the recently launched "Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023 – 2028," and described it as a pivotal advancement in the country's ongoing battle against malnutrition. The plan, spearheaded by Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., was officially unveiled on Monday, 4 September. The senator was keen to point out that this initiative must build upon the solid foundation laid by the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte in addressing hunger and malnutrition while overcoming the adverse effects of the pandemic. Herbosa, who also chairs the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, emphasized the importance of nutrition in the early stages of life. Go echoed Herbosa's sentiments, stating, "Hindi natin maaring balewalain ang nutrisyon ng ating mga anak. If we do, we are setting them up for a lifetime of challenges that could have been easily prevented." Under the Duterte administration, the government enacted several laws and launched various programs aimed at combating malnutrition. Among these were the School-Based Feeding Program, which provided nutritious meals to undernourished public school children, and Republic Act No. 11148, or the "First 1,000 Days" law, which focused on maternal and child health during the earliest days of life. The new PPAN outlines a comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition, focusing on three major interventions: increasing the availability and access to nutritious food, promoting social and behavioral change for better feeding practices, and improving access to quality nutrition services. These interventions include the establishment of food gardens, regulation of unhealthy food, offering maternal health service packages, and integrated maternal and child health nutrition services. The plan has identified 34 provinces as priority areas for these interventions, including Leyte, Sulu, Negros Occidental, and many others. "This is a comprehensive approach to a problem that has long plagued our nation. With the collective efforts of the government, private sector, and the Filipino people, we can break the cycle of malnutrition and give every Filipino child a chance for a healthier, brighter future,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go supports new five-year plan to combat malnutrition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate mulls on special law for road rage incidents
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Tuesday wrapped its investigation into the viral road rage in Quezon City involving a cyclist and a former police officer, seeking a special law that would immediately address similar events in the future. In a chance interview, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the panel chairperson, recognized the appearance of Wilfredo Gonzales, the driver who was seen pulling out a gun during an altercation after the cyclist, Allan Bandiola’s bicycle hit his car along the road in Quezon City on 8 August. Dela Rosa initially thought Gonzales would not attend the hearing because the latter initially presented a medical certificate with a doctor’s advice for a rest. The senator earlier warned that he would issue a subpoena should Gonzales won’t appear in the hearing. “At least, he came. Luckily he appeared today so no need to issue for subpoena,” Dela Rosa. During the hearing, Gonzales admitted that he assaulted and cocked a gun at cyclist Allan Bandiola during a road altercation in Quezon City. Their confrontation went viral after a concerned citizen took the video and uploaded it on social media. Gonzales said he regrets his action. He then apologized to Bandiola and to everybody. “I apologize for that part, for hitting him, for pulling out and pointing a gun. I apologize to everyone, not just to him (Allan Bandiola), but to all of you. It’s my fault, I was just shocked,” Gonzales said in Filipino. Gonzales narrated that Bandiola acted as if he would attack him prompting him to pull his gun out. He said he was defending himself because he was in recovery from an operation. “Galing ako sa spine operation. So sa isip ko ay ‘yung, element na i-shock ko manlang siya [para hindi niya] ako masugod. Kasi kung madadakma niya ako baka mapatay niya ako, mahina ako. Bagong opera po ako (I came from a spine operation. So, I thought there should be an element that I should shock him so he can’t hurt me. Because if he catches me, he might kill me since I’m weak. I am still recovering from an operation),” he explained. In his defense, Bandiola said it was just his normal reaction because Gonzales hit his head. “Normal reaction ko lang po ‘yun kasi binatukan niya ako kaya bumaba ako ng bike (That was just my normal reaction because he hit me. That’s why I got off my bike,” he said. Bandiola said he had settled the issue with Gonzales at the police station. “Wala pong pumilit sa akin. Nakipag areglo po ako dahil ayaw ko ng gulo (No one forced me. I’ve compromised to settle things because I don’t want any trouble),” he said. But, lawyer Raymond Fortun, also a bike enthusiast, told the committee that Bandiola was forced into an agreement admitting that the incident was his fault. He was also told to pay P500 for the damage to Gonzales’ vehicle. Dela Rosa said the Philippine National Police can file a case against Gonzales which can be graver charges than the alarming scandal, such as grave threat and frustrated homicide. “Initially, we know that Bandiola won’t really want to file a case but then again it was cited during the hearing, particularly by Atty. Fortun and even the senate president discussed that the PNP can file a case even without a private complainant by the use of CCTVs and other witnesses,” he said. Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri suggested a special law on road rage shall be legislated to protect the public from erring motorists. “We can come up with a special law on road rage so that even if the victim is scared to file a case, it becomes the people of the Republic of the Philippines vs. so and so…Because of this, it will become the burden of the government to file the case against these individuals,” Zubiri said in a mix of English and Filipino. Senators Robinhood Padilla and Jinggoy Estrada noted that the culture of violence, particularly on public roads, is not accepted. Padilla rejected Gonzales' explanation that he pulled out his firearm because he felt threatened by Bandiola. The gun owners, he added, should always be responsible as to when should they purposively take out their firearms. The post Senate mulls on special law for road rage incidents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate greenlights OVP’s P2.3-B budget
The Senate Committee on Finance on Monday approved the proposed P2.385-billion budget of the Office of the Vice President, including P500 million in confidential and intelligence funds. Vice President Sara Duterte was physically present at the budget deliberation that lasted about 90 minutes, longer than the 20 minutes the House Committee on Appropriations earlier took to approve the proposed budget. Senator Imee Marcos, vice chair of the Senate panel on finance, asked about the lack of internal guidelines for “handling, monitoring, and the reporting of in-kind donations” that the Commission on Audit had raised to the OVP. Rosalynne Sanchez, the OVP’s director for administrative and financial services, replied that they had prepared draft guidelines and expect to release them “within this quarter.” Meanwhile, OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio confirmed the deployment of 433 personnel to the newly created Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, or VPSPG. “The creation of the VPSPG is really for the protection of current and future vice presidents,” Ortonio said, pointing out that the number of personnel was determined by both the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police. “VPSPG personnel consist of admin personnel holding offices at the Vice President’s headquarters, while the rest are doing security and surveillance work in different satellite offices of the OVP,” he explained. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman on Monday deemed “inordinate and excessive” the 433 security personnel of the OVP, saying that there should be a “rational limit.” “I have been in Congress since 1987. I have not availed of security escorts,” he said. Over the weekend, the OVP said the VPSPG was formed independently of the Presidential Security Group in 2022 and that it did not make sense to compare its personnel count to those of other VPs. Duterte justified the number of escorts by saying that she also heads the Department of Education and serves as co-vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. According to Lagman, the salaries of the 433 personnel should not be sourced from the confidential funds of the OVP in accordance with the rules. “That is a completely different budget. Because the confidential funds cannot be used for the payment of salaries and emoluments of those who are involved in the confidential funds,” the seasoned lawmaker said. With Neil Alcober The post Senate greenlights OVP’s P2.3-B budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Speaker has spoken
Deliberations on the 2024 national budget — proposed at P5.768 trillion — reveal what appear to be pork barrel funds embedded in the National Expenditure Program submitted to Congress. The House leadership, however, has guaranteed that the discretionary funds, which are the nature of pork barrel, will be pared off. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the House of Representatives will “scrutinize and deliberate” on the budget items before the NEP is passed before the end of the year. “We will make sure in Congress that every centavo Filipinos pay in taxes is spent wisely and returned to the nation through relevant programs and projects. Every peso that goes to the treasury will go back to benefit the people,” Romualdez vowed. The early submission of the NEP gives both the House and the Senate enough time to review its many items. Much of the suspected pork is conveniently tucked into bigger items while the rest are distributed among regional offices to make them less conspicuous. Among the lump sums in the budget are the P733.2-billion Special Purpose Funds which are considered the “Executive’s” pork barrel for responding to sudden spending requirements. The NEP defines it as an appropriation to cover expenditures for specific purposes for which recipient agencies have not yet been identified. The proposed SPF budget represents a P219.8-billion increase from the current P513.6-billion allocation. The Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund, or MPBF, will increase by more than 400 percent or to P135.7 billion next year from P26.6 billion in the 2023 budget. Under the NEP, the special provisions on the use of the MPBF state that the fund can be used for “deficiencies in authorized salaries, bonuses, allowances, associated premiums and other similar personnel benefits of national government personnel, including the requirements for the filling of and the creation of positions, and compensation adjustments, as may be authorized by law, the President of the Philippines, or the DBM.” Another provision allows the government to hire contractual employees. Romualdez gave his word that none of the amounts in the record-setting General Appropriations Act would be allocated for buying political patronage. In several past budget deliberations, it was always the House that was under scrutiny for pork, particularly its top rungs. Now that the House has received the budget early, it and the Senate have started looking into the details “to make sure that the funds that came from taxpayers will be spent wisely. We have to scrutinize every peso and every centavo that government agencies are seeking,” Romualdez emphasized. “We want to give our people their money’s worth through the quality education of their children, the building of infrastructure to create jobs, and programs that will lower the cost of products in the market,” Romualdez added. His assurance to the people provides a safeguard to attempts to reintroduce the system that the Supreme Court had rejected as unconstitutional. At the moment, Congress is running through every agency’s proposal with a fine-tooth comb, looking for suspicious items that could fall under the definition of pork barrel. The gauge for the invalid pork barrel is funds that are left to the discretion of those who will spend it, including legislators whose mandate it is to craft laws and not to implement projects. The post Speaker has spoken appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lawmakers pay tribute to late veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez
Senators joined the country in mourning the passing of veteran broadcast journalist Miguel “Mike” Enriquez, whose passing was announced by GMA Network on Tuesday evening. In separate statements, senators honored Enriquez for his decades-long contribution to the broadcast industry in the country. Senator Grace Poe said Enriquez will “always be an important pillar of the broadcast industry.” “He leaves behind an immense work that will continue to inspire people delivering the news,” Poe said. She also lauded Enriquez’s versatility, credibility and dedication to bringing news to the public. “We are saddened that we will no longer be able to hear his voice full of enthusiasm in delivering the news that wakes us up every morning,” she added. Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also paid tribute to Enriquez, whom he called “Manong Mike”. “Manong Mike Enriquez leaves a great legacy as one of the most trusted voices in the world of journalism,” Zubiri said. “We will miss his voice every night when he says ‘walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, walang kasinungalingan, serbisyong totoo lamang,’” he added. He continued: “My prayers go out to his family in this difficult time. I hope that they know that he will never be replaced, and will never be forgotten. “ Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros recalled her experience working with the late veteran broadcaster during her stint as a journalist on GMA Network. “He was an affectionate, knowledgeable and dignified senior anchor to me in the newsroom when I was a co-anchor in GMA Network News in the 1990s,” Hontiveros said. “He was a true trailblazer and an innovator who helped shape how Filipinos receive and perceive the daily news,” she added. “For many generations of Filipinos, Sir Mike’s voice is trusted when it comes to news and commentaries. Nobody will ever forget his enthusiastic voice and his way of delivering news, which has been part of our daily lives.” Likewise, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva expressed his condolences and sympathy to the family of the broadcaster. “Throughout his career in broadcasting and radio, Mike Enriquez served as the voice of truth, reason and courage,” Villanueva said. “Prayers and condolences to the family and friends in the media. Thank you very much. We love you, Tito Mike. Rest in peace,” he added. The post Lawmakers pay tribute to late veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Courting disaster (2)
“The judiciary,” once intoned Alexander Hamilton, “has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither force nor will, but merely judgment.” Thus, is the Judiciary said to be the “weakest” of the Three Great Branches of Government under the Constitution, as it, to paraphrase Hamilton, holds neither the purse (controlled by Congress) nor the sword (under the command of the Chief Executive)? Someone once joked that in the case, however, of then-Chief Justice Enrique Fernando, he holds the umbrella for Imelda Marcos, but that is something those born after the 1980s will not get. This is why the framers of our Constitution, in their infinite wisdom (and I use the phrase advisedly) had deemed it fit to elevate what had hitherto been merely ruling case law into a constitutional injunction. Section 3 of Article VIII reads: “The Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for the Judiciary may not be reduced by the legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year and, after approval, shall be automatically and regularly released.” Looks good. But in practice, it reduces judicial independence to a chimera. While the budget of the courts may not be reduced from that of the previous year, if a nasty Legislature wants to starve out a nonconformist Judiciary, it may simply opt to maintain its budget at the same level year after year after year. After a few years, with inflation, the courts will be reduced to tatters. And this happens every year, with the high officials of the Supreme Court practically reduced to bringing a begging bowl to Congress when budget deliberations come up in the agenda. This year, around P14 billion was arbitrarily lopped off the proposed budget for the Judicial branch. Now, the court administration is asking that some P6.7 billion be restored if only to upgrade the salaries of court personnel, the hazard pay for judges (who lately have been at the receiving end of gun barrels from disgruntled litigants) and costs for their security in the form of judicial marshals, the creation of more courts to serve a burgeoning caseload, and for the Judicial Integrity Board (who keeps erring judges in line). Methinks this is not too much to ask for, and as a lawyer and therefore an officer of the court, it pains me to see the Supreme Court looking like the poorer relations of Congress begging for alms. This is especially since Congress has notoriously been seen to have granted unto itself huge allocations for its members per district, the combined value of which is far and away higher than what the High Tribunal is asking for. The importance of a strong, independent Judiciary cannot be overestimated in a constitutional government such as ours. Aside from adjudicating private rights amongst competing parties, it is the final bulwark against governmental abuse. As former President Jose P. Laurel, when he was a Supreme Court magistrate, so emphatically articulated in the landmark case of Angara v. Electoral Commission, “(i)n cases of conflict, the judicial department is the only constitutional organ which can be called upon to determine the proper allocation of powers between the several departments of the government.” That is why I wish to make this call to our lawmakers to be not niggardly with the monetary allocation to our courts. It will not serve the ends of good governance well to be penny-wise and pound-foolish with the nation’s coffers. By the same token, kudos to Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senate President Miguel Zubiri and neophyte Senator Raffy Tulfo, who have all filed bills seeking to strengthen the Judiciary’s fiscal autonomy. For to neglect the courts would necessarily be courting disaster. The post Courting disaster (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go eyes higher health budget for 2024
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, during an ambush interview on 22 August, after aiding poor residents and fire victims in Navotas City, expressed his commitment to push for an increased budget for health in 2024. In the interview, Go emphasized the importance of the DOH budget, stating, "Of course, napaka-importante po ng budget para sa ating Department of Health. As your chairman po ng Committee on Health sa Senado, siguraduhin po natin na marestore po ang budget at madagdagan pa.” Go cited that the proposed P10-billion reduction in the Department of Health’s 2024 budget has alarmed many, especially considering ongoing efforts toward pandemic recovery and the need for a more resilient healthcare system. “The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system. Hindi natin akalain na tamaan tayo ng pandemya. Mas mabuti nang handa tayo sa anumang pandemyang darating sa buhay natin,” said Go. Go also highlighted the government's obligations, especially towards healthcare workers, and recalled the efforts made last year to increase the DOH budget from P296 billion to P316 billion. He mentioned various initiatives, including the additional budget for Cancer Assistance Fund for cancer treatment assistance, regulation of health facilities and services, budget for Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), medical assistance for indigent patients, and health emergency allowance. The senator's foresight was evident when he recalled the near reduction of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine budget in 2019, a crucial office that conducts tests for COVID-19. "Kutob ko lang po noon, muntik na nilang bawasan sa proposal ng Department of Health budget, binawasan ang RITM. Sino bang mag-aakala na ang RITM ang pinaka-importanteng opisina noong pandemya?,” he recalled. Go’s intuition then as sponsor of the health budget led to the restoration and augmentation of the budget for RITM during the deliberations for the 2020 national budget just in time before the pandemic hit the country. "Dagdagan natin ang budget sa health. Unahin natin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he stressed. Other senators also expressed the need for adequate funding for the healthcare system, especially in treating non-communicable chronic diseases and implementing the Universal Healthcare Law. Senator Sonny Angara, chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, expressed confidence that the health department’s budget would be increased, highlighting that legislators historically augment medical assistance for indigents. Senators Francis Tolentino, JV Ejercito, Bong Revilla, Aquilino Pimentel III, and Grace Poe also called for careful scrutiny of the DOH budget, emphasizing the need to address the sector's needs better, with no wastage and leakages, especially in the purchase of vaccines and other medical supplies. Go’s advocacy of bringing public health services closer to poor Filipinos align with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country. Go has successfully sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers bill in the Senate, taking a step towards a healthier and more resilient Philippines. The post Bong Go eyes higher health budget for 2024 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall?
The President’s appointment of Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. as Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China for Special Concerns — a post he will hold on top of his day job as Philippine Ambassador to Great Britain and Ireland — is a daring, if astute, move. Daring because Locsin is not known to hold back with either word or deed to express what he feels strongly about, e.g., the dirty finger, and astute because in naming Locsin, the President couldn’t have found a better, smarter, and more seasoned man to represent Philippine interests with singular loyalty and devotion to the republic. Locsin was, of course, the former dispensation’s Ambassador to the United Nations where he, fluent as he is in Spanish, enjoyed congenial relations and camaraderie with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the rest of the Spanish-speaking members of the Latin America bloc in the multilateral organization. The former journalist (his father, Teodoro M. Locsin Sr., was publisher of the legendary Free Press) and Makati congressman was subsequently appointed by then President Duterte Secretary of Foreign Affairs, during whose tenure 45 diplomatic protests were filed against Beijing, including over a law that allows the China Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines, in fact, during Locsin’s term as DFA Secretary was the first country in the world to file a diplomatic protest through a note verbale in January 2021 against China’s Coast Guard Law. As Foreign Affairs Secretary, he laid claim to “assiduously protesting every infringement on Philippine territory and sovereign right, as well as Chinese actions that amounted to provocation, threats or coercion.” The DFA, with Locsin at its helm, raised the South China Sea dispute in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other fora even as it continued to engage China through the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. His accomplishments included the two diplomatic protests filed by the DFA in May 2021 over the “incessant, illegal presence” of Chinese militia disguised as fishermen in fishing boats and the Chinese Coast Guard “shadowing, blocking, conducting dangerous maneuvers and radio challenges against Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the WPS,” which an irate Locsin accompanied with a separate post on Twitter saying, “China my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see. O.. GET THE F**CK OUT. What are you doing to our friendship? You. Not us….” He eventually apologized to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian for his intemperate language after then-President Duterte reminded him that only he (Duterte) could spew profanities while engaging in diplomacy. Whatever advice President Marcos may have received before he named Locsin to the post must have detailed certain actions by the former DFA chief towards the Chinese. That these did not deter the President from naming Locsin anyway signifies that he sees more in Locsin than his capacity for displaying outrage in a provocative manner. Many have lauded the choice of Locsin by the President. Indeed, we hold our breath as Locsin sets out to engage with the top Chinese officialdom in Beijing. We are curious to see what charms and ingenious diplomatic skills he will pull from his sleeve and whether these will make the Chinese finally accept, for instance, the 2016 ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal that said China has no lawful claim over waters determined to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It will be interesting to see if Locsin will be able to clinch his objectives and score well enough to make him, and the country, feel like soaring over — instead of crashing into — China’s Great Wall. The post Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»