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Nuke dev’t needs the backing of Congress
Filipinos may finally benefit from nuclear energy, touted as a cheaper and more reliable power source, within the decade or by 2030, as authorities rush to augment the country's power supply to match the growing demand. Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla, however, reiterated that the government would need the support of Congress in ratifying a law that would help jumpstart the integration of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix. “The Congress is working on one important requisite, the legal and regulatory framework. It is for Congress to decide on whether or not we should go for nuclear power, and even the timing will be determined by them,” Lotilla said during a forum. “Within the decade, I am sure that we can be on, or we can place ourselves on track for that,” the Energy chief added. Pending the law, Lotilla pointed out that the DoE and all other concerned government agencies are actively looking out for possible sites where a nuclear power plant can be built. “We intend to work with the Congress, so in the meantime, we are making sure that when that decision is made when the Congress gives the green light, we won’t be starting from scratch,” he said. To recall, the House Nuclear Energy Committee approved a consolidated substitute bill last March that seeks to comprehensive atomic regulatory framework and establish the Philippine Atomic Regulatory Commission. Since the government is prohibited from taking on any power generation endeavor, the DoE has also tapped the National Economic and Development Authority to work on the private sector’s participation in nuclear development. “If the private sector can do it, we should support it,” Lotilla added. In his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signified his support for the adoption of nuclear energy as part of the country’s power mix. “I believe it is time to re-examine our strategy towards building nuclear power plants in the Philippines,” Marcos said. To recall, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 164 entitled, “Adopting a National Position for a Nuclear Energy Program, and Other Purposes. The post Nuke dev’t needs the backing of Congress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Group joins move stopping Japan’s nuclear waste disposal
Multisectoral group Bantay Nukleyar asked the administration to help stop the disposal of 1.3 million tons of water from Japan’s wrecked Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. In a protest in Busuanga, Palawan, the group said the contaminated water has high toxicity. “The threat of nuclear contamination knows no boundaries. It knows no political colors, orientation, gender, class, or whatever. Everyone is at risk,” Aubrey Bautista, the group’s spokesperson, said. Medical data show exposure to radioactive waste, such as those from nuclear plants, can cause vomiting, skin diseases and cancer, among others. Disposal of nuclear waste In 2021, the Japanese government approved the disposal of the massive nuclear waste, which Reuters said, could fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. A powerful quake in 2021 triggered a hydrogen explosion that damaged reactor buildings in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. To prevent a nuclear catastrophe, the government used tons of water to cool down the reactors. Scientists said it would take decades or up to 40 years to fully dispose of the waste. Annabelle dela Cruz, a barangay official of New Quezon in Busuanga, said authorities must look for alternative ways to dispose of the nuclear waste and educate the public on the dangers of nuclear plant destruction. Drastically missing “What we find drastically missing is a contingency plan should a nuclear disaster happen. We are preparing for the Big One when we even have no idea when and where it will strike” she said. Dela Cruz said such a plan is needed before pushing through the proposed reactivation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant or BNPP. It was built in the 1970s under the leadership of former President Ferdinand Marcos to address the 1973 oil crisis. Shutdown His successor Corazon Aquino ordered the plant’s shutdown as further safety studies would be conducted. This came after the 1986 nuclear plant disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine. Rep. Mark Cojuangco of the 2nd district of Pangasinan and the non-profit group Alpas Pinas said the government must reactivate the plant to provide the public with a reliable and cheaper source of energy. Cojuangco already filed the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act bill to create the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority. The post Group joins move stopping Japan’s nuclear waste disposal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go continues push for E-Governance bill
Sen. Bong Go continuously advocates for the passage of his filed Senate Bill No. 194 or the proposed E-Governance Act. "Kailangang mas ilapit natin ang gobyerno sa mga tao sa pamamagitan ng mas accessible na mga serbisyo," asserted Go. If passed into law, the bill shall establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable information and resource-sharing and communications network spanning the entirety of the national and local government, an internal records management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public services. The bill also aims to enhance data privacy and security, as well as to provide for the establishment of an electronic payment system for government transactions. In addition, Go’s E-Governance bill pushes for the digitization of paper-based and other traditional modes of workflows for a more efficient and transparent public service. “Habang patuloy ang gobyerno sa pag-i-improve ng serbisyong inihahatid sa ating mga kababayan, dapat din tayong sumabay sa pagbabago ng panahon. The government must use information and communications technology to better serve its purpose and get closer to the people in an era where practically everything can be done online and through other digital channels,” Go said. A similar bill, House Bill No. 7327, was approved by the House of Representatives on its third and final reading last month, March 6. Considering that it is one of the priority measures of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., Go emphasized the importance of digitalization in improving the delivery of government services, saying, “Nakita natin ang importansya ng digital transformation in government. Sa private sector, napilitan ang mga negosyo na mag-adopt ng e-commerce techniques para mapabuti ang mga serbisyo nila. Hindi pwedeng mahuli ang gobyerno — there’s no better time than now to prioritize the government's digital transformation.” Go added that E-governance can streamline government processes and make them more efficient. With the use of digital technology, government services can be delivered faster, with less bureaucracy, and at a lower cost. “Tayong nasa gobyerno, dapat gawin natin sa abot ng ating makakaya ang lahat upang mailapit ang serbisyo sa tao lalo na sa mga pinakanangangailangan. Huwag nating pahirapan pa ang mga mahihirap. Gamit ang teknolohiya, ibigay natin sa kanila ang tulong na nararapat,” he emphasized. The post Bong Go continues push for E-Governance bill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LeBron James group touts sports venues as mega-voting sites
By BILL BARROW Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — If basketball icon LeBron James gets his way, NBA arenas and other sports venues around the country will be mega polling sites for the November general election. James and his voting rights group, formed this spring with other black athletes and entertainers, are joining with other professional basketball leaders and Michigan’s top elections official to push for mega voting sites to accommodate in-person balloting amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More Than A Vote, the James organization dedicated to maximizing Black turnout in November, shared its plans with The Associated Press on Wednesday after the Detroit Pistons became the second NBA franchise to announce plans to use its arena for voting later this year. In Georgia, Fulton County elections officials this week approved the Atlanta Hawks’ proposal to use State Farm Arena as a polling site. Plans call for the arena to serve as a countywide early voting site ahead of Election Day. The idea, which comes after Kentucky used large facilities in its June 23 primary, is to use large spaces that allow for in-person voting while still enforcing social distancing guidelines. It also underscores the attention on the mechanics of voting amid the pandemic, with the intensity already reflected in both President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden warning that state and local officials have the power to “corrupt” the election. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson called her “partnership” with the Pistons an “blueprint for other teams and leagues seeking to advance our common goal of protecting access to the vote for all.” Lloyd Pierce, head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, said the arrangement in his city ensures “high turnout” in a safe environment. Benson, Pierce and David Fizdale, former New York Knicks head coach, will advise NBA franchises and arena management entities around the country on how to replicate the existing deals. The Milwaukee Bucks also confirmed they are willing to use their home arena as a voting site in the most populous city in the key battleground of Wisconsin. The coordinated push is a turnabout, of sorts, in the often-partisan jousting over voting procedures. Some Democrats panned Kentucky elections officials for limiting in-person June primary voting in the state’s two most populous counties to Louisville’s Exposition Center and the University of Kentucky football stadium in Lexington. Voting rights advocates argued in federal court that the plan, part of culling voting sites statewide amid coronavirus concerns, would harm minority voters. A federal judge rejected their claims, and voting proceeded without the melee that some advocates had forecast. Now, Benson, a Democrat, is pushing the arena model not as an example of potential voter suppression, but a way to fight it. “One of our greatest challenges in protecting voters’ access to democracy this November is identifying accessible locations where citizens can safely vote in person,” she said. Amid COVID, that could outweigh potential logistical difficulties of large sites. Lines for such venues can still be long — just as with normal polling locations — as was seen in Lexington at some points on primary day. Voters also could face traffic jams or public transit hiccups given the number of people involved. General elections also have considerably larger turnout than primaries. Nonetheless, there’s a growing bipartisan push for large-venue voting. NFL executive Scott Pioli last week presented the National Association of Secretaries of State a plan for widespread use of professional and college sports facilities. James’ group is officially nonpartisan. But the NBA star has been open about its emphasis on the Black community, where Trump faces intense opposition for his white identity politics. James has not endorsed Biden, but he endorsed Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016. In Milwaukee, meanwhile, the Bucks owners, the Lasry family, are major Democratic Party donors. Bucks executive Alex Lasry helped lead the effort that landed the Democratic National Convention in the city. .....»»
House leaves Quiboloy’s fate to Senate
The House of Representatives will no longer pursue and implement the warrant of arrest it issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy after it approved on final reading the bill revoking the franchise of the evangelist’s alleged TV network......»»
House revokes SMNI franchise on final reading
Voting 284-4-4, the House of Representatives yesterday approved on third and final reading a bill that seeks to revoke the franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corp., which operates the Sonshine Media Network International,.....»»
Bill ensuring employability of seniors gets House nod
Efforts to ensure employment for senior citizens gained a boost after the House committee on ways and means yesterday approved a bill providing for it......»»
Senate approves bill on BJMP control of provincial jails
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate passed a bill on Monday aiming to transfer the control and supervision of all provincial and sub-provincial jails from the local government to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Senate Bill No. 2352 or the Jail Integration Act, was approved on third and final reading, with 19 affirmative,.....»»
House panel OKs tax-free hazard pay to judges, prosecutors
A House panel has approved a substitute bill that seeks to grant tax-free hazard pay to prosecutors and judges of regional, metropolitan, and municipal trial courts......»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 01 March 2024
Bill for IPs in Bangsamoro passes second reading at BARMM Parliament CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 01 March) – The Bangsamoro Parliament approved on second reading Parliament Bill No. 273, a measure that would recognize, develop and protect the rights of the indigenous peoples in the autonomous region. Deputy Floor Leader Mary Ann Arnado said […].....»»
Senate OKs P100 wage hike bill on final reading
The P100 minimum wage hike for private sector workers has been approved on third and final reading by the Senate, with 20 affirmative votes and no negative votes or abstentions......»»
Senate OKs Eddie Garcia bill on third reading
The Senate yesterday approved on third and final reading the so-called Eddie Garcia bill, which seeks to protect movie and television workers from unfair treatment and poor working conditions......»»
Teacher career progression bill clears House panel hurdle
Public school teachers may soon have access to more advanced career opportunities and higher compensation after the House appropriations committee approved the unnumbered substitute bill for the proposed Teacher Career Progression Act on Tuesday. .....»»
Senate OKs on second reading P100 wage hike
The Senate approved on second reading yesterday a bill seeking a P100 daily minimum wage increase for private sector workers – a Valentine’s gift to minimum wage earners......»»
Bill pushing P100 daily wage hike gets Senate nod on 2nd reading
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Wednesday approved on second reading a bill pushing for a P100-daily minimum wage hike for private sector workers. Senate Bill No. 2534 under Committee Report No. 190 was unanimously approved during Wednesday’s plenary session. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that once the wage hike bill gets the final.....»»
Rep. Wilbert Lee: P20 per kilo of rice still possible
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The promise of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lower the price of rice to P20 per kilo remains doable if House Bill No. 9020 or the “Cheaper Rice Act” is passed into law, Agri Partylist Representative Wilbert Lee said. Under his proposed bill, Lee said that the government will have to.....»»
House OKs bill declaring climate emergency
With 238 lawmakers voting in favor, House Bill 9084 or the proposed Climate Change Resilience Act was unanimously approved Wednesday, just a day before the start of COP28 climate negotiations in Dubai. .....»»
Villar: DTI strengthens Internet Transaction Act
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is strengthening the Internet Transaction Act (ITA) in the Philippines to support consumers and merchants engaged in online transactions. Senator Mark Villar, the sponsor of the bill, announced that the DTI will monitor transactions and enforce regulations to reduce fraudulent websites. The ITA was approved by the Senate earlier this year and is ready for implementation. It aims to address challenges in e-commerce, such as cash-based payments, accountability of platforms, logistics issues, and public perception of insecurity. The bill also provides legal protection for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and holds digital platforms accountable for any harm caused to consumers. The ITA is one of the top 20 priority bills of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos' administration......»»
House transmits approved budget bill to Senate
The House of Representatives yesterday transmitted to the Senate the proposed 2024 General Appropriations Bill that contains some P194.5 billion in realigned funds......»»
Gibo: Issues around MUP pensions have been resolved
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the issues hounding the proposed reforms in the pension system for military and other uniformed personnel have already been resolved. In a radio interview on Wednesday, Teodoro said lawmakers have already given their “encouraging promises” regarding the MUP pension system. “Sa akin pong palagay, resolbado na po ito (For me, this is already resolved),” he said. Teodoro cited the bill version of the House of Representatives provides the retirees' indexation at 90 percent, no contribution from those on active duty, and the pension of retirees will no longer be reduced. This version of measure, he added, requires contribution only from the newly recruited personnel. “Mabuti naman po ito para matuto po silang mag-ipon (It’s good thing for them to learn how to save),” he added. The defense chief expressed optimism that the House version of the MUP pension bill will be passed in the Senate. “Meron tayong malakas na indikasyon na iyon din naman po ang aaprubahan ng ating Senado (We have strong indication that the House versions will be approved by the Senate),” he said. “Kaya wala na ho sigurong issue sa contribution at pagbabawas ng mga pensyon ng ating mga kasundulahon at ang mga retirado (Therefore, there will be no issue with the contribution and reduction of pensions of our soldiers and retirees),” he added. The lower chamber approved on the third and final reading the House Bill 8969 or Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension System Act in September. The bill covered retirement, benefits, creation of trust funds, mandatory contributions for new entrants, and annual salary increases of MUP. The post Gibo: Issues around MUP pensions have been resolved appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»