We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Taliban: Evicting Afghan migrants ‘unacceptable’
Pakistan’s plan to evict hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants is “unacceptable,” Taliban authorities said Wednesday, denying allegations by Islamabad its citizens were responsible for a string of suicide attacks there. Around 1.3 million Afghans are registered refugees in Pakistan and 880,000 more have legal status to remain, according to the latest United Nations figures. But caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said Tuesday a further 1.7 million Afghans were in Pakistan illegally, giving a 1 November deadline to return home or face deportation. The order comes as Pakistan grapples with a rise in attacks the government blames on militants operating from Afghanistan, a charge Kabul routinely denies. “The behavior of Pakistan against Afghan refugees is unacceptable,” Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on social media site X. “Afghan refugees are not involved in Pakistan’s security problems. As long as they leave Pakistan voluntarily, that country should tolerate them.” Bugti claimed Afghan nationals were responsible for 14 of 24 suicide attacks in Pakistan since January. “We deny all these claims because Afghans have migrated to other countries for their safety, their security,” Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said. “It’s natural when someone migrates to another country for his safety, he would never want insecurity there,” he told Agence France-Presse. Legions of Afghans have migrated to neighbouring Pakistan over decades of conflict during the Soviet invasion, the following civil war and the United States-led occupation. And 600,000 have arrived since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in August 2021 and imposed their austere version of Islamic law. The post Taliban: Evicting Afghan migrants ‘unacceptable’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Herbosa no-show, but DOH 2024 budget hurdles Senate Finance panel
The Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday approved the proposed P311.3 billion budget of the Department of Health for the upcoming fiscal year without the attendance of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. Herbosa skipped the DOH’s budget deliberation, normally led by the agency’s head, days after he failed to secure the approval of the Commission on Appointment. During the budget deliberation, DOH senior officials led by Undersecretary Lilibeth David, former Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario-Vergeire and Undersecretary Gloria Balboa presented the agency’s proposed budget. Senator Francis Tolentino specifically questioned Herbosa’s absence in the budget deliberation, fearing that the agency is now in an “auto-pilot mode”. Senator Pia Cayetano, who presided over the agency’s budget deliberation, quickly clarified that the DOH is not “headless”. “Actually, all of the senior members of the team approached me a while ago and they acknowledged that, of course, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” Cayetano said. “But as you all know, Usec Dr. Vergeire was the OIC for many years and was very actively exercising her leadership not just in the past year, but even during the time of President Duterte. Dr. Usec. David is the most senior undersecretary. So I’m quite confident in the presentation today that they can answer,” she added. Tolentino explained that he is asking for Herbosa’s presence because “budget presentations would require answers concerning accountability.” “And perhaps the head of the department should be the one doing that. Otherwise, it would be in an auto-pilot mode,” he said. For her part, Senator Loren Legarda also expressed confidence in the senior officials of the DOH. “Let me just say that I’m certain that our very competent Usecs. and Asecs. down the line would be able to communicate the policies of the Secretary who still has to be confirmed,” Legarda said. “I am very confident that they will be able to answer our questions. I do not think that they would divert from any policy of the Secretary or say anything that would be against his policies,” she added. Cyber-attack on PhilHealth Senators also touched on the recent cyber-attack on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. Legarda quizzed PhilHealth officials about the effect of the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s operation, as well as the steps being taken by the agency to prevent similar cases in the future. Responding to the lawmaker’s query, Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said the agency has yet to restore its online system. “All transactions are offline, and we've resume operations meaning membership, employer submission, and payment over the counter,” Santos said. “Our benefits availment continues. We have already informed our partner providers that while the system is turned off, they can still submit claims or prepare the submission of claims,” he added. “At present, to confirm the statement of our President, we are set to turn on our systems today, but we are still completing the preventive measures before we turn it on. We are targeting to turn on our PhilHealth website, member portal, as well as the e-claims.” Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system, which prompted them to turn it off as part of its “containment measures”. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. A multinational cyber security software company, Trend Micro, defines “ransomware” as a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing a system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. The Medusa ransomware group was demanding $300,000 from PhilHealth in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. The state-run health insurer previously stated that it would not give in to the group’s demand. The post Herbosa no-show, but DOH 2024 budget hurdles Senate Finance panel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOH budget for 2024 hurdles Senate Finance panel without Herbosa
The Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday approved the proposed P311.3 billion budget of the Department of Health for the upcoming fiscal year without the attendance of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. Herbosa skipped the DOH’s budget deliberation, normally led by the agency’s head, days after he failed to secure the approval of the Commission on Appointment. During the budget deliberation, DOH senior officials led by Undersecretary Lilibeth David, former Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario-Vergeire, and Undersecretary Gloria Balboa, presented the agency’s proposed budget. Senator Francis Tolentino specifically questioned Herbosa’s absence in the budget deliberation, fearing that the agency is now in an “auto-pilot mode”. Senator Pia Cayetano, who presided over the agency’s budget deliberation, quickly clarified that the DOH is not “headless”. “Actually, all of the senior members of the team approached me a while ago and they acknowledged that of course, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” Cayetano said. “But as you all know, Usec Dr. Vergeire was the OIC for many years and was very actively exercising her leadership not just in the past year, but even during the time of President Duterte. Dr. Usec. David is the most senior undersecretary. So I’m quite confident in the presentation today that they can answer,” she added. Tolentino explained that he is asking for Herbosa’s presence because “budget presentations would require answers concerning accountability.” “And perhaps the head of the department should be the one doing that. Otherwise, it would be in an auto-pilot mode,” he said. For her part, Senator Loren Legarda also expressed her confidence in the senior officials of the DOH. “Let me just say that I’m certain that our very competent Usecs. and Asecs. down the line would be able to communicate the policies of the secretary who still has to be confirmed,” Legarda said. “I don't think that the DoH body institution system comprised of career people who -- it may be a headless agency this is insofar other secretaries concerned -- but all the systems are covered by the Usecs. and Asecs,” she added. She continued: “I am very confident that they will be able to answer our questions. I do not think that they would divert from any policy of the secretary or say anything that would be against his policies.” Cyber-attack on PhilHealth Senators also touched on the recent cyber-attack on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. Legarda quizzed PhilHealth officials about the effect of the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s operation, as well as the steps being taken by the agency to prevent encountering a similar case in the future. Responding to the lawmaker’s query, Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said that the agency has yet to return its online system. “All systems now are all transactions are offline and we resume operations meaning membership, employer submission, and payment over the counter,” Santos said. “Our benefits availment continues. We have already informed our partner providers that while the system is turned off, they can still submit claims or prepare the submission of claims,” he added. He continued: “At present, to confirm the statement of our President, we are set to turn on our systems today, but we are still completing the preventive measures before we turn it on. We are targeting to turn on our PhilHealth website, member portal, as well as the e-claims.” Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system, which prompted them to turn it off as part of its “containment measures”. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. A multinational cyber security software company, Trend Micro defined “ransomware” as a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. The Medusa ransomware group was demanding $300,000 from PhilHealth in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. The state-run health insurer previously stated that it would not give in to the group’s demand. The post DOH budget for 2024 hurdles Senate Finance panel without Herbosa appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sikh exile’s slay mars Canada-India ties
Canada and India expelled each other’s diplomat Tuesday after Ottawa linked a Sikh exile’s killing near Vancouver in June to Indian spies. “Today we have expelled a senior Indian diplomat from Canada,” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in Ottawa. The diplomat was only identified as the head of the Research and Analysis Wing of India’s foreign intelligence agency in Canada. Before Joly’s announcement of the expulsion, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told an emergency parliamentary session, “The involvement of any foreign government in the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.” Trudeau, who was referring to Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, demanded that India cooperate in clearing the matter. New Delhi rejected the claims and said it ordered an unnamed senior Canadian diplomat to leave the country within five days. “Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd,” the ministry said in a statement, adding: “We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law.” Nijjar, whom India had declared a wanted terrorist, was gunned down on June 18 in Surrey, a suburb of Vancouver that is home to a large Sikh community. Canada has the largest population of Sikhs globally outside of India. Nijjar advocated for the creation of an independent Sikh state to be carved out of parts of northern India and perhaps part of Pakistan. New Delhi had accused Nijjar of carrying out terrorist attacks in India, a charge he denied. Tensions between India and Canada have been simmering over the unsolved slaying, and Indian unhappiness over how Ottawa has handled right-wing Sikh separatists. India will join “the group of nations that assassinate political opponents” abroad, much as Saudi Arabia orchestrated the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey in 2018, former Trudeau adviser Jocelyn Coulon, said. WITH AFP The post Sikh exile’s slay mars Canada-India ties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. During his intervention in the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - China Summit here, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the rules-based order in the South China Sea. "The Philippines continues to uphold the primacy of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans are conducted," Marcos said. "We once again reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes." Marcos also expressed hope that the two countries can progress in the negotiations for a COC in the South China Sea. "The early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, remains the goal for ASEAN and for China," he said. Marcos' remarks come amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been asserting its claims over disputed waters. The Philippines is one of several ASEAN countries with overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea. In his remarks during the intervention, Marcos also highlighted the importance of cooperation between ASEAN and China in areas such as trade, investment, and connectivity. He said that such cooperation can help to achieve the goal of making ASEAN the "epicentrum of growth." "The ongoing ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations will also encourage stronger ties between ASEAN and China," Marcos said. "It is also our hope that we identify and leverage on complementarities between China's Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific." Chinese Premier Li Qiang, for his part, claimed that China has been working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to "preserve regional stability." He asserted that "mutual trust" between the two parties has "grown deeper." "We have been committed to treating each other sincerely, and our political mutual trust has grown deeper," Li said during the ASEAN-China Summit. "No matter how the international situation evolves, China and ASEAN have maintained close exchanges and communication, respecting each other's development path," he said. China, which has emphasized that regional parties should be in charge of resolving disputes like those involving the South China Sea, has stated that "the China-ASEAN cooperation has come a long way" due to their shared "understanding about hardships." Chinese ships obstructed Philippine resupply ships in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in August by using water cannons. The Hague-based international arbitration court received a complaint from Manila in 2013 against Beijing, but China ignored the proceedings there as well. Beijing has continued rejecting the judgment rendered in that case in 2016, and in July it charged the US with being the "mastermind" behind the Philippines' lawsuit. The post PBBM reaffirms commitment to rules based order in South China Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bureau of Plant Industry should only get P1 budget — Tulfo
Rookie lawmaker Erwin Tulfo wants a meager P1 budget for the "useless" Bureau of Plant Industry for failing to exercise its monitoring power over the supply of onions in the Philippine market, reportedly subject anew to hoarding and price manipulation. "This BPI is so useless. Don't give this a budget. Just give it maybe five cents. You guys are not doing your job.... Might as well, we will give you a P1 budget," Tulfo said during the House Committee on Agriculture and Food probe into the possible hoarding of onion in the country. The congressional probe, which had previously concluded in May, reopened anew following reports that the commodity's price is being manipulated through hoarding activities. The probe was triggered by the agricultural produce shortage, primarily in onions, which saw prices reaching as high as P500 to P700 per kilo in the last quarter. The BPI, under the Department of Agriculture, was on the receiving end of the panel's wrath due to its failure to effectively mitigate the persistent surge in the price of onions nationwide. Tulfo quizzed the BPI on why they "cannot do anything" to cease the unscrupulous scheme despite possessing the jurisdiction to oversee or monitor cold storage facilities and ascertain if there is indeed an onion supply shortage. "The oversight committee was even better when Congress stepped up. So we'll just do your work and don't give you a budget. What is the use of the department?" Tulfo said. He emphasized that the price of onion only went down after the members of the House led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez toured the markets. "It took the oversight committee of Congress and it is not the job of Congress to go round and round to do your job. Mr. Chair, this should be the work of the BPI, and it's the responsibility of the BPI to do that," Tulfo added. "We wouldn't be here today if government agencies had just done their jobs. Something is lacking here. Contrary to the claims, BPI officer-in-charge division chief Sheree Samala told the panel that they monitored cold storage and also had a consultation meeting with the farmers involved. "As we've mentioned during past hearings, we also conducted monitoring in our cold storages and also had a consultation meeting with our farmers. And we requested that the local supply be released first and they agreed and committed that there would still be supply throughout last year in November and December," Samala told lawmakers. Moreover, Samala admitted that the drop in the onion supply had been observed, but proposals were also considered to meet the necessary demand by importation. "We allow farmers as to their claim that they would be able to supply... at the time of November," she said. Tulfo was clearly not buying the BPI's assertion, as he remained steadfast in his position that there would be no congressional probe if there were no supply shortages due to hoarding and that the agency did its part. "If you monitor the cold storage, thousands of sacks are there. We know that's why we're here because there is hoarding Mr. Chair. There is hoarding, so the price has increased. If you are monitoring, it will not reach there. If you have anticipated, then you have given the directive to the traders to release the supply," he stressed. Echoing Tulfo, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga likewise chided the BPI for failing to take swift action to cease hoarding and price manipulation. Barzaga said suppliers would buy the onions at an earlier date but would only release them in the market when the supply is depleted, causing the prices of the commodity to soar. "You have to tell us honestly. You hide it. That we have DA Circular No. 1. And under that circular or administrative order, the BPI has the right...you also have the power to regulate the cold storage facilities," he said. According to Barzaga, the BPI can impose the necessary sanctions, given that it has the power to regulate. Several supermarket firms, namely Puregold, Robinsons, Gaisano Mall, and Powerplant Mall, who could have shed light in the onion probe, were subpoenaed by the panel due to their no-show. The post Bureau of Plant Industry should only get P1 budget — Tulfo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandigan absolves Alcala in graft raps
The Sandiganbayan has absolved ex-Department of Agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala of a graft charge involving P13.5 million of government funds illegally given to an ineligible farmers’ foundation. In a 40-page decision, the anti-graft court’s Sixth Division cleared Alcala of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) purely on reasonable doubt. His co-accused, Laureano Mañalac, however, then-DA head executive assistant, was found guilty of violating the same provision of the law. He was meted up to 10 years behind bars and was permanently barred from holding public office. On top of the conviction, the court ordered him to pay P13.5 million, representing the sum paid to Isa Akong Magsasaka Foundation Inc. or IAMFI. Filed by the Ombudsman in 2018, the case stemmed from the irregular accreditation of IAMFI as a DA development partner for the construction of the Quezon Corn Trading and Processing Center at P13.5 million in 2012. Investigation revealed that IAMFI, which was an ineligible foundation but applied to become a development partner of the DA in May 2011, was controlled by Mañalac. Alcala was accused of conniving with Mañalac to release P13.5 million to IAMFI’s former president, Bautista Ella. State prosecutors said the DA’s erstwhile officials gave the IAMFI unwarranted benefit, advantage, or preference. On 17 July 2019, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the case against Ella owing to his passing. Authenticated document The prosecution’s investigation further revealed that IAMFI submitted together with its application for accreditation an authenticated articles of incorporation, concealing that Mañalac is an incorporator, which was in violation of the Commission on Audit Circular 2007-001, and was “highly irregular.” According to the prosecutors, the DA fell short when it failed to investigate its unlawful grant of P13.5 million in funding to the IAMFI, to which it is not entitled to. “The government suffered undue injury in the amount of P13,500,000, which was illegally given to the IAMFI due to the acts of Manalac. Instead of giving the funds to a qualified foundation, it was given to one ineligible being controlled by Mañalac,” the Sandiganbayan said, brushing off the accused claim that the sum was legally awarded to the foundation. In acquitting Alcala, the anti-graft court ruled that despite the prosecution’s serious efforts, it failed to prove that the ex-DA secretary violated RA 3019. “The court, however, is compelled on reasonable doubts grounds to acquit Alcala of the crime as he claims to have relied on multiple layers of review by his subordinates.” Further, it ruled that “no evident bad faith” could be attributed to Alcala in accrediting and signing the memorandum of agreement with IAMFI; instead, it found that all the offense elements have been proven beyond reasonable doubt in the case of Mañalac. According to the Sandiganbayan, it was “very clear that Mañalac was involved in the processing of the proposal of IAMFI.” Mañalac, who resigned from the DA on 30 September 2012, was “immaterial” and “will not serve to exculpate him,” the court said. “Even with Mañalac’s departure from the DA, the proposal would continue to go through the application process in view of the PMO’s positive preliminary recommendation,” it added. The post Sandigan absolves Alcala in graft raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Islamic State claims responsibility for Pakistan blast that killed 54
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility Monday for a suicide bomb blast in Pakistan that killed at least 54 people, including 23 children, at a political party gathering ahead of elections due later this year. The blast has raised fears Pakistan could be in for a bloody election period following months of political chaos prompted by the ousting of Imran Khan as prime minister in April last year. Around 400 members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party -- a key government coalition partner led by a firebrand cleric -- were waiting Sunday for speeches to begin when a bomber detonated a vest packed with explosives and ball bearings near the front stage. "I was confronted with a devastating sight -- lifeless bodies scattered on the ground while people cried out for help," Fazal Aman, who was near the tent when the bomb went off, told AFP. Shaukat Abbas, a senior official with the counter-terrorism department (CTD) told AFP that 54 people had been killed, including 23 under the age of 18. On Monday the Islamic State group claimed responsibility. "A suicide attacker from the Islamic State... detonated his explosive jacket in the middle of a crowd" in Khar, the jihadist group's news arm Amaq said in a statement Monday. The attack occurred in the town of Khar in the northwestern Bajaur district, just 45 kilometers from the Afghan border, in an area where militancy has been rising since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021. Parliament is likely to be dissolved after it completes its term in the next two weeks, with national elections to be held by mid-November or earlier. The local chapter of the jihadist Islamic State group has in the past targeted JUI-F rallies and leaders. Shattered family On Monday, blood-stained shoes and prayer caps littered the site, along with ball bearings and steel bolts from the suicide vest. Pieces of human flesh could still be seen, blasted 30 meters (100 feet) from the stage where the bomber detonated his device. Thousands of mourners attended the first funeral ceremonies, including for two young cousins aged 16 and 17. "It was not easy for us to lift two coffins. This tragedy has shattered our family," said Najib Ullah, the brother of one of the boys. "Our women are profoundly shocked and devastated. When I see the mothers of the victims, I find myself losing my own courage." JUI-F's leader, cleric Fazl-ur-Rehman, started political life as a firebrand Islamist hardliner, and while his party continues to advocate for socially conservative policies, he has more recently forged alliances with secular rivals. He has operated in the past as a facilitator for talks between the government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a rival of the jihadist Islamic State group. Last year, IS said it was behind attacks against religious scholars affiliated with JUI-F, which has a huge network of mosques and schools in the north and west of the country. The jihadist group accuses the JUI-F of hypocrisy for being a religious party while supporting secular governments and the military. JUI-F officials hit out at the government for failing to provide security in areas where militants operate. "The state has not fulfilled its responsibilities. I think the state has failed regardless of who is in power," said Shams uz Zaman, deputy general secretary of its Bajaur branch. "For God's sake take notice of the situation." While Rehman's party never musters more than a dozen or so seats in parliament, they can be crucial in any coalition and his ability to mobilize tens of thousands of religious school students allows him to punch above his weight. "It is important to consider why workers of a religious inclined political party could have been subjected to such bestial violence," Dawn newspaper said in an editorial Monday. "However ultra-conservative the JUI-F's worldview, the party has chosen to contest power and operate within the parameters set by the Constitution of Pakistan." A spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell said the blast was "an attempt to weaken democracy". Rise in attacks Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant attacks since the Afghan Taliban surged back to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. In January, a suicide bomber linked to Pakistan's Taliban blew himself up in a mosque inside a police compound in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing more than 80 officers. The militant assaults have been focused in regions abutting Afghanistan, and Islamabad alleges some are being planned on Afghan soil -- a charge Kabul denies. Analysts say militants in the former tribal areas have become emboldened since the return of the Afghan Taliban. The blast coincides with a visit to the country by a senior delegation of Chinese officials, including Vice Premier He Lifeng, who arrived in the capital Sunday evening. The post Islamic State claims responsibility for Pakistan blast that killed 54 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: Gov’t to address taxation issues raised by investors
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told business leaders that the government will be introducing amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act to address the issues on taxation raised by several investors. “We’re working on those issues and... we will be introducing the amendments for the CREATE law to take care of this,” Marcos said at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council or ABAC meeting on Friday, 28 July in Cebu City. Marcos told executives of three major companies in Cebu City, including the Marubeni Corp., Austal Ltd., and Tsuneishi Heavy Industries-Cebu Inc., that the government will be considering whatever amendments the business leaders wish to add. “If you have your own amendments with you, we’d like to see, we will be happy to look at one. I want to hear from everyone what their ideas are, or even just, from your experience in other countries, what has worked for you,” the President said. Among the raised issues were the 12-percent Value Added Tax imposed on indirect exporters supplying goods and services to export-oriented enterprises; non-refund of VAT incurred by the domestic market enterprises or DMEs on their local purchases; tedious documentary requirements, slow process; and the unpredictability of VAT refund claims. Marcos administration noted that the proposed amendments to the CREATE Act and Implementing Rules and Regulations “will allow the sales of indirect exporters to export-oriented enterprises to be subject to VAT zero-rating”—provided such sales are directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity of the exporters. The proposed amendments also include that DMEs under the five percent gross income tax regime will have the option to register as VAT taxpayers. This will allow DMEs to charge output VAT to domestic customers, or to receive a refund from the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This coincides with the BIR issuing several directives “to streamline the procedures and reduce documentary requirements” for filing and processing VAT refunds. The Marubeni Corp., with 2022 Philippine revenue of P20.7 billion, started overseas activities in Manila in 1909 as a trader of textiles and abaca—with its primary business encompassing infrastructure development, investments in power, water, heavy equipment, healthcare, large-scale import and export of commodities, among others. While Austal Ltd., the world’s largest aluminum shipbuilder, is seeking clarification on the 12-percent VAT exemption on locally built vessels. It operates industry-leading shipyards in Australia, the United States, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, THI, involved in reclamation plans to expand its business in Cebu by expanding its current 32-hectare reclamation at the northern in Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu. THI obtained its reclamation permit in 2008. “I’ll talk to Secretary and I think that they’re undergoing that review process now. Because we have to be very careful,” Marcos said during the meeting with THI officials. Marcos earlier said the economies must “transform” their business activities to help in resolving key challenges and demands affecting the Asia-Pacific region. “Today’s global challenges such as climate change, ocean waste, and pollution, shift to clean energy, smart city agglomeration, they all require the economies the transformation of economic and business activities to ensure that these critical issues are effectively addressed,” he said. The post Marcos: Gov’t to address taxation issues raised by investors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US actor Kevin Spacey cleared of UK sex offenses
Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey was acquitted on Wednesday in Britain of nine alleged sex offenses, in the latest court victory for the Oscar winner who was one of the first huge stars felled by the #MeToo movement. The star of "American Beauty" and drama series "House of Cards", who turned 64 on Wednesday, was acquitted by majority verdicts in London following a trial lasting several weeks. "I'm enormously grateful to the jury for having taken the time to examine all of the evidence and all of the facts carefully before they reached their decision and I am humbled by the outcome today," he told reporters outside court. It comes less than a year after a New York court dismissed a $40 million sexual misconduct civil lawsuit brought against him, and follows charges of indecent and sexual assault being dropped in Massachusetts in 2019. Spacey's once-stellar career has been halted by the various allegations of sexual offences, which first emerged in 2017 and which he has always denied. The actor told Germany's Die Zeit that he expected to mount a comeback following the acquittal. "I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London," he told the German national weekly. "The second that happens, they're ready to move forward." Madness The jury in London, which began considering the charges on Monday, cleared Spacey of all nine counts that he faced, after more than 12 hours of deliberations. The alleged offences included seven counts of sexual assault, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. They were said to have occurred in 2005 and 2008 in London, and in 2013 in Gloucestershire, western England. Jurors heard evidence from the four alleged victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons. British rock star Elton John was also among those to testify, as a witness for Spacey. The prosecution claimed he was a "sexual bully" who revelled in making others feel uncomfortable, including by aggressively grabbing men's crotches. One of victims, a former aspiring actor, said he woke up to find Spacey performing a sex act on him, suggesting the actor "drugged" him. He was accused of grabbing another man's crotch "so hard" while driving to a fundraising event, that the car nearly came off the road. Spacey, whose full name is Kevin Spacey Fowler, called the claims "madness" and a "stab in the back". He had been on unconditional bail since first being charged in Britain last year, and on Wednesday walked out of the south London court a free man. The Crown Prosecution Service said it had charged him following "a thorough investigation" by London's Metropolitan Police. "It is the role of the jury to consider the charges and we respect the decision of the court," a spokesman added. Career success Spacey enjoyed a highly successful decades-spanning career with roles such as a middle-aged father lusting after a teen in "American Beauty," a serial killer in "Se7en" and the villain in "Superman Returns". He worked as artistic director at London's Old Vic Theatre between 2004 and 2015. In 2017 he was one of the first stars caught up in the global #MeToo movement as he was accused of sexual assault by multiple young men. He was dropped from the final season of the political drama "House of Cards" and other projects. A New York court dismissed a $40 million civil sexual misconduct lawsuit brought against him in October last year. The complainant, actor Anthony Rapp, alleged the star had assaulted him when he was 14. He brought the civil case after being told it was too late to bring a criminal charge but failed to convince the jury in that case. In 2019, charges of indecent and sexual assault were dropped against Spacey in Massachusetts. The post US actor Kevin Spacey cleared of UK sex offenses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Crypto exchange Binance faces legal probe in France
French prosecutors announced Friday they had opened an investigation into Binance, adding to the legal woes of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The probe, led by the Paris prosecutor's office, will look into allegations the French arm of Binance traded illegally in digital assets as well as a separate charge of "aggravated money laundering", a statement said. Le Monde newspaper, which first reported the probe, said the company is suspected of failing to respect obligations to ensure its clients were not using the platform for money laundering. The news follows a move from the US Securities and Exchange Commission which announced this month that it had charged the crypto giant with securities law violations that it said amounted to "an extensive web of deception" and "calculated evasion of the law". Binance said afterward that it was halting US dollar deposits and encouraged clients to withdraw their dollars by early next week. Referring to the French allegations, the company said on Twitter that it had had an "on-site visit last week by the relevant authorities". "Binance invests considerable time and resources into cooperating with law enforcement globally. We abide by all laws in France, just as we do in every other market we operate," it added. The platform, created in Shanghai in 2017, has cornered much of the crypto-trading market, turning its globe-trotting founder Changpeng Zhao into a billionaire. But it has long been accused of facilitating money laundering, setting up complex structures to avoid regulation, and busting sanctions -- claims it denies. The post Crypto exchange Binance faces legal probe in France appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trump indicted in classified documents probe
Donald Trump said Thursday he has been indicted over his handling of classified documents after leaving office, the US ex-president's most serious legal threat yet as he pursues a second White House term. "The corrupt Biden Administration has informed my attorneys that I have been Indicted, seemingly over the Boxes Hoax," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he broke the bombshell news of a historic moment for the United States: the first time a sitting or former commander-in-chief has faced federal charges. There was no immediate confirmation from the Justice Department. Trump attorney Jim Trusty told CNN that his client has been indicted on seven charges including the willful retention of documents in violation of the Espionage Act, making false statements, obstruction of justice and a count of conspiracy. Though the precise details of the charges were not immediately clear, people familiar with the matter told The New York Times the conspiracy charge was related to obstruction of justice. In his post, Trump, who is running for president again, said he has been summoned to a federal courthouse in Miami next Tuesday -- the day before his 77th birthday. His announcement came a day after US media said federal prosecutors had informed his lawyers that he is the target of the probe into his handling of classified documents. Trump was already the first former or sitting president to be charged with a crime -- in his case over election-eve hush money payments to a porn star who said she had an affair with him. That indictment was handed down by Manhattan's district attorney in March. In a statement after his initial online posts, the Trump campaign lashed out at what it called an "unprecedented abuse of power," and called for the indictment to be thrown out. 'Dark day' In a defiant video released after he shared the news, Trump repeatedly declared his innocence and framed the indictment as a form of election interference by a Justice Department "weaponized" by the Biden administration. "They come after me because now we're leading in the polls again by a lot against Biden," Trump said in the clip. "Our country is going to hell and they come after Donald Trump... We can't let this continue." Fellow Republicans swiftly stood by him, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy, who has had a rollercoaster relationship with Trump. "Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America. It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him," McCarthy said in a statement. "I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump." Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a rival for the GOP presidential nomination, echoed Trump's claims of a "weaponized" DOJ, adding on Twitter that he would "excise political bias" if elected president. The Twitter account of Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee posted a repeated Trump slogan: "WITCH HUNT." Special counsel Jack Smith, named by US Attorney General Merrick Garland, has been looking into a cache of classified documents that Trump had stored at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida after leaving the White House. The FBI carted away some 11,000 papers after serving a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago in August, and obstruction-of-justice charges could be a result of his resisting efforts to recover the trove. Trump eventually turned over 15 boxes containing almost 200 classified documents to the National Archives in January 2022 but was subpoenaed for any outstanding records in his possession. When asked about the charges Thursday night, Smith's spokesman Peter Carr told AFP: "We are declining to comment." The White House said it learned of the indictment from media coverage and a spokesperson declined to comment on the news, noting that the DOJ "conducts its criminal investigations independently," CNN reported. Mounting legal woes Some Democratic lawmakers spoke out following Thursday's revelation. Trump's indictment "is another affirmation of the rule of law," House Democrat Adam Schiff said. "For four years, he acted like he was above the law," he added. "But he should be treated like any other lawbreaker. And today, he has been." Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the documents case, telling a Fox News town hall event on June 1 that "everything I did was right." But he has openly acknowledged taking and storing the documents, undermining his lawyers' suggestion that he took the stash inadvertently in the confusion of a chaotic departure. "This evidence just adds to the mound of stuff that already exists, and no one piece is the 'be all and end all,' but when you put them all together, the case is so strong," former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks told MSNBC. "You cannot imagine his getting away with this." The latest indictment comes with Trump facing numerous other probes as he bids to be the Republican nominee to challenge Joe Biden for the presidency in 2024. Smith is also looking at whether Trump should face charges over the 2021 US Capitol riot, and Georgia prosecutors are investigating whether Trump illegally attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election outcome there. Trump has already been charged with dozens of financial crimes as part of the alleged hush money scheme to silence the porn star, and is due to go on trial next March, in the middle of primary election season. The post Trump indicted in classified documents probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alcaraz claims back-to-back Barcelona titles
Carlos Alcaraz brushed aside Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets on Sunday to claim a second successive Barcelona title and hammer home his status as likely successor to Rafael Nadal as French Open champion. The 19-year-old world number two won 6-3, 6-4 to bag his third trophy of 2023, after winning in Buenos Aires and Indian Wells, and the ninth of his career. With 14-time French Open champion Nadal sidelined since January with a hip injury and world number one and two-time Roland Garros winner Novak Djokovic struggling with an elbow problem, Alcaraz reinforced his credentials as a major contender to add the clay-court Grand Slam title to the US Open he captured last year. On Sunday, his only blip was dropping serve in the third game of the match. From that point on, Alcaraz powered to a 79-minute triumph against the world number five, his fourth win in four meetings with the Greek. Tsitsipas has now lost three finals in Barcelona after losing to Nadal in 2018 and 2021. "It is incredible," Alcaraz said. "To feel this energy and lift the trophy in Barcelona in front of my family and friends, and most members of my team are here as well. "Playing this level and to lift the trophy in front of them is a good feeling for me." After Tsitsipas broke for a 2-1 lead, Alcaraz won five of the next six games to take charge. His flamboyant shotmaking delighted his home crowd before a solitary break in the fifth game of the second set proved decisive. "Me and my team were talking before the match about staying relaxed," said Alcaraz who raced to the title without dropping a set. "To want to play the tough moments, staying relaxed is the most important part for me. To forget the mistakes, everything and be myself on court. Not to think about all the people watching, but just me, the court, the racquet, and the final." Alcaraz now heads to the Madrid Masters where he is also defending champion. The post Alcaraz claims back-to-back Barcelona titles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UK deputy PM resigns after most bullying claims upheld
UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab announced his resignation on Friday after bullying claims against him were upheld in a report, a fresh political shock for Britain's Conservatives. Raab's resignation gives Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a headache some two weeks before local elections at which the Conservatives are expected to lose seats. He is also battling to claw back a chasm of lost ground to the main opposition Labor Party before a general election next year. Raab, who stood in for former prime minister Boris Johnson as he battled Covid in 2020, had promised to quit if any claims against him were upheld. But even though he was cleared of most of the allegations, he blasted the conclusions of a lawyer-led inquiry. "Whilst I feel duty-bound to accept the outcome of the inquiry, it dismissed all but two of the claims leveled against me," he wrote in a resignation letter. "I also believe that its two adverse findings are flawed and set a dangerous precedent for the conduct of good government." The bar for bullying was set so low, he said, that "it will encourage spurious complaints against ministers and have a chilling effect on those driving change". Raab also resigned from his post as justice secretary, where he has had to battle a backlog in criminal cases caused by years of under-funding and disruptions caused by the pandemic. He previously served as Brexit minister and foreign secretary but was moved from that post after being criticized for failing to return from holiday as Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Sunak, who succeeded the short-lived Liz Truss in October last year, vowed to restore "integrity, professionalism, and accountability" in government after Johnson's rollercoaster tenure. He previously sacked Nadhim Zahawi as Conservative party chairman over his tax affairs. Gavin Williamson, a former defense secretary who kept a tarantula on his desk while in charge of party discipline in parliament, quit over expletive-laden messages. Low bar Former lawyer Raab, a karate black belt, has denied bullying civil servants working for him and in his letter rejected allegations of an overbearing manner with colleagues. He insisted in his letter that ministers "must be able to exercise direct oversight with respect to senior officials over critical negotiations conducted on behalf of the British people". Not to do so, he said, would mean the loss of "the democratic and constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility". He also maintained ministers "must be able to give direct critical feedback on briefings and submissions to senior officials in order to set the standards and drive the reform the public expect of us". "Of course, this must be done within reasonable bounds," he went on. Sunak appointed senior employment lawyer Adam Tolley to look into the claims in November and he submitted his report to Sunak on eight allegations on Thursday. The report has yet to be published. But Raab said Tolley "concluded that I had not once, in four and a half years, sworn or shouted at anyone let alone thrown anything or otherwise physically intimated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone". "I am genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offense that any officials felt, as a result of the pace, standards, and challenge that I brought to the Ministry of Justice," he added. "That is, however, what the public expects of ministers working on their behalf." The post UK deputy PM resigns after most bullying claims upheld appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Imee questions DFA, DND officials on ‘obsession’ with Taiwan Strait
Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday grilled officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense for their “obsession” with the Taiwan Strait. In an inquiry, Marcos, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee questioned the locations of the four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the country. “So, we have given up all claims on the east sector and West sector in the Philippine Seas, is that correct? We are now obsessed with the Taiwan Strait?” she asked. Two of the four new EDCA sites will be established in Cagayan province, one in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo. The two remaining EDCA sites will be in Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. Of the four additional EDCA sites, three are situated in the northern part of the country, with the naval base at Cagayan's Santa Ana being about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan. Taiwan, an ally of the United States, is considered by China as part of its territory to be retaken one day -- by force, if necessary. Responding to Marcos’ question, Defense Officer-in-Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. rejected the senator’s assumption, stressing that the West Philippine Sea remains a government priority. “No, Madam. We are still that concentrated on the West Philippine Sea because…” Galvez said. Unsatisfied, Marcos interjected Galvez from answering the question: “These are very contradictory statements, Usec. Galvez but I will await your submission and perhaps we can now move to other topics as you suggested earlier.” Prior to this, Marcos stressed that EDCA’s primary objective is to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “With regards to the purpose of EDCA and modernization, it appears to us, to reiterate, that in fact modernization no longer appears to be the primary of EDCA but disaster preparedness, maritime security, and counterterrorism,” Marcos said. “Why does it look like we are relying on foreigners to defend us while our armed forces remain rotten, old, under-armed, and completely abject in the face of external threats?” she added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s eldest sister also questioned the motive behind two EDCA sites in the province of Cagayan. In response, Galvez noted that Cagayan province was chosen for being a “disaster risk or vulnerability.” “If disaster and maritime security are the reasons, then why don’t we have a base on the eastern side of the Philippines?” she asked. Galvez responded that it is already included in the four additional EDCA sites. Unsatisfied, Marcos questioned which of the five existing EDCA sites and four additional EDCA sites are facing the Pacific Ocean. The Defense chief noted that while there are no existing EDCA sites on the eastern side of the country, the national government is planning to erect a military base in Camarines Sur. This, however, was not a priority, according to Marcos. “This is not part of the nine [EDCA sites]. It is almost ten yet we do not have one in Region 5 or 8.” Galvez clarified that it is for “future consideration.” EDCA in BARMM Marcos also questioned the lack of EDCA sites in the southern part of the country, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “You said EDCA is for disaster, maritime, and counterterrorism. If it’s for counterterrorism – you are a veteran – you would know that the BARMM needs it the most,” she said. “I'm very interested about this because the choice seems to be random and no longer purposeful with regard to the modernization of the AFP which at the end of the day is what we are all here for,” she continued. Responding to the lawmaker’s question, Galvez said that they are only following the instruction of the president. “The instruction of the president is for us to prepare for external defense and with that we are trying to really allocate some resources and our modernization program on the northern side,” he said. “If you look at you know the configuration of the armed forces strategy, our vulnerability is in the north,” he added. Rejecting Galvez’s claim, Imee averred that she doesn’t feel vulnerable, citing that her family is hailed from the northern part of the Philippines. “In the north? I’m from the north sir, I don't feel very vulnerable. Our fishermen in Cagayan and the Ilocos seas are not being harassed but anyone,” she stressed Galvez stood by his claim that the northern part of the country is the “weakest” in terms of maritime security. Terms of Reference The committee hearing also revealed that there is no still written agreement between the Philippines and the United States regarding the four new EDCA sites. This was unveiled after Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo admitted that the two countries have yet to complete the terms of reference for the additional EDCA sites. “Once the exchange of notes is made then it would be reflected in the annex but until those exchanges of notes have not yet been completed it will not be reflected in the existing annex,” Manalo told the panel. While the Philippines and the United States are still discussing the terms of reference, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III reminded the DFA that it should not allow any changes in the terms of EDCA. “We have to remember that when we are discussing now with our counterparts, the end product is an annex to EDCA. So, do not even attempt to change the terms of EDCA. We're not changing the terms of EDCA, it should be clear,” Pimentel said. “We're making that commitment no matter how extensive the discussions are on the four sites there will be no attempt or desire or intention to change any word in EDCA -- the agreement,” he added. The post Imee questions DFA, DND officials on ‘obsession’ with Taiwan Strait appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reinstituting pre-audit (3)
Heads of government agencies should start to familiarize themselves with the following aspects of CoA Circular 2009-002, dated 18 May 2009, the system of pre-audit that is being recommended by retired and senior state auditors for adoption by the administration of Commission on Audit chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba. Whether or not, CoA will adopt the above-mentioned circular, the following aspects shall be similar in whatever pre-audit system will be adopted by the present CoA leadership: Responsibility to Conduct Pre-Audit Pre-audit shall, in addition to the existing duties and functions, be the responsibility of the head of the auditing unit/audit team. In an auditing unit where a Supervising Auditor and Audit Team Leader(s) or ATLs are assigned, the pre-audit functions shall be discharged by the SA. Pre-audit functions in all other auditing units headed by ATLs, whether or not placed under the supervision of SAs, shall be carried out by such ATLs. In case of the absence of the person duly authorized to perform a pre-audit for one to five working days, he shall designate an officer-in-charge who shall temporarily perform the pre-audit functions. A copy of such designation shall be furnished to the Cluster Director or Regional Director concerned for information and record. Where the SA or ATL, as the case may be, is absent for more than five working days but not more than 30 working days, the designation shall be done by the Cluster Director or Regional Director, and over 30 working days, by the Chairman. Duties and Responsibilities of Agency Official Agency officials concerned shall ensure that no transactions covered by this circular are paid out without evidence of the audit action of the SA/ATL as required herein: Submit to the SA/ATL concerned all disbursement vouchers/documents for claims subject to pre-audit; Submit to the SA/ATL the advice/instructions including, among others, Memorandum of Agreements or MoAs and Memorandum of Understandings or MoUs and their supporting documents for transfers of funds subject to pre-audit; See that cash advances granted are liquidated within the prescribed period and liquidation submitted to the SA/ATL concerned within 10 days from the date the liquidation document is received from the accountable officer; Maintain complete and up-to-date subsidiary records of cash advances for each accountable officer to record the cash advances granted and liquidated. Submit to the SA/ATL concerned copies of contracts, purchase/letter orders, loan agreements, bond flotation/certificates of indebtedness, whether domestic or foreign, and appraisal reports of property for disposal, including all supporting documents required in CoA Circular No. 2009-001 dated 12 February 2009 and its annexes, for review within five days from their perfection; Ensure that the disbursement vouchers are duly supported with the requisite documents for each specific claim and accompanied by a duly accomplished relevant checklist for technical review as provided in CoA Circular No. 2009-001 dated 12 February 2009, as well as the requirements enumerated in CoA Circular 2007-001 (for releases to NGOs/POs) and its subsequent amendments, if any. If the supporting documents have been previously furnished to the auditor pursuant to what is indicated in the accompanying document checklist. Any deficiency in the supporting documents shall cause the return of the documents without action, within 24 hours, for completion or rectification of the deficiency; See that no splitting of requisitions, purchase orders, vouchers, and the like is resorted to circumventing the control measures provided in these circulars and other laws and regulations. For this purpose, a project funded under a single obligating authority and implemented in several phases whether by the same or different contractors shall be deemed a splitting of contracts; and Maintain a separate record/logbook of all transactions subject to and submitted to the SA/ATL for pre-audit. The post Reinstituting pre-audit (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ragos claims to get death threats for recantation
Former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos was threatened with death if he continued to refuse to implicate former senator Leila de Lima in the illegal drug trade after recanting his earlier testimony......»»
Palace says Marcos not in Japan
Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge Cheloy Garafil denied yesterday claims that President Marcos is in Japan as Severe Tropical Storm Paeng lashed many parts of the country, leaving at least 45 people dead and dozens injured......»»
Meralco rates lower by P0.0623/kwh in Sept. billing
Consumers of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will benefit from a slight reduction of P0.0623 per kilowatt hour (kwh) in this September billing — summing up five straight months of tariff downtrends for this year. (MANILA BULLETIN) For end-users in the consumption threshold of 200 kilowatt hours (kwh), the average cost savings they will gain in this billing period will be P12, according to the utility firm. The overall rate billed this month is at P8.4288 per kwh versus the previous month’s P8.4911 per kwh. The generation charge, which accounts for the chunk of the cost components being passed on, had been pared by P0.0381 per kwh this month to P4.0860 per kwh from the previous billing cycle’s P4.1241 per kwh. Additionally, the transmission charge was on marginal decline of P0.0112 per kwh and that was mainly attributed to the lower ancillary services (AS) charges of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines; while taxes and other charges incurred a net decrease of P0.0130 per kwh. Meralco emphasized one key factor that triggered rate reduction this September is its continuing move to invoke force majeure (FM) claims with its power suppliers. “This September, the force majeure claim totaled about P463 million, equivalent to customer savings of P0.1710 per kwh in the generation charge,” the utility firm noted. The company explained that if the FM claims had not been there, “the generation charge and the total rate would have increased by P0.13 and P0.14 per kwh, respectively.” Since March this year when Meralco has been persistently invoking FM claims under its power supply deals, the company was already able to generate P2.4 billion worth of savings that it has been passing on as rate reduction to customers via their electric bills. On supply procurement, Meralco indicated that it secured the lion’s share of 54.8-percent from its power supply agreements (PSAs) and that resulted in a decrease of P0.3032 per kwh on its charges. The fraction of supply sourced from its contracted independent power producers (IPPs) had been at 33.6-percent; and this went up by P0.0601 per kwh; while volume procured from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) stood at 11.6-percent and charges had been down by P0.0147 per kwh.The lower settlement prices in the spot market, it was noted, had been due to decrease in Luzon demand — given the re-enforcement of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in some areas last month, primarily in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces......»»
Meralco rate seen flat in August billing
The customers of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) can rest easy in this month’s billing cycle as the utility firm is anticipating that its all-inclusive pass-on rate will be flattish or there could even be a slight reduction depending on the final billing of its power suppliers. “The overall rate movement looks to be flattish due to improved power situation for the July supply month,” Meralco Spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga has noted. The other factors that could potentially pull down electricity tariffs this month would be the strengthening value of the Philippine peso versus the US dollar; as well as the quarterly repricing of Malampaya natural gas prices. Meralco procures significant portfolio of its supply from power plants fueled by gas from the Malampaya field – hence, the quarterly reckoning of the gas price could have a softening impact on its pass-on cost to the consumers. Zaldarriaga qualified “there is a possibility for a minimal decrease in overall power rates and generation charge because of these factors.” On the supply situation, the Meralco executive noted “there were no yellow alerts in July; and power supply was more stable compared to June – with lower demand in the grid as well.” He indicated that the steady state of power supply in Luzon last month “may contribute to lower WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) prices and a decrease in generation charge.” And if the impact of the quarterly repricing of the Malampaya gas will be factored in, plus the reinforced value of the local currency, such elements could contribute to the overall lowering of the generation charge for the August billing. The generation charge accounts for roughly 55 to 60-percent of the overall pass-on cost in the electric bills, hence, a downtrend in that cost component could be substantially felt by consumers. Meralco’s electricity rates had been on declining drift in the past months –and this was precipitated by lower generation charge due to slowdown in demand; in addition to the company’s efforts on invoking force majeure claims with its supplier-companies; that in turn had resulted in lower rates for its customers.This year’s plague of the coronavirus pandemic had shifted consumption upswing on to residential end-users; hence, the rate reductions in the past months had been a valuable help in managing power budgets......»»