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‘Quiboloy warrant stands despite SMNI franchise revocation’
Despite the revocation of the franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the arrest warrant issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy by the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises still stands......»»
TikTok facing ban in America; penalized $384 million in Europe
The US House of Reps has passed a bill to ban TikTok unless it cuts ties to Communist China. Chinese parent ByteDance must sell TikTok to another nationality in six months or be shut down......»»
Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 17
MANILA -- The number of Chinese inbound travelers to the Philippines surged by 235 percent year-on-year in the first two months of 2024, a Philippine lawmaker said Sunday. Citing data from the Philippines' Department of Tourism, Representative Marvin Rillo, vice chairperson of the committee on tourism in the House of Representatives, said that 82,314 Chinese travelers entered the Philippines in January and Febru.....»»
US Officials Warn of New Axis of Evil With China at the Fore
WASHINGTON - U.S. military and defense officials are increasingly concerned that as China and Russia forge ever stronger ties, they might attempt to challenge Western unity and eventually alter the balance of power on the world stage.The commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that the evolving relationship between Beijing and Moscow is a "big portion" of.....»»
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......»»
The bill to increase the national minimum wage
Preface to today’s column: I spoke before the House Committee on Labor and Employment on the above subject using but not reading the prepared text below......»»
Senate maritime committee approves archipelagic sealanes bill
Sen. Francis Tolentino formed a technical working group to fine tune the consolidated bills designating archipelagic sea lanes in the Philippines......»»
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. .....»»
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.....»»
Senate tackles bill vs game-fixing
A bill pushing for a law against game-fixing and also promoting professionalism in sports was been raised before the Senate Committee on Sports Wednesday......»»
Council to appeal March 1 as special non-working holiday in Davao City
The Davao City Council is seeking to appeal to the national government to declare March 1 as a non-working holiday in honor of Araw ng Davao, the city's founding anniversary. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre emphasized the importance of this appeal for the people of Davao, expressing hope that the president will grant their request. This initiative comes as a response to a new bill that designates March 1 as the new founding anniversary, shifting the traditional celebration date from March 16. Despite the bill and law designating March 1 as a working holiday, the council aims to annually request Malacañang to recognize it as a non-working holiday. The appeal is intended to ensure that Dabawenyos can actively participate in the festivities. Additionally, the executive committee of Araw ng Davao is in the final stages of organizing events and activities for the celebration. Discussions have been ongoing, with plans anticipated to be finalized soon. This move reflects the council's commitment to honoring and celebrating the city's heritage and traditions......»»
House of Representatives ratifies bicam report on P3.002-T national budget for 2016
MANILA, Dec. 17 (PNA) — The House of Representatives assured there will be no reenactment of this year’s national budget by ratifying Wednesday night the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill........»»
Bong Go pushes for better compensation and benefits for BHWs
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go is advocating for better compensation and benefits for Barangay Health Workers considering their critical role in the country’s healthcare system especially in bringing public health services closer to the grassroots. In an interview on Tuesday, 24 October, during a visit to projects he earlier supported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Go acknowledged the BHW’s sacrifices and contributions at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Unang-una, ito pong BHW, nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mga Barangay Health Workers. Isa po sila sa hero ng ating panahon ng pandemya,” Go stated. “Malaki po ang ginagampanan ng ating barangay health workers sa panahon ng pandemya. Hindi natin mararating itong kinaroroonan natin sa COVID response kung hindi po sa kanilang sakripisyo. Sila po ang umaalalay sa barangay… sila po ang nag-aalaga para sa early detection ng sakit upang hindi na mas lumala pa,” he added. To honor their contributions, the senator said he has filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 427, known as the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, which proposes to provide BHWs a monthly honorarium, along with a comprehensive package of benefits, including allowances, job security, regular training, and skill development opportunities. The proposed benefits are seen as an extension and enhancement of the existing benefits under RA 7883, which already provides various incentives to dedicated BHWs. “Kaya meron po akong nai-file sa Senado, ang BHW Compensation Act. Na-hearing na po ito sa Subcommittee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito), at meron pang mga susunod na committee hearings,” said Go. “Papakinggan po natin ang mga LGUs. S’yempre, unang-una rito, ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” he added. The bill, if enacted, also extends benefits from key institutions such as the Government Service Insurance System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. Aside from these legislative efforts, Go also filed SBN 2399, which proposes to declare April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day. "I also filed SBN 2399 to give due recognition to the contribution of all barangay health and nutrition workers in the delivery of our primary healthcare services in the country," he said. The post Bong Go pushes for better compensation and benefits for BHWs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development
Following his visit to Babak District the previous day, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate of community development, attended another Provincial Health Information Management System Orientation in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte on Wednesday, 25 October. The said program aims to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline information flow, and ensure that citizens across the region have access to quality health services. Go personally accorded recognition to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) for their efforts to promote the health and well-being of their constituents. He also noted that BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in the country, acting as the first line of defense in ensuring the welfare of their respective communities. "Bilang isang senador gusto kong pasalamatan ang ating mga barangay health workers. Hindi natin mararating ito ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo na magserbisyo. Dapat kayo ang pasalamatan ngayong araw. Palakpakan natin ang ating mga barangay health workers,” expressed Go. “Sa totoo lang sa panahon ng pandemya nahirapan talaga tayo. Pero (dahil) sa inyong pagtutulungan at pagserbisyo sa mamamayan, nalampasan natin ito. Hindi tayo makapag-gather ngayon o makapagtipon kung hindi dahil sa inyo. Ganito man ang inyong trabaho, nakita ko ang importansya at kung anong serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa barangay level ang iniaambag ninyo,” he continued. During the event, Go was also joined by Councilor Sonny Lanorias, BHW City Coordinator Christine Enriquez Lara, BHW District Federation President Alicia Sastrillas, and District Coordinator Arlene Pacquaio, among others. The senator also extended assistance to around 200 BHWs present, such as gift packs, masks, vitamins, shirts, meals, and balls for basketball and volleyball. He also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, and watches to select recipients. He also extended similar assistance to the 201 BHWs who attended the previous day. On October 23, around 250 BHWs were also given similar assistance by his staff. Continuing his message, Go pledged his commitment to working with the local government to ensure that BHWs receive proper training, resources, and compensation. The lawmaker outlined his legislative initiatives, specifically on two key bills: Senate Bill No. (SBN) 197 or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, and SBN 427, or the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Bill. The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays aims to bolster support for barangays, enabling them to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This measure proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer, be accorded treatment similar to that of regular government employees. If this bill becomes law, it will entitle them to salaries, benefits, allowances, and other related perks. On the other hand, SBN 427 proposed granting BHWs a monthly honorarium, coupled with other benefits encompassing allowances, job security, consistent training, and opportunities for skill development. Furthermore, the bill extends these benefits to encompass support from institutions like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund. “Na-hearing na po ito sa sub-committee on Health sa pangunguna ni Senator JV (Ejercito) at mayroon pang mga susunod na committee hearings at papakinggan po ang mga LGUs syempre, unang-una rito ‘yung kakayahan po nilang magbigay ng kompensasyon,” shared Go in an interview after his visit to Kapalong on October 24. “Ito pong bill na ito kung saan po ay magkakaroon sila ng mga karagdagang benepisyo… Kung sakaling maisabatas magkakaroon po sila ng monthly honorarium. Kasama na diyan ang job security, regular trainings, skill development opportunities, along with a potential to acquire civil service eligibility,” he continued. Furthermore, Go also referenced SBN 2399, a proposal aimed at declaring April 7 as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers (BHNW) Day. This initiative acknowledges the pivotal role played by BHNWs in the delivery of primary healthcare services within communities. Go has reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. This commitment is manifested through his backing of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers, the construction of Super Health Centers, and the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers across the nation. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program is designed to help ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients have convenient access to the medical assistance programs offered by partnered agencies. This was institutionalized in 2019 through the passage of RA 11463, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go. Currently, 159 operational Malasakit centers have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The senator was likewise instrumental in pushing for adequate funding to ensure that more Super Health Centers are established across the country. Some 307 Super Health Centers were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023, through the initiative of Go, DOH, local government units (LGUs), and fellow lawmakers. The Super Health Centers will offer a range of healthcare services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Moreover, the senator is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The said law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. During the previous day, Go also visited Davao del Norte to participate in the blessing and turnover of a multipurpose building in the Municipality of Kapalong. This project was funded with Go's support as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also inspected Balay ni Maria, a facility completed in 2020, and another project he supported the funding of. This infrastructure served as an isolation center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Bong Go recognizes barangay health workers’ role in community development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New U.S. speaker rallies support for Israel
The United States House of Representatives is back in business with the newly-elected Republican speaker, Mike Johnson, introducing a resolution supporting Israel in its war with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. The resolution passed with support from all but nine Democrats and just one Republican dissenter. The first successful act of Johnson signals a stable leadership despite being the least experienced speaker in the post Civil War era, having never chaired a committee or held a senior leadership role. “We all know that the world is in turmoil — but a strong America is good for the entire world,” Johnson told lawmakers after his election on Wednesday that ended the paralysis of Congress. Biden congratulated the new speaker and vowed to work with him, adding that the US now needed “to move swiftly to address our national security needs and to avoid a shutdown.” Ahead of the filing of the Israel resolution, the Louisiana congressman said in his acceptance speech that the bill is overdue as America’s “greatest ally in the Middle East is under attack.” The little-known ally of Donald Trump who spearheaded legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election won the unanimous support of his party to replace Kevin McCarthy who was ousted in a right-wing coup on 3 October. The post New U.S. speaker rallies support for Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists Talitay displaced workers
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in coordination with Mayor Sidik Amiril, provided assistance to residents of the Municipality of Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, 23 October. Go’s outreach staff joined a distribution activity at the Talitay-covered court and provided snacks, masks, and vitamins to 268 indigents, particularly displaced workers. They also gave away shirts, balls for basketball and volleyball, a mobile phone, and shoes to select recipients. The beneficiaries also qualified for livelihood support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after they have completed DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. "Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang mas mapabuti pa ang kalagayan ng ating mga disadvantaged at displaced workers. Magkasama tayo sa layuning ito na makabuo ng mas maginhawa at mas matatag na lipunan para sa lahat ng Pilipino," he said. To ensure that those who reside in rural areas lacking job opportunities are taken care of, Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 420, which seeks to offer temporary employment to eligible members of low-income rural households who are ready to perform unskilled physical labor for a period of time if enacted into law. Meanwhile, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, shared his continuing efforts to bring government health services closer to Filipinos. He encouraged the beneficiaries to make use of the Malasakit Centers if they are in need of assistance in settling their hospital bills. “Kung mayroon po kayong karamdaman, halimbawa masakit ang dibdib ninyo, at kailangan n’yo pong magpaospital at kailangan n’yo pong magpaopera sa Davao o sa Maynila sa Philippine Heart Center, magsabi lang po kayo. Tutulungan ho namin kayong magpaopera, pati pamasahe po ninyo tutulungan ho namin kayo,” Go said. Within Maguindanao del Norte, Malasakit Centers are housed in Sanitarium Hospital in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City. Residents of Maguindanao del Sur can access the Malasakit Center at Maguindanao Provincial Hospital in Shariff Aguak. “Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay ma-cover ang inyong billing. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 159 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” he said. As a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can access government medical assistance, the Malasakit Center was initiated by Go in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 in 2019, a legislation he principally sponsored and authored. The center is home to various agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), ensuring accessibility to medical assistance programs. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has also supported several projects in the province, including the construction of public markets in Buldon and Matanog; and the construction of a multipurpose building in Matanog. The post Bong Go assists Talitay displaced workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go emphasizes importance of tech-voc in community dev’t
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his strong support and commendation for the 150 scholars currently enrolled in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) program in Daet, Camarines Norte. The educational venture was initiated in collaboration with the Philippine Academy of Technical Studies, Inc. (PATS). As part of his support, Go provided them with masks, pens, and shirts on Friday, 20 October, at the MT2 Events Place in Daet, Camarines Norte. Select beneficiaries also received shoes, a cell phone, and balls for basketball and volleyball. In a video message, Go underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country. He said TVET aims to bridge the skills gap and ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of their economic background, have the opportunity to gain relevant and in-demand skills that will allow them to secure gainful employment and contribute to the country's overall economic growth. “The skills and knowledge you have acquired here will be your foundation for success in your chosen field,” said Go. “Your dedication, hard work, and determination have truly paid off, and you stand as shining examples of the power of education and skill development. Through your commitment, you have not only enhanced your own capabilities but also contributed to the growth and progress of our nation,” he added. Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2115, which aims to institutionalize TVET as well as livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents. The bill aims to provide skills training to enhance the employability of former drug dependents and allow them to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. “Rehabilitation alone is not enough. By institutionalizing technical-vocational education and training programs, we empower rehabilitated drug dependents with skills for a better future," he said. Meanwhile, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go encouraged those with health concerns to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet. Institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored, the Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop aimed at helping indigent patients minimize their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible by collaborating with various agencies offering medical assistance programs. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has pushed for various projects in Camarines Norte, including the construction of a flood control structure for the Mabulao River in Daet, and a multi-purpose building for the Camarines Norte State College, among others. The post Bong Go emphasizes importance of tech-voc in community dev’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Repatriation, reintegration efforts must be prioritized for returning OFWs — Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has reiterated the urgency of providing repatriation support and eventually, reintegration plans for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning from Israel and Lebanon, in the light of escalating tensions in the region. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said a comprehensive repatriation and reintegration program should be in place to cater to the varying needs of returning OFWs. “Unang una, siguraduhin natin ang kanilang kaligtasan. Tulungan dapat silang makalikas sa ligtas na lugar at maiuwi sa kanilang mga pamilya dito. Pagkatapos ay dapat mayroon tayong handa at maayos na sistema ng suporta na makakapagbigay ng job counseling, skills retraining, at mga serbisyo sa mental health, at iba pa. It's about empowering our OFWs to restart their lives here with dignity and hope,” Go remarked. “Mahirap ang pinagdaanan nila doon. Nawalan na sila ng trabaho, may trauma pa yan dahil sa kaguluhan na naranasan nila. Ibigay dapat sa kanila ang sapat na suporta at pag-aaruga pag-uwi nila sa kanilang inang bayan upang makabangon muli,” he stressed. Once the OFWs return home, Go called on the government to ensure that reintegration programs are made readily available for them to overcome the trauma they experienced and be able to recover. “Our kababayans are coming home under distressing circumstances. It is the government's responsibility to extend all possible support to these modern-day heroes," said Go. “Aside from possible employment opportunities, the government must be ready to provide assistance for their physical and psychological well-being, temporary housing if needed, and the welfare of their families as well,” he added. The Philippine government has approved voluntary repatriation for Filipinos in Lebanon amid brewing tension in the region while the situation in Israel is particularly concerning, with Israel intensifying its bombings in Gaza. With this, Go emphasized the need for both the government and OFWs to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. The senator urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates to OFWs and their families. “Our OFWs are hailed as modern-day heroes, and it's only fitting that we ensure their safety wherever they are in the world. Once they return to the Philippines, the government must also be prepared to provide them with the necessary support as they reintegrate into society, bringing with them skills and experiences acquired overseas,” he said. Furthermore, the senator emphasized the need for local government units (LGUs) to play an active role in the reintegration process. He encouraged LGUs to work closely with national agencies in identifying the needs of returning OFWs within their respective localities and to develop localized reintegration programs. Go said the reintegration support should be a priority as it greatly impacts not only the returning OFWs but also their families and the local communities they will be rejoining. The senator also conveyed his condolences to the families of OFWs who have lost their lives in the conflict. The remains of Loreta Alacre, an OFW killed by Hamas militants, recently arrived in Manila. Another Filipino caregiver was wounded but managed to escape the Hamas attack. Go has been a staunch supporter of the welfare of OFWs and was one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11641, which led to the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). "The DMW Act was designed to protect our OFWs. Now, more than ever, it's time to put this law into action to protect our kababayans," Go emphasized. Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2414 or the "OFW Ward Act.” If passed into law, every hospital under the Department of Health (DOH) across the country will have a specialized ward for OFWs and their family members who require hospitalization. Go has also filed SBN 2297, which seeks to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in Pampanga and ensure its continuous operation by providing sufficient support through necessary funding, personnel, and equipment. The bill aims to improve healthcare services for OFWs and their families by strengthening the existing facility and allocating necessary funds for its maintenance and operation. The post Repatriation, reintegration efforts must be prioritized for returning OFWs — Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nuke developers call to set competitive playing field
Government regulators are now urged to prioritize the establishment of a level-playing field to entice developers to pour in massive capital for the development and integration of nuclear power into the country's electricity grid. During the second nuclear energy roundtable talks between the Philippines and Canada on Tuesday, Felino Bernardo, chief operating officer of Aboitiz Power Corp.'s Thermal Business Group, emphasized the need for well-coordinated industry policies to help kick off local nuclear adoption. "I think it will start with the amendment or the passing of laws in the Lower House. Once done, it requires setting up the regulatory body, and for that regulatory body to build its capability and come up with regulations, policies, and guidelines for us developers to follow," Bernardo said. "The DoE (Department of Energy) has to come up with the right signal for developers to come up with their plans to make sure that we build accordingly," he added. Coordinated deals Bernardo noted that nuclear power plants, whose operations can last as long as 80 years, require a different set of policies for power deal contracts. "That is quite different from what we have now. The current CSP (Competitive Selection Process) policies are only for 15 years. Now, nuclear power plants can live as long as 40, 60 years, and some probably 80, so you have to match the two," he explained. According to Bernardo, nuclear power, particularly the small modular reactors, "have a place in our economy because we need all of them and we will need a lot of them." He, however, noted that developers need to make sure that they can deliver nuclear power safely. Aboitiz Power Corp., the holding company for energy-related investments of the Aboitiz Group, previously announced its exploratory discussion with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., an American firm that can potentially help the company’s local nuclear energy development. The forum yesterday served as a platform for industry experts, policymakers, and leaders to collectively deliberate on the significant questions and concerns related to the transition to nuclear energy. It covered the determining mechanisms for transition financing, assessing the commercial viability of nuclear energy, and exploring the potential for retrofitting and upgrading existing plants to be nuclear-capable. Congress support Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla reiterated that the government would need the support of Congress in ratifying a law that would help jumpstart nuclear development. 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. 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 power generation endeavors, the DoE has also tapped the National Economic and Development Authority to work on the private sector’s participation in nuclear development. The post Nuke developers call to set competitive playing field appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maritime bills aligned with UNCLOS — OSG
The country’s goal to pass a maritime zone law may oblige other countries to fully comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. The Office of the Solicitor General and the Philippine Coast Guard emphasized this during Monday’s hearing on the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said it could be the country’s “domestic version” of an international agreement. “These are the laws of the coastal state, and therefore all flag states with vessels plying, for example, our maritime waters would also have a duty to comply with the (said) laws,” Guevarra explained. Guevarra said a maritime zone law for the Philippines could “essentially become a reflection” of an international convention where the members comprise practically the entire international community. “There is an expectation of an obligation on the part of these member-states to comply with our own laws since these are, as I said, a reflection essentially of an international convention of which they are members,” he added. Citing the latest collision incident at the Ayungin Shoal, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said a maritime zones law would benefit law enforcement institutions “in clearly identifying the Maritime Zones of the Philippines.” “With respect to the incident that happened in the Ayungin Shoal which falls within the exclusive economic zone of our country, I think the passage of a maritime zone law will clearly strengthen our defined zones in our maritime jurisdiction,” he said. Article 76 of UNCLOS mandates all signatory states to respect maritime jurisdictions, which can be up to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines of a country where the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. The Senate is currently tackling eight proposed measures seeking to define and declare the maritime zones of the Philippines. In May, the House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 7819, declaring the maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the Philippines. HB 7819, which prompted the Senate to create the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, provides for a general declaration of the maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the Philippines. The maritime zones include the internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zones, and continental shelf. It aims to define the maximum extent of territorial sea (12 nautical miles), contiguous zone (24 nautical miles), EEZ (200 nautical miles), and continental shelf, allowing the delineation of continental shelves extending beyond 200 nautical miles, in accordance with UNCLOS. The bill also provides for sovereign rights over these maritime zones, thus establishing the Philippines’ exclusive rights to explore and exploit living and nonliving resources found in these zones. The post Maritime bills aligned with UNCLOS — OSG appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»