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PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to attend the final day of the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, or PBCE, sending Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instead. PBCE is the main assembly yearly of the country’s biggest trade group Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An incumbent president usually attends the second day of the PBCE to personally receive the business group’s resolution and suggestions on various issues. Malacañang did not give any detail on Marcos’ failure the biggest gathering of businessmen yearly. However, Vice President Sara Duterte attended the first day of the conference, in which she urged PCCI officials and members to join the Department of Education in reviewing the current senior high school system and provide valuable insights on skills matching in order to produce employable graduates. Besides the President, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual also did not make it which according to the Department of Trade and Industry communication’s chief, Undersecretary Kim Lokin, Pascual has not been feeling well since Wednesday. Cabinet officials, however, were in the event. They included Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan and Internal Revenue Commissioner Artemio Lumagui Jr. Resolution submitted Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. The resolution included the positions of various sectors, namely agriculture, energy and power; the environment and climate change; education and human resources development; industry and trade; ease of doing business and stability of rules and regulations; infrastructure, transport and logistics; innovation and digitalization; taxation, and tourism. Under the sectors of agriculture, energy and power, the business group urged the national government to develop a long-term plan to attain food security in agriculture and fishery through infrastructure support, technology transfer, product diversification, export enhancement, economies of scale, and adherence to the improvement of value chains and supply chains. For energy and power, the PCCI wanted the Marcos administration to ensure adequate and affordable power supply throughout the country by considering modern technology and harnessing renewable energy resources that meet the criteria of reliability and affordability. In terms of caring for the environment and climate change, PCCI officers and members also wanted the government to update and continue the execution of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (2010- 2022) which envisions a climate risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous, and self-reliant communities and thriving and productive ecosystems. For education and human resources development, the government was urged to propel the Philippine education system to world-class status by harnessing new technologies, fostering innovation, and implementing comprehensive reforms that will prepare students for success in the digital age and the globalized world of work. Empowering businesses For industry and trade, the Marcos administration wanted to empower industries and enterprises by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support programs to enhance their competitiveness both in the domestic and international markets, contribute to economic growth, and promote innovation in the Philippines’ industrial and trade sectors. Furthermore, the government was also advised to provide a stable and predictable business environment by ensuring clear, consistent, and transparent regulations, streamlining and simplifying bureaucratic processes, reducing unnecessary red tape, and eliminating barriers that hinder business growth and development. Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. Despite the ongoing Build, Better More infrastructure program, PCCI urged the government to implement a comprehensive national infrastructure, transportation and logistics master plan that outlines a long-term vision for connectivity and country-wide development. Together with the goal of urban decongestion, the strategy shall encompass the development of growth/business centers in different regions to create more employment opportunities and encourage people to relocate outside Metro Manila. The post PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP probes Abra bets’ withdrawal
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered an investigation into reports that 250 candidates in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Abra have backed out from the race......»»
Bucay town poll violence spills in metro
BAGUIO CITY — Hours before the shooting of a barangay kagawad candidate took place in Bucay town, Abra province, the wife of a candidate for village chief in the same town was confirmed abducted by unknown suspects in Parañaque City. Reports from the Parañaque City Police Station disclosed that the victim — identified as Bliss Progreso Loy, a teacher of Col. E de Leon Elementary School in Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City — was abducted in the morning of 18 October 2023. Initial investigations revealed that the teacher, together with her siblings, were on board a motorcycle at Matthew Street, Barangay Moonwalk, Parañaque City when two male persons on board a motorcycle blocked their way. The suspects grabbed the teacher and forced her inside a black van with plate number ABR-5730. The alleged kidnap victim is the wife of Benjamin Loy, a candidate for captain of Barangay Abang in Bucay town, Abra. Days before the alleged abduction, their house in the said barangay was ransacked by unknown assailants. The police are reviewing the CCTV footages to identify the suspects and the direction where the black van headed. At past 7 a.m. on 18 October, a candidate for barangay kagawad was shot two times by unidentified gunmen at Sitio Nagpasinan, Barangay Bangbangcag, Bucay, Abra. The victim was identified as Catalino Turalba Sr., a resident of Barangay Bangbangcag. Police reported that Turalba was on board his motorcycle with his son and was said to be heading to Barangay Palaquio of the same town. On their way, a riding on tandem followed him and one of the suspects shot him two times with a pistol of unidentified caliber. The victim was rushed to the St. Therese Hospital in Talogtog, Dolores, Abra by personnel of the 1504th Regional Mobile Force Battalion. He was later transferred to the Abra Provincial Hospital in Bangued where he expired. On 9 October 2023, an encounter ensued between the Bucay police and armed men where one of the suspects died. Series of events which led to the latest incident involving Turalba have brought “fear” among the people in the province and a sense of “helplessness” as reports of armed men continue to roam around. Abra officials appealed for the deployment of more government troops in the province especially in Bucay because of the election-related violence happening in the area. While the sight of uniformed personnel helps, a number of Abrenios clamor for further intervention of various groups and stakeholders to call out presence of violence in the province. The post Bucay town poll violence spills in metro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bersamin: Marcos ‘carefully considering’ permanent DA chief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering delegating the Department of Agriculture to someone else, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Thursday. Bersamin said that Marcos is aware that he probably needs a regular secretary to head the DA, especially given the numerous issues facing the agriculture sector. "But I think he's carefully considering who should be the agriculture secretary because the agriculture portfolio has a lot of issues," Bersamin said in an interview with Anthony Taberna. Bersamin said that he does not have any information yet on who Marcos favors, but he believes the President is on his way to making a decision. "He can't just leave it in the hands of people who can't decide quickly on a regular secretary. So I do not like to second-guess the President," Bersamin said. When asked if there is a shortlist of candidates, Bersamin said that there may be one, but he did not elaborate. Bersamin also said that Marcos has been thinking about delegating the DA portfolio for a while now and has been receiving advice from many people on the matter. "Some are also suggesting that it's time for him to delegate it to someone else so he can concentrate on other needs of the country," Bersamin said. However, Bersamin said that he believes that the advice that Marcos should still be the one to head the DA carries more weight. Marcos has been serving as the concurrent DA secretary since he assumed office in June 2022. The agriculture sector is facing a number of challenges, including rising food prices, supply chain disruptions and the effects of climate change. Marcos has pledged to make agriculture a top priority of his administration and has announced a number of measures to address the challenges facing the sector, such as increasing investments in agriculture, providing support to farmers and developing new technologies. The post Bersamin: Marcos ‘carefully considering’ permanent DA chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites
The official sendoff rites for the 500-strong Philippine team to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou takes place today at the Philippine International Convention Center with the Philippine Sports Commission leading the way. The 11 a.m. event will have as guest speaker Executive Secretary Luis Bersamin, according to PSC chairperson Richard “Dickie” Bachmann. “Our athletes are the heart and soul of the country’s campaign in Hangzhou, both in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games,” chairman Bachmann said. The opening ceremony of the Asian Games will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center on 23 September. A total of 481 events in 61 disciplines are going to be disputed. Team Philippines previously sent 271 athletes to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2018 and brought home four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes for 19th place. Golfer Yuka Saso (women’s individual and team events), weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (53kg) and skateboarder Margielyn Didal were the delegation’s top performers. “With the all-out support from our national government through the PSC, I’m positive that our athletes will deliver,” added the sports agency chief, who is set to be joined by PSC Commissioner Bong Coo, Commissioner Fritz Gaston, Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Commissioner Walter Torres in the event. Sports officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Paralympic Committee, the different National Sports Associations and Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission Richard Gomez are also expected to attend the sendoff rites. The post PSC leads Asiad sendoff rites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bersamin vows justice for Alzate
Malacañang on Saturday assured the public that law enforcement agencies would relentlessly work to solve the killing of lawyer Maria Saniata Liwliwa Gonzales Alzate in Abra. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, in a statement, condemned the “heinous act” by two still-unidentified men riding a motorcycle against Alzate while she was inside her parked car outside her house last 15 September. “We join our brothers and sisters in the legal profession in condemning the killing of Attorney Alzate, who was mercilessly gunned down in front of her home,” Bersamin said. Alzate was taken to a hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. Bersamin vowed that Alzate’s killers would be brought to justice. “We will ensure that our law enforcement agencies will work relentlessly to bring to justice those behind this heinous act,” Bersamin said. “Hot pursuit operations are already ongoing, and we call upon our citizens to remain vigilant,” he added, as he urged the public to “remain vigilant.” Bersamin described Alzate as a “fearless and steadfast” lawyer, describing her death as a “tragedy.” “She worked tirelessly both as a public interest lawyer and as a commissioner of bar discipline. Her death is a tragedy as well for the good province of Abra and for the legal profession,” he said. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines earlier described Alzate’s death as a “huge loss to the organization” where she served as chapter president for Abra. Abra Governor Dominic B. Valera condemned the killing of Alzate, calling for a “speedy and swift investigation and the immediate resolution” of the case. “Let us bring these perpetrators to justice. Let us make a strong stand against this violence that threatens our goal of a peace-loving Abra,” the governor added. With Mar Supnad The post Bersamin vows justice for Alzate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang
Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang was recently commended by his hometown Mexico, Pampanga for his dedication to public service and exemplary leadership, enabling him to rise from the ranks. The Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico on 11 September 2023 presented Bingcang a copy of Municipal Resolution No. 138-2023, which expresses the municipality’s “pride and honor” on the recent appointment of Bingcang to the top management position of BCDA. This comes on the heels of the Angeles City Council’s resolution last month commending Bingcang for bringing pride to the province of Pampanga. “Engr. Bingcang has performed vital tasks that prove his commitment and love for Pampanga and the Metro Clark areas through his roles in the planning and implementation of key projects,” a resolution issued by the Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico read. Bingcang led the completion of some of BCDA’s biggest projects, which serve as major social and economic growth drivers in Northern and Central Luzon. These are the completion of the Philippines’ longest toll road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway; the development of Clark Freeport Zone and the first phase of the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City; as well as the expansion and modernization of Clark International Airport. “We at BCDA will not be able to achieve all these accomplishments without the help of our public and private sector partners, like the Municipality Government of Mexico. A lot still needs to be done. We would like to get your continued support as we move forward with our One Clark vision, which will further put Pampanga and the rest of Northern and Central Luzon into the center of investment and development,” Bingcang said. Climbing the career ladder, Bingcang started working at BCDA as Project Development Officer III in 1996. He then held various positions on development and project management through the years until his promotion as Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group in 2019. In March 2023, he was appointed as President and CEO of the Clark International Airport Corporation, a subsidiary of the BCDA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. then appointed Bingcang as BCDA President and CEO, taking his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 6 June in Malacañang Palace. Born and raised in Mexico, Pampanga, Bingcang is a licensed electrical engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. He also attended an Urban Policy and Governance program at the Nanyang Technological University, and trained at the Harvard Kennedy School in Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure. -end- The post Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI
Led by Transportation Undersecretary Cesar B. Chavez, the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc. took their oath before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on Monday. Chavez, a consistent appointee to various government agencies by seven successive presidents, was elected president of the NDCPAAI for 2023-2025. He is currently Undersecretary for Railways under the Department of Transportation. “Grateful to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for administering our oath in Malacañang this morning as the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc.,” Chavez said. “Our association will strive to be more meaningful and relevant for its members and the country. We will actively foster a platform that encourages greater collaboration between the NDCP, its alumni, and stakeholders, contributing to the national discourse and policy development on all aspects of national security,” he added. Chavez pursued a military and national security education, completing courses such as basic and advance intelligence, psychological warfare, and command and general staff management. He earned a Master’s degree in National Security Administration at NDCP, a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Administration from Bicol University, and a Senior Executive certificate on national and international security from Harvard Kennedy School. He also finished the Strategic Management Program at the National University of Singapore. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” Domingo was elected vice president. Domingo has served as ambassador to New Zealand and held positions in the Philippine Missions to the UN, in New York and Geneva, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. NDCP executive vice president Aldrin Cuña was elected secretary general of the association. Captain Luidegar “Lloyd” Casis will head the committee on military affairs. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy. Casis is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992. He is currently chief of the capabilities and weapons systems division of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, OJ5, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Aboitiz InfraCapital first vice president Christopher Camba will chair the Committee on Ways and Means. With over 20 years of corporate experience within the Aboitiz Group, he has had diverse roles spanning audit, finance, operations, marketing, risk management, and government relations. Commission on Appointments director and NDCP professor Vladimir Mata was elected head of the Homecoming Committee. He is a lieutenant colonel and currently acting commander of the Marine Reserve Brigade in Northern Luzon. Zamboanga del Sur First District Rep. Divina Grace Yu will serve as chairperson of the Committee on Chairmanship. She has been serving as Deputy House Speaker since 2020. Morong, Rizal RTC Branch 79 Judge Maria Josefina San Juan-Torres was chosen to chair the Committee on Awards. She is vice president of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (Asia Pacific Chapter). Valenzuela City Administrator Atty. Jaime De Veyra will join Judge San Juan-Torres in the Awards Committee. He has held roles in the Public Estates Authority and the Philippine Mining Development Corporation as chief legal counsel and CEO. CGA Capt. Jeremias “Jerry” Simon will chair the Committee on Membership. The post Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD can give small rice retailers up to P15K financial aid amid ceiling order
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Tuesday said they are ready to provide cash assistance to small rice retailers who may incur losses due to the Malacanang-mandated price ceiling on rice which became effective yesterday 5 September. DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said he was directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to use the department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program to help small rice retailers recover their would-be losses from the temporary price cap. "We discussed with the President that we will use the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program once again so that our small retailers affected by this temporary price cap on rice can be assisted," Gatchalian said. Under Executive Order No. 39 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 31 August, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is P41 per kilo while the mandated price cap for well-milled rice is P45 per kilo. The DSWD chief said the SLP currently has a P5.5 billion budget which can be immediately used to help cushion the impact of the price cap on rice particularly among small rice retailers who have a very small inventory. The SLP is a capacity-building program that provides start-up capital for those who wish to start a small business, capital build for cases similar to the effects of the EO 39 to small businesses, and employment grants. Gatchalian said the Department is just waiting for the list of qualified small rice retailers, which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture. “Hopefully, by next week, we can conduct a payout for the sustainable livelihood grant to our affected rice retailers," Gatchalian said. To date, the DTI and the DA are currently coming up with a list of affected rice traders and rice retailers who will receive the government’s assistance. Gatchalian pointed out that the DSWD is ready to begin the nationwide payout to the qualified recipients of financial aid amounting to a maximum of Php15,000. “Bagamat kino-compute pa ng DTI at DA ang dapat matanggap ng bawat tatamaang rice retailers, ang maximum na ibinibigay ng programang SLP ay P15,000. One time big time,” the DSWD chief pointed out. Last Monday, the DSWD chief said he had a meeting with Speaker Martin Romualdez who vowed to raise P2 billion to help augment the SLP budget for the benefit of more small rice traders and retailers. “I told Speaker Romualdez that the SLP’s P5.5 billion is enough to help the distressed small rice retailers. But I also welcome the additional budget as this would mean more Filipinos will be given assistance under the SLP,” Gatchalian said. The post DSWD can give small rice retailers up to P15K financial aid amid ceiling order appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos imposes rice price cap of P41/P45
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has imposed a price cap on rice amid what the Palace described Thursday as supply chain challenges and widespread hoarding to effect an artificial shortage. Mr. Marcos’ Executive Order 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, set a mandatory price ceiling of P41 per kilo for regularly milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice. With the order released yesterday, Malacañang said the President seeks to ease “the considerable economic strain on Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized,” arising from the spiking inflation. In justifying the price cap, the EO cited reports from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry that members of a rice cartel have been actively engaged in hoarding and price manipulation. These illegal activities, coupled with global supply issues like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the oil price swings, have contributed to the rising rice prices, it added. Nonetheless, the EO said the arrival of imported rice and the expected local production surplus are seen to stabilize the rice supply. Marcos, who concurrently heads the DA, last week inspected several rice storage facilities and ordered the Bureau of Customs and other agencies to raid warehouses storing hoarded rice. He also ordered the Philippine Competition Commission to take action against the cartels. Likewise, he ordered penalties for merchants who leverage their dominant market position or who collude with one another to mark up rice prices. Rice price increased The National Economic and Development Authority said the price of rice in the Philippines increased by 1 percent from January 2022 to 4.2 percent in July 2023. Early in his administration, Marcos said his aspiration was to bring down the price of rice to P20 per kilo. The DA last month projected the supply of rice for the second semester would hit 10.15 million metric tons (MMT), of which 2.53 MMT is ending stock from the first semester. Of the volume, 7.20 MMT is the expected output from domestic production, with 0.41 MMT representing imported rice. The overall supply would result in an ending stock of 2.39 MMT which would be good for 64 days, more than enough to meet the present demand of 7.76 MMT, the DA said. The price cap shall remain in force until lifted by the President upon the recommendation of the Price Coordinating Council and the agriculture and trade departments. The DA and the DTI will lead in the implementation of EO 39 by doing price checks in wet markets and supermarkets. “The EO primarily mandates the DTI and the DA to strictly implement the price ceilings. We will visit major wet markets and retail stores in the coming days,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual told reporters. “This is not the sole responsibility of the DTI and DA because it’s a whole of government approach to ensure that rice in the markets is reasonably priced and remains a conveniently accessible staple food to Filipinos,” Pascual added. The DTI chief pointed out during the Laging Handa Public Briefing yesterday that the EO is not mainly on the retail price of rice but also its supply. Not a price freeze “There is no price freeze but a price cap, to be clear. Traders can still lower their prices. This EO is being implemented to prevent price manipulation in the market. Despite the ample supply, prices of rice surged in the past few days,” Pascual said. He maintained the price cap does not apply to other varieties of rice and is only meant for regular-milled rice and well-milled rice. “We have premium varieties that are not covered by the price cap. During our rounds, we will ensure that the subjects of EO 39 are not mislabeled as premium,” he added. Under the Price Act, retailers violating the price ceiling face imprisonment of from one to 10 years and/or fines of P5,000 to P1 million. Price manipulators and hoarders, on the other hand, face prison sentences from five to 15 years and fines of from P5,000 to P2 million. In a media interview in Palawan yesterday, where he opened the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month, Marcos said the DA and DTI will be joined by the Department of Justice and Department of the Interior and Local Government in enforcing the price ceiling. “We have put together a structure for the continuing monitoring,” the President said. “These agencies already have regular inspections when it comes to other issues, so they will now apply the price ceilings that I have ordered in the EO that I signed on Thursday.” Focus on Metro Marcos said the government will focus on Metro Manila, where the problem of rising rice prices is most acute. However, he urged the public to report retailers who are selling rice above the price ceiling to the police, the DA, the DTI, or their local government. “If you find someone selling rice above the price ceiling, please report it,” he said. “We need your help to ensure that everyone has access to affordable rice.” The price ceiling on rice was set in response to the recent surge in rice prices. As of 28 August, the average price of regular milled rice in Metro Manila was P42 per kilo, while the average price of well-milled rice was P48 per kilo. The post Marcos imposes rice price cap of P41/P45 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
October is communications month
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proclaimed October as Communications Month to emphasize its significance in fostering a nation, Malacañang said on Sunday. In a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed a two-page order that Marcos issued on 2 August. With that, Proclamation No. 308 proclaims 11 October as the anniversary of PCO. According to PCO, the move is an effort by the Marcos administration to acknowledge the "vital role" that media and communication play in involving and energizing the Filipino people and improving the standard of public dialogue on all governance issues. "The administration aims to provide true, accurate and relevant information regarding its policies, priority programs, and projects to nurture a well-informed and enlightened citizenry through appropriate media," Marcos said. With that, Marcos tasked the PCO with leading the annual celebration of Communications Month. In addition, Marcos invited everyone in government, business, and non-governmental groups to participate in and support the PCO's celebration of Communications Month and its anniversary. Secretary Cheloy Garafil now serves as the PCO's chief. She took over from attorney Trixie Cruz-Angeles in 2022 after the latter resigned from her position due to "medical reasons." The post October is communications month appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PULSO kiosks survey port users’ satisfaction
The Philippine Ports Authority on Tuesday unveiled its new Port Users and Locators Satisfaction Outlook or PULSO that will collate feedback from port customers and users. "This PULSO is a modern, real-time and efficient customer feedback system. The set of questions used in the system is based on the PPA's compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Authority. Through the system, the public can rate the PPA port services, service providers and shipping lines," PPA general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago told reporters during the celebration of PPA's 49th anniversary at its head office in Manila. "It features five languages to include English, Tagalog, Ilocano, Bisaya, and Pangasinense. Other languages can also be added as the need arises. A QR code is also provided for those who opt to answer the feedback form through the use of their mobile phones," he added. Santiago said the PULSO project is worth P87.350 million, with two years service contract under its software provider Cosmotech Philippines Inc. Santiago said 128 PULSO kiosks are already installed in all ports nationwide. The first kiosks were deployed at the Port of Abra de Ilog in Mindoro, Terminal Management Office in Capiz, and TMO Camarines in the first week of June 2023. As of 11 July 2023, all kiosks were already properly installed. Cruise terminals Meanwhile, Santiago said the PPA is finishing construction of world-class cruise ship terminals in Coron, Palawan; Currimao, Ilocos Norte; and Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. All three terminals are scheduled for completion this year or in the first quarter of 2024. "Similar to the airports, we want to build exclusively dedicated cruise terminals with the focus being to accept foreign tourists. It will have the best facilities, as well as customs and immigration personnel, excursion and tour operators, and kiosks that sell local products that would serve tourists, like a one-stop shop," the PPA chief said. The cruise terminals match the specifications of cruise vessels which are larger than cargo ships. According to the Department of Tourism, there are 139 cruise vessels scheduled to make their maiden port of call in the Philippines for 2023 and are set to tour around 36 tourist sites. He said the PPA has completed 30 infrastructure projects during the first term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Out of the 30 seaport infrastructure projects, 11 projects were completed in 2022, while projects were completed earlier this 2023, and 13 projects are ongoing this year. The post PULSO kiosks survey port users’ satisfaction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gadon takes oath of office amid disbarment controversy
President Ferdinand Marcos on Tuesday remained confident that Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon would contribute to addressing poverty in the country amid disbarment controversy. The Chief Executive said this on social media as Gadon took his oath of office before Marcos in Malacañang on Monday, 10 July, underscoring that the appointment of the said Presidential Adviser is among the steps his administration is taking to address poverty. "Our steps are continuous to end poverty in the country. Part of this is our appointment of Mr. Larry Gadon as Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation," Marcos said on his Twitter account. "We are confident that (Gadon's) experience and skills will help identify the needs of our countrymen," Marcos added. Marcos appointed Gadon as a presidential adviser to help combat poverty and improve the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society. However, the Supreme Court disbarred Gadon a few days after his appointment over making profane remarks against journalist Raissa Robles. Malacañang said last month that Gadon's work as an adviser will not be affected by his status. In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Gadon will stay in his new role to address the urgent matters in Marcos’ anti-poverty program. “The President believes he will do a good job,” Bersamin said. The post Gadon takes oath of office amid disbarment controversy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Abra farmers hope for steady water supply
BAGUIO CITY — Farmers of three towns of Abra is hoping that they will soon have a steady water supply for their farmlands after three diversion dam projects have already reached completion and are set for turn-over for full utilization. The Gonggong Diversion Dam in Poblacion, Malibcong; Lam-ag Diversion Dam in San Ramon East, Manabo and Ressang Diversion Dam in Cautit, Pidigan in Abra province are set to distribute water supply to around 59 hectares. The projects were granted to the farmers in the mentioned towns as per their request and are seen to boost rice production in Abra. The infrastructure projects worth more than P12 million were completed in March 2023 and are set to be turned over within the month of July this year coinciding with the celebration of the 36th year anniversary of the establishment of the Cordillera Administrative Region. They were funded by the Rive Banner Program being implemented by the Region Agriculture Engineering Division of the Department of Agriculture Cordillera. DA said that the completion of the diversion dams according to the DA is a big help to the farmers who normally have to wait for the rainy season as they are assured for ample water supply for their farms. RAED chief Filemon Salvador said that the farmers in return have to show they make good use of the infrastructures. “They have to possess the sense of ownership and practice their operation and maintenance plan in their projects,” Salvador said. The post Abra farmers hope for steady water supply appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lawyers seek De Lemos head for NBI blunder
A group of lawyers who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal blamed the recent significant mistakes of the National Bureau of Investigation on overstaying Director Medardo de Lemos and called for his immediate resignation. The Department of Justice confirmed that Jose Adrian “Jad” Dera, a co-accused of former senator Leila de Lima in her remaining drug case, was arrested by authorities on Wednesday, 21 June, after he allegedly went out from and came back to the NBI Detention Center. Dera’s lawyer says his medical condition necessitates his leaving the NBI premises, even as the NBI has its medical doctor. DoJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said that “firearms, cash, and other contraband” were confiscated from Dera. Six NBI security personnel were arrested together with Dera. Dera is also implicated in the slaying of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last 4 March 2023. Lawyer Levito Baligod, legal counsel for the Degamo family, said that aside from Jad Dera, alleged co-mastermind Marvin Miranda also enjoys furlough from corrupt NBI officials, leaving the NBI Detention Center as he pleases. A reliable source inside the bureau revealed that the Degamo witnesses’ recantation started with the arrest of Marvin Miranda, the alleged recruiter of the killers of Gov. Degamo. The same source said that he is an asset/informant of a newly-appointed Chief of a District Office of a province near Metro Manila, promoted by the NBI Director De Lemos himself. The same source said that unknown to the public, it was kept from the Department of Justice officials’ knowledge that Miranda is an asset/informant of a newly-installed Chief of a District Office of a province near Metro Manila. The same Chief of the District Office is married to a lady agent who also was a newly-installed Bureau Chief. The same person is rumored to be the paramour of the NBI Director. She was reported to have been with the latter during a foreign trip. “Miranda is a Trojan horse who has a connection with the top officials of the Bureau. And this is just one of the many things that are eroding the morale of the career officers and personnel of the NBI,” the source said in dismay. The widow of Governor Degamo, Pamplona, Negros Oriental Mayor Janice Degamo, in her Facebook post, said; “I have lost my trust in the NBI… It is in this facility that all gunmen recanted (their testimonies). Paano nangyari yun?” She added that “as if the Bureau has no IDEA at all how things like this could happen. Tapos nangyari ito na nahuli si Dera??? Tapos wala itong kinalaman sa recantation? Hanggang saan sa NBI umabot ang P25 million?” “We would request another agency of the government to handle the Degamo case, wag na sa NBI (expletive),” Mayor Janice emphatically said. An NBI source said the recantation of testimonies of all 10 gunmen in the Degamo case is a first in the history of the Bureau. The same group of lawyers said De Lemos might as well resign. He should have retired weeks ago as he reached the age of compulsory retirement last 8 June having reached the age of 65. “The compulsory retirement age of the NBI Director is sixty-five (65). Said position cannot be reappointed because the position is technical and not confidential,” as stated in the description of the position of the NBI Director. Extended term A copy of a memorandum from the Office of the President circulated on social media dated 9 June 2023, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to Secretary of Justice Crispin Remulla, states “… Mr. De Lemos, who holds a coterminous appointment as Director (Director VI) of the NBI, is considered automatically extended in the service upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 65 years on 8 June 2023, until the expiry date of his appointment which is until the end of the term of the President, unless his services are earlier terminated”. Executive Order 136 series of 1999 or the law Requiring Presidential Approval of Requests for Extension of Services of Presidential Appointees Beyond the Compulsory Retirement Age, however, states: “That Officials or employees who have reached the compulsory retirement age of 65 years shall not be retained in the service, except for exemplary meritorious reasons.” “The blunders at the NBI is surely not a meritorious reason for De Lemos to be extended in office,” one of the lawyers said. Also cited was a memorandum from Executive Secretary Salvador Madialdea, under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, dated 18 February 2021, and addressed to the heads of departments, agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of government, including Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations or GOCCs. “To ensure the effective and efficient delivery of service, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has instructed the strict adherence of all concerned to Republic Act 8921, otherwise known as the Government Service Insurance System Act 1997, which provides that the compulsory retirement age of government employees is sixty-five (65) years. As such, the extension of service of government officials and employees who have reached the compulsory retirement age will no longer be allowed,” the memorandum read. The post Lawyers seek De Lemos head for NBI blunder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
June 20 of every year declared as National Refugee Day
Proclamation 265, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on behalf of the chief executive, stated the government recognizes the necessity for a national observance of the World Refugee Day to protect and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers......»»
Genesis of graft, corruption
Graft and corruption grow luxuriantly in infertile soil. Sounds like an odd contradiction but Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, who is facing a complaint before the Ombudsman for his buy-now, authority-to-follow -later scheme, would surely understand this. Sounds cryptic? Let me explain. Just a few months after he was appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as senior undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture, he announced that 50,000 metric tons of fertilizer which the government would purchase on a government-to-government deal would be arriving sometime in October 2022. The shipment must have gone to Timbuktu because not a pound of it has arrived to this day. That volume of fertilizer should have substantially addressed the low productivity of rice and sugarcane. The same held true for rice farmers in the Cotabato provinces and elsewhere in Mindanao. This, plus the unjust and manipulative buying price of palay, is the basic reason we have run short of these consumer commodities. This is indeed a national shame considering that for a long period, we were exporting huge volumes of sugar and occasionally we, too exported rice. Panganiban served under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. when both rice and sugar production was at an all-time high. I surmised this could have been the reason PBBM got him to serve as his alter ego at the DA. After all, the success of the Masagana 99 program was partly attributed to him. However, he has outlived his usefulness or maybe was hopelessly overruled by some shady characters in the Palace who wanted to make a fast buck. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin owned up to Panganiban’s unusual rush to fast-track the huge shipments of sugar ahead of orders from the proper authorities. As a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Bersamin saw no legal impediment to Panganiban’s order to proceed with the importation. The complainants, however, saw it differently so let’s wait and see whether the Ombudsman will indict him or not. Whether the importation of sugar is legit or not is another story. Failure to respond to the more compelling need to address the low productivity in sugar and rice is a mortal sin. Importing these commodities as a solution is the height of idiocy and is actionable in hell. And this contributes significantly to the uptick in inflation that the country faces today. The late President Marcos Sr. left a template for agricultural productivity. It would take another column to explain that in detail, but PBBM should have looked into that first when he took up the job of Secretary of Agriculture on top of being President. Nearly a year in office and yet there is no indication whatsoever that PFEM’s legacy in the field of agricultural productivity has invited the curiosity of the new appointees in the Department of Agriculture. There is no hint this government is going to revive the National Food Authority, and nobody talks about the resuscitation of Food Terminal Incorporated. This is indicative of the ignorance, incompetence, and nonchalance of Marcos’ subalterns in the DA. If agriculture is indeed the backbone of the Philippine economy, then we are in for some trouble ahead of us unless PBBM overhauls the department and installs someone competent to handle the job. I cannot fault PBBM though since, as a kid growing up in those days of the agricultural bonanza, boys his age were fancying girls in miniskirts and Elvis Presley. But again, Panganiban is aware of it all except that these days his interests and priorities had taken a different turn and were misplaced. Importation and abetting of smuggling have been the order of the day and our law enforcers look on in what seems like a happy acquiescence. Such is the genesis of graft and corruption. The post Genesis of graft, corruption appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No state pension funds in MIF
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public the national government will not use state pension funds Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System as “seed funds” to finance the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund. The Chief Executive made the assurance in an interview with reporters at the 86th-anniversary celebration of GSIS, hours after the Senate passed Senate Bill 2020 creating the MIF. The Senate approved the controversial sovereign fund bill, voting 19-1-1 at around 2:30 in the morning of Wednesday following 12 hours of deliberations. Marcos explained, however, that the pension funds themselves could invest in the proposed sovereign wealth fund if they believe it is a “good investment.” “We will not use it as a seed fund. However, if a pension fund decides the Maharlika Fund is a good investment, it’s up to them if they want to invest in it, not only pension funds but corporations,” Marcos said. “Those funds, that’s all they do, they grow their money so they have something to give,” Marcos added. Marcos said this is what GSIS has been doing. He said GSIS makes sure that “they are very solid (and) that they are very stable” so that they could give out all the payments (to its members). “We have to differentiate those two things,” he added. In a separate interview, GSIS president Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said they would abide by the lawmakers’ decision regarding the MIF. “I don’t have any idea about what other discussions are happening about those things. We will only do one thing, whatever the decision of the lawmakers is because they listen to our people, whatever they want, that’s what we will follow,” Veloso told reporters. “So we are just guided by the direction that is given to us,” he added. Unanimous approval During Tuesday’s plenary session which ran until early Wednesday, senators unanimously approved the fund measure shortly after it was approved on second reading. A total of 19 senators voted in favor of the passage of the Maharlika bill, while only one senator voted against it and one abstained. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros objected to the measure while Senator Nancy Binay abstained from voting. Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Imee Marcos, who also opposed the measure, were not present. During the period of individual amendments, senators introduced several changes to the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund, including a ban on government financial institutions such as the SSS, GSIS, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, OWWA Fund, Philippine Veterans Affairs Pension Fund, Office Pension Fund, and other government social welfare entities investing in the sovereign wealth fund. The amendment, which was introduced by Senator Raffy Tulfo, was accepted by Senator Mark Villar, the principal author, and sponsor of the measure. With the approval of the measure in the Upper Chamber, the Maharlika bill is now closer to enrollment for the President’s signature. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri designated Senators Villar, Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III as the Senate contingent to the bicameral conference committee. Contingents from both the House of Representatives and Senate are to convene at 11 a.m. today to reconcile the disagreeing provisions in their respective versions of the Maharlika bill. Economic team lauds Senate Meanwhile, Marcos’ economic team lauded the Senate for passing the Maharlika Investment Fund. “The economic team commends Senate President Miguel Zubiri and Senator Mark Villar for their thorough deliberation and prioritization of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund Act,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. “The Senate leadership pulled out all the stops to ensure that the bill we bring to the President reflects the administration’s objective of creating a profitable and secure investment fund,” he added. The bill’s speedy approval was backed by Diokno, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe M. Medalla, who were all present during the prolonged Senate session. Budget Secretary Pangandaman, for her part, said the Senate’s version of the MIF has “multiple” safeguards against potential misuse. “This is a great stride towards our long-term progress and will boost our efforts for economic growth,” Pangandaman said. “This includes multiple safeguards — we have an audit committee, there’s an advisory board, and there’s a congressional oversight committee. It adheres to the internationally known Santiago principles, there’s the (Commission on Audit), and it has (a) procurement law, so I think we have enough safeguards,” she added. She highlighted potential financial resources from the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, central bank dividends, and income from privatization. @tribunephl_tiz @tribunephl_jom The post No state pension funds in MIF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos assures SSS, GSIS funds won’t be used as MIF seed fund
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that the national government would not use state pension funds Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System as "seed fund" to finance the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund. The Chief Executive said this in an interview with reporters after he attended the 86th-anniversary celebration of GSIS, hours after the Senate passed Senate Bill No. 2020 creating the MIF. The Senate approved the controversial sovereign fund bill, voting 19-1-1 at around 12:30 in the morning following 12 hours of deliberations. However, Marcos explained that the pension funds themselves could invest in the proposed sovereign wealth fund if they believe it is a "good investment." "We will not use it as a seed fund. However, if a pension fund decides the Maharlika Fund is a good investment, it's up to them if they want to invest in it, not only pension funds but corporations," Marcos said. "Those funds - that's all they do, they grow their money so they have something to give," Marcos added. Marcos said this is what GSIS have been doing. He said GSIS is making sure that "they are very solid (and) that they are very stable" so that they would give out all the payments. "We have to differentiate those two things," he added. In a separate media interview, GSIS President Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said that they would only abide with the lawmakers' decision regarding the MIF. "I don't have any idea about what other discussions are happening about those things. We will only do one thing, whatever the decision of the lawmakers is because they listen to our people, whatever they want, that's what we will follow," Veloso told the reporters. "So we are just guided by the direction that is given to us,” he added. Economic team lauds Senate for passing MIF bill Meanwhile, Marcos' economic team lauded the Senate for passing the Maharlika Investment Fund. "The economic team commends Senate President Senator (Juan Miguel) Migz Zubiri and Senator Mark Villar for their thorough deliberation and prioritization of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund Act," Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. "The Senate leadership has pulled out all the stops to ensure that the bill we bring to the President reflects the administration's objective of creating a profitable and secure investment fund," he added. The bill's speedy approval was backed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Finance Secretary Diokno, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe M. Medalla, who were all present and seated during the prolonged session. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, for her part, said the Senate's version of the MIF has "multiple" safeguards against potential misuse. "This is a great stride towards our long-term progress and will boost our efforts for economic growth," Pangandaman said. "This includes multiple safeguards— we have an audit committee, there's an advisory board, and there's a congressional oversight committee. It adheres to the internationally-known Santiago principles, there's (Commission on Audit), and it has (a) procurement law, so I think we have enough safeguards," Pangandaman added. Pangandaman additionally highlighted the Landbank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, income from privatization, funds from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and dividends obtained from the central bank as potential financial resources. The post Marcos assures SSS, GSIS funds won’t be used as MIF seed fund appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bersamin defends sugar imports
The government can import sugar even without the issuance of a sugar order, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Tuesday. “Our opinion is that a sugar order is not required to be issued prior to the importation,” Bersamin said during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing into the entries of around 440,000 metric tons of sugar in Philippine ports ahead of the issuance of Sugar Order 6. “Your query a while ago is whether a sugar order is indispensable to the authorization of an importation. Prior issuance of a sugar order is not necessary for starting the process of importation of sugar,” he added. The former chief justice made the remarks after Senator Risa Hontiveros asked if a sugar importation can proceed without a sugar order. To recall, Hontiveros called on the Senate panel to investigate the importation of sugar which arrived on 9 February, ahead of the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s issuance of Sugar Order 6 on 15 February. Bersamin also told the Senate panel that the importation of sugar totaling 440,000 metric tons was “legitimate” and “fully authorized.” “We confirmed that the (sugar) importation was legitimate and fully authorized by the government. The importation was not an effort at cartelization nor was it about government smuggling of sugar,” he said. He explained that the importation was undertaken as a “sincere move to check the rising inflation and food prices that were prejudicing the public in the months leading to January 2023.” “The administration thereby made sure that the importation would establish a buffer stock of sugar as a measure to regulate price increases in a large way. Citing the original function of the SRA, Bersamin also told the panel that the agency “has nothing to with sugar importation.” “We were at that time, a net exporter of sugar,” he said. “The creation of the Sugar Regulatory Commission under this EO had nothing to do with sugar importation,” he added, referring to Executive Order 18, which was signed by then-President Corazon Aquino in 1996. “To us in the Office of the President, we have committed no irregularity nor violation when we issued that sugar. Neither was there any violation committed by any of the parties involved in this questioned transaction,” he said. “As we read it, the Department of Agriculture, the SRA, and the Bureau of Customs all acted in accordance with the law,” he added. ‘Grave implications’ In a press briefing, Hontiveros expressed concern over the “grave implications” of the remarks made by the executive secretary during the Senate hearing. “It looks like the legislature was robbed by the executive in its role in policymaking. The implications were heavy,” she said. “What we witnessed earlier was a change in the rules, changes in effect, [and] laws — right in front of our very eyes. To tell that sugar order is not needed before importing sugar, a regulated commodity,” she added. The lawmaker also mentioned the sugar fiasco last year which led to the resignation of former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez. The post Bersamin defends sugar imports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»