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Abegail Rait donates Francis M photo memorabilia to Boss Toyo
After a few months of silence since revealing in the same online show that she has a child with the late Francis M, Abegail Rait has returned to Boss Toyo to give him six photos allegedly taken from her and Francis M's past trips. .....»»
Marcial gets chance to test technical skills vs Thai
Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will have his hands full as he fights a technical fighter in Thoedsak Sinam this weekend at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila......»»
On leaving PDP Laban
On Friday, 20 October, I submitted my resignation as the Secretary-General and as a member of the PDP Laban Party. In my resignation letter, I expressed my utmost gratitude to former President Rodrigo Duterte, our party chairman, for the trust and confidence conferred during my incumbency as the PDP Laban Secretary-General. I served the party under him with loyalty and delivered on the duties and responsibilities assigned to me. As a contributing opinion writer in this newspaper, I want to express my opinion on matters concerning national issues affecting ordinary Filipinos without being tied to the political stand of PDP Laban. I was always for nation-building. I believe that after the political season, we can discuss political, economic, and social matters in a manner that is not corrosive but beneficial to our country’s economic well-being. I believe that the incumbent knows their pact with the Filipinos and that they will fulfill it in a manner befitting the proud Filipino class. All of these are written in our Constitution. It is very important for us to support the incumbent, especially when they have a clear political mandate. It is not about the personalities but about protecting our institutions of leadership, like the three branches of our government. This is the only way to have a truly strong republic and attain economic growth. There is this one hypothesis that institutional weaknesses caused by political instability may have been one of the huge reasons why we have left the boat to industrialization. (Jeffrey G. Williamson & Emmanuel S. de Dios, 2014. “Has the Philippines forever lost its chance at industrialization?” Philippine Review of Economics, University of the Philippines School of Economics and Philippine Economic Society, vol. 51(2), pages 47-66, December.) The hypothesis is that perennial political instability and legitimacy crises hinder investment and growth. Between 1983 and 1986, the economy plunged. Then came the Edsa revolt. There was political instability, too, in the incumbency of President Cory Aquino, given the seven coup attempts. Further political instability in the 2000s because of the question of corruption led to another revolt to replace President Estrada. However, questions of PGMA’s legitimacy led to mass rallies and attempted coups- political instability. The political instability during the 1990s prompted investor services to grade the Philippines as a “high political risk” from 1984 to 1991. The timing of the political uncertainties was unfortunate, too. It coincided with the spillover and relocation of Japanese manufacturing to Southeast Asia; Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia benefitted but not the Philippines. As a result, Foreign direct investments to Thailand from 1987 to 1991 were USD 24 billion, while the Philippines only had a measly USD 1.6 billion for the same period. It is clear to me that political stability is the path to economic growth. To not undermine the institutions created under our Constitution. Confidential Funds I wanted to elaborate on my stand regarding the issue of confidential funds in local government. I hope Congress will tackle this not to find fault or to blame anybody but to craft a law prohibiting the practice of it. Giving the discretion to local executives to appropriate confidential funds in their favor is inimical to the interests of the Filipinos. LGUs earn revenues from taxing landholders, however small. It will be similar to the Philippines in the 1800s, with small farmers paying tributes to their Spanish conquistadors without explaining where the money was going. This is why Filipino farmers refused to work on their lands, prompting the Spanish friars to wrongfully brand the Filipinos as indolent. The practice of confidential funds will create dynasties and tyrants at the local level, and soon, even the barangay captains will appropriate for themselves confidential funds. They will claim they have the same rights as their mayor since they maintain peace and order at the barangay level. It is absurd and unjust. It will plunge us into chaos. The elections will be dirty and bloody. Confidential funds in the LGUs will not bring us peace and order, only greater income inequality and poverty. Congress must act. Our nation’s well-being is at stake. The post On leaving PDP Laban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BoC-NAIA turns 63
Beyond Borders: A New Era for Digitalization and Customs Excellence was the theme chosen by the Bureau of Customs -Ninoy Aquino International Airport to commemorate its 63rd founding anniversary and over 60 years of dedicated public service. District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa emphasized the BoC-NAIA’s impressive accomplishments and development while Collector Mapa praised the port’s exceptional revenue collection record, which generated a total of P31.3 billion in revenue from January to September this year. This represented an increase of P1.3 billion over the prior year and outperformed the collection target for the time by P1.1 billion. This success demonstrates BoC-NAIA’s ongoing dedication to assisting the Bureau in achieving its broad objectives. Collector Mapa stated that in August 2023, BoC-NAIA passed its second surveillance audit for ISO quality management system certification, recognizing the value of simplified customs procedures. With 23 enrolled ISO-certified processes and 10 ISO support processes, the port has the most certified processes of any BOC port. With this accreditation, cargo clearance procedures are guaranteed to be recognized internationally, facilitating trade for stakeholders and customers. She added that BoC-NAIA will remain steadfast in its enforcement policies, intercepting narcotics with an estimated street value of P994 million in 2023. Collector Mapa highlighted the port’s role in preventing the entry of illicit goods, seizing a total of P1 billion worth of drugs, jewellery, wildlife, currencies, medicines, and other regulated items. The port received commendations from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for curbing wildlife smuggling. BoC-NAIA is aggressively advancing digitization initiatives in keeping with the celebration’s theme. The port is organizing consultative discussions for the electronic tracking of air cargo and is currently in the pilot testing phase of the electronic airwaybill filing. In addition, there are plans to categorize goods and work with pertinent organizations to integrate iDeclare into the e-travel system to provide a centralised platform for trip declarations. A memorandum of agreement between the BoC and the Philippine Postal Corporation was ceremonially signed during this celebration in an effort to speed up, secure and enhance the quality of customs clearance for postal commodities. At the ceremony, BoC-NAIA showcased its newly revamped website and E-Airway Bill System, showcasing its dedication to operating more efficiently. The event was capped off with awards for top imports and standout personnel, underscoring their critical contribution to the port’s development and prosperity. Collector Mapa expressed appreciation to Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, Deputy Commissioners, and Bureau of Customs employees for their assistance and the chance to assist stakeholders. Collector Mapa stressed the port’s commitment, saying, “This is who we are. This is the customary excellence we are honoured to exude. Unfazed by any threat. Straightforward in the application of policies and loyal to the direction of the agency Performing our duties even beyond borders and striving to introduce digitalization programs tailored for the unique operations of the airport.” Rubio, who graced the celebration, commended the BoC-NAIA for their hard work and dedication in forging economic growth and serving as a vital gateway for trade. “Reflecting upon the journey that brought us to this milestone after six eventful decades, we must acknowledge the individuals who have dedicated themselves to the development of the Port of NAIA — from the pioneers who envisioned its potential to the diligent officers who labor tirelessly day in and day out,” he said. The post BoC-NAIA turns 63 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Son of a gun
What is it about carrying around a firearm that transforms a Dr. Jekyll into a Mr. Hyde? Lately, the public has been treated (if that is the right word) to a slew of spectacles showing ordinary citizens involved in gun-toting road rage incidents. There would be a traffic altercation, it would turn confrontational, one person would alight from his vehicle, pull out a gun and point it at his adversary to intimidate him. Unfortunately for these “kawawang” cowboys (to borrow the song lyrics of the late Fred Panopio), they forget that the entire population these days is armed with phone cameras. Their gung-ho attitude is caught on camera and posted online, going viral among a population looking for sensational footage. Worse for the bully, since there are a lot of reelectionist senators, such videos invariably trigger a Senate inquiry supposedly in aid of legislation, never mind if our country already has strict gun laws. This would inevitably give the anti-gun advocates another chance to restate their mantra of “guns are evil,” disregarding the fact that firearms are inanimate objects that do not spontaneously pull their own triggers without human intervention. Those like us who are in favor of the right to carry arms — under the proper legal regulations, of course — would then counter with our own mantra: “Guns don’t kill; people do.” The debate is monotonously repeated every time there are morons such as that bald Gonzales character, who unlawfully use guns. The call for a total gun ban to address the issue is a knee-jerk reaction by jerks. For every a-hole who pulls out his gun out of pique, there are tens of thousands like me who have never used their firearm even under pressure. I believe that the safeguards now in place for applicants for gun licenses have been effective in filtering out the vast majority of psychos who cannot handle the perceived “power” born out of carrying a gun. To call for a firearms ban just because some weirdos out there abuse their privilege to carry guns is like calling for a total ban on cars simply because there are a few drivers who get into accidents due to their lack of driving skills. In this connection, I have been wondering why my proposal to test drivers’ IQs, and if it is low, to put a notice on their cars saying “Warning: Stupid Driver” (much like the notice on beginners’ cars, “Warning: Student Driver”) has fallen on deaf official ears. My best friend, Dr. Francis Aquino, a psychology major before becoming an anesthesiologist, once told me that those who swagger around, gun in hand, are covering up for something. The psychoanalytic term he used was “compensation.” It may be for lack of parental affection when an infant, lack of wealth or power, a timid nature, or even — seriously — a small penis. Doc Francis added that sometimes those who drive the biggest cars or pack a gun with the longest barrel are those with the smallest dicks. Well, I drive a compact car and have a snub-nose revolver, so draw your own conclusions. Reminds me of that famous quote from Mae West: “Is that a gun in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?” Levity aside, a legal gun-carrying citizen should always possess the proper mindset when lugging around his weapon for protection. He should be aware of the multitude not only of the online hatred that he will be getting when he unlawfully unholsters his firearm and uses it to threaten someone but of the legal problems he will face afterward. And then there is the possibility of encountering someone who also has a gun, or who has armed bodyguards, in which case the resulting shootout will definitely result in casualties, both on the part of the combatants and, worse, of innocent bystanders. In this case, one might end up being a dead son of a gun. The post Son of a gun appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chronic bureaucratic lapses
The entire bureaucracy suffers from serious lapses. Let’s borrow the phrase, “seven deadly sins,” as a handle to better understand how they indicatively fail to inform public policy on what government “should do or should not do,” to wit: First: “Tight fiscal space.” A little over 60 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) is reserved for foreign lending institutions with which the country has huge borrowings. Consequently, the government has to make do with the remaining less than 40 percent in terms of public spending. It’s no urban legend that about 45 percent of these allocable public funds is siphoned off due to massive corruption across all levels of government. Second: “Good governance.” The term, as often used, is an oxymoron. Whenever presidential appointees in any line department, agency, or bureau introduce reforms or new management ideas into state affairs, it’s unfortunate that outcomes and impacts go in the opposite direction — or bad governance overshadowing good. Isn’t it a paradox that the “top brass” of the Manila International Airport Authority were dismissed by the Ombudsman even as key stakeholders and captains of industry (i.e., the Makati Business Club) vetted and vouched for their performance par excellence on the job? Contrivedly, a purely management issue just shouldn’t be within the purview of the Ombudsman. For another, how is it that the housing program has become too costly for the government? Reportedly, P36 billion in interest is accrued by the government every year if one million houses are built. With a target of three million houses, the onerous interest is pegged at P100 billion every year, a “sunk cost” that the economy can ill afford to sustain. Why even start a program that demands that humongous amount of interest on a year-by-year basis? Third: “Street-level bureaucracy.” Nearly the whole range of public affairs appears to be manned by those we can compare to a typical traffic enforcer, gate guard, or utility aide, who, if given a chance to exercise a little authority, tend to behave as their actuations come directly from above. Fourth: “Tax hike.” Some strange mathematicians in Congress thought of taxing vehicles per kilo of weight, coupled with jacking up taxes on vehicle users by as much as 90 percent. Worse, how can there be an increase in the road users’ tax – year in and year out? Fifth: “45 seconds turnaround time.” This is the kind of rhetoric that rests on the “big bluff” or what one legislator calls a “promissory note,” or the carrot, to get what they want in their agency budgets. Scenes like offloading, missed flights, and logjams would never be a thing of the past since the Bureau of Immigration operationalized its new set of guidelines that are essentially racist, if not anti-poor, against outbound Filipino travelers, while sparing foreign travelers. Sixth: “Privatization overdrive.” There’s a dangerous pattern or trend of government aiming to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, all 45 casinos of PAGCOR, some mass transport systems (e.g., LRTs), and the toll expressways. Whether or not this privatization track is driven by the “gospel of efficiency” is another story. More likely, it’s because it opens doors to raising “windfall capital” and making available “alternative investments.” Seventh: “Multiple allotments.” As if a mere afterthought, there are “double entries,” even multiple ones, in the National Expenditure Plan that bloat the budget and such entries by various agencies even insulate them from any accountability. This explains why what is budgeted — twice or thrice — cannot be disbursed over and over again, not to mention the perennial failure of most line departments to fully utilize their budgets. In the voluminous General Appropriations Act the President signs, every budget cycle has become a “hiding place” for public funds that only trained eyes can declassify as “significant others,” for lack of a better term. It isn’t remote to say that when an agency prepares its budget, it knows under which item in its “shopping list” the money is. The post Chronic bureaucratic lapses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Secure amnesty before fines hiked
Corporations and associations who have been delinquent in filing their annual reports should avail of the amnesty program before higher penalties kick in starting in October. “We reiterate our reminder to all corporations that starting a business does not end with registration with the SEC. This is just the first step — they must faithfully comply with reportorial requirements thereafter to ensure their continuity and sustainability,” Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Emilio Aquino said over the weekend. Last 15 March, the SEC issued SEC Memorandum Circular 2, Series of 2023, or the grant for non-filing and late filing of the General Information Sheet or GIS and Annual Financial Statements or AFS, and non-compliance with Memorandum Circular 28, Series of 2020 or MC 28. The amnesty, which comes in the form of a waiver or reduction of fees, is part of the Commission’s efforts to encourage its regulated entities to comply with their reportorial requirements under Republic Act 11232 or the Revised Corporation Code. Around 40,000 corporations have since completed their amnesty application with the SEC, allowing them to reclaim their good standing or corporate registration with the SEC. “The SEC Amnesty Program is a chance for corporations and associations to get a fresh start in their compliance with reportorial requirements, so they continue to enjoy the benefits and privileges of being a registered corporation,” Aquino said. Condonation streamlined To make the process simpler, the SEC streamlined the amnesty application process to encourage more corporations to avail of the program. Corporations now need only answer a web-based form available on their Electronic Filing and Submission Tool or eFAST accounts, replacing the submission of the notarized Expression of Interest Form and Amnesty Application Form. Likewise, corporations no longer need to file an undertaking to submit the latest due AFS within 90 days from the amnesty application. The post Secure amnesty before fines hiked appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BuCor chief lobs kubol ultimatum
All inmates or whom the government prefers to call persons deprived of liberty, or PDLs must immediately dismantle their kubols, which are the private residences, inside the supposed maximum-security New Bilibid Prison. Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the removal of the exclusive facilities will be immediate. The problem has been recurring since the term of the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III when a series of raids resulted in the removal of the amenities that high-profile detainees enjoy. Later on, during President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, it was found that the NBP was used as a transit point for the drug trade involving several detained drug lords. “This is part of the continued efforts of the Bureau of Corrections for the security of PDLs. Thus all structures in the seven Operating Prison and Penal Farms nationwide to voluntarily dismantle or the bureau will do it for them,” he said. Raps will be imposed Catapang said the Kubols are not the luxury huts seen in the past that were occupied only by moneyed PDLs but these are makeshift dividers made of plywood constructed for privacy and additional space. “Nevertheless, we ask them to demolish these for transparency,” he said. Yesterday, PDLs at the New Bilibid Prison voluntarily dismantled 60 makeshift rooms or kubols located at the security housing building 1 and 6 NBP North, SHB 9 NBP East Quadrant 4 and SHB 7 NBP West Quadrant 2 while the dismantling of kubols in Quadrant 3 Maximum security compound is still ongoing. Catapang warned that if there are still kubols installed inside the NBP by Monday, Bucor personnel from the Diversified Maintenance Unit will tear it down. “I have instructed newly appointed Deputy Director General for Operations, Gil Torralba to lead this operation including the Greyhound (Galugad) operation that will be conducted regularly at the national penitentiary,” Catapang said. Torralba for his part told Catapang “We will clean up BuCor, Sir.” “We need to do this so that we can confiscate contrabands still in possession of PDLs. They are fully aware that we have given them the chance to surrender all illegal items but if they still refuse and they are caught red-handed, I’m sorry to say that they will have to stay longer at NBP as we will not hesitate to file charges against them,” Catapang said. The post BuCor chief lobs kubol ultimatum appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Moment of legacy’:Pinoy producers making B’way history with ‘Here Lies Love’
[caption id="attachment_157582" align="aligncenter" width="546"] Don Michael Mendoza and Georgina Pazcoguin.GIRLIE Rodis[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157584" align="aligncenter" width="193"] Giselle Tongi[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157583" align="aligncenter" width="351"] Adam Handyman, Bobby Garcia,[/caption] Here Lies Love, the Broadway musical about former First Lady Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution, is not only the first Broadway production to have a cast composed entirely of Filipinos. It is also the first to have so many Filipinos on its producing team. The latest HLL Pinoy producers are Black Eyed Peas singer Apl.de.Ap and DJ CherishTheLuv. They are part of a distinguished group that includes celebrated performers, renowned artists and accomplished advocates who are of Filipino blood and are proud to be part of the innovative show. Named as producers are Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbader as executive producer. They are joined by Lea Salonga (who is in the cast), H.E.R., Jo Koy, Bobby Garcia, Giselle “G” Töngi, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, Girlie Rodis, Miranda Gohh, Rob Laqui, Georgina Pazcoguin, Don Michael H. Mendoza, Adam Hyndman, Yasuhiro Kawana, Triptyk Studios, Shira Friedman, James L. Nederlander, Kevin Connor, Patrick Trettenero, Elizabeth Armstrong, Cathy Dantchik, Wendy Federman/Suzzane Niedland, Luke Katler/Ryan Solomon, Laura Ivey/Janet Brenner and Hunter Arnold/TBD Theatricals. David Byrne, co-founder of the ‘80s New Wave group Talking Heads and the brains behind the concept and music of HLL, said to The Washington Post’s Gina Apostol that this was what he intended. The Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician explained, “I wanted producers who understand what it means, not just to them personally but to the Filipino community.” ‘Phenomenal musical’ Getting the producers on board was not difficult because of HLL’s history. In 2013, HLL premiered off-Broadway at New York City’s The Public Theater where it played until 2015. It also had runs at London’s National Royal Theatre from 2014 to 2015, and at the Seattle Repertory Theater in 2017. Tony Award-winning producer Adam Hyndman was among the audience of HLL’s off-Broadway debut. “I was so impacted that I saw it three times and brought everyone I knew!” he recalled. When he was invited to bring the project to the world’s most famous theater circuit — Adam had produced the Broadway musicals Aladdin, Once On This Island, Hadestown and The Inheritance — his response was immediate: “I jumped on board because I knew HLL would be more than just another show, but rather a moment of legacy.” G Töngi, who had made a name for herself as an actress/host/VJ in the Philippines in the 1990s, was likewise fired up when she witnessed HLL at Seattle Repertory. “I walked away from that experience feeling so seen,” she said. The musical brought her back to 1986 when she, as a child, marched in the streets outside Malacañang with her mother. Atlantis Productions founder Bobby Garcia, who mounted the Philippine productions of Rent and Angels in America, has been involved with HLL since 2014, when it premiered at London’s National Theater. Bobby said, “(Director) Alex Timbers kept me in the loop of potential productions. Patrick Catullo and Clint Ramos approached me about joining the team as co-producer and talked to me about how the show would have a revolving door of Filipino artists from Manila to play Aurora Aquino (the mother of Ninoy Aquino).” The opportunity was simply too good to pass up, said Garcia. “As an advocate of Filipino talent, I wanted to be part of bringing this phenomenal musical to the Broadway stage and opening the door for talent from the Philippines to cross the ocean and make their Broadway debuts.” Breaking ground Garcia’s friend, veteran talent manager and stage and film producer Girlie Rodis, certainly understands what he meant. “Whether you’re someone on stage or someone working behind the scenes, the big break doesn’t come often,” said Rodis. “So when Bobby talked to me in 2021 about joining him as co-producer, no questions asked. More than the prospect of giving breaks to our talented Filipino artists, it’s the chance to carve a legacy that made me tell Bobby, ‘Count me in!’ Who would have thought that a Broadway musical production would have an all-Filipino cast and depict the history of the Philippines? Now it’s finally happening.” HLL’s Broadway debut is set to break ground in American media and performing arts. “This visibility of Filipino performers in leading roles on Broadway just fills my heart,” said Georgina Pazcoguin, New York City Ballet’s first Asian-American female soloist and co-founder of the diversity initiative Final Bow for Yellowface. For actor and stage/TV/new media producer Don Michael H. Mendoza, the impact will definitely be long-term. “Like Hamilton does for actors of color, Here Lies Love will provide employment to countless Filipino performers, musicians and production staff for many years to come. Moreover, it will teach the audience about a people that was always in front of them for decades, but playing other ethnicities. Now it’s our turn to be seen and loved by the audiences for who we are as Filipinos. Not as anyone else.” Bayanihan spirit The bayanihan spirit, or cooperative spirit that Pinoys are known for, is very present among the HLL producers. A number of them are based outside of New York and a few — like Rodis — are outside the US. But thanks to technology and fueled by a united passion, they have formed a strong bond and have achieved their tasks outstandingly. “Being a Here Lies Love co-producer has, at long last, connected me with my culture in a way I’ve been craving. For the first time ever I’m surrounded by co-workers who share a part of my identity,“ said Pazcoguin. Rodis added, “Collaborating with this incredible group of Filipino co-producers has already given me so much. Tony award-winning designer Clint Ramos and producer Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, have been supportive and generous. It’s a blessing to be in this company.” A few days before Here Lies Love opens on Broadway, the producers already feel ecstatic. “We are excited that there is so much enthusiasm both in the Broadway and Filipino and Fil-Am communities to see HLL,” said New York-based creative producer Rob Laqui. “One of our jobs as producers is to translate this buzz to getting people to the theater so HLL will have a long and successful run… We are confident and have faith in our process, and in the incredible team assembled, that HLL will be the gold standard for what Broadway can be.” The post ‘Moment of legacy’:Pinoy producers making B’way history with ‘Here Lies Love’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beyond partisan politics
The authoritative Tokyo-based publication Nikkei Asia, which started among those who doubted President Bongbong Marcos’ capability to lead the nation appears to be changing its tune in its latest edition, reflecting the growing global respect that BBM has been reaping in the first of his six-year term. Marcos was able to rise above political vindictiveness to utilize the best that the government can offer for the country’s development, one of the business paper’s assessments went. It cited the case of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan who served in the same post under the late President Benigno Aquino III. Balisacan said he never expected to take the same post under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Nikkei Asia said Aquino’s parents led the opposition to Marcos’ father, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., in the 1986 People Power Revolt. “For Balisacan, his appointment is a sign that Marcos’s determination to rework the economy is stronger than any historical baggage,” Nikkei Asia said. “Not even a chance that I thought about being invited to join because I served the Aquino government,” said Balisacan, also director general of the National Economic and Development Authority. “It became clear to me that Marcos wanted to do something about the economy,” he added. The initial reviews of BBM were not very favorable. “Marcos frustrated investors when he skipped debates during the campaign and spoke more about ‘unity’ than the specifics of how he would run the economy,” the Nikkei Asia report went. “But one year after taking office, Marcos has defied some of the most pessimistic predictions on his presidency. He has won the confidence of business, bolstered the alliance with the US, and pledged to respect human rights,” the report said. In BBM’s first year, the Philippines had the distinction of being among the best-performing economies in the region, growing by 7.6 percent in 2022. “Expansion slowed to 6.4 percent in the first quarter but still surpassed analyst projections. Marcos is aiming for growth of up to 8 percent per year from 2024 to 2028,” Nikkei Asia said. In May, Fitch Ratings affirmed its “investment grade” assessment of the Philippines, raising the outlook to “stable” from “negative,” said the report. The business sector experienced a refreshing change in terms of the attention it received from Marcos. “While his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, attacked tycoons, Marcos gave them a direct line via a business advisory council that he holds regular meetings with. He has pledged to revive the public-private partnership program to allow companies to bid for infrastructure contracts,” Nikkei Asia observed. It quoted BDO Capital and Investment president Eduardo Francisco as saying, “Initially, people were not expecting much.” “They were a little, maybe, skeptical. But [the President] has assembled a very good team,” he said. International watchdogs gave Marcos a glowing review. According to Fitch Director Krisjanis Krustins, “the outlook revision (from negative to stable) reflects confidence in continued strong economic growth and sound economic policymaking.” Analysts also noted the “government’s budget discipline and commitment to gradual fiscal consolidation and reform.” “President Marcos knows the country has a lot of problems, but he is willing to spend his political capital to solve them,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno was quoted as saying. The business publication acknowledged the positive impact of Marcos concurrently holding the post of agriculture secretary. “Inflation slowed to 6.1 percent in May, after marking a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January when onions were more expensive than meat. Officials expect price gains to settle within the 2 to 4 percent target by the end of this year,” Nikkei Asia said. The post Beyond partisan politics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Give LPE a chance
Newly appointed Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro made a deeply rooted statement about the peace talks between the Philippine government and communist rebels that have dragged on for several decades, with intermittent periods of very little progress and setbacks. Without mincing words, Teodoro said he had always been against entering into peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army. This is equally consistent with his position that communist rebels are welcome to return to the government fold given an existing program that offers “to help them, rehabilitate them and give them a new life.” Why is this so? For Teodoro, why engage in peace talks when there is Task Force Balik-Loob — a central coordinating body created by Administrative Order No. 10 dated 3 April 2018 that supervises the government’s reintegration efforts for members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, including their immediate family members. The task force is composed of representatives from the DND, DILG, OPAPRU, and other partner government agencies. I couldn’t agree with the Defense Secretary more. In a recent television interview, he said he was never convinced that the Philippine insurgency — the longest-running in Asia — was ideological. His explanation was clear. “This is all about taking power or whatever. The reason, even in other countries, the sole authority of the Communist Party in other countries is a dictatorship in itself. They call it the dictatorship of the proletariat.” We have in front of us a duplicity of the communist agenda — a pro-people advocacy on one hand, and the overthrow of the government on the other. The history of the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, CPP’s political wing, is long and complex spanning several decades. When Corazon C. Aquino assumed the presidency after the People Power Revolution in 1986, peace talks were initiated and detained top communist leaders, including Jose Maria Sison and Bernabe Buscayno, were released. Since then, there have been several attempts at peace negotiations between the government and the Reds, facilitated by third-party mediators, including the Catholic Church, various civil society groups, and foreign governments. The most recent attempt at peace talks was in 2016 during the first year in office of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. It, however, broke down in 2017 after both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire agreement. Duterte, exasperated by the insincerity, formally terminated the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA in 2018 through Proclamation 360. Despite this, there have been sporadic calls for the resumption of the peace talks, particularly from civil society groups and the international community. More than 40 rounds of peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF since 1986 proved futile, marred by spoilers who used violence to attack the peace process. Or were these attempts aimed at forcing their way into negotiations, and alter a process so that their demands would be included in a settlement? Opinions vary, often dependent on political, social, and ideological perspectives. While some people argue that pursuing peace talks is the best way to end the decades-long armed insurgency, others are skeptical about the prospects as evidenced by the little willingness to negotiate in good faith, human rights violations, coupled with unreasonable and unrealistic demands. Peace is a priority for more than 110 million Filipinos who hope to see an end to the decades-long insurgency in the country. If top-level negotiated settlements fail, there is the Localized Peace Engagement or LPE — a viable alternative solution to the armed conflict. Introduced by the national government in 2017 after the breakdown of the peace negotiations with the Reds, let us give this community-based approach to peacebuilding a chance. After all, who wouldn’t want to address the underlying social, economic, and political grievances that fuel armed conflicts? The post Give LPE a chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators mourn passing of former Senator Rodolfo Biazon
Senators on Monday expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of former Senator and Armed Forces chief of staff Rodolfo Biazon, who passed away earlier in the day at the age of 88. Shortly after Muntinlupa Mayor Rufino Biazon announced his father’s death due to lung cancer, senators paid their tributes to the former lawmaker. Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri described the passing of Biazon as “bittersweet,” as it coincided with the country’s 125th Independence Day. “This is a bittersweet Independence Day, as the nation mourns the passing of Senator Rodolfo Biazon, one of our staunchest defenders of the peace and democracy that we are enjoying today,” Zubiri said in a statement. He noted that he considered it a “gift” to have been a novice senator during a time when Biazon was still in office. “I had the great fortune of learning from him, and being inspired by his uncompromising public service — not just as a veteran legislator but also as a veteran military man, having been the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. He brought that same military discipline and commitment to his work in the Senate, and to every aspect of his life as a public servant,” he said. “I am grateful for the time that we spent in the Senate together, and I am glad we had one last chance to reconnect with him last October when he attended the Senate reunion. He was as bright and astute as ever, and a fountain of guidance and wisdom for those of us currently in the Senate,” he added. He continued: “My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and to the people whom he served with dedication as a senator, congressman and as a member of the uniformed service.” ‘True officer, public servant’ Likewise, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda paid her tribute to Biazon, whom she described as a “true officer and public servant.” “His unwavering commitment to our nation's security and welfare will forever be remembered. He can now peacefully rest in the arms of our Creator,” Legarda said in a separate statement. “I express my deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife Monchie, and children Richie, Rino and Mayor Ruffy. We pray that in this time of grief, they may find comfort in our prayers and heartfelt condolences,” she added. Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros said she is one with the nation in mourning the passing of Biazon, who was a “great soldier, statesman, and solon.” “He passed on this Independence Day, a reminder of his formidable, lifelong fight for our Inang Bayan,” Hontiveros said. “Indeed, much can be said about all that he has done for the Filipino people, from his time as a Philippine Marine to his years in Congress, but what remained true all throughout was his unwavering love for the Philippines.” The lady lawmaker recalled the “unforgettable moment” when she personally met Biazon at the EDSA Shrine in 2001. “Long before I met him in person, I read about Sen. Pong in an 1981 Who magazine feature about his being a Marines commander in Davao. I remember being taken by his critical mind and his respect for human rights, qualities essential for an officer and a gentleman,” she said. “Years later, I finally met him at the EDSA Shrine just when EDSA Dos was unfolding. It was unforgettable not only because he had a crushing handshake, but also because it was the start of the many struggles we fought together,” she added. Hontiveros also highlighted Biazon’s dedication to serving the nation even when he was no longer in office. “When the former administration could not express a clear stance vis-a-vis China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Pong did not hold back from calling on our top officials to take a united position against China,” she said. “Time and again, when he saw that our nation was in peril, he stepped out from his private life and gave us public servants clarity and a sense of direction,” she added. She also commended Biazon for being a “steady source of strength for us women and women’s advocates in our fight for the passage of the Reproductive Health Law.” “Regarded as macho due to his military background, he challenged stereotypes to stand not just for, but with women,” she said. “That was Sen. Pong I knew — never afraid to stand up and speak out for what is right even when others wouldn’t. Goodbye, sir. Thank you very much for your never-ending love for the Philippines,” she added. Biazon served as a senator for two consecutive terms, from 1992 to 1995 after being convinced to run for office by Paul Aquino, the brother of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Three years after his first stint as senator, he was elected again in 1998 and continued to serve until 2010. The post Senators mourn passing of former Senator Rodolfo Biazon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poe blasts DoTR over recurring Holiday power outages in NAIA
Senator Grace Poe on Friday slammed the Department of Transportation after the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 suffered another power interruption ahead of the long weekend. In a statement, Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, could help but ask if the recurring power outages at the country’s main gateway happened by chance or done on purpose. She raised the question after NAIA experienced a power interruption for over 30 minutes. “The most recent power outage in NAIA once again shows the need for urgent power augmentation while a full electrical audit is ongoing,” Poe said. “Regardless of duration, power outages in the country's main gateway are enough to cause a domino effect of flight delays, passenger confusion, and reduced business,” she added. Informal updates relayed by the Manila International Airport Administration point to a human error during the ongoing energy audit by contractor MSERV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MERALCO. “The MIAA management must exercise technical oversight so these human errors are minimized,” Poe stressed. “These series of power outages also happened during peak travel dates - New Year, Labor Day, and now the Independence Day Long Weekend - when the airport is packed with people. Was it by chance or done in purpose?” she asked. Poe recalled that during the 1 May power outage, the DOTr said that the agency is already working with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and other authorities to explore the possibility of sabotage. “This report remains to be seen,” she pointed out. “It also remains unclear why the electrical plan of NAIA Terminal 3, among other important building plan documents, has not been turned over by the contractor despite the government having already paid the just compensation,” she added. She continued: “In the interim, DOTr should look at adding generators and providing comfortable waiting areas to passengers, especially to the elderly and those with medical conditions.” She also urged the agency to immediately provide water and snacks to affected passengers. “Even if NAIA's privatization is being explored, this is no excuse for airport officials to drop the ball. MIAA should implement proper maintenance and contingency plans to prevent any future outages and travel disruptions,” she said. “There should be comprehensive responses for all emergency scenarios. Any audit or improvement needs to be planned ahead of time,” she added. The post Poe blasts DoTR over recurring Holiday power outages in NAIA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro and Teodoro
Gibo and Ted, as they are often referred to by many, are the two newest officials to join the Marcos Jr. Cabinet. That it took almost a year to fill the key positions at Defense and Health may be taken in either a positive or negative light, with people likely to veer either way depending on their political colors. Gilbert Teodoro and Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, upstanding men they may be to their friends and family, may just as easily be criticized for past actions, devotions, or decisions. Who are we to know, really, what they can do unless we look at their track record and reputation? Still, the most critical (or cynical) may argue that these are no guarantee that they can “do the job.” We will know in the end, won’t we, but there is never a bottom in the well of hope. The real question, as we may simply put it, never mind the whispers and whines, is this: are they the right men for the job? These are transformative times, as we often say. Experienced and capable as they may be, Gibo and Ted are coming in at a time when many factors have changed for the departments they are set to lead. Or, indeed, for the world. Teodoro has headed the Department of National Defense before. Yet in then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s time, the DND did not experience the level of aggression now being felt from China over territorial disputes. Dr. Herbosa is also not new to the Department of Health, having served as undersecretary during Noynoy Aquino’s presidency. He was also part of the Duterte government’s Covid-19 task force. The post-pandemic realities in the health sector will present him with fresh challenges, to be sure. It gets more interesting when one examines either man’s roots or affiliations, especially if looking into “why” they were given the government position. Teodoro’s ties to the Cojuangco clan and its “yellow” connotation, some say, could make it a little difficult for him this time around. However, his Marcos ties are also clear: his mother, Mercedes Cojuangco, was a member of the Batasang Pambansa during the Marcos Sr. presidency. Danding Cojuangco, his late uncle, was an ally of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. As DND secretary under Arroyo, he was a popular figure, touted as “the youngest person ever to hold the post” at age 43. He had a brilliant run until, some say, the president’s unpopularity at the time rubbed off on his chances to win elections. Some allege that he was “burned out” by the politics of the time — but that is all conjecture, as Teodoro practically went off the political grid for a decade, resurfacing to travel to Davao City and see than possible presidential bet Sara Duterte. Herbosa, medical trauma expert regarded as “a controversial figure during the pandemic,” has all the qualifications for the job, and likely both the strength and humility to handle problems when they arise. Joey Concepcion said Herbosa would help the government keep Covid-19 under control and keep public health in good standing, a must to have the national economy running at full capacity, a report says. So, back to the question: Are they the right men for the job? If they are to prove this, we have to set aside doubt and the tendency to speculate and just give them the chance they deserve. The post Teodoro and Teodoro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
After winning NBTC tilt, Harvard commit Emnace eyes Gilas women stint
Apart from her looming career with Harvard in NCAA Division 1, Emnace also sees a stint with the Gilas Pilipinas women's team as she already had a chance to rub shoulders with some of the members of Patrick Aquino's squad during her short time in Manila......»»
Kris Aquino nabuhayan ng loob dahil sa bagong doktor: I have a strong chance of getting better
MAY bagong update tungkol sa kanyang health journey ang Queen of All Media na si Kris Aquino. Sa isang Instagram post, masayang ibinalita ni Kris na nakahanap siya ng bagong doktor. Hindi niya ito pinangalanan sa dahilang hindi siya nakahingi ng permiso mula dito. Sey niya sa caption, “For all of you, thank you for […] The post Kris Aquino nabuhayan ng loob dahil sa bagong doktor: I have a strong chance of getting better appeared first on Bandera......»»
Carlo Aquino, Trina Candaza wala nang chance magkabalikan, Charlie Dizon sanhi kaya ng hiwalayan noon?
MUKHANG hindi na makakapasok si Carlo Aquino sa loob ng bahay ng ex-partner niyang si Trina Candaza at ng anak nitong si Mithi dahil kay Charlie Dizon. Nang mahiwalay sina Carlo at Trina noong 2022 ay hindi nag-uusap at hindi rin nakakapasok ang aktor sa loob ng tinitirhang condo unit ng mag-ina kapag susunduin nito […] The post Carlo Aquino, Trina Candaza wala nang chance magkabalikan, Charlie Dizon sanhi kaya ng hiwalayan noon? appeared first on Bandera......»»
Remembering President Noynoy
In September 1998, during the official visit of then-president Joseph Estrada to Singapore, I had the chance to spend some time conversing lengthily with then-congressman Noynoy Aquino......»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS.....»»