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SC affirms ruling granting bail to ex-Masbate lawmaker, Napoles
The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed a ruling of the Sandiganbayan that allowed businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and former Masbate congresswoman Rizalina Seachone-Laneta to post bail in the plunder charges filed against them in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork scam......»»
SC upholds decision granting Napoles bail in one PDAF case
Pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and former Masbate Rep. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete have been allowed to post bail after the Supreme Court dismissed a case related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund......»»
A mandatory duty
With dynasty-building reaching shameless proportions, the Supreme Court has finally been asked to step in and mandate Congress to carry out a task set out in the Constitution: to define and prohibit political dynasties......»»
SC: LGU lawyers cannot represent local execs
Legal officers of local government units cannot represent LGU officials in cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, according to the Supreme Court......»»
Energy sector workers run out
Amid the energy transition frenzy, listed Aboitiz Power Corp., or AboitizPower, recognized a growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers. It is thus necessary to develop a workforce that can adapt and implement energy security, affordability, and sustainability. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre said. “Among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry’s energy mix, digital systems and regulations,” she said. Power forum held “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., or AmCham, in partnership with AboitizPower. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated 1 million skilled workers in engineering, architecture, and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the most challenging occupations to fill up. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DoLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy program management director Engr. Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population, brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” Intimidating STEM “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. The forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate, and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool, and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the energy sector. The post Energy sector workers run out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition
Amid the Philippine energy transition, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognized the growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers and, hence, the necessity of developing a workforce that can adapt and willingly carry the important task of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability for today’s and tomorrow’s Filipinos. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” said AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre. “However, among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry's energy mix, digital systems and regulations.” “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. in partnership with AboitizPower. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated one million skilled workers in engineering, architecture and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the hard-to-fill occupations in the country. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy Program management director Engineer Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. In a panel discussion, AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre (2nd from right) said that the energy industry must come together to craft and implement programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. The Philippine Power Industry HR Forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector. A panel discussion moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr. of Divina Law saw Michael Page regional director and country head Albert Perez, Meralco chief HR officer Edgardo “Egay” Carasig, Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. president Atty. Anne Estorco Montelibano and ACEN chief HR officer John Philip Orbeta discuss the need to calibrate existing government programs to be more in sync with the needs of the energy industry. This includes building competencies within communities to turn locals into more competitive applicants. Meanwhile, another panel discussion moderated by AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee co-chair Ernie Cecilia had Global Business Power Corporation VP-Human Resources Maria Luz Blanco-Uriarte, One Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. founder and president Erel Narida and AboitizPower’s Inofre talk about how retaining workers involves investing on their skills, ensuring talent mobility opportunities and giving them a sense of purpose. “The energy industry must create an acceptable, progressive plan to resolve the talent crisis. AboitizPower, for one, makes an effort to resolve the shortage of estimated skilled workers in our industry by maintaining academic-industry linkages with universities in the country, providing long-term scholarships [and] establishing programs with TESDA that help promote electrical engineering skills at the grassroots level, among other initiatives,” Inofre said. “Through similar initiatives, I believe we can successfully empower a community of like-minded individuals who work towards implementing human resource programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry,” she concluded. The post A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
8 individuals show interest to be MIC board of directors
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Thursday said that eight candidates have already applied for positions on the board of directors at Maharlika Investment Corp. In an interview with reporters in Makati, Pangandaman said that the recommendations are scheduled to be presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by Monday, 02 October. She mentioned that so far, three individuals have applied for the role of president and chief executive officer of the MIC. However, she acknowledged that additional applications might have been received after she received the latest information. "The information I received initially two weeks ago when we started, it's like there are already seven to eight applicants, mostly from the private sector, not from the government," Pangandaman said. Several sources also told DAILY TRIBUNE that the submission period for nominations and applications ended last 27 September, while the deliberations on the applicants will take place on 29 September. MIC is a state-owned entity responsible for overseeing the Maharlika Investment Fund. The MIF is designed to consolidate government funds for investment in significant ventures, including real estate and financial instruments. On 12 September, the Presidential Communications Office called for applications and nominations, with detailed criteria and information available on the Department of Budget and Management website. In July, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno announced that the MIF is anticipated to start its operations by early 2024, following the enactment of the legislation earlier in the same month. In January, during his opening remarks at the Philippines Country Strategy Dialogue in Davos, Marcos highlighted the MIF and its role in financing essential infrastructure projects. The post 8 individuals show interest to be MIC board of directors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday assured the 400 Filipinos allegedly victimized by an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that the Department of Justice will take the necessary steps to help them. “Affidavits will be taken so they can properly complain and put together a case. Whatever it is, we will help them draw out the truth,” said Remulla, adding that he has assigned Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan "to come up with a few draft affidavits so we can assist these people para di na sila maghahanap ng abogado.” Earlier, some 400 Filipinos who said they were duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. The Daily Tribune has run a series on the alleged scam by Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm. In Senate Resolution 814, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos dreaming of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino 'victims' with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. The senator said the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s chief executive officer and immigration consultant. She said the State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. Hontiveros added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” In an interview on Daily Tribune's digital show "Usapang OFW" last week, several complainants, namely Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo and Apple Cabasis, said Alpha Assistenza SRL headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They also accused Consul General Elmer Cato of ignoring their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. The post DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate
The alleged recruitment scam, facilitated by the Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Alpha Assistenza SRL, has already reached the Senate. In filing proposed Senate Resolution No. 814, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the alleged recruitment activities conducted by the Alpha Assistenza SRL. In her resolution, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm which has preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy, which was first exposed by the Daily Tribune. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. She continued: “The Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant.” Hontiveros also said that the “complainants alleged that they had paid the company ‘large sums of money’ to facilitate their relatives’ travel to Italy for work.” “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas,” she added. ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos both from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview with Daily Tribune, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza denied the alleged non-action of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan in the victim’s complaints against the supposed scam. “The DFA is aware of the reports,” Daza said. “The Philippine Consulate General in Milan is acting on the complaints.” Victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL. Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said. In a recent interview over the Usapang OFW, the complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said that the Alpha Assistenza, headed by its Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega also denied allegations that Cato had sat on the Filipino communities’ complaints. De Vega said the Philippine Consulate General in Milan received a report on 31 August, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. “They were interviewing victims and working on cases,” he said in a separate interview. Asked if the DFA is considering making Cato inhibited due to the accusations of the victims, De Vega said: “We are meeting him personally.” The DFA official also noted that they are coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Migrant Workers Office in Milan on how to proceed with the case. “The complaint is really to be filed with Italian authorities but our Consulate in Milan should assist them,” he said. The Daily Tribune has sought comments from the Italian Embassy in Manila but they had yet to respond as of press time. The post Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400
The more or less 400 Filipinos duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy, found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. Less than a week into a series ran by the DAILY TRIBUNE on the reported scam of Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 814 detailing the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos who dream of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. According to Hontiveros, the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant. “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. She added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said, denying alleged non-action against the supposed scam. For the hundreds of victims it does not help to hear the same tune and prompt action is the only way to address their hopelessness. It was the snail-paced efforts of the Philippine Consulate in Milan, Italy, that they sought Italian police assistance after the Consulate’s inaction to their complaints submitted in May 2023. Several victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that allegedly preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy. In an interview over the Usapang OFW last week, several complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said the Alpha Assistenza SRL, headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They accused Consul General Elmer Cato of neglecting their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. And Allan Hernandez The post Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP resumes recruitment of MILF, MNLF applicants
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday visited the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to personally witness the recruitment process for the second batch of police applicants who were former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Abalos said this is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s peace and security agenda. A ceremony was held at Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR) at Camp Pendatun in Maguindanao del Norte, as Abalos urged the MILF/MNLF applicants to become "beacons" of lasting peace and security in their region. “We all share the dream of lasting peace and sustainable progress in Mindanao. Once na pumasa kayo, kayo na ang simbolo ng peace talks. Kayo na ang simbolo ng Bangsamoro at ng Republika ng Pilipinas at PNP. At kayo ang tatayo sa inyong mga lugar to ensure that there is indeed peace, kapayapaan at katahimikan,” the DILG chief said. The recruitment was based on National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Resolution No. 2023-0380, which approved the recommendation of the PNP to allocate 400 slots in its recruitment to former members of the MILF and MNLF. The entry of MILF and MNLF former members in the PNP is covered by Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for BARMM, which was enacted after the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the MILF. During his visit, Abalos saw 44 MNLF/MILF applicants undergo a 3-kilometer run as part of the Physical Agility Test, while 649 others are now taking their Psychological and Psychiatric Exam (PPE). At the same time, he encouraged the 102 newly appointed PNP patrolmen from the first batch of MILF/MNLF applicants to persevere in the 24-week rigorous Police Safety Basic Recruitment Course on police science administration, combat operations, and tactics. The post PNP resumes recruitment of MILF, MNLF applicants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Baldie’ and big-talker
As the celluloid world has long since crossed over to the realm of real life, we, the people, have not been left wanting amusement by big-talking politicians who cultivate images reeking with swagger. Who would forget former Hollywood actor and then-United States President Ronald Reagan’s melodramatic, “Mr. (Mikhail) Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” line during a speech in Berlin in 1987 at the climax of the Cold War? Very few millennials or those belonging to generations after may know that Reagan’s call to the Soviet Union’s supreme leader led, in part, to the toppling of the Berlin Wall, separating communist East Berlin from democratic West Berlin. John le Carré even referenced the Berlin Wall in his novel “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold,” which begins and ends in Berlin, where the wall served as a physical and symbolic presence throughout the story. In the opening scene, the protagonist, Alec Leamas, watched as his last agent was shot dead by Soviet-affiliated East German sentries at the wall, tipping him over the precipice, and convincing him to defect. Way earlier in 1956, Soviet strongman Nikita Khrushchev was visiting Poland when he made that infamous line, “We will bury you,” referring to the US-led West, which then used it to further feed its nuclear holocaust, “end of days” paranoia. Khrushchev would later clarify that he never meant he’d rain nukes on Western nations, but that communism would eventually triumph over capitalism, and that the US would be “buried” by the forces of history. How wrong Khrushchev would be with the demise of Soviet empire. Like Khrushchev, our own debonair senator who dropped his screen name Robin, and assumed his real name Robinhood Padilla, may have not meant literally that he would beat up a resource person in a Senate investigation on the alleged violence committed by an employer to a woman, his house helper. According to journalists, Padilla left the hearing in a huff and mouthed an apology off-camera that he let emotions get the better of him. Fine, if the lesson had been learned not to blur the line between reel and real life. But there’s just this propensity by supposed public servants to use big words when faced with challenges that may not be as big as tearing down the Berlin Wall. Again, amusing, but forgivable, if it gets the desired results. We are referring to that post by Quezon City Police District chief Nicolas Torre III in response to a viral video of a man who hit a cyclist after he swerved his car into the path of the bicycle. The hot-tempered motorist even drew and cocked his pistol. Posted Torre in the video blog: “Damn, yari kang kalbo ka. Sumurrender ka na sa pinakamalapit na QC police station para hindi na tayo mapagod pa pareho. Pakidala at surrender na rin ng baril mo para hindi na kami mag-search warrant pa sa bahay mo. Baka kabahan pa ang SWAT ko at makalabitan ka pa ng M16.” Torre’s post is disturbing on several points, foremost of which is that it was a threat to shoot the man on account of his Special Weapons and Tactics team maybe being too “nervous” to have itchy trigger fingers. Doesn’t speak well of the QCPD SWAT team, really, considering that incident in Navotas City when cops, elite SWAT members according to Senator Risa Hontiveros, fired “warning” shots that killed 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar. The general could have also chosen to be more circumspect in his language since that kind of cop-speak does not build public confidence and even adds to the perception that cops shoot first and ask questions later. At any rate, that gun-poking incident involving Willie Gonzales, adds to the reasons why neuropsychiatric tests given by the Philippine National Police to cops and gun license applicants may be considered a failure. Appearing in a press conference called by the suddenly jovial Torre, Gonzales said all’s well that ends well as he and the cyclist had already patched up their tiff. There’s no criminal complaint against Gonzales, said Torre, only an administrative one, with the Philippine National Police’s Firearms and Explosives Office to review Gonzales’ fitness to be allowed to own and carry firearms. In a matter of hours, the tough-talking general had become, to some observers, patronizing of the man he threatened with his post. What an about face? Which brings us to that recent exposure of some rogue cops doctoring neuropsychiatric test results may have to do with us being saddled with neurotic cops and loony armed civilians who can pay thousands of pesos to get them certified to own or carry firearms. Shall we heave a sigh of relief that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections gun ban is about to commence? Nah. Criminals and those drunk with power are, in fact, most happy during such times when they’re the only ones packing heat. The post ‘Baldie’ and big-talker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BFP, volunteer groups discuss better coordination
The Bureau of Fire Protection on Thursday said its Pasig City command conducted a city-wide dialogue with volunteer groups and different organizations where they discussed the importance of partnership and coordination during emergency responses. BFP - National Capital Region Director, Chief Supt. Nahum Tarroza, and his command group entertained questions, ideas, apprehensions, and even worries from among the attendees composed of some officials of the local government unit, along with representatives of 28 non-government organizations and 16 barangay brigades. Two village leaders Irma Gomez of Brgy. Sumilang and Joel Dela Cruz of Brg. Malinao also skipped other chores to attend the meeting, dubbed “Fostering Partnership between BFP and Pasig City Barangay Brigades and Fire Volunteer Groups”, held at the Power Tech Building inside the Meralco compound in Ortigas Center, Pasig City on Tuesday afternoon. The question-and-answer portion made the event lively with participants airing and opening up their respective shares of opinion and concerns touching on several issues surrounding the firefighting task towards the main goal which is to save lives and properties. Pasig City Fire Marshal Supt. Elaine Baylon Evangelista said that the dialogue was aimed at making every volunteer understand that the national office of the BFP has a policy and implementing guidelines for them to follow. She did not elaborate further. She also reminded the participants that the city fire department on orders of the national headquarters will always be strict in issuing accreditation certificates to volunteers and applicants citing how risky the job is. Recently, Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. ordered BFP chief, Director Louie Puracan, to implement stricter rules in requiring qualification standards among the fire brigades and its members in the wake of the death of a 62-year-old woman and the injury of eight others who were accidentally hit by a volunteer firetruck while responding a fire incident in Tondo, Manila. During the dialogue, Tarroza said he was amazed at the activeness of the Pasig volunteers and other fire and barangay brigades gauging the way they showed their passion to learn more and their vows to serve and do the risky firefighting jobs to save lives and properties. When asked by this reporter what they have achieved in the event, the BFP-NCR head quickly said; “Marami, nalaman natin na very active pala talaga ang mga volunteers sa Pasig, at nalaman natin na kumpleto, meron din Brgy. volunteers, merong NGO supported by different organizations like Chinese volunteers, tapos meron pa ditong company volunteers, like Meralco, sila ay open sa lahat ng pagbabago at willing sila mag-cooperate talaga sa BFP para sa ikabubuti ng ating mamamayan.” Tarroza also took the occasion as an opportunity to announce that Secretary Abalos is also looking forward to meeting all fire volunteers in Metro Manila to personally thank and congratulate them for giving their time to serve even in a very risky way. He said that this event is expected to gather around 8,000 to 10,000 fire volunteers and groups. “Isipin mo, walang allowance ang mga ito, walang insurance at walang support from the government and yet nagsasakripisyo sila para sa iisa nating adhikain. . . . ang magsilbi sa bayan,” Tarroza stressed. The post BFP, volunteer groups discuss better coordination appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO taps PNP vs fixers
The Land Transportation Office announced on Tuesday that it is planning to seek assistance of the Philippine National Police to conduct regular anti-fixer operations in all the agency’s offices nationwide. LTO chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said that the plan is in line with the agency’s intensified crackdown against fixers who are using social media for their illegal activities. “We are planning to conduct operations on a regular basis. Sustained operations by joining the PNP and the LTO will surely make these fixers think twice before engaging in their illicit activities,” Mendoza said. He added that sustained operations against fixers will complement the deployment of “mystery applicants” who are tasked to report the status of operations and service transactions in all district offices of the LTO. The deployment of “mystery applicants” is one of the strategies of the LTO chief to get a clear picture of what is happening in the district offices, including the identification of service-related loopholes that the agency could still improve. Mendoza stressed that he is particularly interested in ensuring that the services down to the farthest LTO district offices are satisfactory, timely and are done with integrity and courteousness to their clients. He also emphasized that sustained operations against fixers and improved services are part of the good formula to drive fixers out of their illegal business. “The certainty that these people will be punished, I always maintain, is one of the best ways to address this problem,” Mendoza said, adding that the public would not avail the help of these fixers if they see that the LTO is providing efficient and effective services. “We must ensure that the services of the LTO are efficient and effective, and less complicated for the public. We will work towards more simple measures as we do away from bureaucratic processes,” Mendoza said. The post LTO taps PNP vs fixers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO to tap PNP in running after fixers
Land Transportation Office Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II on Tuesday said he is planning to seek the assistance of the Philippine National Police in running after fixers in all the agency’s offices nationwide. The operations, according to Mendoza, would also include a crackdown on fixers using social media for their illegal activities. “We are planning to conduct operations on a regular basis. Sustained operations by the PNP and the LTO will surely make these fixers think twice before engaging in their illicit activities,” Mendoza said. He explained that the sustained operations against fixers will complement the deployment of “mystery applicants” who are tasked to report the status of operations and service transactions in all district offices of the LTO. The deployment of “mystery applicants” is one of the strategies of the LTO chief to get a clear picture of what is happening in the district offices, including the identification of service-related loopholes for improvement. Mendoza said he is particularly interested in ensuring that the services down to the farthest LTO district offices are satisfactory, timely and are done with integrity and courteousness to the public. Sustained operations against fixers and improved services are part of the good formula to drive fixers out of their illegal business, he stressed. “The certainty that these people will be punished, I always maintain, is one of the best ways to address this problem,” Mendoza said. “We must ensure that the services of the LTO are efficient and effective, and less complicated for the public. We will work toward more simple measures as we do away from bureaucratic processes,” he added. The post LTO to tap PNP in running after fixers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI opens new Olongapo office
The Bureau of Immigration announced on Friday that it has inaugurated its new office in Olongapo City last 26 July which will act as a center for immigration-related services, serving applicants in the province of Zambales. The office — located on the sixth floor of the SM City Olongapo Downtown, along Magsaysay Drive and Gordon Avenue — was opened by Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., SM management and key officials of the BI. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco expressed his excitement about the new development as the new office is seen as one of the numerous improvements that they have to bring services closer to the people. The BI chief added that their vision is to enhance the accessibility of immigration services and the office represents a crucial step towards achieving their goal. Tansingco also revealed that the agency plans to transfer many of its operations to more accessible locations, such as malls, for the convenience of the public. Apart from this, Tansingco disclosed that they are also set to open new offices in popular tourist areas and they are targeting the transfer of many of their operations to more accessible locations. The post BI opens new Olongapo office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gun permit ‘forgers’ in hot water
The Philippine National Police on Tuesday revealed that five members of the PNP-Health Service were involved in alleged irregularities in the issuance of psychiatric and psychological examination results for applicants of license to own and possess firearms. PNP-Civil Security Group chief Brig. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr. said that administrative and criminal charges are being prepared against a police major, three non-commissioned officers and a non-uniformed employee. They are set to be slapped with grave irregularity in the performance of duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and grave misconduct before the Internal Affairs Service for manipulating the results of the psychiatric and psychological examinations from August 2022 to February this year. “We already identified the persons responsible for these irregularities and right now we are filing admin and criminal cases against them before the Office of the Ombudsman. We recommended they should be placed on floating status and right now we already deactivated their accounts,” Silo said in a press briefing. He added they will also be charged for graft and corruption and violation of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business law before the Office of the Ombudsman. Reports indicated that at least 377 applicants who were supposed to get a failing grade “passed” the psychiatric and psychological examinations and Silo disclosed that the CSG has already revoked the licenses of the applicants. “Out of the 377, [a total of] 64 had a non-appearance while the remaining 313 actually failed but their test results were manipulated. This was found through an investigation of our computer system and the help of our IT (information technology) experts. We also secured the testimonies of clients being victimized by this group,” Silo said. Citing the affidavits of some applicants, Silo said some of them paid P30,000 to P35,000 for the falsified result. The processing fee for the LTOPF only costs around P2,180. “Let’s not look at the income of these crooks anymore. Let’s just look at the impact on the public. If the one who holds a gun is psychotic, imagine the danger it can give to the public. Imagine if the one holding firearms is an addict, you know how big the possible effect of this to the society,” Silo said. The post Gun permit ‘forgers’ in hot water appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI launches eServices program
The Bureau of Immigration formally launched its eServices on Wednesday with the goal of revolutionizing how clients interact with immigration services. In a ceremony conducted at the BI’s main headquarters in Intramuros, BI commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the new platform is expected to make immigration procedures for foreign visitors more effective and convenient. He added that they can now swiftly and securely complete their necessary immigration applications end-to-end online. Applicants for waiver of exclusion grounds for arriving unaccompanied minors, an emigration clearance certificate, and dual citizenship under RA 9225 may now submit their applications online. The BI chief said that apart from these transactions, they are also excited to launch the online visa waiver and the tourist visa extension. The temporary visitors’ visa extension, more commonly known as the tourist visa extension, is one of the more common transactions of the BI for foreign tourists who wish to stay longer in the country. Tansingco also said that the eServices allow visitors to comply with their immigration requirements from the comfort of their own homes, hotels, or even by the beach. The post BI launches eServices program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coast Guard hiring until 20 June
The Philippine Coast Guard is accepting application for commissioned officer or enlisted personnel until 20 June this year. Earlier, Commodore Jay Tarriela, deputy chief of the Coast Guard Staff for Human Resource Management, said they are expecting an additional 4,000 recruits this year to reach the 30,000 quota for 2023. Licensed nurses are also being recruited. Eligible applicants are 21 to 28 years old, with good moral character, single, at least five feet tall, and physically and mentally fit. The PCG said qualified applicants should submit a duly accomplished application form, birth certificate (Philippine Statistics Authority-issued), National Bureau of Investigation Clearance, college diploma, transcript of records and 4R colored full body picture to the Coast Guard Nursing Service, Coast Guard Base Taguig, 56 M.L. Quezon Street, New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City. Nurse applications will be accepted until 19 June 2023. Meanwhile, 476 male recruits finished their training at the PCG Regional Training Center Taguig last 9 June. PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu led the graduation ceremony of the Coast Guard Non-Officers’ Course Class 95-2022 “Mandilaab.” In his speech, Abu urged the graduates to maintain their emotional, mental and physical toughness to have a strong public service. He also encouraged the graduates to always be humble and live the ethos of being a “servant leader.” The post Coast Guard hiring until 20 June appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rody among Phl-China friendship promoters
Former President Rodrigo Duterte and former Special Envoy to China and chief executive officer of Liwayway Marketing Corporation Carlos Chan were chosen to receive this year’s Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding or APPCU. Duterte and Chan were chosen as the Hall of Famer of APPCU among more than 30 applicants, as the award-giving body recognized their “prestige and stature and immense effort of work that they have over time, as evidenced by the extent of reach, impact, and reception of their works by communities and societies.” Aside from them, other awardees for the APPCU’s Outstanding Contributions are former Ambassador to Greece and Cyprus, Rigoberto Tiglao and Jaime Cruz, former Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China’s Trade and Investments. On the other hand, recipients of Major Contributions are Regina Rosa Tecson, the director of the Satellite Office of Vice President Sara Duterte in Davao City and Jose Ong Tajan, the former president of APCU Baguio and the former chairman of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Baguio City. The formal bestowing of the award will be on 8 June at the Manila Hotel. APPCU, an annual undertaking, is a joint project of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding, or APCU, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines. Though it is in its third year already, relatively speaking, it is a novel award-giving body that pays special tribute to Filipinos who have made efforts through time to strengthen friendly ties and promote mutual understanding between the Philippines and China using their respective advocacies and expertise in the various fields and disciplines of mass media and public service; trade and commerce; and arts, culture, and the sciences. APPCU was conceptualized and launched on 16 July 2021 by then-China State Counselor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, during the inauguration of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations. The primary rationale behind launching APPCU is to actively continue promoting friendship between China and the Philippines and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, noting that amity between people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Essentially, the award is locating people who made a mark and contributed much effort through time in the improvement and advancement of Philippines-China bilateral friendly relations and understanding. The award, in essence, promotes the spirit of friendship and understanding between the Philippines and China. Those eligible for the awards are Filipino citizens who have committed themselves to improving and advancing Philippines-China bilateral relations using their fields of discipline and areas of expertise. The post Rody among Phl-China friendship promoters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»