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Philippine food firms’ sales hit $133 million in Dubai fair
Philippine food companies generated $133 million worth of export sales from a food trade show held in Dubai last month, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions......»»
Lebanon s displaced celebrate Ramadan amid fears that border conflict might become the new normal
Lebanon s displaced celebrate Ramadan amid fears that border conflict might become the new normal.....»»
SMNI suspension urged for alleged violations
Davao City-based legislator and Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist Representative Margarita “Migs” Ignacia B. Nograles has proposed a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend the operations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). The resolution alleges that SMNI has violated the terms of its franchise and disseminated false information, failing in its responsibility to the public. This move is in response to multiple complaints filed against SMNI, including accusations of fake news peddling and baseless red-tagging of individuals, groups, and organizations. Specific incidents cited in the resolution include attacks on ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France L. Castro and false claims about House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez's foreign travel expenses. SMNI's host, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, admitted to providing inaccurate information on air, further fueling the allegations against the network. Pending the Committee on Legislative Franchises' recommendations on SMNI's alleged violations, Nograles emphasized the urgency for the NTC to halt the deliberate dissemination of false information that may erode public trust. The 25-year franchise of SMNI was renewed in 2019, and the network has not yet issued an official statement regarding the resolution. In a related development, the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises cited Celiz and former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) spokesperson Lorraine Badoy-Partosa in contempt for refusing to disclose their source of erroneous information and being evasive about their income from co-producing their show. Both anchors will be detained at the House premises until the committee's report is adopted in the plenary. This story highlights the growing scrutiny on SMNI's operations and the calls for accountability amid allegations of spreading false information......»»
ICYMI: OpenAI Fires CEO Sam Altman, Rehires Him After Mass Employee Backlash
OpenAI, creator of hugely popular chatbot ChatGPT, fired its CEO Sam Altman, then rehired him amid massive employee backlash and threats of mass resignation, all in less than one week. What happened? OpenAI’s board of directors hastily kicked Altman, OpenAI’s CEO since 2019, out of the company on Friday. The AI company said in a […].....»»
Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys
Amid prevailing financial hardships particularly among poor Filipinos, the pivotal role of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s Malasakit Centers comes to fore through the compelling narrative of 23-year-old Wally Bernardo of Cavite. A small baking business, which Wally runs with his partner, helps cover his dialysis expenses. His ordeal started in 2017 when a nagging backache unveiled an unsettling reality — a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease secondary to arthritis. Initially misdiagnosed with high blood pressure, he soon found himself restricted to the regular hum of dialysis machines, a routine that escalated from three times a week to an excruciating 12 times a week, as his condition worsened. As Wally’s medical bills soared, he sought intervention from a Malasakit Center, which led to a much-needed relief for his dire financial situation. Recounting the day his relatives approached the center, Wally said, After that we approached the social health service as I knew there was Malasakit here.” “My relatives went there and gave us our bill. It was processed at about noon. In the afternoon we were already discharged.” The indelible mark of gratitude is apparent in Wally’s words, “Thank you to Senator Bong Go, to his staff. We are really grateful for his help, in giving us a guarantee letter, in assuring those who have not much finances.” As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go persistently encouraged the public to avail themselves of the medical and financial assistance offered by the Malasakit Centers. Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, or Republic Act 11463, principally authored and sponsored by Go, has so far facilitated the establishment of 159 operational Malasakit Centers across the country. Meanwhile, Go’s outreach team, together with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador, conducted a relief operation at the municipal gymnasium in Nagcarlan, Laguna last Tuesday, 17 October. Go provided masks, vitamins, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball for 450 market vendors. He also gave away shoes, and mobile phones to select recipients. The post Malasakit Centers: Haven for poor Pinoys appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival
The world premiere of Jang Kun-jae's "Because I Hate Korea" will open Asia's largest film festival Wednesday night as it looks to rally from a year marked by scandal and budget cutbacks. The South Korean director's tale of a disillusioned young woman who relocates to New Zealand is among 209 official entries from 69 countries set to unspool at the Busan International Film Festival, which runs until 13 October. Eighty will be making their world premieres in the southern port city. This year's edition comes as organizers grapple with the fallout from former festival director Huh Moon-yung's resignation in May amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The scandal saw BIFF's 2023 budget reduced by about 10 percent as sponsors withdrew in the wake of the allegations, according to organizers. Kang Seung-ah, now serving as acting deputy director, acknowledged they had endured a "difficult phase" before assembling a lineup she said was "more substantial than ever before". Opening night director Jang, who noted he'd attended BIFF far more as an audience member than a filmmaker, told a late afternoon news conference he had sought to address serious questions with his film. "I believe it's necessary to pay attention to the fact that many young people are finding it difficult to navigate through Korean society. I started questioning whether our society is providing a fair and equitable foundation for young people to pursue their dreams," he told reporters after a preview screening. Based on the best-selling Chang Kang-myoung novel, "Because I Hate Korea" received support from BIFF's Asia Project Market back in 2016. South Korea has transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse since then thanks to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the Netflix series "Squid Game". "Many people are now showing great interest in Korean content such as K-pop, K-movies, and K-dramas. Living in such an era, they might develop a certain fantasy about South Korea, I think," Nam Dong-chul, the festival's acting interim director, told reporters. But "I thought it might be good to consider these views from the perspective of people living in Korea and especially the youth in South Korea", he said of the opening night choice. "They might have different thoughts and experiences." Frequent Bong Joon-ho collaborator Go Ah-sung, who delivered a memorable performance as the protagonist of "Because I Hate Korea", was unable to attend the festival due to a back injury. 'Dear Jinri' Despite Go's absence, the festival will still feature serious star power, with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat scheduled to receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. Three of Chow's films -- "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and 2023's "One More Chance" -- will be screened in his honour. Other highly anticipated screenings include "Dear Jinri", a documentary that features late K-pop star Sulli's last and incomplete project. Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, took her own life in 2019 after a long struggle with online bullying. The film includes her final media interview, which has not been disclosed previously. Korea's filmmaking diaspora will also be showcased with a special series of screenings that includes "Searching" (2018), starring John Cho, and director Celine Song's Sundance favorite "Past Lives". Netflix's highly anticipated "Yellow Door: 90s Lo-fi Film Club" will also have its world premiere at BIFF. The documentary spotlights South Korea's renowned cinephile generation of the 1990s, acclaimed "Parasite" director Bong among them. "The Movie Emperor", director Ning Hao's satirical take on the Chinese film industry starring Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, is set to close the festival. Ning's comedy "deftly captures the fine line between the film industries in Hong Kong and mainland China", as well as the "delicate relationship between Western film festivals and Asian filmmakers", according to the program notes. The post S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids fire victims in General Santos City
Senator Bong Go provided assistance to 13 fire-hit households in General Santos City on Friday, September 29. The affected families received financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball from the senator’s office. “Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, ang importante ay buhay kayo. Ang gamit po ay napapalitan, ang pera ay kikitain pero ang pera ay hindi nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya pangalagaan natin ang buhay na binigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” Go said in a video message. Go then highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The said law, which was authored and co-sponsored by Go, mandates the BFP to undergo a ten-year modernization program that will improve the capabilities of the agency by implementing a ten-year modernization program, which includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others. The senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to help those in need of medical care. He encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in nearby Koronadal City. Under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, a Malasakit Center shall provide convenient access to medical programs offered by concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, there are 159 Malasakit Centers that have already assisted seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH. The senator also shared that he continues to push for the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, the budget was allocated for the construction of some 307 Super Health Centers across the country in 2022 and another 322 in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic locations where such centers shall be established. In General Santos City, two Super Health Centers have been funded to be established. To help create more opportunities for the province amid difficult situations, Go, who also serves as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the construction of roads in Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Tantangan, and Surallah; acquisition of a dump truck for the local government of Norala; construction of riverbank protection in Koronadal City and T’boli; installation of street lights in Koronadal City, Norala and Tupi; and the construction of a slaughterhouse in T’boli. “Basta, ‘wag kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa amin. Huwag din kayong magpasalamat sa amin dahil trabaho naman namin ito sa gobyerno. Kami ang nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataon para makapagserbisyo sa taumbayan. Ibabalik namin sa inyo ang serbisyong dapat sa inyo,” pledged Go. The post Bong Go aids fire victims in General Santos City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go reiterates call for increased health fund
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the urgent need to bolster the Department of Health’s budget as the country movestowards pandemic recovery even amid several existing and emerging public health concerns. He recalled the budget deliberations in December 2019 when there were attempts to cut the budget of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for year 2020. “In the 2019 budget deliberations, I defended the RITM budget which was on the brink of being slashed. We even added more funds,” he narrated. This decision turned out to be crucial then, as RITM later played a vital role in Covid-19 testing when the pandemic started in 2020. Go noted that the restoration of RITM’s budget underscored the importance of adequately funding healthcare institutions, especially in unpredictable times. Go’s recollection came at a critical time when DoH is facing a P10-billion budget cut for 2024. The proposed budget cut would bring DoH’s overall budget down to P199.45 billion from P209.62 billion under the General Appropriations Act of 2023. With this, Go argued that the healthcare system needs more, not less, financial support. He then underscored the urgency for increased investment in the public healthcare system. Meanwhile, Go continued to push for the Department of Disaster Resilience and Mandatory Evacuation Center bills. Go’s office, in coordination with Mayor Clark Ngaya, distributed grocery packs to 500 typhoon “Egay” victims at the municipal hall in Barlig, Mountain Province last Monday, 25 September. The post Go reiterates call for increased health fund appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go renews call for increased health budget
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the urgent need to bolster the Department of Health's budget as the country navigates toward pandemic recovery even amid several existing and emerging public health concerns. "Gaya ng sinabi ko noon, full support ako sa DOH kung ano ang makakatulong sa ating healthcare system," said Go. He recalled the budget deliberations in December 2019 when there were attempts to cut the budget of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for the year 2020. "Nag-budget hearing noong December 2019, tinapyasan ang proposed budget sa RITM at DOH, di po ako pumayag noon. Dinagdagan pa natin at ibinalik natin ang pondo," he narrated. This decision turned out to be crucial then, as RITM later played a vital role in COVID-19 testing when the pandemic started in 2020. Go noted that the restoration of RITM's budget underscored the importance of adequately funding healthcare institutions, especially in unpredictable times. Go's recollection came at a critical time when the DOH was facing a P10-billion budget cut for 2024. The proposed budget cut would bring DOH's overall budget down to P199.45 billion from P209.62 billion under the General Appropriations Act of 2023. With this, Go argued that the healthcare system needs more, not less, financial support. He then underscored the urgency for increased investment in the public healthcare system. "The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system, dagdagan ang pondo," Go reiterated. "Para sa akin po, dapat suportahan natin na dagdagan ang pondo ng DOH. 'Wag pong bawasan, dagdagan pa po," he stated further. He emphasized that the funds should be used wisely to benefit patients particularly the less fortunate. "Makinabang dapat ang mga pasyente, makinabang po ang mahihirap nating kababayan na walang ibang matakbuhan kundi tayo pong nasa gobyerno," he said. Go said that those who are wealthy have the option to seek medical care in private hospitals, while the less fortunate are left with no other choice but to rely on public healthcare facilities that rely on government funding. "Ito pong mga helpless, mga hopeless nating kababayan, sila ang unahin natin. 'Yung mayayaman naman po, di pupunta sa public hospitals 'yan," he said. During the Commission on Appointments hearing on the ad interim appointment of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa which Go presided on early that day, the senator also appealed to DOH to ensure that poor and indigent patients are given utmost attention in public hospitals. Go cited a recent department memorandum signed by Herbosa instructing medical center chiefs to ensure that all patients must be accorded with the available services in Malasakit Centers. The Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop aimed at helping particularly poor and indigent patients minimize their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible by collaborating with various agencies offering medical assistance programs. This initiative was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, a law principally authored and sponsored by Go in the Senate. Presently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers spread across the country, and they have collectively provided support to more than seven million Filipinos, as reported by DOH. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. Given this, Go reminded the DOH that sufficient funding must be allocated in the coming years for the proper implementation of the law. Moreover, Go also emphasized the need to continue bringing basic health services closer to the grassroots through the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide which he had advocated for since the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. “Ipagpatuloy natin na ilapit ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap na walang ibang matakbuhan. The more we should support their health needs, the more na mag-invest po tayo sa ating healthcare system,” Go said. “Huwag po natin silang pahirapan. Marami po sa mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas na wala silang sariling health facility. Kaya importante na mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” he stressed. The post Bong Go renews call for increased health budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tulfo slams SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG over low coverage of domestic workers
Senator Raffy on Thursday slammed three government pension agencies for their “deficient” compliance in providing benefits coverage for domestic workers. Tulfo cited the 2019 joint survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment that there are 1.4 million registered domestic workers with the Social Security System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG. However, only 6 percent of this figure, or 84,190 kasambahays were enrolled by their employers in SSS, while only 5 percent or 74,858 e in PhilHealth and 3.4 percent or 51,579 in Pag-IBIG. “This is very low compliance,” said Tulfo, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor. “These agencies are not doing enough to ensure that employers in the country have registered and have been paying the SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG contributions of their kasambahays,” he added. Tulfo also expressed disappointment amid the failure of barangay officials to implement the registration system for domestic helpers. “Knowing that some employers are too busy to enroll their house help for said coverage or deliberately avoid doing so to avoid payments,” he said. The "Domestic Workers Act" or "Batas Kasambahay,” mandates every employer to register a house help under their employment in the barangay offices—where they are residing. The law also orders Punong Barangas to be responsible for the Registry of Kasambahay within their respective jurisdiction. “Why barangay officials managed to be very active on house-to-house campaigns during the elections period but were unable to go door-to-door to survey households with kasambahays and ensure implementation of Batas Kasambahay,” Tulfo questioned. Hence, he recommended the removal of “qualified theft punishment” for kasambahays. "Employers are using this to pin down house helps seeking better treatment or complaining about work-related benefits," Tulfo said. “In some cases, employers would get back at their kasambahays and avoid giving them proper treatment as mandated by the law by planting evidence pointing to a crime they did not commit, like stealing, employers would later report it to the police to send innocent and voiceless kasambahays to jail,” he added. The post Tulfo slams SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG over low coverage of domestic workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Helmut Lang and Ralph Lauren kick off New York Fashion Week
Amid sweltering heat and jitters over the Hollywood strike, New York kicked off its Spring-Summer 2024 Fashion Week on Friday, with heavyweights Ralph Lauren and Helmut Lang returning to the industry's flagship event with fresh ideas. American luxury brand Coach unveiled its collection of sensual translucent dresses at the New York Public Library in Manhattan on Thursday, but the event was briefly disrupted by animal rights activists. As Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Jennifer Lopez watched the show, two female protesters from the animal rights group PETA -- one covered in body paint that mimicked animal flaying and another holding a poster that read "Coach: Leather Kills" -- joined the models on the runway before security led them away. At another unofficial kick-off event on Wednesday, featuring Naomi Campbell, Doja Cat, Naomi Osaka and Gigi Hadid, the iconic lingerie label Victoria's Secret teased a film meant to showcase the brand's new and more inclusive identity after it was criticized for designing garments that objectify women. The film, entitled "The Victoria's Secret World Tour," to be released on Amazon Prime at the end of September, highlights the work of creators and artists from Lagos, London, Bogota, and Tokyo. Yellow taxi This year, New York Fashion Week will feature young talents and emerging brands, along with heavyweights such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Altuzarra, Gabriela Hearst, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, and Luar. The city will then pass the baton to London, Milan, and Paris. "New York has always been a cornerstone of Fashion Week," said Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. "It really underscores how strong it is, in terms of presenting creative thinking." Under the humid heat of the New York summer, the six-day marathon kicked off Friday afternoon in Manhattan's Lower East Side with a show by Helmut Lang, who rose to fame in the 1990s and 2000s, thanks to the minimalist aesthetic of the Austrian artist. Helmut Lang, the designer, left fashion in 2005 but Helmut Lang, the brand, lives on, bought by Prada and then by the Japanese group Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo. The brand now returns to the runways of the Big Apple with a collection concocted by its new artistic director, Peter Do, widely considered a fashion prodigy. The show had nostalgic undertones, a bow to the 1990s when it became the first fashion brand to advertise on New York yellow taxi signs. Fewer red carpets Another brand to make its return on Friday, albeit in Brooklyn where many of the fashion shows have migrated, was Ralph Lauren, the legendary brand that defined American elegance and embodied preppy US style with an annual turnover of more than $6 billion. The brand, whose founder was born in the Bronx, has not held a show in New York since 2019. This fashion season is marked by the double strike of Hollywood screenwriters and actors seeking better compensation, which has reduced the number of red carpet previews to a minimum, thus depriving brands of a chance to dress stars and promote themselves in the process. "Certainly, the red carpet is a way to speak to the audience," said Kolb, adding that fashion shows were no less important. The "content that they create for social channels will contribute to a very loud, very visible Fashion Week," he added. The post Helmut Lang and Ralph Lauren kick off New York Fashion Week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trudeau to be star witness in election meddling probe
The Canadian prime minister could be the star witness in his government’s investigation of alleged national election meddling by China, Russia and other countries. Justin Trudeau was asked by reporters in Singapore Friday on the possibility of him testifying in the case, he replied, “Willingly and with very much enthusiasm.” The prime minister, who was coming from the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, added, “I think it’s important for Canadians to know exactly everything this government has been doing in regards to foreign interference, and to talk frankly about the challenges that we continue to face in our democracies around the world.” His statement came a day after Ottawa named an appeals court judge to lead the inquiry into the allegations surrounding federal elections in 2019 and 2021. Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josee Hogue replaces the investigator who resigned in June. Trudeau faced pressure to explain how it first responded to the claims that Beijing sought to subvert Canada’s democratic process. Relations between Ottawa and Beijing hit a new low this year amid accusations of Chinese meddling in those elections and the attempted intimidation of Canadian lawmakers that led to the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat in May. Beijing has called the accusations “groundless” and responded by sending home a Canadian diplomat from the country’s consulate in Shanghai. The reported accusations included secret campaign donations and that Chinese operatives were working for Canadian candidates and lawmakers in an attempt to influence policy. WITH AFP The post Trudeau to be star witness in election meddling probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City
Senator Bong Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, recently played a pivotal role in providing an ambulance for Barangay La Huerta in Parañaque City on Monday, 28 August. Several barangays have long faced challenges when it comes to emergency medical services. The absence of a dedicated ambulance often leads to delays in medical assistance, putting the lives of residents at risk in various areas of the country. Go, understanding the gravity of the situation, took it upon himself to address this pressing issue. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he was instrumental in securing the necessary funds to acquire the ambulance during the Duterte administration. There are numerous benefits of having a dedicated ambulance in the barangay including faster emergency response. With an ambulance stationed in the barangay, medical teams can reach patients much quicker, thereby reducing the time it takes to get them the medical attention they need. This is particularly crucial in cases of heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening emergencies where immediate intervention can be the difference between life and death. The ambulance is also equipped with essential medical supplies and life-saving equipment, ensuring that patients receive the best pre-hospital care possible. Aside from the ambulance, Go supported several initiatives in the city to ensure its progress amid crisis situations. Among the projects are the rehabilitation and construction of several multipurpose buildings, and the rehabilitation of drainage in Brgy. Don Bosco, and the improvement of the Parañaque River Promenade Bridge. Furthermore, Go offered to help those in need of medical care and encouraged them to get medical assistance from the Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Parañaque. Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 after he witnessed the struggles of financially disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their medical expenses. The program, which was institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, was principally authored and sponsored by Go. On the same day, Go also conducted a relief activity for 1,000 indigent students in Brgy. Don Bosco in Parañaque City. The post Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides livelihood support to Guimaras farmers
The Office of Senator Christopher "Bong" assisted farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras on Friday, 25 August. Citing the crucial role of farmers in ensuring food security, Go has been consistently pushing for stronger agricultural support systems and infrastructure. He was one of the authors of the measure that became Republic Act No. 11901, expanding the agriculture, fisheries, and rural development financing system. He has also been advocating for other programs to support farmers and fisherfolks in the country, such as the enhancement of the irrigation of farmlands and expansion of the National Rice Program. Go, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, co-sponsored and co-authored the Senate, RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. The law will help alleviate the debt burdens of over 600,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide. Moreover, the senator also filed SBN 2117 which aims to provide full crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, as well as SBN 2118 which aims to provide better insurance coverage and services to farmers and help mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the agricultural sector, if enacted into law. Earlier, Go also emphasized the importance of improving competitiveness and safeguarding local farmers and industries amid the recently ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. Go believes that with open competition as a result of RCEP, the prices of goods should decrease, and ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor and those in the agricultural sector, must benefit from it. Meanwhile, Go’s team and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assisted three farmers gathered at Zemkamps Chalet in Jordan. DTI provided livelihood assistance through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, which Go pushed for during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation in order to boost the livelihood recovery of those affected by various crises. “Sa panahon ng kahirapan at pagsubok dulot ng iba't-ibang sakuna, nais namin sa inyo'y magbigay ng pag-asa at tulong na magbibigay daan sa inyong mga pangarap. Ang programa na ito ay hindi lamang simpleng tulong kundi isang oportunidad upang makabangon at makamtan ang mas magandang kinabukasan,” stressed Go. Go underscored the crucial role of DTI’s PPG program in providing opportunities for sustainable income generation and the agency’s dedication to assisting affected communities in their journey toward recovery and rebuilding their lives. “Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya... mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he added. The senator earlier lauded the signing into law the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Program, which is one of the senator’s priority legislation aimed at boosting the country's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Meanwhile, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered to help those who may require hospital care. He also informed them that they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Center located at Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital in Jordan or in any of the other 158 Malasakit Centers throughout the country. “Ang Malasakit Center ay one-stop shop. Nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno, ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH at DSWD. Tutulungan kayo ng Malasakit Center para sa inyong pagpapaospital,” explained Go, who is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The program has now assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Apart from the Malasakit Centers, Go also supported the construction of Super Health Centers (SHCs), especially in far-flung areas. In Guimaras, Super Health Centers will be established in Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, and Jordan. Through the efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health for 307 SHCs in 2022 and 322 SHCs in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where SHCs will be constructed. The SHCs offer basic medical services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Committed to helping boost economic development and improve public service delivery in the province, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the completion of seawall protection in Buenavista and the acquisition of a dump truck for the local government of Jordan. The post Bong Go provides livelihood support to Guimaras farmers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China keeps ban on group tours to Canada
China’s Covid-era ban on group tours to a dozen countries was lifted last week but travel agents cannot arrange such visits to Canada. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa said Wednesday the exclusion of Canada was due to its anti-Beijing rattling. “The Canadian side has repeatedly hyped up the so-called ‘Chinese interference,’” according to a statement from the embassy. “Rampant and discriminatory anti-Asian acts and words are rising significantly in Canada” and “the Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting the safety and legitimate rights of overseas Chinese citizens and wishes they can travel in a safe and friendly environment,” the embassy added. China-Canada relations hit a new low this year amid accusations of Chinese meddling in Canadian elections and the attempted intimidation of lawmakers that led to the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat in May. Beijing responded by sending home a Canadian diplomat from Canada’s consulate in Shanghai. Janice Thomson, the head of tourism at Niagara Falls — the top tourism destination in Canada — said China’s decision to leave Canada off its approved destinations list was “disappointing” but expects the country to be added to the list in the future. In 2019, Chinese tourists spent a collective US$255 billion on international travel. In 2018, nearly 700,000 Chinese visitors came to Canada, spending an average of Can$2,600 (US$1,922) per visitor, or a total of Can$2 billion — out of Can$22 billion spent collectively by all foreign travelers, according to a report by the Canada China Business Council. That same year, tit-for-tat arrests of a top Huawei executive in Vancouver on a United States warrant and two Canadians living in China, accused of espionage, dealt a serious blow to bilateral relations. Ottawa accused Beijing of engaging in “hostage diplomacy,” before a deal was eventually reached with US prosecutors that saw all three people released in 2021. WITH AFP The post China keeps ban on group tours to Canada appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China snubs Canada as restrictions on tourism travel lifted
China — a major source of outbound tourists — has left Canada off a list of countries now approved for travel by tour groups, its embassy in Ottawa said Wednesday, due to anti-Beijing rattling by Ottawa. Last week Beijing lifted a Covid-era ban on group tours to dozens of countries including the United States, Germany, Japan, and Australia, but not Canada. Travel agents turn to the list of approved destinations when promoting and arranging foreign vacations for Chinese nationals. There are currently 138 countries on the list. The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa said in a statement that the reason behind the snub was "the Canadian side has repeatedly hyped up the so-called 'Chinese interference.'" It said "rampant and discriminatory anti-Asian acts and words are rising significantly in Canada" and "the Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting the safety and legitimate rights of overseas Chinese citizens and wishes they can travel in a safe and friendly environment." The United Nations tourism agency (UNWTO) says China grew to be the biggest tourism source market in the world prior to the pandemic. In 2019, Chinese tourists spent a collective US$255 billion on international travel. Group tours from China to Canada were first approved in 2010. In 2018, nearly 700,000 Chinese visitors came to Canada, spending an average of Can$2,600 (US$1,922) per visitor, or a total of Can$2 billion -- out of Can$22 billion spent collectively by all foreign travelers, according to a report by the Canada China Business Council. That same year, tit-for-tat arrests of a top Huawei executive in Vancouver on a US warrant and two Canadians living in China, accused of espionage, dealt a serious blow to bilateral relations. Ottawa accused Beijing of engaging in "hostage diplomacy," before a deal was eventually reached with US prosecutors that saw all three people released in 2021. China-Canada relations hit a new low this year amid accusations of Chinese meddling in Canadian elections and the attempted intimidation of MPs that led to the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat in May. Beijing responded by sending home a Canadian diplomat from Canada's consulate in Shanghai. Canadian government officials did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Janice Thomson, the head of tourism at Niagara Falls -- the top tourism destination in Canada -- said China's decision to leave Canada off its approved destinations list was "disappointing." She expressed hope that Canada would make it onto the list in a future round of country additions. The post China snubs Canada as restrictions on tourism travel lifted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US Justice Dept names special counsel to probe Biden’s son
The US Justice Department on Friday escalated its investigation into President Joe Biden's son Hunter, naming a special counsel amid allegations he engaged in illicit business deals overseas. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Delaware federal prosecutor David Weiss, who recently investigated Hunter Biden on tax and gun charges in a case that remains open. Weiss, who opened his probe in 2019, recently revealed that he was investigating Biden along other lines, and Garland said Weiss had requested special counsel status to be able to pursue his probe more widely. "Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel," Garland said. Deals in China, Ukraine Hunter Biden has come under investigation in Congress over business deals he did in China, Ukraine, and elsewhere during and after his father's 2009-2017 term as vice president. A former business associate told Congress recently that Hunter had gotten his father involved in telephone calls with his foreign partners several times. Republicans allege Joe Biden used his political position to help his son -- a claim the president denies. The move comes as Joe Biden is running for reelection, possibly in a rematch with former president Donald Trump, himself accused of felony crimes in the investigation by another Justice Department special counsel, Jack Smith. Garland gave no hint on the subject matter of Weiss' expanded probe, saying his elevation to the special counsel "reaffirms" the independence and authority of his investigation. Last month, the 53-year-old Hunter aborted a plea deal with Weiss over gun and tax charges after a judge pointed out inconsistencies in the agreement. The deal would have seen Biden avoid prison: he would have been sentenced to probation on two tax avoidance counts, and be forced into a counseling and rehabilitation program for the firearms charge. But the deal fell apart after Judge Maryellen Noreika queried why the gun charge was included in a tax case, and whether the agreement protected Biden from charges that might arise from a wider investigation of his business dealings. Biden then entered a not-guilty plea, and the two sides were expected to work out a new agreement. But in a filing in Delaware court on Friday, Weiss said those talks had reached an impasse and withdrew the offer of a plea deal. Instead, he indicated that the tax charges could be expanded to other venues. Republicans say DOJ protecting Biden There was no comment from the White House on Weiss's elevation to special counsel. In a social media post, a Trump spokesperson alleged that the Biden family had been "protected by the Justice Department for decades." "There is overwhelming evidence and credible testimony detailing their wrongdoing of lying to the American people and selling out the country to foreign enemies for the Biden Cartel's own financial gain," the spokesperson said, without offering evidence. Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy indicated that the Congressional probe of Hunter Biden will continue. "This action by Biden's DOJ cannot be used to obstruct congressional investigations or whitewash the Biden family corruption," he said on social media. The post US Justice Dept names special counsel to probe Biden’s son appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed last Tuesday, Senate Resolution No. 730 seeking an inquiry into the implementation of Republic Act 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act amid reports that numerous solo parents are not receiving the benefits mandated by law after its enactment more than a year ago. The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act was signed into law on 4 June 2022, with the aim of supporting Filipino single parents. The law provides various social services and welfare benefits, including a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 for those earning a minimum wage or below and a 10 percent discount along with VAT exemption on essential childcare products for those earning less than P250,000. “More than a year since the enactment of the law, there are reports that several solo parents, who should be recipients of the provisions under the law, are not receiving the expected benefits,” said Go, author and co-sponsor of RA 11861. It was found out that several local government units found it difficult to secure a sufficient budget to implement the provisions of the law. Even much-larger cities do not have the resources to consistently distribute the P1,000 monthly allowance. “This raises serious concerns and necessitates an immediate review to ensure that the support and assistance mandated by the law are being provided,” he added. The resolution has directed the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry to examine the gaps in the provision of benefits under RA 11861. Meanwhile, Go on Wednesday, stressed the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solution to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country’s flood control master plan and outstanding projects. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, P80.7 billion in 2020, P90.9 billion in 2021, P127.4 billion in 2022, P182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. The post Review of Solo Parents Welfare Act urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Forked-tongue promises
Commitment to transparency is among the qualities of a corporation that investors and the public look at before making the crucial decision to either infuse some capital into it or buy its products. Power companies have the bigger responsibility for disclosures during the difficult period of rising prices, coupled with the global effort to save the earth from climate catastrophe as a result of greenhouse gases. In 2017, a movement among global big businesses for full disclosure of their projects that may impact the environment called Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, or TCFD, was launched. Since then, the country’s biggest corporations have signed up to the global transparency movement but not San Miguel Corp. Instead, SMC said in its annual report that it “developed a comprehensive, standardized data template to capture pertinent data and disclosures on our material ESG topics from our various subsidiaries,” without actually signing up for the global accord. Among companies engaged in power generation, SMC also lags in terms of its climate commitments. Think tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development said in 2019 that First Gen of the Lopez Group announced it will “lead the transition to a decarbonized energy system in line with the United Nations target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.” SMC, which now dominates energy production through fossil fuel, also has not made any commitments to align with the 1.5°C Paris temperature goal. CEED said that unlike some of the biggest conglomerates in the country, SMC has yet to indicate unqualified support for TCFD. The body was created to develop recommendations on the types of information that should be disclosed by corporations to support investors, lenders and insurance underwriters in appropriately assessing and pricing a specific set of risks related to climate change. The Aboitiz Group, through its holding company Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., was the first local supporter of TCFD. The global movement said on its online site that companies that express support for TCFD recommendations “join a cohort of leading companies that take action against climate change and are thoughtful to consider how climate change will impact their businesses.” “Easing transparency makes markets more efficient, and economies more stable and resilient,” Michael Bloomberg, TCFD chairperson said. According to CEED, the disclosure of climate risks in key private undertakings would guide SMC and its shareholders in making informed choices in “an increasingly carbon-constrained world.” It added that the value of climate-disclosure information and SMC’s plans for a low-carbon economy are becoming increasingly valuable for stakeholders. SMC, by the way, has major shareholders affiliated with the Catholic Church that have kept silent amid the reluctance of the Asian giant for full disclosure. Church groups, ironically, have been calling for action and accountability from financial institutions, energy and extractive companies, and government leaders to contribute to efforts to save the planet. In July 2021, SMC announced plans to move away from building new coal facilities, including those that use “clean technology,” and move towards clean energy. SMC, however, never discloses which power plant projects will be dropped except for three projects in Quezon and Cebu that have total capacities of 1,500 megawatts. CEED said data from the DoE from July 2020 showed plans for new coal-fired power plants with a total capacity of 3,628 MW until a moratorium imposed by the Department of Energy disrupted these plans. SMC also stated that it is aggressively pursuing more sustainable sources of energy which include expensive liquefied natural gas. The duplicity is very apparent since the company’s environmental commitments clash with its actual program to dominate power generation through imported fossil fuel. The post Forked-tongue promises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty is an avid art collector, should she have known better?
Beauty Gonzales and the jewelry she wore for the GMA Gala 2023 are being excoriated all across social media as it had been belatedly noticed (according to her Instagram) she was wearing "Centuries-old Gold Neck Piece and Earrings are Excavated Eye and Mouth Covers from distant places like Butuan and Surigao". The post of curator and art critic Marian Pastor Roces on Facebook called attention to the ethics of her accessories: Someone tell this woman that the orifice covers she is paying "homage" to are grave robber stuff. Because if these were legally excavated, the pieces would belong to the National Museum or the Bangko Sentral. If the pieces are not reproductions, how was the jeweler even able to get them? And re-fashioning these sacred gold pieces into a necklace feels just a smidgen of Cruella de Ville and her desire for coat of dalmatians, does it not? Beauty Gonzales is also a known art collector and her husband Norman Crisologo is an art dealer/curator. When she toured the Gold Squad of "Kadenang Ginto" around her home in 2019, she showed an affinity for reworked religious imagery and iconography as shown by the pieces there that she herself pointed out. Neither Beauty Gonzales nor the jeweler have made any statements amid growing criticism. The post Beauty is an avid art collector, should she have known better? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»