We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Survey drop, disinformation, or portent?
The political whirlwind that swept the Marcos-Duterte tandem to a smashing victory in the May elections of 2016 and the air of euphoria following it appears to have gradually dissipated one year and three months following their assumption to office as President and Vice President, respectively. There has been almost a whispery voice of discontent among those in the populating bearing the brunt of the escalating prices of basic commodities and a crescendo of pessimism felt by those who have been used to responsive and aggressive governance. What could have produced the huge fall in the approval and trust ratings of the redeeming and resurrected Marcos scion and the redoubtable charming yet feisty daughter of the controversial but beloved former President? Could it be the systematic and relentless barrage of negative propaganda against the current administration unleashed by the vociferous left inside and outside Congress helped, unsurprisingly, by the ominous silence of the political allies of the two, who obviously are following the baton of the one who wields and disburses the funds and largesse they need for their districts and their own evolution? The conductor’s body language speaks volumes of the obsession to be the heir apparent of the leader of the present dispensation. The fall in the trust and approval ratings of PBBM is not his own doing. The spiraling of prices of almost all commodities, including oil and gasoline, is global. The Russia-Ukraine war, the China-Taiwan friction, the US-Russia cold war, the China-US increasing bilateral tension, and other conflicts involving other countries have affected the trade and commerce of the world, putting a monkey wrench on the best-laid plans and programs of those who run the business of the world. They contribute to the present dislocation in the world’s economy. While PBBM has envisioned a program of government that — as he puts it in his first State of the Nation Address — would bring to fruition the dream of the Filipino people to live comfortable lives under a regime of peace and orderly society, he cannot, however, do this alone. He needs competent, dynamic, creative, selfless, and honest co-government workers who will implement the plans he has laid down. Unfortunately, while there are members of his Cabinet and allies in Congress who are doing well in their respective domains quietly and efficiently, there are, however, not a few of them who either have lackluster performance or are dead woods whose incompetence and grandstanding derail his visions and frustrate the expectations of the people. PBBM has been dragged down by these dead weights, triggering this fall in the surveys. Vice President and Secretary of Education Inday Sara Duterte’s fall on the surveys presents a different dimension. Her competent handling of her department has brought dramatic changes in the public educational system. Not only has she quelled the irregular, inefficient, and corrupt practices in the education sector, but she has even initiated and launched activities protecting the safety and health of the students and public school teachers, even as she improves the quality of education. Her enormous popularity, however, has become a magnet for orchestrated and systematic false disinformation and untruthful narratives about her and her office. This early — those eyeing the presidency five years from now have sent demolition forces to tarnish her popular image and taint her unblemished reputation. Those who are gullible among those respondents in the surveys apparently have been misled or hoodwinked into believing the falsities thrown at her. On the other side of the coin, could this abrupt and sizable decrease in the approval and trust survey be a portent? Could it be a foreshadow of an oncoming political upheaval? Could it be a handwriting on the wall? Could it be a wake-up call? The post Survey drop, disinformation, or portent? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos, VP Duterte’s approval scores decline – Pulse Asia
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte's approval ratings plummeted in September amid West Philippine Sea developments, rising commodity prices, and concerns about proposed confidential funds. Latest survey from opinion polling firm Pulse Asia on Monday showed that Marcos' approval rating fell 15 basis points from 80 percent in June to 65 percent in September. Meanwhile, Duterte's approval rating fell 11 basis points from 84 percent in June to 73 percent in September. Still, the Vice President, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, outperformed Marcos. "Although the President and the Vice-President continue to enjoy majority approval scores at the national level and across geographic areas and socio-economic classes, both experience significant erosions in their respective approval ratings during the period June 2023 to September 2023," the pollster said. Marcos and Duterte still enjoy majority trust ratings at 71 percent and 75 percent trust scores, respectively. Meanwhile, half of adult Filipinos had an upbeat assessment of the work done by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. Half of the respondents could not say if they approved or disapproved of the performance of Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. Pulse Asia conducted the survey using face-to-face interviews from 10 to 14 September 2023. This nationwide survey is based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above. It has a ± 2.8 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level. The post Marcos, VP Duterte’s approval scores decline – Pulse Asia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
It’s Kadayawan Festival in Davao City
The longest and most colorful festival in the Philippines is indubitably Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival. It formally kicks off on 10 August with revelry of ethnic gongs and music festivities and ends on 20 August with dazzling and radiant floats festooned in an array of fruits and flowers. August is the most abundant period of harvests and, as a tradition, the indigenous tribes in the city celebrate the season with festivities. And we celebrate with them. Davao City is home to 11 ethnic tribes. A large portion of elevated and forested lands in the city are their ancestral domain, while a few of them inhabit the coastal area. Despite the diversity of cultures, they live in peaceful coexistence along with other pioneers from various parts of the country. The tribes are well represented in the City Legislative Department and as Deputy Mayors. Let us refer to the City Tourism Office for the description of the various tribes that live in Davao City. Ata. They are shy and kind but are quick to anger. They are often referred to as people of the mountain as they prefer to live in upland areas. Bagobo Klata. They are forest dwellers and brave and feared warriors. They are known for their elaborate attire and fine artistry. Bagobo Tagabawa. They are the best dressed and said to be the most intelligent among the indigenous peoples. They dwell in the foothills of Mt. Apo which they call Apo Sandawa and is their place of worship and considered sacred. Matigsalug. The riverside dwellers. They are engaged in farming and are famous for the native rice variety. They fish and hunt and gather wild fruits for a living. Obu Manuvu. The oldest tribe in Davao City. They are known for their fine weaponry and jewelry. Planting cacao and vegetables is their source of livelihood. Iranun. Davao City has its share of the Iranun tribe who were originally from Illana Bay, better known today as the Moro Gulf, but they have spread to nearly all of Mindanao. They are descendants of Sultan Kudarat. They are known as the defenders of the nation as they fought against the Spanish colonizers. Kagan. This tribe inhabits the coastal areas of Davao. They are referred to as Davao Moros. They are a peace-loving people and are known to co-exist with other tribes. Maguindanaon. Known to be the first major Muslim converts in Mindanao. Courageous and resourceful, they are known for their bravery against the Spanish conquistadores. They live in many parts of Davao City. Maranao. The best dressed among the ethnic groups. They are famous for their wood and metal craft. They are referred to as “people of the lake.” Sama. A peace-loving tribe that values togetherness. Their forebears were said to have special powers as they could summon spirits called “jin” to do things for them. Taosug. They are from Sulu and are known for their bravery, yet are kind, hospitable, and helpful, and have a word of honor. They engage in trading and fishing, as among their means of livelihood. Davao is home to the world’s most elegant eagle and the habitat of the king of orchids we call Waling Waling, or Vanda Sanderana to orchidists. On its fertile lands are a variety of crops, among these, durian, bananas, and pineapples which are the principal exports of the city. Mangosteen, pomelos, lanzones, dragon fruit and rambutan abound this season. Numbeo ranks Davao as the most livable city in the Philippines. And this is made possible by the man who led the city against criminal and drug syndicates and ISIS and communist terrorists. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is the one. The first President from Mindanao whose trust and approval ratings, and path of destiny the incumbent Vice President Inday Sara Duterte is bound to be heir to. The 38th Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of life, abundance, and thanksgiving. Come join us. The post It’s Kadayawan Festival in Davao City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Resign en masse, Rody tells cops
Former president Rodrigo Duterte demanded yesterday the resignation of the entire Philippine National Police force, saying that many of its members had become the “gatekeepers” for the nation’s illicit drug trade. “We have a fractured police force in this country,” Duterte said on his weekly program over the SMNI channel. Duterte expressed dismay over the Senate’s recent investigation into the alleged cover-up by police officials of the P6.7-billion shabu bust where the drugs were allegedly seized from a police sergeant. He lamented that some police officers were not just protecting drug dealers, “but are into drug dealing themselves.” “The volume is one too many. How many police personnel are involved? There are many; it goes up to the generals,” he said. If he were still president, Duterte said he would order all members of the PNP, from the lowest-ranked patrolman to its chief (General Benjamin Acorda Jr.) to surrender all the firearms issued to them. He said he would then order the Armed Forces of the Philippines to take over police duties following the dismantling of the PNP. “The army would be happy to take over. And I suppose that is what should happen,” Duterte said, adding that he trusted the military more than the police. “The AFP knows what is right and wrong, and what is right for the country,” he said, slamming the “built-in arrogance” of rogue cops, especially those involved in the drug trade. Generals accused of coverup In October 2022, PNP officers seized 990 kilograms of shabu, worth P6.7 billion, from an office in Tondo, Manila. Several PNP generals were accused of trying to cover up the arrest of an alleged drug dealer, dismissed police sergeant Rodolfo Mayo, even as kilos of the drugs were found to have been pilfered. Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who oversees the PNP, assured Duterte and the public that the PNP was not hopeless as an organization. Abalos said criminal complaints had been filed against about 50 PNP members, including two generals. Abalos said a plan is afoot to place the PNP Internal Affairs Service under the supervision of the Office of the President or the DILG to make it totally independent of the PNP. Go welcomes raps Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go backed the filing of charges against the police generals and policemen tagged in the coverup in the P6.7-billion drug bust. “I welcome that. That’s the right thing to do. The truth must always come out, and those found guilty should be held accountable and prosecuted,” Go told reporters Thursday. “We, along with [former] President Duterte, fully supported the PNP. That’s why we worked to double their salaries to work against the illegal drug trade so they would not engage in those activities,” he said. ‘PNP functioning well’ For his part, PNP public information chief P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the PNP continues to function well, citing a 10-percent decline in so-called index crimes, from 18,270 from 1 January to 9 June last year to 16,492 crimes for the same period this year. In the campaign against illegal drugs, Maranan said the PNP conducted 19,464 operations, arrested 25,641 persons, and confiscated P6.2 billion worth of illegal drugs for the period cited this year. A total of 836 PNP personnel were dismissed and 1,703 were suspended as of 7 June, Maranan added. “This is a manifestation of the PNP’s well-functioning disciplinary mechanism to weed out those who are unfit to be in the organization,” Maranan said. He said the PNP recently achieved an 80-percent trust and performance rating. The post Resign en masse, Rody tells cops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Populist leaders like Duterte poll well during crises — political scientist
Populist leaders thrive in times of crisis, a political scientist said on Monday in response to the high approval and trust ratings credited to President Rodrigo Duterte by a recent poll......»»
On leaving PDP Laban
On Friday, 20 October, I submitted my resignation as the Secretary-General and as a member of the PDP Laban Party. In my resignation letter, I expressed my utmost gratitude to former President Rodrigo Duterte, our party chairman, for the trust and confidence conferred during my incumbency as the PDP Laban Secretary-General. I served the party under him with loyalty and delivered on the duties and responsibilities assigned to me. As a contributing opinion writer in this newspaper, I want to express my opinion on matters concerning national issues affecting ordinary Filipinos without being tied to the political stand of PDP Laban. I was always for nation-building. I believe that after the political season, we can discuss political, economic, and social matters in a manner that is not corrosive but beneficial to our country’s economic well-being. I believe that the incumbent knows their pact with the Filipinos and that they will fulfill it in a manner befitting the proud Filipino class. All of these are written in our Constitution. It is very important for us to support the incumbent, especially when they have a clear political mandate. It is not about the personalities but about protecting our institutions of leadership, like the three branches of our government. This is the only way to have a truly strong republic and attain economic growth. There is this one hypothesis that institutional weaknesses caused by political instability may have been one of the huge reasons why we have left the boat to industrialization. (Jeffrey G. Williamson & Emmanuel S. de Dios, 2014. “Has the Philippines forever lost its chance at industrialization?” Philippine Review of Economics, University of the Philippines School of Economics and Philippine Economic Society, vol. 51(2), pages 47-66, December.) The hypothesis is that perennial political instability and legitimacy crises hinder investment and growth. Between 1983 and 1986, the economy plunged. Then came the Edsa revolt. There was political instability, too, in the incumbency of President Cory Aquino, given the seven coup attempts. Further political instability in the 2000s because of the question of corruption led to another revolt to replace President Estrada. However, questions of PGMA’s legitimacy led to mass rallies and attempted coups- political instability. The political instability during the 1990s prompted investor services to grade the Philippines as a “high political risk” from 1984 to 1991. The timing of the political uncertainties was unfortunate, too. It coincided with the spillover and relocation of Japanese manufacturing to Southeast Asia; Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia benefitted but not the Philippines. As a result, Foreign direct investments to Thailand from 1987 to 1991 were USD 24 billion, while the Philippines only had a measly USD 1.6 billion for the same period. It is clear to me that political stability is the path to economic growth. To not undermine the institutions created under our Constitution. Confidential Funds I wanted to elaborate on my stand regarding the issue of confidential funds in local government. I hope Congress will tackle this not to find fault or to blame anybody but to craft a law prohibiting the practice of it. Giving the discretion to local executives to appropriate confidential funds in their favor is inimical to the interests of the Filipinos. LGUs earn revenues from taxing landholders, however small. It will be similar to the Philippines in the 1800s, with small farmers paying tributes to their Spanish conquistadors without explaining where the money was going. This is why Filipino farmers refused to work on their lands, prompting the Spanish friars to wrongfully brand the Filipinos as indolent. The practice of confidential funds will create dynasties and tyrants at the local level, and soon, even the barangay captains will appropriate for themselves confidential funds. They will claim they have the same rights as their mayor since they maintain peace and order at the barangay level. It is absurd and unjust. It will plunge us into chaos. The elections will be dirty and bloody. Confidential funds in the LGUs will not bring us peace and order, only greater income inequality and poverty. Congress must act. Our nation’s well-being is at stake. The post On leaving PDP Laban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
From the Newsrooms: Drop in trust and approval ratings across three branches of government
DESPITE the corruption and violence that marred his six years in office, Rodrigo Duterte remained popular until the end of his tenure. He maintained a rating of 70 and above throughout his six-year term, except for the 64 percent rati.....»»
From the Newsrooms: Drop in trust and approval ratings across three branches of government
DESPITE the corruption and violence that marred his six years in office, Rodrigo Duterte remained popular until the end of his tenure. He maintained a rating of 70 and above throughout his six-year term, except for the 64 percent rati.....»»
Taking a tumble
All top five government leaders slid in their approval ratings, according to the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia from 10 to 14 September. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. fell 15 points from 80 in June to 65 this September. Vice President Sara Duterte took an 11-point slide from 84 to 73 in the same time frame. From 56 in June, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s rating slid to 50 in September — six points down. Approval of House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s also decreased, from 52 to 41, another 11-point slide. In the judiciary, Supreme Court Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s approval rating fell 10 points — now only 34 from 44 in June. It’s no mystery why disappointment ruled sentiments in the last quarter. Gas prices climbed every week; the Chinese incursions had made a grievous comeback in the public consciousness; and the “confidential funds” brouhaha had made its way to meme-dom. The numbers are not too alarming; some say they are within a range that still shows confidence in our leaders. Why this is significant at this point lies in one truth we refuse to see: a country will see no substantial progress unless the people respect their leaders. Think of our situation today — how many presidents do we need to try to “save” us from poverty and inequality? We keep saying the Philippines is rich — and perhaps we are, indeed, in natural resources and a workforce and talent that can rightly compete in any part of the world. And yet, we go through perennial problems like hunger and unemployment, a weak peso, corruption scandals, and a massive national debt hanging over our heads. It seems nothing will ever change with this cycle of leadership we can never get rid of. Over the last few decades, we may have learned enough that political feuds among powerful families only slow down the nation. And we may have realized that power struggles continue to diminish our productivity, impeding our forward movement. Research published in July 2016 focused on political dynasties in the Philippines and said: “Despite overwhelming recognition that political dynasties breed patronage politics and corruption, no substantial steps have been taken to address this issue.” Nothing changed after the so-called People Power Revolution, as the same family names continued dominating Congress. The trend continues till today, election after election, with only the occasional new name rising out of the morass because, perhaps, the voting public could no longer stomach the way power and resources are concentrated on a few. And even so, after some time, some of these promising new leaders end up as trapped in the dirt as the ones they removed from power. Either they end up playing the game, now so deeply entrenched, or they leave. Only “a few good men” ever make it past a certain political lifespan. At the same time, we continue to be bogged down by mysteries like why the Philippine General Hospital is getting a zero budget when, obviously, it is the only affordable good hospital that caters to the majority of Filipinos. We continue to wonder why some agencies are getting hefty funds, some even under wraps, when these could be funneled into so many other things like food sustainability, road improvements, solutions to environmental problems, modernizing the agriculture sector, supporting local inventions, and so on. The people look up to their leaders for direction and vision. People will follow — and feel the need to pull their weight and contribute to the work — when they see their leaders as upright and having their welfare always in view. When people feel taken advantage of or taken for granted, they lose faith. Their attitudes change. The country slows to a stop. The post Taking a tumble appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM, Sara approval ratings fall
The approval ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte plummeted in September amid rising commodity prices, China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea, and concerns about confidential and intelligence funds in the proposed 2024 national budget. The latest Pulse Asia survey on Monday showed that Marcos’ approval rating fell 15 basis points from 80 percent in June to 65 percent in September. Meanwhile, Duterte’s approval rating fell 11 basis points from 84 percent to 73 percent over the same period. Still, the Vice President, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, outperformed Marcos. “Although the President and the Vice President continue to enjoy majority approval scores at the national level and across geographic areas and socio-economic classes, both experienced significant erosions in their respective approval ratings during the period June 2023 to September 2023,” the pollster said. Marcos and Duterte still enjoy majority trust ratings at 71 percent and 75 percent, although these also slid from 85 percent and 87 percent, respectively, in June. Meanwhile, only half of adult Filipinos had an upbeat assessment of the work being done by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, from 56 percent in June. House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s approval rating also fell from 52 percent to 41 percent. Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s approval rating slid further from 44 percent to 34 percent in the same period. Pulse Asia conducted the survey using face-to-face interviews from 10 to 14 September. It was based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above. It had a plus-minus 2.8 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level. The post BBM, Sara approval ratings fall appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos, Duterte see double-digit drop in approval and trust ratings in September
Marcos is the only top official in the survey who suffered a double-digit drop in approval ratings across all socio-economic classes, with his approval score slumping the most among members of Class E......»»
Fighting gun violence, Kamala’s new task
“We know true freedom is not possible if people are not safe,” United States Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday in announcing her new role to combat gun violence. The 58-year-old Democrat will lead the new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which will coordinate on the issue but lacks significant enforcement authority to combat the epidemic in a nation with more firearms than people. “We do not have a moment to spare nor a life to spare” while the United States is “torn apart” by gun violence, she said at the White House on Friday. “After every mass shooting, we hear a simple message, the same message all over the country,” she added, saying Americans are begging for their leaders to “‘do something, please do something.’” Despite the new push, the White House does not have unilateral power to meaningfully limit gun use in the United States, such as by banning assault weapons. Any substantial moves would have to come from Congress, where fiercely anti-gun regulation Republicans control the House of Representatives. Biden has tried to work around legislative requirements and imposed certain regulatory and administrative restrictions, which have only a limited scope. The new role adds a significant job to Harris’s portfolio just a little over a year ahead of the 2024 race, in which she and the 80-year-old president are facing re-election. The vice president has already been tasked with handling other politically sensitive issues such as immigration. Tackling gun violence gives the former California prosecutor the chance to work on a visible issue that often garners more widespread consensus from the American public. According to the Gun Violence Archive, a non-governmental organization, 44,374 people were killed by guns across the United States last year. Gun deaths have slowed slightly this year, at 28,793 for the first eight months, according to the archive. Harris — the first woman to become vice president as well as the first Black person and person of South Asian descent to hold the job — also recently embarked on the so-called Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour, in which she visited several US universities. She was generally received with enthusiasm, in contrast to her often-flagging favorability poll numbers. with AFP The post Fighting gun violence, Kamala’s new task appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salceda’s MUP bill stirs hornets’ nest
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. took potshots yesterday at the substitute bill recently approved by a House of Representatives ad hoc committee that would require military and uniformed personnel, or MUPs, to contribute to their pension funds. “I do not subscribe to the proposed blanket mandatory contributions for military personnel, especially for those who have already completed at least 20 years of active service,” Teodoro said. Teodoro’s statement came as grumblings in the military and the police and other uniformed services, both active and retired, heightened anew after dying down in the past few months. The Defense chief hinted at the reasons MUPs were becoming restless anew. He said the substitute bill of the ad hoc committee chaired by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda does not conform to the government’s intent regarding their pensions. For one, Teodoro explained that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proposed pension reform plan should have the least negative impact on active-duty military personnel. Forced contribution “The President envisions a carefully transitioned introduction of any pension reform plan so that those in active service will be impacted in the least possible way,” he said. But the imposition of mandatory monthly contributions without a transition phase, under the substitute bill, will “definitely” affect the soldiers, Teodoro warned. “As Secretary of National Defense, it is also incumbent upon me to look after the welfare of our military pensioners,” he said. “Ensuring the non-diminution of their retirement benefits is the least we can do in recognition of their sacrifices to the country,” he added. The substitute bill would require those in active service to contribute 5 percent of their base and longevity pay during the first to three years of the MUP pension reform implementation, 7 percent in the fourth to sixth year, and 9 percent in the seventh year onward. The government will contribute its counterpart 16 percent to the pension fund of those in active service during the first three years, 14 percent during the fourth to sixth year, and 12 percent in the seventh year onward. Sui generis New entrants to the uniformed services like the police and military will contribute 9 percent of their base and longevity pay toward their pension with a 12-percent government contribution. Salceda said the ad hoc panel has committed to approving its version on the third and final reading “as soon as possible.” He insisted the panel heard all the statements and comments of the various services. But Teodoro was clearly not buying Salceda’s assurance as he remained firm in his position on the soldiers’ pensions and entitlements, “including that the 100-percent automatic indexation shall remain unchanged.” Automatic indexation means the pensions of retired MUPs are adjusted according to the pay scale of active service personnel of the same rank. Meanwhile, the Defense chief stressed the “substantial distinction” members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines enjoyed over all other uniformed personnel. “The AFP performs a sui generis mandate emanating from the 1987 Constitution — to secure the sovereignty of the Philippines and the integrity of our national territory,” Teodoro pointed out. “Despite wearing uniforms and having ranks similar to those of other uniformed personnel, there is no uniformity in terms of the nature of their duties and responsibilities,” he noted. Teodoro underscored that the risks that soldiers face with the “multifarious” roles they play in nation-building and in times of crisis are “well known.” He pointed out that soldiers do not receive additional financial support from local government units, “unlike some of the other services.” He added that soldiers are governed by “strict rules of military law from the moment they first train until the last day of their service.” “The AFP continues to obtain the highest approval, satisfaction, and trust ratings. Adding to their burdens will only serve to distract them from focusing on their crucial mission,” he said. Cops are sore, too Many police officers are also antagonistic toward the substitute bill. “With that abomination of a substitute bill, Salceda threw into the dumpster the President’s ideas on an MUP reform law that would have been acceptable to us,” a police colonel retiring in a few months told Daily Tribune. He said that they in the PNP thought the MUP reform measure had been placed on the back burner, thus many of those who had filed for early retirement tried to pull out their papers. “Those who would want to retire now before the lawmakers rob us blind would surely increase. The veterans are leaving and Salceda has only himself to blame if we are swamped with rookies,” the police officer said. No contributors Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno started the MUP pension reform ball rolling when he warned that the next administration would have a “huge problem” if the present MUP pension system was not overhauled. With no contributions from MUPs to the pension fund, Diokno said the liabilities were previously estimated at P9 trillion, compared to the country’s GDP of around P20 trillion. “The pension system of the military is not a real pension system in the following sense — there are no contributors. A pension system is where the beneficiaries of the pension fund contribute to it and there is a government counterpart fund. But in this particular sense, there is no contribution on the part of the beneficiaries, and we only appropriate it annually,” Diokno said. Under the 2024 National Expenditure Program, the government is pushing a P164-billion allocation for the MUP pension fund, reflecting a 3.5-percent increase over the fund this year. The post Salceda’s MUP bill stirs hornets’ nest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBM: P2T in loans to prop up ‘24 budget
The Department of Budget and Management yesterday confirmed the government will borrow over P2 trillion to fund part of the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024. The fresh borrowing would increase the national debt to above P16 trillion, which equates to P145,339 in debt for each of the 110 million Filipinos, up from P129,798 at the current level of the nation’s overall debt of P14.1 trillion. According to DBM, the borrowing program for 2024 is valued at P2.46 trillion, or 11.46 percent more than the borrowing program for 2023, which stood at P2.207 trillion. The borrowing plan for next year is made up of gross domestic borrowing of P1.853 trillion and gross foreign borrowing of P606.85 billion. In a Palace press briefing, DBM Undersecretary Joselito Basilio said the planned borrowing is “consistent with the medium-term fiscal framework.” The Marcos government has borrowed P1.327 trillion as of the end of June this year. This brought the country’s total sovereign debt to a new record high of P14.15 trillion as of the end of June 2023, up 0.4 percent from the end of May, when it was P14.10 trillion. The Duterte administration also embarked on an aggressive borrowing spree to fund its response and recovery efforts as the pandemic-induced lockdown triggered economic contractions in 2020 throughout the middle of 2021. Debt-GDP ratio Basilio said the government’s borrowing program will gradually decline as the country recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. “From now until 2025 and 2026, (the government’s borrowing) will peak… by 2027 and 2028, it will go down,” he said. He said the government also aims to reduce the debt-to-gross domestic product or GDP ratio to less than 60 percent by 2025, then further down to 51.1 percent in 2028, and reduce the budget deficit to 3.0 percent of GDP by 2028. The debt-to-GDP ratio represents the amount of the government’s debt stock relative to the size of the economy. As of the first quarter of 2023, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 61 percent, down from 63.5 percent in the first quarter of 2022. The Philippines ended 2022 with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60.9 percent, down from 63.7 percent as of the third quarter of last year — a 17-year high or the highest since 2005. This is the highest debt-to-GDP ratio since 2005 when it hit 65.7 percent, well over the internationally recommended threshold of 60 percent. The post DBM: P2T in loans to prop up ‘24 budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pandemic era over
The vicious coronavirus-2019 is considered defeated in the country after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation 297 lifting the “state of public health emergency.” Malacañang on Saturday said the President issued the proclamation on Friday but it was made public through a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office only on Saturday. The proclamation states that “all prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that were effective only during the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed withdrawn, revoked or canceled and shall no longer be in effect.” The directive provides that all emergency use authorizations or EUA issued by the Food and Drug Administration on vaccines shall remain valid for one year from the date of the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency “for the sole purpose of exhausting the remaining supply of vaccines.” Go pleads for health workers For his part, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said: “We respect the President’s decision to lift the state of public health emergency. We trust that it was arrived at after careful consideration of the present health issue and the need to finally open up the economy.” Go, nonetheless, said he was appealing to the government to release the remaining arrears due to healthcare workers, including Covid-19-related allowances and unpaid death benefits. The senator said the obligations should be fulfilled “with or without the state of public health Emergency.” Align with new normal Marcos’ order also enjoined all agencies to ensure that their policies, rules, and regulations shall take into consideration the lifting of the state of public health emergency and to amend existing or to promulgate new issuances, as may be appropriate. Former president Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 922 declaring a State of Public Health Emergency all over the country in March 2020. Proclamation 922 also stated that the public health emergency would remain in force until lifted or withdrawn by the president. WHO sees downtrend The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization highlighted the decreasing trend in Covid-19 deaths last May. It also reported a decline in Covid-19-related hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions, as well as the high levels of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus concurred with the advice of the committee that Covid-19 was now an established and ongoing health issue, which no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern. The WHO likewise advised a transition to the long-term management of Covid-19. Stay vigilant For Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, the pronouncement is a “positive step forward,” and he agreed that the conditions no longer warrant the continuance of the public health emergency status. “It is crucial to recognize that while the state of public health emergency is lifted, we must remain vigilant and proactive in our approach to health and safety,” he said. Herbosa likewise stressed the importance of maintaining health awareness and adhering to health protocols to protect one from potential health risks. IATF to disband The Department of Health said the Inter-Agency Task Force would convene for a final meeting to formally conclude the public health emergency. Herbosa gave the IATF a pat on the back for its “exemplary performance” and “unwavering commitment,” and so too the medical front liners who demonstrated resilience and heroism throughout the challenging period. “Their dedication to safeguarding public health had been instrumental in reaching this critical milestone,” he said. “Let us embrace this positive development with gratitude and determination, knowing that by working together we shall prevail against any challenges that may lie ahead,” he added. Covid cases on Friday brought the total infection caseload to 4,171,063, with 234 new cases. Active cases, however, dropped to 5,278 from 5,431, the lowest since 29 April 2023, while seven new deaths and 380 new recoveries were logged. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_eao The post Pandemic era over appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Raison d’être
Legal eagles are betting that the International Criminal Court will rule today to continue its investigation into the alleged extrajudicial killings being pinned on the Duterte administration at the height of its campaign against illegal drugs from 2016 to 2019. That’s to be expected because scuttling the probe would run against the raison d’être, or reason for being, of the ICC. The ICC, of course, has to justify the hundreds of millions of dollars it wastes each year on the bloated paychecks of its judges and prosecutorial staff, who are known to travel like royalty, pretending to be doing something. While the ICC claims to be a bastion of justice, the reality is that its insistence on investigating and bagging former President Rodrigo Duterte, including for his actions as Davao City mayor from 2011 to 2016, feeds its arrogant posturing while blatantly encroaching on Philippine sovereignty. This concern strikes at the heart of the ICC’s legitimacy and calls into question its adherence to the principle of national self-determination. The Philippines, like any other sovereign nation, has the right to manage its internal affairs and address alleged crimes within its own legal framework. Furthermore, the ICC has demonstrated abject bias not only against African countries but also against developing nations like the Philippines. The ICC is nothing more than a schoolyard bully, running roughshod over those it thinks are weak. In fact, many of the cases investigated by the ICC have been in Africa. This perceived bias undermines the credibility of the ICC and calls into question its ability to dispense justice fairly. It is only in recent years that the ICC has ventured to add the Philippines among its targets, precisely to counter criticism of its African bias. The ICC itself needs scrutiny, particularly its judges and the Office of the Prosecutor. What little reputation the ICC had has been thrown out the window by the controversies surrounding its own judges’ lawsuit against the ICC over pay, bringing their complaint before the International Labor Organization. These internal conflicts raise doubts about the independence and impartiality of the institution, further eroding public trust and inviting scrutiny regarding the character of its very judges. The same holds true for its current prosecutor, Karim Khan, specifically for his past role as a defense lawyer for William Ruto, the Deputy President of Kenya, who faced charges of crimes against humanity. Khan’s successful defense of Ruto and his 180-degree turn from defender to prosecutor speaks volumes about the lengths he would go to in order to add shine to his legal star. No doubt, we must consider the implications of his previous role when evaluating his current position as ICC Prosecutor. So, are the ICC judges and its prosecutorial staff worthy of trust, worthy enough to be given the mantle of authority to pass judgment on anyone? The Philippines’ arguments against the ICC investigation into the alleged drug war killings cannot be dismissed lightly. The country has maintained that it did not ratify the Rome Statute that created the ICC, thus it never fell under the purview of the tribunal, like the United States, China and Russia. If Duterte pulled the country out of the ICC in 2018, it was only because the country was a signatory to the statute, which did not amount to anything without the required ratification. The complementarity issue is another significant concern raised by the Philippines. The country has asserted that the ICC should not investigate the alleged crimes because the Philippine government is already conducting its own investigations. The ICC, on the other hand, questions the genuineness of the Philippine government’s investigations, claiming that they are merely a cover-up to protect the perpetrators from accountability. Ultimately, the ICC’s decision on whether or not to proceed with the investigation into the alleged drug war killings in the Philippines will have far-reaching implications, more so for the ICC as it tries to stave off irrelevancy. The post Raison d’être appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
For better or worse
This July 24th, the country will once again hear from President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. as he delivers his second State of the Nation Address, or SoNA. It is expected that this SoNA will outline the key accomplishments of PBBM’s administration after completing his first year in office. And it would be interesting to see and hear what these would be, and if they have resonated with the public in terms of benefit or detriment. Of course with the SoNA comes the grading report by political analysts, pundits, opinion makers, critics, as well as supporters, and all those who are invested in the government and its successes and failures. Overall, and if we go by the polls on performance and trust ratings, PBBM managed to steer the country through with relative stability, but there were the political and socio-economic hiccups and concerns which, if not handled better, may well be his Waterloo. For instance, his administration was rocked early on by issues with appointments and subsequent resignations. This did not bode well for the President on a personal level, as this was taken as a sign of weakness as well as of an internal power struggle. Questions abound as to what really took place, and what might have been if PBBM had conveyed a stronger and more assertive presence. Case in point: what happened to former Executive Secretary, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, who was very instrumental in the BBM run to the presidency, only to fall by the wayside in just four months after assuming the ES post. With what is happening now inside Malacañang, and all the leaks springing out because of very poor communications strategy and management, would it have been better if Atty. Vic had remained ES and continued to be the effective shock absorber and at the same time fireman? For all his faults, one thing about Atty. Vic is that he never wavered in his loyalty and respect for the President, considering that he could have been the “Chavit” to President Erap Estrada, and triggered his downfall. Yes, it could have been worse, and for this, we have to give it to Atty. Vic for letting go of the irresistible power and fading sublimely to private life. Now we have a SoNA to look forward to and see if it is indeed a better administration now than when it started. Or maybe, it has become worse. Mark my word. The post For better or worse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beyond partisan politics
The authoritative Tokyo-based publication Nikkei Asia, which started among those who doubted President Bongbong Marcos’ capability to lead the nation appears to be changing its tune in its latest edition, reflecting the growing global respect that BBM has been reaping in the first of his six-year term. Marcos was able to rise above political vindictiveness to utilize the best that the government can offer for the country’s development, one of the business paper’s assessments went. It cited the case of Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan who served in the same post under the late President Benigno Aquino III. Balisacan said he never expected to take the same post under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Nikkei Asia said Aquino’s parents led the opposition to Marcos’ father, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., in the 1986 People Power Revolt. “For Balisacan, his appointment is a sign that Marcos’s determination to rework the economy is stronger than any historical baggage,” Nikkei Asia said. “Not even a chance that I thought about being invited to join because I served the Aquino government,” said Balisacan, also director general of the National Economic and Development Authority. “It became clear to me that Marcos wanted to do something about the economy,” he added. The initial reviews of BBM were not very favorable. “Marcos frustrated investors when he skipped debates during the campaign and spoke more about ‘unity’ than the specifics of how he would run the economy,” the Nikkei Asia report went. “But one year after taking office, Marcos has defied some of the most pessimistic predictions on his presidency. He has won the confidence of business, bolstered the alliance with the US, and pledged to respect human rights,” the report said. In BBM’s first year, the Philippines had the distinction of being among the best-performing economies in the region, growing by 7.6 percent in 2022. “Expansion slowed to 6.4 percent in the first quarter but still surpassed analyst projections. Marcos is aiming for growth of up to 8 percent per year from 2024 to 2028,” Nikkei Asia said. In May, Fitch Ratings affirmed its “investment grade” assessment of the Philippines, raising the outlook to “stable” from “negative,” said the report. The business sector experienced a refreshing change in terms of the attention it received from Marcos. “While his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, attacked tycoons, Marcos gave them a direct line via a business advisory council that he holds regular meetings with. He has pledged to revive the public-private partnership program to allow companies to bid for infrastructure contracts,” Nikkei Asia observed. It quoted BDO Capital and Investment president Eduardo Francisco as saying, “Initially, people were not expecting much.” “They were a little, maybe, skeptical. But [the President] has assembled a very good team,” he said. International watchdogs gave Marcos a glowing review. According to Fitch Director Krisjanis Krustins, “the outlook revision (from negative to stable) reflects confidence in continued strong economic growth and sound economic policymaking.” Analysts also noted the “government’s budget discipline and commitment to gradual fiscal consolidation and reform.” “President Marcos knows the country has a lot of problems, but he is willing to spend his political capital to solve them,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno was quoted as saying. The business publication acknowledged the positive impact of Marcos concurrently holding the post of agriculture secretary. “Inflation slowed to 6.1 percent in May, after marking a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January when onions were more expensive than meat. Officials expect price gains to settle within the 2 to 4 percent target by the end of this year,” Nikkei Asia said. The post Beyond partisan politics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden bets on ‘Bidenomics’ for 2024 victory
President Joe Biden is gambling his 2024 re-election on a continued strong US economy and manufacturing resurgence with a speech Wednesday launching his newly branded "Bidenomics." The Democrat's speech, heavily promoted in advance by the White House, will see him take credit for a powerful US recovery from the COVID pandemic shutdown and subsequent supply chain nightmares. "You'll hear the president today talk about the fact that the United States right now..., we are leading the world in terms of the fastest, strongest economic recovery since the beginning of the pandemic among G7 countries," Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton told reporters. It's a bold, potentially risky move for Biden to put the economy at the center of his re-election platform, brushing aside months of warnings that the world's biggest economy might still hit a post-pandemic recession. Putting his name on it is even bolder, with "Bidenomics" deliberately echoing and refuting Republicans' long-cherished "Reaganomics," in reference to the 1980s boom under Ronald Reagan. Biden was bullish Wednesday on departure for Chicago, telling reporters at the White House that he's "been hearing every month there's going to be a recession next month." Now the consensus, he said, is that "we're not going to have a recession." 'Bidenomics' or 'Reaganomics'? So far, the sales pitch is having trouble getting through -- in large part due to the lingering inflationary pressures on a country that had grown used to low price increases. A May poll by ABC News/Washington Post even found Biden's scandal-plagued Republican predecessor -- and likely 2024 rematch rival -- Donald Trump leading by 18 percentage points on the question of who handled the economy better. But the White House says inflation is on a slow but steady decline and that "Bidenomics" is changing the playing field in a way that will benefit the middle classes. Huge spending bills passed by Congress during Biden's first two years in power are pouring money into green energy technology, semiconductors, and not less than $550 billion for revamping the country's roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Lael Brainard, director of the National Economic Council, told reporters Tuesday that the Reagan-era trickle-down theory led to the hollowing out of US industrial cities with offshoring and abandonment of ambitious infrastructure upgrades. By contrast, Biden is using government funding as a catalyst for a "boom in private sector spending in manufacturing construction." She touted funding for the expansion of broadband internet to every corner of the United States as an echo of Franklin Roosevelt's epic electrification program to modernize the nation in the 1930s. As for getting voters to buy into the "Bidenomics" pitch, that will come as Americans start seeing the funds begin to kick in, Dalton said. "We're seeing shovels in grounds, we're seeing private investment come back to our country, we're seeing millions of jobs created. So now is the time, with all of those accomplishments, (when) the president can take this message to the American people and say this is what Bidenomics is," Dalton said. "We're just starting to feel the impact." The post Biden bets on ‘Bidenomics’ for 2024 victory appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House vows intensified public service
The House of Representatives, elated at receiving three consecutive high approval and trust ratings, vowed to redouble its efforts to pass laws that would bring the Marcos government’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda to fruition. Speaker Martin Romualdez, who received 55 trust and 59 percent approval ratings in a survey conducted by a private firm, pinned the success on his colleagues in the House by their unwavering support and cooperation, which allowed him to steer the chamber in advancing measures that address the needs of the public. “This is not just a personal achievement but also a tacit recognition of the tireless efforts of the entire House and the dedication of my fellow lawmakers to pass laws and policies that benefit our country and our people,” Romualdez said. “I would like to assure the public that under my leadership, we will redouble our efforts to prioritize the needs and concerns of the Filipino people.” The survey — conducted from 24 to 28 March — came out barely a week after the release of Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations surveys, in which the House scored a 51 percent approval rating and a “very good” or +56 net satisfaction rating in the fourth quarter of 2022, respectively. “We will press on for the timely passage of laws for progress and development and those meant to address the serious challenges that our nation face,” said the House Speaker. In terms of legislation, by the time the House adjourned for the Holy Week recess on 23 March, it had approved on third and final reading 23 of the 31 bills identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council as priority measures of the Marcos administration, with the remaining eight measures already in advanced stages of deliberation. The post House vows intensified public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»