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PBBM trusts new officials to be ‘models of excellence and integrity’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the new officials of various government agencies to be models of excellence and integrity. In a speech during the oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday in Malacañang, Marcos said that the new officials are "leaders and trailblazers in their own professions" who have demonstrated "patriotism, excellence, and wholehearted service throughout their careers and endeavors." "I bestow on them the challenging but rewarding responsibility that their respective positions will entail," Marcos said. He also reminded the new officials that they have a "big break that will change the course of their future" and that their term comes with the promise of "new beginnings, new systems, new practices." "You now have more opportunities to create improvements in your respective workplaces," Marcos said. He also emphasized the importance of the new officials' unwavering commitment and presence in the sectors they serve. "As appointed leaders, your unwavering commitment and even your mere presence daily are crucial to the sectors that you serve [and] to the performance of your respective mandates," Marcos said. He also expressed his trust that the new officials will remain "models of excellence and integrity, especially to your staff, stakeholders, and communities." Marcos also pledged the administration's support to the new officials in addressing the pressing concerns that hinder development in the sectors of their communities. "This administration will spare no effort to provide the support necessary to address the pressing concerns that hinder development in the sectors of our communities under your authority," Marcos said. Finally, Marcos asked the families and loved ones of the new officials to give them their wholehearted support. "Public service is no easy task. Leading an office or a group with such a significant and influential role in the nation's affairs will be difficult both for them and for you," Marcos said. "Life in government will always be hard and challenging, but every service delivered brings purpose, it brings fulfillment," he added. Officials who the President swore in included Jennifer Pia Sibug-las, Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria, Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard, and Dennis Anthony Uy, who serves as the Special Envoy to the Republic of Korea for Digital Transformation. This event coincided with the oath-taking ceremony for new officers of various organizations, namely the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Press Photographers of the Philippines, Malacañang Press Corps, Malacañang Cameramen Association, and Presidential Photojournalists Association. The post PBBM trusts new officials to be ‘models of excellence and integrity’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Duterte performance rating rises to 91% amid COVID-19 – Pulse
President Duterte scored the highest approval and trust ratings among the five top government officials amid criticism over his administration’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a Pulse Asia survey released yesterday......»»
FACT CHECK | PDP Laban shows incomplete data of Publicus survey favorable to Sara Duterte
MindaNews fact-checked a Facebook post of political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) that Vice President Sara Duterte gained the highest approval rating among national government officials in the 2023 fourth quarter survey of Publicus Asia, Inc. The post is misleading as it did not indicate that while she had the […].....»»
Approvals drop
Double-digit drops were seen in the trust and approval ratings of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, as published by Pulse Asia. These numbers may have been normal for certain officials of past administrations, but for Marcos and Duterte, these figures could be unsettling. We must be reminded that our top officials were elected by the majority of the voting public in a virtual landslide against their competition. Further, this steep decline was not realized by our previous populist president. Thus, this should be taken seriously by our leaders. President Marcos Jr. downplayed the decline, saying he was “not surprised” by it. He correctly pointed out that among the reasons for the drop would be the government’s failure to lower the price of rice — a campaign promise often repeated. Another reason could be his concurrent holding of the Agriculture Secretary position, which is a delicate Cabinet post since it relates directly to bringing food to the table of every Filipino. Rice matters in the Filipino household. The United States Department of Agriculture reported that the Philippines is now the world’s top rice importer, overtaking China. According to its report titled “Grain: World Markets and Trade,” the USDA projected that the Philippines would reach 3.8 million metric tons of rice imports for the marketing year 2023-2024, compared to China’s decreased projection of 3.5 million MT. This is a sad statistic, considering the Philippines used to be known as a leading rice producer, even the go-to country for our neighbors to learn about rice production. Our Banaue Rice Terraces is a heritage and tourist site that may very well belong in a museum since rice irrigation may be a thing of the past. Food security was a campaign promise that should be endeavored to be achieved. There is no rice crisis because of the incessant importation of rice by prominent businessmen, but it has become difficult to encourage other investors to put their capital into rice farming. The government should provide the answer by incentivizing farmers and businesses to invest in rice farming, but all this is easier said than done. As for our Vice President, her ratings drop should be related to the controversial confidential and intelligence funds she defended heavily in the budget hearings. I cannot fathom a worthy explanation for why the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education should have P650 million in these funds without proper accounting and explanation. As for the reported realignment of these funds by the House of Representatives to agencies tasked with the protection of our national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, we are still waiting to see if this will happen after it hurdles the Senate and is later signed by the President. The ratings drop may be ignored, but it’s continuing cannot be risked. The ratings can be expected to rise, especially if the surveys are taken during the Christmas season when the Filipino nation becomes forgiving. The leadership should take concrete action on how to cause an uptick, such as by providing concrete solutions to the promises made during the campaign. If something can be learned from former President Rodrigo Duterte, it would help to be very visible locally to show your genuine and sincere compassion and empathy for your countrymen. But as I have written before, it is unfair to compare two leaders with varying styles. Let’s trust our President, and he has the privilege of time to make a huge turnaround. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com. The post Approvals drop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos gov’t pledges action on high food prices
High food prices in the Philippines have pushed inflation to a five-month peak, officials said Thursday, increasing pressure on the government to stop the country's neediest going hungry. Farming subsidies and food stamps for the poor are among government efforts to rein in or mitigate price increases, which have dented the popularity of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "The government is committed to providing targeted assistance to affected vulnerable segments of the population while food prices remain elevated," Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement announcing last month's consumer prices data. The inflation rate of 6.1 percent was up from 5.3 percent a month earlier. Last month Marcos put a controversial price cap on rice, a national staple, to support poor households. He lifted the price controls on Wednesday, saying the ongoing harvest was easing pressure on supply. Balisacan cited a food stamps program launched last week, the country's first, that provides 3,000 pesos ($53) a month for select "food poor" households, as well as families with pregnant women or nursing mothers. He said the government was also giving a 10,000-peso cash subsidy to 78,000 farmers, a separate 5,000-peso financial aid to rice farmers and fuel subsidies to more than 74,000 public utility vehicles. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said increasing inflation was particularly linked to rice prices, crop damage from typhoons earlier this year and a weakening peso that hiked import prices. Rice is a staple in the country of 110 million people, but the nation cannot produce enough and is one of the world's top importers of the grain. Marcos suffered a 15-point drop, to 65 percent, in his popularity rating in a nationwide poll by the Manila-based independent outfit Pulse Asia last month, compared with June. The survey was made after the president imposed rice price controls. A separate poll showed inflation was the top concern among those surveyed. The post Marcos gov’t pledges action on high food prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
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......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. Consistent top performers It’s also important to note that AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land, and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities, and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation — positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Robust policies Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve,” he said. Corporate governance For his part, UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat said, “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices.” Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation – positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. The company adheres to a stringent code of conduct that guides the behavior of its employees, fostering an environment of trust and integrity. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve.” “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices,” said UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat. Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company actively pursues environmental and social responsibility, demonstrating its dedication to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM challenges newly-promoted PNP officials to be agents of change
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. challenged the newly promoted Philippine National Police star-rank officers to be agents of positive change and help transform the country into the New Philippines that all Filipinos aspire for. In his speech at the oath-taking ceremony in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized the importance of public trust and community engagement in effective law enforcement. The Chief Executive added that there would be no space for police officers who would damage the PNP's reputation. “Mark my words, there will be no room for leniency for those who engage in acts that tarnish the reputation of our police and jeopardize the safety of our people,” Marcos said. “To our new officers here, I urge you to keep your integrity at all times and remain steadfast in your commitment to public service amidst the many challenges your institutions face,” he added. He called on the officers to bring the PNP closer to the communities as the Filipino people expect the police to be capable, professional, and responsive to their needs. Marcos also called on the PNP to be free from any form of corruption and abuse, so it could earn and maintain the trust, confidence, and admiration of the people. "Once again, I must emphasize our zero-tolerance policy for corruption and human rights abuses within the PNP," he said. Marcos also assured the PNP of his administration's full support, especially in terms of boosting their capabilities. "As you perform your duties in securing our people, you and your families can rest assured of the government's full support for your welfare and overall well-being," he said. Marcos ended his speech by challenging the newly promoted officers to be agents of change in the country. "I expect your support in our goal to introduce to the nation the new face of the new Philippines through your personalities—honorable, quick to respond to the call of need, and always ready to be a partner in society towards the New Philippines we aspire for," he said. The post PBBM challenges newly-promoted PNP officials to be agents of change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps
The Police Security and Protection Group of the Philippine National Police on Tuesday announced it has launched a comprehensive recall of its protective security personnel stationed throughout the country as part of the preparation for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled for 30 October 2023, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco, acting Director for Operations, led the presentation of recalled personnel at the PNP Transformation Oval, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. Regional offices across the nation will also conduct their recall activities, which will be witnessed through online platforms. “This recall serves as a reminder of our duty to the people and the nation. As you return to your units, let your actions reflect the ideals of a just and democratic society”, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said in a statement on Tuesday. “Additionally, this recall serves as a proactive measure to prevent any undue influence, conflicts of interest, or perceptions of impropriety during the electoral process. Our priority is to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that every citizen's voice is heard,” he added. Of the total 920 protective security personnel stationed nationwide, 679 PSPG personnel are subject to recall. Among these, 495 are responsible for safeguarding 285 government officials, while 425 are entrusted with the security of 309 private individuals. Those recalled will undergo refresher and specialization courses while awaiting redeployment after the election period. The initiative is in accordance with Comelec Resolution 10918, which outlines the Rules and Regulations on the Ban on the Bearing, Carrying or Transporting of Firearms or Other Deadly Weapons, as well as the Employment, Availment or Engagement of the Services of Security Personnel or Bodyguards during the Election Period. The election period starting on 28 August marks the period of prohibition that extends until 29 November 2023. During this time, Comelec regulations dictate the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail, eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests online through the Comelec website. The electronic filing system has been operational since 5 June 2023, and will remain open until 15 November 2023. As of 24 August 2023, a total of 295 applications have been received for CA-SD, with 49 having already received approval. The Comelec is expecting around 2 million aspiring candidates for the BSKE. In total, 672,432 positions need to be filled. These account for 42,027 positions for Punong Barangay and another 42,027 positions for SK Chairpersons. Around 294,189 seats should also be filled for each Sangguniang Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan group. The post PNP recalls police escorts as part of barangay, SK election preps 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......»»
Malaysia’s Anwar thwarts opposition challenge in state polls
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition thwarted a challenge by an opposition alliance in state elections, official results showed Sunday, with analysts saying the win would buy him time to consolidate power in the largely Islamic Southeast Asian nation. Saturday's vote in six states had been the toughest political challenge yet to Anwar, who was appointed prime minister in November last year to head a unity government after an indecisive general election. The election of state assembly members does not affect Anwar's current two-thirds majority in parliament. It was, however, widely seen as a barometer of support for Anwar, including his push for a more inclusive society in which minority ethnicities could be allowed greater participation in the largely Malay Muslim nation, which also has large Chinese and Indian populations. Results released by the Election Commission showed that Anwar's Pakatan Harapan coalition retained three states: Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan. The opposition alliance Perikatan Nasional -- whose key member the PAS party aims to create a theocratic state in Malaysia -- kept its hold on Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan. Retaining Selangor, which hosts the country’s biggest port, and Penang, home to Malaysia’s thriving semiconductor industry, are prized wins for Anwar, analysts said. The ruling coalition, however, lost its two-thirds majority in Selangor, as the opposition made strong inroads. Perikatan is backed by the Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, whose strong performance in last year’s general elections had sparked ruling party concerns it could spring a surprise and flip one or two states to the opposition. "This is a decision of the people. We have to respect this decision," Anwar said of the results at a late-night press conference as he also appealed for unity after a divisive campaign. "The federal government remains strong after this poll and we will continue to promote a prosperous Malaysia," he added. Oh Ei Sun of the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia think tank said "it was a nail-biting win for Anwar after he thwarted the challenge from the powerful Islamic party PAS". Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia expert from the University of Nottingham, said retaining the three states was a "victory for Anwar" as "he had gone into this campaign defensively". "It was in many ways a stress reliever for Anwar not to be confronted with any major political shifts that could alter the status quo," said Mustafa Izzuddin, a political analyst with consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. But the outcome was also a disappointment in that "his coalition did not make much significant inroads" at the polls, he told AFP. Anwar "has more than enough time" before the 2027 general elections "to shore up support including the complex political bargaining that may need to happen within the coalition", according to Mustafa. No guarantee James Chin, a Malaysia expert at the University of Tasmania in Australia, had warned earlier Saturday of "dire" consequences if Anwar lost even a single state, including shifting allegiances that could have threatened his future as prime minister. Anwar became prime minister last November after a long struggle as an opposition leader. His party had won the most seats in the general election but fell short of the outright majority needed to form a government. That forced him into an alliance with former foes in the United Malays National Organisation to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority and approval from Malaysia's king to form a "unity government". The coalition has so far held together in a country that had seen three leadership turnovers in as many years after scandal-tainted Najib Razak was voted out as prime minister in 2018 over massive corruption at state fund 1MDB. But Oh, the analyst, said Anwar "must remain vigilant" even as he pushes for reforms. "There is no guarantee that his government will stay until the next general elections," he said. The post Malaysia’s Anwar thwarts opposition challenge in state polls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG home loan releases reach record-high P57.07B in H1, up 10%
A week after being recognized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his second State of the Nation Address for its record high home loans in 2022, Pag-IBIG Fund has again set a new record in home loans released for the first half of 2023, the agency’s top officials announced on 31 July. Pag-IBIG Fund released P57.07 billion in home loans from January to June this year, an increase of P5.11 billion or 10 percent compared to the P51.96 billion released during the same period in 2022. “Pag-IBIG Fund's performance in the first six months of 2023 in the home loan front now stands out as the best in our history. We are happy that the number of Filipino workers who were able to become homeowners through Pag-IBIG’s Housing Loan programs continues to grow. Inspired by President Marcos’s recognition of our efforts in his report to the people, we remain committed to his administration’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing or 4PH Program under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, in line with our united efforts of providing our fellow Filipinos access to decent, safe and affordable homes,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. Acuzar added that the amount of home loans released by the agency during the period enabled 44,414 members to acquire their own homes. He further noted that of this total number, 5,748 or 13 pecent are Pag-IBIG Fund members from the minimum-wage and low-income sectors who are now homeowners after securing a total of P2.42 billion in socialized home loans. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, attributes the continued growth in the agency’s home loan releases to its sustained affordability. She further expressed optimism that home loans will maintain its growth in the second half of the year, with Pag-IBIG Fund further reducing home loan rates earlier this month. “We at Pag-IBIG Fund always strive to provide our members, the Filipino workers, the means to have their own homes through affordable shelter financing. And, with our collections strong and our performing loans ratio high, we were able to further reduce the interest rates on our home loans and make it even more affordable. That is why we are optimistic that the excellent performance of our home loans will keep its pace for the rest of the year. More affordable home loans translate to more Filipinos turning their dreams of owning a home a reality,” Acosta said. The post Pag-IBIG home loan releases reach record-high P57.07B in H1, up 10% appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG home loan releases reach record-high P57.07B in H1, up 10%
A week after being recognized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his 2nd State of the Nation Address for its record high home loans in 2022, Pag-IBIG Fund has again set a new record in home loans released for the first half of 2023, the agency’s top officials announced Monday (July 31). Pag-IBIG Fund released P57.07 billion in home loans from January to June this year, an increase of P5.11 billion or 10% compared to the P51.96 billion released during the same period in 2022. “Pag-IBIG Fund's performance in the first six months of 2023 in the home loan front now stands out as the best in our history. We are happy that the number of Filipino workers who were able to become homeowners through Pag-IBIG’s Housing Loan programs continues to grow. Inspired by President Marcos’s recognition of our efforts in his report to the people, we remain committed to his administration’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing or 4PH Program under the Bagong Pilipinas Campaign, in line with our united efforts of providing our fellow Filipinos access to decent, safe and affordable homes,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. Acuzar added that the amount of home loans released by the agency during the period enabled 44,414 members to acquire their own homes. He further noted that of this total number, 5,748 or 13% are Pag-IBIG Fund members from the minimum-wage and low-income sectors who are now homeowners after securing a total of P2.42 billion in socialized home loans. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, attributes the continued growth in the agency’s home loan releases to its sustained affordability. She further expressed optimism that home loans will maintain its growth in the second half of the year, with Pag-IBIG Fund further reducing home loan rates earlier this month. “We at Pag-IBIG Fund always strive to provide our members, the Filipino workers, the means to have their own homes through affordable shelter financing. And, with our collections strong and our performing loans ratio high, we were able to further reduce the interest rates on our home loans and make it even more affordable. That is why we are optimistic that the excellent performance of our home loans will keep its pace for the rest of the year. More affordable home loans translate to more Filipinos turning their dreams of owning a home a reality,” Acosta said. The post Pag-IBIG home loan releases reach record-high P57.07B in H1, up 10% appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The vagaries of resignation (1)
The alleged involvement of high-ranking police officers, three generals, and 15 colonels, in the recycling, selling, and distribution of the prohibited drugs, if true, is the worst act that those who are tasked to enforce the law could commit. Such a commission is a crime, a betrayal of the trust reposed on them by the people, a violation of their oath of office as public servants, and unpardonable malfeasance in office. Based on their alleged participation in the illegal drug trade, their courtesy resignations, which submission was required of them by the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and upon the recommendation of the five-man committee and the National Police Commission, mandated to evaluate their performance as police officers and to probe their engagement in the nefarious and illegal drug cartel, have been accepted by the President, as announced by the latter in his State of the Nation Address. The announcement was received with thunderous applause by the audience composed of the members of the Senate and the House Representatives, members of the Cabinet, Diplomatic Corps, local government officials, and other dignitaries and guests. Without delving into the reason for requiring almost a thousand higher-level of police officers to submit their courtesy resignations, and its acceptance by the Chief Executive, a citizen would welcome such development given the widespread talked-about and public perception of police personnel dipping their hands into the huge cookie jar of illegal drug money. The immediate reaction is one of elation from those who have heard of the termination of their services because they would certainly think that those whose resignations were accepted were guilty of serious misdemeanors or crimes, and therefore deserving of their being kicked out from the service. It is, however, vital to know the antecedents of the filing of their resignations to give objective and appropriate remarks on the issue. A few months ago, the DILG Secretary publicly announced that based on his department’s and the PNP’s investigation, there were a few ranking police officers involved in the prohibited drug activities hence, there was a need for a cleansing of the police organization. He, thereafter, decided that the best way to get rid of these police scalawags was to ask for almost a thousand police generals and colonels to hand in their courtesy resignations. Immediately this lawyer, on various platforms, including this column, criticized the DILG honcho on the inappropriateness and illegality of the directive. Inappropriate because if you want to exclude less than five police officers from the hierarchy, why include those who are on the list of suspected drug coddlers? It is illegal because the order (certainly not a plea, nor a request and neither an appeal, anybody who says otherwise is a poor liar) to resign violates the security of tenure given to all employees of the government. The phrase “courtesy resignation” is, in reality, a demand/directive to resign laced with threats and intimidation, which failure to comply with would result in adverse repercussions to the one who disobeys the same. This writer argued that the legal way to pluck out from the police force these scoundrels was to file administrative and/or criminal charges against them and be given the opportunity to defend themselves under the constitutional guarantee of due process. The argument of the DILG head that it would be only tedious to apply the regular way to removing errant police officers but they could, meanwhile, use their position to influence the outcome of the administrative/criminal case, is hogwash. Under the law, there is an automatic preventive suspension of 90 days upon the filing of the complaint and therefore there is no way the suspended police officer could interfere with the legal process using his/her position. A 90-day suspension is sufficient for law enforcement authorities to prosecute the suspected criminals in uniform. If they have enough evidence to hurdle the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt in court, then the accused will be placed behind bars. By just asking them to resign, the suspected guilty ones were given the opportunity not only to make hay on their criminal activities but to cover up their crimes using their office and position as they remained in office for 7 months for the acceptance of their resignations. (To be continued) The post The vagaries of resignation (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bagong Pilipinas
I attended the President’s second State of the Nation Address and I genuinely enjoyed it. Compared to the first one, this was concise and measurable. It exhibited better grasp of the insurmountable task at hand. Compared to his predecessor, this was delivered professionally, as if before a global audience. The President did not even need to drink an ounce of water. The lighting on the rostrum added drama to the speech. There were no videos played during the SoNA, focusing more attention on the content of the speech itself. The Cabinet secretaries in attendance were the only persons identified in the speech. When he entered the Plenary Hall, there was minimal fanfare as the attendees stood patiently as he made his way to the front, except for one female representative who had the gall to take a selfie. If we may recall, during the SoNAs of former president Rodrigo Duterte, public officials would crowd around him as if he were a rock star. This time, the officials stayed in their assigned areas. I learned from a friend in Malacañang that the speech was dictated by the President himself and transcribed by assistants. It was later fine-tuned by a single writer to make it concise and coherent, then reviewed and finalized by the President. The speech touched on all areas of importance. There were no surprises, which should be just right for a presidential speech. Among the items mentioned, I particularly liked the following: He made mention of the revision of several laws, including the Fisheries Code and the Cooperative Code. This showed his sympathy for the majority of Filipinos. As for the economy, he emphasized the need for more tax reforms, a continuation of the Duterte administration’s TRAIN laws. I was keenly interested in the revision of the Procurement Act considering that Finance Secretary Ben Diokno was among those who helped draft the Procurement Act that we have today. A new Auditing Code would likewise be beneficial, as it would arm CoA Chairman Liel Cordoba to better assess the performance of government offices. The “Build, Better, More” Infrastructure Program, the sequel to President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” Program, was highlighted to show how it would improve the economy. He mentioned the Luzon Spine Road that would reduce travel time from 20 hours to nine hours, as the construction of 12 major bridges, including the 32-km Bataan-Cavite Bridge, the 32-km Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, and the Davao-Samal Bridge. What took center stage was the approval of the Maharlika Investment Fund which would serve as the investment vehicle to propel our economy forward. He assured the appointment of credible officials proficient in fund management and said that other countries with sovereign funds were interested in investing right about now. There were several other items that I will mention in the succeeding articles. But what was most distinct was how the President ended his speech. He repeated, but improved, his soundbite from last year: “The State of the Nation is sound and it is improving.” Then he launched his platform, “Dumating na po ang Bagong Pilipinas.” We are all hopeful for this, and we support you, President Marcos. *** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Bagong Pilipinas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery
As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos prepares to deliver his second State of the Nation Address today, I remain hopeful that this can be an opportunity to highlight concrete steps towards a path of full and inclusive economic recovery. I am optimistic that this platform where all branches of government come together to listen to the priorities of the President can strengthen our unity and commitment to uphold the administration’s eight-point Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which includes food security, supply chain management, energy costs, healthcare and social protection, infrastructure development, green economy, market competition, and entrepreneurship. As I always say, “Dapat po ay walang maiwan na Pilipino lalo na po ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Dapat po walang magutom. Importante po ang laman ng tiyan at trabaho po para sa bawat Pilipino (No Filipino should be left behind, especially our poor countrymen. No one should go hungry. Food and work are important for every Filipino).” Amidst the recent lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring food security for all Filipinos must remain a top priority of the Marcos Administration. It is in this light that I fully support President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program”, which was recently launched in Tondo, Manila. As one of the priority programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the FSP seeks to reduce involuntary hunger incidents among low-income households. We also respect the decision of President Marcos, Jr. in lifting the State of Public Health Emergency in our country. We trust that it was arrived at after careful consideration of the present health issue and the need to finally open up the economy. With or without the State of Public Health Emergency, the government should fulfill its obligations to protect the lives of Filipinos, safeguard their health, and give what is due to them, especially to our medical frontliners. As a legislator, I have authored and supported bills that aim to address the most urgent issues faced by our fellow Filipinos today. I have also spearheaded the enactment of several legislations that aim to bring healthcare services closer to those in need, especially at the grassroots. As we all know, health is wealth and must be prioritized to attain a productive citizenry. Among these is the Malasakit Centers Act which I principally authored and sponsored in the Senate and was enacted into law in 2019. These centers bring various government agencies under one roof to provide convenient access for indigent patients needing medical assistance. So far, 158 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide and have helped more than seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. I have recently successfully sponsored the Regional Specialty Centers bill, which I am also a co-author, now awaiting the signature of the President. The bill aims to make available specialized medical facilities in various regions nationwide, benefitting particularly poor and impoverished Filipinos. For example, under the bill, services provided by the Philippine Heart Center, currently located in Quezon City, will also be available in regional DOH hospitals. The enactment of the measure will also include services for a broad range of specialties, including lung care, orthopedics, neonatal care, renal care, cancer care, and mental health, among others, making it a multi-year comprehensive nationwide healthcare improvement plan. Aside from these, we have also continuously supported the establishment of Super Health Centers in strategic locations around the country as a way to provide better access to basic medical services, especially at the grassroots. Through the collective efforts of DOH and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Meanwhile, driven by my passion for public service, I continue to respond to the needs of our fellow citizens, particularly the poor, wherever they may be in the country in my capacity as a senator and public servant. On 18 July, we were in Bulacan to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the San Miguel Super Health Center. Alongside Congresswoman Lorna Silverio, Board Member Raul Marian, and Mayor Roderick Tiongson, we also provided aid to 1,000 impoverished individuals in the town. We then visited the town of Bustos to distribute assistance to 1,000 indigents, in collaboration with Mayor Iskul Juan’s office. I am delighted to announce that on 20 July, we held and witnessed the topping-off ceremony of the New Senate Building in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. This was presided over by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, fellow senators, and other officials. This will be the new home of the Senate once completed. My office continues to deliver aid this week to our fellow citizens facing various crises. We promptly responded to the needs of victims of separate fire incidents. In Brgy. Kasangyangan, Zamboanga City, we helped 419 victims; in Baganga, Davao Oriental, we assisted 299 victims; and in Maco and Laak, Davao de Oro, we aided three victims. We conducted a series of aid distributions in Batangas, bringing smiles to 300 residents of Batangas City in partnership with Board Members Lydia Lopez, Maria Louise Gamo Vale, and Jesus de Veyra; 100 in San Juan in partnership with BM Melvin Vidal; 100 in Lipa City in partnership with BM Aries Mendoza; and 100 in Rosario in partnership with BM Jonas Patrick Gozos. We did not neglect the people of Nueva Ecija, where I am considered an adopted son of the province, and managed to spread joy to 364 beneficiaries from Llanera in coordination with their municipal council, and 166 from the Science City of Muñoz, in collaboration with Mayor Baby Alvarez’s office. We also reached San Fernando City, Pampanga, where we were able to assist 16 indigents alongside Mayor Vilma Caluag. In Quezon City, together with Councilor Aiko Melendez, we were able to assist 163 displaced workers. We also supported 100 individuals in Biñan City, Laguna, in collaboration with Councilor Alvin Garcia. Millions of Filipinos require the support and protection of the government. As a legislator, I can only do so much. However, if each of us does our part, then we can be a powerful force that could help our fellow Filipinos break free from the cycle of poverty and hunger. The post Addressing poverty, hunger toward inclusive econ recovery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG Fund earns COA’s highest audit rating for record 11th straight year
Pag-IBIG Fund has earned the Commission on Audit’s highest audit rating on the presentation of its financial statements for the 11th consecutive year, top officials announced on Monday, 3 July. State auditors, in a letter dated June 22, informed Pag-IBIG Fund that it has rendered an unmodified opinion on the fairness of the presentation of its financial statements for the years 2021 and 2022. In the same letter, COA upgraded its prior issued modified opinion on the agency’s books for the year 2021, after Pag-IBIG Fund enhanced its data migration system following the state auditors’ recommendations. These developments have enabled the agency to maintain its streak of garnering COA’s highest audit rating for the 11th straight year. “This is truly a significant milestone in Pag-IBIG Fund’s history. Earning the highest opinion from COA for the 11th consecutive year is yet another proof that Pag-IBIG Fund has been, and continues to be, managed properly. This is a testament to how Pag-IBIG Fund upholds excellence and integrity in managing their funds, in the fulfillment of our mandates and in line with the directive of President Marcos of providing Filipinos with more stable and more prosperous lives,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. COA rendered unqualified opinions on Pag-IBIG Fund’s financial statements from 2012 to 2017 and unmodified opinions for the years 2018 to 2022. Auditors use both unqualified and unmodified opinions, which are the highest opinions that COA can give to a government agency or corporation, to mean that the financial statements of a company or agency are presented, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable financial reporting frameworks. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, emphasized the value of the state auditor’s findings citing that these fittingly complete the agency’s best performing year of 2022. “The year 2022 stands out as our best performing year yet, as we posted our highest ever annual net income of P44.50 billion. We also posted record-highs in home loan takeout worth P117.85 billion which benefitted 105,212 members who now have new or better homes, membership savings collections amounting to P79.90 billion and loan payment collections worth P127.42 billion. We also extended P53.76 billion in short-term loans to aid a record-high 2,612,491 members with their financial needs. In the same year, we also launched service innovations such as the Virtual Pag-IBIG Mobile App and the Lingkod Pag-IBIG On Wheels, which now provide our members better access to our services and benefits.” Acosta said. “With our 2022 performance capped by this unmodified opinion from COA, this shows that we have achieved our best performance ever while maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. This is what our members and stakeholders can expect from us, that we shall remain transparent in our operations and serve them with excellence and integrity,” Acosta added. The post Pag-IBIG Fund earns COA’s highest audit rating for record 11th straight year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»