NEDA chief sees 2015 growth at 6% despite typhoons
By Leslie D. Venzon MANILA, Dec. 17 (PNA) — The government is optimistic about achieving its target economic growth of 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter despite the devastation wrought........»»
Recto sees ‘realistic’ 6-6.5 percent growth for Philippines
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is looking at a “more realistic” economic growth of at least six to 6.5 percent for this year, with medium-term economic expansion likely to be tempered as well......»»
NEDA chief sees 2015 growth at 6% despite typhoons
By Leslie D. Venzon MANILA, Dec. 17 (PNA) — The government is optimistic about achieving its target economic growth of 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter despite the devastation wrought by typhoons,........»»
Apple scraps Jon Stewart show over China, AI clashes: report
US comedian Jon Stewart's talk show on Apple TV+ has reportedly been canceled after just two series due to clashes between its host and the company over topics such as China and artificial intelligence. Stewart told staff that executives from Apple -- which has vast commercial interests in China and AI -- had expressed concern over proposed new content for "The Problem with Jon Stewart," The New York Times said. Apple did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. Stewart became a household name in the United States as the host of Comedy Central's long-running "The Daily Show," before stepping down to pursue other interests in 2015. Streaming platform Apple TV+ launched "The Problem with Jon Stewart" as a flagship current affairs show in 2021. The show takes a satirical look at a different topical issue each week. Episodes in the most recent season included "Globalization: Made In America" and "Searching for Allies." Since Apple first established a presence in China in 1993, the US tech giant has grown into a major provider of smartphones, laptops and consumer electronics in the country. Apple chief Tim Cook made a surprise visit to China this month, and he has previously spoken of his company's "symbiotic" relationship with the nation. In an earnings call in August, Cook said Apple views AI and machine learning as "core fundamental technologies that are integral to virtually every product that we build." amz/hg/sst © Agence France-Presse The post Apple scraps Jon Stewart show over China, AI clashes: report appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Geopolitical tension’ a major threat to climate action: IEA chief
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said Monday that nations need to set aside "geopolitical tensions" and fight for greater international cooperation in order to advance the struggle against climate change. "The 1.5C target" agreed in Paris in 2015 is "still within reach" but it faces "many challenges" the energy watchdog's boss Fatih Birol told an international climate and energy gathering in Madrid ahead of COP28. Among the challenges, "the geopolitical fragmentation of the world" was "creating a key impediment for some of the steps we are hoping to take", he told the gathering of some 40 ministers and top global energy and environment leaders. Although levels of investment in "the technology area and in clean energy technologies" were "very strong", it is not enough, he said. "The lack of international cooperation is a major, major problem. We have to find a way to isolate these geopolitical tensions ... to focus on this issue of countries coming together," he said. The world's energy future will be at the heart of debates at the UN's COP28 climate summit in Dubai, a major oil producer, between November 30 and December 12. Spain's Ecology Minister Teresa Ribera admitted that talks at COP28 were likely to be "challenging" but said "multilateralism is the way to respond to the current challenges". "A global problem deserves a global response," she told delegates. 'Race against time' Global tensions have mounted in recent years notably due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the growing rivalry between the United States and China, hiking fears the climate crisis will be pushed down the geopolitical agenda. The crunch Dubai talks should enable the international community to make progress on the reduction of greenhouse gases and the clean energy transition. It will also be a chance to take stock of national commitments to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement to keep global warming below 2C and if possible to 1.5C compared with pre-industrial levels -- a difficult task in light of current conditions. "The green transition process must pick up speed, we're in a race against time to tackle climate change," Ribera told a press conference, while adding there is "room for optimism" about COP28. The IEA says several conditions must be met for the Dubai conference to be considered a success. Key issues will be a tripling of investment in renewables and a funding mechanism for clean energy in developing countries. In November 2022, the COP27 summit hosted by Egypt wrapped up with a landmark deal on funding to help vulnerable countries but it made no progress on phasing out fossil fuels, which the IEA sees as urgent. "July and August" have been "perhaps the hottest in history, and it looks like 2023 will be the hottest year ever," Birol said with heatwaves, floods and wildfires soaring on all continents. The post ‘Geopolitical tension’ a major threat to climate action: IEA chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Man on a mission
He has been to hell and back since entering the country’s premier military school, the Philippine Military Academy, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1982, to seeing action as a police officer, and lately to waltzing into the ring of fire by entering politics. Much has been written about the exploits of former police general Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong, Baguio City Mayor, since 2019, with the positive usually outweighing the negative. Love him, hate him, but believe me, Magalong is no lone ranger. He can sustain the hard yards of fighting criminality and corruption that one wonders where he gets all the energy and focus in addressing the challenges that come his way. Last month, Magalong and a few local chief executives launched “Mayors for Good Governance,” a campaign for responsible leadership and anti-corruption in local governments. They signed A2, a manifesto committing local executives to transparency and the rule of law. The movement has already received support from more than 150 city and municipal mayors nationwide, a testament to how much rests on his stewardship. Corruption is like a “communicable” disease that can easily transmit the evils that go with it from the lowest strata to the highest echelon of society. It has many forms and strains — from petty graft to large-scale kickbacks — and affects people from all walks of life, generations, and races. People get used to it until it becomes a way of life, and in the process, they lose their independence of thought because their eyes are shut. Pope Francis described it best: “Some people behave in relation to corruption as they would with drugs. They think they can take it and leave it as they please. They start with something minor: a kickback here, a bribe there. And between this and that, they gradually lose their freedom.” Fighting corruption is like fighting drugs; it is never one-sided. There are hits and misses along the way. Anything is fair game when you put a face into a noble cause. I was a field operative of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency assigned in Region 8 when Magalong was director of PDEA’s Special Enforcement Service, which was responsible for dismantling numerous drug laboratories and causing the dismissal of several police scalawags. Magalong is one straight arrow. He never compromises his name when it comes to fighting drugs and crime. However, he is also a caring leader who always looks after his men like he would his children. He never tolerates shenanigans but lavishes praise and support for a well-done job. That’s why it did not come as a surprise when he was made chairman of the Mamasapano Board of Inquiry in 2015, which investigated the carnage of 44 Special Action Forces in Maguindanao. I have seen firsthand Magalong’s sincerity when it comes to public service. A public servant who goes beyond his comfort zone to give timely and proper assistance to the public, Magalong has the integrity and bravery to stand by his ideals to the detriment of his career because he wants the country to succeed. Like Magalong, I also had my share of fighting the tentacles of corruption in PDEA and later at the Bureau of Customs, once touted as the most corrupt government agency, during my seven-month stint as a commissioner despite the brickbats and the Sword of Damocles hanging above me. It was a lonely battle indeed, especially since I came to the bureau all alone. Tormentors coming from opposite directions were having a field day — from the not-so-harmless Marites (Mare, ano ang latest?) and Mariposa (Mare, post mo na) to greedy politicians and industry shenanigans. I have no moral qualms regarding Magalong’s mission — to take the arduous and lifelong task of making a difference in people’s lives, especially the poor, who are most hurt by corruption. Taking the high road is never easy, and I am sure that knowing Magalong, he could surmount all the hurdles, including the legal ones, that come in the end. The post Man on a mission appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE: Households without electricity increased by a million in last 5 years
The number of households without electricity has increased by a million in the last five years, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said Friday. The DoE based the number on the 2020 consensus, which showed that 1.8 million households did not have electricity, a much higher number compared to the 2015 consensus, which showed only 800,000 households without electricity. Speaking at a Senate hearing on the DoE’s proposed P2.5 billion budget, Lotilla said the 2020 number also translated to a percentage of electrification of 96 percent, which was two percent lower than 98 percent in 2015. Lotilla attributed the increase to the rise in population and total households. “We cannot cope with this given the present budgetary limitation [of the agency],” he said, noting that “an increase in the electrification budget would increase the rate of implementation” of the country’s electrification program. National Electrification Administration chief Antonio Almeda, meanwhile, pointed out that its originally requested budget for electrification was P6 billion. This request would have covered 2,000 sitios, he added. However, the Department of Budget and Management cut the energy sector's fund to P1.6 billion, prompting the program to be limited to 576 areas. With this, Senator Raffy Tulfo urged the DBM to provide the DOE and its attached agencies with the appropriate budget. “These agencies should be given ample resources to help manage an imminent energy crisis,” said Tulfo, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Energy. “Para makapagtrabaho ng maayos itong sa energy sector natin, bigyan niyo sila ng tamang budget, para nagagawa nila ‘yung nararapat (For our energy sector to do their work properly, give them the proper budget so they can do what they need to do),” Tulfo added. The post DoE: Households without electricity increased by a million in last 5 years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet
Green logistics pioneer Mober unveiled its P2-million electric vehicle charging station in Pasay City on Wednesday. The 800-square-meter charging hub in Zamora Street has 30 charging units for Mober’s fleet of 60 electric delivery trucks. “This inauguration symbolizes not just a milestone but a beacon of our overarching blueprint for an environmentally conscious logistic framework. And, we’re just getting started,”€Dennis Ng, Mober’s chief executive officer, said. Ng said Mober will add more EV charging stations in Metro Manila and 60 in Laguna that will cater to its southern fleet in the first quarter of 2024. He also revealed plans to incorporate more potent 22-kilowatt chargers along with a selection of direct current chargers in Cavite and Bulacan, amplifying Mober’s commitment to versatility and adaptability in its green infrastructure. The charging stations will eventually be opened to the general public, he added. Fast charging Equipped with the latest open charge point protocol, 7 kilowatt chargers compatible with both type 2 and GB/T (gigabyte/terabyte) standards, each charging point guarantees brisk charging sessions, ensuring the efficiency of Mober’s EV fleet exclusively earmarked for one of its IKEA customers. “We strategically opted for this charging capacity as our EV fleet remains dormant during nighttime, allowing optimal charging without overwhelming the grid,” Ng said. Beyond infrastructure, Mober’s unique partnership model provides an unprecedented advantage to businesses by allowing them to transition to green delivery operations with zero upfront costs, effectively democratizing access to green logistics. This hassle-free collaboration is pivotal in encouraging more companies to embrace sustainable logistics, reinforcing Mober’s role as a game-changer in the sector. Aligning with the progressive mandates of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems Act, Mober’s initiatives underscore the Philippines’ assertive stance on eco-driven policies and endeavors. With Mober’s pioneering approach, businesses have a definitive roadmap to swiftly decarbonize their last and mid-mile delivery systems, heralding a new era in business sustainability. Mober started in 2015 and was initially designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises solve their on-demand logistical needs. Eight years later, it became a business-to-business platform, facilitating sustainable delivery for retail giants such as IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Nestle Philippines and Nespresso. The company aims to become the leading green logistics delivery provider in Southeast Asia by securing a mixed fleet of 100 electric vans and trucks by the end of 2023. The post Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-employee questions BI chief’s appointment
The job of Immigration Commissioner Norman Garcera Tansingco may be in limbo following the revelation by a former bureau employee that Tansingco has a pending case before the Office of the Ombudsman. Based on a document obtained by DAILY TRIBUNE, Tansingco is among the respondents in a human smuggling complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman by former Bureau of Immigration Intelligence Division employee Richard de Leon Cabochan Jr. on 21 April 2015. “One of the respondents in the complaint is Atty. Norman Garcera Tansingco. Based on my records, the last pleading I filed in the case was a supplemental affidavit dated 24 June 2015. In addition, I also filed two other cases with your honorable office docketed as OMB CASE NO. IC-OC-14-1351° and OMB CASE NO. IC-0C-14-4768,” Cabochan told DAILY TRIBUNE when sought for comment. Cabochan was prompted to question Tansingco’s appointment through a letter addressed to Ombudsman Samuel Martires dated 19 September 2022, after a clearance was released by Maria Agnes L. Forteza, Graft Investigation Officer I, dated 1 September 2022. An Ombudsman clearance is a requirement for a Presidential appointee. Cabochan, in his letter, said Tansingco is not fit to be installed as BI commissioner because of his pending case before the Ombudsman. “To my displeasure, I came to know that Atty. Tansingco, a respondent in the abovementioned case, was the newly appointed commissioner of the BI. The said event had me surprised because it is my understanding that to be a confirmed appointee of a head of a government agency, one must possess a clean record or background as evidenced by various clearances issued by concerned government offices of the Republic of the Philippines,” Cabochan’s letter to Martirez read. Cabochan said Tansingco was able to fool Malacañang’s steering committee — the Presidential Management Staff — by saying that he was not involved in any criminal or administrative cases. “An investigation of the matter showed that Atty. Tansingco obtained a ‘clearance’ stating that he had no pending criminal or administrative cases with your honorable office. To reiterate, the same was issued last 1 September 2022,” Cabochan said. “I was surprised about this development, considering that it is to my knowledge that the complaint for the alleged human smuggling that I had filed is still being heard by your honorable office and has yet to be resolved, considering that I have yet to receive any document of the results of the proceedings conducted,” Cabochan letter to Martirez read. “Despite such fact, it appears from the abovementioned document that the case I had filed was already resolved without me, the complainant, being duly informed of the same,” he added. Not notified He further asked Martirez why the Ombudsman did not notify him that Tansingco was given a clearance by the Ombudsman, a clear violation of his right to the due process of law. “It is my understanding that this runs counter to the established procedures in the resolution of filed complaints in your honorable office wherein the parties should be duly informed of the results of the proceedings. I further understand that this right to be informed of the results of the proceedings is part of the due process of law as it would allow the parties to seek relief from the decision by filing the appropriate action in case they disagree with the outcome of the proceedings,” the letter said. The post Ex-employee questions BI chief’s appointment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former SC Associate Justice Callejo Sr. passes away
The Supreme Court yesterday announced the passing on Tuesday, 19 September, of retired Associate Justice and Chairperson of the Judicial Integrity Board Romeo J. Callejo Sr., 86. Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said Justice Callejo Sr. will always be remembered as one of the members of the Court who, for close to four decades, ‘tirelessly and selflessly devoted his life in the service of the Judiciary.” Justice Callejo Sr.’s remains lie in state at Loyola Memorial Chapels along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Public viewing started at 3 p.m. on 20 September and will be held until noon of 23 September. A necrological service will be held at Loyola Memorial Chapels on Friday, 22 September starting at 4 p.m. Justice Callejo Sr. served as judge of the Manila City regional trial court starting in 1986. As RTC judge, he was awarded twice as Outstanding Judge of Manila in 1991 and 1994. In 1992, he was awarded the Cayetano Arellano Award for Judicial Excellence. In 1994, he was promoted associate justice of the Court of Appeals. In 2002, he was elevated as SC associate justice, a post he held until his mandatory retirement in 2007. Justice Callejo Sr. was part of the Philippine Judicial Academy Corps of Professor, and was appointed as PhilJA Vice Chancellor in 2015. In 2020, he was appointed the first JIB chairperson. He is survived by his wife Filipinas V. Callejo; children Michel and Geraldine Geday, and Romeo and Ivy Callejo; and grandchildren Jacqueline Callejo-Geday and Amelie Callejo. The post Former SC Associate Justice Callejo Sr. passes away appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COP28 will include first local climate summit
A summit for non-national authorities will take place during crunch UN climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, officials said Tuesday, in recognition of the role of cities and local governments in averting ecological disaster. Named the "COP28 Local Climate Action Summit," it was announced on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the president-designate of the COP28 talks, and billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg, who will co-host. Its chairs include US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua, with the event to be held December 1-2. "Cities are where the climate battle will largely be won or lost," said United Nations chief Antonio Guterres in a statement. "Mobilizing and equipping local governments with the capacity and financing to accelerate climate action is necessary if we are to bend the emissions curve." In the fight to prevent climate disaster and hold long-term warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, the pledges and policies of national governments have long hogged the spotlight. But, according to a report by the C40 coalition of cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors, "three-quarters of C40 cities have outpaced their respective nation-states in per-capita emission reduction, illustrating the clout of city-led policies and initiatives." Around 70 percent of the world's people are expected to call cities home by the year 2050, and more work needs to be done to ensure subnational governments are prepared to meet the challenges of increasing climate disasters, organizers said. "By bringing hundreds of local leaders to COP28, we will foster new, multi-level partnerships to help fast-track the energy transition, fix climate finance, focus on people, lives and livelihoods, and make sure local voices are heard at the international climate table," said Jaber. Local leaders first convened informally on the sidelines of COP21 in 2015, where the Paris Agreement was adopted. "In the climate crisis, big leadership comes from small governments, and that's a great trend," Oscar Soria, campaign director for the nonprofit Avaaz, told AFP. "However, it also shows the lack of leadership from national governments, who are ultimately the ones that set the tone on ambition and progress on climate." The UN's first official progress report on climate published earlier this month concluded the world is perilously off course in meeting goals for slashing carbon pollution and boosting finance for the developing world. The post COP28 will include first local climate summit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Huthis, Saudis hold peace talk
A delegation of Iran-backed Huthi rebels from Sanaa arrived in Saudi Arabia Thursday for peace talks to end the war in Yemen. It was the first visit of Huthi officials to Riyadh since the neighboring country led a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 to restore the government they ousted the year prior. Saudi state TV Al Ekhbariya said the talks, which come after a Saudi team visited Sanaa in April, were aimed at “finding a comprehensive political solution in Yemen.” Also on the agenda of the talks are finding a comprehensive ceasefire and moving from the stage of conflicts to stability, it said. Huthis’ political chief, Mahdi al-Mashat, said via the rebels’ Saba news agency that the delegation will continue consultations “Peace was and still is our first option and everyone must work to achieve it,” Al-Mashat said. A United Nations-brokered, six-month ceasefire that expired last October is still largely holding but moves towards peace have been slow since the Saudi delegation left Sanaa without an agreement five months ago. The Yemen conflict has left hundreds of thousands dead and forced millions from their homes, causing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises in a country already pummelled by decades of conflict and upheaval. Moves towards peace in Yemen were boosted when heavyweight rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran announced a surprise rapprochement in March, seven years after they broke off ties. The Huthi demands include payment of their civil servants’ salaries by the displaced Yemeni government, and the launch of new destinations from Sanaa airport, which was closed until last year when commercial flights resumed to Jordan and Egypt. WITH AFP The post Huthis, Saudis hold peace talk appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DICT also requests confidential funds worth P300M
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has requested a confidential fund worth P300 million worth of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for fiscal year 2024 to combat scammers, Secretary Ivan Uy said on Wednesday. In a Malacañang Press Briefing, Uy explained that the confidential fund is necessary to conduct intelligence and investigations to apprehend cyber criminals. Confidential funds pertain to costs associated with surveillance operations within non-military government organizations to assist the agency's mission or functions. The DICT chief expressed concern over scammers using multiple tactics to evade being identified and apprehended. Uy underscored that these criminals are well-funded, well-organized, and highly technical. Hence, he said that DICT needs to match them with the appropriate government capabilities. "Our hands are tied without the proper tools, and many of these tools and methods require confidential funds to be implemented," Uy said. The DICT says that it is working with law enforcement agencies to crack down on cybercrime. However, Uy said that the confidential fund will allow the DICT to take a more proactive approach to combating these crimes. "We need to be able to gather intelligence and conduct investigations without being hampered by red tape," Uy said. "The confidential fund will allow us to do that," he added. Joint Circular No. 2015-01, issued on January 8, 2015, by the Commission on Audit and four other government entities, prescribes the guidelines for the utilization and audit of intelligence and confidential funds. According to records from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the combined allocation for confidential and intelligence funds for the upcoming year amounts to P10.142 billion. The DBM noted that this figure represents an increase of P120 million compared to the P10.02 billion allocated for the Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF) in 2023. The post DICT also requests confidential funds worth P300M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Subic opens first hybrid workspace
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA has opened its first-ever hybrid workspace at Regus Subic in the Pacific Ace Building. The shared workspace includes co-working desks, meeting rooms, and private offices. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan said that the establishment of Regus Subic would entice more companies to locate in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. “This shared workspace provides investors with a platform before expanding to a bigger facility,” he said. Pacific Ace President Virginia S. Dio said that Regus Subic is a strategic location that will attract more investments and developments in the Subic Bay Freeport. “The location will be a most valued addition to our network,” she said. IWG Chief Wittig said that the inclusion of Subic Bay Freeport in the Regus brand of IWG is a major milestone for the company. “Subic Freeport is a strategic location that we have targeted for expansion since the opening of Regus in Clark Freeport in 2015,” he said. IWG is a global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. The company has a network coverage that includes 3,500 locations across more than 120 countries. About 83 percent of Fortune 500 companies are part of their customer base. Aside from Regus, the company also owns Spaces, HG and Signature that provide shared workspaces and digital services available via their IWG app. The post Subic opens first hybrid workspace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI operations at NAIA looked into by Anti-Trafficking Council
The Bureau of Immigration said on Sunday that the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) conducted an inspection visit to immigration operations on Friday evening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco shared that immigration operations at the NAIA 3 were presented to the IACAT. The said inspection, conducted by Department of Justice Undersecretary and IACAT in-charge Nicholas Felix Ty, aimed to review procedures on departure formalities as part of the inter-agency’s regular assessment. During the inspection, Usec. Ty confirmed that the BI is implementing the same procedures as it had in the past. Earlier this week, the IACAT released revised guidelines on departure formalities to streamline requirements for departing Filipinos. Tansingco reiterated that the new guidelines pose no additional requirements for departing tourists. Tansingco said that in the updated guidelines, regular tourists are only required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months, a valid visa if one is required, a boarding pass, and a confirmed round-trip ticket. The BI Chief stressed that the guidelines list requirements for other categories of departing Filipinos as well as those who may undergo secondary inspection. Tansingco also said that in the past, only Filipinos that are subjected to secondary inspection due to red flags may be required to show additional supporting documents, which are now specified in the guidelines. He added that the new guidelines issued by the IACAT would ensure that immigration officers look at specific requirements and do not require frivolous documents. Previously, the IACAT highlighted the importance of the guidelines in protecting all departing Filipinos from human trafficking and illegal recruitment. The guidelines on departure formalities have been in place since 2012 and were later revised in 2015. Tansingco also stressed that there is no new policy for departing tourists being implemented by the BI, and for departing tourists, especially Filipinos, there is no need to worry. The DOJ and the Department of Social Welfare and Development jointly chair the interagency IACAT. Their members are from the BI, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Migrant Workers, the Commission on Filipinos Abroad, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police. The International Justice Mission, the Coalition Against Women Trafficking-Asia and the Pacific, and the Blas Ople Policy Centre and Training Institute are non-governmental groups that are also members of the council. The post BI operations at NAIA looked into by Anti-Trafficking Council appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bringing tourism and hospitality to a green future
A dynamic power couple has been creating waves in the Philippines’ hotel industry with their innovative approach to sustainable tourism. [caption id="attachment_175626" align="aligncenter" width="1284"] Don Ramon and Alessandra Bagatsing’s family.[/caption] Don Ramon and Alessandra Bagatsing, the creative minds behind the pioneering green service hotel company, Eco Hotel, are redefining sustainable travel adventures. Their journey began in the world of real estate, but it was Alessandra’s desire for a passion project that led to the inception of something truly remarkable. Alessandra, chief executive officer of the CA Hernandez Development Group, the holding company for BookExpress.com and Eco Hotels, shared, “Originally, we were both in real estate, but I wanted something that was different. A passion project where I could put my creative talent and real estate development skills together.” This fusion of inventiveness and commercial savvy gave rise to the idea for Eco Hotel, a sustainable company that values the environment, society and the communities it serves. Eco Hotel, founded in 2015, was born out of Alessandra’s commitment to ecotourism and environmental preservation. She and her husband, Don Ramon, a professor of Economics and Finance at De La Salle University and founder of Sampaloc Holding Corporation, joined forces to create a noteworthy project. Alessandra’s advocacy for sustainable growth, purposeful profit and community development found harmony with Don’s spatial intelligence and keen grasp of business and financial affairs. Their first hotel, The Cabins by Eco Hotel in Tagaytay, was designed to be more than just an accommodation. It was a testament to their vision of responsible tourism. “We saw the potential of tourism in the Philippines,” Don Ramon explained. “We believe tourism is a sunrise industry, especially with the growing population of Millennials and Gen Z who love to explore.” Their strategy also made an impact on the local community by involving them in the hotel’s operations and sourcing supplies from nearby businesses. Alessandra’s resourcefulness and creative ingenuity were evident in the hotel’s unique design. From repurposed wine bottles transformed into light fixtures to furniture crafted from unconventional materials, the Eco Hotel concept celebrated sustainability on every level. The dedication extended to architectural features, such as rainwater catchment and solar power, all contributing to the overall ethos of an Eco Hotel. Over time, the Eco Hotel brand expanded and opened more branches, including Dormitos.ph, which caters to young travelers seeking affordable accommodations. The couple also saw the potential growth of the countryside. “Manila is already a contained space,” he said. “The future is the countryside. We have no choice but to develop it.” Their strategic approach involved securing properties aligned with the government’s infrastructure plans. While their professional collaboration thrived, their personal connection remained the bedrock of their success. “She’s always right. What’s hers is hers and what’s mine is hers,” quipped Don Ramon. Their ability to overcome obstacles while relying on one another and their team showed how well they worked together. They were all dedicated to improving the community where they operate. Looking ahead, the couple envisioned an even brighter future for Eco Hotel, with plans to expand their presence while continuing to focus on sustainability and community engagement. They highlighted the growth of their food and beverage selections, stating, “In the next three to five years, we’ll probably have 10 restaurants and maybe 30 hotels and around 20 commercial buildings.” The Surf Kamp Caliraya Lake, the Containers Tagaytay, the Cabins Tagaytay, the Villas Mataasnakahoy Batangas and the Suites El Nido are all under the Eco Hotel banner. El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Cloud9 Siargao all have Pops District commercial pedestrian streets nearby. Their journey, much like their hotels, is about more than just a destination; it’s about creating a sustainable legacy and a better green future for all. The post Bringing tourism and hospitality to a green future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Relishing sweetness of success
A 35-year-old fourth-generation farmer is continuing the legacy of his father in producing delis from bananas, which are now making waves in Europe. Raymund Vincent Aaron, the self-styled ‘Banana Chief’ and the heir of Villa Socorro Farm and its factory that produces sumptuous banana chips headquartered in Pagsanjan, Laguna province, said he inherited his passion for agriculture and farming from his father, incorporating a streak of his own. Right after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Management from Ateneo de Manila University in 2009, Raymund joined the budding family business. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. We used to grow bananas on our land in Pagsanjan, and so, after graduating, doing business using bananas seemed the perfect fit,” Raymund shared. An indirect start The idea of exporting came through his father’s work in marketing for a multinational company, which inspired him to engage in international business. Starting off in 2008 with an initial capitalization of P5 million, the company produced banana chips, with the first export in 2014 to the United States. The Health Safety Certification from the Food and Drug Administration, a requirement of the Philippine authorities, was obtained in 2012, which further added credibility to the business as an exporter. “We began exporting indirectly through a local company that expressed interest in distributing our products to buyers there.” Targeting Europe According to the Department of Trade and Industry, Aaron, who has been a regular at DTI’s business matching events, recently returned from one such event held in Dubai coinciding with Gulfood 2023. Regular participation in business networking events and seminars since 2015 has provided valuable knowledge and insights on export market access, including the European Union. Be it the DTI or the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions handling the International Food Exhibition Philippines which is the biggest international food trade show in the country, Aaron has always found participation in the trade fairs to be beneficial. “You never knew who you would meet. I always carried samples of my products along,” he said. At one such event arranged by the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, Aaron established a connection with the Philippine diplomatic mission in Switzerland. Soon, samples from Villa Socorro reached a few Swiss companies with the help of this link. The products were a hit with one distribution company. By the end of 2019, a 20-foot container with 1,000 boxes that cost $14,000 has been shipped to Switzerland. “It was support from the EMB that helped us pursue direct exports to Europe. We made our first link through them.” Recognizing the support he received, Aaron is always willing to share his skills and knowledge with other entrepreneurs and to contribute to local DTI capacity-building initiatives. Why the EU? The EU appears to be a lucrative market for the company as Aaron gradually expands the product range by including sweet potato chips and corn snacks. About 80 percent of total current revenue comes from exports, while 20 percent comes from sales at hotels, restaurants, canteens, airports, kiosks, and selected supermarkets in the Philippines. Villa Socorro’s exports to Europe are at five percent, with buyers in Switzerland, Norway and EU member state the Netherlands. Aaron wants to increase business with Europe, specifically with EU member states, which he regards as the best destinations for healthy organic food products made from tropical fruits. “It is a market that is willing to pay a premium for natural products.” EU buyers’ requirements Aaron’s drive to grow specifically in the EU market is evident in his readiness to comply with the necessary requirements.The Registered Exporter System number to avail of the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus scheme to export tariff-free to the EU was obtained on the recommendation of the buyers to strengthen the business. The REX is a self-certification system wherein the origin of goods is declared by economic operators themselves by means of so-called statements about the origin. To be entitled to make out a statement of origin, an economic operator must be registered in a database by the competent authorities. The economic operator then becomes a “registered exporter.” Product and packaging development were also adjusted. There is a shift to use a more natural Brown Muscovado Sugar to suit customer preferences in the EU. Aaron’s company also created a sub-brand, Farmony, to market its products in the EU. “Farmony creates harmony between farmers, manufacturers, and consumers. Our existing brand, Villa Socorro Farm Sabanana Banana Chips, really targets Filipinos or people looking for Filipino products. We created Farmony to have a product that can easily blend on the shelves of the EU market,” Aaron said. Social entrepreneur Being on a farm allowed Aaron to become a social entrepreneur. He understands well the needs of the farmer. To support banana farmers around his family plantation, he buys 98 percent of the fruit from the community that he fondly refers to as “partner farmers.” “We buy bananas from more than 200 farmers in a radius of 5km around our farm. We only plant two percent of the bananas that we use for banana chips,” he said. By processing 600,000 tons of bananas every year, Aaron provides the local farmers with a market for their produce. He considers himself lucky that things fell into place, enabling him to give back to the community that helped him get to where he is today. Gearing up for the future” I am still here. I look forward to expanding our business. Sticking with the snacks theme, we’re looking at making use of the abundant farm produce in our region and the rest of the Philippines to create fun and healthy snacks.” Aaron is determined to transform his business into a reliable food company by creating an entire line of banana products and drawing in loyal customers at home and abroad. The ARISE Plus Philippines project is enabling Philippine exporters to take advantage of EU market access and the trade privileges granted under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP+). It supports the overall EU-Philippines trade relationship and trade-related policies. ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the DTI as the lead partner, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector. It is funded by the EU with the International Trade Centre as the technical agency for the project. The post Relishing sweetness of success appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Immigration: No change in procedures, travelers ‘need not worry’
The Bureau of Immigration clarified on Friday afternoon that it retains the same metrics in assessing departing tourists. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco confirmed the statements of the Department of Justice stating that the new guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking are a clarification of the already existing guidelines on departure formalities. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had clarified on Thursday that there are no additional restrictions for departing Filipino tourists in the recently announced recommendations by IACAT. Remulla said the guidelines merely streamline the requirements and do not add more. More than 95 percent of departing Filipinos would not need to present more documents apart from the basic ones, he said. For his part, Tansingco said that under the guidelines, all departing Filipino tourists are only required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months, a valid visa if one is required, a boarding pass and a confirmed round-trip ticket. The BI chief said that the new guidelines merely write down requirements for other categories of departing Filipinos. Tansingco added that, as in the past, only departing Filipinos with red flags may be asked to present extra supporting documents, which are now specified in the rules. With the new list provided, immigration officials would be forced to focus on pertinent criteria rather than requesting pointless paperwork. “This is the same procedure we have been previously implementing, but it has been streamlined by the IACAT so it is clearer for Filipinos,” Tansingco added. The guidelines, the IACAT had explained, streamline requirements for each type of departing passenger in line with the president’s directive. The BI also said the move would clarify needed departure documents and eliminate unnecessary requirements and questions from immigration officers. Tansingco said the guidelines on departure formalities have been in place since 2012 and were later revised in 2015. He assured travelers that the new guidelines would not be a reason for unnecessary interviews. “There is no new policy for departing tourists being implemented by the BI,” said Tansingco. “The guidelines have been here since 2012—which is more than a decade ago—and have been refined by IACAT to address concerns raised by the public. Departing tourists need not worry,” he added. The IACAT is an interagency body chaired by the DOJ and co-chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Some of the member agencies are the BI, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Migrant Workers, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police. Also members of the council are non-government organizations International Justice Mission, Coalition Against Trafficking of Women-Asia and the Pacific and the Blas Ople Policy Center and Training Institute. The post Immigration: No change in procedures, travelers ‘need not worry’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Too much on LTO’s plate?
The Land Transportation Office is back in the spotlight with a plot twist in the latest chapter of its License Plate Chronicles. According to news reports, the LTO had threatened to slap motorists with fines if they failed to claim their replacement green-to-white license plates within 60 days. Motorists have been waiting for eons to get their hands on those plates, and the LTO’s response was supposedly to dangle fines over their heads. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions, from anticipation to exasperation, in record time. It’s as if the LTO believes in taxing our patience and testing our fortitude. Let’s break it down. The LTO seems to be pointing fingers at motorists, and what’s the crime? Not making a beeline to the LTO offices to get something they paid for years ago! It’s like paying for a pizza delivery, only to be told the pizza is still in the oven eight years later. It’s enough to make you scratch your head in disbelief. In 2015, the LTO decided to jazz up our license plates with a new green-to-white makeover a sartorial upgrade for our trusty vehicles. It all sounded grand, except there’s a tiny hiccup the LTO’s delivery system has proven itself to be slower than a tortoise on a Sunday stroll. As a result, the streets are filled with motorists sporting the equivalent of fashion runway placeholders old plates that have seen better days. But here’s the kicker: The LTO seems to have forgotten a crucial detail. Who’s responsible for the delay in the first place? That’s right, none other than the LTO itself! It’s like a chef burning your dinner and then charging you extra for the fire show. The audacity is almost admirable, in a bewildering kind of way. So, what’s the takeaway from this brouhaha? Instead of playing the blame game and pointing fingers at motorists, the LTO should focus on its real task: Delivering those long-awaited license plates. If we paid for them, we deserve them; it’s as simple as that. And how about a little apology for the trouble? The “fines” fiasco started when LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, just weeks into the job, trumpeted the launch of the LTOPlateReplacement.com website, where motorists can check whether their replacement plates are already available and at which branch of the LTO they may be picked up. During that interview, a senator’s proposal to expedite the release of the plates by penalizing those who would not get them within 60 days seemed to have gotten LTO’s attention for possible implementation. Mendoza clearly has not thought of the glaring stupidity of that lawmaker’s proposal. As the anger mounts over the floated fines, it would serve Mendoza, the LTO and its mother agency, the Department of Transportation, to issue a categorical statement not a one-paragraph disavowal that it would not impose a cruel fine on motorists who may have lost interest in getting their new plates eight years too late. Lest we forget, at the backdrop of this saga is none other than the DoTr, which, with the LTO, orchestrated the perplexing Motor Vehicle License Plates Standardization Program in 2015, when motorists were coerced into paying for the phantom replacement black-on-white plates. Somebody must have made a lot of money in kickbacks getting that DoTr-LTO project rolling before it ground to a screeching halt after hitting road bumps. But perish that bad thought, as there’s the presumption of regularity in whatever government does. Yeah, right. We were not born yesterday. For 2022, the Commission on Audit reported that over 1.7 million plates had been paid for, yet remained unstamped and undelivered. A staggering P808 million in plates have remained in the realm of the unseen as if the LTO set out on a quest but forgot to bring the map. As CoA raised its voice and once more flagged the LTO, it echoed the sentiments of a populace that had waited far too long for their long-promised metallic emblems. But as LTO allegedly “disavowed” the fines, saying it intended to penalize its own branch officials who would not lift a finger to push the plates to their owners, we hope the curtains have been drawn shut on this act. We, however, are left to ponder what may have been a trial balloon floated by the LTO. Was the penalty proposition a mere shadow, or a harbinger of impending chaos? The LTO and DoTr are the architects of this tale–the 2015 payment for plates that never graced the roads, the CoA’s admonitions, the confusion, and the turmoil. Can Mendoza step back, please, into the spotlight to, with more vigor, clarify and rectify that crazy fines pronouncement? We, the people, deserve an explanation. The post Too much on LTO’s plate? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD chief leads distribution of aid to former MILF combatants
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of transitory cash assistance to the decommissioned combatants (DCs) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The handing out of aid was made during the resumption of the Phase 3 Decommissioning of MILF members in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte over the weekend. Gatchalian, together with DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Alan A. Tanjusay, personally handed over the P100,000.00 cash aid to each MILF combatant who underwent the decommissioning process by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB). After the payout, the DSWD chief engaged in an open dialogue with some of the decommissioned combatants of the MILF. “The presence of the ‘Angels in Red Vests’ here today is a demonstration to all of us that the DSWD will continue with our commitment to further improve the peace environment in this part of the region by providing social protection services to our brothers and sisters in the MILF towards nation-building. In return, we hope others will continue to invest and contribute to the peace that further strengthens our nation,” Gatchalian explained. He also called on the DSWD, other government agencies, the MILF leaders and members, local government units (LGUs), the military and police, and other partner peace builders to “continue to nurture and invest in the shared responsibility in cultivating the peace environment in the region”. The DSWD Secretary was welcomed by IDB Chief of Staff Tom Hjertholm and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Presidential Assistant David Diciano in the assembly processing area (APA) of the decommissioning. The Phase 3 Decommissioning, which resumed this August, targets to process some 1,301 MILF combatants within the month. The DSWD Field Office XII Normalization Team spearheads the payout and enrollment of the beneficiaries to the Biometrics Registration and Verification (BRaVe) System. They also conduct reengagement activities including aftercare visits, grant monitoring, and case management of each DC. Since 2015, the Department has disbursed a total of P2.48 billion in financial assistance to some 24,844 MILF DCs. Each beneficiary received a Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support Package (BTFSP) and livelihood grant amounting to P100,000.00. These initial aid packages are intended to help reintegrate DCs into mainstream society. In the following years, the DSWD, OPAPRU, and IDB, together with the different mechanisms in the MILF peace process, intend to cater to the remaining 14,000 MILF combatants. The provision of financial assistance is in line with the socio-economic development of DCs and their communities under the government’s commitment in the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The post DSWD chief leads distribution of aid to former MILF combatants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»