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'India, Russia have taken extra care to look after each other s interests': EAM Jaishankar
Singapore, March 25 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday stressed that Russia is a country with which India has always had a positive relationship. While addressing the members of the Indian Community in Singapore, Jaishankar said that both countries have taken extra care to look after each other's interests. "I will ask myself...Has Russia helped us or harmed us?...Are there gains to be made from Russ.....»»
'India, Russia have taken extra care to look after each other s interests': EAM Jaishankar
Singapore, March 25 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday stressed that Russia is a country with which India has always had a positive relationship. While addressing the members of the Indian Community in Singapore, Jaishankar said that both countries have taken extra care to look after each other's interests. "I will ask myself...Has Russia helped us or harmed us?...Are there gains to be made from Russ.....»»
NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand's ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. "I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union of our ratification of the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EUFTA)......»»
Human rights advocates seek UN support for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, anti-terror law
In a press release, the Philippine Universal Periodic Watch Review said that the delegation will be attending a session to testify on the “continuing human rights violations” under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. .....»»
‘Abolish NTF-ELCAC’: Altermidya welcomes UNSR Khan’s initial findings after 10-day visit
This is the second time a Special Rapporteur has recommended the abolition of NTF-ELCAC. However, we stress that Executive Order No. 70 passed in 2018, which created the said task force, should also be junked......»»
EDITORIAL - NTF-ELCAC abolition
The government believes “total victory” over communist rebels is possible this year, according to Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director general for strategic communications of the National Security Council......»»
UN expert calls for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, tolerance of PH gov’t to dissent
“The whole concept of freedom of expression is to be able to say what you want even if it offends the other side. The government should encourage a greater culture of tolerance.” -- Special Rapporteur on Free Expression and Opinion Irene Khan The post UN expert calls for abolition of NTF-ELCAC, tolerance of PH gov’t to dissent appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
United Nations rapporteur urges NTF-ELCAC abolition; government says no
Following her 10-day official visit to the Philippines, United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan on Friday urged the government to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which she said will address red-tagging and allow for more inclusive peace-making platforms in the country......»»
Farmers want tariffication review, cool to rice SRP
Farmers in Central Luzon, considered as the rice granary of the Philippines, are calling for the abolition or review of the Rice Tariffication Law......»»
Zero incident in rally vs `endo’
A lightning rally against the end-of-contract (endo) system was held at Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue, with zero incidents reported by the San Pedro Police Station. The rally, organized by 250 individuals from various labor groups, took place on Andres Bonifacio Day. The participants advocated for the abolition of the endo system and addressed challenges related to rising commodity prices. Labor groups such as Sentro Davao, Public Education Workers Union, Davao Holcim Employees and Workers Union, Metal Industries Workers Union, Young Leaders Movement, and Portmore Community College Student Union were among the participants. The rally followed measures implemented by the police. Endo refers to the practice of temporary employment in the Philippines, where workers are offered positions lasting less than six months to avoid the expenses associated with regularization. Contractualization is a contentious labor practice in the country, with an estimated 356,000 probationary employees as of June 2016......»»
Groups call for gov t action on UN Rapporteur s recommendation to abolish NTF-ELCAC
Aside from the abolishment of NTF-ELCAC, groups urge the protection of environmental defenders and the continuation of the peace agreement between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) which was scrapped in 2017, and the abolition of the controversial anti-terrorism law. .....»»
Marcos admin urged to heed UN expert’s call to disband NTF-ELCAC
The Marcos administration should heed the recommendations of a United Nations human rights expert, which includes the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, green and rights organizations said Thursday......»»
UN special rapporteur proposes abolition of NTF-ELCAC
United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change Ian Fry yesterday recommended to the government the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, adding that a full and independent probe is needed to look into past operations of the NTF-ELCAC......»»
Remulla: Anti-hunger TF still existing
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the continuing existence of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger even after the abolition of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, which was initially designated as the head of the task force. Remulla provided legal clarification, stating, “We opine that, being a completely different entity, the IATF-ZH subsists despite the abolition of the office of its designated chair, i.e., OCS.” The Justice official issued the legal opinion in response to the query of Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa of the Department of Health regarding the dissolution of the OCS by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The defunct OCS was established in 2020 during the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte. Herbosa raised the issue due to the government’s loan agreement with the World Bank-International Bank, which required IATF-ZH to lead the project steering committee for the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project. Since the DoH serves as the lead agency for the PMNP, Herbosa inquired whether the functions of IATF-ZH, as the steering committee lead, could be transferred to the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, which the DoH also chairs. He noted that the membership of the NNC is identical to that of IATF-ZH. Remulla informed Herbosa that “the government has recently recognized and strengthened IATF-ZH when it issued EO (Executive Order) 27, series of 2023.” Reorganized “Under EO 27, the IATF-ZH was reorganized with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary as its Chair and the Executive Director of the NNC as its Co-Chair, in lieu of the Cabinet Secretary,” Remulla stated. “Further, Section 2 of EO 27 expressly states that except as expressly modified, all other provisions of EO No. 101 shall remain in full force and effect.” EO 101, issued in 2020, established IATF-ZH and designated the OCS as its chair. Remulla emphasized, “Since the IATF-ZH still exists, its responsibilities, with respect to the PMNP, cannot be transferred to the NNC.” He clarified that although the loan agreement allows for a successor to IATF-ZH, the continued existence of the inter-agency task force means that it “remains the leader in the Project Steering Committee for the PMNP, as provided in Paragraph I0(A)(1), Schedule 2 of the Loan Agreement.” The post Remulla: Anti-hunger TF still existing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Luzon Railways Corp abolished
Malacañang has ordered the abolition of the North Luzon Railways Corp., the state-run firm mandated to operate and manage a railway project that was supposed to be funded by China, but was tainted with allegations of overpricing......»»
Palace: ‘Northrail met standards for abolition, not producing desired outcomes’
Malacañang announced on Saturday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the abolition of the North Luzon Railways Corp. as it is no longer cost-efficient and producing desired outcomes. The Memorandum Order 17 was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin—by the authority of President Marcos—on 19 October. The Governance Commission for GOCCs determined that Northrail has met the standards for abolition for not producing the desired outcomes; no longer achieving the objectives and purposes for which it was designed and created; not being cost-efficient; and not generating the level of social, and physical, and economic returns vis-a-vis the resource inputs. In ordering the abolition, Marcos tasked the Bases Conversion and Development Authority board of directors to act as the administrator and liquidator of Northrail. The BCDA should settle the Northrail liabilities, including the payment of separation incentive pay to affective officials and personnel as well as undertake the necessary steps in liquidating Northrail’s assets and assist in the winding up of its corporate affairs. The BCDA directors shall also conduct an inventory of all of Northrail's existing programs and projects and either terminate or transfer them to concerned government agencies. The inventory also includes the list of Northrail's assets and liabilities and how to dispose of or settle them. The BCDA is also tasked to formulate a Change Management Plan for affected stakeholders of Northrail. It shall likewise conduct an inventory of all pending cases brought by and against Northrail and formulate the appropriate actions to resolve the cases. The original copies of Northrail’s corporate books and account and financial records will be surrendered to the Commission on Audit by the BCDA board of directors. Palace said the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel shall provide the necessary legal assistance to the BCDA in this endeavor. The GCG shall monitor the implementation of the abolition of the Northrail. The Department of Transportation, as the supervising agency of the Northrail, shall continue to oversee the programs and activities relative to liquidation and winding-up of the affairs by the Northrail. Malacañang imposed the separation incentive pay to all effective personnel and officials of Northrail. Those who have rendered 20 years of service may avail of the following separation benefits of 1.00 x Monthly Basic Salary x No. of years. 20 years and 1 day to 30 years: 1.25 x MBS x No. of years 30 years and 1 day and above: 1.50 x MBS x No. of years The separation pay shall be charged against the available corporate funds of Northrail, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing policies. The Northrail was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 31 July 1995. It was then created as a wholly owned subsidiary of the BCDA to develop, construct, operate, and manage a railroad system to serve Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Northern Luzon. In 2015, the National Economic and Development Authority Board approved the North-South Commuter Railway Project, which was financed through official development assistance from Japan, effectively rendering the Northrail project terminated. The GCG ordered the “deactivation” of the Northrail, through Memorandum Order No. 2019-05 on 20 May 2019. The post Palace: ‘Northrail met standards for abolition, not producing desired outcomes’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UPD Dept of BroadComm calls for MTRCB Chief Lala Sotto to resign
The Department of Broadcast Communication of the University of the Philippines Diliman has condemned the actions of the Movie, Television, Review and Classification Board in light of its suspension of the noontime program "It's Showtime". In a strongly worded statement, the department said it wasn't about any particular show, but the questioning of MTRCB's relevance in present society as a whole. Part of the statement reads: "We...are appalled by the consistent failure of the MTRCB to be responsive to the times, as reflected by its unnecessary interventions ...its pointlessness in today's media environment. ...a clear demonstration of the point about the agency's lack of wisdom and discernment.The measure is regressive and only illustrates the board's proclivity for censorship and high-handedness. We append our collective voices...for its [MTRCB's] abolition, or if at all, transformation into an information and media literacy agency, that advances critical, intelligent, liberating, and sensible media production and audienceship, much needed in this milieu of orchestrated ignorance and disinformation. We also call for the resignation of MTCB Chair Diorella Maria "Lala" Sotto, whose pronouncements on national TV evidently compromised her position and objectivity as a public official." The post UPD Dept of BroadComm calls for MTRCB Chief Lala Sotto to resign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Presidential aspirant pushes dollarization, central bank abolition
Argentine presidential candidate Javier Milei, a proponent of dollarization, is vowing to scrap the country’s central bank to address inflation and peso devaluation. “Ending inflation is possible, we just have to take the monetary weapon away from politicians,” the 52-year-old lawmaker, referring to the central bank, said. With annual inflation at 113 percent, and a peso that was devalued by 20 percent this month, experts say the lure of Milei’s dollarization idea is that many Argentines feel they have nothing to lose. The United States dollar has long been a refuge for Argentines from pesos which lose value faster than they can spend them. Citizens bypass strict currency controls to buy dollars from a flourishing parallel market and squirrel them away at home in what is often their only viable means of savings. Argentina pegged the peso to the dollar at a one-to-one convertible rate in the 1990s as a way out of hyperinflationary cycles of up to 3,000 percent. After a decade, the fixed exchange rate became untenable and in 2001, the government uncoupled the peso from the dollar, leading its value to plummet and causing a run on banks as people’s savings were wiped out. Panic, looting and protests led to 39 deaths in social unrest that followed. A few days after the devaluation, Argentina defaulted on its foreign debt, further deepening its economic and social crisis. Dollarization involves replacing a currency entirely with the US dollar, which offers a more stable currency, but removes government control of monetary policy — such as setting interest rates or taking measures to target inflation. In Latin America, Ecuador, El Salvador and Panama have adopted the dollar as their main currency. WITH AFP The post Presidential aspirant pushes dollarization, central bank abolition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fiscal standoff
The P213 billion allocated for fiscal year 2023 is indisputable proof that the burden of the military and uniformed personnel pension has become beyond difficult to sustain to the point of forcing the government to resort to borrowing. To forestall this fiscal stand-off, the next best thing to do is to allow the finance secretary all the latitude to navigate — free of obstructionist opposition — so that the ship of state can sail on an even keel on turbulent financial waters. Every proposed action plan of Secretary Benjamin Diokno to address the specter of fiscal collapse has the imprimatur of the President and the acquiescence of the so-called “economic team” — except that there is a newly appointed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor who replaced Dr. Felipe Medalla, which change of leadership has had very limited dissemination. Apparently, crucial matters of public information have become less and less sensitive to open and vibrant democratic discourse. In all that has already been expounded on the subject, it’s safe to say that Mr. Diokno has done his homework, this despite some “trial-and-error” attempts by the House of Representatives to “approximate” what could be the “best of all possible worlds” by congressional fiat. However, it was clear that the vocal committee chairman in Congress sort of “miscalculated” the acceptable threshold desired by the “military and uniformed sector,” thereby leaving it to the President — as Commander in Chief — to be the one to eventually “tame the beast.” Incidentally, FM Jr.’s newly appointed defense chief, albeit a returning one, is singing a different tune and is clearly in cross-purposes with what the finance chief has rolled out to be the “silver bullet” that would solve the pension problem. The policy domain benefits from evidence-based data and doing the science or the math is not alien to an economist like Diokno. On the other hand, political views hardly benefit from evidence, science, or math, and in this realm, it seems understandable why the defense chief’s normative proposal is rather parochial or scoped on maximizing what is good for the defense and military that he heads. After all, if he can play his cards well, a la President Fidel Ramos, his position could catapult him to higher office. When FVR signed Republic Act 7898 on 23 February 1995, its aim was a 15-year modernization program for the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Army consequent to the withdrawal of the US military bases and illegal occupation by China of Mischief Reef. The commitment to spend P50 billion within the first five years and presumably thereafter, however, never gained headway reportedly because the programs were “influenced” by lawmakers. Neither did the Philippine Navy get the lion’s share of the modernization fund to upgrade its patrol capabilities, surface warfare, and its maritime detection and surveillance capacities even while the authors of said law knew that the imminent enemy was China and the theater of engagement would be the West Philippine Sea. This explains why the country was a sitting duck when China occupied Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Then, this prompted the administration of President Noynoy Aquino to enact Republic Act 10349 as an expanded version of the AFP modernization program. While the needs of the Philippine Navy were given priority, the allocation of financial resources was subjected to a tedious, legalistic, and complex process with Congress having the last say. Reportedly, even the spending plan was incongruent with the capabilities that needed to be reinforced. Furthermore, the AFP Retirement and Separation Benefits System which was supposedly created to take care of the military pension system was mired in mismanagement that led to its deactivation or abolition. Substantial government seed capital went down the drain, achieving nothing because of the military’s own making. A case of “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero?” What about that recent audit report of the Commission on Audit on pension overpayments and underpayments made by the AFP Pension Management System that has gone loco? The post Fiscal standoff appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family of former British PM apologizes for slave-owning past
The descendants of former British prime minister William Gladstone apologized for their family's slaveholding past in Guyana on Friday, and urged the United Kingdom to discuss reparations in the Caribbean. Gladstone's father was one of the largest slaveholders in the parts of the Caribbean colonized by Britain. John Gladstone is also believed to have owned two ships that transported thousands of Asians from India and elsewhere to work as indentured laborers after the abolition of slavery in 1834. "Slavery was a crime against humanity and its damaging impact continues to be felt across the world today," Charles Gladstone, William's great-great grandson, said at a launch for the University of Guyana's International Centre for the Study of Migration and Diaspora. "It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestor's involvement in this crime and with heartfelt sincerity that we apologize to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana," he added. "We also urge other descendants of those who benefited from slavery to open conversations about their ancestors' crimes and what they might be able to do to build a better future." The Gladstones also apologized for their role in indentureship. But his words were met with a strong rebuke by several Guyanese descendants of African slaves present at the university lecture hall. "It is not accepted," one of them shouted. The protesters held placards that read: "Your guilt is real Charlie. Move quickly to reparations now," and "The Gladstones are murderers." Afro-Guyanese activist Nicole Cole, who was among the protesters, said the apology was insufficient. "No apology can suffice but it is a step towards recognizing that a crime was committed and that people's lives have been disrupted," she told AFP. Charles Gladstone and five other family members vowed to support the work of the new university department and called on the United Kingdom to hold talks with the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on reparations. Besides a "sincere formal apology", the right of repatriation for descendants of "stolen people" and debt cancellation to clean up the "colonial mess", CARICOM is seeking a development program for their member states' indigenous communities and the funding of cultural institutions such as slavery museums. Eric Phillips, a member of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, said research showed the British owe the descendants of Africans in Guyana more than $1.2 trillion. Charles Gladstone told AFP that, while he could not comment on the actual monetary figure, the United Kingdom and governments in Europe may be "frightened of the amount." The post Family of former British PM apologizes for slave-owning past appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»