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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......»»
AFP confirms massive coral harvesting along Rozul Reef in WPS
There were cases of massive coral harvesting along Rozul (Iroquois) Reef in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command confirmed on Saturday. In a news forum on Saturday, AFP-WesCom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said the military sent out its divers “to do an underwater survey” after Chinese military militia vessels left the swarmed area. “And nakita namin wala na ‘yung mga corals. Nasira na ‘yung mga corals and may debris,” Carlos said. (We saw that there were no more corals. The corals were damaged and there was debris). We are coordinating with scientists, and experts to do their assessment of the area,” Carlos said. The AFP WesCom earlier reported the “concerning resurgence” of a total of 30 Chinese fishing ships in the WPS, based on its aerial patrols conducted from 6 to 7 September. Some 23 vessels were monitored in Rozul Reef, there were five ships in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and two in Baragatan (Nares) Bank. The Philippine Navy likewise spotted 33 Chinese fishing vessels in Rozul Reef during a routine air patrol on 24 August. However, Carlos clarified that they are yet to determine whether the Chinese vessels are responsible for massive coral harvesting in the Rozul Reef. “Suspetsa pa lang natin, we are not saying they [Chinese vessels] are harvesting our corals. We suspect that somebody is harvesting our corals and that means they are violating our sovereign rights,” he added. Carlos, nonetheless, said the presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the territorial waters of the Philippines “is already alarming because we have the sovereign rights in our Exclusive Economic Zone.” “It looks like somebody is exercising that right without our permission,” he noted. The WesCom lamented that the increased presence of Chinese fishing vessels has potential implications in the “Philippines’ maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of the marine environment” as well as becoming a “source of tension in the WPS and have contributed to instability in the region.” In the same forum, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar stressed the massive coal harvesting "will be affecting the production of fish” and will later on pose a “threat to the food security” in the country. Aguilar added that the military forces and other concerned government agencies should “have to be active”. “It is also our responsibility that the environment is protected,” he pressed on. The post AFP confirms massive coral harvesting along Rozul Reef in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Navy seizes smuggled cigarettes worth P12M
The Philippine Navy’s Forces Command in Davao Occidental seized nearly P12 million worth of cigarettes Southwest of Balut Island, Sarangani. Based on a report released by the PN’s Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao on Saturday, an Indonesian motorized watercraft (KM PEJUANG DEVISA 2) carrying the smuggled cigarettes was traversing the Balut Island last 14 September, when it was intercepted by BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) while on a maritime patrol. Navy personnel aboard BRP Artemio Ricarte immediately inspected the watercraft and found out there were a total of 296 master cases of illicit cigarettes, amounting to an estimated P11,840,000. Also apprehended were two onboard Filipino crew and two Indonesian nationals with no legal travel documents. Commodore Carlos Sabbare, the NFEM commander, said the vessel along with its crew was brought to Naval Station Felix Apolinario for health inspection and custodial debriefing. Further, the confiscated items and apprehended individuals will be turned over for proper disposition by the concerned agencies in the Davao Region. The post Navy seizes smuggled cigarettes worth P12M appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Banning POGOs will reduce industry-related crimes
Criminal activities attributed to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators could have been stopped if the government agreed to permanently ban the gaming industry’s operations in the country, according to Senator Win Gatchalian. Gatchalian described the proliferation of POGO-related crimes in the Philippines as an “alarming” issue. He said illegal activities related to POGOs are likely to expand “unless the gaming industry will be permanently wiped out of the country.” The senator recalled the recent police operation against an online scam operator, wherein 28,000 registered sim cards were confiscated in a POGO facility in Pasay City. Gatchalian lambasted the massive involvement of the POGO operators in online scamming activities. “The confiscation of registered SIM cards indicates that POGOs are heavily entrenched in online scams, possibly victimizing hapless individuals both here and abroad,” he said. Citing a report from the Philippine National Police, Gatchalian said a total of 4,355 individuals became victims of POGO-related criminalities from January 2017 to June 30 this year, with 903 persons tagged as “perpetrators.” Among these documented POGO-related crimes include human trafficking, forcible abduction, homicide, illegal detention, kidnap-for-ransom, theft, robbery-extortion, serious physical injuries, swindling, and grave coercion. Of the total number of perpetrators, about 793 were Chinese nationals and have pending criminal cases. “Criminal activities involving POGOs are likely to worsen if the POGO industry is allowed to continue operating in the country. As much as we dread that situation, that possibility is not difficult to imagine. This should prompt all of us to take a stand against POGOs,” Gatchalian said. Hence, Gatchalian filed a Senate resolution seeking to investigate the growing involvement of accredited POGO operations in the accounted crimes in the country. Senator Raffy Tulfo previously criticized the lack of coordination between law enforcement, immigration officers, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and labor agencies in addressing issues related to POGO operations Tulfo underscored the need to assess the effectiveness of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in fulfilling its regulatory mandate, as well as ensuring proper coordination with other concerned agencies and protecting the rights and welfare of POGO workers. The post Banning POGOs will reduce industry-related crimes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tulfo wants PGC, MARINA officials probed for Binangonan boat mishap
Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday filed a resolution seeking an investigation of officials of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority for possible negligence that led to the deaths of 27 passengers after the motorbanca Princess Aya capsized off Binangonan, Rizal on 27 July. Tulfo's Senate Resolution No. 705 seeks to investigate “the factors contributing to the capsizing of the boat and identify lapses in safety protocols or negligence of PCG, MARINA, and other concerned individuals and agencies that may have led to this unfortunate incident.” In filing the resolution, Tulfo stressed that high-ranking officials of the PCG and MARINA who are guilty of "neglect of duty" must become accountable “in the name of command responsibility." “In most cases, a sunken ship or boat's crew members are often the ones punished and sent to jail,” Tulfo lamented. He then noted that the M/B Princess Aya tragedy would have not happened if the PCG and MARINA had properly performed "their duties and responsibilities.” “PCG and MARINA are the relevant government authorities responsible for overseeing and regulating maritime safety in the country,” he said. Citing reports on the incident, Tulfo said MARINA failed to check the “seaworthiness” of Princess Aya before allowing it to sail. Following the boat accident, MARINA suspended the safety certificate of the M/B Princess Aya Express. But Tulfo said the issuance of a “Passenger Ship Certificate” should have been strictly implemented in the first place. In the latest investigation report by the PCG Incident Command, the boat was allowed to sail with a capacity of 30 passengers based on the manifest list, but 70 individuals were actually on board the boat before the incident happened. Authorities found out that there were insufficient life vests for passengers while the boat was also facing inclement weather conditions. Tulfo said the PCG inspector, assigned to check boats at the dock site before sailing, failed to flag such issues. Citing a comment from a sea expert, Tulfo said the M/B Princess Aya’s beam “was not properly and appropriately designed to support more than 30 passengers.” “There’s a need for MARINA to properly inspect, along with a marine engineer, all boats being rented or use for public water transportation before issuing any permit to operate moving forward,” Tulfo stressed. Meanwhile, Tulfo said the results of the investigation over the incident “should be utilized to improve safety standards for marine vessels, addressing issues such as overloading, vessel stability, adherence to passenger capacity limits, emergency preparedness and crew training.” The results of the inquiry, he added, could be useful for the government in reviewing and enhancing existing legislation on maritime regulations. Tulfo is likewise eyeing to craft a bill that would further exact accountability from the PCG and MARINA officers should maritime accidents occur due to negligence. “This would assure that the PCG and MARINA officers, along with their supervisors, will face charges and jail time every time a ship or a boat capsizes due to their negligence,” he added. The post Tulfo wants PGC, MARINA officials probed for Binangonan boat mishap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dyed-in-wool hypocrites
Taking the position of ignoring the International Criminal Court is the proper move of the government to counter a proceeding oozing with prejudice and hypocrisy. In “Observations on behalf of Victims on the Philippines Government Appeal against the Decision Authorizing the Resumption of the Investigation,” Prosecutor Karim Khan had practically prejudged the domestic justice system. The ICC official stated, “In relation to the proceedings conducted by the PNP-IAS (Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service, as well as the DoJ (Department of Justice) Panel and its case referral to the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and NPS (National Prosecution Service), the Philippines attempted to justify its assertations by evoking an overall case analysis through a three-phase procedure.” Khan added: “In its assessment of internal disciplinary proceedings conducted by the PNP-IAS, the Chamber emphasized that the information provided suggests that such procedure does not have the (primary) aim to further criminal proceedings and it is not known whether it leads to criminal investigations.” It was not stated how Khan concluded that the agencies had not initiated serious investigations into the deaths related to the war on drugs of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Khan claimed the Chamber “properly concluded that said proceedings do not meet the threshold for a deferral.” “Regarding the mandate of the DoJ Panel and its case referral to the NBI and NPS, the second and third stages of the process, according to the Philippines, the Chamber concluded that: (i) ‘nanlaban’ cases referred to the NBI concerned administrative liability; (ii) the charts submitted by the Philippines of 250 NPS cases not only contained limited information but also had no information on the initiation of criminal investigations and prosecutions against those involved; (iii) there is lack of information on how the DoJ Panel conducts its review and if it investigates by itself; and (iv) the DoJ Panel reviewed a low number of cases. In sum, Khan said the Chamber reasonably found that it “appears that the DoJ Panel review does not amount to relevant investigations within the meaning of Articles 17 and 18 of the Statute.” He then assessed that the three-phase procedural cycle claimed by the Philippines as demonstrating the overall “investigative processes connected to the anti-illegal drug operations” was flawed. The cycle that Khan referred to is how the litigation system works, however slow, in the country in which foreign entities, even the ICC, have no business passing judgment. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who represented the country in engaging the ICC, called the impending probe an indictment against the entire legal and judicial system and encroaching on Philippine sovereignty as an independent and law-abiding nation. “The Philippines is not legally and morally bound to cooperate with the ICC,” he said. Guevarra pointed out that while it remains unclear when the Philippine government’s appeal will be resolved, the ICC ruled to proceed with the investigation in the meantime. According to the top state lawyer, the ICC pre-trial chamber authorized the resumption of the drug war probe in January but the Office of the Solicitor General filed an appeal brief on 13 March that sought the reversal of the tribunal’s decision. The decision on the Philippine petition “may come in a few months, maybe it will take years, yet the ICC appeals chamber has denied our reasonable request to suspend the investigation until the issues of jurisdiction and admissibility of the Philippine situation have been resolved to our satisfaction,” Guevarra said. The implication was that there was a deeper agenda in the ICC’s rush to conduct the probe on the Philippines. “It places us in the same class of rogue nations where the rule of law is not respected. It tends to humiliate us in the eyes of the international community, and this affront is irreversible and uncorrectable even if we eventually win on the merits of our appeal,” Guevarra said. From the start, the ICC aimed to make the Philippines a showcase of a developing nation bowing to Western impositions. It just happened that the Philippines, as a sovereign nation, refused to bow down. The post Dyed-in-wool hypocrites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Memo 23 puts export roadmap into effect
Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular 23 that approved the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028, aimed to revitalize poverty-reduction and job-creation efforts within the country. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed MC 23 on 20 June 2023, instructing all relevant government agencies to identify and execute appropriate programs, activities, and projects that will provide support to the PEDP. The circular required all relevant agencies to provide an inventory of their programs, activities, and projects to the Export Development Council and the Office of the President, specifically through the Office of the Executive Secretary, within 60 days of the circular taking effect. Exports growth prodded MC 23 also directed government agencies and entities involved to collaborate, assess, introduce improvements, and enforce policies that will enhance the growth of exports. “To ensure the success of the PEDP 2023-2028, it is necessary for all concerned government agencies to support and cooperate in the implementation of the PEDP 2023-2028,” the memo read. The Export Development Act of 1994, also known as Republic Act 7844, stipulates that the Export Development Council is responsible for endorsing the Philippine Export Development Plan for the President’s approval. Additionally, the EDC is tasked with coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the implementation of the plan. In cases where it is deemed necessary, the EDC is authorized to make suitable adjustments to the plan to account for changing conditions in both the domestic and international landscapes. The post Memo 23 puts export roadmap into effect appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Government urged to provide more aid to poor
Sen. Bong Go has appealed to President Duterte, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado and concerned national government agencies for additional aid for Filipinos, following the reimposition of tougher quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces due to the rapidly rising number of new COVID-19 cases......»»
Duterte’s COVID-19 response, no sense of urgency
With the cases increasing, concerned government agencies are swamped with backlogs, particularly on validating COVID-19 cases and an overwhelmed public health system. The post Duterte’s COVID-19 response, no sense of urgency appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Sen. Go: Ensure fair power charges
The Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission and other concerned agencies must look into growing complaints on alleged cases of unjust electricity bills from power distribution utilities. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go urged concerned agencies and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to further clarify the reason behind whopping electricity bills amid the community quarantines when […] The post Sen. Go: Ensure fair power charges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
3 suspected rebels killed in clash in Philippines Batangas
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. The troops recovered three rifles, six jungle packs, and some mater.....»»
Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, March 26
MANILA -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. (Philippines-Clash) - - - - BEIRUT -- Two people were killed and nine other civ.....»»
Heads should roll over Chinese recruitment in PCG – lawmaker
Whether in good faith or not, recruiting Chinese nationals into the Philippine Coast Guard should make the concerned government officials “accountable” even if the foreigners were just members of an auxiliary group, a lawmaker said yesterday......»»
US Officials Warn of New Axis of Evil With China at the Fore
WASHINGTON - U.S. military and defense officials are increasingly concerned that as China and Russia forge ever stronger ties, they might attempt to challenge Western unity and eventually alter the balance of power on the world stage.The commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that the evolving relationship between Beijing and Moscow is a "big portion" of.....»»
Baguio City working double time for green parking buildings
The Baguio City government said that it is meeting weekly with other concerned agencies to speed up the establishment of several multi-level parking structures......»»
DTI eyes development of e-commerce trustmark
“The trustmark shall signify that the products, goods or services sold online can be trustworthy, provided that symbol, image, or badge issued or awarded are accredited by the concerned agencies.”.....»»
LGUs, agencies urged to use geohazard maps
Former environment secretary Lito Atienza has urged concerned agencies and local government units to use geohazard maps prepared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to mitigate impacts of natural disasters on human life......»»
So long to Sky Cable
News is out that Sky Cable will sign off by month’s end, making it the second major broadcast carrier and communications conglomerate to write 30 in as many months, after CNN Philippines last January. PLDT’s purchase of the cable provider has finally been approved by the concerned agencies, so Sky pay TV will transition to Cignal while still retaining its broadband service......»»
‘Save Santa Mesa Fire Station’: Gov’t urged to halt demolition of century-old Manila fire station
Manila heritage advocates are calling on the concerned cultural agencies and the Manila City government to take action on the impending demolition of one of the nation capital’s oldest fire stations, the Santa Mesa Fire Station......»»