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Go pushes reforms to address concerns
The newly created Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs is spearheading programs and reforms to address investor concerns and streamline processes......»»
New finance chief eyes carbon tax
Newly installed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is pursuing the tax reform proposals of his predecessor, starting with the imposition of a carbon tax in a bid to generate additional revenues and address environmental concerns......»»
Municipal Peace and Order Council discuss anti-insurgency efforts in Las Navas, N. Samar
The purpose of the said meeting is to address issues and concerns that affect the sustainability of peace and development in the municipality......»»
Health Authorities Recommend Reducing Large Gatherings in Response to Chinas Infectious Disease Spike – The Daily Guardia
Title: China’s Health Authorities Recommend Reducing Gatherings Amidst Pending Virus Concerns Date: [Insert Date] Source: The Daily Guardian In an effort to address growing concerns.....»»
Mandaue LSB holds offsite meetings to promptly address issues
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — The schools in Mandaue City now have a more accessible avenue to address their concerns and challenges directly with the members of the Local School Board (LSB). The LSB conducts its monthly meetings offsite at various schools, with the latest session taking place at Canduman Elementary School on Thursday, Nov. 30......»»
Progressive groups: Youths are facing ‘educational crisis’
Progressive groups have raised concerns over what they are calling an educational crisis facing the youth. They argue that this crisis is threatening the right to free and quality education. During the 160th commemoration of Andres Bonifacio's birth, Anakbayan Southern Mindanao spokesperson Beverly Gofredo highlighted the low allocation for state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the proposed budget for 2024. Gofredo stated that this has resulted in budget cuts for 36 out of 117 SUCs, including the University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Min) and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) in the Davao Region. In response to these concerns, various groups staged a protest in Davao City, calling for the government to address the issue. The groups also expressed their opposition to the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the attacks on academic freedom. Additionally, they called for the government to halt the implementation of the Jeepney Modernization Program and to declare an unconditional ceasefire in Palestine. The rally in Davao City was reported to have been peaceful, with no untoward incidents......»»
Foreign Ministers Focus: Deterrence and Defence, Support for Ukraine, and Partnerships – The Daily Guardian
NATO Foreign Ministers Address Critical Security Concerns in Recent Meeting In a recent meeting, NATO Foreign Ministers engaged in discussions surrounding pressing security issues that.....»»
DOST hails Meralco, Aboitiz nuclear energy initiatives
The chief of the Department of Science and Technology’s nuclear unit, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, hailed the separate initiatives of two of the country’s blue-chip conglomerates, Meralco and the Aboitiz Group, on the potential adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines to address concerns on the looming power supply gap......»»
President Marcos seeking partnership with Starlink
President Marcos is seeking a partnership with US technology giant Starlink to address concerns over the slow internet connection in the Philippines, and to allow the country to cope with the demands of the digital age. .....»»
Filipino Freelance Journalists Guild launched
Photo from Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild Facebook page.MANILA-BASED FREELANCE journalists on October 21 officially launched the Filipino Freelance Journalists' Guild (FFJ) after two years of "arduous organizing and research." The organization is the first group dedicated solely to address the concerns of freelance j.....»»
UN barking up the wrong tree
Negotiations with the terror group Hamas, the crux of the humanitarian pause being pushed in the Gaza Strip by the United Nations, or UN, are backed by groups with an ax to grind against the United States and Israel. The UN said the halt in hostilities is needed to bring in aid and provide fuel primarily to run the electricity for hospitals to maintain medical operations. At the height of the terror attack, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said Hamas bandits ransacked the UN office and carted away provisions, including fuel. The UN agency, which provides aid to Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and is the only specialized UN agency for a particular group of refugees, warned it would have to halt operations if no fuel was delivered. The lack of fuel means hospitals and water desalination plants will not function. While there have been limited deliveries of food, water, and medicines, no fuel has been allowed, as Israel is concerned about Hamas’ possible diversion of fuel deliveries. White House national security spokesman John Kirby described Israel’s concerns as legitimate. A satellite image provided by the Israel Defense Forces showed Hamas owns fuel tanks near the Rafah border crossing, containing 500,000 liters of fuel. The IDF suggested that the United Nations ask Hamas for fuel after it showed the satellite images on social media. “Ask Hamas if you can have some,” the IDF wrote. Rafah is the main crossing in and out of Gaza that does not border Israel. It has become the focus of efforts to deliver aid since Israel imposed a “total siege” of the enclave in retaliation for an attack by Hamas militants on 7 October. Israel’s military spokesperson Daniel Hagari recounted that Hamas has been stealing fuel from UNRWA, prompting the decision to block the fuel supply to Gaza. “Petrol will not enter Gaza. Hamas takes the petrol for its military infrastructure,” he said. Another IDF spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said the photographs belied Hamas’s claims that “it does not have enough fuel to support hospitals and bakeries.” The IDF added: “Hamas-ISIS steals this fuel from civilians and transfers it to its tunnels, rocket launchers, and leaders. This is what Hamas’s list of priorities looks like.” Hamas propaganda said that a power outage at the Indonesian Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip was a “crime against humanity” and called on Arab and Muslim countries and the UN to address the crisis. A power outage hit the hospital on Monday night due to a fuel shortage. It was news network Al Jazeera which reported that electricity was restored during the night, but the hospital only had fuel to operate generators for 48 more hours, after which lifesaving medical devices such as respirators and incubators would cease functioning. The fuel supply from Israel was halted after the 7 October terror assault. Under the cover of a barrage of thousands of rockets, over 2,500 gunmen crossed the border and rampaged murderously through southern Israeli towns, killing more than 1,400, most of whom were civilians. More than 220 were taken hostage. Now, Hamas is trying to deceive the world by crying in violation of human rights with the denial of fuel to the territory it controls. The outrageous twist Hamas applies to the atrocities it initiated then is swallowed lock, stock and barrel by the UN, which is pounding on Israel for a humanitarian pause. “Residents of Gaza, the address for your complaints is not Israel. It’s Yahya Sinwar, Muhammad Deif, and other Hamas-ISIS members who pushed Gaza into this abyss,” according to the IDF. The IDF has disputed the so-called humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip that the UN and Hamas are peddling. “As of now, I can tell you that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. There are hardships in moving people within days to the south of the Gaza Strip, but the population is getting along,” an IDF official said. Another indicator that the terror organization controlling Gaza has little concern for the civilians is their obstructing the movement of the Gaza residents south as Israel had directed to the extent of confiscating the car keys of individuals. Hamas is the source of the crisis that the UN said should be solved, which is precisely what Israel is trying to do in committing to wipe out the terror group from the planet. The post UN barking up the wrong tree appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO innovates responses to backlogs
The Land Transportation Office, or LTO, now under the leadership of Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, has committed to implementing innovative solutions to immediately address the piles of problems “inherited” from the previous leaderships. Mendoza, whom Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista tasked to help the agency improve its current state, expressed confidence that he could turn the LTO around and make it more efficient and effective. He said this aligns with the Marcos administration’s marching orders to digitalize and bring government services closer to the people seamlessly. Mendoza has already begun to execute some changes, such as streamlining the driver’s license application process, implementing a new online vehicle registration system, and reducing the number of fixers at LTO offices, among others. Speaking in a recent interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, Mendoza disclosed that his agency is studying cost-effective ways to produce license plates. Presently, the LTO has a manufacturing plant with eight machines working to produce license plates, but as recently directed by Bautista, the agency is looking at outsourcing them instead of producing them. “We make the plates ourselves, although we are studying if maybe it is high time to review whether the LTO should produce or outsource the plates. I told Secretary Bautista that in terms of efficiency, it might be less costly and faster if we outsource it,” Mendoza said. “We are thoroughly studying those options to weigh which will be less costly to the government. Thus, finally, we could resolve all the backlogs,” he added. Million plates a month Mendoza added that the agency’s plate-making plant could produce a million monthly plates to replace all the backlogs — from the old green plates to the new white ones. He said before the end of November, the license plate backlog will hopefully be fully addressed. With production in full swing, a motorist with a newly acquired four-wheel vehicle can claim his license plates within 10 days. In the meantime, new motorcycle owners can now get their plates immediately. This significantly improved from the previous year when motorists took years to get their plates. To recall, in March, ex-LTO chief Jay Art Tugade issued a memo suspending the production of license plates due to a shortage of materials. Online portal needs full utilization Mendoza said the LTO is also working on finally utilizing the Land Transportation Management System, or LTMS, a P3.14-billion portal created to address Filipinos’ motoring concerns. He lamented that the underutilization of the online portal, which he described as just one of the many inherited problems of the agency, was a misuse of government funds. “The system design is incomplete, and you know that as much as possible, we want to be fully digital as instructed by the President. We want motorists to be able to apply for a license and register their vehicles through that platform,” Mendoza said. “We supposedly have all the facilities. There will be no need to go to LTO offices as it will also address the issues of fixers. However, we cannot do all these until we fully resolve the website’s functionalities,” he said, adding that the LTO would need the developers to provide them with some missing source and application codes. The LTMS was jointly developed by German technology firm Dermalog and its local partners, Holy Family Printing Corp., Microgenesis, and Verzontal Builders Inc. The project went through competitive bidding in May 2018. The LTO’s online portal is a one-stop shop that will integrate all LTO services in a single contactless database system and digital platform. “We are waiting for their reply. I have been open since my first day in office, and I’ve been very open to them. There is a problem, let us talk about it. However, they have not replied to my letters on the source code and application code issue. We have to protect the government’s interest, and the government’s interest is to get the source and application codes so we can do the enhancements ourselves,” Mendoza said. According to the new LTO chief, hiring another third-party team to resolve the LTMS issues might cost the government at least another billion pesos. Mendoza asked why the government does not just find another software developer, saying: “We already paid for the contract.” “If we do it, maybe they will spend another billion just to complete everything, so the government will save a lot if we do it ourselves. We have DICT with us, and LTO is also hiring technical people for us to be able to do it ourselves. So, we can do it, we don’t need foreigners to teach us.” The post LTO innovates responses to backlogs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN barking upthe wrong tree
Negotiations with the terror group Hamas, the crux of the humanitarian pause being pushed in the Gaza Strip by the United Nations, or UN, are backed by groups with an ax to grind against the United States and Israel. The UN said the halt in hostilities is needed to bring in aid and provide fuel primarily to run the electricity for hospitals to maintain medical operations. At the height of the terror attack, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said Hamas bandits ransacked the UN office and carted away provisions, including fuel. The UN agency, which provides aid to Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip and is the only specialized UN agency for a particular group of refugees, warned it would have to halt operations if no fuel was delivered. The lack of fuel means hospitals and water desalination plants will not function. While there have been limited deliveries of food, water, and medicines, no fuel has been allowed, as Israel is concerned about Hamas’ possible diversion of fuel deliveries. White House national security spokesman John Kirby described Israel’s concerns as legitimate. A satellite image provided by the Israel Defense Forces showed Hamas owns fuel tanks near the Rafah border crossing, containing 500,000 liters of fuel. The IDF suggested that the United Nations ask Hamas for fuel after it showed the satellite images on social media. “Ask Hamas if you can have some,” the IDF wrote. Rafah is the main crossing in and out of Gaza that does not border Israel. It has become the focus of efforts to deliver aid since Israel imposed a “total siege” of the enclave in retaliation for an attack by Hamas militants on 7 October. Israel’s military spokesperson Daniel Hagari recounted that Hamas has been stealing fuel from UNRWA, prompting the decision to block the fuel supply to Gaza. “Petrol will not enter Gaza. Hamas takes the petrol for its military infrastructure,” he said. Another IDF spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said the photographs belied Hamas’s claims that “it does not have enough fuel to support hospitals and bakeries.” The IDF added: “Hamas-ISIS steals this fuel from civilians and transfers it to its tunnels, rocket launchers, and leaders. This is what Hamas’s list of priorities looks like.” Hamas propaganda said that a power outage at the Indonesian Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip was a “crime against humanity” and called on Arab and Muslim countries and the UN to address the crisis. A power outage hit the hospital on Monday night due to a fuel shortage. It was news network Al Jazeera which reported that electricity was restored during the night, but the hospital only had fuel to operate generators for 48 more hours, after which lifesaving medical devices such as respirators and incubators would cease functioning. The fuel supply from Israel was halted after the 7 October terror assault. Under the cover of a barrage of thousands of rockets, over 2,500 gunmen crossed the border and rampaged murderously through southern Israeli towns, killing more than 1,400, most of whom were civilians. More than 220 were taken hostage. Now, Hamas is trying to deceive the world by crying in violation of human rights with the denial of fuel to the territory it controls. The outrageous twist Hamas applies to the atrocities it initiated then is swallowed lock, stock and barrel by the UN, which is pounding on Israel for a humanitarian pause. “Residents of Gaza, the address for your complaints is not Israel. It’s Yahya Sinwar, Muhammad Deif, and other Hamas-ISIS members who pushed Gaza into this abyss,” according to the IDF. The IDF has disputed the so-called humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip that the UN and Hamas are peddling. “As of now, I can tell you that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza. There are hardships in moving people within days to the south of the Gaza Strip, but the population is getting along,” an IDF official said. Another indicator that the terror organization controlling Gaza has little concern for the civilians is their obstructing the movement of the Gaza residents south as Israel had directed to the extent of confiscating the car keys of individuals. Hamas is the source of the crisis that the UN said should be solved, which is precisely what Israel is trying to do in committing to wipe out the terror group from the planet. The post UN barking upthe wrong tree appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
History of empathy
In a world often marred by conflict and divisiveness, genuine compassion and solidarity illuminate the path of hope. Israel’s recent gesture to assist victims of the ongoing war with the terrorist group Hamas is a testament to the nation’s commitment to humanity and its willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Israel, a nation that has itself faced considerable challenges and conflicts, understands the plight of those impacted by war. With a history shaped by resilience and determination, Israel has learned the importance of standing in solidarity with those facing adversity. This history of empathy serves as the foundation for its decision to assist victims of war, transcending borders and differences to offer a lifeline to those in desperate need. The Israeli government, led in the country by Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, reached out with unwavering support to the grieving families of four Filipinos who tragically fell victim to the heinous Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. With a deep commitment to healing and restoration, Israel through Fluss vowed to provide financial aid to guide the families through this challenging chapter of their lives. Regardless of nationality, for as long as the affected individuals are documented, Fluss said they are officially recognized as victims of terrorism. As such, much-needed financial assistance will be extended to their parents, spouses and children. According to Ambassador Fluss, the Israeli government has well-defined legislation in place to assist Israeli citizens, Filipinos and other foreign nationals affected by such circumstances. The support, coursed through either the Philippine government or victims’ families, will be provided through monthly financial aid, tailored to address specific needs such as education, healthcare and housing, as explicitly stipulated in Israeli law. Going beyond providing immediate aid, Israel’s gesture fosters an environment conducive to peace and reconciliation. By reaching out to victims of war, Israel sends a powerful message of unity, empathy, and a shared commitment to healing wounds inflicted by conflict. This goodwill inspires hope and encourages dialogue, paving the way for greater understanding and eventual resolution of conflicts. Israel’s gesture may inevitably draw criticism from various spectrums, with skeptics raising concerns about underlying motives or highlighting political complexities. Nevertheless, it is best to acknowledge the profound significance of taking action to alleviate profound human suffering, regardless of political considerations. Instead of fueling hate, aiding victims of war should ignite a powerful call for international collaboration wherein nations join hands and work together toward conflict resolution — transcending divisive narratives. Israel’s commitment to humanitarian aid is not mere rhetoric but a tangible demonstration of addressing immediate needs and contributing to the long-term recovery and stability of the kin of 1,400 fatalities, 5,240 injured, 223 hostages, and conflict-affected communities. May the compassionate outreach of the Israeli government inspire resistance to blame-assigning through a constructive and problem-solving mindset. The post History of empathy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Starting ‘em young
Three days from now, Filipinos will troop to the polling precincts once again to elect their Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials in what is supposed to be an integral component of the country’s democratic system. The elections, postponed many times before, allow for the representation and participation of local communities and the youth. However, these elections have not been without controversy, with allegations of vote buying and the distribution of illegal campaign materials tarnishing the democratic process. Held every three years, the Barangay and SK Elections, also known as BSKE, play a critical role in the Philippine political landscape. Barangays are the smallest administrative units in the country, serving as the frontline of government service delivery. The SK, on the other hand, specifically represents the youth, offering them an opportunity to engage in the political process from a young age. Barangay elections ensure that the grassroots communities are represented in local governance. Residents can choose leaders directly responsible for addressing their immediate concerns, such as public safety, health, and education. SK elections aim to involve the youth in decision-making processes. By participating in these elections, young people can gain valuable experience in leadership, advocacy, and community service, setting the stage for their future involvement in national politics. These elections serve as a training ground for democracy, allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote and make informed choices. The principles of accountability, transparency, and participation are nurtured at the community level. Barangay elections can be particularly empowering for marginalized groups, including women and indigenous communities, who have the opportunity to run for office and make their voices heard. However, despite the importance of the BSKE, they have been marred by allegations of vote buying and the distribution of illegal campaign materials. These practices raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and whether they indicate an early introduction to corrupt political practices. Vote buying, whereby candidates offer money, goods, or services in exchange for votes, is a long-standing issue in Philippine politics. While it is not exclusive to Barangay and SK elections, the fact that such allegations surface even in these local-level contests is troubling. It begs the question of whether young people are witnessing and, to some extent, participating in a system that normalizes the exchange of votes for material gain. One possible explanation for the prevalence of vote buying is the socio-economic conditions in many barangays. Poverty and inequality can create an environment where voters may be more susceptible to monetary incentives. This underscores the need for broader efforts to alleviate poverty and promote education and awareness about the value of their vote. Another issue is the widespread use of illegal campaign materials, such as posters, banners, and pamphlets that do not conform to electoral regulations. While this may seem like a relatively minor infraction, it contributes to a culture of disregard for the rule of law and electoral integrity. Starting young in politics should ideally involve nurturing values of ethics and civic responsibility. Instead, when young people are exposed to campaigns that flout the rules, it may inadvertently teach them that bending or breaking rules is an acceptable strategy to achieve political goals. This sends a damaging message about the importance of playing by the rules in a democracy. Addressing the issues of vote buying and illegal campaign materials in barangay and SK elections is crucial to preserving the democratic process and instilling positive values in young people. Schools and community organizations should conduct programs to educate young people about the significance of their vote, ethical campaigning, and the consequences of vote buying. Such programs can help instill a sense of civic responsibility. The Commission on Elections, on the other hand, should vigorously enforce campaign finance and election laws, penalizing candidates who engage in illegal practices. It is crucial, therefore, to address these issues by emphasizing education, enforcement of election laws, transparency, and community involvement. In doing so, these elections can better serve as platforms for shaping the future leaders of the nation who are committed to the principles of democracy, integrity, and ethical governance. The post Starting ‘em young appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
IRR suspension: Delicate balance
Malacañang’s announcement of the suspension of implementing rules and regulations of the Maharlika Investment Fund on 18 October, ten days short to two months after its release, was no surprise to many. Critics of the sovereign wealth fund recently raised concerns about its legality by filing a legal challenge with the Supreme Court. They argued that the fund needed to be properly established in accordance with constitutional requirements. The petitioners said the economic viability assessment mandated by the Constitution was not fulfilled, and the creation of the MIF, under Republic Act 11954 or Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023 signed on 18 July, infringed upon the central bank’s independence. The President was surprised, not by the IRR suspension, but by how alarming news reports were interpreting the suspension order “somehow as a judgment of the rightness or wrongness of the Maharlika Fund.” When the IRR of a law is suspended, the guidelines and procedures necessary to put the law into effect are temporarily halted or are still being finalized. For all intents and purposes, the IRR provides specific details on how the law should be implemented, including the processes, requirements, and timelines involved. To say that more improvements could be made, specifically to the MIF’s organizational structure to make it a better organization, is deemed a sugar-coated narrative rather than owning up to the flaws or imperfections. If an IRR is suspended, it could indeed affect the law’s implementation. Without clear guidelines and procedures, government agencies and individuals may face uncertainties or difficulties in complying with the law’s requirements. This could lead to delays or a lack of implementation, and hinder the intended objectives of the law. The suspension of the IRR, which offers an opportunity to identify and rectify such unintended outcomes, is a temporary measure and does not necessarily mean the law is invalidated. It may be a temporary setback for various reasons, such as legal challenges, revisions, or policy changes. Once the IRR issues are resolved, the law’s implementation can proceed with clarity to facilitate its smooth execution. Within the realm of governance and legislation, a delicate balance exists between effective enforcement and essential flexibility. The recent suspension memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin exemplifies such circumstances — an afterthought that the IRR warrants a critical evaluation. Laws, like the Maharlika Investment Fund Act, are designed to address specific issues, but the world is dynamic and constantly evolving. What may have been effective at the time of enactment, though just a little more than a year ago, may need to be made more suitable and adequate in the face of changing realities. Suspending IRRs acknowledges the need for flexibility, allowing for a reassessment of the law’s applicability in the present context, and ensuring that the legislation remains relevant and adaptive to the challenges of an ever-changing society. On to the end of 2023 — a timeline set by the President for the MIF to be operational, the thorough study of the IRR must engage relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, legal experts and affected parties, to gather diverse perspectives and ensure an inclusive decision-making process. Only by involving those directly impacted by the law can the suspension’s objective be tailored to address their concerns, leading to a more equitable and effective legal framework for the controversial MIF, devoid of self-serving interests. The post IRR suspension: Delicate balance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mandaue City plans to remove fish pens and desilt wetland to prevent flooding
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines – Mandaue City will be distributing notices to vacate to the owners of the fish pens at the city’s wetland in barangays Banilad and Cabancalan to start desilting the wetland to prevent flooding. Lawyer John Eddu Ibañez, City Legal Officer and head of the city’s Task Force APAS (Atoang Problema, Atoang Sulbaron), said that they are currently in communication with the owners. READ: Mandaue launches Task Force APAS to help solve flooding concerns Ibañez said that Mayor Jonas Cortes also asked to prepare the financial assistance to be given to the affected families whose livelihood lies in selling aquarium fish and other kinds of fish, like tilapia. The City Legal Officer said that they are determining the number of beneficiaries. “Paghinabi ta sa fish pens owners atoa sad timbang-timbangon kay panginabuhian man sad nila pero welfare manggud sa kadaghanan atoa gitan-aw,” said Ibañez. The city wants to clear the fish pens to dredge the silted wetland in hopes of helping solve the city’s flooding problem. READ: Cortes, Rama sign pact for rehab of 2 rivers The wetland with an area of 146,270 square meters, functions as a catch basin, that holds rain and run-off water coming from Mandaue City’s neighbors such as Cebu City. But because it was already silted and with the presence of water lilies, the water tended to backflow to Sto. Niño Village which is located at the back of the wetland. The area is being monitored by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and Housing Urban and Development Office, he said. “Dili mataro’ng og limpyo ang wetland area tungod sa mga fish pens,” said Ibañez. It can be recalled that the village which serves as a boundary between Mandaue and Cebu City experienced massive flooding last September 13 after the retaining wall of the fish pond collapsed. Drainage Clean-Up Aside from clearing the fish pond, other initiatives were also undertaken to address the flooding problem. Currently, the Task Force APAS continues to conduct the desilting and declogging of drainages and manholes choked with garbage. When there is heavy rain, they immediately position submersible pumps, to help drain the flood. READ: Girl, playing in the rain, dies after she fell into a canal, got swept inside a culvert in Mandaue The task force is also monitoring other problem areas such as Lopez Jaena St., A.S Fortuna St., Rolling Hills, and A.C Cortes Avenue.....»»
Local elections guaranteed uninterrupted power
The upcoming elections of local officials, at least across the franchise area of the Manila Electric Co., the country's largest power distributor, will be free from power disruptions that could potentially impact the outcome of the activity. In a press statement on Monday, the company reported that it mobilized its team to respond to any electricity service concerns on the 30 October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. “Meralco will be on alert 24/7 to respond to any distribution-related problem until the conclusion of the election process," Meralco Spokesperson and Vice President for Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga said. "Our crews will be deployed in strategic locations across its franchise area and will be ready to address any possible problem with electricity service,” he added. Among others, Meralco has inspected the electric facilities of close to 3,000 polling and canvassing centers, which include public schools and barangay halls, within its franchise area. It is also conducting maintenance activities for its distribution facilities to ensure stable and reliable electricity service on election day. The distribution utility has also trimmed trees, removed hazards that can obstruct power lines, and prepared over 300 generator sets as well as nearly 800 flood lights on standby in case there is an unexpected power interruption. Meralco also reminded personnel who will be manning polling and canvassing centers to refrain from plugging in unnecessary appliances to avoid octopus wiring, which can lead to overloading. The public, meanwhile, is urged to refrain from using balloons, firecrackers, confetti, party poppers, and the like near overhead lines and facilities to avoid tripping and power interruptions. The post Local elections guaranteed uninterrupted power appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NEA wants Primelectric deal to aid consumers
The National Electrification Administration or NEA has asked Primelectric Holdings, Inc., a unit of MORE Electric and Power Corp., to ensure that its joint venture agreement or JVA with Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. or CENECO will uphold consumers' interest. "I hope we can address the concerns of the opposition. We must also consider them. Regarding the participation of the Member-Consumer-Owners, it has been concluded during the plebiscite so we will put this into motion with all the required legal objectivity,” NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda said on Monday. Last week, Almeda met with Primelectric and CENECO officials to address the opposition concerns to improve the JVA of the involved parties. Primelectric and CENECO presented their joint venture to the NEA board to discuss service improvements for consumers. “This venture seeks to magnify the electric industry in Central Negros by not just streamlining the internal and external operations of concerned parties but also rehabilitating and modernizing the distribution system, which is deemed crucial in providing quality service to our consumers,” Primelectric President Roel Castro said during the hearing. For his part, CENECO acting general manager Atty. Arnel Lapore also supported the critical role the JVA plays in the area, adding that it “strongly” supports the NEA’s objective to achieve efficient service for all consumers. “I’m one with NEA in facilitating the service for the benefit of our consumers. That’s why I strongly support and cooperate through this JVA to ensure we deliver quality operations internally and externally. Rest assured that we duly consider all the suggestions raised by Admin Almeda during the hearing,” Lapore said. Primelectric has already conveyed that it is ready to pour in investments to modernize the system of CENECO. Castro highlighted that the target P2.1 billion initial investment in the capex of its operations will bankroll cutting-edge and top-of-the-line systems for a better consumer experience. Castro also emphasized that the JVA will help achieve the 100 percent total electrification target in the franchise area by 2028 “in alignment” with the present administration’s agenda of achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. “We need to rehabilitate the system because if you don’t put in the additional P2 billion investment or even bigger, you will be inheriting a distribution system that is just the same as now that is inefficient. That’s why we have to put (the investment) in P2.1 billion to start rehabilitating and improving the system,” he said. Primelectric and CENECO signed the JVA last 3 June purposely to improve the electricity services in Central Negros. The proposal received support from local leaders, the business sector, and consumer groups. No less than Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez described the partnership as “a White Knight that would save our consumers from the looming disaster.” The post NEA wants Primelectric deal to aid consumers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»