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Breathing osmosis of public service
Education and public service are deeply ingrained in his family heritage. His mother dedicated her career to educating students in public schools, while his father pursued a profession in government as a lawyer specializing in human rights. Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education or CHEd, recalled that his mother, a teacher at the Esteban Abada High School in Manila, always brought him to school when he was still a young boy. His mother became the principal of Ramon Magsaysay High School, also in Manila, before her retirement. He said he and his siblings grew up breathing the osmosis of public service. “So, when I was growing up, the importance of education was drilled into us. Our mother always tells us to finish our education; nothing will happen in our lives if we don’t graduate from college,” De Vera said, adding that he and his siblings all graduated from public schools. “We are nine siblings, but my parents don’t have the money to send us to private schools. All of us graduated from the University of the Philippines. We are products of public schools; we were just the ‘iskolar ng bayan’ through and through.” Popoy, who finished a bachelor’s degree in History from UP, teaches political science and history at the De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines. He completed his master’s in social science at De La Salle University and doctoral studies in public administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also has a master’s degree in higher education policy and higher education administration from the University of Southern California, one of the top schools in the United States of America, and later worked at the state legislature in California for three years. “In that sense, after I graduated from college, one of the options that I saw is either I take up law or teach, or to work in government, etc. There was an opportunity to teach, so I got into education.” In addition to his teaching responsibilities, De Vera also served as a consultant to several government agencies and provided his expertise to congressmen and senators. “Simultaneously, while I was teaching, I was also a consultant to the government. I worked as a consultant and then as chief of staff at the House and Senate.” His extensive academic background and government experience were benchmarks for his appointment as CHEd Commissioner in 2016, highlighting his qualifications for the position. “Since my background is in public administration and I also teach, I have a certain level of confidence that I really understand government, and I want to prove that I can do what I teach. I have a lot of involvement in the House and the Senate, from being an executive assistant until becoming chief of staff. I went through them one by one.” De Vera’s proficiency in legislative affairs from 1988 to 2010 (except for his three years abroad) encompasses a plethora of skills, including bill drafting, speech writing, and crafting amendments. Such expertise is a direct result of his extensive involvement and experience in the realm of legislation. Before his appointment to CHEd, he served as vice president for Public Affairs at UP in 2011. In 2004, he became part of the board of regents in some state universities and colleges. When he took the offer to head CHEd in 2018 after serving as commissioner for two years, he was confident because he survived UP. “I have a high level of confidence that I can do the job because they say that if you survived to govern UP, you can govern everything else because UP is the most ungovernable university in the country. So, if you survived there, you understand the public university system,” he admitted. He narrated to have experienced a sense of ease and familiarity when he joined CHEd. “It felt natural, perhaps because it aligns with my expertise. I might have had some reservations if it were a different department outside my field. However, since there was an opening at CHEd, I decided to offer my assistance, and that’s how I found myself here,” he shared. In running an agency with only 1,400 employees and serving more than 2,000 public and private higher education institutions across the country lies the challenge, De Vera said. With the scope of responsibilities, he gets to visit all state universities and colleges. Riding a bicycle, he witnessed first-hand the brilliance, resilience, and great potential of state universities and colleges. “I would be the first CHEd chair who visited all the state universities and colleges in this country. No one has done that yet,” he said, adding that he had already visited 100 of the 114 state-run universities. “I think in a year, I will finish all of them. The feeling is so different when you see what’s happening on the ground. So, from the start of my appointment, I started going around. I’ve gone to the farthest parts of the country.” As the chairperson, he said his firsthand experience in higher education enables him to speak with confidence and authority on the subject. “By engaging directly with students and faculty, attentively listening to their concerns, and providing meaningful responses, I believe I have made a significant impact. The presence of a secretary in these interactions creates a distinct atmosphere, instilling a sense of importance and value in education stakeholders. This ability to make those on the ground feel significant is a legacy I take pride in,” he said. One of the legacies De Vera is proud of is the implementation of free higher education, which coincided with his tenure. “I consider myself privileged because my predecessors did not have the opportunity to enact such a policy. Despite the challenges encountered, I believe that the beneficiaries truly reaped the benefits of this initiative,” he said. In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the country was confronted with unprecedented difficulties and uncertainties. CHEd, however, managed to navigate these challenges and ensured that education persisted. “This, in itself, is an accomplishment. Despite various government interventions being affected, we remained steadfast in delivering education to the best of our abilities,” he said. De Vera actively advocates for an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities for marginalized sectors to complete their tertiary education. He seeks to create “first-generation graduates” as a legacy of the current administration. This program aims to offer educational opportunities to young Filipinos from minority and indigenous groups, children of rebel returnees, and other marginalized communities, enabling them to complete their education successfully. “Why not consciously make our legacy about bringing these individuals into the mainstream and ensuring they have the opportunity to finish their education? This emerging phenomenon is something we can truly focus on.” He added: “If we can successfully accomplish this within the next three years while I am in office, I can confidently say that it will be a legacy achieved by the Marcos administration. While the Duterte administration initiated free higher education, the Marcos administration aims to make it more equitable and responsive to the needs of marginalized individuals.” The post Breathing osmosis of public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Climate change ‘dystopian future already here’: UN rights chief
Climate change is sparking human rights emergencies in numerous countries, the UN rights chief said Monday, stressing the need to fight the impunity of those who "plunder our environment". Speaking before the United Nations Human Rights Council, Volker Turk pointed to recent examples of the "environmental horror that is our global planetary crisis". He described visiting Basra, Iraq, where date palms once lined canals, but now "drought, searing heat, extreme pollution and fast-depleting supplies of fresh water are creating barren landscapes of rubble and dust". "This spiraling damage is a human rights emergency for Iraq, and many other countries," he said in his address opening the 54th council session in Geneva. "Climate change is pushing millions of people into famine. It is destroying hopes, opportunities, homes and lives. In recent months, urgent warnings have become lethal realities again and again all around the world," Turk said. "We do not need more warnings. The dystopian future is already here. We need urgent action now." Turk was speaking after the G20 at the weekend failed to commit to a phase-out of fossil fuels, something he said was desperately needed. - 'Nonchalance' at migrant deaths - At a time when the ravages of climate change are forcing more and more people to leave their homes, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said he was "shocked by the nonchalance" seen towards surging numbers of migrant deaths. "It is evident that far more migrants and refugees are dying, unnoticed," he said, pointing to the more than "2,300 people reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean this year, including the loss of more than 600 lives in a single shipwreck off Greece in June." He also highlighted migrant deaths in the English Channel, the Bay of Bengal, in the Caribbean, along the US-Mexican border, and at the Saudi border, where he said his "office is seeking urgent clarification about allegations of killings and mistreatment". The UN rights chief also highlighted a wide range of other concerning situations around the world, including in Russia, Pakistan and the Palestinian territory. On China, he reiterated concerns raised in a report by his office a year ago about the situation in the far-western Xinjiang region, which cited possible crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. "As my Office highlighted a year ago, the concerns in the Xinjiang ... requires strong remedial action by the authorities," Turk said Monday, also voicing concern at "continued detention of human rights advocates". - 'Ecocide' - Turk also spoke about the situation in Lebanon, decrying a total lack of accountability for the 2020 Beirut port blast, that killed more than 220 people, urging "an international fact-finding mission to look into human rights violations related to this tragedy." And he mentioned the situation in Iran, one year after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody after her arrest for allegedly breaching the strict dress code for women. Turk voiced concern at a bill that would impose harsher penalties for breaching the dress code, and "renewed deployment of the morality police." Climate change and environmental degradation played a role in a number of the rights situations he mentioned, including in Africa's Sahel region. Turk insisted on the need to "counter the impunity of people and businesses who severely plunder our environment", welcoming a proposal to recognize "ecocide" as an international crime. Amid the towering problems facing the world, Turk decried "politics of deception". "Helped by new technologies, lies and disinformation are mass-produced to sow chaos, to confuse, and ultimately to deny reality and ensure no action will be taken that could endanger the interests of entrenched elites," he said. "The most apparent case of this is climate change." nl/apo/yad © Agence France-Presse The post Climate change ‘dystopian future already here’: UN rights chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House panel OKs bill penalizing use of corporal punishment against children
The House panel on the welfare of children has approved a bill banning the use of corporal punishment to discipline children — a measure that lawmakers and child rights advocates hope would deter incidents of child abuse within homes......»»
Bong Go advocates for Magna Carta for Barangays, BHW Compensation bills
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, as a member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, is advocating for further empowering barangays as the basic governing units in communities in order to improve public service delivery and bring government closer to the people. He has filed two proposed legislative measures that seek to support and recognize hardworking barangay officials and health workers. These are Senate Bill No. 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays and SBN 427, also known as the Barangay Health Workers Compensation. “These dedicated officials work tirelessly to ensure the welfare and well-being of their constituents, making them essential pillars of effective governance,” Go said. He said barangay officials play a vital role in maintaining peace and order, delivering basic services, and promoting social welfare at the grassroots level. They are the backbone of local governance and serve as frontliners, who directly address the needs of their communities, Go added. SBN 197 proposes that barangay officials, including the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and barangay treasurer, receive similar treatment as regular government employees. If enacted, it will make barangay officials eligible to receive salaries, benefits, allowances (such as hazard pay, representation and transportation allowance), 13th month pay, and other perks that regular government employees receive. Under the proposed measure, the Sangguniang Barangay will also have the power to determine the appropriate number of permanent barangay tanods during their administration. The appointed tanods will also be entitled to honoraria, allowances, and other benefits. “I originally filed the Magna Carta for Barangays last 18th Congress and I refiled it dito po sa 19th Congress since I believe that we need to improve the general welfare of our barangays and their residents, raise the economic and social status of barangay officials, and grant every barangay the basic facilities for decent, healthy and comfortable living,” Go said. “Naintindihan ko po ang trabaho po ng ating mga barangay officials. Matagal po akong nagtrabaho kay dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte (kahit noong mayor pa siya). Yan po ang unang-una – sa umaga pa lang, nakapila na yan, dala-dala ang mga problema ng barangay. At pinakahuling oras hanggang gabi, sila po yung nandyan sa baba, na talagang humihingi ng tulong at nagdadala po ng serbisyo sa kanilang nasasakupan. Lahat ng problema – patay, pasyente, away sa barangay, lahat. Lahat po ng problema sa barangay nila, sila po ang nag-aasikaso,” he added. Go's advocacy also extends to the vital role of barangay health workers (BHWs) who tirelessly serve as the first point of contact for healthcare in their communities. Thus, the senator introduced SBN 427 to provide fair compensation and benefits to these frontliners. The bill recognizes the critical contributions of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare services, raising awareness on health issues, and ensuring the well-being of the community. This action is also in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call to give importance to the well-being of BHWs, who have significantly contributed to the nation's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Go said that if the proposal becomes a law, it will not only acknowledge the valuable contributions of the BHWs but will also guarantee that they receive fair compensation and adequate protection while performing their duties. “Ang mga barangay health workers natin ay nasa frontline po lalung-lalo na po sa malalayong lugar. Sila po ang nag-aasikaso. Sila po ang tumutulong sa paggagamot ng ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na sa mga komunidad na walang doktor,” Go said. “Napapanahon naman po na sila ay bigyan natin ng sapat na halaga, alagaan po natin sila at bigyan natin sila ng sapat na benepisyo,” he added. By highlighting the important roles played by the barangay officials and recognizing their significant contributions, Go aims to improve the welfare and effectiveness of local governance. These proposed legislations hold the potential to uplift the status of barangay officials and health workers, fostering a stronger and more responsive community-driven governance system throughout the nation, Go said. ### The post Bong Go advocates for Magna Carta for Barangays, BHW Compensation bills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM signs Maharlika bill next week — Zubiri
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund bill into law next week, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Wednesday. Citing the Presidential Legislative Liason Office, Zubiri said Marcos will sign the MIF bill on 18 July. “The PLLO said it will be signed on 18 July,” he told reporters in a text message. The PLLO advocates for all internal and external support in shepherding the President’s legislative agenda, administration-sponsored policy interests, and all other legislative-related concerns of the executive branch. Aside from the MIF bill, the Senate chief noted that the President is also expected to sign the Estate Tax Amnesty Extension bill. The Daily Tribune has sought confirmation from the Presidential Communications Office regarding the issue, but it had yet to respond at press time. The post PBBM signs Maharlika bill next week — Zubiri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids indigent students in Laak, Davao de Oro
Recognizing the vital role education plays in the country's development, Senator Bong Go has committed himself to helping enhance the education system in the country through various proposed legislation. In a video message during his team’s relief activity for struggling students on Monday, 26 June, Go maintained that he advocates for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1864, also known as the Act on Suspending Student Loan Payments During Disasters and Emergencies, which seeks to offer assistance to students who have borrowed loans but face difficulties in repaying them as a result of calamities and other unforeseen crises. Meanwhile, SBN 1359, known as the Act Prohibiting the "No Permit, No Exam" Policy, which Senator Go co-authored and co-sponsored, was passed on its third and final reading in March. The bill aims to penalize the implementation of a policy that restricts students from taking exams or similar educational assessments based on unpaid tuition or other school fees. Go also continues to champion SBN 1360, which aims to broaden the scope of the tertiary education subsidy by making amendments to Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. The proposed legislation strives to offer increased assistance to students who face challenges in financing their tuition and other school fees, including those who are currently not eligible for subsidies provided by the existing law. “Education serves as the foundation for progress and the key to unlocking a brighter future for our nation. It is through education that we can empower our youth, equip them with knowledge and skills, and shape them into responsible and productive citizens,” underscored Go. “Investing in education is an investment in our country's future. When we prioritize education, we invest in the development of human capital, fostering a highly skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and prosperity,” he stressed further. The relief activity was held at the municipal hall, where Go’s team provided relief items, such as shirts, vitamins, snacks, and masks to 700 disadvantaged students. His team also gave mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. “Mayroon ding mga dala na bola ang aking opisina kasi ang advocacy ko po ay sports. Gusto ko po ipagpatuloy po ang kampanya ni (dating) pangulong Duterte na labanan ang kriminalidad at iligal na droga sa pamamaraan na engganyuhin po ang mga kabataan na maglaro na lang ng basketball o anumang larangan ng pampalakasan,” encouraged Go who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports. “Diba mas mabuti na yung busy yung kabataan sa basketball o volleyball o sa ibang palakasan kesa naman maligaw sila sa ibang landas? Engganyuhin po natin silang mag-basketball at mag-volleyball. Get into sports and stay away from drugs,” he urged. Meanwhile, Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also reminded the youth to prioritize their health and even encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital branches in Laak, Montevista, Maragusan, and Pantukan; and the Davao Regional Medical Center in nearby Tagum City. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program provides one-stop shops where concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, are brought under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are more conveniently within the reach of particularly poor and indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 158 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. Go, who is also Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported various infrastructure initiatives in Davao de Oro. He was instrumental in the construction of a multipurpose building in Compostela; the construction of the Monkayo, Compostela Valley - Veruela Road; and the improvement of the public market in Monkayo. Other major initiatives he supported include the construction of the Nabunturan – Maco and Nabunturan - Laak roads; the installation of street lights in Nabunturan; rehabilitation of the local roads and bridges in New Bataan; and the concreting of the local access road in Pantukan The post Bong Go aids indigent students in Laak, Davao de Oro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM presses LGBTQ+ acceptance
All members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer and other genders (LGBTQ+) group should be protected from discrimination, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said. The Chief Executive expressed support for the LGBT+ community in the Philippines as the sector celebrates “Pride Month.” “In the new Philippines, the Filipino is free, and in the new Philippines, the Filipino has an open mind and is free from discrimination or ridicule. That is the message we will continue to strengthen,” the President said. “Their invaluable contributions in various fields and their perseverance in competing with anyone, the responsible and tireless advocates for their families and homes,” he added. Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of government and society providing support to the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the nation-building process. “It is important to continue supporting, respecting, and recognizing the significant role they play in our society,” he said. “Let us applaud and take pride in them for exemplifying the skill and excellence of our Filipino people,” he added. “Pride Month” is globally observed every June to commemorate a series of gay liberation protests that took place in the United States in 1969. Although Marcos Jr. expresses support for the LGBTQ+ community, various pro-LGBT+ laws, including the SOGIE bill, are still pending approval in Congress. The post BBM presses LGBTQ+ acceptance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go advocates for advancement of nursing profession in proposed bill
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured that he remains at the forefront of advocating for the welfare of Filipino nurses. In a bid to enhance the nursing profession and address the growing healthcare needs of Filipinos, Go continues to push for the enactment of the Advanced Nursing Education bill. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go has consistently expressed his admiration for nurses and the indispensable role they play in delivering healthcare services, especially during these challenging times. It is for this reason that he stressed the importance of investing in the nursing profession in building a more robust and sustainable healthcare system. In an ambush interview after he personally graced the launch of the 158th Malasakit Center in Guagua, Pampanga on Friday, June 9, Go highlighted that his proposed Senate Bill No. 191 aims to bolster the educational opportunities available to nurses, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector. Go maintained the importance of equipping nurses with the necessary interventions to meet the evolving healthcare challenges. His proposed "Advanced Nursing Education Act of 2022" seeks to protect and improve the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education for better career prospects and dignified work conditions for nurses. On the other hand, Go also emphasized the importance of striking a balance between providing proper compensation for Filipino nurses and ensuring that hospitals have the necessary resources to maintain their operations effectively. “Napansin ko na napakababa talaga ng sweldo ng mga nurses sa private hospitals. Eh alam mo naman kapag sa private hospitals, hindi na usually nagrereklamo ang mga nagbabayad na mga pasyente kahit napakalaki po ng kanilang hospital billing dahil mayayaman o may kaya sila, halos hindi na po magrereklamo. Pero napakaliit pa rin po ng sweldo ng mga nurses doon. Nakakalungkot dahil nadi-discourage silang magtrabaho dito sa atin. Nangingibang bansa sila dahil maliit talaga ang sweldo,” Go cited. Go acknowledged that fair and competitive salaries are crucial to attracting and retaining talented nurses in the country. However, he also understands that hospitals, especially those in underserved areas, often face financial constraints that can hinder their ability to offer competitive compensation packages. “Gusto ko naman pong balansehin. Ayaw naman nating magsara ang mga private hospitals dahil kailangan din nila sa operation nila. Maaaring doon din nila kinukuha ang kanilang mga operational expenses. So balansehin natin,” Go urged. “Sana naman sa mga private hospitals, kung maaari bawas-bawasan n’yo ng kaunti ang kita ninyo. Ibigay n’yo naman sa mga nurses para makatulong naman sa kanila at ‘wag na silang mangibang bansa. Hindi ko masisisi ang mga nurses natin sa mga private hospitals, nangingibang bansa dahil sobrang laki ng sweldo sa ibang bansa,” he expressed. The lawmaker earlier authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11466 in 2019, which gives nurses and other civilian government employees their fifth round of salary increases broken down in tranches. In the same year, Senator Go also made sure that sufficient funding was allocated for the implementation of the 2019 Supreme Court decision that upheld Section 32 of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, which establishes the minimum salary grade of the Nurse I position at SG-15. ### The post Bong Go advocates for advancement of nursing profession in proposed bill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong backs LGUs’ e-governance empowerment
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go recently commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his forward-thinking approach as the President recently tasked the Department of Information and Communications Technology to enable local government units to adapt to the e-government system as part of the efforts to modernize government services and promote efficient governance. “The directive issued by President Marcos reflects his commitment to improving public service delivery and advancing the nation’s digital landscape. By leveraging technology and implementing e-governance, we can enhance government efficiency, promote transparency, and empower citizens with easier access to services,” said Go. In a sectoral meeting with DICT on 24 May, Marcos issued the directive to Secretary Ivan Uy and reminded them to ensure regular upgrades within the system. “Let’s capacitate our LGUs so they can adapt to the system,” said Marcos in his directive. “That’s really the essence of digitalization. Let’s be sure that we are able to upgrade this system. Set it up to get them ready, so they know how to operate it.” E-governance, also known as electronic governance, is the application of information and communication technology to enhance the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of government operations and services. The utilization of digital platforms and online systems streamlines administrative processes, simplifies public service delivery and improves citizen engagement. Meanwhile, the lawmaker stressed the urgent need to harness the potential of e-governance as he continues to push for Senate Bill 194 as he long advocated for the integration of digital solutions in government operations. During a public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology on 22 May, Go — as one of the authors of the measure — highlighted the potential benefits of e-governance, such as faster processing times for permits and licenses, simplified online transactions, improved data security and enhanced accessibility. “Bureaucratic inefficiency has been one of the most persisting problems in government service for the longest time. People spend so much money, time, and energy just to get a simple document, submit an application for a permit, or simply access public information,” Go said. “Government should always be responsive to the demands of changing times. It is for this reason that I filed the proposed E-Governance Act,” he added. Echoing Marcos, the senator expressed his confidence that the government’s responsiveness to the needs of the people through the adaptation of e-governance would result in a more inclusive and efficient administration. “This bill mandates the government to establish an integrated and interconnected information and resource-sharing and communications network spanning the entirety of the national and local governments,” Go said. The proposed E-Governance Act aims to establish an integrated and interconnected information and resource-sharing and communications network that spans national and local governments. It shall also mandate the creation of an internal records management information system, an information database and digital portals for the delivery of public services. The bill also advocates for the digitization of paper-based workflows to achieve greater efficiency and transparency in public service delivery. Go acknowledged the role of the DICT in spearheading these efforts. “Doing so would bring the government closer to the people, bridge the gap in the delivery of various services, and provide avenues for our people to bring their grievances and concerns to the government. In the end, E-governance will result to better governance, and a government that is more responsive to the needs of our people,” said Go. The post Kuya Bong backs LGUs’ e-governance empowerment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red, yellow debacles (2)
In search of energy sources that would provide the country with a stable supply of energy, particularly during the peak dry season when yellow and red alerts are prevalent, a sustainable source may just lie around the corner. Thus, turning waste into energy has become in vogue because it will hit two birds with one stone as it contributes to the production of power while also helping clean up the environment. Industry experts, however, consider the current laws do not support the development of a waste-to-energy industry. The Clean Air Act, for instance, sets rigid standards for incineration, the primary waste-to-energy technology. The House of Representatives already passed a bill allowing the use of waste-to-energy and redefining the incineration ban in the Clean Air Act. The next step, however, is stuck in the Senate which, as with other bills transmitted from the House, has not even started public hearings. Opportunities in the use of waste By 2025, the Philippines would have generated up to 92 million tons of waste, the equivalent of 500,000 blue whales, the largest animals to ever live on Earth. Then the country need not worry about a garbage crisis since it becomes the feedstock to generate power. The amount of waste that could end up in landfills, street corners, empty lots, or bodies of water will grow in direct proportion to population and urban centers. Landfills have limited capacities. A large volume of plastics that now clog the world’s oceans come from the Philippines, which is ranked one of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution in the seas. A law that could stop the waste-to-energy thrust dead on its track is the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or ESWMA which mandated the use of landfills for waste disposal. ESWMA clashes head-on with the Renewable Energy Act, which mandated the government to prescribe policies and programs promoting and enhancing the development of biomass waste-to-energy facilities. The push for waste-to-energy as alternative fossil fuels lacks clarity in policies. First, the government through the DoE would have to list waste-to-energy as a priority power source as it did other renewable energy technologies—solar, wind, etc. To bring waste-to-energy production into the energy mix, there should be guaranteed and long-term power purchase agreements which would allow private companies to at least recoup their investments. The technology, nonetheless, is not cheap. Facilities that would turn heat from burning waste into energy would require substantial capital and technical expertise. Public-private partnerships would be ideal for such projects. Waste-to-energy facilities would require higher fees that would be charged against waste generators, including local governments. But who would end up bearing the added costs? Not the local governments with their commonly inadequate revenues. Consumers will have to bear the additional costs of waste-to-energy facilities if the government fails to provide support in the form of funding and incentives which are done in successful waste-to-energy systems like Singapore and Japan. Filtering facilities are part of state-of-the-art technologies to prevent waste-to-energy facilities from contributing to the toxic mix in the air. Environmental advocates have been campaigning against burning trash which they said is dirtier than burning coal. Incinerators release unimaginable volumes of minute pollutants into the air that could eventually affect the health of nearby residents. Waste-to-energy facilities need waste, they would need more and more trash to ramp up the production of energy, encouraging a steady and growing stream of waste. In some areas where local governments are starting to embrace waste-to-energy technology, unrest becomes prevalent among local folks. In the search for sustainable and clean sources of energy, the government should have an active part since proper use of technology will help mitigate the periodic lack of power while ending the trash problem that has defied solutions for ages. The post Red, yellow debacles (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM need to reform MUP pension system — Diokno
The Marcos administration has to reform the retirement and pension funds for military uniformed personnel (MUP) since keeping the current system could cause a significant increase in the national debt and expenditure in the coming years, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. In a recent briefing, Diokno said the current formula for the MUP pension system, which started under the Ramos administration, is financially unsustainable. He mentioned that the military uniformed personnel "does not contribute" to the pension system, adding that government wholly finances their retirement benefits through yearly appropriations. Diokno stated that the current pension system is expected to cost the government approximately P848.39 billion per year for the next two decades. It is also estimated that the level of total unfunded pension liabilities is at P9.6 trillion, which is equivalent to nearly half of the country’s economy last year. Furthermore, he noted that the mounting pension obligations may lead to an up to 25 percent rise in public debt by 2030. "They (the MUP) have no contribution, yet they receive a huge amount. I think this really has to be discussed openly," Diokno said. "We can no longer afford to keep this around," the Finance Chief added. The country's outstanding debt could potentially increase by around P3.43 trillion, primarily due to the need to finance the pension system. This projection excludes any other government borrowings for various purposes over the next seven years. Diokno emphasized that meeting the financial requirements to cater to future pensioners and their dependents would be tough if the government would not immediately resolve the unfunded liabilities. Since this reform would require approval from Congress, Diokno expressed confidence that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the necessary political influence to pursue such a measure. “He (Marcos) has signified that he is willing to spend his political capital for important reforms. We have no choice. We have to face this problem,” Diokno said. Diokno pointed out that Rep. Joey Salceda is one of the advocates who will introduce a bill to revamp the MUP pension system. The finance secretary is optimistic that MUP members will begin contributing to their pension system by January 2024. Diokno cited an instance, stating that a retired general is receiving a tax-free monthly pension of P131,000. He further mentioned that the current pension system could impact other government projects such as education and healthcare. The Department of Finance (DOF) plans to talk with other government agencies and the military to address this matter. Additionally, Diokno stated that "no military official had approached" him to oppose the proposition, necessitating soldiers to contribute 1 to 3 percent of their monthly income initially. “We can no longer afford to ignore this elephant in the room. Somebody has to really fix this formula, otherwise, we will be facing a fiscal crisis,” Diokno said. “If this continues, we are crowding out some important projects like education and health because we keep on prioritizing the military pension,” he said. Instead of incremental changes, Diokno suggested that the government should establish a unified separation, retirement, and pension system for the MUP. Diokno explained that the proposed solution should cover all members of the MUP agencies, including those who are still in active service or have recently joined. Currently, the monthly pension for retirees is automatically linked to the salary of the next-in-rank in the active service. Consequently, salary increases for active personnel result in an increased funding requirement for retired members. MUP members can choose to retire early after serving for at least 20 years, even before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. The post PBBM need to reform MUP pension system — Diokno appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go continues push for E-Governance bill
Sen. Bong Go continuously advocates for the passage of his filed Senate Bill No. 194 or the proposed E-Governance Act. "Kailangang mas ilapit natin ang gobyerno sa mga tao sa pamamagitan ng mas accessible na mga serbisyo," asserted Go. If passed into law, the bill shall establish an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable information and resource-sharing and communications network spanning the entirety of the national and local government, an internal records management information system, an information database, and digital portals for the delivery of public services. The bill also aims to enhance data privacy and security, as well as to provide for the establishment of an electronic payment system for government transactions. In addition, Go’s E-Governance bill pushes for the digitization of paper-based and other traditional modes of workflows for a more efficient and transparent public service. “Habang patuloy ang gobyerno sa pag-i-improve ng serbisyong inihahatid sa ating mga kababayan, dapat din tayong sumabay sa pagbabago ng panahon. The government must use information and communications technology to better serve its purpose and get closer to the people in an era where practically everything can be done online and through other digital channels,” Go said. A similar bill, House Bill No. 7327, was approved by the House of Representatives on its third and final reading last month, March 6. Considering that it is one of the priority measures of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., Go emphasized the importance of digitalization in improving the delivery of government services, saying, “Nakita natin ang importansya ng digital transformation in government. Sa private sector, napilitan ang mga negosyo na mag-adopt ng e-commerce techniques para mapabuti ang mga serbisyo nila. Hindi pwedeng mahuli ang gobyerno — there’s no better time than now to prioritize the government's digital transformation.” Go added that E-governance can streamline government processes and make them more efficient. With the use of digital technology, government services can be delivered faster, with less bureaucracy, and at a lower cost. “Tayong nasa gobyerno, dapat gawin natin sa abot ng ating makakaya ang lahat upang mailapit ang serbisyo sa tao lalo na sa mga pinakanangangailangan. Huwag nating pahirapan pa ang mga mahihirap. Gamit ang teknolohiya, ibigay natin sa kanila ang tulong na nararapat,” he emphasized. The post Bong Go continues push for E-Governance bill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go advocates for the creation of DDR
Sen. Bong Go renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, or his proposed Disaster Resilience bill. The proposed legislation aims to create the Department of Disaster Resilience, a specialized department that would be solely responsible for managing the country's disaster response and mitigation efforts. Go highlighted that if the bill is enacted, the cabinet secretary-level department shall concentrate on three significant areas, such as disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. “Parati po akong umiikot sa buong Pilipinas dahil ‘yan po ang aking pangako, pupuntahan ko po kayo basta kaya ng oras at panahon ko… Sunog, lindol, baha, buhawi, putok ng bulkan, pinuntahan ko po iyan lahat para makatulong sa abot ng aking makakaya, makabigay ng solusyon sa problema nila, makabigay ng proyekto na makakabenepisyo sa lugar, at makapag-iwan po ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati,” the senator said. “Tulad po ngayon na dumaan ang Tropical Depression Amang sa ibang bahagi ng Luzon, mas lalo pa natin dapat paigtingin ang disaster preparedness. Hindi po natin maiiwasan ang pagdating ng bagyo, pero mas mabuti po na palagi tayong handa para maiwasan natin ang mas malaking pinsala,” he urged. To support the DDR’s functions and responsibilities, the proposed measure also provides for the creation of an Integrated Disaster Resilience Information System (IDRIS) which will serve as a database of all relevant disaster risk reduction and climate change information. The post Bong Go advocates for the creation of DDR appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Group mulls anti-monopoly bill vs Grab, other companies working in transport sector
A network of digital advocates is urging the government to come up with anti-monopoly measures in order to prevent transport network vehicle service companies from "controlling" the whole transportation sector......»»
Marawi advocates press Duterte to make compensation bill a priority
Advocates are clamoring for President Rodrigo Duterte to identify as a priority measure during his final State of the Nation Address a proposal providing financial compensation for the survivors of the 2017 Marawi siege......»»
Pass bill increasing age of sexual consent, Senate urged
Child rights advocates have asked the Senate to speed up the passage of a bill that seeks to increase the age for determining the commission of statutory rape from below 12 to below 16......»»
Fil-am, workers union, rights advocates laud new bill seeking end to PH military aid
The newly-proposed Philippine Human Rights Act earned the irk of Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque describing the bill filed by Pennsylvania Representative Wild as a “very wild suggestion.”.....»»
Advocates against child marriage laud passage of ‘Girls Not Brides Act’
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 10 November) – Advocates against forced, child and early marriage in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where the practice is prevalent, lauded the passage of Senate Bill 1371 or the “Girls Not Brides Act.” Suwaira Abdulmaula, one of the lead convenors of United Youth of the Philippines-Women, Inc. […].....»»
Turkey tightens grip on social media with new law
Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial bill giving the government greater control of social media and criticised by human rights advocates as an attempt to increase online censorship......»»
LeBron James group touts sports venues as mega-voting sites
By BILL BARROW Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — If basketball icon LeBron James gets his way, NBA arenas and other sports venues around the country will be mega polling sites for the November general election. James and his voting rights group, formed this spring with other black athletes and entertainers, are joining with other professional basketball leaders and Michigan’s top elections official to push for mega voting sites to accommodate in-person balloting amid the COVID-19 pandemic. More Than A Vote, the James organization dedicated to maximizing Black turnout in November, shared its plans with The Associated Press on Wednesday after the Detroit Pistons became the second NBA franchise to announce plans to use its arena for voting later this year. In Georgia, Fulton County elections officials this week approved the Atlanta Hawks’ proposal to use State Farm Arena as a polling site. Plans call for the arena to serve as a countywide early voting site ahead of Election Day. The idea, which comes after Kentucky used large facilities in its June 23 primary, is to use large spaces that allow for in-person voting while still enforcing social distancing guidelines. It also underscores the attention on the mechanics of voting amid the pandemic, with the intensity already reflected in both President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden warning that state and local officials have the power to “corrupt” the election. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson called her “partnership” with the Pistons an “blueprint for other teams and leagues seeking to advance our common goal of protecting access to the vote for all.” Lloyd Pierce, head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, said the arrangement in his city ensures “high turnout” in a safe environment. Benson, Pierce and David Fizdale, former New York Knicks head coach, will advise NBA franchises and arena management entities around the country on how to replicate the existing deals. The Milwaukee Bucks also confirmed they are willing to use their home arena as a voting site in the most populous city in the key battleground of Wisconsin. The coordinated push is a turnabout, of sorts, in the often-partisan jousting over voting procedures. Some Democrats panned Kentucky elections officials for limiting in-person June primary voting in the state’s two most populous counties to Louisville’s Exposition Center and the University of Kentucky football stadium in Lexington. Voting rights advocates argued in federal court that the plan, part of culling voting sites statewide amid coronavirus concerns, would harm minority voters. A federal judge rejected their claims, and voting proceeded without the melee that some advocates had forecast. Now, Benson, a Democrat, is pushing the arena model not as an example of potential voter suppression, but a way to fight it. “One of our greatest challenges in protecting voters’ access to democracy this November is identifying accessible locations where citizens can safely vote in person,” she said. Amid COVID, that could outweigh potential logistical difficulties of large sites. Lines for such venues can still be long — just as with normal polling locations — as was seen in Lexington at some points on primary day. Voters also could face traffic jams or public transit hiccups given the number of people involved. General elections also have considerably larger turnout than primaries. Nonetheless, there’s a growing bipartisan push for large-venue voting. NFL executive Scott Pioli last week presented the National Association of Secretaries of State a plan for widespread use of professional and college sports facilities. James’ group is officially nonpartisan. But the NBA star has been open about its emphasis on the Black community, where Trump faces intense opposition for his white identity politics. James has not endorsed Biden, but he endorsed Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016. In Milwaukee, meanwhile, the Bucks owners, the Lasry family, are major Democratic Party donors. Bucks executive Alex Lasry helped lead the effort that landed the Democratic National Convention in the city. .....»»