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Phl halfway through energy security bid
The Philippines, being a net importer of fuel, still has plenty of room to grow in terms of delivering an energy-secure landscape for the people. Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla, however, said he is optimistic the country can achieve its targets, guided by the Philippine Energy Development Plan, hopefully within the Marcos administration. “On a scale of one to 10, with 10 representing 100 percent energy security, and we are importing 56 percent, I place that at around five then. “But it can even be lower because our ability to respond to extreme events and natural disasters still needs many improvements,” said Lotilla Tuesday in an interview on Straight Talk, Daily Tribune’s online show. He added: “Now one way of addressing this of course is through the diversification of sources, primarily indigenous, and that’s where renewable energy comes in.” According to Lotilla, the government’s push to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s power mix is a driving force that would help deliver its targets. Lotilla, who was also the Energy secretary during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, noted that the country’s clean energy take-up had dwindled over time. Last November, the Department of Energy amended a section of the Implementing Rules and Regulations or IRR of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Energy mix To guide the government in reaching its targets, the DoE has set a target of 35 percent share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2035, increasing it further to 50 percent by 2040. Heavy reliance on coal It is still notable, however, that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy utilization, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal. Coal, which is cheaper compared to other forms of power but more detrimental to the environment, is still the highest contributor to the power generation mix at nearly 60 percent. Renewable energy only takes a little over 22 percent of the mix. “The last time I was in the department, it was around 40 percent renewables. Now we are at around 22 percent. That is why we are ramping up the exploration for indigenous gas, which is locally available to us,” Lotilla said. Oil exploration Since the Philippines is under-explored, the DoE recently signed a 50-50 joint agreement with the Bangsamoro government to begin oil exploration in the Sulu Sea. “It’s joint because whatever is found the net proceeds will be divided 50-50 between the national government and the Bangsamoro,” he said. The agreement, finalized last month, allows for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The DoE signed the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts with the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. The IEB Circular operationalized the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act 11054, or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for power source development in Bangsamoro. Lotilla suggested that utilizing the energy resources in the area could entice investments, create job opportunities, promote sustainable growth, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for the residents. The post Phl halfway through energy security bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s unwavering support to the Bangsamoro region and his commitment to helping former rebels in their transformation process. OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday thanked Marcos for mentioning the gains and progress of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during his second State of the Nation Address on 24 July. "What we have witnessed… is President Marcos' genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation," Galvez said after Marcos cited BARMM’s progress and effective self-governing. Galvez recalled that just less than two months into his administration, Marcos administered the oath of office to 80 newly reappointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority on 12 August 2022. This is the first time that the composition of the BTA includes members of the Moro National Democratic Front, particularly from the group of its founding chairman Nur Misuari. In his speech, Marcos emphasized the great potential of the region and stressed that "through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos." He said the national government is expanding its energy resources to include the BARMM. On 6 July, Marcos previously witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular (EIB) on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in the BARMM, which marks another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. The IEB Circular operationalizes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The Circular aims to boost economic development and draw foreign capital into the region. Amnesty program Meanwhile, Marcos vowed his administration would push for the completion of the reintegration process of the former combatants into “productive members of society” by fully implementing the amnesty program for them. Galvez also welcomed Marcos' promise to issue a proclamation that will grant amnesty to those former rebels in the country that have returned to the folds of the law. In his speech, the President asked Congress to support his endeavor on pushing the amnesty program in the country. The amnesty program is being facilitated by the National Amnesty Commission—a government agency that was created on 25 March 1994 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, through Proclamation 347. The NAC is primarily tasked to receive and process applications for amnesty that were filed through the Local Amnesty Board. In 2021, Marcos’s predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, likewise, issued Proclamation 1090, 1091, and 1092—were concurred with by Congress and the Senate—to grant amnesty to the members of revolutionary groups who committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs which include Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas / Revolutionary Proletarian Army / Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). However, the Senate did not concur with Proclamation 1093, series of 2021, granting amnesty to former members of the Communist Terrorist Group that have committed crimes punishable under the revised penal code and special penal laws in the furtherance of their political beliefs. Further, Galvez said OPAPRU will be “carrying out the Marcos administration's five-point peace, reconciliation, and unity agenda throughout his term. Among the agenda includes the completion of peace agreements with the MILF and MNLF towards healing and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro; the Ending of local communist armed conflict by expanding the transformation programs for the local conflict peace process; Completion and sustainment of the gains of the signed peace agreements with the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG, and Cordillera Bodong CBA-CPLA; Enhancement of the resilience for peace of communities and vulnerable groups through social healing and peacebuilding approaches in support of the peace processes; and Enhancement of the delivery of Conflict-Sensitive and Peace Promoting-compliant socio-economic interventions in addressing the key drivers of conflict through convergence and complementation in support of the peace processes. The post OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OPAPRU lauds PBBM support for Bangsamoro
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity recognized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s unwavering support to the Bangsamoro region as well as expressing commitment to helping former rebels in their transformation process. OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday thanked Marcos for mentioning the gains and progress of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during his second State of the Nation Address on 24 July. “What we have witnessed… is President Marcos’ genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation,” Galvez said after Marcos cited BARMM’s progress and effective self-governing. Galvez recalled that in just less than two months into his administration, Marcos administered the oath of office to 80 newly and reappointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority on 12 August 2022. This is the first time that the composition of the BTA includes members of the Moro National Democratic Front, particularly from the group of its founding chairman Nur Misuari. In his speech, Marcos emphasized the great potential of the region and stressed that “through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos.” He said the national government is expanding its energy resources to include the BARMM. On 6 July, Marcos previously witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in the BARMM, which marks another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. The IEB Circular operationalizes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The Circular aims to boost economic development and draw foreign capital into the region. Meanwhile, Marcos vowed his administration would push for the completion of the reintegration process of the former combatants into “productive members of society” by fully implementing the amnesty program for them. Galvez also welcomed Marcos’ promise to issue a proclamation that will grant amnesty to those former rebels in the country that have returned to the folds of the law. In his speech, the President asked Congress to support his endeavor on pushing the amnesty program in the country. The amnesty program is being facilitated by the National Amnesty Commission — a government agency that was created on 25 March 1994 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, through Proclamation 347. The post OPAPRU lauds PBBM support for Bangsamoro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Compensating Marawi siege victims
The program to compensate victims of the Marawi siege will sink or swim on funding. Politico-sociocultural and human factors, including administrative hurdles, aside, the key to its success hinges on the sincerity of the government in providing the needed funds. Of course, the integrity of the distribution through the mechanism laid down by the Marawi Compensation Board or MCB also counts. It will take a lot of lobbying and follow-up to shepherd the program. And for this purpose, the civil society groups that had been galvanizing attention to the acute needs of the evacuees will have to reboot their campaign (Are they represented in the MCB? The Compensation Law speaks of their possible membership). MCB needs their “noise” to prevent the program from being relegated to the backburner with serious calamities happening elsewhere that also need funding. It takes a lot of networking and constant reminders to national policymakers about the need for funds. Remember, nothing is specific about how much the government has earmarked to implement the Compensation Law. Everything remains hazy and iffy. What we have learned is that in the 2023 Government Appropriation Act, about P1 billion has been set aside to initialize the program. That was not even specifically appropriated for the Marawi victims but lumped into the appropriation for assistance to disaster-stricken areas. That amount is a ridiculous crumb that is not even enough for the administrative needs of MCB. How can we augment or supplement any annual government appropriation for the Marawi victims? The Bangsamoro Autonomous Government comes to mind. The BARMM Organic Law provides a budget for this contingency. Thus, under Article XIV, Section 2 of RA 11054, the “Special Development Fund — The National Government shall provide a special development fund to the Bangsamoro Government for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities. The amount equivalent to Fifty billion pesos at Five billion pesos per year, for a period of 10 years from the ratification of this Organic Law, shall be allocated for this purpose. The utilization of the fund shall be in accordance with the Bangsamoro Development Plan to be adopted by the Bangsamoro Government.” That’s it. The provision describes to a tee the aid for the rehabilitation of “conflict-affected” Marawi. What we are trying to drive home is that, even if the national government becomes remiss in funding the program, our fallback will be tapping the resources of BARMM. The regional government has so many funds that it can spend legally on the rehabilitation program. We are told that BARMM has already started implementing its assistance to the war victims. Truckloads of building materials were unloaded at the center of the most affected area, Banggolo, for everyone to see. Choosing construction materials instead of cash, as a form of assistance, is a sound idea. Unfortunately, we were told that many victims were not given a heads-up and failed to avail of it. There was a deficit of communication. Victims demand transparency in the distribution to protect the integrity of the process. Apropos of this, there are pedestrian suggestions that come to mind. A strict monitoring of the use of these materials should be conducted by BARMM to ensure that they will not fall into the hands of pseudo-claimants. The local government units, especially the barangay chiefs who know the residents, should be given a role. Care should also be exercised to prevent the materials from being brought to places outside of the most affected priority areas. Personal, social, and consanguineal biases should never play a role in processing claims. The “palakasan” system will defeat the purpose. These are the evils that should be avoided lest they bring to naught the noble purpose of the law. Responsibility should also be defined clearly by identifying the agency and the officials tasked with distributing the largesse. Transparency by publishing the process of distribution, the criteria, and whatever documents are needed to substantiate the claim for assistance must be observed. BARMM should formulate its own Implementing Rules and Regulations to shut off any doubt about the integrity of the distribution. It is a relief that BARMM has initiated the process. Bravo! We hope it will accelerate the distribution in the meantime that the MCB is getting its act together for the huge task ahead. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Compensating Marawi siege victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBM okays P5-B for BARMM
ZAMBOANGA CITY — T he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will receive P5 billion from the Department of Budget and Management for use in rehabilitating its conflict-ridden communities, including those in Marawi City. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said yesterday that DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman confirmed the approval of the fund as provided under Section 2, Article 15 of Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law. “BARMM is taking advantage of this funding and will fully utilize it to help those in need, and to improve areas that need further development,” Ebrahim said. According to Ebrahim, RA 11054 mandates the national government to allocate a yearly P5-billion Special Development Fund to the BARMM government over a period of 10 years to rebuild, rehabilitate and develop the region’s conflict-affected communities. The budget allocation will be released by the Bureau of Treasury to the BARMM government through an authorized government servicing bank, subject to cash programming by the national government. Ebrahim said the P5 billion is on top of the P64.8-billion block grant for the Bangsamoro government in the 2023 Budget. In line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directive, DBM will continue to assist BARMM to ensure a smooth transition and strengthen its communities. The post DBM okays P5-B for BARMM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBM okays P5-B Bangsamoro fund
The Department of Budget and Management approved the disbursement of a development fund worth P5 billion allocated to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. In an announcement on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stated that the department has already authorized the issuance of the Special Allotment Release Order for BARMM’s Special Development Fund The release of funds aligns with Section 2, Article XIV of Republic Act 11054, which mandates the national government to provide an annual amount of P10 billion to the BARMM government for ten years. The purpose of this fund is to support the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of communities affected by conflict, as stated by the DBM. DBM support “As I promised, and in accordance with the instructions of President Bongbong Marcos, DBM will continue to support BARMM to the best of our ability. We will ensure that we will help in its smooth transition process and strengthen its communities,” Pangandaman said. “We hope that this fund will be used properly to meet the needs of the communities in BARMM. We hope that BARMM takes advantage of this funding by fully utilizing it to help those in need, and to improve areas that need further development,” she added. The Bureau of Treasury will directly disburse the allocated funds to the BARMM through a designated government servicing bank, following the cash programming guidelines set by the national government. Annual block grant Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the administration has allocated P64.76 billion as the Annual Block Grant for BARMM. Additionally, P5 billion has been set aside for the Special Development Fund aimed at supporting the reconstruction, recovery, and progress of communities affected by conflict. Furthermore, the region will receive P4.59 billion as its share of taxes, fees, and charges collected within the area. The outbreak in BARMM occurred in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur province, which is one of the six provinces in the region. This conflict lasted for five months, from 23 May to 23 October 2017. The post DBM okays P5-B Bangsamoro fund appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec nagtatag ng Bangsamoro Electoral Office sa ARMM
Manila, Philippines – Nagtatag ng Bangsamoro Electoral Office (BEC) ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Sa Resolution No. 10680, sinabi ng Comelec na ito ay alinsunod sa Republic Act No. 11054 o Organic law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Ang BEO ayon sa Comelec ay […] The post Comelec nagtatag ng Bangsamoro Electoral Office sa ARMM appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»