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CV wage board sets public hearing for kasambahay pay
CV wage board sets public hearing for kasambahay pay.....»»
Go inspects Bacolod Super Health Center
Sen. Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate committee on health and demography, inspected a Super Health Center in Bacolod City on Sunday......»»
‘Senate rules on Cha-cha on the right track’
The Senate rules on amending the 1987 Constitution are “on the right track” and ready even before the sub-committee wraps up its discourse on the Resolution of Both Houses 6 pushing Charter change, a senator said......»»
Davao City Council moves hearing on traffic-causing road construction works
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews – 26 March) – The Davao City Council rescheduled to Tuesday, April 2, the second hearing on the suspended road construction works in the locality after key officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Davao region failed to show up Friday. The DPWH-Davao key officials are reportedly in […].....»»
PPP Code IRR out; 20 projects up for approval
Around 20 solicited projects that are part of the government’s infrastructure flagship program are expected to be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority Investment Coordination Committee for approval this year, the Public-Private Partnership Center said, following the signing of the implementing rules and regulations of the PPP Code......»»
Solons confident of lower prices in October despite September 6.1% inflation
September inflation rate soared to 6.1 percent, but lawmakers are optimistic that prices of goods and services will likely dissipate this month. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, who head the House Committee on Ways and Means, and Agriculture and Food Committee, respectively, were saying that the inflation, or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services, will not be perceptible this October due to the lifting of rice price ceiling and the ongoing harvest season. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Thursday that commodity prices jumped anew in September, with the inflation rate rising to 6.1 percent from 5.3 percent in August, bringing year-to-date inflation to 6.6 percent. September's inflation rate was the sharpest in four months. Salceda said the uptick can be solely attributed to rice price spikes and the global surge oil price spike in September. However, he believes that this could dissipate this month as global oil prices experienced a significant decline towards the end of September and with compliance with the rice price ceiling imposed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The price cap on rice, recently enforced by the President via Executive Order 39, intends to exert pressure on individuals or entities holding rice inventories to sell it at a reasonable price in hopes that this move will purge the supply shortage and price increase. EO 39 sets the price of regularly milled rice to P41 while P45 is for well-milled rice. However, Mr. Marcos lifted the price cap on Wednesday, or a day before the imposition mark its first month. While rice prices went up 17.9% year-on-year in September, Salceda noted global rice prices took a nosedive in late September and are now at their lowest point since early August. Salceda, however, forecasted that September inflation is "probably the worst inflation rate we will record for the "ber" months, and it gets better from here." Despite having optimistic forecasts for the inflation rate in October and subsequent periods, the economist-lawmaker asserts the necessity of implementing measures to alleviate potential risks. "Food prices still need to be watched out for, especially because the ber months typically tend to be bonus season, which is naturally inflationary," he said. In the same vein, Enverga anticipates a steady decline in inflation rates, and this month's will be on a downward trend due to the ongoing harvest season, which "historically plays in stabilizing prices and alleviating economic pressures on the public." Harvest season starts in September and will last up to November. "As the harvest season approaches, we can anticipate stabilization and, eventually, a decrease in inflation rates. Our nation's agricultural sector is a cornerstone of our economy, and the bountiful harvests ahead will undoubtedly have a significant impact on curbing inflation," Enverga pointed out. Moreover, he emphasized the decrease in the pricing of crucial agricultural commodities, such as sugar, attributable to strategic changes implemented within the farming industry. September inflation is primarily attributed to higher food prices, which surged 10 percent from 8.2 percent in August. Key contributors include rice (17.9% from 8.7%), meat (1.3% from -0.1%), fruits (11.6% from 9.6%), and corn (1.6% from 0.9%). In contrast, the prices of sugar, fish, vegetables, eggs and dairy products, and bread and cereals experienced slower inflation. The post Solons confident of lower prices in October despite September 6.1% inflation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House to stabilize prices of rice, onions
The House of Representatives has vowed to mobilize efforts to lower the prices of rice and onions in light of the recent reports that the commodities are subject anew to hoarding and price manipulation. Driven by a high satisfaction rating from a recent poll, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday that "the House would remain focused on stabilizing the prices of rice, onions, and other staples" to assist Filipinos, particularly retailers, small traders, and market stallholders, who were at receiving ends of the soaring prices of the said commodities. "Needless to say, if there is enough supply, we would not be having problems with prices," Romualez said. Previously, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. imposed a rice price ceiling via Executive Order 39, which sets the price of regularly milled rice to P41 while P45 for well-milled rice. The price cap took effect on 5 September. Marcos imposed the directive to ensure a reasonable price of rice amid the current surge in its retail prices in the Philippines, "which resulted in a considerable economic strain on Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized." Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, chairperson of the House committee on agriculture and food, said the President's move of imposing a price cap on rice, complemented by a series of warehouse inspections on suspected rice hoarders by authorities along with members of the House has contributed to the stabilization of rice despite uncertainties prevailing in the global market. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, an economist and chairman of the House committee on ways and means, meanwhile, believes that the EO 39 ended the price spike of the staple grain in the Philippine market. "It is now clear that soaring cost of the grain is artificial, driven by market speculation and rice traders driven by greed. Now, we have to manage our rice inventory better to avoid fueling the speculation here and in the global rice market," Salceda stressed. According to Salceda, Marcos' intervention and Congress' assistance are a "testament to their ability" to navigate complex economic terrains as the global market shifted following the imposition of EO 39. "It highlights the Philippines' capacity to influence and contribute positively to international food markets," Salceda pointed out. The Department of Agriculture, headed by Marcos himself, earlier denied reports of a rice shortage in the country even as the price of the staple grain ranged from P42 to P60 per kilo, way higher than the government's "aspiration" of P20 per kilo. In light of the woes linked to the staple grain, Agri Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee filed House Bill 9020, or the proposed "Cheaper Rice Act," to help alleviate the financial strain on consumers while making rice production profitable for 2.6 million rice farmers through a subsidy program. Under the bill, the DA, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and other relevant government agencies, will establish a subsidy program to incentivize rice farmers to augment their production by enabling them to sell palay at a higher price. The post House to stabilize prices of rice, onions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHR providing evidence vs Digong ‘mere pr’
The Commission on Human Rights maintained a commitment to work with the International Criminal Court in probing the country’s war on drugs during the Duterte administration. In the deliberations for the department’s budget for 2024 before the House Committee on Appropriations, CHR chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc assured lawmakers the agency would be furnishing the ICC evidence it gathered in its past investigation. “As you may recall, the CHR has investigated extra-judicial killings in relation to the drug war before. And out of that investigation, the CHR has generated a report on EJK in relation to the drug war,” Palpal-latoc said. The confirmation came following a question by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman about the extent of cooperation the human rights watchdog intends to grant to the ICC. Lagman, however, hit the CHR chief, saying his statement was more of a “soundbote” and a “press release.” “You are fully aware that the official position of the national government is not to cooperate with the ICC and that bold statement is, in fact, a challenge to that position,” Lagman said. Palpal-latoc, on the other hand, countered that the CHR is “not a party” to the ICC investigation. Government data showed about 7,000 people died in line with the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign under then-President Rodrigo Duterte. However, local and international human rights organizations estimate the death toll at 20,000 to 30,000. The post CHR providing evidence vs Digong ‘mere pr’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CHR to cooperate with ICC on drug probe
The Commission on Human Rights maintained a steadfast stance in its commitment to work with the International Criminal Court to probe the country's war on drugs on the watch of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. In the deliberations for the department's budget for 2024 before the House Committee on Appropriations, CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc assured lawmakers the agency would cooperate with the ICC by furnishing evidence it gathered in its past investigation. "As you may recall, the CHR has investigated extra-judicial killings in relation to the drug war before. And out of that investigation, the CHR has generated a report on EJK in relation to the drug war," Palpal-latoc said. The confirmation came following a question by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman about the extent of cooperation the human rights watchdog intends to grant to the ICC as it previously declared that they are "willing to cooperate" into the drug war probe, which has resulted "in thousands of extra-judicial killings, particularly the impoverished and marginalized drug suspects." About 7,000 people were killed under Duterte's drug war, based on the government's data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimate it exceeded 30,000. According to Palpal-latoc, they are willing to supply the ICC evidence that the CHR already gathered in the previous investigation. However, he stressed that since the agency has yet to learn the details of the case filed in the ICC, the parameters of their cooperation are unknown. This, however, did not sit well with Lagman, asserting that the CHR should have been aware of this matter, taking into account the accusation made openly and publicly. According to the veteran lawmaker, CHR's pronouncement of cooperation without initiating communication with the ICC was merely a "soundbite" and a "press release" for the media. "Why don't you know? It's an open and public accusation before the ICC against the culprits in this war on drugs. Do you have a copy of the accusation brought before the ICC by some affected victims and advocates?" Lagman said. "You are fully aware that the official position of the national government is not to cooperate with the ICC and that bold statement is, in fact, a challenge to that position," he added. Palpal-latoc, on the other hand, countered that the CHR is "not a party" to the ICC investigation. Nonetheless, the CHR chief said that they are willing to provide legal assistance to the victims of human rights violations as well as witness protection pursuant to their mandate. Calls were made to cease the ICC's probe into Duterte's "war on drugs" that claimed thousands of lives during his six years of power that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Boying Remulla maintained a firm stance that the country would not engage in the ICC, claiming that the Philippine government would not let the court interfere in the country's business. Senator Bato de la Rosa, who led Duterte's anti-drug campaign, locally known as "Oplan Tokhang" previously said that he is ready in case a warrant of arrest has been served, but only by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. The former PNP chief and Vice President Sara Duterte were the Philippine officials mentioned in the ICC prosecutor's report on the killings. The post CHR to cooperate with ICC on drug probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate greenlights OVP’s P2.3-B budget
The Senate Committee on Finance on Monday approved the proposed P2.385-billion budget of the Office of the Vice President, including P500 million in confidential and intelligence funds. Vice President Sara Duterte was physically present at the budget deliberation that lasted about 90 minutes, longer than the 20 minutes the House Committee on Appropriations earlier took to approve the proposed budget. Senator Imee Marcos, vice chair of the Senate panel on finance, asked about the lack of internal guidelines for “handling, monitoring, and the reporting of in-kind donations” that the Commission on Audit had raised to the OVP. Rosalynne Sanchez, the OVP’s director for administrative and financial services, replied that they had prepared draft guidelines and expect to release them “within this quarter.” Meanwhile, OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio confirmed the deployment of 433 personnel to the newly created Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, or VPSPG. “The creation of the VPSPG is really for the protection of current and future vice presidents,” Ortonio said, pointing out that the number of personnel was determined by both the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police. “VPSPG personnel consist of admin personnel holding offices at the Vice President’s headquarters, while the rest are doing security and surveillance work in different satellite offices of the OVP,” he explained. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman on Monday deemed “inordinate and excessive” the 433 security personnel of the OVP, saying that there should be a “rational limit.” “I have been in Congress since 1987. I have not availed of security escorts,” he said. Over the weekend, the OVP said the VPSPG was formed independently of the Presidential Security Group in 2022 and that it did not make sense to compare its personnel count to those of other VPs. Duterte justified the number of escorts by saying that she also heads the Department of Education and serves as co-vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. According to Lagman, the salaries of the 433 personnel should not be sourced from the confidential funds of the OVP in accordance with the rules. “That is a completely different budget. Because the confidential funds cannot be used for the payment of salaries and emoluments of those who are involved in the confidential funds,” the seasoned lawmaker said. With Neil Alcober The post Senate greenlights OVP’s P2.3-B budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gibo requests on MUP acceptable — solon
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chairperson of the House ad hoc committee on Military and Uniformed Personnel created to resolve issues plaguing its pension system, is buying Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro’s proposals in the bill recently approved by his panel and vowed that his concerns will still be accepted. “As chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, I would like to assure the Secretary that his requests are acceptable. We will adopt the Teodoro proposal of indexation for all retired and retirables and a transitioned contribution scheme,” Salceda said in a text message to reporters. While the deliberations on the panel-approved bill were already terminated, Salceda assured that Teodoro’s amendments would still be introduced to the plenary floor. “My job is to get a bill that will work fiscally but is also acceptable to all stakeholders. So, of course, if Secretary Teodoro has major concerns, part of my job is to accommodate. Not without DoF (Department of Finance) concerns, of course, but that’s for them to settle in the Cabinet,” the economist-lawmaker said. Salceda made the assurance days after the Defense chief raised concerns on a substitute bill, in the consolidation of other measures, all intended to propose reforms in the MUP pensions system, such as the mandatory contribution, that hurdled Salceda’s panel. Teodoro opposed the measure, saying it does not conform to the national government’s intent concerning the MUPs’ pension. The Defense chief believes that the imposition of mandatory monthly contributions “without a transition phase will definitely have an impact on our soldiers.” Under the panel-approved bill, those in active service will be required to contribute 5 percent of their base and longevity pay during the first to three years of the MUP pension reform implementation, 7 percent in the fourth to sixth year, and 9 percent in the seventh year onward. The government will contribute its counterpart 16 percent to the pension fund of those in active service during the first three years, 14 percent during the fourth to sixth year, and 12 percent in the seventh year onward. But for Teodoro, soldiers’ pensions and entitlements, including the 100-percent automatic indexation, shall remain unchanged. The MUP pension system, which the DoF has earlier warned is fiscally unsustainable, was among President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priority legislation. Mr. Marcos wants Congress to reform the pension system by passing his proposed MUP pension law, which he listed as one of his priority legislation in his second State of the Nation Address. Salceda, however, explained that only new entrants would contribute 9 percent with a government counterpart of 12 percent. “And I will heed the request for full indexation for those who are retired and due for retirement,” he said. “Of course, the proposal will add some 1.2 trillion more to the actuarial reserve deficiency from the current 2.2 trillion under the current substitute bill.” According to the solon, they will still clarify the request with the DoF and the DND since they are hearing clarifications that they just want to ensure that those who have given 20 years of service or more will not pay contributions or be subject to lower indexation. “Our initial impression from the statement is that they don’t want anybody from the active service to pay any contribution or to give up any amount of indexation,” he stressed. “I would also like to remind all stakeholders that the aim of fiscal sustainability is to ensure that the pension system is substantially preserved in a way that can still be guaranteed by the State. In other words, a reform that is not too expensive, but also not too disruptive,” he added. Further, he said that there could be some pushback from the DoF and the economic managers on Teodoro’s proposal. So, we hope that within the executive, they will sort their position out.” The post Gibo requests on MUP acceptable — solon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salceda’s MUP bill stirs hornets’ nest
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. took potshots yesterday at the substitute bill recently approved by a House of Representatives ad hoc committee that would require military and uniformed personnel, or MUPs, to contribute to their pension funds. “I do not subscribe to the proposed blanket mandatory contributions for military personnel, especially for those who have already completed at least 20 years of active service,” Teodoro said. Teodoro’s statement came as grumblings in the military and the police and other uniformed services, both active and retired, heightened anew after dying down in the past few months. The Defense chief hinted at the reasons MUPs were becoming restless anew. He said the substitute bill of the ad hoc committee chaired by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda does not conform to the government’s intent regarding their pensions. For one, Teodoro explained that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proposed pension reform plan should have the least negative impact on active-duty military personnel. Forced contribution “The President envisions a carefully transitioned introduction of any pension reform plan so that those in active service will be impacted in the least possible way,” he said. But the imposition of mandatory monthly contributions without a transition phase, under the substitute bill, will “definitely” affect the soldiers, Teodoro warned. “As Secretary of National Defense, it is also incumbent upon me to look after the welfare of our military pensioners,” he said. “Ensuring the non-diminution of their retirement benefits is the least we can do in recognition of their sacrifices to the country,” he added. The substitute bill would require those in active service to contribute 5 percent of their base and longevity pay during the first to three years of the MUP pension reform implementation, 7 percent in the fourth to sixth year, and 9 percent in the seventh year onward. The government will contribute its counterpart 16 percent to the pension fund of those in active service during the first three years, 14 percent during the fourth to sixth year, and 12 percent in the seventh year onward. Sui generis New entrants to the uniformed services like the police and military will contribute 9 percent of their base and longevity pay toward their pension with a 12-percent government contribution. Salceda said the ad hoc panel has committed to approving its version on the third and final reading “as soon as possible.” He insisted the panel heard all the statements and comments of the various services. But Teodoro was clearly not buying Salceda’s assurance as he remained firm in his position on the soldiers’ pensions and entitlements, “including that the 100-percent automatic indexation shall remain unchanged.” Automatic indexation means the pensions of retired MUPs are adjusted according to the pay scale of active service personnel of the same rank. Meanwhile, the Defense chief stressed the “substantial distinction” members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines enjoyed over all other uniformed personnel. “The AFP performs a sui generis mandate emanating from the 1987 Constitution — to secure the sovereignty of the Philippines and the integrity of our national territory,” Teodoro pointed out. “Despite wearing uniforms and having ranks similar to those of other uniformed personnel, there is no uniformity in terms of the nature of their duties and responsibilities,” he noted. Teodoro underscored that the risks that soldiers face with the “multifarious” roles they play in nation-building and in times of crisis are “well known.” He pointed out that soldiers do not receive additional financial support from local government units, “unlike some of the other services.” He added that soldiers are governed by “strict rules of military law from the moment they first train until the last day of their service.” “The AFP continues to obtain the highest approval, satisfaction, and trust ratings. Adding to their burdens will only serve to distract them from focusing on their crucial mission,” he said. Cops are sore, too Many police officers are also antagonistic toward the substitute bill. “With that abomination of a substitute bill, Salceda threw into the dumpster the President’s ideas on an MUP reform law that would have been acceptable to us,” a police colonel retiring in a few months told Daily Tribune. He said that they in the PNP thought the MUP reform measure had been placed on the back burner, thus many of those who had filed for early retirement tried to pull out their papers. “Those who would want to retire now before the lawmakers rob us blind would surely increase. The veterans are leaving and Salceda has only himself to blame if we are swamped with rookies,” the police officer said. No contributors Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno started the MUP pension reform ball rolling when he warned that the next administration would have a “huge problem” if the present MUP pension system was not overhauled. With no contributions from MUPs to the pension fund, Diokno said the liabilities were previously estimated at P9 trillion, compared to the country’s GDP of around P20 trillion. “The pension system of the military is not a real pension system in the following sense — there are no contributors. A pension system is where the beneficiaries of the pension fund contribute to it and there is a government counterpart fund. But in this particular sense, there is no contribution on the part of the beneficiaries, and we only appropriate it annually,” Diokno said. Under the 2024 National Expenditure Program, the government is pushing a P164-billion allocation for the MUP pension fund, reflecting a 3.5-percent increase over the fund this year. The post Salceda’s MUP bill stirs hornets’ nest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EO 32 signing an excellent move, says solon
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Albay Second District Representative Joey Sarte Salceda expressed gratitude to President Marcos for issuing The post EO 32 signing an excellent move, says solon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Legazpi City gets materials recovery facility, smart waste management system
On 22-23 June 2023, Tachikawa Jumpei, first secretary and agriculture attaché of the Embassy of Japan, attended the launching of the centralized Materials Recovery Facility and Smart Waste Management System in Legazpi City, Albay province, under the Healthy Oceans and Clean Cities Initiative. The launch was attended by Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal, Environment Committee chair Councilor Renato Valladolid, UN-Habitat country manager Cristopher Rollo and other LGU officials and barangay members. These projects seek to reduce the many problems caused by marine litter which endangers the environment, marine ecosystems and public health. Managing marine litter is a global issue that also affects the Philippines. While the Philippines has among the highest trash collection rates in Southeast Asia, it remains the world’s third-largest source of marine litter. [gallery size="full" ids="150420,150421,150422" orderby="rand"] Japan has contributed $3 million to UN-Habitat Philippines to implement HOCCI, piloted in six cities: Cagayan de Oro, Calapan, Davao, Legazpi, Manila and Ormoc. HOCCI aims to reduce marine plastic litter by strengthening the institutional capacity to support the operationalization and localization of the Philippines’ National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction and Management of Marine Litter and the development of an improved data collection and waste management system. The post Legazpi City gets materials recovery facility, smart waste management system appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
For steadier, sturdier ship
The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis wiped out the jobs and savings of millions of working Filipinos, 3.96 million of whom were driven into poverty. I felt that my experience in the financial sector made it my duty to help guide the hands that steer the ship of State, to whomever those hands might belong. So, I launched my political career. A steadier, sturdier ship of State has been my life’s work. In 2001, with the looming financial collapse in the power sector, I helped craft the Energy and Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA. That reduced the sector’s liabilities from P1.23 trillion in 2003 to P346 billion last year. In 2004, with imminent fiscal disaster, I crafted President Gloria Arroyo’s administration’s “Roadmap to Fiscal Rehabilitation,” P166 billion in reforms preventing widespread government austerity. That paid for the economic stimulus program I proposed in 2007-2009, putting us ahead of the curve with positive growth in 2008 and 2009 while the rest of the world retreated. For nine years between terms in Congress, I served as governor of Albay after the most traumatic event in its recent history: Supertyphoon “Reming.” Here are the numbers for Albay: We reduced the poverty rate from 32 percent in 2006 to 24 percent in 2015 (when the national figures were from 25 to 21 percent over the same period). We went from No. 177 in the National Achievement Test to No. 19; from 18,000 to 172,000 covered by PhilHealth; from 8,700 foreign tourists in 2006 to 374,000 in 2015, with total tourists from 123,000 to 1.4 million; from 74 percent rice self-sufficiency to 104 percent; from 6,300 hectares of forests in 2003 to 26,000 in 2006 to 53,000 in 2015. With 88,444 college scholars, we crafted the basis for the Free College Tuition Law, which I principally authored later. We established the Zero-Casualty Doctrine and pioneered local climate change adaptation, gaining us global acclaim and helping elect me co-chair of the United Nations Green Climate Fund. Under President Rodrigo Duterte, I shepherded the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program and the economic liberalization reforms. Continuing my chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., I led structural reforms, including the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, the Public-Private Partnership Act, and the Center for Disease Control Charter — all set to become law soon. In time, I hope they will prove their value. For now, the work of nation-building continues. The post For steadier, sturdier ship appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go bares 629 funded SHCs, cautions tapping nursing grads
Congress has set funding for the construction of more than 600 Super Health Centers nationwide in 2022 and this year, according to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. The chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography also expressed support for tapping nursing graduates to bolster the country’s dwindling number of hospital workers but advised the Department of Health to proceed with caution to avoid compromising the quality of healthcare service. “With the help of lawmakers, 307 Super Health Centers are funded for year 2022 and another 322 for 2023 in the entire Philippines,” Go said in a video message during his team’s relief distribution mission in Obando, Bulacan on Friday, 23 June. In the province, the cities of San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan and Baliuag; and the towns of Balagtas, Bulakan, San Miguel, Guiguinto and Pandi will have such facilities catering to residents of remote communities under the 2022 national budget, he said. The 2023 budget covers the building of SHCs in Baliuag City and in the towns of Angat, Marilao, Paombong, Plaridel, San Ildefonso and San Rafael, Go added. On 21 June, Go visited San Rafael for the groundbreaking of the town’s SHC and led a relief operation for indigents there. On top of traditional services, SHCs will provide diagnostics; pharmacy, ambulatory surgery; eye, ear, nose, and throat; oncology; physical therapy and rehabilitation and telemedicine services. Go also encouraged Bulakeños to go to Malasakit Centers for their health concerns as there is one such counter at the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos City, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria, and Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte in San Jose del Monte City. The Malasakit Centers, a brainchild of Go, helps patient get help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in paying for their medical bills. ‘Uphold professional standards’ Meanwhile, Go urged the DoH to thoroughly study the proposed hiring of unlicensed nurse as there are existing laws and regulations meant to uphold professional standards and protect lives. “They (nursing graduates) must pass the standard,” Go reiterated in an ambush interview after personally aiding victims of the Mount Mayon unrest in Tabaco City, Albay on Thursday, 22 June. “We cannot compromise the standard here because we have to prioritize the life and health of every Filipino.” Earlier, DoH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa proposed that nursing graduates who scored 70 to 74 percent in licensure test be employed as supplementary workforce in the healthcare system but assigned with restricted responsibilities. ‘Nursing graduates who did not pass the board exam cannot be granted temporary or special licenses.’ Herbosa mentioned that Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma is open to the proposal and intends to hold discussions with the Professional Regulation Commission regarding the issuance of temporary licenses for such graduates. The PRC has clarified that nursing graduates who did not pass the board exam cannot be granted temporary or special licenses to work in public hospitals in the absence of a law allowing such. He pointed out that Republic Act 9173 solely provides special or temporary permits for licensed foreign nurses. However, PRC Commissioner Jose Cueto Jr. said that in exceptional circumstances like epidemics or national emergencies, the health secretary may provide limited authorization to medical graduates. Go said he remains open to amending existing laws to strengthen the health workforce while still being compliant with standards. However, the senator emphasized that the goal must be to continue improving medical education in the country to produce enough number of qualified healthcare professionals. Go has filed the Advanced Nursing Education bill that offers leadership roles, specialization and recognition to professional nurses. The measure also integrates community immersion in the nursing curriculum to encourage community service and introduce masteral and doctoral degrees in nursing. The post Go bares 629 funded SHCs, cautions tapping nursing grads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest
Sen. Bong Go went to Albay on Thursday, 22 June to provide support to evacuees affected by Mt. Mayon’s unrest, aid indigents, and conduct an inspection of the Super Health Center in Tabaco City. Emphasizing the significance of investing in local health facilities, Go underscored the role of Super Health Centers in enhancing the accessibility of vital healthcare services for the local residents. “Ito pong Super Health Center, isa po ito sa pamamaraan para ilapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan at madi-decongest ang mga ospital dahil hindi na kailangan ng mga buntis na pumunta ng ospital, pwede na po diyan ‘yung mga primary care,” he underscored. The Super Health Center that Go inspected is located in the National Housing Authority resettlement area in Brgy. San Vicente. The housing project was part of the Duterte administration’s efforts to provide housing for Typhoon Rolly victims in 2020. The project was approved in 2021 and started construction in 2022. There are 2361 housing units, built on a 20 hectare LGU property. This strategic location for the Super Health Center was made to provide essential medical services to recovering typhoon victims and their community. It will benefit the more than 2000 housing beneficiaries residing in the area. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Aside from Tabaco City, the DOH has identified the cities of Legazpi and Ligao; and the town of Camalig, Malilipot, and Pio Duran as locations for the Super Health Centers in Albay. Super Health Centers shall offer basic medical services under one roof, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services in Super Health Centers are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Go also took the lead in organizing a relief operation at the Barangay San Antonio covered court in the city. The operation assisted 151 evacuees and 250 indigent residents. Go personally oversaw the distribution of essential aid from his office such as grocery packs, snacks, masks, and vitamins to the beneficiaries. Select individuals were also given additional items, including shirts, shoes, mobile phones, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Furthermore, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to all qualified beneficiaries. More indigents will also be provided aid in the coming days through the initiative of the Office of Sen. Go, the LGU, and DSWD. Go, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to assist those with medical concerns as he encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center at Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City. Currently, there are 158 operational Malasakit Centers that have assisted more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay one-stop shop, nasa loob na ho ng hospital ‘yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ‘yung DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, at PCSO. Tutulungan po kayo na mabayaran ang inyong billing,” said Go, who principally authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, to help boost development in Albay and as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control systems in Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malinao, Manito, Oas and Polangui. On the same day, Go likewise extended his assistance to evacuees in the town of Malilipot. Amid the continued state of unrest of the Mayon Volcano, Go reiterated his call for the passage of his proposed measures that will establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), as well as mandatory evacuation centers throughout the country. Go stressed that his proposed Senate Bill No. 188, which will establish the DDR, would centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure more swift and effective response to emergencies. “It should be a cabinet-level dahil tuwing mayro'ng sakuna, dapat may point person talaga with clear authority and mandate,” added Go. The creation of the said department, if enacted into law, shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. The Office of Civil Defense has recently voiced its support for the establishment of the DDR. "Nabanggit nga kanina, paano natin pagbabawalan doon ‘eh coordination lang naman tayo, hindi ho ba? So kailangan po ng mas malakas na kapangyarihan ang Office of Civil Defense, maaaring maging departamento o authority; but it needs legislation," OCD Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said in a recent interview when asked about evacuation efforts in permanent danger zones near active volcanoes. "Things can be better if there will be an independent authority or department, but it’s not that simple – tanggap po namin iyon… We leave it to Congress and we leave it to the Palace, to Malacañang. Meanwhile, kami naman, we are doing our best given the limitations, makakaasa po kayo," the OCD chief said. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted his proposed SBN 193 which seeks to mandate the establishment of permanent, secure, and well-equipped evacuation centers in every municipality, city, and province throughout the Philippines. “Sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, hindi rin maaantala ang pag-aaral ng mga bata tuwing ginagamit na pansamantalang tuluyan ang mga eskuwelahan. Mas madali ring makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan kung protektado at komportable sila sa mga dedicated evacuation centers lalo na sa Albay at sa mga malalapit sa aktibong bulkan, pati na rin sa coastlines o ibang danger zones kapag may bagyo o iba pang kalamidad na dumarating,” he said. “Hindi man natin masasabi kung kailan darating ang sakuna, mas mabuti nang laging handa tayo,” he ended. The post Bong Go checks on evacuees affected by Mayon’s unrest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy
For many of our fellow Filipinos who can barely afford their daily expenses, getting treated in a hospital is oftentimes a burdensome choice that they resort to only if it is a matter of life and death. Usually, our struggling kababayans choose to endure their illness for fear of falling deeper into debt due to huge hospital bills, medicines and other expenses. And by this time, an ordinary disease has already become a serious medical condition. Their plight is what inspired us to initiate the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 which provides one-stop shops where our indigent patients may more conveniently access medical assistance from the government. By bringing together programs of various government agencies under one roof, such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the centers streamline the process of availing medical assistance. I have been appealing to officials and workers in the health sector to prioritize the needs of the poor, especially in public health facilities since these patients have nowhere else to turn to but to seek the help of their government. I also appeal to all hospital staff to be patient and compassionate in guiding Filipinos, particularly the poor, so that they can properly have access to the services offered by our public hospitals and from the medical assistance programs available in any of our 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. That is why as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and as the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, I make time to personally check on the operations of our Malasakit Centers across the country, in addition to attending the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers and leading our usual relief distributions for Filipinos in need. On 16 June, I conducted a monitoring visit to two Malasakit Centers in Leyte, where I was honored to be declared as an adopted son of the province through Resolution 2020-337 passed on 24 April 2020 and formally granted on 16 June by the provincial government. During the visit, I recognized the efforts of Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos “Boying” Cari and Vice Mayor Ernesto Butawan, Vice Governor Sandy Javier, Cong. Carl Cari, Cong. Karen Javier, Board Member Carlo Loreto, and other officials for their commitment to bringing government services closer to their constituents. I also visited the Malasakit Center at Baybay City Immaculate Conception Hospital where we assisted 30 out-patients, 140 in-patients, and 192 front liners, while the DSWD extended financial aid to qualified in-patients. We likewise inspected the Super Health Center and the new boardwalk in the city which I supported to help the community. I then checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City. We also assisted 283 patients and 211 front liners in the hospital, while 133 qualified inpatients received additional assistance from the DSWD. Following this, I led a relief operation for 1,065 struggling residents in the city and attended the ribbon-cutting of the newly constructed pentathlon facility with a dedicated fencing hall, among others — a project I supported as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, together with the local government led by Cong. Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez. Earlier that week, I was in Davao del Norte to participate in the celebration of the first anniversary of an insurgency-free Davao del Norte led by Gov. Edwin Jubahib, held in Tagum City on 13 June. I also personally spearheaded a relief operation for 1,500 struggling residents in the city. Simultaneously, we provided more support to the community in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment which held an orientation for temporary employment to 721 individuals. Following this, I visited the town of Carmen with Mayor Leony Bahague to witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center and provide aid to 1,666 more indigents. On 15 June, I was in Quezon City with my team to witness the inauguration of two multipurpose buildings in Barangays Commonwealth and Payatas which I also supported for funding together with Councilor Mikey Belmonte. We likewise aided a thousand indigents in the city with Mayor Joy Belmonte. We then headed to Marikina City to assist 3,000 more struggling residents from Marikina City and the towns of San Mateo and Rodriguez, Rizal, together with Congresswoman Maan Teodoro and Mayor Marcy Teodoro; as well as the local officials from both towns in Rizal, such as Rodriguez Mayor Ronnie Evangelista and San Mateo Mayor Bartolome “Omie” Rivera Jr., among others. We also visited North Cotabato on 17 June, where we celebrated the 54th Araw ng Alamada led by Mayor Jesus Sacdalan and Cong. Joel Sacdalan and helped 840 farmers and 1,500 struggling residents in the town before going to Matalam to witness aspiring athletes in the Serbisyong Totoo Basketball Sports Clinic and to lead another distribution activity for 1,318 more residents from various sectors together with Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza. Across the country, my team aided indigent families and various sectors, including 136 in Samal, 33 in Balanga, and 82 in Limay, Bataan; 990 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; 150 in Damulog, Bukidnon; 350 in Iligan City; 100 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte; 550 in Malinao and Sto. Domingo, Albay; and two fire-hit households in Carcar City, Cebu. My team also attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Tiguma, Pagadian City. It is the fundamental right of every Filipino to receive proper medical care and social assistance from our government. I hope that with compassion for our struggling kababayans and the persistence to help uplift their lives, we can collectively ensure that the poor and most needy are not neglected as we continue our pursuit for progress and development. The post Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids indigents in Albay
Senator Bong Go highlighted that improving the country’s healthcare sector remains his priority. In a video message during his team's distribution activity in Sto. Domingo, Albay on Friday, 16 June, Go reiterated his commitment to helping ensure that necessary medical assistance is available in Malasakit Centers nationwide for indigent patients. The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, cited that Malasakit Centers are instrumental in providing better access to medical assistance to Filipinos, especially the poor and indigent patients. “Wala pa pong pandemya, itinaguyod na natin ang Malasakit Centers para matulungan ang ating mga pasyenteng mahihirap. Pumasok ang pandemya at mas lalong dumami pa ang natulungan ng mga Malasakit Centers. Susuportahan ko po ang operasyon ng mga Malasakit Centers dahil hindi po natin masabi baka po hindi pa ito ang huling pandemya na dumating,” expressed Go. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to assist particularly poor and indigent patients in reducing their hospital expenses to the lowest possible amount. 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. One such center is located at Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City. “Bakit natin papahirapan ‘yung mga kababayan natin kung pwede naman po natin ilagay sa iisang kwarto yung apat na ahensya ng gobyerno — ang DSWD, PCSO, DOH, at PhilHealth, na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” Go said. Held at the municipal covered court, Go’s team distributed snacks, masks, shirts, and vitamins to 500 residents of Malinao and Sto. Domingo. They also gave away watches, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select beneficiaries. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Ligao City, Oas, and Polangui; rehabilitation of several roads in Camalig, Daraga, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Pio Duran, and Rapu-Rapu; and rehabilitation of flood control systems in Malilipot, Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malinao, Manito, Oas, and Polangui. The post Bong Go aids indigents in Albay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zubiri to Salceda: Want Senate to pass tax measures fast? Submit them early
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Tuesday pushed back against Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda’s challenge to the Senate to act fast on proposed measures seeking to extend the tax amnesty. In a Viber message to reporters, Zubiri stressed that the House of Representatives should have passed the measure before the Holy Week if it had wanted the Senate to approve them before the sine die adjournment on 2 June. “If Congressman Salceda wanted it quicker, then they should have passed it before the Holy Week break,” he said. “It has to be first transmitted to the Senate before any action can be made, that’s the Constitution.” Zubiri noted that House Bill No. 7909 was only transmitted to the upper chamber on Tuesday after the House of Representatives approved it on Monday. “First of all, all tax measures emanate from the House of Representatives and they just passed that on 3rd reading and only transmitted to the Senate today,” he said. “The committee is about to hear the bill on Friday. Hopefully, it will be sponsored by Monday next week.” The Senate chief reminded Salceda of the first reading requirement of the Constitution on legislation. “I'm sure Congressman Salceda is not ignorant of the first reading requirement of the Constitution on legislation, thereafter the three-day rule for committee hearings,” he said. “After which, we sponsor the measure in plenary and then pass it on second reading, which takes another three days for the third reading unless the measure is certified as urgent by Malacañang.” Zubiri continued: "We are going to act on the matter with dispatch but it would have been better if the House passed it earlier." Earlier this week, Salceda, who chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means, urged the Senate to act on the HBN 7909 immediately, fearing that it would “expire” should the upper chamber fail to approve it before the sine die adjournment. HBN 7909 aims to provide tax amnesty extension to heirs of individuals whose estate taxes remain unpaid as of December 31, 2021. Should the upper chamber fail to act on it before the sine die adjournment on 2 June, the amnesty will lapse on 1 June 2023. The post Zubiri to Salceda: Want Senate to pass tax measures fast? Submit them early appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»