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Chronic bureaucratic lapses
The entire bureaucracy suffers from serious lapses. Let’s borrow the phrase, “seven deadly sins,” as a handle to better understand how they indicatively fail to inform public policy on what government “should do or should not do,” to wit: First: “Tight fiscal space.” A little over 60 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) is reserved for foreign lending institutions with which the country has huge borrowings. Consequently, the government has to make do with the remaining less than 40 percent in terms of public spending. It’s no urban legend that about 45 percent of these allocable public funds is siphoned off due to massive corruption across all levels of government. Second: “Good governance.” The term, as often used, is an oxymoron. Whenever presidential appointees in any line department, agency, or bureau introduce reforms or new management ideas into state affairs, it’s unfortunate that outcomes and impacts go in the opposite direction — or bad governance overshadowing good. Isn’t it a paradox that the “top brass” of the Manila International Airport Authority were dismissed by the Ombudsman even as key stakeholders and captains of industry (i.e., the Makati Business Club) vetted and vouched for their performance par excellence on the job? Contrivedly, a purely management issue just shouldn’t be within the purview of the Ombudsman. For another, how is it that the housing program has become too costly for the government? Reportedly, P36 billion in interest is accrued by the government every year if one million houses are built. With a target of three million houses, the onerous interest is pegged at P100 billion every year, a “sunk cost” that the economy can ill afford to sustain. Why even start a program that demands that humongous amount of interest on a year-by-year basis? Third: “Street-level bureaucracy.” Nearly the whole range of public affairs appears to be manned by those we can compare to a typical traffic enforcer, gate guard, or utility aide, who, if given a chance to exercise a little authority, tend to behave as their actuations come directly from above. Fourth: “Tax hike.” Some strange mathematicians in Congress thought of taxing vehicles per kilo of weight, coupled with jacking up taxes on vehicle users by as much as 90 percent. Worse, how can there be an increase in the road users’ tax – year in and year out? Fifth: “45 seconds turnaround time.” This is the kind of rhetoric that rests on the “big bluff” or what one legislator calls a “promissory note,” or the carrot, to get what they want in their agency budgets. Scenes like offloading, missed flights, and logjams would never be a thing of the past since the Bureau of Immigration operationalized its new set of guidelines that are essentially racist, if not anti-poor, against outbound Filipino travelers, while sparing foreign travelers. Sixth: “Privatization overdrive.” There’s a dangerous pattern or trend of government aiming to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, all 45 casinos of PAGCOR, some mass transport systems (e.g., LRTs), and the toll expressways. Whether or not this privatization track is driven by the “gospel of efficiency” is another story. More likely, it’s because it opens doors to raising “windfall capital” and making available “alternative investments.” Seventh: “Multiple allotments.” As if a mere afterthought, there are “double entries,” even multiple ones, in the National Expenditure Plan that bloat the budget and such entries by various agencies even insulate them from any accountability. This explains why what is budgeted — twice or thrice — cannot be disbursed over and over again, not to mention the perennial failure of most line departments to fully utilize their budgets. In the voluminous General Appropriations Act the President signs, every budget cycle has become a “hiding place” for public funds that only trained eyes can declassify as “significant others,” for lack of a better term. It isn’t remote to say that when an agency prepares its budget, it knows under which item in its “shopping list” the money is. The post Chronic bureaucratic lapses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM Supermalls and DILG launch screening of ‘BIDA’ anti-drug ads
SM Supermalls and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, led by SM Supermalls’ senior vice president for operations Engr. Bien Mateo and DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr. launched the screening of DILG’s "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) anti-drug advertisements in SM Cinema. The event was held last 12 August 2023 at the SM Megamall Director’s Club. The screening launch is a part of SM Supermalls’ commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding signed last May 2023 that formalized the public-private partnership of the DILG and SM Supermalls against the use of illegal drugs. [caption id="attachment_170925" align="aligncenter" width="2535"] SM Supermalls’ senior vice president for operations Engr. Bien Mateo (right) and Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr.[/caption] “The advertisements will be actively displayed throughout our available digital assets. It includes 74 SM Cinema branches nationwide with a combined number of 348 screens that can garner an estimated 40,000 monthly views from an estimated 2.5 million viewers. On social media and owned digital assets, the advertisements will reach a potential high of 53.8M exposures,” said Mateo. “Its electronic poster format will be posted in over 250 mall directories that will have an opportunity of exposure to over four million customers every day.” SM Supermalls is steadfast in maintaining a drug-free workplace for its customers and employees. In line with its commitment, all 83 SM malls around the country have implemented various measures to eradicate drug dependency, including strict security standards with the help of well-trained K-9 dogs. [caption id="attachment_170927" align="aligncenter" width="1763"] SM Supermalls’ senior vice president for operations Engr. Bien Mateo (back, right), Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr. (front, right), SM Supermalls’ assistant vice president for operations Christian Mathay (back, left), and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Sr. (front, left).[/caption] Beyond mall security measures, programs and activations that focus on health improvement are likewise developed and implemented, such as information dissemination through Light Emitting Diode screens along major roads and Liquid Crystal Display screens inside the malls, as well as employment opportunities with annual physical exams and random drug tests and the provision of relaxing spaces and safe recreational activities. “The war against drugs is not only a fight of the government. It is a fight for every mother and father, for their children. This is a fight for our future,” said Abalos Jr. To know more about SM Supermalls’ anti-drug programs and activations, visit www.smsupermalls.com or visit @SMSupermalls on social media. The post SM Supermalls and DILG launch screening of ‘BIDA’ anti-drug ads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM Supermalls and DILG launch screening of ‘BIDA’ anti-drug ads
SM Supermalls and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led by SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Operations Engr. Bien Mateo and DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos Jr., launched the screening of DILG’s Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) anti-drug advertisements in SM Cinema. The event was held last 12 August 2023 at the SM Megamall Director’s Club. The screening launch is a part of SM Supermalls’ commitment to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last May 2023 that formalized the public-private partnership of the DILG and SM Supermalls against the use of illegal drugs. “The advertisements will be actively displayed throughout our available digital assets. It includes 74 SM Cinema branches nationwide with a combined number of 348 screens that can garner an estimated 40,000 monthly views from an estimated 2.5 million viewers. On social media and owned digital assets, the advertisements will reach a potential high of 53.8-M exposures,” said Engr. Mateo. “Its electronic poster format will be posted in over 250 mall directories that will have an opportunity of exposure to over four million customers every day.” [caption id="attachment_170197" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Operations Engr. Bien Mateo[/caption] SM Supermalls is steadfast in maintaining a drug-free workplace for its customers and employees. In line with its commitment, all 83 SM malls around the country have implemented various measures to eradicate drug dependency, including strict security standards with the help of well-trained K-9 dogs. Beyond mall security measures, programs and activations that focus on health improvement are likewise developed and implemented, such as information dissemination through light emitting diode (LED) screens along major roads and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens inside the malls, as well as employment opportunities with annual physical exams and random drug tests and the provision of relaxing spaces and safe recreational activities. “The war against drugs is not only a fight of the government. It is a fight for every mother and father, for their children. This is a fight for our future,” said DILG Secretary Abalos Jr. [caption id="attachment_170198" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos Jr.[/caption] To know more about SM Supermalls’ anti-drug programs and activations, visit www.smsupermalls.com or visit @SMSupermalls on social media. The post SM Supermalls and DILG launch screening of ‘BIDA’ anti-drug ads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NBI agents raid laughing gas pub
A Pasay City bar found selling nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, in violation of narcotics laws, was raided by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation. The NBI Anti-Organized Crime and Transnational Division led the operation at Excalibur Bar, where they detained a waiter and foreign patrons seen inhaling the gas. The majority of the customers detained by the NBI raiding team were foreign nationals who were observed imbibing through balloons in front of other customers. The NBI-AOCTD will charge the club’s owner and managers for selling illegal drugs. The pub openly sold nitrous oxide to patrons and marked it on the menu with a circle next to the number 10. A bundle that includes balloons, gas, and a bottle of alcohol costs between P8,000 and P10,000. Despite its easy accessibility and addictive and destructive effects, nitrous oxide use has alarmed narcotics agents, according to the NBI. When inhaled, laughing gas briefly induces exhilaration and relaxation, but is just as harmful to health as illicit substances. Dizziness, lightheadedness, disorientation, headaches, and a widespread tingling sensation are typical side effects of using tiny quantities, according to authorities. They added that nausea, fainting, and a momentary loss of balance and coordination are some known side effects. Hypoxia, which is a momentary absence of oxygen, may ensue leading to seizures that could prove fatal. Six nitrous oxide tanks utilized to refuel the balloon were seized by the NBI operatives. The pub employees who were detained said they were unaware that selling nitrous oxide is illegal. The post NBI agents raid laughing gas pub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MBC: BBM trips lure capital
Trade group Makati Business Club or MBC considered the foreign trips of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as helping turn the image of the Philippines from having a politically risky business environment into becoming a safe investment area. “President Marcos has succeeded in changing the Philippines’ image from political risk and uncertainty to a stable place to do business in,” MBC executive director Coco Alcuaz told the Daily Tribune last Friday. He added, “The more he is welcomed by democratic leaders and the more he reaches out to global investors, the better the chances they’ll invest and create jobs here.” These statements came amid the visits of Marcos to the United States and more recently in the United Kingdom to attend the coronation of King Charles III. As a result of his second and four-day visit to the US, Marcos shared last Friday the Philippine government has attracted $1.3 billion in investments to generate at least 6,700 jobs in industries related to food, energy, health and digital connectivity. Bif business takes notice Among the investors is Maxeon, a solar energy provider, which pledged to invest $900 million in the Philippine solar energy industry and create over 3,000 jobs. Another is Optum, a healthcare services provider, which intends to shell out P800 million to expand its medical business process outsourcing in the Philippines. It is expected to provide jobs to 1,500 Filipinos. Before Marcos became the nation’s leader, the Philippines had been seen in a less favorable light in terms of political and civic freedoms. In 2021, US researcher Freedom House declared the Philippines “partly free” with lower scores both on political freedom at 25 out of 40 and on civic liberties at 31 out of 60, down from 27 and 36 in 2017, respectively. Freedom House said among the other key issues under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term included the “very broad” definitions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which critics say seems to consider protests against the administration’s policies and projects as terroristic. Another was the shutdown of the country’s largest media network ABS-CBN, which Duterte’s allies say has been reporting biased stories against the former administration. The post MBC: BBM trips lure capital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The voices of reason and enlightenment
Sixteen organizations led by the Makati Business Club issued the statement below calling for the non-enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020......»»
Philippines beats India for back-to-back wins in women’s Asia ice hockey tiff
The Philippine women’s ice hockey team picked up where they left off after their opening win in the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup with a 7-0 shutout of India at the Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday......»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
Hoffman boosts bid for Paris Paris
Olympics hopeful Lauren Hoffman yesterday set a new national record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles with a gold medal performance in the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational in Coral Gables, Florida......»»
Women empowering women
As we celebrate National Women’s Month in March, here are inspiring messages from women leaders of different industries and sectors......»»
Hoffman sets new Philippine hurdles record at Florida meet
Paris Olympics-hopeful Lauren Hoffman on Wednesday set a new national record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles with a gold medal performance in the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational in Coral Gables, Florida......»»
Lalamove empowers aspiring women entrepreneurs to start their small businesses in PangNegosyo program
Lalamove, a leading on-demand delivery platform, has launched the Panalong PangNegosyo program for its thousands of women partner drivers to give out a business-starter package to three lady riders or drivers......»»
Mandaue drug bust: P476,000 ‘shabu’ seized from HVI
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized suspected shabu worth at least P476,000 from a 45-year-old man described as a high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Mandaue City early on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024. The operation took place along Realty Road in the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu. The.....»»
Gilas women off to great start in FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup
The Gilas Pilipinas women had a strong start in the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup after coming up unscathed in the first day of the competition Wednesday at the Singapore Sports Hub......»»
Fake booking scams up – ACG
Fake booking scams increased in the second week of March, the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police reported yesterday......»»
Fully independent PHI-NADO pushed
With the WADA compliance issue settled and cleared, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization are moving forward and making sure that all bases are covered from hereon......»»
Bargain hunting ends 2-day slump
The stock market broke out of its two-day slump yesterday as bargain hunters buoyed share prices......»»
Drug killings 95 percent lower than in previous admin
The number of deaths recorded under the Marcos administration’s war on drugs has decreased by over 95 percent, in contrast to the bloody anti-drug campaign of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte......»»
Malixi all geared up for Augusta Amateur debut
Rianne Malixi is channeling her excitement into thorough preparation ahead of her highly anticipated debut in the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur unfolding April 3 in Augusta, Georgia......»»
Blazers emerge as masters of NCAA lawn tennis
College of St. Benilde flexed its muscle in lawn tennis after it mightily swept both the men’s and women’s division of the recently concluded NCAA Season 99 edition at the PCA courts in Paco, Manila......»»