‘Suspending import clearances contrary to RTL’
The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) on Wednesday criticized Sen. Cynthia Villar for proposing to stop issuing sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) to rice importers during harvest season, warning that the move could prompt complaints from exporters. In a statement, the FFF told Villar, who heads the Senate Committee on Agriculture and is the […].....»»
Davao City zoning appeals board, review committee reconstituted
The Davao City Government has reconstituted the Local Zoning Board of Appeals (LZBA) and the Local Zoning Review Committee (LZRC) in accordance with the Integrated Zoning Ordinance. The LZBA will handle appeals related to location clearances, non-conformity of existing structures, and administrative fines. The LZRC, on the other hand, will review the Zoning Ordinance, recommend changes to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and identify provisions that are difficult to enforce. The LZBA will be led by the City Mayor or City Administrator, while the LZRC will be chaired by the City Planning and Development Coordinator. Both the board and committee will have technical working committees and will be funded by the City Government of Davao......»»
BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday advised all foreign travelers who are leaving the country during the upcoming Undas holiday break to comply with their immigration departure requirements early to avoid unnecessary queuing at the airport on the date of their departure. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reminded registered foreigners who are studying, working, or living permanently in the Philippines that they can obtain their special return certificate (SRC) or re-entry permit (RP) prior to departure at any of the various BI's district, field, satellite, or extension offices nationwide. While foreign tourists who have stayed in the country for more than six months may also secure their emigration clearance certificates (ECC) before departure, Tansingco said securing the required permits early will decrease queueing time by half, as they will not have to line up at the BI’s airport cashiers anymore. The BI chief added that with the complete elimination of all COVID-related travel restrictions, the bureau is anticipating a spike in passengers at all international airports in the country, especially at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), this upcoming December, and this time they are also experiencing a big increase in the volume of New Year's Day travelers. During this peak season, the bureau reminded all travelers that other immigration services are also available online via the BI’s e-services portal at e-services.immigration.gov.ph. Tansingco shared that the bureau also has a one-stop shop (OSS) facility located at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, where departing aliens may also secure the said documents. He also reiterated previous reminders for passengers to arrive at least three hours prior to their flight and go straight to immigration after check-in. The BI is confident that its operations will be smoother this holiday season as it has deployed additional immigration officers and assigned a rapid response team as well as mobile counters for immediate deployment as necessary. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 24 October, BI agents detained a South Korean wanted person who was allegedly part of a major narcotics ring that smuggled contraband into Korea from the Philippines. Commissioner Tansingco identified the suspect as Choi Sun Hyeok, a 56-year-old male who was arrested at his residence in Bgy. Lahug, Cebu City by the BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) operatives. The BI-FSU operatives were armed with a warrant of deportation, which Tansingco issued pursuant to a summary deportation order that the BI Board of Commissioners issued against Choi in 2017. Tansingco said that Choi would be immediately deported to Seoul, South Korea after the bureau had secured the necessary clearances for his departure. According to the South Korean government, Choi was tagged as a high-profile fugitive, as he is believed to be a member of the so-called MS Alliance syndicate that facilitates the illicit transport of narcotics to Korea. A red notice for his capture was also issued by Interpol this year after an investigation confirmed that he was in the country. According to Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila, Choi is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by the Changwon District Court in Korea, where he is charged with violating his country’s narcotics control act. Investigators have also established that this year alone, Choi’s accomplices in the syndicate managed to smuggle into Korea more than 265 grams of methamphetamine by concealing the drug in their underwear. It was gathered that the passport of Choi, who will be committed to the BI detention facility in Taguig City, was already revoked by the Korean government, thus making him an undocumented alien. Choi's name was also placed on the BI blacklist to prevent him from re-entering the Philippines. The post BI reminds departing aliens to settle fees; arrests high-profile Korean fugitive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alternergy rechannels IPO money for wind projects
Due to the massive potentials of wind energy as a viable power source, listed renewable energy firm Alternergy Holdings Corp. is reallocating the proceeds of its initial public offering or IPO to provide additional financial support to two of its wind projects. The company informed the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday that its Board of Directors approved the plan to expedite the development of the projects. Alternergy said the Tanay and Alabat Wind Power Projects, which won in the Green Energy Auction 2 of the Department of Energy, will receive increased funding from its maiden offering. Specific development timeline “Tanay and Alabat Wind Power Projects are following a specific development timeline under GEA 2. Alternergy is fully intent to proceed with the activities leading to immediate construction by the first quarter of 2025 and thus, the reallocation of the IPO proceeds,” Alternergy chairperson Vicente Pérez Jr. said. “The reallocation of proceeds will be a boost for now while the project funding for construction is being finalized,” Gerry Magbanua, Alternergy president, added. The IPO proceeds were supposedly for the Lamut Run-of-River Hydro Power Project and the Offshore Wind Power Projects. Despite the changes, the company assured that pre-development activities for these projects would continue despite the lower budget. “Permitting and securing endorsements and clearances as well as conduct of initial technical studies would proceed,” Pérez said. “We are already on the ground in Lamut, Ifugao engaging the local community while we are in more detailed technical studies for the offshore wind projects. As these activities progress, additional funds will be channeled to support the work programs,” he added. Three leading investment banks tapped Alternergy announced last Monday it has tapped three leading investment banks — BPI Capital, RCBC Capital, and SB Capital — as lead arrangers to raise P12-billion project finance structure for the Tanay and Alabat Wind Power Projects. Alternergy has been investing a significant amount to expand its clean energy portfolio. It aims to develop up to 1,245 MW of additional wind, offshore wind, solar and run-of-river hydro projects. Alternergy was involved in the development of the 33-MW Bangui Bay wind farm in Ilocos Norte — the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia at that time. The post Alternergy rechannels IPO money for wind projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid on Tuesday filed a proposed measure seeking to provide a 20-percent discount to indigent jobseekers when they acquire government documents and clearances required during their applications. Once passed into law, Senate Bill 2382 or "Indigent Job Applicants Discount Act” would grant “20 percent discounts for indigent job applicants in the payment of fees and charges for certain certificates and clearances issued by government agencies for employment application.” “He who has less in life should have more in law,” Lapid said, referencing former President Ramon Magsaysay Sr.’s credo which he said inspired him to craft the bill. Lapid underscored the need to provide equal opportunities to indigent Filipinos seeking to be employed. “It is the humble intention of this proposed measure to encourage and assist indigent job seekers in securing gainful employment,” he said. He said the labor opportunities “are seen to be one of the prospective windows that can help improve the well-being of indigent citizens and their family's quality of life.” “Therefore, availment of productive employment opportunities is essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development,” he added. SB 2382 will cover clearances issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police, marriage and live birth certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority, and transcript of records and authenticated copy of diploma from state universities and colleges. It also includes medical certificate for local employment from any government hospital licensed by the Department of Health, and medical certificate for foreign employment from any DoH-accredited medical facility for Filipino overseas workers; Tax Identification Number and other documentary requirements issued by the government that may be required by employers from indigent job applicants. Qualified beneficiaries include those whose income falls below the official poverty threshold, and as identified and certified by the PSA based on the criteria set under the Community-Based Monitoring System, as established under Republic Act No. 11315. The city or municipality shall issue the “certificates of indigence” based on the latest CBMS data. Under the bill, any public officer or employee who refuses or fails to provide the benefit granted to the indigent job applicant shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less P5,000 but not more than P20,000. Prosecution for an offense shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of any other existing laws, including civil service law, rules and regulations. Meanwhile, a job applicant who misrepresents or falsifies any document to avail of benefits or abuses the privilege granted them shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the Revised Penal Code, and shall suffer perpetual disqualification from availing of the privileges under this Act. Lapid noted that a counterpart measure from the House of Representatives has been passed on third and final reading last 22 May. The post Lapid seeks 20% discount for indigent jobseekers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-employee questions BI chief’s appointment
The job of Immigration Commissioner Norman Garcera Tansingco may be in limbo following the revelation by a former bureau employee that Tansingco has a pending case before the Office of the Ombudsman. Based on a document obtained by DAILY TRIBUNE, Tansingco is among the respondents in a human smuggling complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman by former Bureau of Immigration Intelligence Division employee Richard de Leon Cabochan Jr. on 21 April 2015. “One of the respondents in the complaint is Atty. Norman Garcera Tansingco. Based on my records, the last pleading I filed in the case was a supplemental affidavit dated 24 June 2015. In addition, I also filed two other cases with your honorable office docketed as OMB CASE NO. IC-OC-14-1351° and OMB CASE NO. IC-0C-14-4768,” Cabochan told DAILY TRIBUNE when sought for comment. Cabochan was prompted to question Tansingco’s appointment through a letter addressed to Ombudsman Samuel Martires dated 19 September 2022, after a clearance was released by Maria Agnes L. Forteza, Graft Investigation Officer I, dated 1 September 2022. An Ombudsman clearance is a requirement for a Presidential appointee. Cabochan, in his letter, said Tansingco is not fit to be installed as BI commissioner because of his pending case before the Ombudsman. “To my displeasure, I came to know that Atty. Tansingco, a respondent in the abovementioned case, was the newly appointed commissioner of the BI. The said event had me surprised because it is my understanding that to be a confirmed appointee of a head of a government agency, one must possess a clean record or background as evidenced by various clearances issued by concerned government offices of the Republic of the Philippines,” Cabochan’s letter to Martirez read. Cabochan said Tansingco was able to fool Malacañang’s steering committee — the Presidential Management Staff — by saying that he was not involved in any criminal or administrative cases. “An investigation of the matter showed that Atty. Tansingco obtained a ‘clearance’ stating that he had no pending criminal or administrative cases with your honorable office. To reiterate, the same was issued last 1 September 2022,” Cabochan said. “I was surprised about this development, considering that it is to my knowledge that the complaint for the alleged human smuggling that I had filed is still being heard by your honorable office and has yet to be resolved, considering that I have yet to receive any document of the results of the proceedings conducted,” Cabochan letter to Martirez read. “Despite such fact, it appears from the abovementioned document that the case I had filed was already resolved without me, the complainant, being duly informed of the same,” he added. Not notified He further asked Martirez why the Ombudsman did not notify him that Tansingco was given a clearance by the Ombudsman, a clear violation of his right to the due process of law. “It is my understanding that this runs counter to the established procedures in the resolution of filed complaints in your honorable office wherein the parties should be duly informed of the results of the proceedings. I further understand that this right to be informed of the results of the proceedings is part of the due process of law as it would allow the parties to seek relief from the decision by filing the appropriate action in case they disagree with the outcome of the proceedings,” the letter said. The post Ex-employee questions BI chief’s appointment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
8.3K permits for telecom towers granted
More than 8,300 permits and clearances to build cell towers of telecommunications companies have been approved by 668 local government units, or LGUs, across the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Monday. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. said that as of 15 September, 8,311 permits for telecom towers had been approved by cities and municipalities, while 2,404 permits were still being processed in 229 cities and municipalities. Abalos said the DILG is monitoring the processing of permits and will issue show-cause orders to LGUs that delay the process. He said this is in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve and digitalize business processes, as he underscored DILG efforts to build smart cities and sustainable communities. Abalos said LGUs are streamlining their regulatory processes in line with Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Act. He cited his experience as a mayor of Mandaluyong City where complaints from the public were immediately acted on. He said Executive Order 32, signed by the President last July, streamlined permit processes for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure. The EO states that no other national or local permits or clearances shall be required for the construction and operation of telecommunications and internet infrastructure except those required by law. “There is usually a lot of red tape when building a telecoms tower. Because of this executive order, the requirements have been reduced and we expect interconnectivity to improve,” he said in Filipino. He added that efforts are being exerted to adopt digital or electronic facilities for business registration and renewal, and for the assessment and collection of local taxes, fees, and charges, as well as to shift to cashless payments pursuant to EO 170. “We have a joint initiative with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas called Paleng-QR. When you buy vegetables and food at the market, you no longer need to bring cash. Several LGUs across the country are now into cashless transactions through this system,” he explained. The post 8.3K permits for telecom towers granted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bagong Pilipinas launched at Biliran State U
At least 33 national government agencies brought their services to the grassroots level at the two-day national launching of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair held at the Biliran Province State University from 26 to 27 August. Lawyer Shawn Capucion, a member of the national secretariat of the fair, said the agencies target serving 17,000 individuals who have various concerns with the different government agencies. “This administration aims to bring government services closer to the people, instead of people going to offices to avail of government services,” Capucion said. The "Bagong Pilipinas" campaign is the new brand of governance and leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. Marcos Jr. has called government offices to advance the transformation of the government towards a principled, accountable, and dependable government—reinforced by unified institutions of society. Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa and Usec. Maria Francia Miciano-Laxamana led the team from the Department of Health, which brought various medical services and provided medicines and other medical equipment. The DoH provided laboratory and other diagnostic services, including vision screening with prescription lenses provision, cataract screening, disability screening with assistive devices provision, medical and prenatal consultations with medicine provision, dental consultation with scaling, oral prophylaxis, tooth extraction, and a bivalent vaccination program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, on the other hand, distributed financial assistance to persons with disabilities, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, and individuals in crisis situations. Extension of services for other marginalized sectors, such as drivers and operators in the transportation industry, fishermen, and farmers in agriculture, were also provided. Government licensing, processing of passport applications and renewals, NBI clearances, and other regulatory government functions were also made available. Over the succeeding months, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair will be launched across 83 provinces in the country to bring at least fifty government programs, services, and turnovers closer to more than one million Filipinos nationwide. The post Bagong Pilipinas launched at Biliran State U appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM backs suggestions to simplify visa applications
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports the suggestions of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to simplify visa applications for tourists and overseas students. In a statement from the Presidential Communications Office on Friday, Marcos Jr. met with the group during the PSAC Tourism Sector Group's fourth meeting in Malacañang earlier this week. The PSAC recommended standardizing information on application procedures, student visa requirements, clinic accreditation for medical clearance, and diploma criteria for international students. The suggestions also call for the automatic certification of at least Level 3 hospitals nationally for tourists' medical clearances, the revision of documentation requirements to reduce the number of criteria, and the online filing of student visa applications. “We can choose to remove it altogether, the requirement for a medical certificate, or if we will continue to require a medical certificate, as long as it’s a recognized clinic, and it comes out in the actual list of hospitals or something like that, I’m sure there’s a way,” Marcos said. “So, I think the easiest is to align ourselves,” he added. To support government policy promoting the country as an educational hub in the Asia-Pacific region, the Department of Foreign Affairs highlighted Joint Memorandum Order (JMO) No. 01, series 2017, which streamlined procedures for the admittance of international students. According to the JMO, international students may enter the Philippines by applying for a student visa at a Foreign Service Post or by obtaining a temporary visa to convert to a student admission status. The foreign individual must attend in person for an interview and fulfill additional consular procedures after receiving the authorization to obtain the student visa. Officials told Marcos Jr. that applicants may skip the in-person interview to expedite the process. But the candidates will only show up in person if government intelligence agencies recommend doing so for security concerns. In Southeast Asia, the Philippines has the longest processing period for student visas, taking about two months. According to Rene Limcaoco of Hertz Philippines, there is a sizable market for this type of travel. Limcaoc said there were five million applications from international students before the pandemic. He expects ten million international students by 2030. The Philippines had 3.4 million foreign tourists as of 14 August 2023, which is 71.4 percent of the 4.8 million baseline industry target for this year. This year, the nation hopes to make P2.24 billion and employ 5.3 million Filipinos in the tourism industry. This year, it anticipates 85.1 million domestic travelers and 4.8 million overseas visitors. The post PBBM backs suggestions to simplify visa applications appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Breaking free from shackles of inflation
In recent years, the Philippines has grappled with the pressing issue of runaway inflation, causing significant economic distress to its citizens. While numerous factors contribute to this challenge, two prominent culprits stand out — the country’s dependence on imports and its pervasively corrupt bureaucracy. Both elements have played a critical role in exacerbating inflationary pressures, undermining economic stability, and hindering sustainable growth. The Philippines’ heavy reliance on imports, to us, is a prominent factor behind the runaway inflation. The country’s insatiable demand for foreign goods and services has led to a massive outflow of capital, often exceeding its earnings from exports. This trade imbalance creates a fundamental imbalance in the economy, weakening the domestic currency and making imports more expensive. Consequently, the cost of living rises as imported goods and raw materials become pricier, contributing to overall inflationary pressures. The Philippines’ dependence on imports can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, a lack of strong domestic industries has compelled the country to import products it could potentially produce locally. Whether it’s electronics, textiles, or consumer goods, the Philippines’ dependence on foreign manufacturers inhibits the development of a self-sustaining economy. Secondly, consumer preference for foreign brands and products has led to a preference for imports, further fueling the demand for overseas goods. This addiction creates a vicious cycle where imported products remain more attractive despite their higher prices due to the status associated with foreign brands. Corruption within the Philippine bureaucracy is another key contributor to runaway inflation. The graft and corrupt practices in government agencies have far-reaching effects on the country’s economic health. Corrupt officials manipulate regulations, exploit loopholes, and engage in embezzlement, all of which contribute to the inefficient allocation of resources and the mismanagement of public funds. These activities lead to higher government spending, a significant driver of inflation. Corruption’s impact extends to crucial sectors such as infrastructure and public services. When funds earmarked for development projects are siphoned off or misallocated due to corruption, the intended projects stall or remain uncompleted. This not only affects the country’s overall productivity but also drives up the costs of essential goods and services due to inadequate infrastructure and supply chain inefficiencies. Moreover, corruption hampers foreign investment, as potential investors fear the uncertainties and risks associated with a corrupt environment. The connection between the Philippines’ reliance on imports and its corrupt bureaucracy further exacerbates the inflationary spiral. Corrupt officials often profit from import-related transactions by accepting bribes to expedite customs clearances or manipulate import duties. This behavior not only erodes public trust but also adds an extra layer of cost to the import process, which eventually trickles down to consumers in the form of higher prices. Moreover, the lack of effective regulatory oversight stemming from corruption allows for unchecked price manipulation, leading to artificial inflationary pressures. To mitigate the twin challenges of addiction to imports and a corrupt bureaucracy contributing to runaway inflation, the Philippines must undertake comprehensive reforms. Firstly, there is a need for targeted investments in key industries to reduce import dependence. By fostering the growth of domestic manufacturing and production, the country can create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and reduce its reliance on foreign products. Secondly, the government must prioritize anti-corruption measures to restore public trust and enhance governance. Implementing transparent procurement processes, strengthening regulatory bodies, and imposing stringent penalties for corrupt practices can help curb the prevalence of graft. By establishing an environment that fosters accountability and integrity, the Philippines can attract foreign investment, create a level playing field for businesses, and reduce inflationary pressures. The Philippines must therefore embark on a path of comprehensive reform. By nurturing domestic industries and reducing import dependence, the country can achieve economic self-sufficiency and resilience. Simultaneously, anti-corruption measures can help restore public trust, attract investment, and foster transparent governance. Through these concerted efforts, the Philippines can gradually break free of the shackles of runaway inflation and pave the way for sustainable economic growth and stability. The post Breaking free from shackles of inflation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
University of Makati president: School still owned by Makati
The LGU-run University of Makati is not directly affected by the recent Supreme Court decision on the territorial dispute between the cities of Makati and Taguig as regards the operations of the school, a top official of the school said on Thursday. "We're not really affected directly. Of course, we have to comply with the Supreme Court decision because now, we have to accept the fact that we are now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City," UMak president Elyxzur C. Ramos told Daily Tribune in an interview. "It's business as usual at UMak but, of course, because we are now under the jurisdiction of Taguig, we have to get the necessary clearances and permits from them," Ramos added. Ramos also made it clear that the university is still owned by the city government of Makati and Taguig City has "no control" on how they operate the school as far as ownership is concerned. "The city respects the Supreme Court decision and we fully understand that the affected barangays are now part of the jurisdiction of Taguig City. But, as I always emphasize, jurisdiction is so different from ownership," Ramos stressed. "Its address now is JP Rizal Extension, West Rembo, Taguig City. It's still being run by the city government of Makati City because the land title where University of Makati stands is under the name of the city government of Makati," he said. The SC ruling doesn't states that Taguig is the owner of the land where the university stands, but is just a part of its territory, added Ramos. He gave the assurance that the university will continue to deliver the same kind of quality service to all its students. "But because of this decision of the Supreme Court, the school now is in a unique situation because it turns out that most of our students now are non-Makati residents. Most of our students are residents of the affected barangays," Ramos said. "For now, we are still accepting them. We are still providing them the scholarships for this academic year but they are now categorized as non-Makati residents," he added. According to him, 60 percent or about 6,000 of the students from UMak are from the affected barangays now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City. The post University of Makati president: School still owned by Makati appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Red tape cut with NTC plan
Consumers may anticipate better services from telecommunications providers following the initial launch of an automated platform for licensing and permitting processes. The National Telecommunications Commission or NTC, on Tuesday, confirmed that the Online Processing System with Digital Payment System or the OPS-DPS Project it developed is now partially up and running. The OPS-DPS Project effectively streamlines and expedites the processing and issuance of licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations and clearances for telecommunications and Internet infrastructure; thereby improving industry services to benefit end-users. Licensing as project’s pilot The pilot implementation of the system will be initially limited to the Licensing Management of the Networks and Facilities Division or NFD and the Services and Interconnection Division or SID of NTC’s Regulation Branch. Notably, the services that the public may avail of through the system are most of the external services of the NFD and SID as provided in the NTC Citizen’s Charter and posted on its website. The DPS component of the project, on the other hand, will be launched in September in preparation for a grand launch of the entire OPS-DPS system in October. According to NTC, the project also supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ramp up measures to digitize government processes to ensure efficient delivery of services. The post Red tape cut with NTC plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No more telco red tape as NTC launches new system
Filipino consumers may anticipate better services from their telecommunications providers following the initial launch of an automated platform for licensing and permitting processes. The National Telecommunications Commission or NTC, on Tuesday, confirmed that the Online Processing System with Digital Payment System or the OPS-DPS Project it developed is now partially up and running. The OPS-DPS Project effectively streamlines and expedites the processing and issuance of licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, and clearances for telecommunications and internet infrastructure; thereby improving industry services to benefit all end-users. The pilot implementation of the system will be initially limited to the Licensing Management of the Networks & Facilities Division or NFD and the Services & Interconnection Division or SID of NTC’s Regulation Branch. Notably, the services that the public may avail of through the system are most of the external services of the NFD and SID as provided in the NTC Citizen’s Charter and posted on its website. The DPS component of the project, on the other hand, will be launched in September in preparation for a grand launch of the entire OPS-DPS system in October. According to NTC, the project also supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.s’ directive to ramp up measures to digitize government processes to ensure efficient delivery of services. The post No more telco red tape as NTC launches new system appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte named Presidential Lingkod-Bayan awardee
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has been named regional winner of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award from the Civil Service Commission National Capital Region for its 2023 Search for Outstanding Government Workers. The certificate, issued 19 May and presented yesterday, was signed by CSC NCR Committee Chairperson Judith Dongallo-Chicano and Committee Members Maverick Sevilla, Joselito Florendo, Hans Alcantara, and Vlademir Villacorta, in recognition of Belmonte’s outstanding performance as a public servant. “We thank the CSC for this big honor. This is not for me but for all our city government workers serving our QCitizens,” Belmonte said. “If not for them, we would have not received this recognition for our service, programs and projects,” she added. Established by virtue of Executive Order No. 508, s-1992, the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is given for outstanding work performance and contributors with national impact. According to the CSC process, the names of the regional winners will then be forwarded to the Honor Awards Program National Secretariat for review before a national qualifier will be determined. The Committee on Awards for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan and CSC Pagasa, and the Committee on the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees (Dangal ng Bayan) Award will deliberate at the national level. The said committees are composed of government officials appointed by the President of the Philippines, members of the Commission, heads of constitutional bodies, and prominent Filipino citizens who are not in government service. The semifinalists will be determined after the first round of deliberations and they will undergo background investigation to verify their accomplishments, as well as clearances from appropriate government agencies. These will be considered during the second round of deliberations before the list of finalists is submitted to the Office of the President for vetting and approval. Several QC government officials, led by City Administrator Michael Alimurung, were also nominated for the Pagasa Award, along with Chief of Staff Rowena Macatao, Business Permits, and Licensing Department Head Margarita Santos, City Engineer Atty. Dale Perral, and City Treasurer Edgar Villanueva. The late traffic enforcer Jeffrey Antolin was also nominated for the Dangal ng Bayan Award for giving his life to save a commuter from harm. The post Belmonte named Presidential Lingkod-Bayan awardee appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Final pay release delay
Dear Atty. Joji, I resigned from my previous company last May, but until now, or almost three months later, I have yet to receive my final pay. Despite following up with the company, they keep telling me that it is still being prepared, even though I have completed all the necessary requirements. Can the company withhold my final pay for this long, attorney? Alyssa *** Dear Alyssa, The short answer to your question is no, the company should have released your final pay within a period not exceeding 30 days. As a general rule, employers are prohibited from withholding wages from employees. The Labor Code provides under Article 116: “Withholding of wages and kickbacks prohibited. — It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, to withhold any amount from the wages of a worker or induce him to give up any part of his wages by force, stealth, intimidation, threat, or by any other means whatsoever without the worker’s consent.” Further, Under Labor Advisory 06-2020, the Department of Labor and Employment has ruled that an employee’s final pay must be released within 30 days from the date of separation or termination of employment unless there is a more favorable company policy, individual or collective agreement, thereto. While the advisory directs that the employee shall receive his or her final pay within 30 days from the date of separation or termination in the absence of a more favorable company policy, individual, or collective agreement for the employee relating to payment of final pay upon separation, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Milan v. National Labor Relations Commission, G.R. 202961, [4 February 2015] that requiring clearances before the release of last payments to the employee is a standard procedure among employers, whether public or private. Clearance procedures are instituted to ensure that the properties, real or personal, belonging to the employer but in the possession of the separated employee, are returned to the employer before the employee’s departure. From the foregoing, after fulfilling all the required clearances, you have the right to request the immediate release of your final pay if the 30-day period has already lapsed. The company is obligated to provide your final pay within 30 days from your last date of employment, whether you were terminated by the employer or resigned voluntarily. This time frame, as stated by DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), aims to strike a balance between the employer’s need to manage effectively and the employee’s right to receive timely payment. Hope this helps. Atty. Joji Alonzo The post Final pay release delay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG pushes job matching for freed inmates
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has proposed reforms in the reintegration program for inmates to reduce the number of repeat offenders and decongest jails. DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Sunday said the agency is working out the improvement of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s reintegration program as 30 percent of the 126,000 inmates in the country are repeat offenders who probably struggled to find a decent job when they were freed because of the stigma of being jailed. “Before you release them, you prepare things to match their skills, tell them that when you are freed you can work here. Of course, we have to contact that company. LGUs (local government units) have a lot of programs too, as well as NGOs (non-government organizations). So you have job matching,” Abalos said. The DILG chief also said that the BJMP shall help freed inmates find a place to rent and obtain police and National Bureau of Investigation clearances which are required when applying for a job. Meanwhile, BJMP Director Ruel Rivera reported that the congestion rate in Philippine jails has gone down to 358 percent this year from 387 percent in 2022. In his speech at the bureau’s 32nd founding anniversary on Saturday, Rivera said that the BJMP still has a long way to go in terms of addressing overcrowding in jails. According to him, there are now 479 jail facilities in the country, 142 of which are newly built. Still, 329 of these jails remain congested. This, he said, is the reason why the BJMP is looking at other ways to tackle the problem like ensuring the timely release of inmates. “As of present, the BJMP has remained to have zero overstaying PDL (persons deprived of liberty). All thanks to our BJMP personnel who diligently coordinate with courts and monitor the expected release dates of PDL,” Rivera said. On the alleged anomalies at the Malabon City Jail which led to inmates protesting last month, BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera said that they have completed their investigation of the incident. Bustinera said they are now preparing to file administrative cases against prison officials who have been accused of abusing inmates. The post DILG pushes job matching for freed inmates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG, BJMP working on improved reintegration program
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. On Sunday said they are working on improving the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s reintegration program to reduce the number of repeat offenders clogging up the system. Abalos said that 30 percent of the 126,000 inmates in the country are repeat offenders who, he said, probably struggled to find a decent job when they were freed because of the stigma surrounding ex-convicts. “So bago mo ilalabas yan, ihahanda mo na yan. Titingnan mo skills niya. Pag labas mo, baka pwede kang magtrabaho sa kumpanyang ito. Kino-contact na namin yung company. I’m sure maraming programs ang LGUs. At maraming tutulong na NGOs. So dun mag job matching ka na ( So before you release them, you prepare things to match their skills. Tell them that when you are freed you can work here. Of course we to contact that company. LGUs have a lot of programs too, as well as NGOs. So you have job matching)” he explained. “Saan ka titira? Subukan namin hanapan ka ng uupahan (Where would you live? We will find one that you can rent) ,” he added, referring to inmates that will be release. Abalos said they will also help ex-convicts secure police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearances which are required when applying for a job. Abalos, who was the guest speaker of the bureau's 32nd founding anniversary on Saturday, also revealed that the Malabon City Jail inmates protest over alleged mistreatment, and this is what he is currently working to address with BJMP chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera. Rivera for his part reported that the congestion rate in Philippine jails has gone down to 358 percent this year from 387 percent in 2022. Rivera in his speech during the celebration admitted that it still has a long way to go in terms of addressing overcrowding in jails. According to him, there are now 479 jail facilities in the country, 142 of which were newly built. Still, 329 of those remain congested. These he said is their reason why they are looking at other ways to tackle the problem like ensuring the timely release of inmates. “As of present, the BJMP has remained to have zero overstaying PDL (Persons Deprived of Liberty). All thanks to our BJMP personnel who diligently coordinate with courts and monitor the expected release dates of PDL,” Rivera said. Meanwhile, BJMP spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera, said that they have completed their investigation into alleged anomalies at the Malabon City Jail which led to inmates protesting last month. Bustinera said they are now preparing to file administrative cases against prison officials who have been accused of abusing inmates. The post DILG, BJMP working on improved reintegration program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fixers still roam NBI clearance section
Fixers and facilitators who offer their services to people seeking NBI clearances are reportedly proliferating in the area around the National Bureau of Investigation office in Manila. These fixers charge high fees, sometimes as much as P3,000, for their services. A source from the NBI security division told Daily Tribune that the police have been unable to effectively clear the area of fixers, despite a number of operations, adding that the fixers seem to enjoy protection from the police. “The police don’t seem serious about removing the fixers from the outside, and the more they increase, the more they stop the applicants to get their money in exchange for their services,” said the source who requested anonymity. “The irony is that the NBI clearance office is just a short distance from the main headquarters of the Manila Police District on United Nations Avenue in Malate,” the source added. Some job seekers have complained that they were allegedly charged as much as 3,000 pesos for their NBI clearances while others said that they were charged 500 pesos per transaction, which could double if there were errors in their application. The NBI has received numerous complaints about the high fees charged by fixers and it is urging authorities to take action against the fixers. It added that it is already working to improve its own procedures for issuing NBI clearances, so that people will not have to rely on fixers. The post Fixers still roam NBI clearance section appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EO aims to speed up telecom and internet infra
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday issued Executive Order No. 32 to streamline the permitting process for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure in the country. The EO stressed the need to institutionalize a set of streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses, and certificates for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructures to ensure the continuous development of the country’s digital infrastructure. In issuing the EO, Marcos said the order will cover all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or –controlled corporations and local government units involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, and authorizations. Among those covered include construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure; and, erection of poles, installation of aerial and underground cables and facilities, underground fiber ducts, ground terminals, and other transmission telecommunications and Internet infrastructure and facilities. “No other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure,” the EO stated regarding streamlined requirements on infrastructure construction. Among those exempted are building permits issued by the Office of the Building Official; Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, homeowners associations and other community clearances, clearances from other government agencies, and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws. The President’s order also mandates all cities and municipalities to set up a one-stop shop for construction permits, which will provide frontline services to applicants securing building permits and other related certificates. The EO also organizes a Technical Working Group on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure as an oversight body to ensure efficient implementation of the order. The TWG, chaired by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, is mandated to craft the EO’s implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from the effectivity of the order. The post EO aims to speed up telecom and internet infra appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NBI nabs 7 illegal miners
The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged seven people with illegal quarrying in Angono, Rizal. The suspects — Bonbon E. Camanian, Marcial R. Bustamante, Jomar T. Marigondon, Ricky B. Buenaventura, Rustian S. Villamora, Richard S. Evangelista and Rodel O. Pangilinan — were charged before the Rizal provincial prosecutor’s office for violation of Section 103 of Republic Act 7942, the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The suspects were arrested on 25 May after the NBI-Environmental Crime Division received information that certain individuals were extracting and disposing minerals in Barangay San Isidro without the necessary permits and clearances from the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Rizal and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region IV-A. “NBI-EnCD immediately conducted a series of surveillance operations which confirmed the quarrying activities in the target area,” the NBI said. The NBI added that after verification with the PMRB of Rizal, agents of NBI-EnCD learned that “no quarry permits or transport and hauling permits were issued within the area of Barangay San Isidro” and “the operators of the quarrying activity in the target area do not have permit from MGB-Region IV-A.” The post NBI nabs 7 illegal miners appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE: All hands on deck for offshore wind dev’t
The Department of Energy has instructed all government agencies to combine their forces to guarantee a convenient and streamlined process as they establish the policy and administrative framework for offshore wind or OSW development. The DoE, on Thursday, issued the implementing Guidelines for Executive Order No. 21 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Under the guidelines, permitting agencies need to identify and submit the complete list of appropriate permits and clearances to the DOE. These include all requirements, fees and procedures, including the detailed process flow diagram, on or before 18 June 2023. Thereafter, the DOE shall integrate into the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop or EVOSS system all the identified processes, which will be used by all permitting agencies, including local government units, in processing the applications for permits from OSW developers. Per the DoE, permitting agencies include the Departments of Agrarian Reform, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Justice, Labor and Employment, National Defense, Public Works and Highways, Trade and Industry, and Transportation. The Bureaus of Customs, Immigration, Internal Revenue, Quarantine, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, and all concerned LGUs are also included in the permitting agencies. These agencies are required to nominate their EVOSS focal persons who may be invited as resource persons when needed during the EVOSS steering committee meetings. The nomination should be on or before the 18 June deadline through the DOE Investment Promotions Office, which acts as the EVOSS Steering Committee Secretariat. The government is racing to maximize wind energy as a viable power source as demand grows bigger. The Philippines Offshore Wind Roadmap launched last year showcases the country's potential OSW resources estimated at 178 GW. To date, the DOE has awarded 63 OSW Contracts with a total potential capacity of 49.928 gigawatts — enough to supply the country's future electricity demand. With the EO in place, the government can accelerate the development of the country's OSW resources and will contribute to the attainment of the country's target of 35 percent and 50 percent renewable energy contribution to the energy generation mix by 2030 and 2040, respectively. The post DoE: All hands on deck for offshore wind dev’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»