Bill gifting P1M to 101-year-old Pinoys passed
The House of Representatives has approved on the third and final reading the bill gifting Filipinos who reach the age of 101 a cool P1 million in cash. Garnering 257 votes, the bill improved on the previous law giving P100,000 incentives to those 100 years of age. House Bill 7535 will also grant Filipino citizens P25,000 upon reaching 80, 85, 90, and 95 whether they are living here or abroad. Those 101 years old will likewise get greetings from the president of the Philippines. Through the legislation, the House “would like to honor our countrymen for their years of service to the country and for their discipline in ensuring that they live a long, healthy, and fruitful life,” said Speaker Martin Romualdez. “Of course, we also want our octogenarians and nonagenarians to enjoy this benefit while they still can without having to wait until 101 years old, so we also provided a cash gift for them,” he added. National Commission of Senior Citizens is set to implement the measure when it formally becomes law. Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said the new grant will not only help the centenarians’ families financially but also bolster the morale of the elderly. There are an estimated 662 Filipino centenarians, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Aside from Ordanes, the other principal authors of the bill are Representatives Jude Acidre, Sonny Lagon, Daphne Lagon, Brian Yamsuan, PM Vargas, Toby Tiangco, Salvador Pleyto, Roy Loyola, LRay Villafuerte, Loreto Amante, Jam Baronda, Eric Yap, Edvic Yap, Paolo Duterte, Migs Nograles, Lani Mercado-Revilla, and Gus Tambunting. The post Bill gifting P1M to 101-year-old Pinoys passed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Protect 150K Pinoys in Taiwan, Go urges DMW
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his call for the Department of Migrant Workers, to closely monitor the development of the growing tensions between Taiwan and China to prepare for necessary contingency measures to protect the welfare of 150,000 Taiwan-based overseas Filipino workers. Go, in an interview during a relief operation for fire victims in Parañaque City on 12 April, underscored the need for the government to prioritize the safety and welfare of OFWs. “As former president Rodrigo Duterte said during the UN General Assembly in 2020, ‘when elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled flat.’ Our country is close to Taiwan. In this situation, the Philippines is the grass. We will be caught in the crossfire if these two giants fight,” Go said in Filipino China recently simulated a three-day air and sea drill, dubbed the “Joint Sword” drills, around the Taiwan Strait. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the said military exercises were meant to be a “stern warning to the provocative activities of Taiwan’s independence secessionist forces and their collusion with external forces.” He said he has his full trust that President Bongbong Marcos Jr. will prioritize the interest of fellow Filipinos and the country. “It’s better to be a friend to all and enemy to none. It’s hard for us to empathize. Filipinos just want to live quietly. Importantly, the health and life of every OFW in Taiwan may be affected in case of trouble there,” he added. When asked if the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will create a new conflict, Go said the government must prioritize what is best for Filipinos. “I’m sure our government and our military will not allow us to be used or we will be trapped,” he added. Meanwhile, Go has expressed his support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s plan to investigate Philippine National Police officials reportedly linked to a billion-peso drug haul. “You know, the truth must come out. Truth always,” he said. The fight against illegal drugs, he said, should continue. “We don’t want to waste what former president (Rodrigo) Duterte started against illegal drugs. When illegal drugs are back, crime will come back, government corruption will come back,” Go said in Filipino. The PNP, on 11 April, welcomed the DILG’s decision to probe the arrest of former police officer Rodolfo Mayo who was implicated in the P6.7-billion drug haul in October last year. The DILG expressed doubts that Mayo acted alone, indicating that there may have been other officers involved. “There is no forgiveness for those involved in illegal drugs. You know, it’s a big sin to our countrymen when you are involved in illegal drugs, especially the police who are supposed to implement the law,” he added. Go cited the need to separate the few bad apples from the many honest and dedicated police officers who are working hard to keep the community safe. “We fully support our police and military, they just have to do their job right for our countrymen,” he said. Earlier, Go filed Senate Bill 422 which, if passed into law, will entitle any officer or enlisted personnel of the AFP and Philippine National Police facing charges before the prosecutor’s office, court, or any competent body, arising from an incident related to the performance of official duty, to free legal assistance. He added that in the past, some police officers were wrongfully accused, prompting former president Duterte and himself to offer legal aid. The post Protect 150K Pinoys in Taiwan, Go urges DMW appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos prods Senate on seafarers’ magna carta
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers that specifies the rights and ensures the welfare of Filipino mariners. In a letter dated 25 September to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos underscored the need to immediately pass Senate Bill 2221 to address deficiencies in the training and accreditation of Filipino seafarers. The President said the problem areas have been endangering the continued employment of Filipino seafarers in the European market. If the law is passed, Marcos said Filipinos will be assured of maritime training compliant with international standards. The House of Representatives passed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (House Bill 7325) on final reading on 6 March of this year with 304 votes in favor. The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is one of the 20 priority pieces of legislation that the President has asked Congress to approve by the end of the year, Zubiri said. The post Marcos prods Senate on seafarers’ magna carta appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers certified as urgent
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified as urgent the enactment of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers to specify the rights and ensure the welfare of Filipino seafarers. In a letter dated 25 September to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Marcos underscored the need for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 2221, titled “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Filipinos Seafarers.” The enactment aims to address recurring deficiencies in the domestic laws on the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers which endanger their employment in the European market in particular and the global maritime arena in general. “Pursuant to the provisions of the Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 2221,” Marcos' letter read. The bill, Marcos added, ensures that the Philippines will uphold its commitment to ensure that Filipino seafarers receive training, facilities, and equipment that are on par with international standards and those established by pertinent international conventions. The House of Representatives already passed the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (House Bill No. 7325) on final reading on 6 March of this year with 304 votes in favor. The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is one of the 20 priority pieces of legislation that the President has requested Congress to approve by the end of the year, Zubiri said, who attended the third meeting of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) last week in Malacañang. The post Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers certified as urgent appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has recently expressed his full support for the establishment of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Virology Institute of the Philippines. The measures were discussed during the Third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting after the senator attended the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health stressed his full support and is optimistic that these will be approved this year. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention bill as he reiterated the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country’s experience with Covid-19. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine became a crucial office for Covid-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “In 2019, before the pandemic came, the budget for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine was almost cut. We did not agree. In fact, we increased them during the budget deliberations,” Go said. “My hunch was right, who would have thought that RITM would be one of the most important offices during the pandemic? RITM is also capable of testing other infectious diseases besides Covid-19,” he added. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. To recall, the senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate — Senate Bill 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control and if passed, the CDC will serve as the country’s central hub for disease prevention, surveillance and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. The post Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
India parliament reserving third of seats for women
A landmark law passed by India’s parliament expands the number of women members to 30 percent from the current 13 percent. The country’s upper house passed on Thursday the bill reserving a third of seats in the national and state legislatures for women. The lower house passed its version a day earlier. All the 215 members of the upper house present voted for the measure brought by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. “A defining moment in our nation’s democratic journey!” Modi said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, soon after. The bill was first introduced in 1996 but only gathered support across most political parties lately. Just 104 of India’s 788 members of parliament were women after the last national election, according to government figures — a little over 13 percent. Those figures reflect a broader under-representation of women in Indian public life. Just under a third of working-age Indian women were in the formal labor force last year, according to government data. The quota will take effect only once India redraws its electoral boundaries after the mammoth undertaking of a census for its 1.4 billion people — the last one, due in 2021, was postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic. That means it may not be in place until at least the end of the decade. WITH AFP The post India parliament reserving third of seats for women appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Martin vows budget passage
House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday pledged to fast-track the passage of the P5.768-trillion proposed national budget for fiscal year 2024 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deemed the measure “urgent.” Marcos on Wednesday wrote the House a letter addressed to Romualdez seeking the immediate enactment of House Bill 8980 to “enable the government to effectively perform its constitutional mandate.” Marcos’ proposed national spending plan for next year under the National Expenditure Program is P500 billion, or 9.5 percent, higher than this year’s P5.268 trillion budget, which the House approved in barely six weeks last year in accordance with the President’s order. Next year’s P5.768 trillion, if passed, would be the highest budget ever approved by Congress. “We appreciate President Marcos’ leadership and his prioritization of the national budget. His decision to certify this crucial legislation as urgent reflects his unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of our nation,” Romualdez said. The House chief added members of the House “have been diligently reviewing and fine-tuning the 2024 national budget to ensure that it addresses the pressing needs of our country and its people.” While there have been appeals to hasten the approval of the budgetary bill, Romualdez assured the public that it would undergo a transparent and thorough process that adheres to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. “We will continue to uphold the principles of accountability, inclusivity, and efficiency throughout the budget deliberations,” the Speaker said. The post Martin vows budget passage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Washington sanctions 25 Iranian officials
United States President Joe Biden said the country stands by Iranians as they mark the first death anniversary of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian Kurd who died one year ago while in the custody of morality police who detained her for dress code violation. “Iranians alone will determine the fate of their country, but the United States remains committed to standing with them — including providing tools to support Iranians’ ability to advocate for their own future,” Biden said. The president also announced that the US Treasury Department added to the sanctions blacklist 25 Iranian officials and an Internet censorship firm linked to Tehran’s suppression of protests after Amini’s death. Months of nationwide demonstrations followed her death. Also sanctioned was Gholamali Mohammadi, the head of Iran’s Prisons Organization, who the Treasury said presides over serious human rights abuses including torture and rape. Three state-controlled media groups, Press TV, Tasnim News and Fars News, were also placed on the blacklist. The sanctions were coordinated with the European Union, Britain, Canada and Australia. Targets of the United Kingdom sanctions included Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani and Iranian police spokesperson Saeed Montazer Al-Mahdi. The European Union added to its own blacklist four Iranian officials — a commander in the elite Revolutionary Guard, two regional police chiefs and a prison boss. Hoping to keep pressure in place, the US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed, nearly unanimously, a bill in honor of Amini that would make it difficult to remove sanctions against top officials including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. WITH AFP The post Washington sanctions 25 Iranian officials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go aids displaced workers in Iloilo City
In a unified endeavor to enhance the well-being of marginalized citizens in Iloilo City, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, in partnership with the city government led by Mayor Jerry Treñas and in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, provided various forms of assistance on Friday, 8 September. The initiative was conducted at the Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand, positively impacting 382 displaced workers. Go’s team provided each beneficiary with snacks and shirts. In addition, select individuals were gifted with shoes, as well as balls for basketball and volleyball. Simultaneously, DoLE offered employment assistance through its program for qualified disadvantaged and displaced workers. To further promote the welfare of Filipino workers, Go filed last year Senate Bill No. 1705 which proposes to increase the service incentive leave of private sector employees; and SBN 1707 which seeks to provide competitive remuneration and compensation packages to social workers in the country if enacted into law. He also filed SBN 2107, or the “Freelance Workers Protection Act,” which seeks to provide protection and incentives for freelance workers. The measure, if passed, aims to recognize the rights of freelance workers and ensure that they are protected and adequately compensated for their services. Last year, Go also filed SBN 1183, or the proposed “Media and Entertainment Workers’ Welfare Act,” which seeks to provide enhanced protection, security and incentives for media workers through additional health insurance package, overtime and night differential pay, and other benefits if enacted into law. To ensure that those who reside in rural areas and lack job opportunities are taken care of, Go also filed SBN 420, which seeks to offer temporary employment to eligible members of low-income rural households who are ready to perform unskilled physical labor for a period of time. The post Go aids displaced workers in Iloilo City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR launches New Agrarian Emancipation consultations
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Monday announced that it held simultaneous public consultations with its stakeholders last 1 September 2023 to obtain inputs to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act or Republic Act 11953. The committee tasked by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella to draft the IRR is chaired by DAR Undersecretary Napoleon Galit with DAR Undersecretaries Luis Pangulayan and Marilyn Barua-Yap, LBP EVP Alex Lorayes, Administrator Gerardo Serios and NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen as members. Representatives of agrarian reform beneficiaries from all 15 regions including the BARMM and concerned farmers groups and civil society organizations participated in the public consultations. Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Kazel C. Celeste led the Luzon leg which was held at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City. Undersecretary for Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Jesry T. Palmares led the Visayas leg which was held in Passi City, Iloilo while Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs, Amihilda J. Sangcopan led the Mindanao leg which was held at the World Palace Hotel in Ecoland, Davao City. The ARBs and farmers’ groups raised clarificatory questions on the coverage of the NAEA and the process of obtaining condonation and the termination of payment of just compensation to landowners and gave inputs to the DAR officials present during the consultations. The summary of discussions will be submitted to the IRR drafting committee for inclusion in the draft IRR which will be finalized during the full committee meeting with Estrella on 7 September 2023. The journey of the NAEA — the singular bill passed by Congress from among the 22 priority bills of the administration — started barely a year ago when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 4, Series of 2022, imposing a one-year moratorium on the payment of amortizations by agrarian reform beneficiaries. The post DAR launches New Agrarian Emancipation consultations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada accuses Meta of endangerment
MONTREAL, Canada (AFP) — Meta is being accused of endangering lives by blocking news links in Canada at a crucial moment, when thousands have fled their homes and are desperate for wildfire updates that once would have been shared widely on Facebook. The situation “is dangerous,” said Kelsey Worth, 35, one of nearly 20,000 residents of Yellowknife and thousands more in small towns ordered to evacuate the Northwest Territories as wildfires advanced. She described to AFP how “insanely difficult” it has been for herself and other evacuees to find verifiable information about the fires blazing across the near-Arctic territory and other parts of Canada. “Nobody’s able to know what’s true or not,” she said. “And when you’re in an emergency situation, time is of the essence,” she added, explaining that many Canadians until now have relied on social media for news. Meta on 1 August started blocking the distribution of news links and articles on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a recent law requiring digital giants to pay publishers for news content. The company has been in a virtual showdown with Ottawa over the bill passed in June, but which only takes effect next year. Building on similar legislation introduced in Australia, the bill aims to support a struggling Canadian news sector that has seen a flight of advertising dollars and hundreds of publications closed in the last decade. It requires companies like Meta and Google to make fair commercial deals with Canadian outlets for the news and information — estimated in a report to parliament to be worth Canadian $330 million (US$250 million) per year — that is shared on their platforms, or face binding arbitration. But Meta has said the bill is flawed and insisted that news outlets share content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to attract readers, benefiting them and not the Silicon Valley firm. Trudeau irked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week assailed Meta, telling reporters it was “inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of (safety)... and keeping Canadians informed about things like wildfires.” Almost 80 percent of all online advertising revenues in Canada go to Meta and Google, which has expressed its own reservations about the new law. Ollie Williams, director of Cabin Radio in the far north, called Meta’s move to block news sharing “stupid and dangerous.” He suggested in an interview with AFP that “Meta could lift the ban temporarily in the interests of preservation of life and suffer no financial penalty because the legislation has not taken effect yet.” Nicolas Servel, over at Radio Taiga, a French-language station in Yellowknife, noted that some had found ways of circumventing Meta’s block. They “found other ways to share” information, he said, such as taking screen shots of news articles and sharing them from personal — rather than corporate — social media accounts. Several large newspapers in Canada such as The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star have launched campaigns to try to attract readers directly to their sites. But for many smaller news outlets, workarounds have proven challenging as social media platforms have become entrenched. Reverse course Public broadcaster CBC in a letter this week pressed Meta to reverse course. “Time is of the essence,” wrote CBC president Catherine Tait. “I urge you to consider taking the much-needed humanitarian action and immediately lift your ban on vital Canadian news and information to communities dealing with this wildfire emergency.” Meta — which did not respond to AFP requests for comment — rejected CBC’s suggestion. Instead, it urged Canadians to use the “Safety Check” function on Facebook to let others know if they are safe or not. The post Canada accuses Meta of endangerment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meta faces backlash over Canada news block as wildfires rage
Meta is being accused of endangering lives by blocking news links in Canada at a crucial moment when thousands have fled their homes and are desperate for wildfire updates that once would have been shared widely on Facebook. The situation "is dangerous," said Kelsey Worth, 35, of one nearly 20,000 residents of Yellowkife and thousands more in small towns ordered to evacuate the Northwest Territories as wildfires advanced. She described to AFP how "insanely difficult" it has been for herself and other evacuees to find verifiable information about the fires blazing across the near-Arctic territory and other parts of Canada. "Nobody's able to know what's true or not," she said. "And when you're in an emergency situation, time is of the essence," she said, explaining that many Canadians until now have relied on social media for news. Meta on August 1 started blocking the distribution of news links and articles on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a recent law requiring digital giants to pay publishers for news content. The company has been in a virtual showdown with Ottawa over the bill passed in June which only takes effect next year. Building on similar legislation introduced in Australia, the bill aims to support a struggling Canadian news sector that has seen a flight of advertising dollars and hundreds of publications closed in the last decade. It requires companies like Meta and Google to make fair commercial deals with Canadian outlets for the news and information -- estimated in a report to parliament to be worth Can$330 million (US$250 million) per year -- that is shared on their platforms, or face-binding arbitration. But Meta has said the bill is flawed and insisted that news outlets share content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to attract readers, benefiting them and not the Silicon Valley firm. Profits over safety Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week assailed Meta, telling reporters it was "inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of (safety)... and keeping Canadians informed about things like wildfires." Almost 80 percent of all online advertising revenues in Canada go to Meta and Google, which has expressed its own reservations about the new law. Ollie Williams, director of Cabin Radio in the far north, called Meta's move to block news sharing "stupid and dangerous." He suggested in an interview with AFP that "Meta could lift the ban temporarily in the interests of preservation of life and suffer no financial penalty because the legislation has not taken effect yet." Nicolas Servel, over at Radio Taiga, a French-language station in Yellowknife, noted that some had found ways of circumventing Meta's block. They "found other ways to share" information, he said, such as taking screenshots of news articles and sharing them from personal -- rather than corporate -- social media accounts. Life and death Several large newspapers in Canada such as the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star have launched campaigns to try to attract readers directly to their sites. But for many smaller news outlets workarounds have proven challenging as social media platforms have become entrenched. Public broadcaster CBC in a letter this week pressed Meta to reverse course. "Time is of the essence," wrote CBC president Catherine Tait. "I urge you to consider taking the much-needed humanitarian action and immediately lift your ban on vital Canadian news and information to communities dealing with this wildfire emergency." As more than 1,000 wildfires burn across Canada, she said, "The need for reliable, trusted, and up-to-date information can literally be the difference between life and death." Meta -- which did not respond to AFP requests for comment -- rejected CBC's suggestion. Instead it urged Canadians to use the "Safety Check" function on Facebook to let others know if they are safe or not. Patrick White, a professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal, said Meta has shown itself to be a "bad corporate citizen." "It's a matter of public safety," he said, adding that he remains optimistic Ottawa will eventually reach a deal with Meta and other digital giants that addresses their concerns. The post Meta faces backlash over Canada news block as wildfires rage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Baguio councilors seek revised charter nullification
BAGUIO CITY — City councilors here approved a resolution requesting the Baguio City Legal Office to draft a petition against the declaration of the revised City Charter of Baguio in an overtime session last Monday. The revised City Charter of Baguio or Republic Act 11689 lapsed into law on 11 April 2022 and was enacted by the 18th Congress of the Philippine House of Congress. The law was enacted into law originally as House Bill 8882 filed by Baguio City Lone District Representative Mark Go. The Baguio councilors stressed that the revised charter is more of a disadvantage to the city rather than a feasible one. In March last year, the city’s local legislators passed a resolution requesting for then President Rodrigo Duterte to veto it. One of the concerns the councilors is raising is the Section 55 regarding the Camp John Hay reservation which is under the Bases Conversion Development Authority where it states that the CJH Reservation covering a total land area of 6,254,105 square meters subject to final survey, which was transferred to the BCDA by virtue of Republic Act 7227, as amended, otherwise known as the “Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992,” as amended is not part of the Baguio Townsite Reservation. The post Baguio councilors seek revised charter nullification appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clarence Avant, ‘Godfather of Black Music,’ dies at 92
Clarence Avant, the entertainment executive who is counted among the music world's most impactful figures, died over the weekend, a statement from his family said Monday. He was 92 years old. Avant "passed away gently at home" in Los Angeles on Sunday, said his children Nicole and Alex Avant, as well as Nicole's husband, Netflix executive Ted Sarandos. "Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as 'The Black Godfather' in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports," the statement said. "Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss." Avant was born on 25 February 1931 in small-town North Carolina, the oldest of eight. After spending most of his childhood in North Carolina he moved to New Jersey as a teenager, getting his start in the music business as a club manager of Teddy P's Lounge in Newark. He later was mentored by the longtime Louis Armstrong manager Joe Glaser. He went on to become one of the most revered players in music and beyond, an advocate and mentor who pushed the boundaries for Black entertainers in an industry rife with racism. Avant helped establish Venture Records, the first joint effort between a Black-owned music company and a major record label, in this case, MGM. He later launched Sussex Records and signed the likes of Bill Withers. Avant worked at an array of other labels, produced films, and also brokered deals for Black athletes including baseball superstar Hank Aaron. "He's the perennial godfather of our business," Quincy Jones said in 2006, in an interview with Billboard. "Everyone in our business has been by Clarence's desk if they’re smart." 'True pioneer' Avant also consulted at Motown and worked with other top producers including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as well as Babyface. He's been credited with burnishing the careers of countless artists, including Jones as well as Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, and Whitney Houston. "Clarence Avant connects us all through his incredible impact since before I was born up until now. He's the godfather to so many of us -- and not just African Americans, most of the industry," Pharrell said in a statement in 2019, ahead of the release of the Netflix documentary "The Black Godfather." In 2021, Avant's wife of over 50 years, Jacqueline, was fatally shot at age 81, during a break-in of the couple's Beverly Hills home. Earlier that year Avant received special accolades from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Recording Academy has also bestowed a number of honors on him and in 2007 he received the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP. Tributes to Avant began pouring out upon news of his death, including from Jay-Z's company Roc Nation, which hailed him "a true pioneer" who "burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations." "Clarence Avant isn't just the 'Godfather Of Black Music,' he is our cultural Godfather," the company said. Bill and Hillary Clinton, the former US president and secretary of state, said in a joint statement they were "saddened by the passing of our friend." "It was impossible to spend time with him and not come away feeling more positive and wanting to follow his example." The post Clarence Avant, ‘Godfather of Black Music,’ dies at 92 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace prolongs tax amnesty law
Filipinos may now avail the estate tax amnesty for another two years after the proposal seeking such an extension lapsed into law. Although the tax amnesty program has already expired nearly two months ago, Republic Act 11956 now allows Filipinos to settle their estate tax debts until 14 June 2025. The Senate passed a bill to extend the tax amnesty for another year last 29 May. The following day, the House of Representatives also passed the bill. The Constitution says that the president has 30 days after getting a bill to say whether he wants to veto it or not. If he doesn’t, the bill becomes law as if he had signed it. Lapsed into law A copy of the law showed that RA 11956 became a law on 5 August since Marcos neither signed nor vetoed the bill. Estate tax is a tax on the right of a deceased person to leave their property to their children and beneficiaries. According to the new law, Filipinos can pay the amnesty tax online or manually. Proponents of the bill mentioned that the amnesty tax would help Filipinos who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and have had trouble paying their taxes because of the health crisis’ effects on their finances. In RA 11956, the Secretary of Finance and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue are tasked to come up with the appropriate rules and regulations within 30 days of the law going into effect. The post Palace prolongs tax amnesty law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 PBBM priority bills pressed for House okay
Two bills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. listed in his wish list in Congress have been lobbied in the House of Representatives a day after the Chief Executive named it in his second State of the Nation Address. The proposed Tatak-Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) law and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, among Mr. Marcos’ 17 priority legislation that he asked Congress to enact, were embodied in House Bills 8601 and 8600, respectively, filed on 25 July by Quezon Rep. Keith Micah Tan. Marcos, during his second SoNA on Monday, bared before Congress his 17 priority bills in his second year in office, seeking its legislative power for its enactment. Seven of the total measures have already hurdled the lower chamber, with the remaining ten expected to be passed in October and December, confirmed by Speaker Martin Romualdez. Tan’s HB 8601 calls for the creation, funding, and implementation of the Tatak Pinoy Strategy by the Tatak Pinoy Council composed of the National Economic and Development Authority’s director general and Departments of Trade and Industry and Finance’s secretary. “The goal is to make the country competent in producing and offering complex or sophisticated products and services in order to empower the economic sector to branch out into other forms of complex production and economic activity towards jumpstarting national development that is anchored in the ingenuity of the Filipinos,” the lawmaker said in filing the bill. The proposal aims to make Filipino-made products, goods, and services competitive in the global market. Meanwhile, HB 8600, among other similar bills filed in the House, intends to amend Republic Act 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016. Among the provisions is the imposition of harsher penalties s on anyone found to have smuggled agricultural goods into the country, considering that no one has been prosecuted under existing laws despite the widespread smuggling of rice, sugar, onions, carrots, garlic, fish, and pork, Tan said. Last year, the government seized P1.2-billion of smuggled agricultural products. Also last year, the country experienced an agricultural shortage, primarily in onions, which soared as high as P500 to P700 per kilo during the last quarter of 2022. Earlier this week, Speaker Martin Romualdez has vowed that the House will approve four bills, including the Tatak Pinoy and Anti-Agricultural Smuggling before Congress goes into its first recess in October in the 10 priority measures that the chamber has yet to pass. The post 2 PBBM priority bills pressed for House okay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl cinema in the first year of BBM
Here, we look back at the state of the Philippine film industry since he took the seat of power 13 months ago. When President Marcos Jr. became the 17th leader of the nation, the country was on the brink of the “new normal.” The campaign elections even saw multitudes of crowds in the streets, the Filipinos’ political passion overpowering the fear of a Covid-19 infection. Covid-pandemic viewing By May 2022, the month of the presidential campaigns, the Department of Health said the country was at “minimal-risk case classification” with an average of only 159 cases per day. By June 2022, when the President took his oath, 69.4 million Filipinos had been fully vaccinated. Along with the country, the Philippine film industry started healing. On the same month, the country went under Covid-19 Alert Level 2, with 50-percent allowed capacity in indoor cinemas. Live film festivals The Marcos administration saw the return of Filipino film festivals in theaters. On Marcos’ fifth month as president, the QCinema International Film Festival, with the theme “in10City,” held hybdrid screenings — in-person and online. The Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2022, six months into the new presidency, went full force in cinemas for the second time during the pandemic. Earlier, in 2020, during the Duterte administration, the festival was held online for the first time, and the following year, in December 2021, after level alert measures in the Philippines were relaxed, the MMFF finally went back to the cinemas. However, only around 300 cinemas (down from the usual 900) were allowed to screen the MMFF entries. Meanwhile, the 18th edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival was held from 5 August to 31 October 2022 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in select mall cinemas and online. But what made a mark during the Marcos administration’s first year was the inaugural edition of the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival. The SMMFF was held in Metro Manila and throughout the Philippines. Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines, the first MMFF was supposed to be held in 2020, but was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, held from 8 to 18 April 2023 with the theme “Tuloy-tuloy ang Saya,” the summer festival featured eight entries and, like its December counterpart, even held a Parade of Stars. About Us But Not About Us by Jun Lana, produced by The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films and Quantum Films, emerged as the first Best Picture of the summer festival. [caption id="attachment_161372" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] About Us But Not About Us by Jun Lana[/caption] The Film Development Council of the Philippines’ sixth edition of its own mini-film festival, held during the Marcos administration’s third month, headed back to cinemas, offering free access to award-winning classic films of the new National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts at TriNoma Cinema in Quezon City and in all Cinematheque centers nationwide (Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao and Nabunturan). CCP closes for renovations On 1 September 2022, CCP president Margarita Moran-Floirendo announced during a hearing of the Senate committee on cultural communities, that The Cultural Center of the Philippines — home to the Cinemalaya festival — will close its doors starting January 2023 for renovation and structural retrofitting works, and will reopen in March 2025. This marks the first time that Cinemalaya, on its 19th year, which has the theme “ilumiNasyon,” will be held at various venues inside the adjacent Philippine International Convention Center, from 4 to 13 August 2023. The rise of political films With the country deeply driven by polarized political views, the Marcos administration saw a war between political commercial films. [caption id="attachment_161370" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] ‘MAID in Malacanang’ stars Cristine Reyes, Diego Loyzaga and Ella Cruz. | Photograph courtesy of viva[/caption] On 29 July 2022, Darryl Yap’s period drama Maid in Malacañang, touted as “the most controversial film of the year,” was released to packed cinemas. The movie, about the Marcos family’s last three days in Malacañang Palace before they were forced into exile, premiered at SM North EDSA and was released nationwide on 3 August 2022. Yap, who passionately campaigned for Marcos, became a controversial filmmaker with the release of his Marcos film. Leni Robredo supporters tried to boycott the film, with some Filipino movie critics exposing themselves as heavily political and non-neutral with their reviews, accusing the film of propaganda and historical revisionism. The attempt to quash the movie’s release failed and it became a box-office hit, with producer Viva Films releasing a statement that it earned a whopping P21 million on its opening day and P63 million three days after its release. It was the first time in Philippine cinema history that local theaters nationwide saw a deluge of moviegoers lining up to watch a movie on the big screen, mostly driven by political affiliation. Another unsuccessful political attempt to diminish the film’s release was Vince Tañada’s re-release of his Martial Law film Katips to counter Maid in Malacañang. Tañada’s film eventually won Best Picture at the Famas Awards. MIM actress Ella Cruz’s remark during a press conference, that “history is like tsismis,” further fanned the flames of political debate online. Eight months later, in March 2022, Viva released Yap’s second installment in his Marcos trilogy, Martyr or Murderer, which now focused on Ferdinand Marcos and the assassination of Ninoy Aquino. Two anti-Marcos movies rose to combat the film — Joel Lamangan’s Oras de Peligro, released on the same day, and Tañada’s movie adaptation of his musical play Ako Si Ninoy, released one week earlier. Movie buffs, political analysts, film critics, the press and social media influencers dove into feverish commentaries on the three films, and Philippine cinemas were ignited and, for a while, became alive with social discourse. New FDCP head On 21 July 2022, Tirso S. Cruz III officially assumed his position as the head of the country’s national film agency, the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He replaced Liza Diño, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as FDCP chairperson on 12 August 2016. [caption id="attachment_161368" align="aligncenter" width="736"] FDCP chair Tirso Cruz III. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FDCP[/caption] Cruz, a veteran actor, said that the target of the FDCP under the Marcos administration was to support local films, not just in Metro Manila, but also from regional filmmakers. He also professed support for film students and highlighted archiving as part of the FDCP’s agenda, with 42,000 materials in its archives to be salvaged. MTRCB In September 2022, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board released a statement addressing the controversy about its proposal to expand its jurisdiction to online streaming services like Netflix, Vivamax, Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. The MTRCB said it was responding to multitudes of complaints from parents and other concerned groups demanding that the agency regulate movie and TV online platforms to protect children from harmful viewing. The Marcos administration has seen a continuous boom in streamers, which began during the pandemic, with Vivamax becoming one of the leading local streamers due to the popularity of Filipino sexploitation films. On 23 February 2023, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio expressed her gratitude to Senators Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Grace Poe and Sherwin Gatchalian for the separate bills they filed that would amend and expand the board’s mandate. “We welcome the move to amend the charter of the MTRCB as it will allow the agency to adequately adapt to changes in technology and the ever-evolving needs of the viewing public and our other stakeholders,” Sotto-Antonio said before the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Robinhood C. Padilla. Eddie Garcia Act In January 2023, the chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 1270, or the proposed Eddie Garcia Act, at the House plenary session. [caption id="attachment_161367" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] HOUSE Bill 1270 has been proposed in honor of the late actor Eddie Garcia. | Photograph courtesy of gma-7[/caption] Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte authored the bill, which aims to provide workers in the movie, television and radio entertainment industry opportunities for well-paid employment and protect them from economic exploitation, abuse and harassment, as well as hazardous working conditions. The bill was named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died in 2019 after suffering a neck injury while shooting the television series Rosang Agimat, produced by GMA Network. According to Villafuerte, productions would go from 16 to 24 continuous work hours per set and would rush productions to save costs. The proposed law mandates that normal work hours of the worker or talent shall be eight hours a day; overtime work should not exceed more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period; and the total number of work hours shall not exceed 60 hours in a week. Paul Soriano Relatively unknown to most Pinoy moviegoers, filmmaker Paul Soriano was put on the limelight as the man behind the President’s advertisements — way back from campaigns since Marcos started out as vice governor, and then, governor of Ilocos Norte, up until his senatorial campaign, and eventually his campaign for the vice presidency and presidency. [caption id="attachment_161371" align="aligncenter" width="781"] PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ig/PAUL SORIANO[/caption] Of course, the opposition in the film industry predictably canceled Soriano, the blood nephew of First Lady Liza Cacho Araneta-Marcos. Dolly de Leon It was also during the BBM era that Filipina actress Dolly de Leon gained international fame for her performance in the 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness. [caption id="attachment_161366" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dolly de Leon gained international fame for her performance in the 2022 Cannes Palme d’Or winner ‘Triangle of Sadness.’ | Photograph courtesy ofig/dolly de leon[/caption] The 54-year old film, television and theater actress made history by becoming the first Filipino actor to be nominated at the British Academy Film Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Filipino movie fans and critics, having been exposed to global content since the rise of the streamers, plus the proliferation of self-published movie reviews, are generally still disappointed with the output and system of the Philippine film industry, but filled with hope that, with full support from the government, Philippine cinema will finally become truly internationally competitive, sustainable and recognized. The post Phl cinema in the first year of BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SONA should focus on what’s good for the ‘common tao’
Rosalie Medina, is a regular figure at a public market in Quezon City's First District. She obliged to give her observation on the coming 2nd State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to the Daily Tribune, provided that the market where her stall is located should not be named in this article. Popularly known in that market as "Aling Osang", she said her meat stall has been her constant companion in her daily life even when she was still single. Aling Osang inherited the meat stall from her parents who were one of the 'original magbababoy' in that market in the '60s, Now that she has a family of her own, Aling Osang said nothing has changed except the prices of what she sells. "Walang nagbago, kundi yung presyo. Yung paghihirap ko, na gumising ng maaga, magtinda, umuwi at magluto para sa pamilya, then, magtinda uli sa hapon. Yun pa rin ang aking ginagawa ko. (Nothing has changed except the prices of meat. I do the same routine, woke early to vend, go home to cook for the family then vend again)," Medina said. She added, she can no longer live the life they are living before, when their mother and father were able to save money for a house to be their shelter with her six other siblings. "Di ko na magagawa ang nagawa nila. Nagpapasalamat na lang ako at naiwanan nila kami ng matitirahan. Pati itong meat stall. Natulungan ako nito na pag-aralin din ang aking mga anak, gaya nila nanay at tatay (I can't duplicate what they did for us with this small meat stall, but it helps me a lot in sending my kids to school just like my mom and dad,)" Medina said, stressing that no one help them, neither local or national leaders. "SONA, para sa mayayaman lang yan. Di naman namin alam ibig sabihin ng mga pinagsasabi ng mga Presidenteng nagdaan sa buhay natin o namin. Nagdaang lang nang walang nangyari sa amin. Kung di kami magsusumikap, mas mahirap pa ang lagay namin malamang ngayon (SONA are for the rich only. We can't understand what the other presidents' say or have said. They just passed by in our lives. If we don't persevere, we were poorer than what we are now)," she explained, adding that if ever this time, President Marcos would mentioned the lowly people like her, she expects that it must do good to her situation. "Yun may pangako na matutupad. Gaya pag-nagkasakit ako, libre ba ang aking ospital? Yun kapitbahay ko namatay nang nanghihingi ng tulong ang pamilya sa mga pulitikong ito ( I want to hear a promise that can be fulfilled. Like, if I got sicked, will the goverment take care of my hospitalization? I have a neighbor who died asking for help from these politicians)," she said. Mang Danny, an almost 80-year-old scavenger who could no longer remember his surname and age, said he will die without experiencing a good life. His family left him because of his heavy drinking, and he ended up as "nagkakalakal". He said he is now waiting the time of his death. "Inaantay ko na lang ang aking kamatayan para mapahinga na rin (I am just waiting for my death to come, to have an eternal rest)," Danny said. He said he is not interested to hear the President's plan for someone like him. "Isa lang ang gusto ko marinig, bahay sa mga walang bahay. Wala kami nun, kaya napilitan silang palayasin ako (One thing I want to hear is a house for those who do not have one. We don't have a house, that's why they were force to throw me out)," he said. This is what the other poorest of the poor also wanted, who claimed they left out in the 4PH Program. Urban poor groups criticized the administration’s social housing program, Sunday, the eve of the President's SONA, for its being “overly dependent” on private developers and “downright discriminatory” against the poorest of the poor. Declared as the administration’s flagship program, the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) aims to produce one million “affordable” housing each year to address the cumulative housing backlog of some 6.8 million Filipinos. But leaders of urban poor organizations, in a joint statement, stated, “The program is neither affordable nor equitable for the poorest among the homeless Filipinos. Pagkatapos ng anim na taon, maaring nagkabahay ang mga naka-aangat pero ang mahihirap ay hindi." The urban poor network explained that under this private-led housing development program, only the lower- to middle-income families can avail of the P1.1 to P1.5 million housing loan from Pag-IBIG Fund as the poorest of poor, estimated to be 1.7 million of the 6 million beneficiaries, cannot afford a monthly amortization of at least P4,000. Housing loans under 4PH is significantly higher than the current loanable amount of up to P750,000 for socialized housing under Pag-IBIG Fund, with a monthly amortization of P2,445 available for minimum wage earners and low-income families. But informal settler families (ISFs) live under vulnerable conditions of unemployment and underemployment as most of them work in the informal economy with irregular income, the groups said. The P4,000 estimated monthly amortization, the groups said, was based on the one percent interest rate which is the only cost that will be assumed by the government. Pag-IBIG Fund, meanwhile, imposes three percent interest rate for socialized housing loans; but under the 4PH, only one percent shall be paid by the applicant. The rest of the costs in building the units will be assumed by private developers which shall also be charged to household beneficiaries through Pag-IBIG. But since the proposed housing design is high-rise, urban poor leaders said additional costs for the maintenance and operations of said buildings, like elevators and other amenities, shall be borne collectively and may incur additional monthly dues of P2,000 per household. This would mean a family’s total monthly expenditure for housing is at P6,000. “Records would show, however, that even for existing NHA projects, only 22 percent of informal settlers are able to meet the monthly amortization of P300. The P6,000 monthly amortization is 20 times higher than the current NHA cost, making a 4PH's house an impossible dream house for the poorest of the poor. "Hindi pa nagsisimula ang proyekto ay disqualified na ang mahihirap,” said the group. Alternatives Citing a dire need to address the burgeoning housing crisis, urban poor leaders said they are willing to work with the government with an alternative mechanism that they would like to propose. These include a major proposal for the government to make land acquisition and site development for socialized housing a grant to drive down the cost further and make the program more affordable for the poorest of the poor. The groups also want the framework of “People’s Plan” adopted by the government through the enactment of the People’s Plan bill filed in Congress to ensure that ISFs are not merely treated as a “market” in the socialized housing industry but as a major partner and participants for realizing the social objective of eliminating homelessness in the country. It is in the People’s Plan, they said, that a flexible housing program can be formulated democratically which may include, among others, lower cost and mixed-use development of housing estates. Lastly, the groups also opposed to extending the NHA Charter because of the agency’s failure to solve the housing problem for decades and the creation lately of DHSUD. As an alternative, they propose that the housing projects under the NHA be distributed free for the beneficiaries in the same way lands were condoned for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the rural areas. “Kung ang ARBs sa kanayunan ay nabigyan ng Pangulo ng condonation at emancipation sa kanilang mga utang, maari din itong gawin para sa mga ISFs ng kalunsuran,” the group concluded. The post SONA should focus on what’s good for the ‘common tao’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UNITED AND PRODUCTIVE House of Representatives
Given its record harvest of legislation, the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez concluded the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress on a high note. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez Speaker - 19th Congress, House of Representatives First Regular Session Legislative Accomplishments BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LEDAC Priority Bills: SIM Registration Act (RA 11934) Postponement of Barangay and SK Elections to October 2023 (RA 11935) Amending the Fixed Term of the AFP Chief of Staff and other High-Ranking Officials (RA 11939) Agrarian Reform Debts Condonation (RA 11953) Maharlika Investment Fund (RA 11954) Magna Carta of Seafarers E-Governance Act / E-Government Act Negros Island Region Virology Institute of the Philippines Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act National Disease Prevention Management Authority or Center for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Reserve Corps Philippine Passport Act Internet Transaction Act / E-Commerce Law Waste-to-Energy Bill Free Legal Assistance for Police and Soldiers Apprenticeship Act Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers Valuation Reform Eastern Visayas Development Authority Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery National Citizens Service Training Program Rightsizing the National Government National Land Use Act 30-Year National Infrastructure Program Department of Health Specialty Centers Act/Regional Specialty Hospitals Ease of Paying Taxes Local Government Unit Income Classification Amendment to Universal Health Care Act Bureau of Immigration Modernization Act Philippine Salt Industry Development Act Social Impact Bills: HB 5001 - No exam fees in private HEIs for underprivileged students who rank in the top 10 in high school HB 00005 - On-site, in-city, near city, and off-city resettlement program based on people's plan HB 0227 - Protection and welfare of caregivers HB 00988 - Increasing service incentive leave HB 00454 - Enhanced protection, security, and benefits for media workers HB 4477 - Greater responsibility and accountability from private employment agencies, amending Batas Kasambahay HB 04479 - Expanding prohibited acts of discrimination against women on account of sex, amending Labor Code HB 06416 - Strengthening mental health services of state universities and colleges HB 06483 - Abolition of "no permit, no exam" practice in college HB 06509 - Free legal assistance to uniformed personnel for the performance of duty HB 06492 - Freedom of Religion Act HB 00206 - Lowering the optional retirement age of government workers from 60 to 56 HB 06574 - Promotion and delivery of mental health services in basic education HB 06572 - Establishment of public schools of the future in technology HB 06680 - Free full insurance coverage to all qualified agrarian reform beneficiaries HB 01270 - Protection and promotion of the welfare of workers in the film, television, and radio entertainment industry HB 06716 - Mandating the establishment of fisherfolk resettlement areas HB 06718 - Protection and incentives for freelance workers HB 07354 - Evacuation centers in every city and municipality HB 04605 - Right of married women to retain their maiden surnames HB 06772 - Presidential power to suspend or adjust PhilHealth premium increases HB 07387 - Expanding the services for crop insurance HB 07535 - P1 million for centenarians HB 07561 - Mandatory insurance coverage and benefits for all line workers HB 07584 - Abolition of "no permit, no exam" in elementary and secondary classes HB 07909 - Extension of estate tax amnesty HB 07718 - Strengthening the law against illegal recruitment Quote (SFMGR): “As the House of Representatives amply demonstrated, we remain committed to implementing policies that will further stimulate economic activity, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. We will not allow any distraction to derail our efforts at finding appropriate and timely solutions to the problems affecting the lives of our people.” House Leaders: Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" D. Puno Deputy Speakers: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Isidro T. Ungab Roberto V. Puno Camille A. Villar Kristine Singson-Meehan Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza Ralph G. Recto Vincent Franco "Duke" D. Frasco Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" A. Marcos The post UNITED AND PRODUCTIVE House of Representatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Power firm invests P1.5B to modernize
After it obtained a franchise from Congress, a power firm poured in P1.5 billion for projects that will ensure efficient electric service in Iloilo City. This was what MORE Electric and Power Corp., the distribution utility in Iloilo City, has done to address the electricity shortage and high electricity bill in Iloilo City within three years. The move of the power firm got the attention of Senator Grace Poe during the continuation of the joint investigation of the Senate Committee on Energy and Committee on Public Services in relation to the frequent brownout in different parts of the country. She expressed the belief, during a recent proceeding, that the entry of private players like MORE Power is the key to improving the power services and preventing frequent brownouts. In 2020, the power firm started its operation and within three years, its five-year development plan was almost completed. Modernization gets priority According to MORE power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro, since the company took over the power supply in Iloilo City from Panay Electric Company, it has invested P1.5 billion dedicated to the modernization of the power distribution facilities. The investment led to the replacement of old and dilapidated electric meters and wooden electric poles and upgraded the transformers, rehabilitated substations, and constructed of new transmission and switching stations. As a result of modernization, power interruptions have been reduced by 90 percent, overloading and illegal connections have been avoided which has resulted in a decrease in system loss that is passed on to consumers, and the response time to consumer complaints has also been addressed immediately and the electricity bill was reduced. Due to the modernization of distribution facilities, the electricity bill in Iloilo City is one of the lowest in the entire country. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas also commended MORE Power for providing consumer-friendly services. The post Power firm invests P1.5B to modernize appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA, private sector eye advanced salt production plant
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and some private businesses plan to create a national network of advanced salt production plants to support the revival of the salt industry in the Philippines. In a statement on Friday, the DA said agriculture undersecretary Domingo Panganiban and a group of businesspeople discussed last Thursday the proposal for the salt plants to expand local salt production which provides only 7 percent of all salt products in the country. The DA said the salt plants should use technologies and be designed to address climate change, land scarcity, and the highly competitive salt industry worldwide. DA's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources National Director, Atty. Demosthenes Escoto, also pointed to the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide as a major crippling factor. This was signed into law by former president Fidel Ramos in 1995 when goiter caused by iodine deficiency was prevalent among Filipinos. Senator Cynthia Villar already filed a bill for the removal of the iodization requirement and the creation of the Philippine Salt Industry Development Council which will craft policies and programs to revive the local salt industry. The National Economic and Development Authority said these are among the priority bills the current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to be passed by the end of the year. DA Undersecretary Esther Bayate also suggested the streamlining of salt projects with infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure local salt farmers will have access to the markets, including tourists. “The government has an integrated plan that will match the logistics need, plan of DPWH, the farm-to-market road, and the tourism road. If there is any development plan from a local government to request for budget appropriation, it should be within that big plan.” Villar’s chief-of-staff Rhaegge Tamaña had suggested to local governments and business owners to beautify salt farms for photo-taking activities, build nearby food stalls to sell fish harvests, and conduct salt-making demonstrations for tourists to enjoy. In March, the DA launched Oplan Asin to conduct consultations with salt farmers nationwide and allocated a total of P200 million to fund the purchase of postharvest facilities and materials and training sessions to improve salt quality. The post DA, private sector eye advanced salt production plant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»