Bill penalizing non-payment of child support pushed
MANILA - A lawmaker on Monday emphasized the need to redress the current imbalance in child support responsibilities of separated couples as he proposed to make the withholding or stopping of child support as a punishable offense.In a press conference, Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza said it i.....»»
4 life sentences for human trafficker
In the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 33 of Davao City, American national John F. Stanfield, also known as Bill Rush, has been found guilty on multiple counts of heinous crimes, including four counts of qualified trafficking in persons, five counts of rape through sexual assault, one count of attempted rape, and four counts of child abuse. His victims were four minor Filipino children, the youngest being just five years old at the time of the offenses. Stanfield has been sentenced to four life imprisonment terms, coupled with a maximum of 89 years in prison. In addition, he faces a substantial fine totaling P8,000,000 and has been ordered to pay the victim-survivors an aggregate of Php3,850,000 as civil damages......»»
Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims
The office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go spearheaded a relief operation for fire victims in Barangays Kasambagan, Duljo Fatima, and Inayawan in Cebu City on Thursday, 21 September, as part of the senator’s efforts to ensure that the communities fully recover from the incident. The relief operation was held at Brgy. Kasambagan Hall. The senator’s team, together with Brgy. Kasambagan Captain Franklyn Ong, distributed snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 102 fire victims. They also gave away shoes, watches, and mobile phones to select recipients. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided housing assistance to each qualified family. “Isinulong din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go said in a video message. “Isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahan ang programa ng NHA ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added. Go also highlighted Republic Act No. 11589 or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act of 2021. This legislation, principally authored and co-sponsored by Go, is designed to bolster BFP’s capacity through a decade-long modernization initiative. This program encompasses the enlistment of additional firefighters, procurement of more firefighting equipment, and the provision of specialized training. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo,” said Go. As chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also encouraged residents to take advantage of the services offered by the Malasakit Centers nationwide, including the centers located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, all in Cebu City. The Malasakit Center is a convenient one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical aid to indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted over seven million Filipinos through the 159 operational centers nationwide. “Ako po ay nasunugan at tinulungan po ako ng mahal na mayor at mahal na Senator Bong Go... Ako rin po ay nanganak at tinulungan ng Malasakit Center sa aking bill. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go sa programa niya dahil ako ay natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” Manilyn Sarmiento, one of the beneficiaries, expressed. Other Malasakit Centers in the province are available at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Go also expressed his support for the construction of Super Health Centers in strategic locations as identified by DOH nationwide. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. Go emphasized the critical role that Super Health Centers play in decongesting hospitals, facilitating early disease detection, and providing essential healthcare services such as primary care and medical consultations directly to the community. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of basic health services, database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure and bring actual medical services closer to the Filipino people. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go sends assistance to Cebu fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gatchalian pushes for creation of Virology, Vaccine Institute
Senator Win Gatchalian on Saturday rallied anew for the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute in the country as it would help in addressing low child immunization coverage nationwide. Gatchalian cited that the number of unvaccinated children significantly dropped from one million in 2021 to 637,000 in 2022. However, the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization emphasized that more work needs to be done to reach the ideal coverage of 95 percent. Based on the Department of Health’s report as of last year, the vaccine coverage among the eligible population of young children nationwide stood at 59.9 percent. Gatchalian also cited a 2022 research paper by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies which revealed that deep-seated supply-side system issues also contribute to the country's low vaccine coverage. It is on top of vaccine confidence, which is a primary factor in the low immunization coverage in recent years. According to Gatchalian, the PIDS study also identified leadership, planning, and supply chain problems that led to recurring vaccine stock-outs in the past decade as other factors. Hence, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 941, or the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act of 2022, pushing effective initiatives to boost local vaccine development, sustain production, and boost technology transfer. The proposed measure seeks the creation of a Virology and Vaccine Institute—which shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Under the proposed measure, VIP shall undertake scientific and technological research and development in the field of virology It is also tasked to conduct product research and development in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, among others; and the transfer of the results of scientific research and development for use in both the public and private sectors. The research outputs of the VIP shall also be integrated into other plans relating to the management of public health emergencies relating to infectious diseases, as well as disease control and prevention. "Kasabay ng paghhikayat natin sa ating mga magulang na pabakunahan ang kanilang mga anak, mahalagang matiyak din na may sapat tayong suplay ng bakuna at may kakayahan tayong magsagawa ng pananaliksik at mga pag-aaral. Patuloy nating isinusulong ang paglikha ng Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangang ito ng ating mga kababayan," said Gatchalian. The post Gatchalian pushes for creation of Virology, Vaccine Institute appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has remained steadfast in his dedication to assisting disaster victims as shown by his team’s relief operations on Monday, 14 August, to communities affected by fires in Cebu City. Go’s team, in coordination with Mayor Mike Rama, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assisted 103 recovering fire victims gathered at the Atillo Gymnasium in Barangay Punta Princesa. DTI provided livelihood assistance through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which Go pushed for during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation in order to boost livelihood recovery of those affected by various crises. In addition to the livelihood support, Go’s team provided shirts and masks to all beneficiaries, and a pair of shoes, a watch, a cellular phone, and balls for basketball to select recipients. “Sa panahon ng kahirapan at pagsubok dulot ng iba't-ibang sakuna, nais namin sa inyo'y magbigay ng pag-asa at tulong na magbibigay daan sa inyong mga pangarap. Ang programa na ito ay hindi lamang simpleng tulong kundi isang oportunidad upang makabangon at makamtan ang mas magandang kinabukasan,” stressed Go. Go underscored the crucial role of DTI’s PPG program in providing opportunities for sustainable income generation and the agency’s dedication to assisting affected communities in their journey toward recovery and rebuilding their lives. “Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya... mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he added. In a video message, Go highlighted his other efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery strategies on a broader scale. He also asked for support for the passage of Senate Bill No. 188, which aims to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). The proposed legislation envisions a new government department led by a cabinet secretary, focusing on comprehensive approaches to strengthen disaster preparedness across the country. The DDR's core areas of concentration include disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and the advancement of resilience. “Mayro’n rin po ako nai-file na Department of Disaster Resilience, ito pong departamento na ito, a cabinet-secretary level na siya po ang makikipag-coordinate bago pa dumating ‘yung bagyo at ilikas po ang mga kababayan natin sa ligtas na lugar at preposition of goods,” Go explained. “Part rin po ito ng trabaho nila ang disaster-related tulad ng sunog. Kapag may lindol, sunog, bagyo at itong pagputok ng bulkan, ilikas na kaagad sa mga ligtas na lugar. Iyan po ang Department of Disaster Resilience at restoration of normalcy kaagad,” he added. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 in Cebu City after he personally witnessed the struggles of financially incapacitated Filipinos in getting medical assistance from the government. It was later institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally sponsored and authored. To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers, including those at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, that have helped over seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Other Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. Moreover, Go said DOH has identified areas to construct Super Health Centers (SHCs) in the province. SHCs were funded to be established in the cities of Bogo, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue; and in the towns of Borbon, Cordova, Moalboal, Samboan, and San Francisco in 2022. This year, more Super Health Centers were funded in the cities of Carcar, Cebu, Talisay, and Toledo; and in the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Liloan, Medellin, and San Nicolas. An additional SHC will also be established in Danao City. “Ang isang malaking bagay dito ay ang early detection kung may sakit ang isang pasyente. Dahil nasa kanilang komunidad ang SHC, madali na para sa kanya ang magpakonsulta. At kung malalaman agad ang sakit ng isang pasyente, mabibigyan siya ng primary care, malalapatan ng lunas, at lalaki ang tsansa na maka-recover siya sa kanyang sakit,” he explained. SHCs offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the funding of various projects in the province, including the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. The post Bong Go boosts fire victims’ recovery in Cebu City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House panel OKs bill penalizing use of corporal punishment against children
The House panel on the welfare of children has approved a bill banning the use of corporal punishment to discipline children — a measure that lawmakers and child rights advocates hope would deter incidents of child abuse within homes......»»
Imee vs BBM? ‘Never ever’
Senator Imee Marcos has set the record straight regarding her relationship with her younger brother, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. At Thursday’s Kapihan sa Senado, Imee said despite her open criticism of the administration, she has rejected the invitation for her to join the opposition. “I am solid administration, there’s no ifs or buts. I’m only here to protect the President and the family name,” she said. She added: “We fought hard and long for this, and we’re deeply invested in making certain that the Marcos administration would work.” Earlier this week, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said he was willing to take Senator Marcos in should she decide to join the opposition. Pimentel, the other oppositionist in the Senate along with Sen. Risa Hontiveros, later clarified that his invitation was a “joke,” but that it remained on the table. ‘I love my brother’ Having differing opinions, according to Imee, is quite normal in their family, noting that their late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., likewise was not averse to contrary positions. “In our family, we always have discussions. We have different opinions. When my father was still alive, he was happy if he was being opposed. He was annoyed, but he was happy,” she said. “I am not opposing anything. We’re trying to hammer out details. I love my brother and we will never ever separate because of one simple reason: we came from only one tree.” Imee said her role in her brother’s administration was more of a “shepherd,” stressing that role is important to “protect” their family name. “My brother in his SoNA gave all the directions. I agree with that. Now, what should we do, there should be the ones to provide details. My role now is to focus on agencies and secretaries to find the best ways,” she said. “I am protecting my brother and, most of all, our name from any failures and fiascos. We have waited for 36 years, we cannot afford to make any mistakes,” she said. The siblings’ relationship has always been the subject of grapevine talk, even before Marcos Jr. ascended to the presidency. Historian Ambeth Ocampo had noted that Marcos Sr., in a diary entry, confirmed having a “soft spot for his elder daughter, (as) the child most likely to succeed.” Ocampo claimed the Marcos patriarch even “wished” that Imee had been a boy. Despite Imee’s longer years in politics, her younger brother, their father’s namesake, has given them the biggest comeback to the political arena after they were forced out of Malacañang and into exile by the 1986 People Power Revolution. Logical Pimentel’s invitation for the elder Marcos sibling to join the opposition did not come out of nowhere. Senator Marcos, the eldest of the four children of Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, had publicly called out certain actions of the President. Last year, the President’s first act after assuming office was to veto House Bill 7575 or the proposed Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act. Having sponsored the measure before the plenary, Senator Marcos expressed dismay over her brother’s action and even warned him that it could send a wrong message to foreign investors. Earlier this year, she found herself opposed to her brother’s take on the EDSA anniversary, the event that not only changed their lives but the course of the country. The President said he was “one with the nation” in “remembering those times of tribulation and how we came out of them united and stronger as a nation.” Likewise, he offered reconciliation to “those with different political persuasions.” In contrast, Imee shared her thoughts about what she called the “truth” of EDSA. “For beyond the lesson of people power, or even what others have called mere military adventurism, a power grab, or even the endless clash of elites, to me the truth of EDSA is that we owe millions of Filipinos still living in squalor and insecurity, ignorance and hunger the promise of change,” she said. “Together, as one nation, let us go forth to transform this poor and unjust country into a Philippines that is, truly and finally, for all Filipinos,” she added. Likewise, Senator Marcos did not vote on the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund bill, a priority measure of the President. Less than a month after the Senate approved the measure, the lawmaker admitted that she deliberately skipped voting on the measure as it was “hinog sa pilit” or forcibly ripened. “We don’t talk frequently. I only see him when we have family affairs or official functions,” she said. “Sometimes, Sandro would approach me. Sometimes, he would send Sandro to tell me something. It is like that. Sometimes, I also get annoyed.” “It is okay, we are a normal family, but we don’t have a kitchen table these days. We’re also busy. Otherwise, it would have been around my mother’s kitchen table where we argue and discuss and dispute. It’s fun.” The post Imee vs BBM? ‘Never ever’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Imee says she’s not joining opposition: ‘I love my brother’
Senator Imee Marcos has set the record straight on her relationship with her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During Thursday’s Kapihan sa Senado, Imee rejected the invitation offered to her by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III for her to be part of the opposition given her criticisms of the administration's policies on several occasions. “I am a solid administration, there’s no ifs or buts. I’m only here to protect the president and the family name,” she stressed. “We fought hard and long for this, and we’re deeply invested in making certain that the Marcos administration should work,” she added. Earlier this week, Pimentel III said he is willing to adopt the older Marcos should she decide to join the opposition. Pimentel, the other half of the two-member minority bloc in the upper chamber, explained that his invitation, although it was only a “joke,” was still on the table. Presently, there are only two members of the minority in the Senate: Pimentel and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros. Quite normal But having differing opinions, according to Imee, is quite normal in their family. She noted that their late father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., likewise followed this approach. “In our family, we always have discussions. We have different opinions. When my father was still alive, he was happy if he was being opposed. He was annoyed, but he was happy,” she explained. “I am not opposing anything. We’re trying to hammer out details. I love my brother and we will never ever separate because of one simple reason: We came from only one tree,” she added. Imee also noted that her role in her brother’s administration is more of a “shepherd,” stressing that it was needed to “protect” their family name. “My brother in his SONA gave all the directions. I agree with that... My role now is to focus on agencies and secretaries to find the best ways,” she said. “I am protecting my brother and most of all our name from any failures and fiascos. We have waited for 36 years, we cannot afford to make any mistakes,” she added. Sibling relationship Imee and Bongbong’s relationship has always been the subject of speculation even before the latter ascended to the presidency. In the January 2022 column of historian Ambeth Ocampo, he noted that Marcos Sr., in his diaries, had “had a soft spot for his eldest daughter, the child most likely to succeed.” Ocampo said that the Marcos patriarch even “wished” Imee to be a boy. Despite Imee’s longer years in politics, her younger brother, who shared the name of their father, gave the Marcos family the biggest comeback in the country's political history by winning the 2022 presidential elections. Imee, the eldest among the four children of Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, had publicly called out certain actions of the president. Last year, the President’s first action after assuming office was vetoing House Bill No. 7575 or the proposed Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act. Imee, who sponsored the measure before the plenary, expressed her dismay at her brother’s actions and even warned him that it could send a wrong message to foreign investors. Earlier this year, the lawmaker also figured in a tug-of-war with her brother on their family’s take on the anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution, the event that sent them into political exile. The president said he was “one with the nation” in “remembering those times of tribulation and how we came out of them united and stronger as a nation." He offered the hand of reconciliation to “those with different political persuasions.” Imee had a different perspective about what she called the “truth” of EDSA. “For beyond the lesson of people power, or even what others have called mere military adventurism, a power grab, or even the endless clash of elites, to me the truth of EDSA is that we owe millions of Filipinos still living in squalor and insecurity, ignorance and hunger the promise of change,” she said. Imee also abstained from voting for the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund bill, the brainchild of the President, when the upper chamber was deciding whether to pass or reject the measure. Less than a month after the Senate approved the measure, the lawmaker admitted that she deliberately skipped voting on the measure as it was “hinog sa pilit” or forced to ripen. But Imee pointed out that their family is no different from any other household, saying she is sometimes “annoyed” by her brother’s actions. “We don’t talk frequently. I only see him when we have family affairs or official functions,” she said. “Sometimes, Sandro would approach me. Sometimes, he would send Sandro to tell me something. It is like that. Sometimes, I also get annoyed.” “It is okay, we are a normal family, but we don't have a kitchen table these days. We're also busy. Otherwise, it would have been around my mother's kitchen table where we [would] argue and discuss and dispute. It's fun.” The post Imee says she’s not joining opposition: ‘I love my brother’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mental health law for students pushed
In a significant move to prioritize the mental health of Filipino students, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill 2200, or the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which aims to provide comprehensive mental health support for and promote the overall well-being of the youth in the country’s basic education system. The proposed measure is principally authored and sponsored by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education. “As we strive for progress and development, we must recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health in the lives of our young learners. Basic education forms the foundation upon which the future of our nation is built. It equips the youth with knowledge, skills and values, empowering them to become responsible citizens and contributors to society,” said Go, in his co-sponsorship speech last Wednesday, 17 May. “However, the well-being of our students should not be overlooked in this pursuit of academic excellence. We must acknowledge the inseparable connection between education and mental health, as a child cannot thrive academically if (his/her) mental well-being is compromised,” he continued. Under the proposed bill, private and public basic education schools will be mandated to integrate mental health education and support services into their curriculum. It recognizes the urgent need to address mental health concerns among students, considering the increasing prevalence of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, among the youth. Go cited that promoting mental health must be a crucial component of the educational system. By addressing mental health concerns early on, students can develop resilience, coping mechanisms and emotional intelligence, which are vital for their overall growth and success, he added. Third and final reading As this developed, Go expressed his gratitude to his fellow lawmakers as his proposed Senate Bill 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, passed the third and final reading in the Senate. In a manifestation last Monday, 29 May, Go, as sponsor of the measure, placed significant emphasis on the invaluable role of the Filipino people in shaping public policies especially in the healthcare system, stating, “It is your experiences and stories that have driven us to create a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible and designed to meet the needs of every Filipino.” The post Mental health law for students pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides additional support to TESDA graduates in Cebu
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go extended his congratulations to the graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Argao, Cebu, and provided them with additional support through his team. In his video message during the ceremonies held on 25 May, Go urged the graduates to employ their newly acquired skills to bolster the growth of the country's economy and help uplift their communities. “We need more skilled workers in various industries, and I encourage you, graduates, to use your newly acquired skills to help our country's economy grow. You are now equipped to contribute to our society and make a positive impact in your respective communities,” said Go. Go, likewise, extended his commendation to the TESDA instructors, trainers, and staff members who played an instrumental role in the success of the graduates. “Kung hindi dahil sa kanilang dedikasyon, hindi magiging posible ang programang ito,” he said. Following the ceremony, his team distributed assistance to the graduates in a relief activity held at the Argao Sports Complex. A total of 373 graduates received grocery packs, snacks, and shirts. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Go also offered additional help to those in need of medical care. He encouraged Cebuanos to avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Centers located at the Cebu City Medical Center, St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital, and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, both in Cebu City; Cebu South Medical Center in Talisay City; Eversley Childs Sanitarium Hospital in Mandaue City; Lapu-Lapu District Hospital; and Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City. Go principally authored and sponsored the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. There are now 157 Malasakit Centers nationwide which have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go likewise supported the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barili, Cordova, Ginatilan, Pilar, Tabogon, and Talisay City; improvement of existing roads in Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Balamban, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Madrilejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Carcar City, and Naga City; improvement of flood mitigation structures in Catmon and Tuburan; installation of street lights in Asturias, Compostela, and Daanbantayan; and acquisition of ambulance units for Madridejos and Naga City. Ending his message, Go expressed his utmost gratitude to TESDA for its pivotal role in providing invaluable skills and competencies to Filipinos. “Habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang inyong graduation, lubos din akong nagpapasalamat sa TESDA dahil matagumpay ito na nakapagbibigay ng mga kakayahan at kasanayan sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. The senator acknowledged that TESDA's role has empowered countless individuals with job and livelihood opportunities, ultimately leading them toward a brighter and more prosperous future. Earlier, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 2115, which aims to institutionalize a technical-vocational education and training and livelihood program designed specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. The post Bong Go provides additional support to TESDA graduates in Cebu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wes Anderson says lockdown helped inspire ‘Asteroid City’
Wes Anderson's new film puts Westerns, theatre, 1950s Americana, and an alien into a blender for another of his atypical -- and star-packed -- concoctions that he says is about "reckoning with forces beyond your control". As always, "Asteroid City", which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, features a roster of actors that reads like a Hollywood phonebook. Tom Hanks, Steve Carell, and Margot Robbie -- newcomers to the Anderson family -- join past collaborators Scarlett Johansson and Edward Norton and regulars like Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, and Tilda Swinton in the film. The one-of-a-kind director never seems too influenced by events in the real world, but he told AFP the Covid-19 pandemic did have an impact. "This movie is certainly informed by the most bizarre viral moment in recent history," he said. "Writing it during this pandemic, in the middle of the most locked-down lockdown, we were not sure we would ever go out again -- so I think that's sorta in it. Hanks is intimidating "Asteroid City" is a bizarre and knotty tale set in a remote desert town where a group of child geniuses is gathered for a science competition that is interrupted by an alien visitor, leaving them locked up in quarantine. But in typically convoluted Anderson form, the desert story is presented as a play being performed in New York. Anderson says he wanted to pay homage to actors, who remain something of a mystery to him, even after working with the biggest names in the business. "Many of the actors are my friends now, but nevertheless they are different on set," Anderson said. "Actors recognize something in each other that normal people don't go through -- this thing of being the one who everyone is going to watch. It has this interesting strange effect. It became part of what the movie is about." Working with Hanks was a joy, he told AFP, though he was initially nervous. "He's a wonderful actor but also a huge movie star... it's intimidating. "But his manner on set is: you suggest something and he says 'Sorry, I should have thought of that.' That encourages you to be better because you're empowered by this person with such an aura." Scarlett's smokey voice One person who is glaringly absent is Bill Murray, who has appeared in all of Anderson's films since "Rushmore" in 1998. "Bill was cast in a part but then he got Covid three days before we were supposed to shoot," said Anderson. "We replaced him very quickly with the wonderful Steve Carell who was great." Luckily, Murray's health improved to come to hang out on set for the last of the shoot, he added, and Carell turns in a hilarious cameo as a hotel owner. What Anderson often loves most about his actors is their voice, something he discovered when he cast George Clooney as the lead in the animated film "Fantastic Mr. Fox". "Only when I recorded George did I realize how much it's about his voice? And that kinda applies to the majority of actors -- so much depends on the voice." Johansson, who did the voiceover for Anderson's "Isle of Dogs" (2018) "has this wonderful, slightly smokey voice," he said. Arguably, no director has ever had a style that is so immediately recognizable as Anderson's: the symmetrical playhouse-like sets, bright colors, and deadpan irony. He can't help it. "There's a way I do scenes that is just me," he said. "It's more like a condition than a choice." The post Wes Anderson says lockdown helped inspire ‘Asteroid City’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
School-based mental health bill gains backing
Senate Bill 2200 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act seeking to institutionalize a school-based mental health program in public and private basic education institutions nationwide reached the Senate plenary. “You are not weak for struggling with mental health issues,” Senator Win Gatchalian said. He stressed that every youth silently bearing the weight of their mental health struggles will benefit from the proposed measure he sponsored before the other senators on Wednesday. Gatchalian, who chairs the committee on basic education, said it will define the role of every stakeholder in the school community to appropriately respond to mental health concerns through prevention, intervention, postvention and recovery. Meantime, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the co-author of the bill, said the well-being of students shouldn’t be overlooked as it is also among the prerequisite to children’s academic excellence. “We must acknowledge the inseparable connection between education and mental health, as a child cannot thrive academically if his or her mental well-being is compromised,” said Go, who also chairs the committee on health and demography. Go also stressed the need to establish available mental health care services not only in basic education but also within higher education, thus, filing Senate Bill 1786 which mandates Public Higher Education Institutions to also establish their own mental health offices. If passed into law, students can sufficiently acquire essential school-based mental health services, including screening, evaluation, assessment, and monitoring, mental health first aid, crisis response and referral system, mental health awareness and literacy, emotional, developmental, and preventive programs, and other support services such as strengthening the learners’ family bonds. Under the bill, the Department of Education shall implement complementary measures to eliminate the stigma of mental health counseling. This will be backed by mental health awareness programs and literacy and appropriate mental health-related referrals to teaching and non-teaching personnel. “The cornerstone of this legislation is the establishment of a Care Center in every public basic education school in the country, and ensuring their establishment and maintenance in private schools,” Gatchalian said. The lawmaker explained that the Center will be equipped with functional physical facilities, located within an adequate space -- where confidentiality is maintained and accessible to the learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel. The law also urges DepEd to “hire and capacitate competent personnel” whose duties and responsibilities shall be geared towards promoting and ensuring the mental health and well-being of all learners. Senator Ronald dela Rosa, on the other hand, said the increasing number of mental health victims in basic education should gain attention. “We must take action. I am moved by this measure, and I support such a wonderful bill, as it aims to equip our children with the needed tools both to believe in themselves and to believe that their lives are worth living,” said Dela Rosa. Other co-authors of the bill are Senators Joel Villanueva, Nancy Binay, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Lito Lapid. Senators Risa Hontiveros, Dela Rosa, Sonny Angara, and Loren Legarda as well as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri co-sponsored the measure during the plenary. The post School-based mental health bill gains backing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zambales eyes ‘Bahay Kalinga’ construction
BOTOLAN, Zambales — Zambales Representative Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz has filed a bill in the House of Representatives for the creation of the Zambales Bahay Kalinga that will become a safe haven for abused children here. Maniquiz met with the public and private sectors last week and discussed the need for a shelter for sexually abused children, and pleaded for backing for the proposed multi-million facility. The official gained support from Vice Governor Jacqueline Rose Khonghun, Zambales Mayors League president Jeffrey Khonghun and all 13 municipal mayors of Zambales, Family Court Presiding Judge Maribel Mariano-Beltran of the Regional Trail Court in Iba, lawyer Jomari Nacin of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, and representatives from the local business community. “This dream project won’t materialize without the support of the stakeholders in Zambales, which is why I knock on the hearts of public officials and local investors, as well as ordinary concerned citizens, to help us put up the center,” Maniquiz said. “Either we give these abused children a safe place for them to grow up normally and find their place in the society, or we give up on them and let them carry the scarring all their lives,” she added. Data showed that Zambales has a total of 137 cases of incestuous rape, which also makes for a high local incidence of child sexual violence. A national baseline study on violence against children in the Philippines conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund in 2015 showed a 13.7 percent prevalence of overall sexual violence in the home; 7.1 percent prevalence in the workplace; 5.3 percent in the school; 7.8 percent in the community; and 14.1 percent during dating. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic also saw an unsettling rise in child sex abuse, which included forcing children to perform live sex shows for pedophiles online, authorities said. A recent study by Unicef and Save the Children Fund estimates that around one in five Filipino children are now at risk of sexual exploitation. The post Zambales eyes ‘Bahay Kalinga’ construction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russian strike kills nine, including toddler, in eastern Ukraine
Russia shelled a block of flats in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk, killing nine people, authorities said Saturday, including a two-year-old boy who was rescued from the rubble but died on his way to hospital. Friday's strike on the quiet neighborhood came as Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill that will make it easier to mobilize citizens into the army and block them from fleeing the country if drafted. Russia also said it was pushing further into the hotspot of Bakhmut, 45 kilometers (27 miles) southeast of Sloviansk, which is one of the cities that will be at risk if Kyiv loses the longest and bloodiest battle of the war. Sloviansk lies in a part of the Donetsk region that is under Ukrainian control. According to Kyiv, it was struck by seven missiles which hit five buildings, five homes, a school and an administrative building. Vadim Lyakh, the head of Sloviansk's military administration, said Saturday that nine people died -- including a woman whose body was recovered from the rubble overnight -- and 21 were wounded. Five people were still under the rubble and their identities were established, he said. AFP journalists saw rescue workers digging for survivors on the top floor of the typical Soviet-era housing block, and black smoke billowing from homes on fire across the street. "A child died in an ambulance after being pulled out from the rubble," Ukrainian police said on Twitter. Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska sent her condolences to the child's family during this "indescribable grief". President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier denounced Russia for "brutally shelling" residential buildings and "killing people in broad daylight". The street below -- including a playground -- was covered in concrete dust and debris, including torn pages from school books and children's drawings. Shocked residents "I live on the opposite side of the street and I was sleeping a little when I heard this huge boom and I ran out from my flat," 59-year-old resident Larisa told AFP. "I was really scared and in a state of shock," she said, adding that the impact of the shelling had broken her windows and sent shards of glass flying throughout her home. "I heard a woman screaming, 'there's a child here, there's a child here' -- She was screaming so much." A resident nearby, who declined to give her name, told AFP the strikes had blown out her windows and dislodged her front door from its frame. "No one from our side of the building was injured but maybe someone here was," she said, pointing to a pool of blood next to another entrance of her building. Fresh mobilization drive More than a year after Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine, fears are high in Russia that the government is planning a fresh mobilization drive after a bill was rushed through parliament this week to create a digital draft system. Under the legislation, which Putin signed Friday, a draftee would be banned from travelling abroad and would have to report to an enlistment office once electronic call-up papers were received. Tens of thousands of men fled Russia last autumn after Putin announced a mobilization to prop up the forces in Ukraine. The strike on Sloviansk, which many residents have fled since Russia invaded, came as Moscow said it was pushing to take more districts of ravaged Bakhmut. The town has become a fixation of military commanders despite having little strategic value, leading to a brutal nine-month war of attrition. "Wagner assault units are conducting high-intensity combat operations to conquer the western districts of the city," the Russian army said in a statement, referring to the private paramilitary group. Russian airborne troops were "providing support to assault squads and halting the enemy's attempts to deliver ammunition to the city and bring in reserves", it added. Separately, an intelligence source said any pullout from Bakhmut would be slow and gradual because there was only a narrow escape path left. The post Russian strike kills nine, including toddler, in eastern Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russian strike kills eight, including toddler, in eastern Ukraine
Russia shelled a block of flats in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk on Friday, killing eight people, including a toddler who was pulled out of the rubble but died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, authorities said. The strike on the quiet neighborhood came as Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill that will make it easier to mobilize citizens into the army and block them from fleeing the country if drafted. Russia also said it was pushing further into the hotspot of Bakhmut, 45 kilometers (27 miles) southeast of Sloviansk, which is one of the cities that will be at risk if Kyiv loses the longest and bloodiest battle of the war. Sloviansk lies in a part of the Donetsk region that is under Ukrainian control. "21 people were wounded and eight people died," Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of the Donetsk region, said on Ukrainian television after the strike devastated an apartment building. He said the child who died was a boy. AFP journalists saw rescue workers digging for survivors on the top floor of the typical Soviet-era housing bloc, and black smoke billowing from homes on fire across the street. "A child died in an ambulance after being pulled out from the rubble," Ukrainian police said on Twitter. Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska sent her condolences to the child's family during this "indescribable grief". President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier denounced Russia for "brutally shelling" residential buildings and "killing people in broad daylight". The street below -- including a playground -- was covered in concrete dust and debris, including torn pages from school books and children's drawings. Shocked residents "I live on the opposite side of the street and I was sleeping a little when I heard this huge boom and I ran out from my flat," 59-year-old resident Larisa told AFP. "I was really scared and in a state of shock," she said, adding that the impact of the shelling had broken her windows and sent shards of glass flying throughout her home. "I heard a woman screaming, 'there's a child here, there's a child here' -- She was screaming so much." A resident nearby, who declined to give her name, told AFP that the strikes had blown out her windows and dislodged her front door from its frame. "No one from our side of the building was injured but maybe someone here was," she added, pointing to a pool of blood next to another entrance of her building. Russia pushes to take Bakhmut More than a year after Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine, fears are high in Russia that the government is planning a fresh mobilization drive after a bill was rushed through parliament this week to create a digital draft system. Under the legislation, which Putin signed Friday, a draftee would be banned from traveling abroad and would have to report to an enlistment office once electronic call-up papers are received. Tens of thousands of men fled Russia last autumn after Putin announced a mobilization to prop up the forces in Ukraine. The strike on Sloviansk, which many residents have fled since Russia invaded, came as Moscow said it was pushing to take more districts of ravaged Bakhmut. Despite having little strategic value, the town has become a fixation of military commanders, leading to a brutal nine-month war of attrition. "Wagner assault units are conducting high-intensity combat operations to conquer the western districts of the city," the Russian army said in a statement, referring to the private paramilitary group. Russian airborne troops were "providing support to assault squads and halting the enemy's attempts to deliver ammunition to the city and bring in reserves", it added. On Thursday, Moscow claimed to have cut off Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut. Kyiv denied the claim, saying it had access to its troops and was able to send in munitions. Ukraine has vowed to continue defending Bakhmut. But on the ground, Ukrainian sources near Bakhmut told AFP on Friday that Kyiv's forces were in a "difficult" position. "I know that many of our soldiers are missing, that positions were lost and it was impossible to evacuate or withdraw the troops," an army source said while adding that Ukraine was still "bringing in fresh people" into Bakhmut. Separately, an intelligence source said any pullout from Bakhmut would be slow and gradual, as there was only a narrow escape path left. The post Russian strike kills eight, including toddler, in eastern Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bill penalizing non-payment of child support pushed
MANILA - A lawmaker on Monday emphasized the need to redress the current imbalance in child support responsibilities of separated couples as he proposed to make the withholding or stopping of child support as a punishable offense.In a press conference, Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza said it i.....»»
Senate bill vs. online child abuse draws international support
Rights groups, an international development organization and the Australian government on Thursday collectively urged both chambers of Congress to immediately pass a bill that would strengthen protections against online sexual abuse and the exploitation of children. .....»»
CHR urges swift passage of bill vs. online child abuse, exploitation
The Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday threw its support behind a Senate bill seeking to boost protections against online sexual abuse and the exploitation of children. .....»»
Pass bill increasing age of sexual consent, Senate urged
Child rights advocates have asked the Senate to speed up the passage of a bill that seeks to increase the age for determining the commission of statutory rape from below 12 to below 16......»»
Group lauds impending passage of bill vs child marriage
“As with other forms of sexual and gender-based violence, child marriage is rooted in gender inequality and poverty." The post Group lauds impending passage of bill vs child marriage appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Solons seek to shelve vehicle Child Safety Act
A committee in the House of Representatives on Wednesday vowed to pass a bill postponing the implementation of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act......»»