Calida s allowances, budget reallocations raised in OSG budget deliberation at Senate
A Senate panel on Monday moved to defer the approval of the Office of the Solicitor General’s 2021 proposed budget over Solicitor General Jose Calida’s allowances, the office’s fund allocations and its tasks beyond its Charter......»»
DBM: P30 billion released for 2023 allowances of HCWs
The Department of Budget and Management last year released P30.1 billion in emergency allowances for health care and non-health care workers nationwide......»»
Senator seeks prompt release of health emergency allowances
Sen. Bong Go, chair of the Senate committee on health, has reiterated his appeal to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track the release of the health emergency allowances (HEA) still due to health care workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic......»»
LGUs’ classification, revenue basis codified
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a bill classifying local government units based on their revenues to establish a basis for their separate financial allocations and other forms of assistance. Republic Act 11964 seeks to institutionalize the automatic income classification of LGUs as a “more responsive approach” to support the local economy and “enable LGUs to realize their full economic potential.” “In line with this, the State recognizes the need to determine the financial capability and fiscal position of local government units,” the new law read in a statement released on Friday. The government determines the level of administrative and statutory help, financial grants, and other forms of support to be given to an LGU on the LGU revenue classification system. Likewise, the revenue categorization of LGUs is used to ascertain its financial capacity to carry out projects and programs, as well as how it would carry out administrative orders on allowances and salary regulations. The first general income reclassification would take place six months after RA 11964 goes into force, and afterward, every three years, Malacañang said. According to the law, municipalities are divided into five classes based on their annual average regular income for three fiscal years before the LGU’s general income is reclassified. The classifications of municipality based on annual average income are as follows: first class: P200,000,000; second class: P160,000,000 to P200,000,00; third class: P130,000,000 to P160,000,00; fourth class: P90,000,000 to P130,000,000; and fifth class: less than P90,000,000. This will determine the “LGU capability to undertake development programs and projects” and the overall yearly supplemental appropriation for personal services for all units. Compensation adjustments for LGU employees will also be predicated on classification following the “Salary Standardization Law of 2019.” The classification also includes the following: Minimum wages for domestic workers, bases for the creation of new local government units (LGUs), the number of elective members in Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Bayan, free patent titles for residential land, government service insurance system coverage for LGU properties, and the maximum percentage of agricultural land area that can be reclassified and used. On January 1st of the year following the Finance Secretary’s release of the income classification table, the provinces, cities, and municipalities will undergo their first income reclassification. Within three months of the law’s enactment, the Department of Finance will draft the rules and regulations that will carry out its provisions in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management and after consulting with the local government leagues. The post LGUs’ classification, revenue basis codified appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go seeks proper HCW compensation
In a recent Committee on Finance hearing on Thursday, 28 September, for the Department of Health’s budget, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed concern over the proposed P19.9-billion funding allocated for the unpaid allowances of healthcare workers, asking whether these are enough to cover the entire workforce. “We want to know if this budget is enough to cover the balances due to our healthcare workers. We must properly compensate our health workforce,” said Go in a recent Committee on Finance hearing last 28 September. Go’s concerns echo his previous calls for the DoH and the Department of Budget and Management to expedite the release of Covid-19 allowances for healthcare workers. He emphasized the urgency of providing healthcare workers with their well-deserved benefits, especially for their services during the pandemic. Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate of Republic Act 11712, which grants benefits and allowances to healthcare workers during public health emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic. Public and private healthcare workers covered by the law are entitled to emergency allowance for every month of service during a state of public health emergency based on the risk categorization. “While we are doing everything to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos, let us not forget our healthcare workers. I am appealing to DoH and our finance managers to make sure that the benefits due to our healthcare workers in accordance with prevailing laws are released efficiently and without further delays,” he said. GM The post Go seeks proper HCW compensation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PHAPi: Cyber-attack on PhilHealth to further delay unpaid claims reimbursement
The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. on Wednesday said it is expecting further delays in the reimbursement of arrears of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to private hospitals due to the cyber-attack on the agency’s online system. According to PHAPi president Dr. Rene de Grano, the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s online system is expected to cause further delay in its promise to settle its outstanding debts to hospitals amounting to P27 billion. “During the past hearing, PhilHealth president [Emmanuel] Mandy Ledesma promised to pay by December the P27 billion-worth of supposed arrears of PhilHealth to different hospitals,” De Grano told reporters in a chance interview. “Of course, we are hoping that it will be pushed through. But then this problem (cyber-attack) came, which made PhilHealth’s entire system down, then of course, we will be expecting more delays,” he added. Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. As defined by Trend Micro, a multinational cyber security software company, ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. In the state-run health insurer’s case, the Medusa ransomware group was said to be demanding $300,000 in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. Worst case scenario Earlier this month, Ledesma made a commitment before lawmakers in the budget deliberation of the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed P199 billion budget of the Department of Health for next year that the state-run health insurer would settle “a bulk or majority” of its P27 billion unpaid claims to various hospitals in the country. Of the P27 billion worth of unpaid claims by PhilHealth to various hospitals, P10 to P15 billion are estimated to be from private hospitals. Unlike big private hospitals that have “buffer funds,” De Grano said that further delays in payment would cripple the operations of smaller private hospitals. “Most of the small private hospitals rely on or are very dependent on patients who are NBB, charity patients, or no balance billing,” he said. “If there would be further delay in payments, smaller private hospitals will run out of money to the point that it will affect their cash flow. It will affect their operations.” If the non-payment of PhilHealth continues, he warned that smaller private hospitals would require their patients to pay their bills from their pockets. “The worst that will happen, initially, perhaps smaller private hospitals would no longer accept [PhilHealth] beneficiaries. They would ask patients to pay their bills out of their pockets,” he said. “Because, otherwise, we can no longer provide these services. Private hospitals are paying for their nurses, medicines, and supplies. If PhilHealth won’t pay them, it would empty their funds,” he added. Delayed HEA Meanwhile, De Grano also expressed his support for the complaint filed by a group of private healthcare workers against several DOH regional offices before the Anti-Red Tape Authority over the long overdue distribution of their health emergency allowances or HEA. “They prioritized the government facilities. The private [hospitals] were left,” he said. “They should tell the truth. They must tell if there are no longer funds available.” Earlier this week, the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines, whose members are part of at least 26 private hospitals in the country, filed a complaint against DOH regional offices over its failure to distribute P5.8 billion worth of HEA. Under Republic Act No. 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, healthcare workers who were at the frontline of the government's fight against COVID-19 are mandated to receive HEA and other benefits. The post PHAPi: Cyber-attack on PhilHealth to further delay unpaid claims reimbursement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solon expects stronger SK programs
Constituents of those who would be elected in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan elections could expect stronger and more progressive programs from their respective leaders, according to Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Sunday. Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Youth, said with the completion of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11768 which introduced new reforms to the SK system, the youth sector can expect better performance from their representatives. “Critics of the SK have questioned its relevance and see it as being politicized,” Angara said. “We introduced the amendments to the SK system in RA 11768 in response to these criticisms with the hope that the young members of the community who will be part of the body will do more as youth leaders and become strong partners of the government in nation-building,” he added. The lawmaker stressed that, for years, the SK has been criticized for undertaking the same activities that do little to benefit youth development such as organizing sportsfests and pageants. To address this, the law provides clear guidelines on the types of programs, projects, and activities that can be undertaken by the SK using the funds provided to them. These include the provision of student stipends, food, book and transportation allowances; sports and wellness projects; skills training, summer employment, cash-for-work, on-the-job training, and livelihood assistance; projects promoting the participation of the youth and their initiation in agricultural, fishery, and forestry enterprises; programs and activities that will locate the youth at the forefront of climate action, environmental protection and conservation efforts; capacity building for grassroots organization and leadership; and programs and activities that address context-specific and intersectional vulnerabilities of young people. “We want to ensure that the SK stays true to its mandate of providing the youth in the communities with programs that will be useful to them and help them become productive members of society,” Angara said. The new measure also addresses the waning interest of the youth in joining the SK, including the absence of honoraria for most of its members. Under the law, the SK members, secretaries and treasurers will now be entitled to allowances that will be charged against the SK funds. A cap of 25 percent on the utilization of SK funds for personnel services was included in the law to ensure that the bulk of the budget will go to programs, projects and activities that will benefit the youth. At present, only the SK chairpersons are entitled to honoraria by virtue of their status as ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Barangays. The measure also authorizes the local government units to provide additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay to the SK chairpersons and members through their own local ordinances. SK officials and members will be exempted from taking any components of the National Service Training Program. They will also be entitled to the appropriate civil service eligibility based on the years of service to the barangay, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission. The post Solon expects stronger SK programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Speaker has spoken
Deliberations on the 2024 national budget — proposed at P5.768 trillion — reveal what appear to be pork barrel funds embedded in the National Expenditure Program submitted to Congress. The House leadership, however, has guaranteed that the discretionary funds, which are the nature of pork barrel, will be pared off. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the House of Representatives will “scrutinize and deliberate” on the budget items before the NEP is passed before the end of the year. “We will make sure in Congress that every centavo Filipinos pay in taxes is spent wisely and returned to the nation through relevant programs and projects. Every peso that goes to the treasury will go back to benefit the people,” Romualdez vowed. The early submission of the NEP gives both the House and the Senate enough time to review its many items. Much of the suspected pork is conveniently tucked into bigger items while the rest are distributed among regional offices to make them less conspicuous. Among the lump sums in the budget are the P733.2-billion Special Purpose Funds which are considered the “Executive’s” pork barrel for responding to sudden spending requirements. The NEP defines it as an appropriation to cover expenditures for specific purposes for which recipient agencies have not yet been identified. The proposed SPF budget represents a P219.8-billion increase from the current P513.6-billion allocation. The Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund, or MPBF, will increase by more than 400 percent or to P135.7 billion next year from P26.6 billion in the 2023 budget. Under the NEP, the special provisions on the use of the MPBF state that the fund can be used for “deficiencies in authorized salaries, bonuses, allowances, associated premiums and other similar personnel benefits of national government personnel, including the requirements for the filling of and the creation of positions, and compensation adjustments, as may be authorized by law, the President of the Philippines, or the DBM.” Another provision allows the government to hire contractual employees. Romualdez gave his word that none of the amounts in the record-setting General Appropriations Act would be allocated for buying political patronage. In several past budget deliberations, it was always the House that was under scrutiny for pork, particularly its top rungs. Now that the House has received the budget early, it and the Senate have started looking into the details “to make sure that the funds that came from taxpayers will be spent wisely. We have to scrutinize every peso and every centavo that government agencies are seeking,” Romualdez emphasized. “We want to give our people their money’s worth through the quality education of their children, the building of infrastructure to create jobs, and programs that will lower the cost of products in the market,” Romualdez added. His assurance to the people provides a safeguard to attempts to reintroduce the system that the Supreme Court had rejected as unconstitutional. At the moment, Congress is running through every agency’s proposal with a fine-tooth comb, looking for suspicious items that could fall under the definition of pork barrel. The gauge for the invalid pork barrel is funds that are left to the discretion of those who will spend it, including legislators whose mandate it is to craft laws and not to implement projects. The post Speaker has spoken appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go vows to push for additional budget allocated for health
Senator Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has once again reiterated the continuing need to prioritize the health of underprivileged Filipinos and underscored the significance of preparedness in the face of potential health crises. In an interview after his visit to Parañaque City on Monday, 28 August, Go stressed the need to allocate more resources to the Department of Health. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that even the most economically disadvantaged individuals in the country have access to quality healthcare services. Go pointed out the concern generated by the proposed P10 billion reduction in DOH's 2024 budget, particularly given ongoing efforts toward pandemic recovery and the need for a more resilient healthcare system. "Alam n’yo the more we should invest sa ating healthcare system, dapat handa tayo. Nabigla tayo noong 2020 sa pandemyang dumating sa buhay natin," Go urged his fellow lawmakers. The senator also highlighted the government's responsibilities, especially towards healthcare workers, and recollected his endeavors in the preceding year to increase DOH’s budget from P296 billion to P316 billion. Go's forward-thinking was evident when he recounted the near budget reduction of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in 2019, a crucial institution responsible for COVID-19 testing. He shared, “Sino ba ang mag-aakala na ‘yun ang pinakaimportanteng opisina sa panahon ng pandemya? Kutob ko lang ‘yan. Hindi po ako pumayag na mabawasan. In fact, dinagdagan pa natin during the budget deliberations para ‘wag mabawasan at nadagdagan pa ang RITM.” He likewise outlined various initiatives, including allocating additional budget for the Cancer Assistance Fund to support cancer treatment, overseeing health facilities and services regulation, funding the Health Facilities Enhancement Program, providing medical assistance to indigent patients, and securing health emergency allowances. Go has consistently emphasized his unwavering commitment to fortify the health sector of the country. His dedication is evident through various initiatives such as the establishment of Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers nationwide. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. To date, 158 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH. By establishing Super Health Centers throughout the country, the government aims to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of their location, can avail themselves of essential healthcare services without the burden of long-distance travel or prohibitive costs, the senator added. Lastly, Go underscored the importance of bringing specialized medical services closer to communities by establishing dedicated specialty centers in regional hospitals under the DOH. Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The newly enacted law includes provisions for the establishment of specialty centers within existing government-controlled corporations or specialty hospitals. It also outlines the specific service capabilities that DOH will implement in regional hospitals. The post Bong Go vows to push for additional budget allocated for health appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DBM mulls higher salaries for civilian gov’t workers
The Department of Budget and Management on Monday said officials are considering the provision of higher salaries, allowances and benefits for non-uniformed personnel or civilian government employees. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said these will help lure more Filipinos to work in the government amid the attractive wages offered by private companies and is seen to encourage citizens to work in the government and motivate existing employees to continue working in the government and improve performance. “When it comes to implementing another round of wage increases, President Marcos ordered officials to conduct studies on compensations for all civilian government personnel to ensure they are generally competitive compared with those in the private sector,” Pangandaman said. She added that a total of P48 million was allocated this year to the Governance Commission for government-owned and controlled corporations which has been tasked to help review the compensation and position classification system for the government sector. Republic Act 11466 requires modified salaries of such government employees to be distributed in four tranches from 2020 to 2023. The last tranche for their compensation was implemented in January. DBM is also helping assess benefits of civilian employees to determine whether there are compelling reasons to expand them. Under the proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program, Pangandaman said DBM has set P1.368 billion for government employee welfare to fund the additional P1,000 in clothing allowance of over 1.3 million employees. “Any increase in the finances of our government employees is a big help with their daily living,” said Pangandaman. Both workers in the government and private sector increased in June, with the former attracting 4.57 million Filipinos from 4.23 million in May. The latter employed the most workers across sectors with 23 million in June from 22 million in May. The post DBM mulls higher salaries for civilian gov’t workers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go hails barangay health workers as community heroes
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his appreciation and support for the crucial role of barangay health workers (BHWs) in every community and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting their welfare, in a ceremony held on 11 August in Catbalogan City, Samar, In his address, Go acknowledged the vital contributions of BHWs, stating, "Sa panahon ng pandemya, kayo po ang ating mga bayani sa bawat komunidad. Sa inyong sakripisyo at walang kapagurang serbisyo, inalagaan ninyo ang ating mga kababayan. Salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo." The senator further recognized the relentless support BHWs have provided to all sectors of the community, from the elderly to children, especially in remote areas lacking medical professionals. "Nagpupugay ako sa inyong walang sawang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan — matatanda man o bata — at sa inyong serbisyo sa mga malalayong lugar kung saan kapos sa mga doktor," he added. Emphasizing his dedication to the welfare of the BHWs, Go mentioned that he has filed Senate Bill No. 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, to ensure proper compensation and benefits for community health workers. "Ang layunin ng batas na ito ay hindi lamang magbigay ng monthly honorarium na P3,000, kundi pati na rin ang mga allowances, privileges, Christmas bonus, annual training, at iba pa kung maisabatas ito," said the senator. He also mentioned previous efforts to provide Health Emergency Allowance for medical front liners during the pandemic, urging the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to revisit and release those who have not yet received it. "Nauna na nating isinulong na magkaroon kayo ng Health Emergency Allowance noong pandemya at patuloy pa rin ang panawagan ko sa DOH at DBM na balikan at bayaran ang mga hindi pa nakakatanggap nito," he declared. The event celebrated the oath-taking of 2,000 BHWs, a significant step for Samar's healthcare system. Go and his team then proceeded to assist the BHWs as they distributed food packs, vitamins, masks, and snacks. Select recipients also received shirts, a bicycle, a cellphone, a watch, and shoes, as well as balls for basketball and volleyball. The BHW Partylist, represented by Cong. Angelica Natasha Co, initiated a distribution of financial assistance to qualified BHWs through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. Meanwhile, the provincial government of Samar led by Governor Sharee Ann Tan also provided blood pressure monitors for the BHWs. "Hindi ko po makakalimutan ang inyong ginawa sa panahon ng krisis, at hangad ko na pagtuunan pa ng pansin ang inyong kapakanan. Muli, maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo at dedikasyon. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!" he said. Go then reiterated the importance of investing in the health sector, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited. This is why he likewise encouraged the residents to seek medical assistance from the Malasakit Center located at Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, which he visited that day to aid patients and front liners. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally authored and sponsored. The program helps ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients can more conveniently get medical assistance from the government. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers throughout the country, which have already served seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go also sponsored the law mandating the establishment of the Samar Island Medical Center in Calbayog City. Go then acknowledged the efforts of local officials and agencies for their service to the people, including Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Cong. Angelica Natasha Co, and Major General Camilo Ligayo of the 8th Infantry Division, among others. In the past years, Go, who is Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also extended his support to the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Basey, Marabut, Talalora, and Tarangnan; construction of farm-to-market roads in Pinabacdao; construction of public market in San Jorge, Talalora and Tarangnan; construction of a multipurpose building in Catbalogan City; construction of evacuation centers in Sta. Margarita and Zumarraga; construction of a seawall in Sto. Niño; and acquisition of a dump truck in Jiabong to create more economic opportunities and help improve living conditions in the province. On the same day, Go also led the inauguration and ribbon-cutting of the Tandaya multipurpose hall in the provincial capitol compound which he was instrumental in ensuring funding for during the Duterte administration. He also attended the Tandaya Festival as the guest of honor. Lastly, he also inspected the construction of a building that will serve as a new city hall for Catbalogan which was funded through Go’s efforts. Other projects that Go supported were also inspected that day, particularly the construction of a new Sports Complex and the Lagundi-San Andres Access Road. The post Bong Go hails barangay health workers as community heroes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong bats for improved BHW compensations
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has renewed his call to prioritize and elevate the status of Barangay Health Workers during a public hearing conducted by the Health Subcommittee on the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers. The lawmaker who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health stressed the critical need to harmonize benefits for barangay personnel to align with the principles of the Local Government Code. The code delegates the provision of essential services, including health and social welfare, to local government units and, by extension, to the barangay level. He also underlined the vital role of BHWs in driving the primary health care approach towards health empowerment as he acknowledged the BHWs’ sacrifices, especially during the pandemic, and underscored their continued service to both the elderly and youth in the community. Go also highlighted the BHWs’ indispensable role in providing health services in remote areas where doctors are either scarce or unavailable and to recognize this, the senator filed Senate Bill 427, also known as the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, which if enacted, will offer a monthly honorarium of P3,000 for BHWs. Once passed, the bill would ensure that BHWs will be entitled to allowances, benefits, privileges, security of tenure, Christmas bonus, annual training and skills upgrading, and civil service eligibility. The proposed measure will also entitle BHWs to the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Pag-IBIG Fund benefits as it reinforces the benefits and privileges under Republic Act 7883, or “The Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995,” which includes free legal services and preferential access to loans. Go also pointed out the necessity for continuous improvements in compensation for health workers. “It is an indisputable fact that many have been working long hours, often without adequate protection and compensation. Hence, there is still more to be done to ensure that our health workers are properly compensated and protected,” Go said. He also urged relevant government departments, particularly the Department of Health and the Department of Budget and Management to ensure that the rights and benefits of BHWs are protected and fulfilled, especially after the lifting of the state of public health emergency due to Covid-19. The post Kuya Bong bats for improved BHW compensations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go to DBM, DOH: Deliver on PBBM’s 2nd SONA commitments
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go appealed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that the commitments made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his second State of the Nation Address are met. The senator particularly stressed the urgent necessity to expedite the disbursement of risk allowances to healthcare workers who have been at the forefront of the nation's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. "Bilisan po ang backlog, ibig sabihin yung mga previous years na dapat ibigay na mga risk allowance para sa mga health workers," Go said in an ambush interview on July 27, after assisting students in Biñan City, Laguna. He added that these health workers risked their lives and made significant sacrifices during the pandemic. "Hindi po natin mararating itong kinararatnan natin kung hindi po dahil sa sakripisyo at tulong ng ating mga medical frontliners. Tulungan po natin sila, ibigay po ang nararapat para sa kanila," he said. Go urged the said agencies to speed up their efforts, saying, "Nakikiusap po ako sa DBM, sa DOH, bilisan n’yo po. May pondo naman po aprubado sa 2023 budget, which is about P19 billion. Unahin n’yo po ang previous years, bayaran n’yo po what is due to them, bilisan n’yo." "Kung maaari ihatid n’yo nga po sa kanilang mga tahanan. Bilisan n’yo thru ATM, ipasok n’yo na agad sa mga account nila dahil napakaliit ito na halaga kumpara sa sakripisyong ginawa ng ating mga medical frontliners," he said. During his SONA, Marcos committed to disbursing the allowances of health workers, as prescribed by Republic Act No. 11712, of which Go is one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. While the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted, the senator emphasized the increased need to provide what is due to the healthcare workers. Go lauded the President's promise of helping poor Filipinos and generating job opportunities, combating illegal drugs, and ensuring medical assistance for the needy as key aspects towards national development. "Maganda ang layunin ng ating gobyerno tungo sa pangarap na Bagong Pilipinas," he said. "Kaya dapat magtulungan ang lahat ng mga ahensya na maisakatuparan ang mga ito upang mapakinabangan ng mga kababayan nating mahihirap—lalung-lalo na ang mga hopeless, helpless at walang ibang malalapitan maliban sa pamahalaan," concluded Go. The post Bong Go to DBM, DOH: Deliver on PBBM’s 2nd SONA commitments appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong appeals for Covid-19 allowance release
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has called upon the Department of Health and the Department of Budget and Management to expedite the release of Covid-19 allowances for healthcare workers who have been at the forefront of the battle against the ongoing pandemic and other health threats. Recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of healthcare workers, Senator Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said in an interview after his visit to Quezon City on Monday the urgent need to provide them with their well-deserved benefits in accordance with the law. Go also underscored that even if the State of Public Health Emergency due to Covid-19 is eventually lifted, the government must ensure that allowances due to healthcare workers are provided to them since the budget has been allocated in this year’s appropriations. To recall, former President Rodrigo Duterte announced on 8 March 2020, a state of public health emergency in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The declaration requires mandatory reporting, quarantine measures and disease control prevention efforts. According to DoH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his intention to lift the state of public health emergency related to Covid-19. Herbosa said they are awaiting a formal order regarding this decision. GM If the declaration is revoked, it will also mean the discontinuation of the special allowance provided to healthcare workers who are taking care of Covid-19 patients. Go, for his part, expressed reservations on the lifting of the state of public emergency since the threat of Covid-19 still exists. He, however, stated that he leaves it to the health officials and experts to determine the best way forward towards pandemic recovery. Meanwhile, Go maintained his plans to champion another round of salary increase for government workers. With a deep understanding of the invaluable contributions made by public servants across various sectors, the lawmaker believes it is imperative to continuously improve their working conditions and ensure fair compensation. The post Kuya Bong appeals for Covid-19 allowance release appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Youth urged: Strive for academic excellence
Recognizing the crucial role that quality education plays in the development of individuals and society as a whole, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reaffirmed his commitment to improving the country’s education sector. This comes as the lawmaker also encouraged the youth to strive for academic excellence as they are the future of the country. “We are still prioritizing education,” said Go, adding that he is giving his unwavering support for educational initiatives and stressed the need to prioritize education in budget allocations. In line with his vision to improve the education system in the country, Go filed Senate Bill 1864, also known as the “Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act.” The measure seeks to defer student loan collections for a reasonable period during and after the occurrence of disasters and other emergencies. Go co-sponsored Senate Bill 1964, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which seeks to institutionalize teaching supplies allowances for public school teachers. The measure has already been passed on final reading in the Senate. The senator also filed SBN 1359, or the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act,” which proposes to penalize the implementation of policies such as the “no permit, no exam” policy that prevents students from taking examinations or similar assessments due to unpaid tuition or other school fees. Go played a role in expanding the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy by co-authoring and co-sponsoring SB 1360. This bill seeks to amend Republic Act 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. In addition, Go introduced SBN 1190, which aims to broaden the purposes and applications of the Special Education Fund. Under this bill, the SEF could be used for the operation and maintenance of public schools, payment of salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel, competency training for teaching personnel, operation of the Alternative Learning System and educational research. Recognizing the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment in schools, Go also introduced SBN 1786 to address mental health issues in private higher education institutions. This proposed measure mandates PHEIs to establish Mental Health Offices and hire, deploy, and train additional mental health service personnel within the institutions. The post Youth urged: Strive for academic excellence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go encourages youth to strive for academic excellence
Recognizing the crucial role that quality education plays in the development of individuals and society as a whole, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go reaffirmed his commitment to improving the country's education sector. In an ambush interview after personally aiding poor families in Pili, Camarines Sur on Saturday, 10 June, Go encouraged the youth to strive for academic excellence, as they are the future of the country. "Priority rin po ang education. Alam n'yo, diyan po manggagaling ang lahat. Pinaka-basic natin kumbaga," said Go. "Parati kong ine-engganyo ang kabataan, mag-aral kayong mabuti, kayo po ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito. At iyan po ang puhunan natin. Dala-dala na po natin 'yan habambuhay, ang edukasyon. Kaya dapat din tutukan natin ang edukasyon," he added. Furthermore, Go stated his unwavering support for educational initiatives and stressed the need to prioritize education in budget allocations. "Full support ako sa budget noon ng education noon pa man, lalung-lalo pa mula sa kabataan hanggang sa college po," he said. In line with his vision to improve the education system in the country, Go filed Senate Bill No. 1864, also known as the "Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act." The measure seeks to defer student loan collections for a reasonable period during and after the occurrence of disasters and other emergencies. Go also co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1964, or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which seeks to institutionalize teaching supplies allowances for public school teachers. The measure has already been passed on final reading in the Senate. The senator also filed SBN 1359, or the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act", which proposes to penalize the implementation of policies such as the "no permit, no exam" policy that prevents students from taking examinations or similar assessments due to unpaid tuition or other school fees. Go has also played a role in expanding the coverage of the tertiary education subsidy by co-authoring and co-sponsoring SBN 1360. This bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. In addition, Go introduced SBN 1190, which aims to broaden the purposes and applications of the Special Education Fund. Under this bill, the SEF could be used for the operation and maintenance of public schools, payment of salaries and benefits for teaching and non-teaching personnel, competency training for teaching personnel, operation of the Alternative Learning System, and educational research, among other purposes. Recognizing the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment in schools, Go also introduced SBN 1786 to address mental health issues in private higher education institutions. This proposed measure mandates PHEIs to establish Mental Health Offices and hire, deploy, and train additional mental health service personnel within the institutions. The senator also serves as co-author of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s SBN 379, otherwise known as the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, which aims to provide mental health services, emotional, developmental and preventive programs, and other support services in the basic education level. The post Bong Go encourages youth to strive for academic excellence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP conducts bonus probe
The Philippine National Police will start the probe on the release of service recognition incentives to police officers for the fiscal year 2022 after reports that some received less than the agreed amount. PNP chief Gen.Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that they will be coordinating with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and other offices to look into it because if there is a complaint, there are things that should investigate. “We are constantly coordinating with the SILG. We are looking into this because if there is a complaint, it seems that there are things that should be looked into we are investigating and we are now coordinating with other offices that have something to do with this and I am asking them, we will be sitting down with them to hear for myself together with my command group and we might be inviting also from the other officers of the DILG to see to it and hear together what this explanation is and from there we can see what our next move,” Acorda told reporters after officiating in the oath-taking, donning and pinning of rank 606 insignia for the Newly Appointed Police Commissioned Officers on Monday afternoon held at Camp Crame. Earlier, Abalos said he would also seek guidance from the Department of Budget and Management regarding the policies on the payout of the incentive. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Administrative Order 1, authorized in December last year the release of a one-time SRI for employees in the executive branch in recognition of the collective and invaluable contribution to the government’s continuing efforts to ensure the responsive delivery of services, especially in the midst of the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and other socio-economic challenges. The AO authorizes the grant of a one-time SRI at a uniform rate not exceeding P20,000 for those working under the executive department. Meanwhile, Acorda urged all the police commissioned officers to continue learning and growing as professionals, always striving to be the best they can be as he reminds them of their responsibility to serve the people and encourages them to seek guidance from the Lord. “Let us embody the spirit of ‘Serbisyong Nagkakaisa’ as we serve and protect our fellow Filipinos. Remember to serve well and in harmony with your fellow police officers, to other government agencies, and to the community that relies on our service and protection,” Acorda said. Acorda emphasized the significance of their roles, stating, “As newly appointed police commissioned officers, you have already proven your capabilities in your respective fields, and now it is time to channel that expertise into the law enforcement arena. You will be entrusted to lead while upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and ensuring the safety and security of our nation. This is a sacred duty that requires integrity, courage, and compassion.” Among the appointees were 91 Technical Officers, and 515 Line Officers, all chosen under the PNP Lateral Entry Program CY 2022 for Line and Technical Officers. Under the program, 29 lawyers, four priests, two pastor, and seven doctors were appointed to the initial rank of Police Captain, entitling them to a basic monthly salary of P56,582.00. The remaining 564 newly appointed PNP officers, which include dentists, psychologists, architects, engineer, chemists, IT, and line officers were appointed to the initial rank of Police Lieutenant, with a basic monthly salary of P49,528.00, along with allowances and various cash and non-cash benefits. The successful candidates of the Lateral Program have undergone a stringent selection process, demonstrating their commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the core values of the PNP. The post PNP conducts bonus probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Release healthcare workers’ allowances, agencies told
A lawmaker on Thursday joined the calls for the release of the P2-billion allowances for healthcare workers, which has been withheld for a year now since former President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11712. Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte — one of the law’s principal authors — lamented that over 20,000 HCWs have yet to receive their allowances despite the law being in effect for more than a year now. “It is our hope that the Departments of Health and of Budget and Management would manage to scour the national budget for funds and tweak budgetary procedures to finally release almost P2 billion in delayed allowances due an estimated 20,000-plus medical frontliners,” Villafuerte said. The post Release healthcare workers’ allowances, agencies told appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong pushes stronger judiciary fiscal autonomy
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go recently introduced Senate Bill 2111 which seeks to define the scope and extent of the fiscal autonomy of the Judicial Branch of government and ensure that it has the necessary independence and resources to effectively perform its functions, which are critical in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. “The Judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all. It is only fitting that we provide them with the necessary resources and independence to effectively perform their duties,” said Go. The proposed bill — “The Fiscal Autonomy Act of Judicial Branch of Government” — seeks to affirm and strengthen the constitutional mandate and powers of the Judiciary as a co-equal branch of government. It cited that the Judiciary’s fiscal autonomy as mandated under Section 3, Article VIII of the Constitution, which means that appropriations for the Judiciary may not be reduced below the amount appropriated for the previous year, and the releases of the appropriations shall not be conditioned on the submission of any work and financial plan nor any financial report, whatsoever. The proposed bill also mandates that the budget proposal prepared by the Supreme Court shall be incorporated in the draft national budget without any revision. If passed into law, the Department of Budget and Management can suggest revisions to the budget proposal, but it must first consult with the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice in writing regarding their comments and suggestions. The DBM is also mandated to automatically release to the Supreme Court, without need for any request, the monthly cash requirements of the Judiciary. “Fiscal autonomy is important for the Judiciary to ensure its impartiality and independence from other branches of government. This bill is a step towards empowering the Judiciary to fulfill its constitutional mandate,” said the lawmaker. If enacted, the proposed measure shall also create a trust fund called the “Judiciary Trust Fund”, which shall be dedicated to the use of the Judiciary. All the funds collected for or accruing to the Judiciary may be deposited and kept in the said trust fund and from which funds needed for its operation shall be drawn. The Judiciary can still collect legal fees, but the percentage used for cost-of-living allowances and office equipment and facilities will change. All legal fees prescribed in Rule 141 of the Rules of Court will now be part of the Judicial Trust Fund. GM It will also allow the Supreme Court to create new offices and reorganize its administrative structure at the national and regional levels, within the limit of its available resources. This is to help carry out the goals of the bill and enable the Judiciary to take on additional functions and responsibilities. The Supreme Court can decide how many court personnel are needed to keep the Judiciary running smoothly, within the limits of the approved budget and hiring policies. The Supreme Court will also ensure that personnel receive sufficient and competitive compensation to ensure the continuity of service and sustainability, as well as support career development programs. “By guaranteeing the fiscal autonomy of the Judiciary, we are not only upholding the Constitution, but we are also showing our commitment to a fair and just legal system,” said Go. The post Kuya Bong pushes stronger judiciary fiscal autonomy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go affirms importance of universal access to healthcare in Davao speech
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go recognized the importance of Universal Health Care, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He made that emphasis as he attended the opening ceremonies of the 49th Midyear Convention Surgery and Universal Health Care at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier, Davao City on Thursday. In his speech, Go cited that the passage of the Universal Health Care Act in 2019 was a significant milestone in the country's journey toward achieving a more equitable and comprehensive healthcare system. However, he also acknowledged that the implementation of the law is not without challenges. “Alam kong malayo pa talaga sa ngayon ‘yung (buong) implementation nitong UHC. Noon, naaprubahan po ito, napirmahan ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte noong 2019, malayo pa tayo sa ating inaasam na perpekto po na (implementasyon ng) Universal Health Care,” said Go. “Kailangan pa natin mag-invest sa ating healthcare workforce, mapabuti ang ating mga pasilidad, at dagdagan ang accessibility ng ating mga kababayan sa mga essential medicines at medical supplies,” he said. One of the major challenges in the implementation of UHC cited by Go based on reports is the shortage of health facilities and healthcare workers. “Ang challenge po dito ang trabaho po ng ating DOH (Department of Health), maimplementa ng maayos ang roadmap po ng UHC. Ang very challenging po dito, ‘yung health facilities, ‘yung pagkukulang po ng bilang ng ating mga health workers na ‘yung iba po’y nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa,” said Go. “Hindi ko naman po masisi na pumupunta pa ‘yung mga nurses sa ibang bansa. Gusto ko rin pong tingnan itong issue na ito, itong mga nurses na napakababa po ‘yung sweldo dito sa ating bansa sa mga private hospitals. Naiintindihan ko naman po, binabalanse naman po ng mga private hospitals (ang kanilang finances) para po ma-sustain nila (ang operasyon),” he added. Despite these challenges, Go emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that every Filipino can be provided access to affordable health care. “As chair po ng Committee on Health, mayroon po akong oversight function over dito po sa (implementation of) UHC. Kung may reklamo po kayo… pwede po nating tawagin ang DOH, pwede nating tawagin ang PhilHealth, kung mayroon kayong (concern), pwede natin silang imbitahan at tawagin,” he assured. Meanwhile, to complement the implementation of the UHC Act, Go shared that the government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and making it more affordable. These include addressing rising out-of-pocket expenses on health and establishing or upgrading public hospitals. He also shared the ongoing operations of the Malasakit Centers program, the establishment of Super Health Centers, and the expansion of specialty centers in the country. “I have earlier advocated for an easier and more accessible availing of government assistance. We have passed Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Law to establish a one-stop shop in DOH hospitals,” said Go. “Malasakit Centers provide accessible and efficient medical assistance to Filipinos by serving as a centralized hub for accessing different government health programs and services from the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and PhilHealth,” added Go. According to the DOH, the Malasakit Centers program has already aided over seven million Filipinos across the country. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Additionally, Go is pushing for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are medium-sized polyclinics strategically positioned throughout the country to offer basic healthcare services to Filipinos at the grassroots level. Go also introduced Senate Bill No. 1321, also known as the "Specialty Centers in Every Region Act of 2022," aimed at establishing regional specialty centers in DOH hospitals across the country. The establishment of specialty centers is part of the health-related legislative agenda included in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. During his speech, Go also urged the DOH and Department of Budget and Management to expedite the release and distribution of the mandated allowances for healthcare workers. He also called on PhilHealth to ensure prompt payments to hospitals and health professionals and to consider the financial condition of private health facilities and health professionals. “Alam n’yo po, during the time ng pandemya, nagsalita talaga ako sa Senado. Noong may doctor na namatay, dapat may death benefit silang matatangap but it took two months bago i-release,” lamented Go. “Kawawa naman, nagluluksa ‘yung pamilya. Dapat nga ihatid ‘yung check doon mismo sa doon sa pamamahay ng mga naiwang pamilya. Bakit tatagalan? Anyway, na-Ombudsman na po ‘yung nag-cause ng delay,” he shared. Acknowledging that there is still much work to be done to improve the conditions of healthcare workers, Go expressed support for the review of the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers to update it and address the needs and concerns of health workers. In this regard, Go urged the DOH and the Department of Labor and Employment to review the salaries and compensation of private healthcare workers to make them more competitive. Moreover, Go called for the removal of barriers preventing Filipinos from accessing healthcare services, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. “Kailangan natin tiyakin na ang mga benepisyo ng Universal Health Care Act ay maihahatid sa mga tunay na nangangailangan nito, at walang mapag-iiwanang Pilipino,” he said. To conclude, Go urged healthcare workers to prioritize the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable, particularly the poor, helpless, and hopeless Filipinos. “Unahin po natin ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, ‘yung mga helpless, ‘yung mga hopeless po nating mga kababayan,” said Go. “Let us continue to work together towards achieving a truly universal and equitable healthcare system. I believe that through collaboration and cooperation, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter future for the health and well-being of all Filipinos,” he ended. The post Go affirms importance of universal access to healthcare in Davao speech appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P245 M allocated for Judges-at-Large Act; Angara sees faster resolution of cases
Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara assured the Judiciary Sunday it would be able to expedite the adjudication of several pending court cases with the funds Congress provided for the appointment of judges-at-large under the 2021 national budget. Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (Senator Sonny Angara Official Facebook Page / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, said a total of P244.988 million was included in the budget of the Judiciary for the implementation of Republic Act 11459 or the Judges-at-Large Act.Enacted on Aug. 13, 2019, the law mandates the creation of judges-at-large posts for the regional and municipal trial courts in order to decongest the courts of its dockets.These judges-at-large would have no permanent salas and may be assigned by the Supreme Court as acting or assisting judges to any Regional Trial Court (RTC) or Municipal Trial Court (MTC) in order to decongest the courts of its dockets.“For 2020, the first year of implementation of the law, we provided funding to cover for the creation of 50 judges-at-large posts,” Angara said in a statement.“For 2021, we will double the number of posts to 100 as requested by our Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta,” Angara said.The senator also said these judges-at-large are entitled to salaries, privileges, allowances, emoluments, benefits, rank, and title of regular RTC and MTC judges.Angara also said the Judiciary’s budget for 2021 also includes a P50-million augmentation to cover for the deployment of Judiciary marshals to secure the justices, judges, and other court officials.He said the inclusion of this funding was prompted by the appeals of the Judiciary for the creation of a judicial marshal service as the threats and attacks against judges and other court officials continue to take place in the country. The Senate is set to approve Senate Bill No. 1947 or the proposed Judiciary Marshals Act, of which Angara is one of the authors. Once approved, an office of the Judiciary marshals would be established under the Supreme Court and its continued funding will be ensured as part of the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).“We want to sustain the implementation of the Judges-at-Large Act to help ensure the delivery of speedy justice in the country,” the lawmaker said.“With the appointment of more judges, we can expect to see the resolution of more cases and eventually free up the courts of its backlog,” Angara added. .....»»