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Strike deal only first step in resolving film industry crisis
A tentative deal to end a long-running writers' strike that has paralyzed Hollywood is only a first step in resolving a film industry crisis, as an equally bitter studio stand-off with the actors' union stretches on. The Writers Guild of America, which walked out back in May over demands including better pay and safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence, finally thrashed out a deal with studios including Netflix and Disney on Sunday night. Ratification of that agreement -- first by the WGA board, then by its 11,500 members -- is widely expected to be waved through without any obstacles in the coming weeks. Picketing for writers has been suspended and the guild has indicated that it could allow members to return to work even before the final vote is counted. Late-night TV shows could return to air "within the next two to three weeks," according to Variety, citing industry insiders. But a far thornier issue is the still ongoing strike by Hollywood actors, represented by the SAG-AFTRA union, which is likely to take weeks to resolve and will prevent any return to production in the immediate future. Even after that, with hundreds of film and television shoots backed up, it could take months for Hollywood to clear the logistical logjam and get fully back to work. "There are presumably upwards of 1,500 productions that all want to start as soon as they can," said entertainment lawyer Jonathan Handel. "And so when SAG gives the word, they're all going to be competing simultaneously... it's absolute chaos. "I don't think we're going to see normalcy in the production process until sometime after January or February." 'Huge roadblock' The WGA's deal with studios achieved compromises on minimum wage increases, bonus payments for writers participating in hit shows, and guarantees that scripts using AI will not undercut human writers and their paychecks. Many of these issues overlap with the actors' demands, and SAG-AFTRA negotiators will be poring over the fine details this week, ahead of their own talks with studios. But, Handel warned, many SAG-AFTRA demands go further than those of the writers. These include steeper pay rises to counter rampant inflation, and an actual share of revenue for hit streaming shows. Studios will be wary that whatever they offer to actors is likely to be demanded by other Hollywood professions such as movie set crews and technicians, who have their own contract renewals due next year. "I think basic wages going are going to be a huge roadblock towards the SAG deal in the next few weeks, because of pattern bargaining," said Handel. SAG-AFTRA also has its own specific demands, such as restrictions on the use of remote, self-taped auditions, which became ubiquitous during the pandemic but are disliked by many actors. 'Fool's assumption' Still, Sunday's deal means SAG-AFTRA negotiators could meet with unions as soon as next week, for the first time since actors went on strike in July. "The end of the WGA strike will hasten the end of SAG-AFTRA's walkout," predicted Variety. But even "if things go smoothly -- which is a fool's assumption -- I still think it would take two to three weeks to get a SAG deal done... which takes you into October," said Handel. "Then there's the ratification process, which takes another month." That means the clock is ticking for actors to be able to promote big year-end movie releases, such as Disney's superhero sequel "The Marvels." And publicists are desperate for their stars to start campaigning for some of the industry's biggest events -- television's Emmy Awards, and the film industry's Oscars, which take place in January and March respectively. The post Strike deal only first step in resolving film industry crisis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos led the rollout of the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) Program in Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday morning. The BIDA Program launch was one of the highlights of the 71st Araw ng Zamboanga del Sur celebration at the Mega Gymnasium Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City, which Abalos attended as a guest of honor and speaker. In his message before an estimated crowd of 1,500 Zambosurians, the DILG chief highlighted the critical role of local government units (LGUs) and other sectors of society in addressing the drug menace through education, prevention, and rehabilitation to complement the relentless anti-drug operations of law enforcement agencies. “Ang importante habang nanghuhuli ang mga pulis, tayong mga nasa LGU—mga barangay captain, konsehal, mayor, gobernador, bokal—community groups, religious leaders, parents, whole-of-nation approach dapat. Bumaba tayo, tulungan natin ang pulis. It’s not only about supply reduction. But most importantly, it's about demand reduction,” Abalos said. Furthermore, the DILG secretary congratulated the province of Zamboanga del Sur on its 71st Charter Day celebration. He also commended the leadership of Governor Victor J. Yu, who focused his governance through HEARTS or Health, Education and Environment, Agriculture, Roads and Bridges, Tourism, and Security. Abalos ended his message by inspiring local officials to continue heed the call of President Marcos for unity. “Iisang bangka tayo. We are given this opportunity, let's make the most out of it. It's time to make a difference for our province, for our city, and most specially for our country. Wala nang sana ganito, sa ganyan sa Pilipinas, wala na. Panahon natin 'to gawin na natin ang tama at huwag tayong matakot. Magtulungan tayo," he said. Named as one of the best government initiatives in Asia by international award-giving body GovMedia Awards, the BIDA Program has already been rolled out to over 700 LGUs nationwide since it was officially launched in November last year, initiating several activities such as BIDA Fun Runs, Serbisyo Caravans, Zumba sessions, cycling events, workshops, and seminars. Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary for Local Goverment Marlo Iringan, during the Laging Handa press briefing in Malacañang, said the BIDA Program has been going around the country, in line with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s continued campaign against illegal drugs with a renewed focus on demand reduction through a whole-of-nation approach. "Iyong nangyaring bike fest sa Bulacan noong nakaraang Linggo ay isa lamang sa napakaraming mga event at activities na pinangunahan ng ating kagawaran, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Benhur Abalos patungkol doon sa flagship program ng ating pamahalaan na 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan'," he said. "Nailunsad po natin itong noong nakaraang taon, November actually, at napunta na po tayo sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at nagkaroon ng bike fest, fun run. At hindi lang po iyon ‘no, napakarami nating mga ugnayan sa iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan at sa iba’t ibang lebel ng pamahalaan nang sa ganoon ay makuha iyong kanilang suporta sa ating whole-of-nation/whole-of-government approach against illegal drugs," Iringan explained. "Nagawa na po natin sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas at iyan nga ang isa sa mga gagawin pa natin sa mga susunod na araw. Subalit katulad ng nabanggit ko, this is only one of the strategies to generate support against illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan din po kami halimbawa sa Philippine Basketball Association, sa mga sports association nang sa ganoon suportahan ng mga athletes, na siyang tinitingala/iniidolo ng karamihan sa mga kabataan ‘no, na suportahan itong laban natin sa illegal drugs. Nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa mga iba’t ibang malalaking kumpanya katulad ng SM nang sa ganoon ay magkaroon sila ng initiative or intervention for a drug-free workplace. At iyon na nga po, pati na sa lahat ng mga eskuwelahan, mga unibersidad at mga kolehiyo ay hinihikayat din sila na tumulong ‘no sa laban sa iligal na droga," he added. DILG and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan partner on BIDA The DILG's BIDA Program has also gained anti-illegal drug advocates among the youth of Cagayan de Oro with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan. Abalos said the important role of schools like Xavier University-Ateneo De Cagayan and the church in the whole-of-nation BIDA campaign dwells on the holistic formation of the values of the youth and helping them lead productive lives away from the temptation of illegal drugs. DILG Region X Regional Director Wilhelm M. Suyko, who signed the MOA on behalf of the DILG, said youth involvement is a significant and strategic approach to further strengthen the advocacy of the program. “The good thing about this partnership is that this will also be an opportunity to involve the youth in this campaign. We believe that our students could make a change and that they are our instruments in communicating effectively with the youth as well,” Suyko said. The post DILG’s BIDA Program rolled out in Zamboanga del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Walang (Mag)saysay
During one of the many well-publicized Senate hearings in the aftermath of the infamous Mamasapano Massacre in 2015 that led to the murder of 44 Special Action Force troopers, one Miriam Coronel-Ferrer was grilled by an irate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. Coronel-Ferrer was then chairman of the Aquino Government’s peace panel that had signed an accord with the Muslim rebels on the establishment of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, an agreement widely regarded as having signed away a lot of our Republic’s prerogatives in favor of armed Islamic insurgents. Senator Cayetano demanded to know from Coronel-Ferrer why the government dragged its feet in providing artillery support and reinforcements to the trapped policmen, to which she notoriously replied, “The policy of the government is to first negotiate with the armed groups fighting with state forces.” To this, Cayetano replied, “No government in the world negotiates with terrorists.” Coronel-Ferrer’s response left most in the Senate gallery dumbfounded when she said, “I know of no such policy.” Yet here she is, one of this year’s Magsaysay Awardees. Ironic it is that an award founded in honor of one of the best-loved Presidents this country has ever had, would be given to an underling of someone who would become one of the most hated in Philippine history (after a string of scandals such as the Luneta hostage fiasco, “Yolanda” and Dengvaxia, among many others). Even more ironic is that she is being given the award for her supposed “transformative power of non-violent strategies,” when all that she succeeded in transforming was forty-four elite police personnel into corpses due to the appalling display of violence of a rebel movement she greatly enabled. She also almost transformed our Republic into a dismembered state; thank heavens the backlash from the massacre caused the agreement she brokered to be shelved in favor of one much less onerous to the Philippines. But what is to expected of an award-giving body co-opted by Yellowtards, as a quick look at the roster of its chairman and trustees will readily reveal. Composed of men and women with strong ties either to Mrs. Cory Aquino and/or her anointed successor, Fidel Ramos, these people either served in the Cabinet or important agencies of one or the other President; or had enjoyed — or are still enjoying — high positions in big corporations supportive of the Aquino Yellow narrative. So it should be of no wonder that these denizens of the same echo chamber would exhibit the proclivity, remarkably endemic to the Aquino clique, of giving awards and accolades to each other. As if that would somehow compensate for the fact that the narrative that has kept them in power for more than 30 years had been totally demolished. Just note the decorations given to Leni after she lost, from fellowships to doctor’s degrees honoris causa to trophies for this and that dubious achievement. Such a pity that the Magsaysay Awards should so decline in prestige. It used to be an important recognition for Asian leaders, counting among its Filipino awardees the likes of Francisca Aquino, Rosa Rosal, F. Sionil Jose, Lino Brocka, Dr. Fe del Mundo, Nick Joaquin, James Reuter, Bienvenido Lumbera and Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Yet, like many others touched by the Yellow reverse-Midas touch, what used to be gold is turning to crap, with Yellow stalwarts Jesse Robredo, Sheila Coronel, Conchita-Carpio Morales, Haydee Yorac and Hilario Davide among the list. Cringy, especially since among those who have previously received the honor were the Dalai Lama, Thai Premier Anand Panyarachun, Mochtar Lubis, Akira Kurosawa, Ravi Shankar and Mother Teresa. To use an overworn cliché, President Magsaysay would be turning in his grave to know that his eponymous award has become another way for those in the same political group to pat themselves on the back. Its value has depreciated and, if the trend is not arrested, it will soon be irrelevant, a case of walang saysay. The post Walang (Mag)saysay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. talk stays cheap
China’s release of a new map expanding its maritime area within a “10-dash line” that includes the West Philippine Sea has been condemned by the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, and Vietnam. Conspicuously absent from the first responders was the United States which had earlier issued a brave warning that it would protect the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The US had said it would protect international ship passage in one of the world’s most contested waterways, where more than $3 trillion in trade passes each year. China on Monday released a new version of its infamous U-shaped dashed line that now covers about 90 percent of the South China Sea, including Taiwan which it regards as a renegade province. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated the so-called historic “nine-dash line” claim of China, but Beijing made it clear that it did not recognize the decision and insisted on bilateral agreements with other claimants to settle territorial conflicts. China holds to its position that its sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea were established throughout the long course of history, claiming that this was “duly recognized by international treaties and accords which are not to be infringed upon by any illegal awards.” China instead accused the Philippines of taking unilateral action to initiate the arbitration that “breached its bilateral agreement with China to settle relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation.” It claimed that this commitment was also contained in the non-binding Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by China and the ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, in 2002. Beijing, however, has continuously put a damper on concluding the Code of Conduct that ASEAN has been pushing to finally settle the conflicting claims. The presence of American forces appeared to have deterred China from making good on its “historical” claims that are continuously expanding. A delayed reaction by the US to the new Chinese propaganda offensive may prove fatal to the region. Dean Cheng, a senior advisor to the China program in the government-backed US Institute of Peace, observed that Beijing has been gambling on American willingness or lack of it to confront China’s “salami-slicing tactics against its neighbors.” Cheng recalled that in 2012, the United States persuaded the Philippines to withdraw from Scarborough Shoal “while making no effort to compel the People’s Republic of China to do the same. In effect, Washington forced Manila to cede that set of features to the PRC.” Cheng recounted how this was followed by a three-year hiatus in US freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, which he noted was an absence “that coincided with massive Chinese construction on features it controlled.” For the United States to once again fail to counter the latest Chinese efforts “would reinforce a perception of American withdrawal,” Cheng pointed out. He warned of the possible consequences if the US continues to waffle on its position regarding China’s increasing aggressiveness. “If the United States were to not respond, its credibility as an ally would be called into question, certainly by Manila. The various efforts to renew US access to Philippine facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, especially in the event of a Taiwan contingency, will certainly falter. Why should the Philippines support American efforts to support Taiwan if the United States won’t support the Philippines?” Cheng said. If recent events were the basis, the Philippines has always been made to suffer the backlash of Washington policies in the region, such as the Asian pivot of former President Barack Obama. The Philippine government was made to support the American program but was left in the lurch when the going got tough. The US still has to prove that it walks the talk on its supposed protection of the region from predatory actions. The post U.S. talk stays cheap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National honors conferred on scientist, more R& D needed in healthcare says PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the importance of research and development (R&D) in healthcare, saying that the country must be able to develop its own solutions to the health challenges it faces. In a speech during the Conferment of the Order of National Scientists and the Presidential Medal of Merit, Marcos said that the Philippines needs to invest more in R&D to develop new drugs, vaccines, and other medical technologies tailored explicitly to Filipinos' needs. "This R&D is important not only in healthcare but in all sectors of our economy, our society – they should be given attention," Marcos said. He noted that research and development are crucial for the Philippines to be able to face future challenges, such as new diseases and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. "We cannot just wait for other countries to develop solutions to these problems," Marcos said. "We need to be proactive and develop our own technologies and products that are specifically tailored to the needs of Filipinos." Marcos also called on the government and the private sector to work together to support research and development in the Philippines. "We need to pool our resources and create a more conducive environment for research and development to thrive," Marcos said. "By working together, we can make the Philippines a global leader in research and development." During the ceremony, Marcos also presented awards to two outstanding public servants: Dr. Carmencita Padilla and Assistant Secretary Ceferino S. Gepty. Marcos conferred the Order of National Scientist on Dr. Padilla for their outstanding service to the country and the Filipino people. Meanwhile, Gepty received the Presidential Medal of Merit for his meritorious achievements and services. Padilla's noteworthy research into national initiatives concerning newborn screening served as the foundation for the passing of the Republic Act (RA) 9288, also known as the Newborn Screening Act of 2004. Currently, the implementation of newborn screening is carried out across more than 7,400 healthcare facilities in the nation. This initiative has played a critical role in preventing mental disabilities and fatalities among infants. Padilla's most recent significant contribution involves the establishment of the PGC, a multidisciplinary institution aimed at integrating fundamental and practical research for advancements in health diagnostics, therapeutic treatments, DNA forensics, preventive solutions, and the enhancement of agricultural crop varieties within the country. Due to her accomplishments, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) recommended honoring Padilla with an award. Her achievements have not only brought distinction and accolades to the Philippine scientific community but have also garnered recognition at the national level. Meanwhile, Gepty currently works within the Industry Development and Trade Policy Group of the Department of Trade and Investment. This group is tasked with promoting investments in key areas related to the agency's trade and industry development efforts. He played a vital part in ensuring the approval of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), acknowledged as the most extensive international trade agreement globally. Marcos praised Gepty's role as the principal trade negotiator for the country in the RCEP. His efforts significantly contributed to the eventual endorsement of this expansive trade agreement, anticipated to create new prospects for both Filipinos and Philippine businesses. Marcos praised both Dr. Padilla and Assistant Secretary Gepty for their outstanding service to the country. He said that they are examples of the kind of public servants that the Philippines needs to build a stronger and more prosperous future. The post National honors conferred on scientist, more R&D needed in healthcare says PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA flags Baguio fund ‘misuse’
BY ALDWIN QUITASOL AND EDJEN OLIQUINO The Commission on Audit or CoA has called out the Baguio City government headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong for using funds intended for a national project. An audit revealed the city government used P50 million in Department of Public Works and Highways funds to pay for the progress billing of its ongoing Youth Convergence Center and Sports Complex project instead of using it for the construction of the Multi-Purpose Building at the Athletic Bowl Oval at Burnham Park in Baguio City. State auditors said this was in violation of the memorandum of agreement between the city government and the DPWH, which stipulated that the P50-million fund was to be used solely for the construction of the multi-purpose building. CoA said the city government’s actions “did not achieve the purpose of the project MoA.” Daily Tribune sought but had yet to receive a response from Magalong at press time. Worse, the initial P25-million fund transfer released by the DPWH was disbursed to the contractor of a city government project as a loan, CoA added. The Baguio City government responded to the audit findings by saying that executing an amended MoA with the DPWH may have required complicated procedures. The LGU asked whether a certification from the bids and awards committee and the head of the procuring entity stating that the DPWH project had been “clustered” with the city government would be sufficient to resolve the audit issue. CoA responded that “another legal document may be executed as long as it contains the explicit approval of the DPWH as the funding agency on the ‘clustering’ of the two subject projects.” The post CoA flags Baguio fund ‘misuse’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Succession’ tops Emmy nominations with 27
Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Wednesday 7/12/2023 - 23:55 UTC+8 | 230 words "Succession," the HBO drama about an ultra-wealthy family fighting for control of a sinister media empire, led the nominations Wednesday for the Emmys -- television's version of the Oscars. The show's critically adored final season earned a whopping 27 nods, in a live-streamed announcement overshadowed by the threat of a Hollywood actors' strike that could derail the industry's entire awards calendar. "Succession" was followed by two more HBO dramas -- video-game adaptation "The Last of Us" (24) and satire "The White Lotus" (23). Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso" topped the comedy section with 21, while Netflix's "Beef" and "Dahmer -- Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" led the limited series category, with 13 nods apiece. After a final round of voting by the Television Academy's 20,000-odd members, the 75th Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place on September 18. But that ceremony is highly likely to be delayed if the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) calls a strike, with a negotiations deadline looming at midnight (0700 GMT Thursday.) An actors' strike would mean a boycott of the ceremony by stars. Studios including Netflix and Disney have called in federal mediators to help resolve the deadlock over pay and other conditions. But the actors' union said late Tuesday it is "not confident that the employers have any intention of bargaining toward an agreement." The post ‘Succession’ tops Emmy nominations with 27 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blockchain focuses on creative sector
South Korea’s Comet Global and Japan’s Junca Holdings will be collaborating with the Philippine government and private businesses to help draft regulations on blockchain and breed more Filipino startups in a range of industries, from finance to the arts. These initiatives will be part of the memorandum of understanding among the two foreign firms and the multisectoral Blockchain Council of the Philippines. The agreement will be signed during the Philippine Blockchain Week or PBW 2023 to be held from 18 to 21 September at the Marriott Hotel Manila. Emmy Lou Delfin, director at the Department of Information and Communications Technology said blockchain, an online database or records system, can make government and business transactions transparent and inclusive. The reason is that the blockchain can be viewed by all its users and once a piece of information has been entered into the blockchain, it can no longer be modified. “With its inherent qualities of decentralization and transparency, blockchain has the potential to enhance trust, promote accountability and transform traditional systems. But let me emphasize that with great potential comes great responsibility, so must make sure that blockchain technology remains ethical and inclusive,” Delfin said Tuesday at the press conference on PBW 2023, the second of its kind organized by the blockchain council. Blockchain risks, benefits Donald Lim, lead convenor of PBW, said the foreign firms will help Filipinos see both the benefits and dangers of using blockchain in certain ways. “Blockchain is already in the mature stages in South Korea and Japan. The Philippines is a greenfield for them, that’s why they’ll be bringing in a lot of their expertise and technologies. They’ll help us understand what has been tried and tested.” Blockchain has been mostly used in finance and cryptocurrencies or digital money, but can be adopted by other sectors to also record transactions in health, agriculture, energy and creative activities. For entrepreneurial individuals, Lim said the PBW 2023 will also feature hackathons where they can pitch blockchain-based solutions for various social issues to the foreign guests and businesspeople who will attend the event. Lim said he expects at least 10,000 participants in the PBW this year “South Korea and Japan governments are even stricter about blockchain, but their economies are big. They have more money and suppliers to scale up the use of blockchain faster. In the Philippines, we have less money and banks invest only small portions of their funds in blockchain technologies.” Lim said investors would likely be flocking to Bataan as the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan announced plans to open certain areas in the province for firms using blockchain and other emerging technologies. “If there’s a Silicon Valley in the US, Bataan might become a blockchain valley.” Jo-Dann Darong, director at Department of Trade and Industry or DTI, said the PBW this year will also allow the government to explore uses of blockchain for the creative industry, consisting of audio-visual arts, performing arts, poetry and painting, among others. “Gone are the days when DTI was known for sari-sari stores and price monitoring. We have recognized the convergence of technology and creativity in the national development agenda of the country, making it competitive.” Darong shared that there are over 6 million Filipinos working in nine major sectors and 73 subsectors in the creative industry, which now represents over 7 percent share of the country’s gross domestic product. World-renowned fashion designer Michael Cinco will also conduct a fashion show through metaverse which uses digital art and virtual-reality technology. Other activities lined up for PBW this year include a discussion on artificial intelligence, NFTY Awards for digital artworks, gaming exposition by Tier 1, and Blockchain 101 for students to learn the basics of this technology. The post Blockchain focuses on creative sector appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Three firms join driver’s cards bid
Three local companies have submitted their proposals to the Central Bids and Awards Committee of the Department of Transportation to become the new supplier of plastic cards used for printing driver’s licenses. The Committee disclosed that All Card Inc., Peterjohn Enterprises and Banner Plasticard, Inc. participated in the ongoing competitive bidding for driver’s license card procurement. The deadline for submission ended on 24 May. “With impartiality and transparency at the core, this event manifests a level-playing field where opportunities are being presented to those with the most innovative and compelling proposals,” the DoTr said, referring to the ceremonial opening of bid last Wednesday. Backlash To recall, the Land Transportation Office faced backlash after it ran out of plastic cards to print driver’s licenses, which forced the agency to print makeshift copies on paper. It was on top of the projection that license plate materials are likely to also run out by June. Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista reiterated that procurement should have been made by the LTO in August last year as it could have prevented the materials shortage and delayed release of licenses to motorists. However, outgoing LTO chief Jay Art Tugade, on the other hand, attributed the problem to the DoTr’s issuance of an order that mandated all procurement activities worth over P50 million must pass through the central office. Tugade was referring to a Department Order dated 28 February, which ruled out several functions from the MRT-3, DoTr Regional Offices in Cordillera Autonomous Region and Caraga, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Philippine Railways Institute. With impartiality and transparency at the core, this event manifests a level-playing field where opportunities are being presented to those with the most innovative and compelling proposals. Agency-to-agency procurement To immediately resolve the plastic card shortage, the DoTr earlier said it may explore agency-to-agency procurement for the material supply. Bautista previously said he has reached out to the National Printing Office and APO Production Unit on their technical capability to supply the cards. APO Production Unit Inc. is a government-owned corporation that handles the printing of accountable forms and sensitive high-quality/volume printing jobs for Philippine agencies and offices. But before the DoTr implements an agency-to-agency arrangement, there needs to be a memorandum of agreement, as required under existing laws, rules, and regulations. The post Three firms join driver’s cards bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS.....»»
Infrastructure projects get better loan terms from Japan
The Philippines has secured better financing terms for two big-ticket infrastructure projects funded by the Japanese government aimed at improving public transport and road connectivity......»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
Gathering of champions
The stars descended on the Okada Grand Ballroom last Sunday as former world boxing champions gathered to celebrate the launch of the 1st Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman as guest of honor and speaker......»»
DENR defends LLDA on lake sharing
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources defended yesterday the decision of the Laguna Lake Development Authority to increase the share of commercial operators in Laguna de Bay, saying it was the local government units who recommended to President Marcos the modification in the sharing agreement as small fisherfolk could not meet the required supply of fish......»»
PMI, ARQ, ZIP Sanman boxers feted in first Elorde-Pacquiao Boxing Awards
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Central Visayas was well-represented during the inaugural Elorde-Pacquiao Boxing Awards at Okada Manila last Sunday, March 24th. This was after 13 of Central Visayas’ best boxers from Cebu and Bohol were feted for their achievements in 2023. They were headed by none other than former World Boxing Organization (WBO) world minimumweight.....»»
Brazil: Join Regional Treaty on Environment, Defenders
(Sao Paulo) - The administration ofBrazilianPresident Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva should rally legislators to approve theEscaz Agreement, more than 150 Brazilian and international organizations said today in aletterto Instituti.....»»
Resumption of FTA talks seen to spur higher EU investments
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority expects investments from European companies to increase with the resumption of the Philippines – European Union free trade agreement negotiations......»»
NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand's ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. "I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union of our ratification of the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EUFTA)......»»
Pacquiao, Sulaiman honor Filipino champs, eye PH-Mexico tiff
Invited by Manny Pacquiao to the Elorde-Pacquiao Boxing Awards, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announces that he will stage a dual meet involving the Philippines and Mexico.....»»
Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting
The lay-offs are set to begin while Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are underway. The post Nexperia workers decry mass ‘lay-offs’, claim union-busting appeared first on Bulatlat......»»