Congress asked to update nat& rsquo;l building code
Congress must update the National Building Code and create the Department of Disaster Resilience during the second regular session of the 18th Congress, Agusan del Sur Rep. Lawrence Fortun on Sunday said......»»
Unveiling the shabu bust scandal
On 13 June, Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced that criminal charges have been filed against 50 police officers, including Gen. Benjamin Santos, former PNP-Drug Enforcement Group chief, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo. The investigation leading to the charges was conducted jointly by the National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police’s Special Investigation Task Group which uncovered the officers’ alleged involvement in a coverup in the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu worth around P6.7 billion in October 2022. They were charged with violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Revised Penal Code (specifically, falsification, perjury, false testimony, and malversation of public property), and Presidential Decree 1829, which deals with obstruction of justice. Much of the evidence was obtained from closed-circuit television camera footage which captured the alleged involvement of police officers in the attempt to pilfer 42 kilograms from the total 990 kilograms of shabu seized at WPD Lending, a finance company owned by Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo. The CCTV footage taken on 8 October 2022 corresponded to the day Mayo was apprehended during a drug operation at WPD Lending which resulted in the seizure of the 990 kilograms of shabu. What appeared to be a momentous victory for the PNP, however, quickly turned into a massive scandal seemingly straight out of the big screen. On 10 April, Secretary Abalos stepped forward to unveil a complex syndicated coverup surrounding the shabu bust. For the first time in public, he presented the CCTV footage that revealed a stark disparity between the reports filed by the PNP regarding the arrest of Mayo. This revelation, coupled with multiple reports, prompted Abalos to issue a statement exposing the “massive attempt to cover up” Mayo’s arrest and implicating certain PNP officials in the process. Subsequently, the House of Representatives Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs initiated separate inquiries into the anomalies surrounding the drug bust. Mayo and several PNP officials were summoned to shed light on the matter during these investigations. During the congressional hearings, Congressmen Barbers and Acop were able to spot several conflicting details from the PNP officials ranging from the date, time, and place of the arrests of Mayo and his alleged accomplice, Ney Atadero. Among those questioned about the conflicting details were Brig. Gen. Narcisco Domingo Jr., Lt. Col. Julius Olonan, and Capt. Jonathan Sosongco. The three officers were among the 10 ranking officers who were placed on leave after an alleged attempt to cover up Mayo’s arrest was uncovered by the National Police Commission’s fact-finding board. Olonan claimed that only Atadero was arrested at 1 p.m. at WPD Lending in Tondo, while Mayo was arrested in Bambang. Sosongco said both Mayo and Atadero were captured at around 4 p.m. at the Western Police District. The CCTV footage, however, showed that on or about 1:40 p.m. at WPD Lending, Mayo appeared in handcuffs as he alighted from a grey SUV while being escorted by the team of Sosongco who were followed by a black sedan from which Sosongco alighted. This was in stark contrast to what was reported by the PNP that Mayo was arrested by a Captain Piñon. The CCTV footage further showed several PNP officers entering and exiting WPD Lending, carrying suitcases that were loaded into vehicles and on a motorcycle. These vehicles and the motorcycle were then driven to a nearby establishment suspected to belong to another PNP official named Jimenez, where the suitcases were believed unloaded. This Jimenez was a subordinate of Colonel Ibañez of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 4A, who was also listed in the Drug Watch list along with Mayo and Jimenez, whom Ibañez specifically asked to be part of his team. Domingo denied a coverup and said that the senior officers seen in the CCTV footage were discussing their next moves. He said efforts were being made to identify other cohorts of Mayo, recover the pilfered drugs, and cooperate with the Department of Justice in building a case against the suspects. The ramifications of these revelations led former president Rodrigo Duterte to accuse the PNP of being the “gatekeeper” of the illegal drug trade and challenged its personnel to resign. He expressed concern about the significant volume of drugs allegedly passing through the hands of the police, even reaching the level of the generals. Secretary Abalos assured Duterte and the public that they were taking action on the issue of alleged drug ties among police officers and that they were actively carrying out their responsibilities and conducting investigations into the matter. As we delve further into the shabu bust scandal, it is crucial that we remain focused on our ultimate objectives: purging the PNP of corruption, rebuilding public trust, and upholding the rule of law. He should be applauded for his courage in exposing the complicity of senior PNP officials, despite the potential risk to his personal safety from both internal and external syndicates. His unwavering resolve to root out drug connections in the PNP and restore its damaged reputation is truly commendable and deserving of our admiration. The post Unveiling the shabu bust scandal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl launches eGov Super App
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday asked government agencies to adopt e-governance to improve the delivery of services to the public as the country launched the eGov Super App, the country's first one-stop-shop platform for national and local government services. In his speech during the launching of the eGov SuperApp at Malacañang Palace in Manila, Marcos said that the government must keep up with the rapid pace of technological adoption and facilitate the development of interconnectivity infrastructure. "Our Government must keep up with that frantic pace, and it is frantic, and facilitate the rapid development of our interconnectivity infrastructure to allow our economy to ride the wave and open up an ocean of opportunities for prosperity," Marcos said. The President also stressed that the country "cannot compete on an even basis unless you are highly digitalized both in the private and public sectors." Marcos reiterated what he said during his first address to the nation last year: "We are in the midst of an age of exponential adoption of technology." He added that the Philippines had fallen behind in e-governance, citing a survey showing that only five percent of Filipinos do their transactions with the government online. "We cannot do (transactions) online with the government. We have to go to the office. We have to collect the birth certificate, documentation, and clearance, then go to the government office. They say: 'You're missing one document,' and the Filipinos must return to that office. And they do all of these things," Marcos added. To address this, Marcos said that the government is pushing for the passage of the E-Governance Act of 2022, which would promote the use of ICT in government operations. The bill –– which House Speaker Martin Romualdez, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and Tingog Sinirangan Party-List Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre filed last June 2022 –– would establish a national e-governance framework and create a central agency to oversee its implementation. Marcos said that the E-Governance Act is "essential" to the government's goal of transforming the economy. "This is going to be another building block in the foundation of our economic transformation," Marcos said. He also mentioned the issuance of the national ID is critical or that is important or that's necessary for the conduct of business with the government. Now that the Department of Information and Communications Technology launched the eGovPH "super app," Marcos said the Philippines could compete with neighbors in the global market. "This is a very good step, and we will continue to push this; we will need the partnership, not only of our government agencies but also of the private sector because the private sector also has concerns in this regard, especially when it comes to cybersecurity," Marcos said. The e-GovPH super app, considered a one-stop-shop platform for local and national government services, could be downloaded in the Google Play and Apple application stores. Among transactions that could be done in the application include SIM registration, local government unit services, job application, tourism information, start-up empowerment, healthcare information, and feedback. To use all the application functionalities, one should sign up and undergo identity verification, including submitting a live selfie. Once the initial verification is complete, users will receive an eGov Digital ID and a QR code. However, according to DICT Secretary Ivan Uy, not all government agencies are currently integrated with the application. Still, efforts are underway to establish those connections. The post Phl launches eGov Super App appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Double trouble
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over the weekend sounded the alarm that the Philippines will have to brace for the one-two punch coming from the El Niño and La Niña weather phenomena. Marcos said that despite the severe drought brought about by the El Niño, the country is also preparing for the extreme opposite, of the intense rainfall associated with the La Niña. The La Nina “brings its own set of problems” like flooding, Marcos said, adding that, “this requires the participation of every Filipino. For the water shortage presently being felt, the Chief Executive asked the Department of the Interior and Local Government to monitor the compliance of local government units in cracking down against the wasteful use of water. He cited in particular, “car washes, golf course irrigation and swimming pool refilling” that people may, on their own, limit as their contribution to saving precious water. Metro Manila mayors, for their part, said this week that they will come up with proposals on how to address the water shortage in the “next week or two,” including the possibility of water rationing. Being a tropical country, the Philippines is vulnerable to the effects of El Niño and La Niña — the first, a climate pattern that occurs every two to seven years when the Pacific Ocean warms up and touches off droughts and crop failures in unirrigated farmlands. La Niña is El Niño’s anti-thesis, occurring when the Pacific Ocean cools down, leading to extended rainfalls, floods and, consequently, landslides. Marcos’ plea for Filipinos to do their best in easing the effects of both weather conditions is not to be taken lightly as the Philippines has experienced both El Niño and La Niña in recent years. In 2015, the country had a severe El Niño event, along with countries like Australia, Indonesia and Africa, that led to widespread droughts, crop failures, food shortages and price increases. Five years later in 2020, the Philippines experienced a La Niña event that led to widespread flooding and landslides. This resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, and it also caused billions of pesos in damage. True enough, the effects of El Niño and La Niña are not evenly distributed around the world. Still, such events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, experts agree. For example, Australia is particularly vulnerable to droughts caused by El Niño, while Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to floods caused by La Niña. As El Niño and La Niña are not going away, countries like the Philippines have no choice but to apply measures to mitigate their effects, including investing in renewable energy, diversifying the agricultural sector, improving water management, and building climate change-resilient infrastructures. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are not affected by El Niño and La Niña. By investing in them, the Philippines can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, which are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Likewise, the Philippines, being heavily reliant on rice production, which is a water-intensive crop, needs to diversify its agricultural sector to make its food supply more resilient to climate change. Improving water management needs no explanation and it is something that can be done by all sectors and individuals. Not so when it comes to building climate-resilient infrastructure, an undertaking that needs government support and guidance. Here, they may be a need to revise the country’s Building Code to build structures that are resilient to floods, landslides, and typhoons. As the Philippines braces for El Niño and La Niña, it is important for the government and the people to work together to mitigate the effects of these climate patterns. By doing so, the country can build a more resilient future and protect its people from the impacts of climate change. The post Double trouble appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NCRPO staff posers nabbed
Operatives from the Quezon City Police District Anti-Cybercrime Team arrested a man and a woman for posing as staff of National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Allan Okubo. Initial reports said that the duo was asking for financial assistance to different police station commanders in the city. QCPD Director Nicolas Torre III identified the suspects as Editha Candelaria a resident of San Fernando, Pampanga and Allan Roque Jr., a former vendor inside Camp Bagong Diwa where the NCRPO headquarters is located. Torre said the suspects were apprehended at Simon Compound in Barangay Unang Sigaw, after cashing the amount they have asked from the QCPD Station 4. The arrests comes after QCPD Station 4 commander Lt. Col. Jerry Castillo lodged a complaint that the suspects contacted him through his cellular identifying themselves as NCRPO chief Okubo’s NUP (Non-Uniform Personnel) in-charge of collecting contributions from stations commanders for their up-coming team building. The duo was caught after cashing the money when they thought that Castillo fell from their usurpation activity. Candelaria and Roque were booked and slapped with charges of Violation of Article 177 (Usurpation of Authority or Official Function) and Article 315 (Swindling/Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code both in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 otherwise known as “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.” The post NCRPO staff posers nabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Congress asked to update nat& rsquo;l building code
Congress must update the National Building Code and create the Department of Disaster Resilience during the second regular session of the 18th Congress, Agusan del Sur Rep. Lawrence Fortun on Sunday said......»»
Digital connectivity space tackled in amendments to National Building Code
A pending legislation at the House of Representatives amending the 47-year-old National Building Code of the Philippines would make it more responsive to the broadband connectivity demands of a digital economy, a citizen advocacy group said......»»
Supreme Court asked to invalidate BARMM governance code
Officials of the Bangsamoro government are bracing for a drawn-out legal battle as a consequence of the petition by constituent-local executives for the Supreme Court to declare null and void the newly-enacted regional governance code......»»
PHLPost welcomes 2024 with Year of the Wooden Dragon Stamps
The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has welcomed the year 2024 with the release of colorful commemorative 2024 Year of the Wooden Dragon postage stamps. In Chinese mythology, the Dragon symbolizes strength, courage, creativity, and innovation, signifying the potential and opportunity that 2024 holds. Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos extended well wishes for the New Year, expressing hopes for peace, prosperity, and love. He also emphasized the anticipated opportunities in the Year of the Wooden Dragon, including the establishment of Barangay Postal Stations, the implementation of a new alphanumeric Zip Code system, and the Real Time Visibility system to modernize mail operations. The Dragon, as the 5th animal in the Chinese zodiac, is associated with fire and positivity, indicating a year of happiness and new opportunities. PHLPost has printed 20,000 copies of two colorful stamp designs, along with limited collector's item souvenir sheets and first day cover envelopes, all available at the Manila Central Post Office Annex Building......»»
Walden Bello asks SC to decriminalize libel
In a 26-page filed before the SC on Tuesday, Bello asked to void Articles 353 to 355 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) on libel and section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act on cyber libel......»»
Acapulco hurricane survivors still struggling to get word to loved ones
Andrea Fernandez, who is eight months pregnant, is distraught, unable to let her husband in another state know that she is fine after Hurricane Otis devastated the scenic resort of Acapulco, on Mexico's Pacific coast, leaving at least 27 dead. But "there is no (cellular) service. I haven't been able to communicate for three days," she said, jostling on a bridge with about 20 others keen to make a call or text to let loved ones know that they are well. "I'm desperate," she said through tears. This picturesque tourist haunt, which lured Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley in the 1950s and '60s, is now a bustling city of 780,000 people, living in high-rises and houses on hills and mountains. But it had never experienced a Category 5 hurricane like Otis which -- in a single day -- killed at least 39 people and made local landmarks built over decades look like they had been bombed. Cell phones intermittently pick up signals in some parts of the port, but the situation is hit or miss. One local woman could be overheard telling her loved ones: "There is no way to get out of here! I'll talk to you again when I can. Everything here is gone. It's horrible." Some disgruntled survivors have told local media they were angry to hear tourists were taken to safe places to ride out the storm -- in sharp contrast to the population as a whole. At one point, some tourists keen to contact kin approached journalists on the port's main avenue, Costera Miguel Aleman, asking them to pass on details of a sick person who needed to be evacuated from a damaged building. Francisco Perez, 50, is desperate to get word to his mother. He has accused the authorities of a grossly inadequate response to the devastation Otis wrought. "(They put) some portable (phone) antennas at a couple of places, but... what are we supposed to do?" he asked angrily, as people's focus began turning to the lack of reliable water and food. Otis strengthened with dramatic speed, growing in just hours from a tropical storm to the most powerful category of the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale before hitting land early Wednesday. The World Meteorological Organization described the hurricane as "one of the most rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones on record," exceeded in modern times only by another Pacific hurricane, Patricia, in 2015. The speed with which Otis intensified took the government and weather forecasters by surprise, leaving little time to issue warnings and prepare residents for its arrival. The post Acapulco hurricane survivors still struggling to get word to loved ones appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO innovates responses to backlogs
The Land Transportation Office, or LTO, now under the leadership of Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, has committed to implementing innovative solutions to immediately address the piles of problems “inherited” from the previous leaderships. Mendoza, whom Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista tasked to help the agency improve its current state, expressed confidence that he could turn the LTO around and make it more efficient and effective. He said this aligns with the Marcos administration’s marching orders to digitalize and bring government services closer to the people seamlessly. Mendoza has already begun to execute some changes, such as streamlining the driver’s license application process, implementing a new online vehicle registration system, and reducing the number of fixers at LTO offices, among others. Speaking in a recent interview on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, Mendoza disclosed that his agency is studying cost-effective ways to produce license plates. Presently, the LTO has a manufacturing plant with eight machines working to produce license plates, but as recently directed by Bautista, the agency is looking at outsourcing them instead of producing them. “We make the plates ourselves, although we are studying if maybe it is high time to review whether the LTO should produce or outsource the plates. I told Secretary Bautista that in terms of efficiency, it might be less costly and faster if we outsource it,” Mendoza said. “We are thoroughly studying those options to weigh which will be less costly to the government. Thus, finally, we could resolve all the backlogs,” he added. Million plates a month Mendoza added that the agency’s plate-making plant could produce a million monthly plates to replace all the backlogs — from the old green plates to the new white ones. He said before the end of November, the license plate backlog will hopefully be fully addressed. With production in full swing, a motorist with a newly acquired four-wheel vehicle can claim his license plates within 10 days. In the meantime, new motorcycle owners can now get their plates immediately. This significantly improved from the previous year when motorists took years to get their plates. To recall, in March, ex-LTO chief Jay Art Tugade issued a memo suspending the production of license plates due to a shortage of materials. Online portal needs full utilization Mendoza said the LTO is also working on finally utilizing the Land Transportation Management System, or LTMS, a P3.14-billion portal created to address Filipinos’ motoring concerns. He lamented that the underutilization of the online portal, which he described as just one of the many inherited problems of the agency, was a misuse of government funds. “The system design is incomplete, and you know that as much as possible, we want to be fully digital as instructed by the President. We want motorists to be able to apply for a license and register their vehicles through that platform,” Mendoza said. “We supposedly have all the facilities. There will be no need to go to LTO offices as it will also address the issues of fixers. However, we cannot do all these until we fully resolve the website’s functionalities,” he said, adding that the LTO would need the developers to provide them with some missing source and application codes. The LTMS was jointly developed by German technology firm Dermalog and its local partners, Holy Family Printing Corp., Microgenesis, and Verzontal Builders Inc. The project went through competitive bidding in May 2018. The LTO’s online portal is a one-stop shop that will integrate all LTO services in a single contactless database system and digital platform. “We are waiting for their reply. I have been open since my first day in office, and I’ve been very open to them. There is a problem, let us talk about it. However, they have not replied to my letters on the source code and application code issue. We have to protect the government’s interest, and the government’s interest is to get the source and application codes so we can do the enhancements ourselves,” Mendoza said. According to the new LTO chief, hiring another third-party team to resolve the LTMS issues might cost the government at least another billion pesos. Mendoza asked why the government does not just find another software developer, saying: “We already paid for the contract.” “If we do it, maybe they will spend another billion just to complete everything, so the government will save a lot if we do it ourselves. We have DICT with us, and LTO is also hiring technical people for us to be able to do it ourselves. So, we can do it, we don’t need foreigners to teach us.” The post LTO innovates responses to backlogs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COMELEC disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’
A candidate for Sangguniang Kabataan chairmanship in Quezon City was disqualified by the Commission on Elections over 'vote buying' charges. In a seven-page resolution issued on 26 October 2023 and signed by COMELEC's Second Division Presiding Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, concurred by Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis, noted that SK candidate Judielyn Bartolome Francisco of Barangay San Bartolome was "disqualified" to run for the upcoming BSKE elections as she violated Section 68 (a) of the Omnibus Elections Code for "vote buying". The case stemmed from a petition filed by Arjay Lacsa on 26 September this year, who claimed that Francisco engaged in vote buying by sponsoring and funding a leadership seminar "cum" team building of some 80 youths of their village at Paradise Adventure Camp in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan held on 16 and 17 September 2023, a few weeks after the filing of candidacies. Pieces of evidence presented by Lacsa included social media posts of the participants themselves tagging Francisco as their " future SK chairman" and three affidavits of witnesses who claimed that Francisco was even present in that event. On 5 October, the COMELEC summoned Francisco to explain her side who gave her reply on 9 October saying she did not have the resources to fund the gathering while she also admitted being there as a host for the opening program "in return for a professional fee." She also informed the commission that she also filed perjury charges against Lacsa's witnesses at the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. The commission, however, concluded that they "are not convinced" as Francisco's lengthy answer reveals that "they are in the nature of general denials emanating from respondent's self-serving and uncorroborated statements." The affidavits of Lacsa's witnesses, the commission added, are "rich in details" and the evidence is pointing to Francisco as the host of the team building. Francisco's involvement is a deliberate and strategic scheme to influence the voters of Barangay San Bartolome to vote for her, the commission's resolution read. The post COMELEC disqualifies QC SK chairman candidate for ‘vote buying’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Earthquake disaster response ordinance passed
The 20th Davao City Council approved the Davao City Earthquake Disaster Response Ordinance during the 40th Regular Session. The ordinance requires building owners to put up Earthquake Recording Instruments (ERIs) in their buildings to monitor earthquakes and help buildings become stronger. Every building in Seismic Zone 4 above 50 meters in height must be equipped with at least three certified ERIs under the terms of this legislation unless the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) grants a waiver. The National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) shall be followed when defining the standards for each type of construction because there are differences between the structures and buildings in the city. Only structures equipped with seismic equipment are eligible for building permits, regardless of the location or site......»»
Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way
Cebuana Lhuillier has changed many people’s lives through the many products and services they offer. From a humble pawnshop to being one of the biggest microfinance companies in the Philippines, Cebuana Lhuillier has become synonymous with the words trust and reliability as it continues to financially empower Filipinos across the nation. But in no place has the impact of Cebuana Lhuillier been more felt than within the confines of the company, where many of their employees have stayed for years and, in some instances, decades. And throughout their decades of service, they are grateful to Cebuana Lhuillier, who inspired their growth by imparting new knowledge and skills, applauding and giving them recognition, and showing that they are valued and cared for like a true family. Recognition and Promotions Ricardo Cruz has been with the company for more than 35 years and has been a dedicated Area Head since 1998. Before his journey in Cebuana Lhuillier, Rey completed a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management, and started his professional journey as a filing clerk. But fate led him to Cebuana Lhuillier, where his mother worked as a building caretaker for Agencia Cebuana. After passing the exams, Rey worked as a humble messenger and janitor at Agencia Cebuana Baclaran Branch. Among the many memories, Rey cherishes two significant milestones: he was appointed as an Area Head back in 1998 and won the highly coveted Best Area of the Year award. These moments of recognition and achievement fueled his motivation and inspired him to work hard for over three decades. "I am incredibly proud, grateful, and privileged to have been a part of this company for over 35 years. The most rewarding aspect of working at Cebuana has definitely been the continuous learning and personal growth I've experienced, which I've also had the privilege to share with my fellow Ka-Cebuanas. And I’m thankful to be part of this family. Because of Cebuana Lhuillier, I'm able to provide a comfortable life for my family," said Cruz. Marilyn Valencia, a dedicated member of the company for more than 35 years, holds a remarkable background. She is the Area Head for Region 1A, and her journey as a Ka-Cebuana has been filled with numerous achievements and significant milestones. During her tenure with Cebuana Lhuillier, she managed to earn 21 units in education and became a licensed teacher. Not stopping there, she also pursued and successfully completed her Master's in Business Administration at UE Manila, all while dedicating herself to the organization. In addition to her educational achievements, Marilyn's dedication has led her to be appointed as one of the first Area Heads in 1996. In this role, she took on the responsibility of overseeing branches in the entire Northern provinces, CAMANAVA, and parts of Manila and Pasay City. This included the rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of over 100 branches, a significant contribution to local employment and the training of new branch personnel. An Advocate for Continuous Learning Grace Ferolino, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 4A, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While she had various previous career opportunities, Ferolino eventually found a home in Cebuana Lhuillier and has been with the company for over 30 years. Among her countless experiences within Cebuana, Grace cherishes the memory of being selected for intensive diamond training at Gemlab and having the privilege to undergo Area Manager's training. For her fellow employees aspiring for longevity in the company, Grace emphasizes the importance of loving one's work and serving it with utmost honesty; treating the business as one's own; and mastering financial management to eliminate unnecessary debt. Aurora Genilo, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 1A, is another exemplary employee who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving Cebuana Lhuillier. A graduate of BS Commerce Accounting, she holds her days as cluster leader and her involvement with the esteemed manning team closest to her heart. These roles, according to her, allowed her to nurture her leadership skills and actively contribute to the growth and success of the company. By working hard, she was able to ensure the education of her three children, one of whom has etched their own path within the company. "My journey of 30 years with Cebuana Lhuillier has been a transformative one. Not only did it enable me to provide for my own family, but it also provided me with numerous opportunities to develop my skills and advance in my career. I'm profoundly grateful for the continuous opportunities that Cebuana Lhuillier extends to all of its employees, including me," expressed Genilo. Region 5’s Business and Client Relations Manager, Imelda Quidato, has been with Cebuana Lhuillier for more than 30 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, she first ventured into the world of sales as a promodiser before becoming a part of the Cebuana Lhuillier family. When asked about the best part of working for Cebuana, Imelda cited the skills she acquired in appraising and attending enriching training programs, which played a pivotal role in molding her both personally and professionally. An Open and Compassionate Heart Armed with a degree in Aircraft Technology, Abelardo Aquino Jr. took a leap of faith and applied for a job at Cebuana Lhuillier over 30 years ago. As the Area Head of Region 3, he reveals that the best part about working for Cebuana is the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and tackle challenging situations head-on. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and embracing a "can-do" attitude. With determination and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and forge a lasting and fulfilling career at Cebuana Lhuillier. At Cebuana Lhuillier, employee appreciation is a top priority. The company demonstrates this commitment through comprehensive training programs, fostering a healthy company culture, and recognizing and celebrating exceptional employee contributions. This culture of appreciation, value, and nurturing is what sets Cebuana Lhuillier apart. The post Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Scammer slapped with charges
The National Bureau of Investigation announced on Sunday that it has file charges against an alleged scammer who promised an investor between 10 percent and 25 percent returns in her invested money. The charges of Estafa under Article 315, 2(a) of the Revised Penal Code for the alleged investment scam was filed before the Quezon City prosecutors office by the NBI shortly after the suspect was arrested in Quezon City recently. Investigation showed that the suspect had convinced one victim to invest P400,000 and promised it would earn interest ranging from 10 to 25 percent depending on the term/paid-out date. “Believing the representations of the suspect, the complainant invested a total amount of P400,000 paid on various dates starting from February to April 2023,” the NBI said. “However, (the suspect) failed to make good her promise to pay the complainant with the agreed pay-out of her investment despite numerous demands.” The unnamed complainant told investigators that the money she gave the suspect “was not really invested and that the suspect has no Securities and Exchange Commission registration.” When the suspect asked for P440,000 in additional investment, the complainant decided to file a complaint in the NBI, which promptly launched an entrapment operation. The post Scammer slapped with charges appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taxpayer’s right to present supporting documents
Imagine being in an examination. The instructions are clear: “You have two hours to complete the exam.” At the end of the first hour, you were surprised. The bell rang, and everyone was asked to submit their paper. This is analogous to the case of Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Maxicare Healthcare Corporation (G.R. 261065, 10 July 2023). In the beginning, there was nothing outside the ordinary. A Letter of Authority was issued. A tax audit ensued, leading to the issuance of a Preliminary Assessment Notice or PAN. Maxicare filed a response to the PAN. The Bureau of Internal Revenue issued a Formal Letter of Demand and Final Assessment Notice. Maxicare filed a protest against the FLD/FAN requesting a reinvestigation. Maxicare made it explicit that it will submit the pertinent supporting documents and additional explanations within 60 days from the date of filing the protest. However, the BIR issued the Final Decision on Disputed Assessment after the lapse of only 30 days. The Supreme Court declared the assessment against the taxpayer null and void for the manifest violation of the taxpayer’s right to due process. The Court took the opportunity to definitely settle that the reckoning point of the 60-day period for the submission of relevant supporting documents is from the filing of the administrative protest to the FLD/FAN, when such protest constitutes a request for reinvestigation and not from the response or reply to the PAN. The Court clarified that the pronouncement in the Minute Resolution in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Roca Security and Investigation Agency (G.R. 241338, 10 April 2019) wherein the 60-day period was reckoned from the filing of the response to the PAN was a glaring error. By failing to observe the statutory period, the taxpayer was denied the opportunity to present evidence, tantamount to denial of a genuine opportunity to be heard. The Court then dissected Section 228 of the Tax Code and Revenue Regulations No. 12-99, as amended. It emphasized the following points: The “pre-assessment notice” mentioned in Section 228 of the Tax Code corresponds to the PAN. The taxpayer shall be required to respond within a period of 15 days from receipt of the PAN; and Section 228 of the Tax Code explicitly sets the period for an “administrative protest of the assessment” at 30 days, which refers specifically to an FLD/FAN protest. This protest may take the form of either a request for consideration or reinvestigation. The Court strongly noted that it is the request for reinvestigation that carries the 60-day period to submit relevant supporting documents. Such an option was not provided with regard to the response to the PAN. Hence, there could be no other conclusion that the 60-day period to submit relevant supporting documents applies to and should be reckoned from filing the protest against the FLD/FAN. The Supreme Court brushed aside the BIR’s plea to apply leniency to the rules of procedure in the name of substantial justice. The Supreme Court reminded the tax authorities, in no uncertain terms, of the clear necessity for the strict observance of procedural rules to safeguard the due process rights of the concerned parties. This is a necessary check against the exercise of the government’s expansive power of taxation. *** For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cabdo@divinalaw.com. The post Taxpayer’s right to present supporting documents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Public EV charging stations sorely lacking — Win
Senator Win Gatchalian has urged the Department of Energy and the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite the crafting of policies on public charging stations to further boost the adoption of electric vehicle use in the country. Gatchalian lamented that the biggest constraint in promoting EV adoption is the lack of charging stations. “There’s no shortage of brands and EVs in the country, but some people are hesitant because they have nowhere to charge the EVs so the biggest challenge is the lack of necessary infrastructure and policies,” he said. The senator pressed the need for the DoE and DPWH to implement various policies to also improve the adoption of EVs in the country. Gatchalian said the DPWH must make revisions to the implementing rules and regulations of the National Building Code and the Green Building Code for the installation of charging stations. The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA, which was mainly authored by Gatchalian, was enacted to support the adoption of EVs in the Philippines. But only seven out of 19 issuances prescribed under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry have so far been promulgated. The remaining 12 issuances are still in process. Under this roadmap, the government has set a conservative target for the country to have 850,100 EVs and 20,300 EV charging stations by 2040. It was followed by a more ambitious target of more than two million EVs and 40,000 EVCS by 2040. The CREVI was formulated following the enactment of the EVIDA. Gatchalian said he is considering proposing a value-added tax refund mechanism, for those who will buy EVs. “I’m thinking of a mechanism wherein we can refund VAT to those who will switch to EVs. In effect, that is a 12 percent subsidy to those who will buy EVs. It’s a refund mechanism that we are playing around with,” he said. He added that providing subsidies for EV users “is a mechanism that some countries have resorted to so we can encourage the use of EVs in the country.” The importation tariffs and excise tax on EVs have already been suspended for five years — making the vehicles more affordable to local consumers. The post Public EV charging stations sorely lacking — Win appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sen. Gatchalian urge DoE, DPWH to expedite policies on EV charging
Senator Win Gatchalian has urged the Department of Energy and the Department of Public Works and Highways to expedite the crafting of policies on public charging stations to further boost the adoption of electric vehicle use in the country. Gatchalian lamented that the biggest constraint in promoting EV adoption is the lack of charging stations. “There’s no shortage of brands and EVs in the country, but some people are hesitant because they have nowhere to charge the EVs so the biggest challenge is the lack of necessary infrastructure and policies,” he said. The senator pressed the need for the DoE and DPWH to implement various policies to also improve the adoption of EVs in the country. Gatchalian said the DPWH must make revisions to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the national building code and the green building code for the installation of charging stations. The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA, which was mainly authored by Gatchalian, was enacted to support the adoption of EVs in the Philippines. But only 7 out of 19 issuances prescribed under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry have so far been promulgated. The remaining 12 issuances are still in process. Under this roadmap, the government has set a conservative target for the country to have 850,100 EVs and 20,300 EV charging stations by 2040. It was followed by a more ambitious target of more than 2 million EVs and 40,000 EVCS by 2040. The CREVI was formulated following the enactment of the EVIDA. Gatchalian said he is considering proposing a value-added tax refund mechanism, for those who will buy EVs. “I’m thinking of a mechanism wherein we can refund VAT to those who will switch to EVs. In effect, that is a 12 percent subsidy to those who will buy EVs.It’s a refund mechanism that we are playing around with,” he said. He added that providing subsidies for EV users “is a mechanism that some countries have resorted to so we can encourage the use of EVs in the country.” The importation tariffs and excise tax on EVs have already been suspended for 5 years—making the vehicles more affordable to local consumers. The post Sen. Gatchalian urge DoE, DPWH to expedite policies on EV charging appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CCC: CSOs crucial to pushing climate actions in Phl
The Climate Change Commission said collaborative efforts are crucial to pushing climate actions in the country. Secretary Robert E.A Borje, the CCC vice chair and executive director, pressed that promoting partnerships among stakeholders, particularly with the civil society organizations in the country, serves as huge contributors to building a resilient Philippines. “For climate change, no task is too big or too small. Participation in programs and activities, like tree and mangrove planting and coastal cleanups – when done together, simultaneously – can make a huge difference,” Borje underscored, during the commemoration of this year’s Social Development Week on Thursday, 19 October. Borje cited this year’s climate forum with the theme: “Facing the Impact of Climate Change on Sustainable Development,”—which was sponsored by the Caucus of Development NGO Networks also known as CODE-NGO, one of the country’s largest groups of CSOs in the country. The CODE-NGO is composed of 12 national and regional networks representing 1,600 non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives nationwide. Borje said the CCC, under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been able to establish and strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders, including CSOs, development partners, private sector, and local government units, to push the country’s goal of combatting climate change and its impact. The CCC also pushed its "Working to Empower Climate Action Network” or “WE CAN” program—tailored specifically for CSOs' collaboration with the government. “The Commission counts on your active involvement in this resilience-building effort. But we can do more if we continue to work together. The CCC champions advocacies where all of you can take part. May we continue to be part of the solution to this global governance challenge of our generation,” said Borje. “In the end, all our actions and initiatives will count as means to save lives, protect our livelihoods, and secure our future. As partners, sama-sama tayong magkaisa tungo sa isang bagong bansang matatag,” he pressed on. In the same event, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga also emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships to push environmental advocacies in the country. “We aim for inclusive processes recognizing that every voice needs to be heard, and for partners to secure co-benefits and build resilience for a truly whole-of-society effort in addressing climate change,” said Loyzaga. The post CCC: CSOs crucial to pushing climate actions in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs
The Department of Trade and Industry is pushing for the establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, however, it remains "unfunded” under the proposed 2024 National Expenditures Program. During the hearing of Senate Committee on Finance’s Subcommittee “M” on DTI’s proposed P7.909 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024 on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the idea would help the country's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to effectively adopt “artificial intelligence in their business operations. “This is a research [and development] center. The model is the AStar of Singapore…It’s industry-oriented, it's not academic research. It’s a way to help MSMEs to adopt AI in their operations,” Pascual said, citing that large companies in the country “can take of themselves” to implement AI solutions in their businesses. “But this SMES would need assistance and this is the center that could do that plus the continuing research in the impact of AI on employment which jobs will be affected,” he said. The issue of AI ethics will also be addressed through CAIR, he added. “We are working this out, actually with some business groups that can donate…In fact, we have been offered already a place,” the DTI chief said. Pascual explained that the CAIR has been included in the DTI’s plan for revitalizing Philippine industries under the Philippine Development Plan. Meanwhile, DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said the agency has been requesting funds, amounting to P200 million, for the CAIR since two years ago. Aldana did not give further details as to why the Department of Budget and Management disapproved their requests. Stressing the importance of the AI program, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda lamented there must be a reason why the CAIR did not get a budget. Legarda asked Aldaba to further provide details on CAIR as the latter noted the DTI doesn’t have enough space in their existing building, “It’s a physical center and its goal is for us to become an AI center of excellence in the region in the near future. It’s going to house our data scientists, researchers, engineers who will be conducting AI [research and development] to support the needs of the industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, large companies, and multi-nationals,” Aldaba said. The CAIR is also eyed to provide capacity building and training and workshops on AI, she added “so that new products and services could come out from the idea. However, Legarda said DTI should not wait for the physical CAIR to be set up before it starts building the capacity of Filipinos concerning AI, adding that developing a physical infrastructure may take at least two years. “And knowing government, that’s so slow. That means all the resources on AI will not ensue until the structure is done,” Legarda lamented. “What I’m saying is that while the infrastructure is not yet set up, we should continue with AI capacity buildings and research.” Senator Mark Villar, who presided over the budget hearing, backed Legarda’s position, noting that DTI should ensure that AI benefits the country. “Other countries are very concerned also about what AI might mean for the labor industry and what the implications are. I think it’s important that we learn how we can leverage it to help our industries,” he said. On the other hand, Pascual appealed to the Senate for an additional P300 million in funding to strengthen the DTI’s consumer protection programs. “We want to reorganize our consumer protection activity by centralizing it because you cannot expect a junior person running after hoarders or profiteers in an area where there are a lot of people of influence that are operating in the region,” he said. “So the plan that we have done, this planning, after the budget submission, is to centralize the consumer protection activity in the head office and have a quick response task force,” said Pascual. “That would require a funding of P300 million to strengthen our consumer protection activities," he added. Villar supported the DTI’s plan citing its significance amid the ongoing inflation being experienced in the country “It is very relevant that the DTI takes a stronger role in monitoring these hoarders and manipulators,” he said. DTI Assistant Secretary Jean Pacheco said the P300 million would fund an inter-DTI strike team to increase their enforcement activities, consumer education and advocacy, complaints handling, and procurement of equipment for the certification and testing of vapes, among others. At least P130 million of the total request will be utilized for the procurement of equipment for DTI’s certification and testing of vape products, which is in line with their implementation of the law regulating e-cigarettes. The post DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»