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Davao Metro Shuttle declines offer to manage bus system
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — The Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation has declined the offer of the City Government of Davao to operate the Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project (DCPTMP), a public mass transportation project that will replace the jeepneys with buses, an executive of the bus company said. In an interview at […].....»»
Cryptocurrency Market Turns Red as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana Prices Dip Before Halving
The cryptocurrency market kicked off Friday on a bearish note, as major digital assets Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana experienced significant declines in morning trading. Bitcoin,.....»»
Balamban site is for road project, not Capitol bldg – Gwen
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The cleared site in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban, in western Cebu, is not for the new Capitol building, but for nationally funded road projects. Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia made this clarification after photos of a deforested mountain in Balamban, initially thought to be the site development of the new Capitol building,.....»»
Mike files case vs. Gwen, seeks her suspension
Mike files case vs. Gwen, seeks her suspension.....»»
Rama asks Malacañang to suspend Gwen over CBRT dispute
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Preventive Suspension. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is seeking the suspension of Governor Gwen Garcia over issues related to the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT). Rama filed an administrative complaint before the Office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against Garcia after the governor issued a cease and desist order to the.....»»
Bahagi ng cremated remains ni Jaclyn Jose dinala ni Andi sa Siargao
KINUMPIRMA ni Gabby Eigenmann na ilang bahagi ng cremated remains ng yumaong veteran star na si Jaclyn Jose ay iniuwi ni Andi Eigenmann sa Siargao. Kuwento ni Gabby, bukod sa abo ni Jaclyn na dinala ni Andi sa isla ng Siargao ay may ibinigay din sa isa pang anak ng aktres na si Gwen Guck.....»»
ABAC Philippines backs collaboration call
ABAC Philippines has expressed its support for collaboration among private sector business leaders from the 21 APEC economies. Following the recent ABAC meetings in San Francisco, ABAC Philippines is committed to maintaining dialogue and providing critical recommendations to APEC leaders. The aim is to address the multifaceted challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and advocate for sustainable economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity. ABAC has proposed initiatives to promote accessible open markets, trade, digital innovation, and a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. The council also emphasizes the importance of addressing artificial intelligence and climate response, aligning with fairness, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. ABAC Philippines plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration on climate resilience, energy stability, and long-term investments. The meeting concluded with the handover of the chairmanship to ABAC Peru, which will focus on regional economic integration, sustainability, and human development in 2024......»»
COA chief Cordoba takes over as ASEANSAI chairperson
The 7th ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) Summit, held in Manila on Thursday, November 2, concluded successfully with the handover of the chairmanship to Commission on Audit chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba......»»
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......»»
Senate titan Dianne Feinstein dead at 90
Veteran Senator Dianne Feinstein, a titan of US political history who notched a string of legislative achievements during a trailblazing three-decade career in the Senate, has died at 90 years old, US media said Friday. Feinstein, the Senate's oldest member, was celebrated as a pioneer for women in politics and a hugely effective legislator. During a career that began in local California government, she grew to be a tough check on administrations from both parties. She had already announced her retirement this February as her health worsened and following a number of missteps that threatened her legacy. The Californian, who was widowed last year, became San Francisco's first female mayor after the fatal shooting in 1978 of Harvey Milk, the country's only openly gay politician, and mayor George Moscone by a disgruntled former colleague. Other dramatic moments including surviving an attempted bombing of her home. She was also near the scene of an infamous double murder in San Francisco. Her death is not expected to shift the tight balance of power in the Senate, with the Democratic governor of California appointing her temporary replacement. Summing up her dedication to public service, Feinstein once said that "even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives. Each of us was sent here to solve problems." "That's what I've done for the last 30 years, and that's what I plan to do for the next two years." Democrats in her home state led tributes as news of the senator's death cast a pall over proceedings in Congress, with staff placing flowers on Feinstein's desk in the Senate chamber, according to Fox News. "She was a trailblazer and dedicated her life to public service," said David Valadao, a member of California's delegation in the House of Representatives. An icon in Senate politics who took the lead on hundreds of bills, Feinstein rose to the chairmanship of the powerful intelligence committee -- another first for a woman. Her achievements include writing the 1994 assault rifle ban and producing a 6,700-page report on the CIA torture program during the US "war on terror." But it was in her home state of California where she first made her mark. As the first female Board of Supervisors president in San Francisco, Feinstein led the city through the tumult that followed the fatal shootings in 1978 of Milk. She replaced the mayor and served for 10 years as a no-nonsense pragmatist, willing to work across the aisle, balancing nine budgets in a row and being declared the nation's "Most Effective Mayor" by local government bible City and State Magazine. Latterly, the pandemic and her husband's declining health curtailed her public appearances outside of Congress and she faced growing misgivings about her declining cognitive abilities, raised by figures in her own party. The youngest member of Congress, 26-year-old Maxwell Frost, described Feinstein as a "champion for Gun Violence Prevention that broke barriers at all levels of government." "We wouldn't have had an assault weapons ban if it wasn't for Senator Feinstein and due to her tireless work, we will win it back," he posted on social media. The post Senate titan Dianne Feinstein dead at 90 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASEAN chief thanks Philippines for accepting 2026 chairmanship
Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn has expressed his gratitude to the Philippines for accepting the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, a yearbefore actual duty in 2027 by regular rotation......»»
Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI
Led by Transportation Undersecretary Cesar B. Chavez, the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc. took their oath before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on Monday. Chavez, a consistent appointee to various government agencies by seven successive presidents, was elected president of the NDCPAAI for 2023-2025. He is currently Undersecretary for Railways under the Department of Transportation. “Grateful to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for administering our oath in Malacañang this morning as the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc.,” Chavez said. “Our association will strive to be more meaningful and relevant for its members and the country. We will actively foster a platform that encourages greater collaboration between the NDCP, its alumni, and stakeholders, contributing to the national discourse and policy development on all aspects of national security,” he added. Chavez pursued a military and national security education, completing courses such as basic and advance intelligence, psychological warfare, and command and general staff management. He earned a Master’s degree in National Security Administration at NDCP, a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Administration from Bicol University, and a Senior Executive certificate on national and international security from Harvard Kennedy School. He also finished the Strategic Management Program at the National University of Singapore. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” Domingo was elected vice president. Domingo has served as ambassador to New Zealand and held positions in the Philippine Missions to the UN, in New York and Geneva, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. NDCP executive vice president Aldrin Cuña was elected secretary general of the association. Captain Luidegar “Lloyd” Casis will head the committee on military affairs. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy. Casis is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992. He is currently chief of the capabilities and weapons systems division of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, OJ5, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Aboitiz InfraCapital first vice president Christopher Camba will chair the Committee on Ways and Means. With over 20 years of corporate experience within the Aboitiz Group, he has had diverse roles spanning audit, finance, operations, marketing, risk management, and government relations. Commission on Appointments director and NDCP professor Vladimir Mata was elected head of the Homecoming Committee. He is a lieutenant colonel and currently acting commander of the Marine Reserve Brigade in Northern Luzon. Zamboanga del Sur First District Rep. Divina Grace Yu will serve as chairperson of the Committee on Chairmanship. She has been serving as Deputy House Speaker since 2020. Morong, Rizal RTC Branch 79 Judge Maria Josefina San Juan-Torres was chosen to chair the Committee on Awards. She is vice president of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (Asia Pacific Chapter). Valenzuela City Administrator Atty. Jaime De Veyra will join Judge San Juan-Torres in the Awards Committee. He has held roles in the Public Estates Authority and the Philippine Mining Development Corporation as chief legal counsel and CEO. CGA Capt. Jeremias “Jerry” Simon will chair the Committee on Membership. The post Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar junta slams ASEAN
Myanmar’s junta lashed back at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for demanding that it stop attacking civilians and calling an agreed peace plan without progress. In a statement published Wednesday in the state-backed paper Global New Light of Myanmar, the junta called the ASEAN’s review as “not objective” and “one-sided.” It called on ASEAN to “strictly adhere to the provisions and fundamental principles of the ASEAN Charter, especially non-interference in the internal affairs of the member states.” Myanmar has been in turmoil since the 2021 military coup that ousted the civilian government, sparking mass protests and a bloody military crackdown on dissent. Civilian ruler Aung San Suu Kyi was also charged with various offenses and sentenced to years in prison. Rights groups have accused the junta of air strikes on rebel strongholds and civilian infrastructure. The ASEAN’s five-point peace plan agreed with the junta generals was ignored as the military refuses to engage with its opponents. “The conclusion is that there is no significant progress in the implementation of the five-point consensus,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters on Tuesday. The country will also skip its scheduled chairmanship of the bloc in 2026. The Philippines will chair instead, as the bloc wrestles with how to engage with the junta, whose leaders are banned from high-level ASEAN meetings. The post Myanmar junta slams ASEAN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines says ready to chair ASEAN in 2026 instead of Myanmar
The Philippines is ready to chair ASEAN in 2026 instead of Myanmar, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said Tuesday, as the bloc wrestles with how to engage with the country's junta rulers. Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since a 2021 military coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's government and unleashed a bloody crackdown on dissent. "It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026," Marcos told Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. "We will fortify the foundations of our community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter," he said, according to a statement from the presidential palace. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed it would be replaced as chair. "Myanmar will skip ASEAN chairmanship in 2026," he told AFP, without giving further details. Marcos did not say why Manila was taking over the chair from Myanmar. However, two Southeast Asian diplomats attending the summit said the move was agreed by leaders so the crisis would not hijack the bloc's agenda and prevent "external partners" coming to Myanmar for their gatherings. "It's been decided. It was announced at the leaders' meeting and there was no objection," said one diplomat on the condition of anonymity. ASEAN wrote to the Philippines to ask if it was willing to accept the chair for that year and Manila accepted, the diplomat said. A second diplomat, who also declined to be identified, said the switch had been agreed after "leaders' assessment on the progress" of a five-point plan agreed two years ago that the junta in Myanmar has largely ignored. Laos will host next year's summit and Malaysia will chair the event in 2025. The post Philippines says ready to chair ASEAN in 2026 instead of Myanmar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PHL to chair ASEAN in 2026
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026. He made the announcement during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday, where he made his remarks during the summit plenary. "It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026," Marcos said. "We will fortify the foundations of our Community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter," he added. Marcos assured that the Philippines will count on the support of fellow Member States and continue to work with our partners to strengthen ASEAN Centrality, and to promote peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region. ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten countries in Southeast Asia: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Philippines last chaired ASEAN in 2017, during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Indonesia currently hosts the ongoing 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. After the summit, Indonesia will pass on the role of ASEAN chairmanship to Laos. The post PHL to chair ASEAN in 2026 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pascual pushes for ASEAN trade upgrade
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, who graced the 37th Meeting of the ASEAN Free Trade Area Council in Semarang, Indonesia on Saturday, has called on Philippine counterparts in the ASEAN region to address long-standing issues that affect the fruition of preferential market access in the region through the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, or ATIGA. ATIGA aims to achieve a free flow of goods in the region resulting in fewer trade barriers and deeper economic linkages among member states, lower business costs, increased trade, and a larger market and economies of scale for businesses. Through ATIGA, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have eliminated intra-ASEAN import duties on 99.65 percent of their tariff lines. Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam earlier have reduced their import duties to 0-5 percent on 98.86 percent of their tariff lines. During the meeting, Secretary Pascual maintained that the upgrade of the ATIGA is an opportune time to address trade issues within ASEAN. Further, the DTI secretary also recommended the establishment of a mechanism to address timely resolution of trade issues to fully realize the benefits of ATIGA and encourage stakeholders to utilize the agreement. As part of the country’s efforts to digitize trade, Pascual also reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to the enhancement of the National Single Window or TradeNet. He reported that the Philippines is on track to fully issue and accept electronic Certificate of Origin Form D within the year. Pascual said the DTI is working closely with the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance in said endeavor. Meanwhile, in a closed-door meeting with ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chair Arsjad Rasjid and the Philippines delegation to the ASEAN-BAC composed of George Barcelon and Josephine Romero, Pascual welcomed the key initiatives of the private sector under Indonesia’s ASEAN 2023 chairmanship. The post Pascual pushes for ASEAN trade upgrade appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Did a councilor quit committee leadership over squabble with Duterte?
A senior Davao City councilor resigned from his chairmanship of two key committees during Tuesday’s session, August 8, raising speculation of a rift with the city mayor......»»
Phl, Singapore boost security ties
The Department of National Defense on Monday announced the revitalization of Philippine and Singapore bilateral relations on defense and security. This came after the DND hosted the 6th Philippines-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue from 19 to 20 July in Manila, which was also attended by a delegation from the Ministry of Defence of Singapore. During the dialogues, DND Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs, Pablo Lorenzo, met with Singapore’s Deputy Secretary on Policy, B/Gen. Kelvin Fan, to discuss the existing bilateral ties between the two countries. DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said both sides acknowledged the positive momentum of the bilateral defense relations, marked by the signing of two defense arrangements over the past year. Andolong said Lorenzo and Fan exchanged views and insights on recent security developments in the region as well as future initiatives — which the two defense ministries could further discuss through bilateral and multilateral platforms. He said the Singaporean side commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines on its counter-terrorism operations, citing their efforts that have contributed to a conducive environment for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Singapore expressed interest in learning the best practices and experience of the Philippines in counter-terrorism, according to Andolong. In response, the Philippine side said it looked forward to getting the chairmanship of the upcoming 2024 Counter-Terrorism Information Facility to be initiated by the Singaporean government. This aims to strengthen the regional intelligence capabilities of both countries to monitor and deter terrorist activities through research and analysis, and information-sharing. Andolong said the Philippines conveyed its interest in learning more about the recently established Digital and Intelligence Service of Singapore. The officials hoped the Philippines and Singapore could work towards the enhancement of their respective cybersecurity initiatives through subject matter expertise exchanges or SMEEs and information sharing. “In addition, both sides saw a positive trajectory on enhanced bilateral cooperation through the establishment of working groups of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy with their respective counterparts in the Singaporean Armed Forces,” Andolong said. The post Phl, Singapore boost security ties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Singapore revitalize bilateral security ties
The Department of National Defense on Monday announced the revitalization of the defense and security bilateral relations of the Philippines and Singapore. This came after the DND hosted the 6th Philippines-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue from 19 to 20 July in Manila, which was also attended by a delegation from the Ministry of Defence of Singapore. During the event, DND Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs, Pablo Lorenzo met with Singapore's Deputy Secretary on Policy BGen. Kelvin Fan to discuss the existing bilateral ties between the two countries. DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said both sides acknowledged the positive momentum of bilateral defense relations, marked by the signing of two defense arrangements over the past year. Andolong said Lorenzo and Fan exchanged views and insights on the recent security developments in the region as well as future initiatives—which the two defense ministries could further discuss through bilateral and multilateral platforms. He added the Singaporean side commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines on its counter-terrorism operations, citing that their efforts have contributed to a conducive environment for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Singapore expressed interest in learning the best practices and experience of the Philippines on counter-terrorism, according to Andolong. In response, the Philippines looked forward to getting the chairmanship in the upcoming 2024 Counter-Terrorism Information Facility, to be initiated by the Singaporean government. This aims to strengthen the regional intelligence capabilities of both countries to monitor and deter terrorist activities through research and analysis and information-sharing. Andolong said the Philippines conveyed its interest to learn more about the recently established Digital and Intelligence Service of Singapore. The officials hoped that the Philippines and Singapore could work toward the enhancement of their respective cybersecurity initiatives through subject matter expertise exchanges or SMEEs and information sharing. “In addition, both sides saw a positive trajectory on enhanced bilateral cooperation through the establishment of working groups of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy with their respective counterparts at the Singaporean Armed Forces,” Andolong noted. “Opportunities for education and training exchanges were also explored in support of the thrust of the Secretary of National Defense in improving the professionalization of the DND,” he added. The post Phl, Singapore revitalize bilateral security ties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
For steadier, sturdier ship
The 1997 Asian Financial Crisis wiped out the jobs and savings of millions of working Filipinos, 3.96 million of whom were driven into poverty. I felt that my experience in the financial sector made it my duty to help guide the hands that steer the ship of State, to whomever those hands might belong. So, I launched my political career. A steadier, sturdier ship of State has been my life’s work. In 2001, with the looming financial collapse in the power sector, I helped craft the Energy and Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA. That reduced the sector’s liabilities from P1.23 trillion in 2003 to P346 billion last year. In 2004, with imminent fiscal disaster, I crafted President Gloria Arroyo’s administration’s “Roadmap to Fiscal Rehabilitation,” P166 billion in reforms preventing widespread government austerity. That paid for the economic stimulus program I proposed in 2007-2009, putting us ahead of the curve with positive growth in 2008 and 2009 while the rest of the world retreated. For nine years between terms in Congress, I served as governor of Albay after the most traumatic event in its recent history: Supertyphoon “Reming.” Here are the numbers for Albay: We reduced the poverty rate from 32 percent in 2006 to 24 percent in 2015 (when the national figures were from 25 to 21 percent over the same period). We went from No. 177 in the National Achievement Test to No. 19; from 18,000 to 172,000 covered by PhilHealth; from 8,700 foreign tourists in 2006 to 374,000 in 2015, with total tourists from 123,000 to 1.4 million; from 74 percent rice self-sufficiency to 104 percent; from 6,300 hectares of forests in 2003 to 26,000 in 2006 to 53,000 in 2015. With 88,444 college scholars, we crafted the basis for the Free College Tuition Law, which I principally authored later. We established the Zero-Casualty Doctrine and pioneered local climate change adaptation, gaining us global acclaim and helping elect me co-chair of the United Nations Green Climate Fund. Under President Rodrigo Duterte, I shepherded the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program and the economic liberalization reforms. Continuing my chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., I led structural reforms, including the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, the Public-Private Partnership Act, and the Center for Disease Control Charter — all set to become law soon. In time, I hope they will prove their value. For now, the work of nation-building continues. The post For steadier, sturdier ship appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»