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Addressing vote-buying
It seems that the present Commission on Elections is not running out of ideas on how to effect reforms. It is not “sleeping on their post” as sentinels used to say. It continues to pursue changes in the electoral landscape unmindful of negative social and political headwinds. I just wrote about its speedy action of placing Malabang, Lanao del Sur under Comelec control because of the indiscriminate firing of guns on the first day of filing of certificates of candidacy. Now, it’s tackling the mother of election irregularities — vote buying and vote selling. This illegal practice is anti-democratic. It continues to be the bane of elections. It restricts one’s freedom to choose one’s leaders. That it thrives as endemic in a political milieu like the Philippines is a testament to how difficult life is for the common people. Financial need, especially for those on the margins of society, is so chronic that people are willing to sacrifice their basic freedoms to make ends meet. This is a problem almost beyond solution because of the difficulty of punishing the wrongdoers, both the buyer and seller. We have laws punishing it but prosecutors can only build a case against a suspect with the participation of at least one of the accomplices to the crime. And who would want to testify against oneself unless immunity is assured? And so, we see a mockery of the law. No one gets jailed for violating it. The proactive Comelec comes now with a bagful of measures to combat the anomaly. It has created a special group, the Committee on Kontra Bigay, to address the problem and it is helmed by a no-nonsense reformist, Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., the namesake of a great and astute statesman who served the country in various capacities for decades. I say he is the right choice, not only because of the reputation he has built, but more so because of the weight of the name he carries which he would not want to taint with a whiff of wrongdoing. The Commission has listed a litany of prohibitive acts associated with vote-buying. It’s too long to list in this limited space. But on top of these are acts and activities “presumed” to be illegal because they lead to the commission of the crime. These include “possessing or delivery of... monies or anything of value together with sample ballots or other campaign materials... queues of registered voters for the distribution of money... and such other goods... employing the hakot system or the gathering of two or more registered voters in a specific place before election day and on election day ...prohibiting the possession... carrying of cash exceeding P500,000 along with campaign paraphernalia two days before an election and on election day... an ‘ayuda’ ban except that which is normally given to qualified individuals...” It also created the Kontra Bigay Complaint Center which will receive complaints of vote-buying. For human rights guardians, consider this: the Comelec allows “warrantless arrest wherein any law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, arrest a person when in his or her presence, the person to be arrested has committed, is committing, or is attempting to commit the election offense of vote-buying.” Wow! A case arising out of these acts is fertile ground for legal hermeneutics. Any two-bit lawyer can find a “palusot” in this scenario. It may be extremely difficult to prove all these by evidence but it’s surely a theoretical force to deter the commission of the crime. And let it not be said that the present Commission did not lift a finger to combat this perennial problem which everyone talks about but was never addressed by past commissions. For this reason, the present Commission deserves our appreciation for a bold ambitious move. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Addressing vote-buying appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go helps recovering fire victims rebuild in Valenzuela City
The Office of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go led a relief operation for fire victims in Valenzuela City on Tuesday, September 5, as part of the senator’s efforts to help disaster-affected households rebuild and recover. The distribution was held at Arkong Bato National High School in coordination with Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian. The senator’s team provided grocery packs, masks, shirts, vitamins, snacks, and balls for basketball and volleyball to 225 recovering fire victims. They also gave away shoes and mobile phones to select individuals. Meanwhile, the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided housing assistance to each affected family through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP). “Isinulong din natin na mabigyan sila ng National Housing Authority ng ayuda pambili ng housing materials tulad ng pako, yero at iba pa upang maisaayos muli ang kanilang mga tirahan,” Go highlighted. “Itong EHAP program, isinulong ko ito noon at patuloy na sinusuportahang mapondohan ang programa ngayon upang mas marami pang mga biktima ng sakuna ang makapagpatayo ng maayos na bahay at makabangon muli mula sa trahedya,” he added. The relief activity was attended by several officials, including NHA Assistant General Manager Alvin Feliciano, who expressed his appreciation for the senator, saying, “Senator Bong Go, ang buong barangay po ng Arkong Bato ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong biyaya. Napakalaking tulong po nito sa amin. Lalo na para makaahon sila sa buhay. Mr. Malasakit, saludo po kami sa inyo.” Meanwhile, Go highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The law, which was authored and co-sponsored by Go, aims to enhance the capabilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) through a ten-year modernization program, which includes the recruitment of more firefighters, acquisition of new fire equipment, and specialized training. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang masunugan pero magtiwala lang po kayo sa gobyerno at tayo po ay makakaahon muli. Ang importante ay walang nasaktan. Ang pera ay kikitain naman po natin yan pero ang buhay ay hindi nabibili ng pera. A lost life is a lost life forever kaya mag-ingat tayo,” said Go. The lawmaker likewise continues to push for the enactment of Senate Bill No. 192, which seeks to institutionalize the Rental Housing Subsidy Program. Under the proposed measure, a housing and social protection program will be developed to provide disaster victims better and more affordable access to the formal housing market through the provision of rental subsidies provided by the government. Meanwhile, Go filed SBN 193, or the proposed Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure that disaster victims will have temporary shelters that will guarantee their safety and welfare while they recover and rebuild their lives. The senator also encouraged residents to take advantage of the services offered in Malasakit Centers nationwide, including those established in Valenzuela Medical Center and Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital, which are both located in the city. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together relevant agencies to provide medical aid to poor and indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act, which has successfully assisted over seven million Filipinos through its 158 operational centers nationwide. “Ako po ay nasunugan at tinulangan po ako ng mahal na mayor at mahal na Senator Bong Go sa kahirapan. Ako rin po ay nanganak at tinulungan ng Malasakit Center sa aking bill. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako kay Senator Bong Go sa programa niya dahil ako ay natulungan ng Malasakit Center,” Manilyn Sarmiento, one of the beneficiaries, expressed. Go also expressed his support for the construction of 28 Super Health Centers in strategic locations across Metro Manila, in collaboration with the Department of Health. These centers are designed to offer a wide range of basic health services, database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go has successfully sponsored in the Senate the Regional Specialty Centers Act which he also filed as one of its authors. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has been a staunch supporter of various initiatives in the city. These include the construction of the Valenzuela Center for Academic Excellence, acquisition of ambulance units for the city government, and the construction of a multipurpose building in Brgy. Canumay West. The post Bong Go helps recovering fire victims rebuild in Valenzuela City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P35.4 billion ayuda disbursed January-June
Up to P35.4 billion in cash assistance has been disbursed to vulnerable Filipinos in the first half of the year......»»
Legislate wage increase like MIF
Rising inflation, and high cost of living are just some of the issues militant groups are protesting on Commonwealth Avenue, Monday, in time for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. SONA. Former Kabataan Party List Representative Raymond "Mong" de Vera Palatino, Secretary General of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan one of the organizers of the march said, most of the rallyists are members of labor forces and organizations pushing for a 'legislated wage increase.' "Legislated because we want it to cover the entire workforce of the country. The P40 from the wage board is also not enough and covers only the workers of Metro Manila," Palatino explained. "Insulto yan P40 from the wage board," Palatino said He added that the lawmakers instead passed the Maharlika Investment Fund, "which was not even in the campaign promise of PBBM and in the first SONA." "Inflation ang daing ng karaniwang tao. Mataas na presyo ng pagkain. Di ito makukuha sa pakadi-Kadiwa lang na iilan lang ang nakaka-avail. Di rin malulutas ng ayuda ang gutom," he added. A P1,100 legislated wage increase according to Palatino will go along with the 'family living wage.' The last legislated wage, he added, was in 1989. While they welcome other proposals from legislators like what Senate President Migz Zubiri did in pushing for P150 increase to try the current P600 daily wage, half of the P1,100 will be of great help to them. Palatino said they gave PBBM a failing grade over this concern, adding that the call for unity the president carried as his campaign slogan and the new 'Bagong Pilipinas' are only "superficial branding." environment activist Meanwhile, the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) conducted a different kind of protest, serenading at the Department of Environment Natural Resources bringing fruits and flowers as gifts, symbolizing the preservation of natural resources and our earnest desire to dialogue with the government. ATM claimed one full year in office, President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. and DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga have not acted on the demands of mining-affected communities, particularly the residents of Sibuyan Island, Romblon and Brooke’s Point, Palawan. "Fact is, mining operations continue in both regions and the respective Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation in Sibuyan and Ipilan Nickel Corporation in Brooke’s Point have not been canceled," the group said in a statement. They added that during last year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), "over the course of a year, grassroots communities have undertaken various activities to articulate our situation and push for our demands. The activities range from submission of petition letters and research studies to vigils, dialogues, and protest actions." Investigations have still to be conducted, according to ATM, mining operations have yet to be permanently stopped, and mining contracts have still to be canceled. "Worse, while the demands of mining-affected communities are ignored, mining companies are given headway in their operations. We also urgently call for a comprehensive review of seabed quarrying and offshore mining activities and a halt to the operations in Manila Bay," they explained. "We do not want to waste more time waiting. The time to act is NOW. Pagkatapos ng usapan, Aksiyon Ang Kailangan!" they said. The post Legislate wage increase like MIF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SoNA 2023
Sophomore year is when familiarity has seeped in, and we get to know the people and terrain better. We gain momentum and confidence in the things we must do. On another note, we also learn about people’s strengths and previously hidden weaknesses. Personalities become more colored, and metrics will show actual performance when compared against campaign promises. The administration of President Bongbong R. Marcos Jr. will be of a different tune this time around. In 2022, the State of the Nation Address was filled with campaign promises and action plans that lay down the blueprint for the next six years. Just like any first SoNA of a new president, the atmosphere was jovial and enthusing. Second SoNAs are made right after the appointment of certain Cabinet members who lost in the previous election, and when presidential priorities are more evident. What makes sophomore SoNAs unique is that it is when the Administration is still new and with less political intentions in mind, if that is possible. Remember, the next elections are scheduled in 2025, thus, making next year’s 2024 SoNA the last one before the Administration’s senatorial bets are officially announced. Mid-year elections are crucial to sustaining the momentum of President Marcos Jr., and we can think of several of his loyal political soldiers who will be running for the Senate in 2025. The period from 2023 to 2024 is when the real work of government officials is felt, as they say — pure governmental service. Thereafter, 2024 to 2025 should be for election mode or the campaign season for the senatorial bets and all locally elected officials. All but the two highest positions and twelve senatorial seats will be up for grabs in 2025. The mood in the second half of the Administration will depend on the outcome of 2025. Surely, the banner announcement in Monday’s SoNA will be the newly signed Maharlika Investment Fund, which is the first sovereign wealth fund of the Philippines. This is a sophisticated financial instrument that should be a challenge for the Administration to explain to the common folk. Further, it can be explained, but would it be comprehended given that Filipinos tend to give their attention to short-term benefits, such as 4Ps and ayuda or aid? The Maharlika Investment Corporation or MIC, which will manage the sovereign fund, should make monthly reports that would be informative and easy to comprehend by Filipinos. The “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign of the Administration will be launched during the SoNA, hopefully eclipsing the “Love the Philippines” fiasco of Secretary Cristina Frasco of the DoT. Bagong Pilipinas comes with its own logo and probably a jingle, the same one used in the campaign of President Marcos Jr. The infrastructure slogan of the Administration, “Build, Better, More” or BBM, will have accomplishments to boast of. NEDA, the other day, approved three projects, the largest of which is the P170 billion NAIA Rehabilitation, thereby shunning the proposal of the private consortium, the Manila International Airport Consortium, consisting of several of the country’s billionaires, that was valued at P267 billion. The decision of the President to side with the proposal of the government, instead of the businessmen who were seemingly close to him having been part of the delegations in his earlier state visits and trips abroad, should be respected and applauded. Geopolitics will play a role in the recent ICC decision to continue its probe into the alleged drug killings and the surprise visit of former President Rodrigo Duterte to Xi Jinping in China. We will eagerly anticipate what President Marcos Jr. will have to say about them. The SoNA always elicits curiosity and excitement, and the 2023 SONA should be no different. The post SoNA 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tulfo lambasts ‘moro-moro’, ‘hao-siao’ raid of POGO hub
Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday criticized the lack of coordination between law enforcement, immigration officers, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and labor agencies in addressing issues related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. In a press briefing, Tulfo raised concerns about the raid recently conducted by authorities on a POGO hub named Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. or Hong Tai in Las Piñas City on 27 June, where about 2,714 workers were rescued. Of the total number of workers rescued, around 1,284 are foreign nationals, while 1,430 were Filipinos. Tulfo said an “undetermined” amount of cash and several firearms were seized by the raiding teams on the premises of the Hong Tai compound during the raid. Computers and phones were also seized for forensic examination to check if they were being used for illegal activities, such as crypto scams, love scams and other investment scams. However, 13 days after the raid, the police investigation on the POGO case remained “unclear”, said Tulfo, particularly the criminal liability of the people behind Xinchuang. Seven fugitives -- 4 Chinese nationals and 3 Taiwanese -- working for Xinchuang were caught and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation. But Tulfo said an investigation should first find out if these fugitives are guilty of human trafficking before they should be deported. “Cops are using the foreign nationals as milking cows by asking money from them in exchange for their freedom,” he said. The senator also blasted the move by authorities to immediately clear all 1,528 Filipino POGO workers and allow them to leave the premises in Las Piñas City “without undergoing the proper process of investigation” to determine whether they “are really victims or complicit to the crime.” Tulfo asked authorities if a "background check" has been conducted against the Filipino directors of Xinchuang, identified as Dianica Mensah, Oliver Ong, Divina Vidal, Dinalyn Vidal and Daisy Vidal Cidro. He said they “could all be guilty of crimes.” “Ginagawang gatasan lang ng mga awtoridad ang mga raid ng POGO hub kung saan napakaraming lapses at mishandling na nangyayari” (the raids on POGO hubs only serve as milking cows by the authorities with all the lapses and mishandling that happen), the senator stressed. “Nagkakatawaran pa bago matubos ang foreign nationals mula sa kustodiya ng mga pulis. Yung mga Pilipinong kasabwat naman sa kabulastugang ito, imbes na masampahan ng kaso sa korte, ay nabibigyan pa ng ayuda dahil pinalalabas na biktima! Kaya nagpasa ako ng Resolusyon sa Senado para mapatigil na itong moro-moro at hao-siao na raid na ito!" (Trade-offs happen before foreign nationals are released from police custody. The Filipinos in cahoots, meanwhile, instead of being charged in court, end up as victims! That's why I passed a Senate resolution to look into and stop these sham raids), he added. Tulfo underscored the need to assess the effectiveness of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in fulfilling its regulatory mandate, as well as ensuring proper coordination with other concerned agencies and protecting the rights and welfare of POGO workers. The post Tulfo lambasts ‘moro-moro’, ‘hao-siao’ raid of POGO hub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Special waiter serves VIP visitors
To most people, persons with Down Syndrome are perceived as having a hard time adjusting to their place in society, which is something of an inconvenient truth. Although some people see them as harbingers of good luck to a family, still they suffer discrimination as they are cruelly referred to in stereotypical insults. It is, however, different for 21-year-old Kim Laniva who is a waiter at the posh Pearl Farm Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte. Kim works four hours a day, five days a week, serving local and foreign guests at the resort owned by the Floirendo family. A native of Peñaplata, Samal City, Kim doesn’t speak English or Filipino fluently. His speech is also affected by speech defects associated with Down Syndrome. So for this interview, Juvy Estrera, the head cashier, took charge of answering the questions for Kim. “We have three employees with Down Syndrome but Kim is the only one assigned here at the resort. The other two are at the jump-off point. They were sent here by a foundation to help experience a normal life,” Estrera said. Kim has been working at Pearl Farm for a year now, and Estrera said he is dependable when it comes to serving drinks and doing minimal chores. “He only works four hours a day because he easily gets tired. But Kim’s parents are supportive and take him to work and pick him up every day,” Estrera said. She said Kim receives a salary, which is a great help toward his medical needs. The Philippines, through Proclamation 157 of then President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, upholds the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, declaring the month of February as National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. The country recognizes that disabled children have the right to special care, education, and training to help them enjoy full and decent lives. The proclamation states that there are now hundreds of thousands of Filipino children with Down Syndrome, who are invariably suffering from genetic mental, physiological, and physical disabilities, and who deserve dignity and respect from everyone. They also need the State’s mantle of protection against abuse, violence, and public indifference. Lady luck smiles Meanwhile, Estrera said the resort is now earning twice what it did before with the number of guest arrivals, particularly balikbayans, and foreigners. She said the island resort was forced to close during the Covid 19 pandemic. “Since we are ‘no work, no pay’ here, we didn’t earn anything during the pandemic. But the company did not forget us. Even the government as we received ayuda (aid). Now I can say that tourist arrivals have doubled. Revenge travel it is,” she said. The Department of Tourism said the number of international tourists is surpassing targets for this year, as it logged 2.67 million international visitor arrivals as of 29 June 2023, 2.44 million of them foreigners. The DoT is targeting a baseline of 4.8 million international tourist arrivals. South Koreans remain the top source of tourists with 665,757 traveling to the Philippines, followed by the United States (509,526), Australia (128,232), Japan (127,139), and Canada (123,439). In 2022, the tourism industry contributed 6.2 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, churning up P1.87 trillion in tourism revenues. According to its website, Pearl Farm Beach Resort was once the site of a pearl farm, where precious pearls were nurtured and cultivated as the ocean’s most beautiful gems. Today, Pearl Farm serves as Samal Island’s jewel, an exceptional destination just off the coast of bustling Davao City. The post Special waiter serves VIP visitors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Liloan lechon purchases flagged
The Commission on Audit on Friday disclosed that it has flagged down the purchase of lechons of the municipality of Liloan in Cebu province. In its audit report, the CoA said that the local government of Liloan purchased 207 pieces of lechon for team building, religious activities, founding anniversaries of private groups, graduation exercises, general assemblies and get-togethers which totaled to P1.357 million. It also revealed that the biggest lechon purchases were made on 3 October 2022 amounting to P100,500 for 14 lechons for “all barangays of the municipality” with no purpose indicated, followed by the purchase of eight lechons for P48,000 on 7 February 2022 for the “Simeon Ayuda Elem. Christmas Light Up.” The CoA also flagged the P45,500 worth of lechons on 3 October 2022 for the Liloan National High School, Simeon Ayuda Elementary School, Cotcot BHWs, and Barangay Poblacion Capability Building and Simeon Ayuda Elementary School Moving Up and Graduation ceremony. It also reported the purchase of seven lechons for P45,500 on 12 September 2022 for the San Fernando Rey Parish, Barangay Council, Midwife and BNS of San Vicente Team Building and Barrio Fiesta Knights of Columbus Get Together. Additionally, there were also lechons bought for organizations such as the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Inc. for their Annual Cebu Provincial 23rd Founding Anniversary, Simeon Ayuda PTA for capability building and the Knights of Columbus, among others. However, Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco clarified the issue, saying that receiving the CoA’s audit report on 7 June 2023 which conveyed “unmodified opinion on Liloan’s financial report for 31 December 2022.” “Receiving CoA’s Highest Rating for unmodified opinion validates, among others, Liloan’s responsible and justified procurement decisions, highlighting the transparency and accountability inherent in its operations,” Frasco said. He added that the CoA has been consistently recognizing Liloan with the highest rating since the time of then mayor and now Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. “I would like to clarify that the CoA audit covers the year 2022 and the procurement of the lechon was not a one-time purchase but rather made in different dates for several occasions such as inaugurations, general assemblies, and graduations in support to official activities,” the mayor stressed. The post Liloan lechon purchases flagged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - ‘Filipino mentality’
In interviews throughout the pandemic, those who were hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdowns expressed a common sentiment: while they appreciated emergency dole-outs or ayuda from the government, they wanted to be self-reliant, to have regular jobs and sustainable livelihoods......»»
PBBM namigay ng P50-M ‘employment aid’ sa Mayon evacuees, mahigit 5k residente nasa evacuation centers na
PERSONAL na namahagi si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ng ayuda para sa libo-libong pamilya na inilikas dahil sa banta ng pagputok ng Bulkang Mayon. P50 million ang inabot ng presidente sa mga alkalde ng Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Ligao City, at Tabaco City upang magamit bilang “emergency employment assistance” ng mga apektadong residente na […] The post PBBM namigay ng P50-M ‘employment aid’ sa Mayon evacuees, mahigit 5k residente nasa evacuation centers na appeared first on Bandera......»»
TUCP: Employers’ stance against wage hike ‘overkill’
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, whose representative in the Lower House has filed a bill proposing a P150 wage increase for workers, blasted the statement made by eight business groups last week against the wage hike, calling it an "overkill on the poor workers." “It is unfortunate that both employers and economic managers are now ganging up in an 'overkill' on the poor workers' calls to bring up measly real wages to at least be within the poverty threshold. These employers and economic managers are now fearmongering widespread closure of MSMEs and scenarios of spiking inflation should a wage increase be granted,” TUCP vice president Luis Corral said. The statement in question was signed by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines and the United Portusers Confederation of the Philippines, Inc. They insisted that only 16 percent of the labor workforce will benefit from a wage hike, while the remaining number of Filipino workers -- all in informal labor -- will demand more "ayuda" or government’ aid, and that it will also affect many businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises. Corral called such statements a "scare-mongering" tactic, and urged them to join in providing the needed help for workers amid challenging economic conditions. “The call for wage increase months ago should have been a wake-up call to the economic managers to save the rapidly deteriorating situation of a majority of the working poor,” Corral said. “Contrary to the argument of resultant MSME closures, the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises and certain retail enterprises are exempt from the minimum wage law. The truth is this 'massive closure' argument is actually camouflage to benefit big employers as there is enough support available for MSMEs, including the increase in consumption that comes with wage increase,” he added. The TUCP has already filed House Bill No. 7871 or the Wage Recovery Act of 2023, which seeks a wage hike that would recover from what it said was the more than three decades of no significant wage increase since the passage of Republic Act Number 6727 or the "Wage Rationalization Act." A Senate counterpart of the measure is Senate Bill Number 2002, filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, which TUCP backed. The group also reiterated its other proposals such as having more Kadiwa outlets that would lessen food inflation, reducing the weighted average cost of capital in electricity sources by eight percent, and returning to the original return-on-rate-base in electricity value. The TUCP also proposed a P5,000 one-time government financial aid to minimum wage workers and the instatement of the emergency cost-of-living allowance. The post TUCP: Employers’ stance against wage hike ‘overkill’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How ready are we to manage disasters?
A recent report from the World Meteorological Organization warned that global temperatures are expected to rise to record levels in the next five years, triggered by greenhouse gases and the recurring El Niño. With the current hot weather already a bane to many, and occasional thundershowers offering temporary relief, the scenario in the not-too-distant future looms as a threat more than a warning, as the chances of having the hottest days on record within five years appear to be a dead certain reality. “A warming El Niño is expected to develop in the coming months, and this will combine with human-induced climate change to push global temperatures into uncharted territory,” said WMO Secretary-General Pro. Peterri Taalas. “This will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management, and the environment. We need to be prepared.” Despite the grim announcement, Taalas offers a ray of hope. We still have time to prevent the inevitable from happening; he provides to soothe doomsayers. This is not an impossible situation and is not irreversible, he adds. Strengthening weather and climate services to protect people from extreme weather conditions and new greenhouse gas monitoring will be on top of the agenda of matters to be discussed during the forthcoming WMO Conference scheduled from 22 May to 2 June. For our part, how ready are we to handle disasters of this sort? Are we equipped to face or institute disaster-reduction/mitigation efforts? There has been a lot of discussion on making a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive in the matter of responding to disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and droughts, among others. The government and the private sector have stressed that responses should be immediate and efficient, and emergency relief immediately followed by the rebuilding of destroyed houses or infrastructure or rehabilitation and livelihoods restored to the affected victims. The World Conference on Disaster Reduction mapped out a framework from 2005-2015 that adopted “five priorities for action: 1. Ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation; 2. Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning; 3. Use knowledge, innovation, and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels; 4. Reduce the underlying risk factors; and 5. Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels.” Considering that the Philippines ranks first in the world regarding risks associated with natural disasters and is “host” to an average of 20 typhoons annually, six of which are destructive according to a World Risk Index report, have we used these recommendations? Only a few years ago, five Northern Luzon town mayors were facing charges in the Office of the Ombudsman after they were found missing from their posts as Typhoon Ompong ravaged most parts of the islands, causing deaths and destruction in the aftermath. Many victims of past calamities continue to live in makeshift dwellings as they cannot rebuild their homes far from their workplaces and schools for their children. There is a never-ending line of displaced people seeking food or ayuda and a mad scramble for the same caused by disorderly or ill-maintained distribution systems. Donations are being ripped off and do not go to the intended beneficiaries. Instead of being disaster-prepared, we react as if these calamities are happening for the first time. In contrast, look at how neighboring Bangladesh, another developing nation in 6th place on the Global Risk Index, deals with the catastrophes that come their way. Its government has boosted community-focused risk reduction efforts, decentralized disaster management, developed partnerships, and enhanced community resilience by working together to reduce their vulnerability to the elements and participating in risk-reduction activities. Our local government executives should look up to their Bangladesh counterparts and learn a thing or two, reviewing their original mandates and responsibilities to their constituents. Old systems that did not work must be discarded or restructured according to the needs of the times. And the time to act is now before it’s too late. The post How ready are we to manage disasters? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7 million Pinoys to receive inflation ayuda
More than seven million Filipinos will benefit from the P7.6-billion funding that the Department of Social Welfare and Development will receive for its Targeted Cash Transfer program......»»
DBM releases P7.68 billion inflation ayuda
The Department of Budget and Management has released around P7.68 billion in targeted cash assistance to help vulnerable sectors affected by rising prices of food and other commodities......»»
Comelec to adhere SC’s status quo order on Rosal
The Commission on Elections on Thursday said that it will comply with the Supreme Court’s Status Quo Ante Order decision that effectively reinstates Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, Albay a day after the poll body certified her disqualification as “final and executory.” “The Commission on Elections, through the Clerk of the Commission, received from the Supreme Court its Status Quo Ante Order in the Carmen Rosal Disqualification Case. As we have consistently committed, the Commission on Elections will abide by and comply with any order, ruling or directive of the Highest Court of our Land,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said. Comelec’s statements come as the Supreme Court acted on the two petitions for certiorari under Rule 65 in relation to Rule 64 of the Rules of Court assailing the Comelec resolutions that disqualified Rosal as candidate for mayor of Legazpi City, Albay in the 2022 polls. The assailed resolutions — dated 4 October 2022 and 4 May 2023 in SPA 22-032 (DC) — directed the Special City Board of Canvassers of Legazpi City to proclaim second placer Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. as the duly-elected mayor of Legazpi City. The SC en banc — in its Status Quo Ante Order dated 11 May 2023 given by authority of Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, upon the written recommendation of the Member-in-Charge — deemed it necessary and proper to consolidate the two petitions docketed as G.R. 266775 (Oscar Robert H. Cristobal v. Comelec, Alfredo A. Garbin, Jr., Joseph San Agustin Armogila, and Carmen Geraldine Rosal) and G.R. 266796 (Carmen Geraldine Rosal v. Comelec, Joseph San Agustin Armogila, Alfredo A. Garbin Jr. and Oscar Robert H. Cristobal); require respondents Comelec, Garbin, Armogila, Rosal, and Cristobal to file a consolidated comment within 10 days from notice; and issue a status quo ante order requiring the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the Comelec resolutions. Armogila and Rosal were candidates for councilor and mayor of Legazpi, respectively, in the 2022 national and local elections. Armogila filed a petition for disqualification against Rosal before the Comelec on the grounds of vote buying under Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code and violation of the prohibition on release, disbursement, and expenditure of public funds under Section 261(v) of the same law. A ’status quo ante order’ calls for a return to previous affairs, which effectively sets aside the poll body’s decision to disqualify Rosal over violation of Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code, or on ‘giving money to influence, induce and corrupt the voters.’ Rosal announced on Wednesday that he filed a petition before the Supreme Court to stop the poll body’s execution of their decision to disqualify her. In a press conference, she questioned Comelec on their ruling which said that she violated a provision on the Omnibus Election Code on ‘calling the decision ‘arbitrary.’ Her husband, disqualified Albay Governor Noel Rosal, insisted that the act in question – the cash assistance payout to tricycle drivers – was not vote buying as it was part of the ‘ayuda’ mandated in Bayanihan 1. The post Comelec to adhere SC’s status quo order on Rosal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ayuda, not wage hike on Labor Day
There is no wage increase, but there will be financial aid distribution during the Labor Day celebration, according to the Department of Labor and Employment......»»
Palakasin ang produksyon
Hanggang ngayon ay problema pa rin ng bansa ang food security lalo na pagdating sa bigas na siyang pangunahing pagkain ng ating bansa dahil hindi na malaman ng mga magsasaka kung paano pa nila ibebenta ang kanilang mga ani sa harap nang nagtataasang presyo ng mga pataba at ilan pang kailangan para sa pagtatanim. Nitong nakaraan nga ay mukhang humina ang ani ng ating mga magsasaka dahil na rin sa pananalasa ng mga bagyo habang ang ilan naman ay hirap nang makasabay sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin at langis. Layon pa naman ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na pababain ang presyo ng bigas at kahit pa may mga programa nang ipinatutupad ang pamahalaan ay hindi pa rin ito nakakasapat. Kaya naman minumungkahi ng isang rice group ang pagpapalakas ng local production ng bigas sa harap ng tumataas na presyo nito sa merkado, na idinahilan nila sa pagmamanipula sa presyo nito. Ayon kay Cathy Estavillo ng Bantay Bigas, ikinadismaya nila ang kawalan ng buffer stock umano ng National Food Authority na may balak na mag-import ng bigas para rito. Giit din ni Estavillo, mga importer ang ang makikinabang sa plano ng NFA ay malaki ang posibilidad na mas tumaas pa ang presyo ng bigas. “Maaaring maulit ang nangyari noong 2018 na umabot sa 80-90 ang kada kilo ng bigas,” saad ni Estavillo sa isang panayam. Para maiwasan ito, dapat umanong bigyan ng gobyerno ng sapat na ayuda ang mga magsasaka. “’Yung support services, subsidies, irrigation, post-harvest facilities dapat may gawin din ang gobyerno,” sabi ni Estavillo. Sana nga ay matugunan ng pamahalaan ang mga hinaing na ito ng ating mga magsasaka na palakasin pa ang produksyon ng bigas sa bansa at hindi umasa sa imports dahil hindi talaga biro ang kanilang ginagawa. The post Palakasin ang produksyon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pamamahagi ng ayuda sa mga pamilyang hagip oil spill pinangunahan ni PBBM
MANILA, Philippines – PINANGUNAHAN ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., araw ng Sabado ang pamamahagi ng government assistance at pangkabuhayan sa mga pamilya at mangingisda na apektado ng oil spill sa Oriental Mindoro. Kasama ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), namahagi ang Pangulo ng P98.6 milyong halaga ng family food packs sa mga […] The post Pamamahagi ng ayuda sa mga pamilyang hagip oil spill pinangunahan ni PBBM appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Amid high inflation, government allots P26.6 billion ayuda
The government will provide a total of P26.6 billion in ayuda or subsidies to vulnerable sectors to help them cope with the rising prices of food and other commodities, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said yesterday......»»
The Manila Film Festival magbabalik ngayong 2023 makalipas ang 29 years; Top 8 entry ibabandera sa Marso
MAGBABALIK na ang The Manila Film Festival ngayong 2023 mula sa mungkahi ni Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo na sinang-ayunan naman ni Mayor Honey Lacuna. Nakipag-partnership ang Manila government kay Saranggola Media Productions, Edith Fider na nakilala sa mga pelikulang pinrodyus niya tulad ng “Damaso”, “Tatlong Bibe,” “Suarez: The Healing Priest”, “Ayuda Babes,” at “Yorme: […] The post The Manila Film Festival magbabalik ngayong 2023 makalipas ang 29 years; Top 8 entry ibabandera sa Marso appeared first on Bandera......»»