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400 Taguig residents get cash aid
Around 400 residents in Taguig received financial assistance from the city government, Mayor Lani Cayetano said recently......»»
Binay: Taguig should create more courts
Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano should ask the city’s lawmakers to file an urgent bill that would create additional courts to handle the cases from the enlisted men’s barrios or “embo” that are now under its jurisdiction, Makati Mayor Abby Binay said yesterday......»»
CIA with BA sisimulan ang 2024 sa pag-aayos ng parent-child relationship
NAKAHANDANG ipagpatuloy ng public service program na “CIA with BA” ngayong 2024 ang mga nasimulan nito sa nagdaang taon. Sa patuloy na pangununa ng magkapatid na Sen. Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano at ni Boy Abunda, nangangako ang 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards Best Talk Show nominee na magpapatuloy sa pagbibigay ng mga legal na.....»»
‘Christmas In Action’ ng ‘CIA with BA’ nakatulong na may pa-free concert pa
“KAYA tayo ‘in action,’ kasi ‘action speaks louder than words.” Ganito inilarawan ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano ang special episode ng kanilang programang “CIA with BA” nitong bisperas ng Pasko, December 24. Tinawag na “Christmas in Action,” itinampok sa episode ang ilan sa mga dating naging guest subject sa “Case 2 Face” segment na mga.....»»
Suporta at proteksiyon para sa OFWs — Cayetano
PATULOY na isinusulong ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang pagtugon sa pangangailangan para sa matibay na diplomatic protection, masusing pre-departure orientation, at mahusay na reintegration program. Kaugnay ito kamakailan ng insidente ng hostage-taking sa Red Sea, 17 Filipino seafarers ang kabilang sa mga biktima, at higit na nagbigay-diin sa mga panganib na kinakaharap ng overseas ….....»»
‘CIA with BA’ tuloy pa rin ang serbisyo-publiko sa bagong season
SA bago nitong season, nangako ang “CIA with BA” hosted by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano at Boy Abunda, na patuloy nitong pagsisilbihan ang publiko. Nitong Linggo, November 19, nagbalik-tanaw ang programa sa mga episode nito sa nagdaang tatlong season, na nagpapakitang mahigit 100 kaso na ang naidulog at nabigyang-solusyon. Karamihan dito ay dulot.....»»
Alan Peter Cayetano may pakiusap kay Lala Sotto: Look at contemporary Filipino values that we can agree on
MAY panawagan si Senator Alan Peter Cayetano kay Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson Lala Sotto–Antonio tungkol sa Filipino values sa digital content. Ipinahayag ito ng senador sa isinagawang plenary debate ng panukalang 2024 budget ng MTRCB nitong November 14, 2023 na binigyan diin niya ang malawakang paggamit ng Internet ay nabawasan.....»»
Philippines still has an obligation to cooperate with the ICC — Carpio
Carpio referenced the 2021 case of Pangilinan et al. vs. Cayetano et. al. where the Supreme Court dismissed the petitions to make the withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC invalid. .....»»
Nearly 50 million COVID-19 vaccine doses wasted
Sen. Pia Cayetano, the sponsor of the Department of Health’s budget, said that the country’s COVID-19 vaccine wastage reached 49.73 million......»»
Senate seeks Spanish counterpart’s aid in crafting Phl-EU free trade pact
A delegation of senators visited Spain during the celebration of the 75th year of the Philippines-European Union’s diplomatic relations. The country’s official inter-parliamentary visit was led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday. He was accompanied by Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Estrada, Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Mark Villar, along with Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier. The Philippine senators met their counterparts and discussed the enhanced trade between the Philippines and the EU. During the commemoration of the Phl-EU ties, Zubiri urged their counterparts to build stronger partnerships and solid relationships anchored in history. “Let us build on 500 years of friendship and history. The foundations of our friendship are anchored on our shared history, our shared culture, and our shared Catholic faith. Though we are proud to be our own independent Republic, we are also grateful for our heritage and our Hispanidad,” Zubiri told their counterparts in a meeting. In a statement Tuesday, Zubiri said he met with his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Rollán, and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray. During their meeting, Zubiri said he sought the assistance of Rollán as the Philippines is targeting to develop a free trade agreement with the EU. Rollán, in response, expressed his willingness to help the Philippines in crafting the pact saying that “Spain is well-positioned to offer support in the post-pandemic period as the head of the EU.” “Spain’s doors are always open for the Philippines. The visit is a welcome opportunity to reinforce the already excellent relations between the Philippines and Spain,” he added. Spain currently leads the EU for the extension of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), which allows about 6,000 Filipino products to enter the EU duty-free. EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron previously said that the EU is considering the resumption of FTA talks with a Southeast Asian country “which could be Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines.”.....»»
Eco-friendly ornaments adorn mall’s 33-ft Christmas tree
SM Supermalls began the first of 84 Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies to usher in the holiday season at SM Aura with “Ilaw at Ligaya,” a modern Filipino spectacle featuring a Pinoy-themed fashion show set to Pinoy carols and beats by Pinoypela, ROFG and Prestige Band. Leading the lighting ceremony of a giant Capiz parol and a bedecked 33-foot Christmas tree were Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan and SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans Sy Jr. “Ngayong taon, inaanyayahan namin kayong lahat na mahal naming pamilyang Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang pagbibigayan at saya ng tunay na Pasko dito sa SM. Hihintayin namin kayo at ang mga mahal ninyo ngayong araw ng ilaw at liwanag!” Tan shared. [caption id="attachment_200874" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Filipiniana-themed fashion delighted audience with its mix of fashion forward streetwear and formal pieces.[/caption] From eco-friendly ornaments incorporating rattan, raffia, abaca and buri that adorn the tree and mall décor to the glittering curtain of LED lights that brighten the halls, this year’s holiday display at SM Aura is especially meaningful and unique. Taking center stage is the mall’s 33-foot Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments using locally sourced materials, such as Christmas balls wrapped in rattan and abaca, iridescent orchid blooms of capiz and traditional bamboo parols. A stunning three-foot capiz shell star to represent the Star of Bethlehem sits atop the tree bringing light, hope and joy to mallgoers this festive season. The highlight of the night featured mall tenants Rhett Eala, Kultura, Dona Lim, Frankie General Store, Plains & Prints and Zarah Juan in a fashion runway show directed by Runway Productions’ Joey Espino which delighted the audience with its mix of Pinoy streetwear and formal pieces worn with whimsy and fun accessories. SM Supermalls will continue to launch its much-awaited Christmas centerpieces all over the country, from this week towards the end of October and early November, with uniquely designed and themed trees and holiday installations. The post Eco-friendly ornaments adorn mall’s 33-ft Christmas tree appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Padel launch features Cayetano-Obiena friendly
Padel or padel tennis was formally introduced in the Philippine sports community with world No. 2 men’s pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena playing a friendly with the sport’s benefactor Sen. Pia Cayetano last Friday at the Play Padel Courts in Mandaluyong City......»»
Nagpautang ng P150K sa kanyang hipag at bayaw, makakasingil na sa tulong ng ‘CIA with BA’
DUMULOG si Emy sa “CIA with BA” upang humingi ng tulong at payo tungkol sa pera na inutang sa kanya ng kanyang hipag at bayaw. Sa segment na “Payong Kapatid” sa episode nitong Linggo, Oktubre 1, ibinahagi ni Emy kina Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano at Boy Abunda ang buong kuwento. Noong 2019,.....»»
Herbosa no-show, but DOH 2024 budget hurdles Senate Finance panel
The Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday approved the proposed P311.3 billion budget of the Department of Health for the upcoming fiscal year without the attendance of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. Herbosa skipped the DOH’s budget deliberation, normally led by the agency’s head, days after he failed to secure the approval of the Commission on Appointment. During the budget deliberation, DOH senior officials led by Undersecretary Lilibeth David, former Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario-Vergeire and Undersecretary Gloria Balboa presented the agency’s proposed budget. Senator Francis Tolentino specifically questioned Herbosa’s absence in the budget deliberation, fearing that the agency is now in an “auto-pilot mode”. Senator Pia Cayetano, who presided over the agency’s budget deliberation, quickly clarified that the DOH is not “headless”. “Actually, all of the senior members of the team approached me a while ago and they acknowledged that, of course, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” Cayetano said. “But as you all know, Usec Dr. Vergeire was the OIC for many years and was very actively exercising her leadership not just in the past year, but even during the time of President Duterte. Dr. Usec. David is the most senior undersecretary. So I’m quite confident in the presentation today that they can answer,” she added. Tolentino explained that he is asking for Herbosa’s presence because “budget presentations would require answers concerning accountability.” “And perhaps the head of the department should be the one doing that. Otherwise, it would be in an auto-pilot mode,” he said. For her part, Senator Loren Legarda also expressed confidence in the senior officials of the DOH. “Let me just say that I’m certain that our very competent Usecs. and Asecs. down the line would be able to communicate the policies of the Secretary who still has to be confirmed,” Legarda said. “I am very confident that they will be able to answer our questions. I do not think that they would divert from any policy of the Secretary or say anything that would be against his policies,” she added. Cyber-attack on PhilHealth Senators also touched on the recent cyber-attack on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. Legarda quizzed PhilHealth officials about the effect of the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s operation, as well as the steps being taken by the agency to prevent similar cases in the future. Responding to the lawmaker’s query, Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said the agency has yet to restore its online system. “All transactions are offline, and we've resume operations meaning membership, employer submission, and payment over the counter,” Santos said. “Our benefits availment continues. We have already informed our partner providers that while the system is turned off, they can still submit claims or prepare the submission of claims,” he added. “At present, to confirm the statement of our President, we are set to turn on our systems today, but we are still completing the preventive measures before we turn it on. We are targeting to turn on our PhilHealth website, member portal, as well as the e-claims.” Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system, which prompted them to turn it off as part of its “containment measures”. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. A multinational cyber security software company, Trend Micro, defines “ransomware” as a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing a system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. The Medusa ransomware group was demanding $300,000 from PhilHealth in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. The state-run health insurer previously stated that it would not give in to the group’s demand. The post Herbosa no-show, but DOH 2024 budget hurdles Senate Finance panel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOH budget for 2024 hurdles Senate Finance panel without Herbosa
The Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday approved the proposed P311.3 billion budget of the Department of Health for the upcoming fiscal year without the attendance of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. Herbosa skipped the DOH’s budget deliberation, normally led by the agency’s head, days after he failed to secure the approval of the Commission on Appointment. During the budget deliberation, DOH senior officials led by Undersecretary Lilibeth David, former Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario-Vergeire, and Undersecretary Gloria Balboa, presented the agency’s proposed budget. Senator Francis Tolentino specifically questioned Herbosa’s absence in the budget deliberation, fearing that the agency is now in an “auto-pilot mode”. Senator Pia Cayetano, who presided over the agency’s budget deliberation, quickly clarified that the DOH is not “headless”. “Actually, all of the senior members of the team approached me a while ago and they acknowledged that of course, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” Cayetano said. “But as you all know, Usec Dr. Vergeire was the OIC for many years and was very actively exercising her leadership not just in the past year, but even during the time of President Duterte. Dr. Usec. David is the most senior undersecretary. So I’m quite confident in the presentation today that they can answer,” she added. Tolentino explained that he is asking for Herbosa’s presence because “budget presentations would require answers concerning accountability.” “And perhaps the head of the department should be the one doing that. Otherwise, it would be in an auto-pilot mode,” he said. For her part, Senator Loren Legarda also expressed her confidence in the senior officials of the DOH. “Let me just say that I’m certain that our very competent Usecs. and Asecs. down the line would be able to communicate the policies of the secretary who still has to be confirmed,” Legarda said. “I don't think that the DoH body institution system comprised of career people who -- it may be a headless agency this is insofar other secretaries concerned -- but all the systems are covered by the Usecs. and Asecs,” she added. She continued: “I am very confident that they will be able to answer our questions. I do not think that they would divert from any policy of the secretary or say anything that would be against his policies.” Cyber-attack on PhilHealth Senators also touched on the recent cyber-attack on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth. Legarda quizzed PhilHealth officials about the effect of the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s operation, as well as the steps being taken by the agency to prevent encountering a similar case in the future. Responding to the lawmaker’s query, Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said that the agency has yet to return its online system. “All systems now are all transactions are offline and we resume operations meaning membership, employer submission, and payment over the counter,” Santos said. “Our benefits availment continues. We have already informed our partner providers that while the system is turned off, they can still submit claims or prepare the submission of claims,” he added. He continued: “At present, to confirm the statement of our President, we are set to turn on our systems today, but we are still completing the preventive measures before we turn it on. We are targeting to turn on our PhilHealth website, member portal, as well as the e-claims.” Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system, which prompted them to turn it off as part of its “containment measures”. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. A multinational cyber security software company, Trend Micro defined “ransomware” as a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. The Medusa ransomware group was demanding $300,000 from PhilHealth in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. The state-run health insurer previously stated that it would not give in to the group’s demand. The post DOH budget for 2024 hurdles Senate Finance panel without Herbosa appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati cries foul over Taguig’s ‘rejection’
The local government of Makati City on Sunday lamented the local government of Taguig’s alleged “unreasonable” rejection of Makati proposals which impedes the smooth transfer of city-owned health facilities and services. Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said that the Makati local government proposed memorandums of agreement pertain to eight barangay health centers and the health data of their patients, and Ospital ng Makati. However, it was allegedly rejected by the local government of Taguig. “We have initiated a series of correspondence and memorandum of agreement proposals to the City of Taguig aimed to facilitate the smooth transfer of Makati-owned health facilities to its jurisdiction. However, these have been rejected outright, without valid reason. Unfortunately, Taguig seems adamant about taking over our hospital and health centers without acknowledging our ownership rights,” Certeza said. In a letter to Mayor Lani Cayetano, a MoA was proposed by Mayor Abby Binay for Ospital ng Makati, which contains an offer extending a substantial credit line to Taguig. The credit line is intended to ensure that affected residents can continue to access the essential health care services at the city-owned and managed hospital. Certeza said that as stated in the draft MoA, the credit line will “function as a financial safety net, enabling Taguig City to provide essential health care services to its residents without immediate upfront payments, particularly in cases where beneficiaries may not have the means to cover their medical costs themselves.” “Makati is even willing to allocate millions in funding for this credit line to Taguig to avoid any disruption in health care services. Yet, Mayor Cayetano refused to even consider the proposal, opting to put off any discussions regarding OsMak, purportedly in deference to the wishes of the Health secretary,” Certeza said. To recall, the Taguig City mayor said in her letter that Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa himself would take the lead in any discussions regarding Ospital ng Makati, and that both cities must defer to his wishes. In another letter to Cayetano, Binay also offered Taguig the option to lease or to purchase the land and improvement of eight health centers, subject to the appraisal of the Commission on Audit. However, Cayetano has allegedly declined the offer, again citing a supposed directive from the Health Secretary to “exclude the issue of ownership in the transition process.” “Makati is willing to let Taguig use its properties without asking them for immediate payment. We are, in fact, deferring to CoA to determine the reasonable amount to be charged,” Certeza said. The post Makati cries foul over Taguig’s ‘rejection’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Dapat maging mas handa tayo’ — Bong Go backs healthcare-related bills
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed in an interview on Thursday, September 21, after attending the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal, his full support for the establishment of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Virology Institute of the Philippines. The measures were discussed during the third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, responded, "As chair po ng Senate Committee on Health, full support po ako dito." “Nasa subcommittee ang mga bills na ito na pinangungunahan ni Senator Pia Cayetano. Nakapag-hearing na ito at isa ako sa mga nagfile ng bills. Hopefully, maipasa ito ngayong taon,” said Go. "Priority rin ang mga ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, nabanggit din ito sa LEDAC, so suportado ko ito," he added. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bill. “Unang-una, napaloob po ito sa Philippine Development Plan po ng ating Pangulong Marcos. Itong paggagawa ng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or ibahin man po, maging National Disease Management Prevention Authority ay suportado ko po ito," added Go. The senator emphasized the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country's experience with COVID-19. "Mas mabuti pong lagi tayong handa; meron tayong opisina na nakatutok po kung saka-sakaling may dumating na pandemya po sa buhay natin," he said. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) became a crucial office for COVID-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “Noong 2019 naman bago dumating ang pandemya ay muntik ding binawasan ang budget para sa Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Hindi po tayo pumayag. In fact, dinagdagan pa natin sila noong budget deliberations. Tama nga ang kutob ko, sino ba ang mag-aakala na ang RITM ang magiging isa sa pinakaimportanteng opisina sa panahon ng pandemya? Ang RITM din ang may kakayahan na mag-test ng iba pang nakahahawang sakit bukod sa COVID-19,” Go shared. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. "Bagama't isang boto lang po ako, ay suportado ko po ang mga ito." The senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate. Go has filed Senate Bill No. 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control (CDC). If passed into law, CDC will serve as the country's central hub for disease prevention, surveillance, and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Another key legislative measure from Go is SBN 196, which seeks to establish a Virology Science and Technology Institute. The institute is envisioned as a center for virology that will enhance the country's capacity to study, detect, and combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. He also filed SBN 1180 which seeks to establish a Medical Reserve Corps composed of individuals who have degrees in health-related fields but have yet to obtain professional licenses. The Medical Reserve Corps may be called upon to assist the national government and the local government units in their functions related to addressing the medical needs of the public in times of national emergencies. The post ‘Dapat maging mas handa tayo’ — Bong Go backs healthcare-related bills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ejercito: Yes to divorce, ‘people don’t deserve to be miserable’
Married couples who are no longer happy with their marriage deserve a fresh start, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said Thursday. In a press conference at the Senate, Ejercito explained why he voted in favor of Committee Report No. 124, which recommended the approval of Senate Bill No. 2443, or the proposed “Dissolution of Marriage Act”. “There are relationships that are already irreparable. We don’t want people to be miserable,” he said. “The bottom line is people don’t deserve to be miserable. If it’s irreparable, we have to give them a second chance,” he added. He, however, clarified that he purposely signed the committee report to allow the bill to be discussed more thoroughly in the plenary. “But of course, we are a Christian nation. That’s why it is difficult to have an annulment. We’ll just hear it. Anyway, I signed it because I want more discussion about it on the floor,” he said. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, a staunch critic of the Divorce bill, remained firm in his opposition to the bill. “Divorce is a big no for me! Yes to making annulment accessible to the poor,” Villanueva said in a separate statement. The lawmaker, the son of Jesus is Lord Church founder and CIBAC Representative Eddie Villanueva, clarified that the approval of the proposed measure is only at the committee level. “The approval of the Divorce bill or any other bills at the committee level is part of the legislative process. Every member of the Senate is free to conduct hearings that are referred to their respective committees,” he said. “But I just want to clarify that the nine senators who signed the committee report do not represent the majority of the Senate. Most of our colleagues signed it so that it can be discussed in the plenary,” he added. Committee Report No. 124 was prepared by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality headed by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Villanueva acknowledged that some relationships, particularly those involving violence, should end despite his firm opposition to the proposed measure. “This is where the annulment and declaration of nullity of marriage come in. We should instead hasten the process and make it more accessible for everyone, regardless of their status in life,” he said. Committee Report No. 124 is the consolidated version of the measure authored by the panel's chair Hontiveros, and Senators Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos and Pia Cayetano. It was signed by Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito and Senator Grace Poe. Under the proposed measure, absolute divorce is defined as “the legal termination of a marriage by a court in a legal proceeding, requiring a petition or complaint for divorce by one or both party/ies, which will have the effect of returning both parties to the status of single for all legal intents and purposes, including the right to contract a subsequent marriage.” One of the grounds for filing an absolute divorce is the commission of the crime of rape by the respondent-spouse against the petitioner-spouse, whether before or after the celebration of their marriage. The post Ejercito: Yes to divorce, ‘people don’t deserve to be miserable’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former SC Associate Justice Callejo Sr. passes away
The Supreme Court yesterday announced the passing on Tuesday, 19 September, of retired Associate Justice and Chairperson of the Judicial Integrity Board Romeo J. Callejo Sr., 86. Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo said Justice Callejo Sr. will always be remembered as one of the members of the Court who, for close to four decades, ‘tirelessly and selflessly devoted his life in the service of the Judiciary.” Justice Callejo Sr.’s remains lie in state at Loyola Memorial Chapels along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Public viewing started at 3 p.m. on 20 September and will be held until noon of 23 September. A necrological service will be held at Loyola Memorial Chapels on Friday, 22 September starting at 4 p.m. Justice Callejo Sr. served as judge of the Manila City regional trial court starting in 1986. As RTC judge, he was awarded twice as Outstanding Judge of Manila in 1991 and 1994. In 1992, he was awarded the Cayetano Arellano Award for Judicial Excellence. In 1994, he was promoted associate justice of the Court of Appeals. In 2002, he was elevated as SC associate justice, a post he held until his mandatory retirement in 2007. Justice Callejo Sr. was part of the Philippine Judicial Academy Corps of Professor, and was appointed as PhilJA Vice Chancellor in 2015. In 2020, he was appointed the first JIB chairperson. He is survived by his wife Filipinas V. Callejo; children Michel and Geraldine Geday, and Romeo and Ivy Callejo; and grandchildren Jacqueline Callejo-Geday and Amelie Callejo. The post Former SC Associate Justice Callejo Sr. passes away appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders
Senator Francis Escudero challenged the Bureau of Customs to immediately file charges against traders susceptibly involved in smuggling and hoarding rice. Escudero said such illegal activities have caused an artificial shortage of food staples and rice price spikes in recent months. The senator then slammed the BOC for its failure to disclose to the public the “names of traders and operators whose warehouses were raided by government authorities for tons of suspected smuggled rice.” “Ang dami nang raids na ginawa nitong mga nakaraang linggo, bakit hanggang ngayon, wala pang kasong isinasampa sa mga taong sangkot? (You have done so many raid activities this past weeks, why is it until now you haven’t filed cases to anyone involved?),” he said. Escudero stressed the need to file charges and ‘bring these economic saboteurs to court” so it could “serve as a warning” that the Marcos administration is indeed serious in its campaign against smugglers and hoarders. He said the authorities should not stop by just conducting a series of raids, instead, the efforts should showcase strong results. The Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 considers large-scale smuggling of agricultural products as economic sabotage, with "at least P1 million worth of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables, in their raw state, or which have undergone the simple processes of preparation and preservation for the market, or a minimum of P10 million worth of rice, as valued by Bureau of Customs." “Why haven't I heard anyone sued for economic sabotage or something? Who owns these warehouses? Who are the people involved?" Escudero asked, citing that the BoC-Port of Zamboanga seized some 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million in Barangay San Jose Gusu on 15 September. The local bureau inspected the warehouse on 19 May after receiving information that smuggled rice was being stored in the area. Two weeks prior, the BOC inspected three warehouses in Bulacan and found these stocked with suspected smuggled imported rice worth P505 million. It temporarily sealed and guarded these warehouses located inside the Intercity Industrial Complex in Balagtas, Bulacan. Aside from filing charges, Escudero said the government should also update the public on the development of these cases “in the spirit of transparency.” "Ito ang mga dapat nilang masagot ngayon (this what they should answer now): who oversees the disposition and how will it be disposed? Ano ang gagawin nila sa mga bigas na nakumpiska? (What will happen to confiscated rice?),“ Escudero said. In a news forum last Saturday, BOC Port of Zamboanga chief, Benito Lontok, said the agency is planning to donate the smuggled rice for the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa Program and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s assistance programs. However, Lontok said the plan is still “subject to approval” of BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. 'DA should step up' Meanwhile, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano urged DA to take more proactive measures to address the price hike in rice. Cayetano lamented the prices of rice remain high despite the government’s implementation of a price cap on the product. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier blamed smugglers and hoarders for causing the increasing prices of rice in the country. Hence, issuing the executive Order No. 39 on 31 August, mandated price ceilings for regular-milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 per kilogram. The EO 39 will be implemented nationwide beginning 5 September. Marcos vowed the government would continue going after the rice smugglers and hoarders, including the imposition of penalties for those found guilty of violating the mandated price cap for rice. Cayetano lauded Marcos for this effort and for being a “sincere Agriculture Secretary” with a primary intent on the country’s food situation. However, he stressed that other DA officials should not rely on the Chief Executive for solutions. “The DA to seek long-term solutions to stabilize food prices, emphasizing that temporary measures may not address the root causes of the problem,” he said. The post Escudero to BOC: File charges vs. rice smugglers, hoarders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»