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From the Newsrooms: February 11 to 17, 2024
WITH PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr's clear signal of his approval, it was no surprise for the media to pick up the heightened discussion of charter change (Chacha) in the Senate.On February 12, the Senate was clearly engaged in the process as its Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes began its second deliberation of the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 amending three constitutional provi.....»»
From the Newsrooms: February 11 to 17, 2024
WITH PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr's clear signal of his approval, it was no surprise for the media to pick up the heightened discussion of charter change (Chacha) in the Senate.On February 12, the Senate was clearly engaged in the process as its Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes began its second deliberation of the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 amending three constitutional provi.....»»
Marcos limits constitutional changes to economic front
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a focused approach to constitutional changes, concentrating solely on economic provisions to boost the Philippine economy. .....»»
Wegotmail: PMPI flags potential manipulation of PI in Constitutional Amendment
Wegotmail: PMPI flags potential manipulation of PI in Constitutional Amendment.....»»
House optimistic Senate will pass Cha-cha in May
Administration lawmakers in the House of Representatives are pinning their hopes on their Senate counterparts to pass the economic Charter change bill before Congress goes on recess on May 24......»»
Over 500 PUVs pass roadworthiness check, 39 fail
Over 500 PUVs pass roadworthiness check, 39 fail.....»»
TUCP to House: Pass bill that seeks across-the-board P150 wage hike
TUCP to House: Pass bill that seeks across-the-board P150 wage hike.....»»
Calbayog Airport by-pass road commences second phase
Second phase in the construction of Calbayog Airport by-pass road is now underway with a contract amount of P69.12 million taken from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2023 said Samar First DEO......»»
EDITORIAL — Pass-through fees
If the administration wants to tackle inflation and improve ease of doing business, it should scrutinize one of the contributors to high prices particularly of agricultural commodities, and a long-standing complaint of businessmen: pass-through fees collected from delivery trucks......»»
Marcos declares April 10 a regular holiday in view of Eid’l Fitr
MANILA, Philippines — The Palace declared Eid’l Fitr, or the Feast of Ramadhan, on Wednesday next week (April 10) a holiday. The Palace released to the media Proclamation No. 514 that contained the declaration. “Now, therefore, I, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,.....»»
BBL is not yet dead – Drilon
By Jelly F. Musico MANILA, Dec. 17 (PNA) – The Senate may not be able to pass the substitute bill of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) this year but it is not........»»
Al-ag proposes to repeal ordinance requiring delivery riders biz permits
Davao City Councilor Bernie Al-ag has proposed the repeal of an ordinance that requires delivery riders to obtain business permits. The ordinance in question, City Ordinance 0612-21 series of 2021, classified delivery riders as independent service contractors, mandating them to apply for business permits. However, a joint memorandum circular issued by various government agencies exempts individuals providing personal services, including delivery riders, from securing business permits. Al-ag emphasized that the city government must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the memorandum. While the proposed repeal is pending, Al-ag advised delivery riders to comply with the existing ordinance. He expressed confidence in the passage of the repeal, citing the solid basis provided by the joint memorandum. Despite a group of delivery riders seeking an audience with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte on the matter, Al-ag's proposal was drafted in response to a separate petition. He clarified that the repeal is not about monetary collection but aligning with national law, which exempts delivery riders from obtaining business permits. Al-ag remains optimistic about the repeal's approval, pointing to the support provided by the joint memorandum as a strong foundation for his proposal......»»
Calinan District residents protest vs disguised Cha-cha
Residents from the 19 barangays in Calinan District rallied against the disguised People's Initiative for Charter Change in a protest held on January 19, 2024. Organized by the barangay captains, around 100 individuals from each barangay gathered at Rizal Park, chanting Dabawenyos are not for sale and expressing their disapproval of the alleged cash-for-signature scheme. The protest emphasized the residents' desire for fairness and a better government approach, rejecting the notion of exchanging signatures for money. Participants, including both young and old residents, voiced their opposition to the charter change, with the youth expressing concerns about power-hungry officials. Even 75-year-old Rosminda Amarilla joined the protest to question the need for change after numerous presidents have governed without such alterations. The rally, which included a motorcade and drew approximately 300 participants, received disapproval from Congressman Paolo Pulong Z. Duterte and Congressman Isidro Ungab, who alleged that the signature campaign was orchestrated by leaders of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist. As of the latest update, PBA Representative Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles has yet to release a statement on the matter......»»
Groups urge to include placemaking in planning for public spaces
The push for placemaking in planning for public spaces was emphasized by various groups during a recent forum in Davao City. ATTY. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), stressed the importance of incorporating placemaking in public space planning to not only enhance the physical environment but also to promote inclusivity. He highlighted the exclusion of certain sectors in existing public spaces and emphasized the need for stakeholders' input and acknowledgment of their stories in the planning process. Dr. Derlie Mateo-Babiano, an associate professor in Urban Planning Assistant, described placemaking as a means to transform places into spaces that people will cherish. She emphasized the significance of engaging the community in the planning process to understand their cultural, environmental, and other needs. Peñalver also cited a successful placemaking project in Davao Executive Homes, which catered to children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, demonstrating the positive impact of placemaking. Furthermore, Peñalver advocated for the institutionalization of placemaking in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other development plans in Davao City. He highlighted the potential of placemaking to ensure that government projects are beneficial to the community. Architect Harold Delima, co-convenor of Placemaking Davao, discussed ongoing workshops with various demographics to integrate placemaking into the city's development. The groups involved are hopeful that placemaking will become a fundamental aspect of public space planning in Davao City, aiming to create inclusive and community-centered environments......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Negros Oriental not imposing ban on hogs from Bohol
Negros Oriental not imposing ban on hogs from Bohol.....»»
Baguio temperature dips as monsoon strengthens
The temperature in Baguio City went down to 13.4 degrees Celsius yesterday as the northeast monsoon or amihan strengthened, affecting most areas in Luzon including Metro Manila, according to state meteorologists......»»
Jewel in the Palace continues story with Lee Young Ae reprising role after 20 years
"Dae Jang Geum," or more popularly known in the Philippines as "Jewel in the Palace," is set to continue the story of Jang Geum two decades since she became the first royal physician. .....»»
A tale of ‘pork-barrel’ era
The first time I met Senator Jinggoy Estrada was while he was still mayor of San Juan City on June 30,1998 when he attended the inaugural of his father, former president Joseph Estrada. At that time, I was still a reporter covering Malacañang Palace. As it turned out, it was the first and last time I saw mayor Jinggoy inside the Palace grounds......»»
‘Cha-cha lies in the power of the people, not politicians’ – coalition
“The amendments are unnecessary, not urgent, and could worsen the situation of the Filipino people. The process is also alarming since adding the provision ‘unless provided by law’ gives Congress the power to revise or even reverse the constitutional provisions through ordinary legislation." The post ‘Cha-cha lies in the power of the people, not politicians’ – coalition appeared first on Bulatlat......»»