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Medical marijuana bill reaches Senate plenary
The bill seeking to legalize medical marijuana in the Philippines has reached the Senate plenary, the first time in the history of the upper chamber, according to a cannabis lawyer......»»
BoC-NAIA turns 63
Beyond Borders: A New Era for Digitalization and Customs Excellence was the theme chosen by the Bureau of Customs -Ninoy Aquino International Airport to commemorate its 63rd founding anniversary and over 60 years of dedicated public service. District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa emphasized the BoC-NAIA’s impressive accomplishments and development while Collector Mapa praised the port’s exceptional revenue collection record, which generated a total of P31.3 billion in revenue from January to September this year. This represented an increase of P1.3 billion over the prior year and outperformed the collection target for the time by P1.1 billion. This success demonstrates BoC-NAIA’s ongoing dedication to assisting the Bureau in achieving its broad objectives. Collector Mapa stated that in August 2023, BoC-NAIA passed its second surveillance audit for ISO quality management system certification, recognizing the value of simplified customs procedures. With 23 enrolled ISO-certified processes and 10 ISO support processes, the port has the most certified processes of any BOC port. With this accreditation, cargo clearance procedures are guaranteed to be recognized internationally, facilitating trade for stakeholders and customers. She added that BoC-NAIA will remain steadfast in its enforcement policies, intercepting narcotics with an estimated street value of P994 million in 2023. Collector Mapa highlighted the port’s role in preventing the entry of illicit goods, seizing a total of P1 billion worth of drugs, jewellery, wildlife, currencies, medicines, and other regulated items. The port received commendations from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for curbing wildlife smuggling. BoC-NAIA is aggressively advancing digitization initiatives in keeping with the celebration’s theme. The port is organizing consultative discussions for the electronic tracking of air cargo and is currently in the pilot testing phase of the electronic airwaybill filing. In addition, there are plans to categorize goods and work with pertinent organizations to integrate iDeclare into the e-travel system to provide a centralised platform for trip declarations. A memorandum of agreement between the BoC and the Philippine Postal Corporation was ceremonially signed during this celebration in an effort to speed up, secure and enhance the quality of customs clearance for postal commodities. At the ceremony, BoC-NAIA showcased its newly revamped website and E-Airway Bill System, showcasing its dedication to operating more efficiently. The event was capped off with awards for top imports and standout personnel, underscoring their critical contribution to the port’s development and prosperity. Collector Mapa expressed appreciation to Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, Deputy Commissioners, and Bureau of Customs employees for their assistance and the chance to assist stakeholders. Collector Mapa stressed the port’s commitment, saying, “This is who we are. This is the customary excellence we are honoured to exude. Unfazed by any threat. Straightforward in the application of policies and loyal to the direction of the agency Performing our duties even beyond borders and striving to introduce digitalization programs tailored for the unique operations of the airport.” Rubio, who graced the celebration, commended the BoC-NAIA for their hard work and dedication in forging economic growth and serving as a vital gateway for trade. “Reflecting upon the journey that brought us to this milestone after six eventful decades, we must acknowledge the individuals who have dedicated themselves to the development of the Port of NAIA — from the pioneers who envisioned its potential to the diligent officers who labor tirelessly day in and day out,” he said. The post BoC-NAIA turns 63 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Budgetary leverage
By passing a financing bill at the last minute, the United States Congress avoided a federal government shutdown this week. However, the Biden administration’s top priorities, including defense financing for Ukraine, were left out of the final package. For countries like the Philippines, which has cozied up anew to Uncle Sam, this is cause for concern because America has practically left Ukraine high and dry without the full backing it needs to defend itself against Russia. Okay, so Biden said they “will not walk out of Ukraine.” Still, without funding, that’s just lip service. Having perfected the art of emotional suasion at one end of the pole and brinkmanship on the other, we would not be surprised if Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky would tell Biden: “Show us the money.” Sacrificing Ukraine casts doubt on America’s dependability as a coalition partner and ally, even as it stakes a claim to a long tradition of backing democracies in their fight for independence. The Philippines should take note. In the US, it’s clear that whatever the executive branch pledges, the US Congress can always override or, as made apparent again now, starve of funding. That’s the power of holding the purse string that could certainly affect America the mighty’s projection of power. From propping up South Vietnam with billions of dollars in war materiel only to leave Saigon in a huff — with choppers flying off the rooftop of the US Embassy in a hasty, humiliating retreat in 1975 — to giving substantial aid to Israel and Middle Eastern countries, the US has not stopped its posturing as the “policeman of the world.” As in Vietnam and Afghanistan, where in the latter it also abruptly pulled out its forces, thereby allowing the Taliban to retake the country in 2021, the US, for all its fire-and-brimstone statements at the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, may have turned its back on its legal and moral responsibility to aid Kyiv. As an adversarial state under madman Vladimir Putin, Russia has been destabilizing international norms, and Ukraine, by fighting back, has been sending the strong message that autocratic governments cannot make the globe their playground. By not including money for Ukraine’s defense in the 2024 spending bill, the US has lost the chance to demonstrate its dedication to the defense of democracy. But such are the vagaries of the budgeting process in the United States and, of course, the Philippines, with the latter’s form of government and jurisprudence loosely patterned after America’s. In the US, government shutdowns have happened before and will happen again when the legislature and the executive branches are unable to reach an agreement on priorities and lawmakers do not enact a budget in a timely manner. The budget can also be wielded as a political baton with which to make the executive branch more malleable. An example would be the 2013 shutdown in an attempt to defund the Affordable Care Act. Frequent disagreements on spending priorities between the two parties in the US Congress have led to stalemates, with neither side willing to pass the budget unless their demands were met. Budget delays had caused negative effects on the economy and public services. Some may argue that past shutdowns of the US federal government would show the Philippines has a more mature budgetary system in place, as a failure to pass the budget for a new fiscal year only results in a reenacted budget. But the problems associated with a reenacted budget abound. There’s the delayed implementation of new programs and projects. This, as a reenacted budget only allows for the funding of existing programs and projects. A reenacted budget also limits government flexibility to respond to changing needs. For example, if the economy experiences a downturn, the government may need to increase spending on social programs or infrastructure projects. However, this is not possible under a reenacted budget. But probably the biggest risk associated with a reenacted budget would be corruption, as it can give the executive branch more leeway or elbow room to fund projects while reallocating “savings” from projects that had been funded previously. In the shadow of budgetary bludgeoning and political brinkmanship, the recent passage of the US funding bill left Ukraine’s defense hanging by a thread, a stark reminder of the capriciousness of budgeting processes in both the United States and the Philippines, where legislative complexities often take precedence over strategic imperatives. The budget’s power to shape policy and dictate priorities, as seen in the Philippines with past reenacted budgets, illustrates the pitfalls of wielding fiscal levers as political weapons. In both nations, the budgeting process, while designed to reflect the will of the people, is susceptible to political posturing, causing disruptions and imperiling the very ideals of democracy it should be upholding. The post Budgetary leverage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LAWMAKER ON WHEELS — Ejercito’s love for Phl sports is one of a kind
Senator JV Ejercito’s love for cycling is hard to miss. From interviews to his social media posts, the 53-year-old lawmaker would always find a way to display his love for cycling — and sports in general. That’s why in a recent interview with Daily Tribune, Ejercito took the opportunity to preach the benefits of cycling and how he wants to spearhead the staging of more local and international tournaments that would encourage a lot of enthusiasts to take the sport seriously. “We need to have more competitions like Ronda Pilipinas. I hope somebody picks up the cudgels for it to continue because competition improves the quality of our athletes,” said Ejercito, referring to the annual professional road cycling competition that covers major cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The prestigious bikefest started in 2011 and has drawn the interest of the best local and international riders. It, however, got canceled this year as it prepares to transition from being an annual to a biennial event. “We need competitions,” Ejercito stressed. But batting for the staging of a professional cycling competition is just a mere fraction of Ejercito’s love for the sport. In fact, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Ejercito took the cudgels for the cyclists when he slammed the Inter-Agency Task Force for raising the proposal of requiring cyclists to wear face shields on the road. Ejercito stressed that this proposal will put the cyclists’ lives at risk as they might suffer hypoxia or lack of oxygen. Having first-hand experience on the challenges of the sport, Ejercito asserted that the proposal might create more harm than good. “I am not in favor of requiring face shields to those who are biking and exercising. This might cause hypoxia or lack of oxygen. While breathing hard, intake of oxygen is already minimized with masks so what more if they will require them to wear face shields? This can be fatal,” Ejercito said. “Cyclists usually are away from each other. Face shields should be required in enclosed and crowded places. There is already a mask that is required anyway.” “Wearing a face shield while cycling is dangerous. The mask is enough.” But that’s not all. Ejercito also fought hard for the rights of cyclists through Senate Bill 393 that pushes for more bicycle lanes in major thoroughfares. He believes that by putting up bicycle lanes, the government would encourage the public to bike to their respective schools or offices instead of riding cars, buses or trains. The public would also get to save a lot on their transportation expenses while helping the government solve the worsening traffic situation. “This legislation is one way to help unburden commuters who are choosing to ride their bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles in order to escape the worsening traffic situation and save money on fares and fuel, especially now that prices of petroleum products have skyrocketed,” the bill’s explanatory note said. Ejercito said the government will also benefit from this proposal. “Though we admire such resilience and innovation, the government should also look into improving road conditions for alternative means of transportation,” Ejercito, the son of former President Joseph Estrada, said. “Until such a time that the government has finished its goal to provide mass transportation that is people-centered and accommodating to every walk of life, there will always be room for alternative forms of travel.” Ejercito admitted that he even considered riding his bicycle to work. “Even I couldn’t bear it each time I load up on gas. I shell out P5,000 every time. It’s hard on my pockets. Hopefully, I can save by biking to work,” Ejercito said. As of May 2023, about 546 kilometers of bike lanes were already established in Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao, according to the Department of Transportation. Aside from cycling, Ejercito also plays golf and boxing. He is also an avid fan of basketball. In fact, he was at the sidelines when Gilas Pilipinas battled China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup together with other senators in Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Ejercito said if there will be a chance, he will gladly lend a helping hand to Philippine sports. After all, he is no stranger to grassroots sports after serving as chairman of the committee on youth and sports when he was still representing San Juan City in the House of Representatives. With him in charge, he was able to help the Philippine Sports Commission with its funding that led to the rise of promising athletes like Hidilyn Diaz, who went on to become the country’s first Olympic gold medalist. “There’s no specific NSA (national sports association) but if there is an opportunity, I will help. I box, I cycle and I even played basketball before,” the mild-mannered Ejercito said. Truly, sports, especially cycling, occupies a very special place in Ejercito’s heart. And he will keep on helping Filipino athletes — one pedal at a time. The post LAWMAKER ON WHEELS — Ejercito’s love for Phl sports is one of a kind appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Major asteroid sample brought to Earth in NASA first
A seven-year space voyage came to its climactic end Sunday when a NASA capsule landed in the desert in the US state of Utah, carrying to Earth the largest asteroid samples ever collected. Scientists have high hopes for the sample, saying it will provide a better understanding of the formation of our solar system and how Earth became habitable. When they learned that the capsule's main parachute had deployed, "I literally broke into tears," the Osiris-Rex mission's principal investigator Dante Lauretta told a press conference. "That was the moment I knew we made it home... For me, the real science is just beginning." The 3.86-billion-mile (6.21-billion-kilometer) journey marked the United States' first sample return mission of its kind, the US space agency said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. NASA chief Bill Nelson hailed the mission and said the asteroid dust "will give scientists an extraordinary glimpse into the beginnings of our solar system." The Osiris-Rex probe's final, fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere was perilous, but NASA managed to engineer a soft landing at 8:52 am local time (1452 GMT), in the military's Utah Test and Training Range. Four years after its 2016 launch, the probe landed on the asteroid Bennu and collected what NASA estimated is roughly nine ounces (250 grams) of dust from its rocky surface. Even that small amount, NASA says, should "help us better understand the types of asteroids that could threaten Earth." The sample return "is really historic," NASA scientist Amy Simon told AFP. "This is going to be the biggest sample we've brought back since the Apollo moon rocks" were returned to Earth. Osiris-Rex released its capsule early Sunday from an altitude of more than 67,000 miles. The fiery passage through the atmosphere came only in the last 13 minutes, as the capsule hurtled downward at a speed of more than 27,000 miles per hour, with temperatures of up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius). NASA images showed the tire-sized capsule on the ground in a desert wash, with scientists approaching the device and taking readings. Eventually, they concluded the capsule was not breached, meaning its all-important air-tight seal remained intact, avoiding any contamination of the sample with desert sands. The team then lifted the capsule by helicopter to a nearby "clean room." Meanwhile, the probe that made the space journey fired its engines and shifted course away from Earth, NASA said, "on its way" for a date with another asteroid. Japanese samples On Monday, the sample heads to the Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional study, and NASA plans to announce its first results at a news conference 11 October. Roughly one-fourth of the sample will be immediately used in experiments, and a small amount will be sent to mission partners Japan and Canada. But most of it will be saved for future generations -- a "treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come, to our kids and grandkids and people that haven't even been born yet," Lori Glaze, director of NASA's Planetary Sciences division, said. Japan had earlier given NASA a few grains from asteroid Ryugu, after bringing 0.2 ounces of dust to Earth in 2020 during the Hayabusa-2 mission. Ten years before, it had brought back a microscopic quantity from another asteroid. But the sample from Bennu is much larger, allowing for significantly more testing, Simon said. Earth's origin story Asteroids are composed of the original materials of the solar system, dating back some 4.5 billion years, and have remained relatively intact. They "can give us clues about how the solar system formed and evolved," said Osiris-Rex program executive Melissa Morris. "It's our own origin story." By striking Earth's surface, "we do believe asteroids and comets delivered organic material, potentially water, that helped life flourish here on Earth," Simon said. Scientists believe Bennu, about 500 meters (1,640 feet) in diameter, is rich in carbon -- a building block of life on Earth -- and contains water molecules locked in minerals. Bennu surprised scientists in 2020 when the probe, during its brief contact with the asteroid's surface, sank into the soil, revealing an unexpectedly low density, like a children's pool filled with plastic balls. Understanding its composition could come in handy, for there is a slight -- but non-zero -- chance (one in 2,700) that Bennu could collide catastrophically with Earth, though not until 2182. NASA last year successfully deviated the course of an asteroid by crashing a probe into it in a test, and it might at some point need to repeat that exercise -- but with much higher stakes. The post Major asteroid sample brought to Earth in NASA first appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unhappy couples need fresh start — JV
Couples who are no longer happy in 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 124, which recommended the approval of Senate Bill 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. He added: “The bottom line is people don’t deserve to be miserable. If it’s irreparable, we have to give them a second chance.” He, however, clarified that he purposely signed the committee report to discuss the bill more thoroughly in the plenary. “But, of course, we are a Christian nation. That’s why it is difficult to get 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 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 was 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 said. Committee Report 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 where violence is involved, should be ended, despite his firm opposition to the proposed measure. “This is where the annulment and the declaration of nullity of a marriage come in. We should instead hasten the process and make it more accessible to everyone, regardless of their status in life,” he said. Under the proposed measure, an 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 being single for all legal intents and purposes, including the right to contract a subsequent marriage.” One of the grounds for filing for 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 Unhappy couples need fresh start — JV 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......»»
Alden Richards, Julia Montes to conquer the big screen for the first time
Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards and Daytime Drama Queen Julia Montes will team up to top bill the upcoming romantic-drama film "Five Breakups and a Romance", their first-ever project written and directed by Irene Villamor. The movie is co-produced by GMA Pictures, Cornerstone Studio, and Myriad Corporation, a multimedia company founded by Richards himself. 5BAAR was first announced during the second quarter of the year and since then, people have been eager to follow the developments involving the movie. Richards will portray the role of a happy-go-lucky guy named Lance Sandoval while Montes will play the character of Justine Royales, a career-driven and goal-oriented lass. A movie teaser released last 1 September had gone viral as the lead actors garnered commendations for their performance. During the first part of 5BAAR's "The Actors" yesterday, the lead stars got the chance to interview each other and share how their journey went. Montes asked Richards why he chose to bet on her on his first time to embark on the field of producing films. The Kapuso actor gave a short and heartfelt response, "From the beginning, it just felt so right." Montes expressed her gratitude as they both got emotional with the flow of their conversation. Their movie "Five Breakups and a Romance" will be released on 25 October 2023. The post Alden Richards, Julia Montes to conquer the big screen for the first time appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road rage
Those with sharp memories and local crime story buffs will never forget three road rage cases that hogged print and broadcast news headlines toward the end of the 20th century and into the millennium. These high-profile cases involving detainees Inocencio Gonzales, Rolito Go, and Jason Ivler ended in their conviction and sentencing to long prison terms, with their names forever etched in the annals of heinous crimes recorded in the country. A brief refresher. On 2 July 1991, a De La Salle University engineering student was driving on a one-way street in San Juan City, Metro Manila, when he ran into construction firm executive Rolito Go, plying the road from the opposite direction. After a brief altercation, Go shot Eldon Maguan in the head, who died in the aftermath. Go served 25 years in prison before he was released. Seven years later, in the middle of a heated argument over a parking slot, real estate developer Inocencio Gonzales Jr. lost his cool, which led to the fatal shooting of a pregnant woman and the wounding of two younger children with her and her husband at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City on 21 October 1998. Gonzalez was meted a 14-year prison term. In 2009, a nephew of music celebrity Freddie Aguilar, Jason Ivler, shot dead a son of former Malacañang official Renato Ebarle Sr. after a tiff on a Quezon City road. An earlier road incident in 2004 that snuffed the life of another Malacañang official, Nestor Ponce, also pointed to Ivler as the accused in Ponce’s death. A Quezon City court found Ivler guilty of the murder of Renato Ebarle Jr. and sentenced him to 40 years in jail. There are no available statistics on road rage incidents in the Philippines, but observers have noted an alarming increase in recent years. But in the United States, statistics show 413 people were hurt in road rage shootings in 2022, or a 135 percent increase from 2018. US traffic experts say confrontational driving is more often the case that could be caused by traffic conditions, inconsiderate motorists, and high stress levels among motorists with ages ranging from 19 to 39. Not too long ago, two road rage incidents that have gained public attention because of social media posts that had gone viral involved men in uniform. In the viral video of an incident in Quezon City, Wilfredo Gonzales, a policeman dismissed from the service for grave misconduct in 2018, was shown brandishing a gun and threatening a cyclist in a traffic row. Even more controversial was a press conference conducted by the QC police days later that suggested they were “lawyering” for Gonzales, a former QC policeman. The PNP has no mandate to host such a press conference, it was later learned. In a separate incident, a Pasay City policeman, SSgt. Marsan Dolipas was also shown in a video post holding down an armed Angelito Velasquez Rencio, who said he was an Intelligence agent, after a traffic dispute in Makati City when the latter allegedly sideswiped the policeman. Both incidents prompted the usual calls for an investigation. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Rafael Tulfo have called for a Senate probe into the escalation of road rage cases in the country. It is interesting to note that even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. filed Senate 2923 when he was still a senator back in 2011. The bill “hopes to once and for all stomp rood rage as on unnecessary and reprehensible evil, and define such as a circumstance that could aggravate, or even qualify, on offense occasioned by it. The incidents involve public order and safety, particularly “road sharing,” a concept that they said is often ignored or alien to many Filipino motorists, added the senators. For his part, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, whose jurisdiction includes the control of the PNP, said: “For the sake of a peaceful and orderly society, we cannot allow a culture of impunity. We cannot allow bullies to intimidate people with deadly weapons. There must be consequences here.” Still, the incidents persist. Behavioral scientists attribute road rage to several reasons: A need to control other drivers who violate their space, unchecked anger or aggression, huge egos, or a need to be dominant. Others think the rise in incidents lately came about by the advent of Covid-19 when stress levels reached abnormally unreachable heights caused by depression, the loss of jobs or loved ones to the pandemic, and the inability to cope with such. Solutions have been suggested. Push for continuing driver anger management education. Discard the “it’s the other driver’s fault” excuse. Don’t allow anyone to push your “rage buttons” by staying calm and collected when an altercation appears to be headed your way. Yield to others. These may be easier said than done, but why not take the chance? As an anger management expert said: Realize road rage is ridiculous, life-threatening, and not something you have to participate in — ever. And you can arrive at your destination safe and sure. The post Road rage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New OTOP Law to promote MSMEs towards economic recovery, says Bong Go
Senator Bong Go hailed the recent signing of Republic Act No. 11960, or the One Town, One Product Philippines Act, into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on 24 August, as a crucial step towards economic recovery. "The OTOP law decentralizes opportunities, giving each town and province the chance to shine with their unique products," Go said as he emphasized the law's potential to redistribute economic power from the capital to the provinces and other regions. Go, who authored and co-sponsored the OTOP law, considers it more than a mere stimulus package for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. He views it as a socio-economic reform that can bridge the urban-rural divide. The senator also highlighted the role of the OTOP Program in fostering community-led innovation. While the law is designed to assist in various areas such as quality improvement and marketability of local products, Go pointed out its potential as a tool for social cohesion. Go underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in the success of the OTOP Program. Furthermore, in the context of economic recovery, Go sees the OTOP Law as a lifeline for those who have lost their jobs or faced reduced work hours. Go thanked the President for his support and expressed his optimism about the law's long-term impact. "With this law, we are reinventing our economic landscape towards a more inclusive and equitable Philippines," he concluded. Earlier, Go also co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2021, which aims to institutionalize the Shared Service Facilities project under the Department of Trade and Industry. The proposed measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises as amended by RA 9501, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. If enacted, the SSF program would offer more cost-effective solutions to MSMEs by providing access to shared facilities and services that will help them improve the quality and productivity of their products, including equipment, tools, and machinery that they can use to upgrade their production processes that are typically expensive for individual MSMEs. The post New OTOP Law to promote MSMEs towards economic recovery, says Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Empowering Filipinos with inclusive next-generation technology
Over the past decade, the telecom industry has disrupted our lives more than the century that preceded them. The advancement in telecom technology has transformed all industries, with economic fundamentals shifting to adapt to the mobility and digitally connected lifestyle. Indeed there is no limit to what can be connected, the size of the connection, or even the services provided in the connected world. There is no limit to what the connected experience demands. "While we embrace the power of technology, we also recognize the significance of making these advancements accessible to all. Inclusivity is the driving force behind our innovation as we strive to empower individuals and communities with our transformative mobile and broadband solutions," said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Telecommunity chief commercial officer, at the launch of their latest products DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans and DITO Home UNLI 5G WIFI. She said the rollout aims to empower all Filipinos and telecommunities by giving them access to affordable high-speed 5G connectivity. DITO is also making its presence felt after OpenSignal, an independent mobile analytics company, awarded DITO multiple noteworthy awards in their latest report: Upload Speed Experience, Availability, Excellent Consistent Quality, and Core Consistent Quality. DITO even dislodged Smart Communications from the top spot in the Excellent Consistent Quality category after scoring a record-breaking 58.8 percent versus Smart's 56.7 percent. Moreover, on Core Consistent Quality, DITO soared to a 79.9 percent rating, knocking-off Globe Telecom, from the top spot, only registered 77.7 percent. Incidentally, DITO's Upload Speed has also risen remarkably, with a score of 5.2Mbps. At the same time, the Availability Award they received recognized DITO for providing a robust and reliable network connection in places where people commonly go, allowing users to access DITO's network and stay connected easily. All these accolades in just their 2nd year of operations are a breakthrough achievement for the people's fave new telco, DITO Telecommunity. Postpaid plan for everyone DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans, the telco provider's newest mobile service, gives every Filipino a chance to upgrade to postpaid. Customers can choose from affordable and flexible SIM-Only Plans (with a locked-in period of 6 months) or Handset Plans (with a locked-in period of 24 months). For as low as P588 a month, Filipino customers can enjoy the benefits of DITO Mobile Postpaid, such as generous data allocation, data rollover, UNLI all-net calls and texts, premium handset offerings, and a bonus Prime Video subscription for 12 months. For Handset Plans, DITO partnered with Samsung for premium yet affordable phones that customers can choose from. Samsung Galaxy A02 is accessible for all plans, Samsung Galaxy A04 is free for FLEXPlan 888, while Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is free for FLEXPlan 1288. Samsung Galaxy S23 is also available with a corresponding cash-out requisite which can be viewed via this link dito.Ph/postpaid/handsets. Other Samsung handsets will also be available soon. DITO Postpaid plan customers are entitled to other FLEXible mobile service features such as Advance Pay, Mobile Number Portability, and Choose Your Number. Advance Pay allows SIM-Only Plan subscribers to make advance payments for their monthly subscription fees with a discount of up to 40 percent. It would also be good to note that customers can easily use Mobile Number Portability to carry over and keep their favorite Prepaid or Postpaid number as they switch to DITO Postpaid. They may also choose their number or purchase a vanity number for their new DITO postpaid plan. Customers using these features must apply for their DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans via DITO Experience Stores only for proper handling and servicing. To ensure the convenience of customers, DITO assures a fast and straightforward application process for their postpaid plans. Interested customers may apply for a DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlan through the DITO APP, DITO Experience Stores, and Device Retail Partner Stores nationwide (Rulls, MemoExpress, EC Panda). They need to bring the following: Proof of Identification (at least one valid government ID), Proof of Financial Capacity (For example Certificate of Employment, Credit Card Bill Statement, and the like), Proof of Billing that reflects the Customer's Address, and a selfie (for applications made via the DITO APP). "DITO wants all Filipinos to have equal opportunities to reach their digital aspirations. By introducing our DITO Mobile postpaid offerings, we want to break the notion that postpaid plans are too expensive and reserved for a select few. At DITO, we're proud to say that there's a postpaid plan for everyone," affirmed Jasper Evangelista, DITO director for Brand and Marketing. The post Empowering Filipinos with inclusive next-generation technology appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
50% chance 2023 will be warmest year on record — NOAA
There is a nearly 50 percent probability that 2023 will be the warmest year ever recorded and next year could be even hotter, US government climate experts said Monday. "2023 to date has been the third warmest on record," National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) chief scientist Sarah Kapnick told reporters. "It is virtually certain -- over 99 percent chance -- that 2023 will rank among the five warmest years on record with a nearly 50 percent probability that 2023 will rank warmest on record," Kapnick said. Gavin Schmidt, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said next year could be even hotter than this year because of the Pacific warming phenomenon known as El Nino. "The biggest impact of El Nino will actually occur in 2024," Schmidt said. "So we're anticipating that not only is 2023 going to be exceptionally warm and possibly a record warm year, but we anticipate that 2024 will be warmer still." The European Union's climate observatory Copernicus reported last week that July was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, and NOAA figures released on Monday were in line with the EU data. "The average global surface temperature in July was 2.02 degrees Fahrenheit (1.12 degrees Celsius) above average, ranking it as the warmest July in NOAA's 174-year record," NOAA said. NOAA also said that global ocean surface temperatures hit a record high in July for a fourth consecutive month, as El Nino conditions that emerged in June continued. Kate Calvin, NASA's chief scientist and senior climate advisor, said "climate change is having impacts on people and ecosystems all around the world. "Along with changes in temperature, we're experiencing other changes in climate like sea level rise, declines in Arctic sea ice, wildfires, heavy precipitation events, and more," Calvin said. Bill Nelson, the administrator of the US space agency, said it is "self-evident that the Earth is heating up. "Mother Nature is sending us a message," Nelson said. "And that message is we better act now, before it's too late to save our climate, in other words, to save our planet." The post 50% chance 2023 will be warmest year on record — NOAA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sky-high irony
Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific, a budget airline that always manages to raise eyebrows, has once again blessed us with a seat sale. Oh, how lucky can we be? The airline has hyped up anew its marketing mantra that “Every Juan flies,” only weeks after being forced during a congressional hearing to confront 3,000 complaints of irate customers over its endearing practice of overbooking flights and offloading passengers. To be obstinately hooked on the jingle of cash registers while ignoring the suffering of your paying customers takes a unique kind of expertise, of being able to remain deadpan and sleep at night through the turmoil of your aggravated passengers. For many of those who attended the hearings, Cebu Pacific only cares about the cold ca-ching of its cash registers. No doubt, the seat sale it resurrected last week would result in more passengers being kicked off flights. Overbooking and the accompanying forced passenger dumping, in Cebu Pacific’s vision of reality, well, there’s just a “slight chance” of that. That’s a joke, right? But no one’s laughing, as the joke is on us, the public. Let the sentence hang there for a while. “Slight chance,” they say in an entry on airlineratings.com, as though they’re talking about the prospect of seeing a rare unicorn galloping around the departure gate. But no, this is not about fantastical creatures; rather, it is about reservations piling up on a shaky table like a house of cards. It involves accepting the idea of reserved seating as merely a suggestion, a fun idea to play around with. That is if your idea of fun is being forced to reprise the role of Tom Hanks in the movie, The Terminal. Speaking of whimsical, have you ever heard of their brilliant response to situations in which appeals to “volunteers not to travel on their booked flights” fall on deaf ears? Cebu Pacific has your inconvenience covered, so do not be alarmed. They’ve cleverly reserved the power to refuse boarding to travelers “involuntarily,” or against their will, if involuntarily is not clear enough. This translates to passengers gnashing their teeth, pulling their hair, and tearing up their shirts all they want at CebuPac’s check-in counters, without any chance of boarding a flight for which they’d been sold “reserved” seats. However, let’s not limit our discussion to Cebu Pacific’s poetic handling of passenger interactions. Let’s explore the drama that occurred during the probe of the Senate Committee on Tourism. Senators turned their attention to the airline’s fervent devotion to overbooking as the cause of this comedy of errors, becoming unimpressed by the inventive justifications offered by the company for canceled flights and interminable delays. One senator related tales of suffering and annoyance from her own staff as well as from other passengers. Inevitably, as the hours passed, the hearing evolved into a “grief-sharing session.” People stepped up, spilling stories of delayed flights and canceled hopes. If you will, picture a traveler hoping to leave Tokyo but being compelled to crash on the chilly, hard floor of Narita International Airport. Her offense? Having faith in Cebu Pacific to deliver even the most basic amenities. Then there was the dentistry board exam that was almost missed. How about the flight to Cebu from Manila that was diverted to Busuanga and the haggling that followed to force Cebu Pacific to honor its “Passenger Rights” guarantee of free hotel accommodations? The cherry on top? While those who had been put through the wringer were left wondering how the airline’s priorities seemed to be joyously dancing in the skies, the examinee’s lucky aunt, all the way from Australia, managed to score a ticket for a lovely fee. The spokespersons of Cebu Pacific did, however, exhibit some artistic talent. Lightning strikes, bird crashes, and even runway debris were included in the gallery of “freak incidents” they presented as the causes of their errors. During the sleeper hearing, the way Cebu Pacific’s flight operations unfolded resembled an elaborate opera, complete with loud fights and dramatic exits, as if the cosmos had conspired to make it happen. But what was the highlight of Cebu Pacific’s ludicrous theater? Respect for the “Air Passenger Bill of Rights.” To pledge loyalty to rights that seem to exist only in the world of press releases is a truly great gesture. Amid this flying fiasco, passengers may wonder if they are only pawns in a much bigger game when the airline offers its earnest apologies, makes a few promises, and reveals plans for standby aircraft as if they were doing magic. So here we are, seeing the re-erection of Cebu Pacific’s circus tent of antics. Seat sale? Rubbish. The post Sky-high irony appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong drills integrity, leadership on Malabon grads
During the 28th commencement exercises of the City of Malabon University on Friday, 28 July, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed the qualities of malasakit (concern), integrity and leadership as guiding principles for future undertakings. “Your time at the City of Malabon University has not only equipped you with the academic proficiency required for your chosen fields, but it has also molded you into well-rounded individuals who possess the virtues of compassion, integrity, and leadership,” he said to the graduating class. As the graduates prepare to enter a world of limitless possibilities, Go reminded them of their critical role: “Graduates, you are not merely leaders of tomorrow; you are leaders of today.” He also emphasized the importance of their prospective contributions and distinctive perspectives in a variety of fields, including business, science, the arts, and public service. The senator also challenged students to take advantage of every chance to positively impact others, noting that success is determined not only by personal accomplishments but also by the communities inspired and lives affected. Go’s statements also demonstrated his dedication to public service, even in the face of peril. He recalled traveling to the most remote parts of the country, including Basilan, Batanes and Jolo, to respond to disasters and emergencies. He emphasized his commitment to working for improved access to high-quality education. He stated that the Duterte administration made the enactment of Republic Act 10931, commonly known as the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” a law that exempts qualifying college students from paying tuition and other school expenses, a top priority. He also mentioned the approval of RA 11470 by the last Congress, which resulted in the founding of the National Academy of Sports, which provides world-class training and education to qualified student-athletes. Go, head of the Senate Committee on Health, spoke about his health initiatives, including RA 11463, the Malasakit Centers Act, which aimed to increase access to medical assistance programs. Go urged anyone in need of medical attention to visit any of Metro Manila’s Malasakit Centers, particularly those at the Ospital ng Malabon and San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital. The Malasakit Center aims to make medical assistance programs more accessible by bringing together all relevant agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof. Along with this, Go mentioned the recent passage in Congress of the Regional Specialty Centers Bill, which he supported as one of the authors in the Senate. The bill, which is pending the President’s signature, intends to make specialty health services available in all regions of the Philippines. Go announced the construction of three Super Health Centers in Malabon, which will improve local health facilities. Database management, out-patient, childbirth, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit are some of the basic services provided by SHCs. Eye, ear, nose, and throat services, oncology facilities, physical therapy and rehabilitation institutes, and telemedicine are all provided. The senator expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the City of Malabon University, while also praising its dedication to providing outstanding education and fostering graduates who will mold the future. He reminded students that education is a lifelong path of discovery, self-discovery, and progress, and he encouraged them to embrace it with open hearts and minds. During the event, Go and his crew presented tokens, such as gift packs and pencils, to 666 graduating students, with a special emphasis on those who received honors. He also commended local politicians for their dedicated commitment to the community, particularly Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Vice Mayor Bernard dela Cruz. The post Kuya Bong drills integrity, leadership on Malabon grads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR accelerates water security initiatives
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Thursday said it will ramp up efforts to improve the country’s water supply situation, amidst lingering shortage concerns over the El Niño climate pattern and growing population demand. Aside from working with other government agencies and the private sector to identify potential sources of surface water for over 1,400 barangays at higher risk of dry spells, the DENR’s newly-created Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) is set to release an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan that will account for all water resources in the country and set directions on optimizing the use of existing supply through impoundment, treatment, and recycling. “The solution to our problems starts with fixing the disconnected and fragmented management of water by more than a dozen agencies of government,” Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said, noting that aside from the DENR, several other government agencies and other entities are involved in managing water resources for a variety of uses such as power generation, irrigation, and household distribution. These agencies include the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Local Water Utilities Administration, over 500 water districts, the Laguna Lake Development Authority, and the National Water Resources Board. Aside from these, there are thousands of private water providers primarily servicing residential communities nationwide. “There are long-standing institutional issues which we now have a strong chance of solving and this unlocks some of the barriers in managing water. It also opens the possibility of coordinating projects between agencies to enter with more efficient programs like the construction of multi-use dams and reservoirs,” she added. On top of the creation of the WRMO, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his State of the Nation Address that his administration will give a "special focus" on improving water security, with efforts that should be "cohesive, centralized, and systematic." Around P14.6 Billion has been allocated in the 2023 national budget for water supply projects. Further, a portion of the P276 Billion flood control budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways will be repurposed for initiatives such as offline storage to address multiple needs for irrigation, power generation, industry, and domestic uses. The WRMO is a transitory body pending the creation of the Department of Water Resource Management which is covered by several bills pending before both houses of Congress, including House Bill 2880, authored by AGRI Party-list Representative Wilbert Lee, Senate Bill 1021 filed by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, and Senate Bill 102, filed by Senator Grace Poe. Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority submitted the revised draft executive version of the bill to the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. The bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Public Services; Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation; and Finance. The post DENR accelerates water security initiatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP assures only well-trained professionals to handle mandatory ROTC
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will make sure that the Reserve Officers' Training Corps will be implemented accordingly and professionally by well-trained military handlers, especially should it becomes mandatory, newly-designated AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said Friday. In a chance interview with reporters, Brawner cited the cases of hazing and physical and verbal abuse as well as other malpractices related to the ROTC in the past; hence, the AFP is preparing for proper and relevant conduct of the program in the future. “We are going to do away with that, by making sure that we have a professional core of soldiers and officers who will take care, take charge and manage the new program of the ROTC so ‘yun yung gusto nating gawin (that’s what we wanted to do), that is why right now, we are already training our core of professionals, officers, enlisted personnel who will handle the ROTC,” he said. “Ayaw na natin maulit ‘yung nangyari noong nakaraang programa ng ROTC (We don’t want the old practices to happen again in the ROTC program).” While the AFP is still waiting for the legislation of the ROTC bill, Brawner said there are ongoing preparations already in place. “The way that I understand it, it will not be the Department of National Defense who will be the lead agency rather it will be DepEd. So but the implementation will be done by the Department of National Defense, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines. So on our part, we are now preparing,” he noted. ‘ “Looking at the past experience that we have in ROTC, there are abuses in the past.” Expressing his full support for the revival of mandatory ROTC, Brawner said it will prepare every Filipino youth not only to become soldiers “but to become good citizens” that are ready to fight “any challenge or any threat —whether it is man-made or natural calamities.” ROTC in the Philippines is currently being taken optional by tertiary students, through the NSTP STP Act of 2001, following the death of the University of Santo Tomas sophomore cadet Mark Welson Chua, who had exposed corruption in the university’s ROTC program. The bill seeking mandatory ROTC is currently being discussed in the Senate plenary. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as well as vice-president and Education Secretary, Sara Duterte, earlier backed the revival of the program, making it mandatory for all Filipino students. The post AFP assures only well-trained professionals to handle mandatory ROTC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zubiri on plan to challenge Maharlika Law before SC: MIF is Constitutionally sound.
The newly-enacted Maharlika Investment Fund law would pass the scrutiny of the Supreme Court should critics of the measure decide to question its constitutionality, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said Tuesday. In a chance interview, Zubiri expressed his confidence that the High Court will dismiss petitions to question the legality and constitutionality of the controversial measure. “All the laws that we have passed in the Senate and the House of Representatives, we always make sure that it will withstand the test of scrutiny by the Supreme Court,” he said. “It is beyond us to pass a law that we feel is unconstitutional. It would mean that we did a poor job and a bad job in passing these laws,” he added. He continued: “It is safe to say, on my opinion, the Maharlika Investment Fund can withstand the scrutiny of the Supreme Court.” He issued the remarks after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the bill, which aims to optimize financial returns for the country and accelerate infrastructure development. To recall, the Senate approved the Maharlika bill, barely two weeks after Marcos certified the measure as urgent. The post Zubiri on plan to challenge Maharlika Law before SC: MIF is Constitutionally sound. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National budget’s importance, intricacies
On 22 June, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet approved the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for Fiscal Year 2024, an outlay that seeks to support the administration’s efforts to promote economic transformation and recovery from the pandemic. According to the Development Budget Coordination Committee or DBCC, the FY 2024 budget is 9.5 percent higher compared to this year’s outlay which was P5.268 trillion. In a recent Department of Budget and Management or DBM press release, Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the proposed 2024 National Budget shall continue to prioritize expenditures that will sustain economic growth, bearing in mind inclusivity and sustainability consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the administration’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda. Pangandaman stated: “Guided by our Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, the proposed national budget will continue to prioritize expenditures outlined in the administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and cater to the objectives of PDP 2023-2028. It shall continue to reflect our commitment to pursue economic and social transformation to address the scarring effects of the pandemic, as well as the impact of inflation, by prioritizing shovel-ready investments in infrastructure projects, in human capital development, and in sustainable agriculture and food security, among others.” DBM added that it is crafted as an indispensable step towards the overarching goal to attain upper-middle-income status while bringing down the deficit to 3 percent of GDP and reducing the poverty rate to 9 percent or single digits by 2028. From an ordinary citizen’s point of view, whether it is P5.268 trillion or P5.768 trillion, either of the two is an enormous and substantial amount. However, we must be aware that the problems that must be addressed and the projects that must be implemented are enormous that these amounts may just be enough to address the issues and concerns of the citizenry. Different government offices have their respective mandates to fulfill and the reality is that resources are limited. The job of the Secretary of Budget and Management is not as simple as approving releases and signing checks. It is more complex than that due to the different needs of different departments. This point is supported by Pangandaman’s statement that, “Due to the limited fiscal space, we optimized the allocation of resources by ensuring that the PDPs that will be budgeted are implementation-ready and must be delivered and executed on time. This entails that the agency proposals considered are clear, comprehensive, and complete in terms of submitted supporting documents such as feasibility studies and annual procurement plans. We also referred to the agencies’ respective absorptive capacity, as we considered that a low budget utilization rate may reflect the agency’s limited capacity to utilize additional funds.” Due to this manner of prioritization, the gain of one agency may lead to the loss of another agency as the latter’s project may be deemed important but not the priority for the current year. This loss does not mean it is the end for said project as there is always next year when it may be given a chance for allocation. It is worth noting that the proposed FY 2024 National Budget will be submitted to Congress a few weeks after the second State of the Nation Address or SoNA of President Bongbong Marcos, which is scheduled on 24 July. Under the Constitution, the National Expenditure Program or NEP must be submitted to Congress within 30 days after the SoNA. The NEP is the national government’s spending plan for the next fiscal year. Once approved by Congress, it will be known as the General Appropriations Bill, and once passed into law, the bill will be known as the General Appropriations Act. Before one questions the budget allocation and project prioritization, it is best to take a step back and understand that it is always the best interest of the entire country that is the consideration in budget making. The post National budget’s importance, intricacies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pimentel blasts ‘tampering’ of Maharlika bill
Minority senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros on Thursday criticized the alleged “tampering” of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund bill and warned that it raises serious questions about the constitutionality of the bill. In a statement, Pimentel, a staunch critic of the measure, said the enrolled Maharlika bill has been “tampered” with without proper plenary authority. “The enrolled bill being sent to the President is not the version properly and formally approved by Congress. There was a provision that they fixed without plenary authority,” he said. “The revisions made were not just matter of style. It showed a flagrant violation of our rules and the Constitution,” he added. Hence, the integrity and constitutionality of the bill are now in question, according to Pimentel. He issued the statement after Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri signed the “corrected” version of the Maharlika bill in Washington, D.C., a crucial requirement before the Senate transmits it to Malacañang for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s approval. According to Pimentel, vetoing the Maharlika Investment Fund bill will prevent national embarrassment. “It is not timely as the world economy and geopolitical situations are bad. This kind of law needs more time to be discussed by the Filipino People themselves, in fairness to them,” he said. “Is this being done solely to appease one individual's desire, just so that person will have something to announce during the State of the Nation Address?” Pimentel asked. To recall, the Senate approved the Maharlika bill on its last session day before the sine die adjournment of Congress for the president’s SONA next month. Zubiri, who is currently in the United States for an official trip, refused to answer questions about how the chamber addressed the different terms and prescriptive periods found in Sections 50 and 51 of the MIF bill. He, however, noted that “the corrections were thoroughly discussed by the majority bloc in our Viber group, including the letter of correction sent by Senator Mark Villar.” In the approved version of the MIF bill, Section 50 prescribes 10 years for the prosecution of crimes and offenses, while Section 51 provides 20 years. ‘Sad day for Senate’ The Senate minority chief stressed that the developments on the measure “marks a sad day for the 108th Senate, which has stood strong for over a century as the guardian of our Constitution and the rule of law. “The Constitution, the cornerstone of our nation, is no longer being read and followed. Our rules have been rendered meaningless and worthless,” Pimentel said. “The tyranny of numbers does what it wants to do, railroading and bulldozing all legal concepts and regulations out of the way,” he added. He continued: “Warnings and arguments now amount to nothing. Nothing is sacred anymore.” Meanwhile, Hontiveros said she will leave it to the constitutional lawyers to determine whether there are constitutional issues in the Maharlika bill. “But honestly, above and beyond the specific technical issue, what this speaks volumes about is the inordinate rush to pass a bill just to acquiesce to the wishes of the Executive,” she said in a separate statement. “They rushed it that’s why it has many errors.” Hontiveros said the Senate majority had a chance to rectify the error immediately after the third reading vote, during the bicameral conference committee. “However, the Senate and House leadership did not do it, and if history will take the legislature of the 19th Congress to task for it, then so be it,” she said. The post Pimentel blasts ‘tampering’ of Maharlika bill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Office Maritess’ bill needs review
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines on Monday said that there is a need to study the effectiveness of a proposed bill that would penalize acts of bullying and spreading malicious information in the workplace. The measure — House Bill 8446 or the “Anti-Bullying in the Workplace Act” filed by Quezon City Representative Ralph Tulfo and Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support Partylist Representative Jocelyn Tulfo — seeks to penalize bullying which affects workers’ mental and emotional health. In a radio interview, TUCP legislative officer Carlos Miguel Onate called for a comprehensive review of existing laws against violence and harassment in the workplace, creating a unified law against practices that adversely affect workers. “There are many existing laws against violence and harassment in the workplace, but our observation is that there needs to be a stronger implementation and harmonization of the law because there’s so many of them. It needs to be comprehensive,” Onate said. He also lauded the creation of the proposed legislation, saying that the bill jives with their calls to ratify International Labor Organization Convention 190 or the Violence and Harassment Convention. Onate explained that the ratification would institutionalize laws against violence and harassment of workers, many of which have not been able to address their concerns to their employers for fear of losing employment. He particularly cited the dynamics between regular and contractual workers, with the latter not having the chance of telling their experiences to their employers’ human resources divisions due to job security. “We welcome the legislation that advances the welfare of workers against office bullying. We need to reiterate the ratification of ILO Convention 190 which could allow a overhaul [and] comprehensive review of our legislation against violence and harassment in the world of work,” Onate said. Aside from such laws, Onate proposed more efforts from the government to curb bad practices in the workplace, including adding more labor inspectors, claiming that the current ratio of labor inspectors to companies is at one over 800. The post ‘Office Maritess’ bill needs review appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»