Firms seek exemption from license ban on non-bank e-money issuers
Four entities are seeking exception from the moratorium imposed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on the issuance of licenses to non-bank electronic money issuers......»»
Maldives: Reverse Plans to Reinstate Death Penalty
(Bangkok) - The Maldives government announced on December 20, 2023, that it plans to reinstate the death penalty, ending a de facto moratorium on its use that dates back to the 1950s. International and domestic human rights organizations have raised serious concerns over the enforcement of the death penalty in the Maldives, which are heightened by the Maldivian judiciary's history.....»»
BSP maintains cap on PESONET, Instapay fees
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has kept the moratorium of PESONET and Instapay fees......»»
BSP extends ban on e-money licenses
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is extending the moratorium imposed on the issuance of licenses to new non-bank electronic money issuers by another year......»»
Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority met with mall operators and other stakeholders on 25 October to discuss traffic management plans in preparation for the approaching holiday season. In a meeting led by MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. and Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez, shopping mall operators agreed to adjust their business hours starting 13 November, Monday, from 11 am to 11 pm, as one of the measures to address the expected traffic problems in the metropolis. "Due to the expected heavier traffic, we have decided to implement contingency measures," San Juan said. “Mall-wide sales will only be allowed during weekends while deliveries will only be permitted from 11 pm to 5 am, with the exception of perishable goods restaurants serving breakfast, and supermarkets.” Mall operators were also asked to submit their respective traffic management plans for their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the scheduled date of such events. Shopping malls with government satellite offices are also allowed to open as early as 9 a.m. As part of the agency's traffic management plan this Christmas season, the duty of the traffic enforcers will be extended until 12 midnight to maximize their visibility on major roads. "We will deploy traffic enforcers until midnight every day to assist and manage the traffic flow in Metro Manila,” said San Juan Jr. The MMDA will be working with the Department of Transportation to discuss possible extensions of the public transport system's operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees. Also, the MMDA and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned offices including the engineering district offices, local government units, utility companies and contractors, also met to discuss the temporary suspension of excavation activities on all Metro Manila roadways. All excavation works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic shall be temporarily suspended effective midnight of 13 November 2023 until midnight of 8 January 2024. Projects that are not covered by the moratorium: Flagship projects of the government DPWH bridge repair/construction flood interceptor catchment projects (box culvert) Asphalt overlay projects without re-blocking works Sidewalk improvement Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway footbridge projects Emergency leak repair or breakage of water lines by Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Service Inc. New water service connection or electrical service connections Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only) Meralco relocation/emergency works affecting major projects of government All concerned agencies are advised to take appropriate measures and ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, safe and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians amid the anticipated increase of vehicles on the roads. The post Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMDA lays down Oplan Undas
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has activated its “Oplan Undas 2023” to ensure the orderliness of this year’s traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on 1 and 2 November, respectively. MMDA acting Chairperson Atty. Romando Artes said 1,448 traffic enforcers and other personnel from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Task Force Special Operations will be deployed in key areas in the metropolis. Artes said they expect a lot of people to visit cemeteries and memorial parks during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, so they are taking steps to ensure that traffic is managed smoothly and that everyone is safe. In addition to “Oplan Undas 2023,” the MMDA has also implemented traffic management measures to alleviate expected heavier traffic congestion during the holidays. Among the measures is the temporary suspension of excavation activities in Metro Manila effective midnight of 13 November up to midnight of 8 January 2024. Exempted from the moratorium are flagship projects of the government, bridge repairs and constructions, and flood interceptor catchment projects, among others. Shopping mall operators will also be required to submit respective traffic management plans to the MMDA for their respective mall sales and other promotional events two weeks before the scheduled dates of such events. Mall-wide sales shall only be allowed on weekends and the deliveries of shopping mall operators shall only be allowed during nighttime, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day. To ensure maximum visibility of traffic enforcers during the holiday season, nighttime duty of traffic enforcers would be extended until 12 midnight, effective 13 November to 8 January. The MMDA said traffic enforcers were told to avoid kumpulan or grouping and unnecessary use of cellular phones while on duty except when reporting traffic situations or accidents in their areas of assignment. Traffic management shall be prioritized, the agency stressed. Thus, apprehension of simple moving violations which may cause traffic congestion shall be avoided. The post MMDA lays down Oplan Undas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Yuletide mall hours adjusted
The Metro Manila Council, the governing body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, has agreed to adjust the operating hours of malls in the metropolis as a measure to ease the expected increase in traffic volume due to the incoming Christmas rush. MMC made the announcement late Thursday, saying that the new mall hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., starting on 15 November 2023 until 6 January 2024. The council said that the new mall hours will help spread out the traffic and reduce congestion during rush hour. It also called for a moratorium on road works in the National Capital Region during the period. “We expect a lot of people to be out this holiday season because this has been our tradition as Filipinos where during the Christmas season, we go to the mall to buy gifts and eat together as a family,” it said. The post Yuletide mall hours adjusted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP mulls lifting ban on new digital banks
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is looking at lifting the moratorium imposed on the granting of licenses to digital banks......»»
Moratorium vs NDCP career grant imposed
Malacañang has imposed a moratorium on the grant of career executive service rank to graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines. The Memorandum Circular No. 35, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 2 October, has suspended the implementation of Executive Order 145 that grants CES rank to the graduates of the Master in National Security Administration program of the NDCP. The MC 35 underscored the need to re-evaluate the foregoing policy of granting CES rank to graduates of the MNSA program of the NDCP, “in order to ensure that its objectives are consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations.” “The implementation of EO 145 is hereby suspended, pending the study of the policy implications of EO 145, and consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the NDCP, to be conducted by the CES Board,” the new order stated. Within 60 days from the issuance of the MC 35, the CES Board is tasked to submit to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, a comprehensive report on its findings together with its recommendations which will include either the lifting of the moratorium or the revocation of the EO 145. The MC 35 states that one of the strategies for good governance and improving bureaucratic efficiency under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 “is to guarantee competent and agile human resources in the government,” which includes strengthening the CES through the continuous updating of its programs, and the development of a new competency framework for the public sector. The post Moratorium vs NDCP career grant imposed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rent moratorium for rice retailers imposed
The Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance imposing moratorium on rental payment for public stall holders selling rice as a form of assistance to the traders due to the effectivity of the price caps. Mayor Ruffy Biazon signed Ordinance 2023-120 last Tuesday, 26 September, which became “effective immediately upon its approval.” The ordinance states that the President issued E.O. 39 “with an end view to put a price cap on rice in the effort to ease off the increasing price of the staple caused by illegal price manipulation such as hoarding by opportunistic traders and collusion among industry cartels in the light of the lean season, as well as global events taking place beyond the Philippines’ control, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s ban on rice exportation, and the unpredictability of oil prices in the world market, among other factors, have caused an alarming increase in the retail prices of rice.” In consonance with the presidential order, the city government was prompted to impose the moratorium on the collection of rental payment from stall holders engaged in the selling of rice as assistance to them due to a price cap on regular and well-milled rice. On 31 August, Marcos issued Executive Order 39 imposing a mandated price ceiling of P41 per kilo for regular milled rice and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice. The rice price cap took effect on 5 September. The Department of the Interior and Local Government issued Memorandum Circular 2023-131 for mayors to assist and ensure the effective regulation of the price of rice through “regular inspections of public and private markets, as well as rice warehouses; activation of hotlines, consumer complaints desk, and Timbangan ng Bayan; and deputation of barangay officials and non-government organizations to monitor abnormal price increases,” the ordinance added. The DILG also issued an unnumbered memorandum urging local government units “a) grant rent discounts; b) waive market fees; or c) pass a moratorium on rental payments, for public stall holders engaged in the business of selling rice for a period of two weeks to one month, subject to the discretion of the LGUs.” The post Rent moratorium for rice retailers imposed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Climate panel backs moratorium on tech to dim Sun
Former political leaders and heads of international organizations called Thursday for national moratoriums on deploying technologies to slow global warming by dimming the impact of the Sun......»»
Nurturing agri growth: Marcos’ birthday wish
More people wish a head of State a happy birthday than typical, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will find as he celebrates his 66th birthday today. Wishes for good health and happiness and the success and accomplishment of all his commitments and obligations throughout his administration have flooded in. Before he spends his birthday in Singapore today, attending a summit and the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, Marcos expressed his wish for an improved agriculture sector. In an interview with reporters, Marcos said he wants the sector to be more productive and resilient to climate change. He also expressed his wish for the government to understand the weather better so it could better help farmers. “(My birthday wish is) for (the) agriculture (sector) to improve and for us to know the real weather, whether it’s the wet season or dry season, so that we can help our farmers. That’s still my prayer up to now,” Marcos said. Marcos issued Executive Order 39, imposing a price cap on rice to control the soaring prices. He also gave the responsible government agencies the job of reducing the number of agricultural hoarders and smugglers. But he considers the “best” birthday gift the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11953, or the New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act. “As we chart a path towards a more self-sufficient and equitable Philippines, this administration reaffirms its commitment to enrich the lives of our farmers, ensure the rapid industrialization of our farmlands, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the countryside,” he said. He visited the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Quezon City to attend the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act and to sign the Executive Order extending the moratorium on the repayment of agricultural debts of farmer-beneficiaries. At the event, Daily Tribune asked government officials to present their birthday wishes for Marcos, who concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture. “May God give President Marcos Jr. good health and more wisdom as he leads our country to a brighter future,” said one senior presidential protocol officer. Amid the good wishes, others turned the President’s birthday celebration into a platform to remind him of the pressing matters he must address as the land’s highest official. “I am hoping for more fruitful years to come with Marcos’s administration, especially in easing the plight of the poor people and our (economic) situation,” one DAR employee said. Economic vision for the future As Marcos celebrates another year of life, he continues to chart his vision for the future of the Philippines. One key aspect of this vision is economic development. He has advocated for policies to spur economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. His focus on economic issues resonates with many Filipinos who prioritize financial stability and opportunities for their families. In October last year, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Marcos’s performance in his first 100 days in office was commendable. Zubiri lauded the President’s choice of Cabinet members, particularly his economic team. He also noted the frequent Cabinet meetings called by the President, which he deemed a positive practice. Best Phl salesman The President, he said, is the “best salesman” for the Philippines, sending signals to investors that the Philippines is open for business and investment. For context, the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that approved foreign investment pledges grew by 27.8 percent in the year’s second quarter. The PSA data released on Tuesday showed that total foreign investments approved by investment promotion agencies during the period amounted to P59.09 billion from P46.26 billion FI in the same quarter of 2022. Vision for agriculture Marcos has made agriculture one of the top priorities of his administration. His extension of the moratorium on farmers’ repayment of their agrarian debts by two years has benefited them as they don’t have to make payments until 13 September 2025. “I have just signed an Executive Order for the two-year extension of EO 4, 2023, because other beneficiaries were not covered when the IRR was introduced and when we implemented the original EO’s moratorium,” Marcos said. While acknowledging these achievements, engaging in a broader discussion of his presidency is essential, recognizing both the positive strides and the challenges faced during his time in office. As with any political figure, President Marcos’ legacy is complex and multifaceted. The post Nurturing agri growth: Marcos’ birthday wish appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos extends moratorium on farmers debt payments for two years
The extension of the agrarian debt moratorium is set to benefit beneficiaries who were not covered by the previous EO and the Republic Act 11593 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which was approved in July. .....»»
PBBM greenlights agrarian debt moratorium extension
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday gave the green light to a two-year moratorium of payments for land amortization and interest owed by agrarian reform beneficiaries. Marcos has officially endorsed an executive order (EO) that extends the agrarian debt moratorium, which he initially sanctioned in September 2022, for an extra two-year duration. This executive order stretches the debt moratorium until September 2025. Marcos, who currently holds the position of agriculture chief alongside his role as President, mentioned that the previous executive order did not include particular agrarian reform beneficiaries. He also noted the importance of helping some 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to help the government attain its bid for food security. "So, I urge the DAR with all government agencies to strive for a smooth and immediate execution of this IRR so that our beneficiaries may be freed from the burden of debts and reap the benefits from the land that they tirelessly cultivate, continue to facilitate the delivery of support services to all ARBs and make them your foremost priority in all our development efforts," he said. Marcos assured the local farmers of the government's continued support to empower them and help the nation in securing a "more progressive, sustainable and resilient future." "This will enable us and ARBs and the rest of our farmers to realize the utmost potential and reach for our aspirations for our families, for our communities and for our country," he said. "To achieve this, we have collaborated with experts, we have strengthened our supply chains and pushed for the enactment of the new Agrarian Emancipation Act. I therefore acknowledge the efforts of the DAR and other implementing agencies for supporting our endeavor to help our producers lead more dignified lives and attain food security for our people," Marcos added. Enacted on 9 July 2023, RA 11953 forgives all outstanding loans, encompassing accrued interests, penalties, and surcharges, incurred by Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) on the land they were granted. This debt forgiveness extends to approximately 1.173 million hectares of land, benefiting approximately 610,054 ARBs who collectively had incurred an estimated P57.55 billion in unpaid amortizations. Additionally, RA 11953 puts an end to the obligation of 10,201 ARBs, cultivating 11,531 hectares of land obtained through either the voluntary land transfer or direct payment scheme (VLT/DPS), to pay P206.247 million in overdue just compensation to the landowners. Further advantages for ARBs include exemption from estate tax payments and automatic inclusion in the Registry System of Basic Sectors in Agriculture, facilitating their access to support services provided by the Department of Agriculture. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) outline procedures for expediting the debt forgiveness process and the government's payment of outstanding just compensation to landowners for lands acquired under the VLT/DPS. The post PBBM greenlights agrarian debt moratorium extension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, underscored the significance of education as a gateway to a brighter future during the 50th Commencement Exercises of Cavite State University - CCAT Rosario Campus on Tuesday, September 5. The graduation ceremony was also attended by other officials, such as Rosario Vice Mayor Bamm Gonzales and General Trias Mayor Jonjon Ferrer, among others. “Sa mga graduates, sa mga estudyante, kahit anong course po ang inyong kinuha, ishi-share ko lang po sa inyo ang natutunan ko sa buhay. Isa lang ang sikreto diyan, mahalin n’yo po ang inyong kapwa Pilipino, hinding-hindi po kayo magkakamali. Malay n’yo po pagdating ng panahon kayo rin po ang mamumuno sa bayan o magiging senador ng bansa. Totoo iyan. Kaya unahin ninyo ang interes ng kapwa natin Pilipino,” Go said in his speech. “Ako po hindi ko po akalain na magiging senador po ako. At nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo, sa Panginoon na dinala po niya ako rito. Kaya naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he continued. Go emphasized how education can open doors to countless opportunities as he commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance, recognizing their hard work throughout their academic journey. He reminded them that their graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities and challenges. “Ngayong araw, tayo'y nagkakaisa upang parangalan hindi lamang ang pagwawakas ng academic journey kundi ang pagsilang ng isang bagong yugto sa buhay ng 680 estudyante ng inyong unibersidad,” highlighted Go. “Half a century ago, this campus was founded with a dream to cultivate abilities and expertise in the realms of Industrial Technology, Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Education. Now, that dream persists, and I am both honored and humbled to be part of this milestone commencement ceremony,” he continued. The senator also expressed his gratitude to the school officials, including University President Dr. Hernando Robles, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Agnes Nuestro, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Mary Jane Tepora, Vice President for Business and Resource Generation Ms. Lolita Herrera, and Campus Administrator Dr. Lauro Pascua, among others. “To the committed University Administrative Council, our distinguished campus leaders, honored deans, and the lively academic community that envelops us, I offer my sincere thanks for your unwavering dedication to excellence,” Go highlighted. “To the parents and guardians, your affection and encouragement have been the pillars of these graduates' achievements. Your faith in them has ignited their resolve, and today, we revel in your victory as well,” he added. In his speech, Go took the opportunity to discuss his legislative efforts aimed at fortifying the education sector. He expressed his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through various initiatives. SBN 1359 or the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," was co-authored and co-sponsored by Go and received approval on the third and final reading in March. This proposed legislation aims to put an end to the practice of denying students access to examinations or other educational assessments due to unpaid tuition or school fees. The bill ensures that no student's education is compromised due to financial constraints. In a bid to enhance access to tertiary education, Go co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 1360. This bill seeks to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) by amending Republic Act No. 10931, known as the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act. By broadening the reach of TES, Go expressed his confidence that more underprivileged students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education. In times of disasters and emergencies, students facing financial hardships often find it challenging to repay loans. To address this concern, Go introduced SBN 1864, known as the "Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act." This proposed measure offers relief to students who have taken out loans but are unable to meet their repayment obligations due to unforeseen circumstances. It underscores the importance of compassion and support during trying times. Go also earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting a quality education. NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. “To the graduates, remember that your education is not merely a ladder for personal success; it is a potent tool for uplifting our community and the broader society. Wield it with wisdom, and never lose sight of the values and principles that have been so lovingly instilled in you,” Go said. “As I draw to a close, I leave you with a philosophy that has steered me throughout my existence: ‘Ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang isang karapatan, kundi isang tungkulin na may kalakip na responsibilidad.’ Mabuhay ang Cavite State University – CCAT Rosario Campus! Mabuhay ang mga bagong graduates,” the senator concluded. Go also provided tokens to students who graduated with honors. He encouraged them to use their education to serve their community and the country. The post Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR launches New Agrarian Emancipation consultations
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Monday announced that it held simultaneous public consultations with its stakeholders last 1 September 2023 to obtain inputs to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act or Republic Act 11953. The committee tasked by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella to draft the IRR is chaired by DAR Undersecretary Napoleon Galit with DAR Undersecretaries Luis Pangulayan and Marilyn Barua-Yap, LBP EVP Alex Lorayes, Administrator Gerardo Serios and NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen as members. Representatives of agrarian reform beneficiaries from all 15 regions including the BARMM and concerned farmers groups and civil society organizations participated in the public consultations. Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Kazel C. Celeste led the Luzon leg which was held at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City. Undersecretary for Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Jesry T. Palmares led the Visayas leg which was held in Passi City, Iloilo while Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs, Amihilda J. Sangcopan led the Mindanao leg which was held at the World Palace Hotel in Ecoland, Davao City. The ARBs and farmers’ groups raised clarificatory questions on the coverage of the NAEA and the process of obtaining condonation and the termination of payment of just compensation to landowners and gave inputs to the DAR officials present during the consultations. The summary of discussions will be submitted to the IRR drafting committee for inclusion in the draft IRR which will be finalized during the full committee meeting with Estrella on 7 September 2023. The journey of the NAEA — the singular bill passed by Congress from among the 22 priority bills of the administration — started barely a year ago when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 4, Series of 2022, imposing a one-year moratorium on the payment of amortizations by agrarian reform beneficiaries. The post DAR launches New Agrarian Emancipation consultations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DAR holds consultations on IRR of agrarian emancipation law
The Department of Agrarian Reform on Monday said it held public consultations with stakeholders on 1 September 2023 to obtain inputs on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act or Republic Act No. 11953. The committee tasked by DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrela to draft the IRR is chaired by DAR Undersecretary Napoleon Galit with DAR Undersecretaries Luis Pangulayan and Marilyn Barua-Yap, LBP EVP Alex Lorayes, Administrator Gerardo Serios and NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen as members. Representatives of agrarian reform beneficiaries from all 15 regions including the BARMM, as well as farmers groups and civil society organizations, participated in the public consultations. Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Kazel C. Celeste led the Luzon leg held at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City. Undersecretary for Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Jesry T. Palmares led the Visayas leg in Passi City, Iloilo, while Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs, Amihilda J. Sangcopan led the Mindanao leg held at the World Palace Hotel in Ecoland, Davao City. The ARBs and farmers’ groups raised clarificatory questions on the coverage of the NAEA and the process of obtaining condonation and the termination of payment of just compensation to landowners. The summary of discussions will be submitted to the IRR drafting committee for inclusion in the draft IRR, which will be finalized during the full committee meeting with DAR Secretary Estrella on 7 September 2023. The NAEA was passed by Congress from among the 22 priority bills of the administration barely a year after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Executive Order No. 4, Series of 2022, imposing a one-year moratorium on the payment of amortizations by agrarian reform beneficiaries. Estrella cited the efforts of DAR Undersecretaries Marilyn B. Barua-Yap and Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan, who participated at every step of the legislative process to ensure that the law that gives farmers freedom from their agrarian debt was passed by Congress. Estrella also commended the contributions of DAR’s partner agencies, namely the Land Bank of the Philippines represented by LBP Executive Vice President Engr. Alex A. Lorayes and Vice President Atty. Marife Lynn O. Pacua, the Land Registration Authority led by Administrator Atty Gerardo P. Serios, and the National Irrigation Administration led by Administrator Eddie Guillen. The post DAR holds consultations on IRR of agrarian emancipation law appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
From the Newsrooms: More voices against Manila Bay reclamation; Media focus on constituents in Makati-Taguig dispute needed
ANNOUNCING A policy action is mostly hit or miss for the government. As cited by news accounts, environmental groups and fisherfolk associations hailed President Marcos' verbal order to stop reclamation projects in Manila Bay, saying these were "poorly managed." But the groups also asked the president to put the moratorium int.....»»
DSWD: 4Ps delisting on hold
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has imposed a moratorium on the delisting of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries whose lives have already improved, according to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian......»»
Phl rejects China fishing ban
The Philippine government on Friday, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, rejected the fishing moratorium imposed by China in the South China Sea. In a chance interview, DFA spokesperson Tess Daza said the Philippines will not abide by China’s annual fishing ban. “We do not recognize China’s fishing ban,” she said. “This has been the subject of our diplomatic protests and we will continue to register our formal opposition to it.” The DFA said that imposing a fishing ban in parts of the Philippines’ maritime zones is an “illegal exercise of state authority” by another country. China claims nearly the whole of the South China Sea, including the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, which a 2016 arbitral ruling affirmed. “We urge China to take active measures at the port to prevent its fishing fleets from encroaching into our territorial sea and EEZ,” the DFA said. China has been imposing a fishing ban in the South China Sea since 1999 — a move criticized by the Philippines and other claimants in the South China Sea like Malaysia and Taiwan. Earlier this year, China imposed a moratorium on fishing in the South China Sea to purportedly promote sustainable fishing in the resource-rich waters. Vietnam, another claimant state in the South China Sea, called the ban a violation of its sovereignty rights and jurisdiction over the waters. The Philippines has warned China that it is “ready” to “take law enforcement measures against illegal fishing activities in its waters.” The post Phl rejects China fishing ban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»