DENR reviewing land reclamation project in Manila Bay, DFA assures US Embassy

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured it is “committed” to work with relevant agencies on concerns raised by the US Embassy in Manila over land reclamation activities in Manila Bay.

“The DFA is fully committed to working with relevant government agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of diplomatic missions accredited to the Philippines,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresa Daza said in a text message to reporters Friday. Daza made a statement in reaction to concerns raised by the US Embassy in Manila on the negative environment impact of a massive reclamation project in Manila Bay and the involvement of a Chinese-state owned construction company.

The US Embassy complex in Manila is situated along Roxas Boulevard fronting the Manila Bay.

Two major concerns were raised by the Embassy over some the reclamation project in Manila Bay:

Sen. Go pushes prioritization of pro-poor health programs in proposed 2024 budget

AS the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the year

2024 was submitted to Congress, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go expressed his support for the administration’s proposed budget, but reminded them to prioritize pro-poor programs and initiatives to improve health-care services in the country.

The proposed budget for 2024 is targeted to help secure a “future-proof and sustainable economy” with an emphasis on recovery from the pandemic’s impact, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

In an interview on Wednesday after extending assistance to poor residents in Caloocan City, Go detailed his vision for the budget and the legislative process, stating, “Ako naman po tutulong ako sa Senado ‘pag dumating na po sa amin.”

“Mauuna po sila [House of Representatives] na mag -scrutinize, mauuna sila na mag -hearing, mauuna po sila na titingnan nila at kung anong dapat nil a i -realign. Ang Lower House po ang mauuna. Pagkatapos po niyan ay sa amin na po sa Senado,” Go further explained.

He emphasized his priorities for the poor, saying, “rest assured po na uunahin ko po ‘yung makakatulong sa mga mahihirap, pro-poor programs ang mga uunahin ko po. Ang makakatulong sa mga mahihirap, dapat po’y walang magutom.”

“Magtulungan tayo na walang magutom na Pilipino, magtulungan tayo na ilapit po natin ‘yung serbisyo medikal sa mga kababayan. ‘Yung serbisyo ng gobyerno ilapit natin sa kanila,” he said.

“Huwag na ‘yung sila pa ang lalapit sa atin para magmakaawang humingi

1. Potential negative long-term and irreversible impacts to the environment, resilience to natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce;

2. Projects have ties to the China Communications Construction Co., which was blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce for helping the Chinese military construct and militarized artificial islands in the South China Sea.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the concerns raised by the US Embassy with regard to the reclamation ng tulong. Tulungan natin ang mga mahihirap, sino ba naman ang magtutulungan kung ‘di tayo po kapwa natin mga Pilipino. At ‘yung mga helpless, hopeless na umaasa po sa gobyerno, sila po ang dapat nating unahin,” added Go. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, also highlighted the need to improve the health-care system.

“Asahan n’yo ako na magpa-participate at bilang vice-chair ng committee on Finance ay isusulong ko kung ano ang makakatulong sa mga kababayan natin na mahirap at makaka-improve sa ating health-care system,” he assured.

“Ilapit natin ‘yung serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” added Go.

The 2024 budget, amounting to P5.768 trillion, reflects an increase of 9.5 percent from the P5.268-trillion budget for 2023. The education sector is expected to get the largest portion at P924.7 billion, followed by public works at P822 billion.

NTA cites BIR chief for drive against illicit tobacco products

INTERNAL Revenue Commis - projects in Manila Bay and the risk of further exacerbating the coastal erosion and flooding in the area,” Daza said. She added the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is “already preparing to undertake a cumulative impact assessment” on the Manila Bay reclamation. sioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. was awarded by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) under the Department of Agriculture for his consistent leadership and programs against illicit tobacco products.

“We are also aware that the DENR is looking into the compliance of the projects with the conditions of their permits, as well as with existing environmental laws and regulations,” she added.

Commissioner Lumagui received his award during the NTA event on August 3, 2023. Here, he discussed ramping up government initiatives to combat illicit trade.

“Illicit tobacco products is a scourge of our economy. The BIR will hunt down all illegal traders of tobacco. We must level the playing field so we can attract investors. We have done nationwide raids of illicit tobacco products, and we will continue to do so,” the commissioner stated. Under the administration of Commissioner Lumagui, the Bureau of Internal Revenue had its first nationwide raid of illicit tobacco products last January 2023. He repeated this historical feat by having another nationwide raid last July 2023. Lumagui, and the whole of BIR, appreciated the award given by the NTA, saying it serves as a recognition of the efforts made by hundreds of revenue officers who participated in the nationwide raids against illicit tobacco.

BFP told to probe collapse of Binondo poles, LGUs to inspect similar facilities

SECRETARY Benjamin “Benhur”

Abalos Jr. of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to investigate the collapse of electric poles in Binondo, Manila, on Thursday. At the same time, the DILG chief called on concerned local government units (LGU) to proactively inspect electricity and telephone poles in their respective jurisdiction to prevent any untoward incident.

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) Corporate Communications Head Joe Zaldarriaga reported that they have completed pole replacement and restoration activities in the Binondo area on Friday morning.

“Similarly, electricity service was also restored for the customers affected by the temporary power interruption that we implemented for the safe conduct of the restoration process. Investigation of the cause is still ongoing.

Once again, I ask for your understanding and patience for the inconvenience caused by this incident,” the Meralco official said in a text message.

News reports indicate three people were hurt and eight vehicles parked in the area of the collapsed poles were damaged.

The collapse of the power poles happened after days of heavy rains that flooded streets in low-lying areas in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

Meralco described the incident as “unfortunate” and immediately dispatched teams to clear the area and work to restore power in affected areas.

The DILG chief also instructed the

BFP to coordinate with the private utility companies that own the electric posts to provide assistance to the individuals and help clear the area.

The collapsed poles were cleared as of Thursday evening.

The eight poles supporting power and telecom lines fell at around 12:41 p.m. Thursday, the Public Information Office of Manila and Meralco reported. Aside from ordering the BFP to investigate the incident, Abalos also called on all local government units to inspect electricity posts, construction sites, billboards, and other similar installations that may collapse during heavy rains.

The DILG chief is expected to issue a memorandum circular to ensure compliance and prompt action.

Jonathan Mayuga with Lenie Lectura