THE GOVERNMENT may resort to providing scholarships for nurses and other medical workers as many countries scramble to find healthcare professionals to man their hospitals and medical facilities, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said.
In a recent meeting
Continue on page 2 Continue on page 2
“Task Force Bantay Dagat.”
The task force has nearly 400 Special CAFGU
Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5
Continue on page 2 Continue on page 2
DAVAO CITY - The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) said it welcomes the recent announcement by Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla that UN Special Rapporteur Morris Tidball-Binz, a forensic doctor, will visit the country next year. ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy said as Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions,
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities are searching for a man accused of scheming local investors into putting money in his company Silverlion Livestock Trading Corporation in Zamboanga City.
The company, although duly registered
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
The DOH also underscored that continued strengthening of existing management and surveillance systems is key to living with COVID-19 in the new normal.
“We have to start demystifying variants. Viruses naturally mutate with continued transmission–this is a natural occurrence. Alam din natin at ng ating mga eksperto iyan, kaya ang mas im-
portante talaga ay pigilan ang pagpasa ng virus para maiwasan ang pag-mutate nito, at lalong importante na laging handa ang ating healthcare system to respond to these emerging variants,” said Health
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
in Malacaang with representatives of the healthcare cluster of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), Marcos said that although the government cannot prevent nurses from leaving for high-paying jobs abroad, they must at least serve their country if they avail of the government scholarship program.
“Lahat, nurses. Naghahanap… Everybody that I talk to, especially from the States and from Europe… So the only thing is that the scholarship program, that you know, can't hold people back from a better life, from a better living…”
Marcos said during the meeting.
“But I think it’s fair that if you provide scholarship, you expect that
there are… mag-serbisyo muna sila ng ilang taon. Hindi babayaran ‘yung scholarship eh. They don't need to pay that,” he pointed out.
Department of Health (DOH) Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH had started discussions with the deans of the University of the Philippines and other allied healthcare services for the government’s “ladderized” scholarship program. She hopes to produce more nurses as the government implements the program, although it will take two to three years for it to bear fruit.
Vergeire also told the President that the DOH had initial talks with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for exchange programs with
other countries needing healthcare workers.
“So in turn we are going to propose that if we can provide them with these numbers that they need, they [would] provide us also, for example, scholarships for a number of our healthcare workers here,” Vergeire said, adding that graduates have to stay in the country for two years before they can be deployed abroad.
Part of DMW’s plans is to secure deals with the country’s bilateral partners or countries to provide funds for scholarships in the Philippines, Vergeire said, noting after graduation, the scholars will be required to serve their communities for a certain period before they could seek overseas employment. (Mindanao Examiner)
Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.
Despite the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and an increase in the number of new infections in the country, the DOH assured the healthcare utilization rate remains at low risk, and preparatory activities have already been initiated to ensure that triage systems are in place and step-down health facilities are available should an increase in healthcare utilization rates be observed.
Vergeire said that on top of ensuring adequate health system capacity to respond to emerging variants, equally important is strengthening local and international surveillance and data-sharing systems
to ensure that the natural emergence of variants is always captured, studied, and used to update COVID-19 vaccines.
She also assured that all current vaccines remain effective in preventing severe and critical COVID-19, as well as death from the virus, regardless of variant.
“The science of COVID-19 is evolving–araw-araw may bagong datos na inaaral ang mga eksperto. Despite this, what is clear to us is that our layers of protection continue to be effective against COVID-19 and its variants. Particularly for vaccines, the challenge is ensuring that they remain effective against these emerging variants.”
“This is why it is cru-
cial that we continue bolstering our surveillance systems and participating in global surveillance data-sharing initiatives and platforms, like GISAID, because this data is what vaccine manufacturers study and use to update vaccines, ensuring that we are always a step ahead,” Vergeire said.
“As of now, all our vaccines continue to be effective against severe cases caused by detected variants. This is why we continue to appeal to our kababayans to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 on top of other layers of protection, to minimize transmission and in effect, the emergence of new variants,” she added. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
for Philippine governance,” said Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong in a historic forum of the Parliament and the Philippine Congress.
As part of efforts to forge closer relations between the national and Bangsamoro government, the Parliament and the Philippine Congress convened for the first time in a joint legislative forum in Manila.
Speaker Balindong said that the PCBPF will also serve as the main instrument for addressing concerns and issues in the Bangsamoro.
Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, there should be a PCBCF for purposes of cooperation and coordination of legislative initiatives involving both the regional and national government.
The PCBPF, according to the Senate, is imperative to facilitate legislative measures and initiatives concerning the Bangsamoro government and its people.
The Forum also serves as the coordinating unit for the two legislative bodies, resolving potential issues and affecting the implementation of provisions of the BOL, as well as closely monitoring and overseeing bills filed in Congress affecting the Bangsamoro government.
Several key legislative measures for the region were discussed, including priority codes that need to be passed; laws enacted to upgrade hospitals in the different areas of the Bangsamoro region; the possibility of extending the deadline for Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front members who wish to apply for amnesty; qualification of Shari’ah circuit court judges; and future plans for the continued cooperation of the Philippine Congress and the Bangsamoro Parliament.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman noted that the establishment of BARMM is a “historic win for the whole country.”
To have continued cooperation and address the issues and concerns discussed in the forum, PCBPF will create a technical working group.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez said this will be the beginning of a strong, inclusive, and productive partnership between the Philippine Congress and the Bangsamoro Parliament in uplifting the lives of our Bangsamoro people.
Meanwhile, Senate President Miguel Zubiri
called for the immediate passage of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, while expressing full support for the PCBFP.
“To enable the smooth and efficient delivery of government services, serve the people, we have to work hard on this particular electoral code because we don’t think we can extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the people would like to vote for the representatives and members they want to,” said Senate President Zubiri.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim vowed for the passage of the two priority codes within the first quarter of 2023.
Chief Minister Ebrahim, Speaker Balindong, BTA deputy speakers, deputy leaders, and several Members of the Parliament; House Speaker Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; OPARU Secretary Galvez; PCBPF members Senator Loren Legarda, Francis Tolentino, and Robin Padilla; House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe; House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Joey Salceda; Representatives Rex Gatchalian, Yasser Balindong, Mercedes Alvarez, and Maximo Dalog Jr. were present during the meeting. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
COTABATO CITY — Member of the Parliament Amilbahar Mawallil has filed eight bills in the second parliament on solar energy, barter trade, programs for persons with disabilities, and people’s right to information.
Through the installation of solar energy systems in the region, MP Mawallil seeks to
support the Bangsamoro government’s mandate and institutionalize the construction of renewable energy in all socialized programs.
Supporting this measure is Parliament Bill No. 68, also known as Renewable Energy for Socialized Housing in the BARMM Act of 2022, which will establish a framework for the
establishment of solar energy systems in all current and future regional housing projects implemented by the Bangsamoro government throughout the region.
The PB No. 71 proposes to establish, strengthen, and integrate regional energy policies and mechanisms regarding energy safety practices, energy
cooperative in Brgy. Katamlangan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Said fishing equipment, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, aims to sustain and uplift the living conditions of the said beneficiaries. The project was funded through the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of MP Gayak. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
FUNDED THROUGH the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of the Office of the Member of the Parliament Atty. Raissa Jajurie, the construction of a two-storey multi-purpose center has been completed in Patikul, Sulu.
The facility, known as the "Bahay Pag-Asa Youth Center," is the region's first 24-hour child-care institution designed to provide residential care for children in conflict with the law or children alleged, accused, or adjudged to have committed an offense under the law and await-
ing court disposition or transfer.
The construction of the Bahay Pag-Asa Youth Center was implemented by the Ministry of Public Works and will be
managed and operated by the Ministry of Social Services and Development. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
communication materials on the efforts and accomplishments of the Bangsamoro Parliament in order to have a unified and cohesive branding and messaging.
The legislative agenda of the BTA was also discussed by Atty. Mehrab Bahri, chief of staff to Floor Leader Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba.
efficiency, and conservation.
Another proposed measure would also create a Bangsamoro Research and Development Authority, under PB No. 70, also known as Bangsamoro Research Development Act of 2022, that would formulate the research and development agenda for BARMM.
MP Mawallil is also pushing for the recognition of licensure examination topnotchers in the region, providing them with benefits, privileges, and cash incentives.
PB No. 69, or the Bangsamoro Excellence and Incentives Act of 2022, includes all Bangsamoro people who placed first to tenth in any national licensure examination in the academic or educational field, including professional licensure examinations given by the Professional Regulatory Commission and the Philippine Bar Examination exclusively administered by the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
A Bangsamoro Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts Council will also be created to administer the fund exclusively for the implementation of the Bangsamoro government’s culture and arts program and to grant financial assistance.
As proposed under PB No. 72, also known as the Bangsamoro Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts Act of 2022, the council may establish programs and grant financial assistance to Bangsamoro
groups and individuals of exceptional talent engaged in or concerned with culture and the arts.
Meanwhile, PB No. 73, also known as the Barter Trade Act of 2022, seeks to establish a legal framework and mechanisms for the integration, coordination, planning, and monitoring of Bangsamoro barter trade zones.
A Bangsamoro Barter Trade Board will also be established to supervise, coordinate, and harmonize regional barter trade policies, programs, and activities.
MP Mawallil also seeks to assist the persons with disabilities in the region through the establishment of a Regional Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (R-PDAO).
The R-PDAO, as proposed under PB No. 74, will explore livelihood opportunities that will improve the health, physical fitness, economic well-being, and social well-being of the PWDs in the region.
Completing MP Mawallil’s eight proposed bills is PB No. 75, also known as the Bangsamoro Freedom of In-
formation Act of 2022, which covers all offices in the Bangsamoro Government, including, but not limited to, the Bangsamoro Parliament; the ministries, agencies, bureaus, commissions, boards, and instrumentalities of the Bangsamoro Government; and Bangsamoro government-owned or controlled corporations.
According to the proposed measure, information, official records, public records, and documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as government research data used as a basis for policy development, held by the Bangsamoro Government or any of its offices, shall be open to inspection and copying by any person.
The eight proposed legislative measures were also co-authored by MPs Atty. Laisa Alamia, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Rasul Ismael, and Engr. Don Mustapha Loong. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
SUPPORTED THROUGH the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of the Office of Deputy Speaker Atty. Laisa Alamia, solar-powered streetlights have been installed across several municipalities in Basilan province as part of the Bangsamoro government's efforts to keep communities safe.
A FIVE-day strategic communications workshop was held recently to capacitate the information officers and representatives from the offices of the Members of the Parliament in Lanao del Sur,
The second leg of the training workshop aims to capacitate all information officers on how to develop
The said activity was conducted in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
of the Parliament Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, also handed over fishing boats and other equipment to several cooperatives based in the province of Sulu.
Among the solar-energized barangays in Basilan province are Barangay Semut and Lower Bato-Bato in Akbar; Barangay Bacung in Sumisip; Baranfay Ulitan in Ungkaya Pukan; Barangay Fuente in Maludo; Barangay Lahi-Lahi in Tuburan; and Barangay Bulat-
ing in Lamitan City.
The installation of the 190 solar-powered streetlights in the province was implement-
ed by the Ministry of Public Works. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
SEVERAL FARMER cooperatives from Lanao del Sur recently received agriculture post-harvest facilities from the Office of the Member of the Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos.
The project, funded under the Transitional Impact Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of MP Ramos, includes movable
mini rice mills with destoners and 13.5 KVA generator sets, to help farmers in the Bangsamoro region in their business initiatives.
The assistance was implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform.
The Office of the Member
The program seeks to provide fishery cooperatives in remote areas of the Bangsamoro region with livelihood assistance. The project was funded under the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) of MP Loong. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
AS
janie Macasalong approved the proposed P16.47 billion of the Ministry of Public Works.
The MPW will fund the following major programs: road network and other pub-
lic infrastructure facilities; bridge construction; flood management; water supply; port rehabilitation; and other infrastructure projects. This would improve port facilities and services, water system, access to rural areas, the safety of people living in floodprone areas, and agricultural product transportation.
MPW Minister Eduard Guerra and Director General Engr. Danilo Ong presented its proposed budget as well as its accomplishments from 2020 until 2022. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)
from page 1 Continued from page 1
Active Auxiliary members under the supervision of the Philippine Army. They are also set to undergo military training and will help protect marine environments and enforce coastal laws.
“Bilib ako sa mga aksyon na ginagawa ni Gov. Sakur Tan upang mas mapatatag pa ang peace and order sa Sulu, dahilan ng patuloy na paglago ng kanilang ekonomiya,” Abalos said in a public statement, adding “katuwang ang Bantay Dagat at mga kasamahan nating government officials, patuloy tayong magkakaisa sa pagbibigay kapayapaan at kaayusan sa ating mga karagatan. Sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba sa relihiyon at lingwahe, iisa ang ating mithiin; ang kasaganahan ng ating inang bayan!”
Abalos’ statement was also shared on social media by the Philippine National Police.
The 11th Infantry Division will facilitate the training of the Task Force Bantay Dagat which is composed of some 380 members. They will conduct maritime patrol utilizing 95 motorboats, according to Army Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
Tan said the task force was jointly launched Saturday, November 19, by
the provincial government and the 11th Infantry Division. “The task force will work with the security forces to protect the integrity of the territorial waters and marine environment, monitor illegal fishing, provide assistance in rescue operations, and enforce coastal laws,” he said.
Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting chief of the Western Mindanao, also lauded the creation of the task force. “The Western Mindanao Command witnessed the unity and cooperation shown by the local government officials and the citizens of Sulu to address the peace and development issues and concerns in the province.”
“Good governance greatly contributed to the gradual change of the province’s image from terrorism to tourism. The establishment of the Task Force Bantay Dagat is a very good initiative to sustain peace in Sulu. Together let us eliminate the lawless activities in Sulu
waters,” he said.
The formal launching of the task force was attended by senior defense and security officials led by Defense Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino, Jr.; Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.; National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos; PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.; Philippine Coast Guard Chief Admiral Artemio Abu; Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio; Bangsamoro regional police chief, Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon; and local government officials.
Faustino said the Department of Defense will integrate the operations of the task force in its internal defense system to bring about a holistic approach in protecting Sulu. Tan also held a meeting with Faustino’s group and briefed them on the improved peace and order situation in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
Tidball-Binz’s visit would be an important next step in the process of seeking justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings under the previous Duterte government, as well as the current Marcos government.”
As reported by Investigate PH, in which Philippine forensic expert Dr. Rachel Fortun served as one of the expert witnesses, thousands of extrajudicial and arbitrary killings allegedly took place under President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Philippine National Police admit to over 6,600 such killings. But despite the abundant evidence that these killings
took place, only 25 police officers have been charged so far in relation to the war on drugs, according to Remulla’s report to member states of the Human Rights Council on November 14.
Other targets of alleged EJKs under Duterte’s war on dissent were human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, indigenous leaders, peasants, and labor leaders. Even under the new Marcos administration, these killings continue: recently radio journalist Percy Lapid was killed in a plot allegedly orchestrated by a senior government official.
“Given this recent announcement, we reiterate our call to the Marcos administration for open,
transparent, and thorough investigation of these crimes, and justice for all victims and their families. This means investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators of such crimes, and an end to the state of impunity which has allowed so many members of the police force to avoid prosecution so far,” Murphy said.
“ICHRP also echoes the call of at least ten Human Rights Council member states to the Philippine government to re-join the International Criminal Court and cooperate with the ICC’s ongoing investigation into the crime against humanity of murder during the so-called war on drugs,” he added.
(Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 Cipolla who were recently in Marawi City said they witnessed the long-lasting impact of urban warfare and engaged authorities in steps to reduce civilian harm. They also addressed relevant International Humanitarian Laws and humanitarian issues in conjunction with geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region and reaffirmed the organization’s neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian action in the country, in strong partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
“War in cities inflicts deep scars, both visible and invisible. In Marawi, the most affected area has been reduced to rubble, and livelihoods were destroyed. Families continue to search for their loved ones who have gone missing for more than five years,” Carbonnier said.
“Complying with IHL in the midst of conflict, particularly in densely populated areas, reduces civilian harm and ensuing grievances. This in turn helps create an enabling environment for peace and reconciliation, as a former commander of a non-state armed group shared with me based on
his experience in Mindanao,” he added.
Carbonnier and Cipolla also had the opportunity to better understand the causes and consequences of massive overcrowding in Philippine detention facilities, seeing first-hand the situation in Quezon City Jail. The ICRC supports the Philippine authorities’ efforts to decongest places of detention and improve the treatment and conditions of detention.
“Overcrowding increases the spread of communicable diseases such as COVID-19, scabies, and tuberculosis in places of detention. We will continue to engage detaining authorities in confidential and bilateral dialogues to pursue a collective and sustainable response,” Cipolla said.
The two leaders appreciated the humanitarian response of the PRC in Mindanao, including in areas that were recently hit by Tropical Storm Nalgae (Paeng). The ICRC has been supporting the PRC and the government’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts in remote and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
With PRC Chairman Richard Gordon and Sec-
retary General Gwendolyn Pang, they visited a PRC Bakuna Bus (“vaccine bus”) in General Santos City.
Gordon said the ICRC has always been supportive of the PRC’s COVID-19 interventions. “They donated buses equipped with a vaccine administration area and supplies, while we provided a cadre of volunteers to perform the task. In the PRC, we cannot deny opportunities to help because it’s our aim to uplift people… we do not give dole-outs, we uplift people,” he said.
During their visit, the ICRC leadership also discussed humanitarian priorities at national and regional levels with the President Marcos’ Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo, Defense Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga, the Bangsamoro Minister of the Interior and Local Government Naguib Sinarimbo and the Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Guiling Mamondiong. (Mindanao Examiner)
achieve these goals, according to AD Nellas.
ONE OUT of every ten graduates of the University of the Philippines - Diliman (UPD) is from the College of Science (UPD-CS), underscoring the latter’s essential contributions to the University’s standing as the country's premier institution of higher learning.
In 2022 alone, UPD-CS accounted for 331 or 9.52% of UPD’s 3,475 graduates. This helped UP as a whole rank 87th in Asia and 18th in Southeast Asia in the recently-released 2023 Quacquerelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings, ahead of other Philippine universities. To help maintain and improve UP’s premiere status, UPD-CS is mandated to produce internationally-recognized graduates, institutional partnerships, and research output.
“The College aims to collaborate with different NGOs, private entities, SUCs, HEI, and local and international
institutions in the scientific community to promote and mobilize scientific experts,” explained UPD-CS’s Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, Development, and Enterprise
Ricky Nellas. “This will serve as a training ground for UP experts, students, and staff to fill network engagement between researchers.”
UPD-CS also has 18 active international research collaborations, five of which started just this year, plus a further 18 ongoing local partnerships. These were also taken into consideration in UP’s QS score and subsequent ranking.
Moreover, UPD-CS aims to produce industry and government leaders as it transforms itself into a leading research institution in Asia. Apart from strengthening the College’s research projects and partnerships, having a multi-tier support system for researchers would help
“This system should include not only financial coverage, but also holistic activities for the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of researchers,” he said. “Moreover, CS and the University should partner with lawmakers to improve taxation for researchers and lobby for tax exemptions for the research-derived honoraria and financial incentives. Alternatively, an increase in research honoraria can be implemented in lieu of tax breaks.”
AD Nellas added that the most crucial step UP should take is to improve the procurement process needed to establish, operate, and maintain scientific infrastructure and facilities. Restructuring the procurement pipeline for research activities, simplifying requirements, and providing exceptions for specialized needs would help reorganize the procurement process.
“These would greatly accelerate research and alleviate the administrative workloads of both project staff and the faculty. CS and the University could also allow and lobby for the deregulation of research-related contracts to allow our researchers greater flexibility, make procurement efficient, and improve the working conditions of staff and personnel,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
avoids taking on the heavy loan burden itself,” Hontiveros stressed.
“Huwag sanang tularan ni President Marcos si ex-President Duterte na nagpumilit umutang sa China kahit hindi naman kailangan. Kaya, President Marcos, hinay-hinay lang sa pera ng bayan,” Hontiveros said.
During the budget debates the Senator cited the case of two major projects: the Kaliwa Dam (P18-B) project and the South Luzon Long Haul Rail Project from Calamba to Matnog in Sorsogon (P171-B), now both in limbo as their Chinese investors have yet to make good on their commitment to lend money to the Philippine government to finance these projects.
Hontiveros said that the delay is actually a blessing in disguise. “Dapat maiwasan ni Pres. Marcos ang mga dambuhalang utang na naka-amba dahil kay President Duterte, lalo na kung hindi naman pala utang ang kailangan ng mga proyektong ito. We should do everything so the government
She noted that as early as 2016, there had been a shortlist of private sector proponents that were pre-qualified to bid for the opportunity to make the capital investments to realize these two major projects.
Additionally, Hontiveros encourages a National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) review of the economic viability of the Mindanao Rail and of the SubicClark Rail projects.
"We have reason to believe that economic evaluation of these projects was not thorough at all. These two projects were also originally offered for China to finance, but the need for them at this time should really be re-examined. Baka wala pong sumakay at maging white elephant projects lang ang mga ito," Hontiveros warned.
"Duterte's pivot to loan financing to the exclusion of PPP for his flagship projects was an unsustainable tactic, and reliance on China for loans even more so," she added.
According to the Bureau of the Treasury, the Philippine debt ballooned to a re-
cord P13.5 trillion, because of the recent depreciation of the peso. The Philippine government has also exceeded the borrowing limit that it set for 2022.
Hontiveros then secured the commitment of NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno that non-debt financing options will be pursued more deliberately from hereon.
The economic managers also assured the Senator that it is possible for the government to partially contribute to the finance of flagship projects and even to take on some of the financial risks. This will make the project attractive to the creditors of the PPP proponents and it will help the country avoid taking on unnecessarily massive debts.
"We need to make sure that the projects get underway soon, however. Kailangan lang ituwid ang baluktot na naging kalakaran. Huwag nating hayaang nakatengga ang mga riles na ito. These railways can be an absolute gamechanger for Filipinos. It is high time we make these projects happen for our country," Hontiveros said. (Mindanao Examiner)
ALL JOURNALISTS must be allowed to carry out their task of bringing out the truth without undue threats in pursuit of inclusive governance, said Sen. Grace Poe, who hailed the media for exercising the “hard-won right to free speech in their day-to-day work,” which they jealously guard and vigorously defend.
But unfortunately, in the course of defending press freedom, Poe said many of journalists have fallen by the wayside. “Without a doubt, the harassment and killing of journalists have compromised our collective pursuit of truth,” she said even as the media industry continues to come to grips with the murder of
broadcast journalist Percy Lapid, who was shot dead on his way home to air his radio program.
The investigation on the hard-hitting commentator's killing is unravelling a web of suspects that the senator said must be pursued. “Our authorities must not stop until they fully untangle the plot and uncover the brains behind this baleful act,” Poe stressed.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also earlier directed authorities to continue the investigation until its conclusion.
“Every incident of murder, threat or harassment against the media should not be relegated to the already jarring statistics,” Poe said. “Impunity stays
as a serious challenge, it must not thrive and be part of the normal.”
Poe also pointed out that the emergence of digital platforms has changed the media landscape. She said that policymakers, journalists and stakeholders are challenged to respond to the burning issues of using the online platforms to responsibly inform and shape opinions, while upholding the truth and exacting accountability.
“Where before it was a small corps of journalists that broke the news, today, anyone with a Facebook account or a YouTube channel has a bullhorn at his or her disposal,” she said. (Mindanao Examiner)
- The Securities and Exchange Commission here warned the public against investing in Crypto Marketers which offers a daily income of 1.5% - 2% for a $20 investment.
SEC said Crypto Marketers are enticing investors to put more money and earn hefty income. It said members of Crypto Marketers are allegedly required to perform simple daily tasks for which promoters will be paid daily
and may earn more by inviting others to join.
The SEC said through Crypto Marketers, members may earn passively in the following ways: (1) 2% daily dividend from the Vault Balance, which is distributed every five minutes; (2) 10% auto distribution from the package purchased by a new member; (3) 10% auto distribution from the withdrawals made by any member; and (4) 10% auto distribution from compounding by any
member.
In addition, promoters may also earn through direct referral rewards, as Crypto Marketers awards a 10% bonus to the promoter for every direct recruit.
The SEC said Crypto Marketers or Crypto Marketers Worldwide is not registered in the Philippines either as a corporation or partnership and is not authorized to solicit investments from the public. (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1
undetermined number of people to invest with the Silverlion Livestock Trading Corporation being run by the 36-year old its president and CEO, in exchange for a huge profit or interests.
Members of the National Bureau of Investigation and the Securities and Exchange Commission raided two branches of Ladoing’s company here and seized some P15 million in cash, pistols and magazines, and voluminous documents believed to be used in illegal business transactions similar to Ponzi scheme, a form of fraud that lures investors and pays profits to earlier investors with funds from more recent investors.
The Securities and Exchange Commission here said it filed criminal charges against The firm’s incorporators and officers Ladoing, Renan Lara Ladoing, Rosemarie Alvarez Guzman, Neña Ewayan Algoy, John Paul Dellara Lopez and Michael Villalobos Berja.
It said Silverlion Livestock Trading Corporation had been offering and selling investment packages to the public with guaranteed returns of 35% within just 15 days. With this, investments ranging from P1,000 to P100,000 could yield returns worth P1,300 to P130,000, respectively.
“The scheme involves the sale and offer of securities to the public in the form of investment
contracts, whereby a person invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to expect profits primarily from the efforts of others,” the Securities and Exchange Commission said.
Ladoing, who remains at large, has also been involved in another investment scam through RGS World Marketing which was ordered closed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Just recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission also warned the public against investing with Frutas Comida Zamboanga which it said is another unauthorized investment scheme.
It said the Frutas Comida Zamboanga has been offering guaranteed returns of 20% per month to the public although it has not secured the necessary registration from the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the corresponding order of registration of securities and certificate of permit to offer and sell securities.
Frutas Comida Zamboanga’s Facebook page shows that it has been encouraging the public to invest as little as P5,000 in exchange for monthly returns of P6,000.
“Investments are collected through online banking channels and other digital payment platforms Profits distributed to member-investors supposedly come from the
sale of fruits and food tray packages. Frutas Comida also noted that investors need only invest in their business and wait for the 20% returns every month. The scheme involves the sale and offer of securities to the public in the form of investment contracts, whereby a person invests his money in a common enterprise and is led to expect profits primarily from the efforts of others,” the Securities and Exchange Commission said.
“In view thereof, the public is hereby advised to exercise caution in dealing with any individual or group of persons soliciting investments for and on behalf allegedly of Frutas Comida Zamboanga. The public is further advised not to invest or to stop investing in the investment scheme being offered by any individuals claiming to represent said entity,” it added.
The Securities and Exchange Commission said those who act as salesmen, brokers, dealers or agents or claim to act as such on behalf of Frutas Comida Zamboanga in selling or convincing people to invest may be prosecuted and held criminally liable under Section 28 of the SRC, and penalized with a maximum fine of P5 million or penalty of 21 years of imprisonment or both. (Mindanao Examiner)
ZAMBOANGA CITY - A public school teacher is in hot water after he allegedly lured and had sex with his 14-year old student in a motel here.
The 27-year old teacher from the Maria Clara Lobregat High School in the village of Divisoria was investigated by the police and initially denied the allegations only to admit it after medical examination showed lacerations on the victim's private parts.
The victim's family said it is pressing charges even after the teacher offered to marry the minor, who is now in Grade 9. This was also confirmed to The Mindanao Examiner by one of the victim's relatives. "The family is really shocked by this incident and wanted to press charges against the teacher," the source said.
Local radio reports also said that police have investigated the teacher and are also preparing criminal charges against him. Brigada News FM Zamboanga reported that Divisoria Police Station 5 commander, Maj. Alvin Cabayacruz, revealed that
medico legal done on the student showed she had sexual contact.
According to Cabayacruz, the teacher denied the accusation, but eventually admitted following the results of the medico legal. The teacher, who is facing charges of statutory rape, alleged that the student voluntarily went with him to the motel.
The victim, whose parents are separated, was taken by social workers.
Just recently, another high school teacher here was accused of hurting his 17-year old student. The Grade 9 student said he was hit in the head by his teacher after asking permission to go home due to the pain in his stomach.
The victim said without any warning, the teacher suddenly hit him in the head in front of his classmates and another teacher inside the classroom. The incident occurred Tuesday, November 22, inside the Zamboanga City High School Main Campus.
“I was just asking permission to go home because my stomach was really hurting, then my
teacher suddenly hit me in the head, in front of my adviser and classmates. I was shocked and traumatized by his action and I just left the classroom,” he told The Manila Times.
The student claimed his adviser did not do anything. The victim’s mother condemned the physical abuse his son suffered in the hands of his teacher and is mulling charges against him. “Teachers are not supposed to inflict pain or hurt their students. This is totally wrong,” she said.
The victim alleged that other students also suffered the same humiliating incident from the same teacher. Corporal punishment is the most widespread form of violence against children. It is any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort. It is a violation of children’s rights to respect for human dignity and physical integrity.
Incidentally, both students are cousins, although they live in separate houses. (Mindanao Examiner)
Products exported in EU countries include animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes, USD 297.12 million; preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates, USD 60.87 million; and preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants, USD 43.70 million.
In other development, for imports under ASEAN member countries, Vietnam accumulated the highest value with USD 420.38 million or 26.9 percent to the total USD 1.56 billion agricultural imports from ASEAN member countries in the second quarter of 2022.
Next to Vietnam is Indonesia with USD 391. 21 million; Malaysia, USD 370.05 million; Thailand, USD 215. 02 million; Singapore, USD 135.83 million; and other ASEAN countries having USD 30.22 million. Still under imports, Spain is leading in the EU member countries with import value of USD 114.82 million or a share of 24.8 percent to the total USD 462.57 million agricultural imports from EU member countries.
Products imported include meat and edible meat offal, USD 182.31 million; dairy produce; birds’ eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere classified, USD 88.70 million; and residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder, USD 45.54 million.
How can we resolve the How can we rice importation issue? rice issue?
Currently, the country remains the most food-insecure country in Asia. The reason for that is that we relied more on imported food to feed the growing population.
With no clear policy or plan to improve the agriculture sector, the Philippines will be forever dependent on imports unless the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will implement a drastic move that will benefit the country’s 111 million population.
For export matters, the Philippines has no problem. Big chunk of proceeds from exports is helping the country’s economy that was crippled by the pandemic. On a short term basis, to address the gaps in the shortage of food like rice for example, importation is the top easiest solution the central government can do to resolve the problem.
With 20 tropical storms hitting the country annually, some of which are devastating, Filipino farmers were always affected and that resulted in severe loss in the agricultural products. For example in 2020, typhoons that hit the country destroyed around 419, 560 MT of rice, as reported by the Department of Agriculture.
For a medium-term solution, the state should ensure enough funding intended for the agriculture sector. But this measure will only work yearly and need to renew the financial requirements for succeeding years.In the past 25 years, with domestic food shortages, the country imports 10% of its rice yearly, making the nation the world’s largest rice importer.
However, the problem of food shortage that has been going on for decades, for example rice, can be resolved if the central government will aggressively take part in the food production system.The issue here is not the rice variety present in the market but the kind of current platform the government implements.
What the Philippine government needs is an enterprise system because admittedly, cooperative is not efficiently
working although it should be the ideal.
For several years, the central government, like the Agriculture department, has been allotting a huge amount of their yearly budget to provide seedlings, fertilizers and farm equipment to its farmer groups across the nation. And this kind of measure has not contributed to increasing the production of farmers. At the end of the day, we resort to importation.
So to get rid of relying on food importation and possibly to regain its crown as the leading rice producer in Asia, the Philippine government should start by organizing the farmers.
Specifically, holding discussions with farmers who have more than 10-25 hectares of land to organize themselves and to merge with other farmers to reach 500 hectares in a certain location. This kind of setup is similar to big agribusiness.
Once they complete the 500 or 1000 hectares, the state should provide state of the art equipment, including silos as well as people that will help the farmers in their group.
Of course, this kind of undertaking will be handled by the farmers themselves. They will elect their own members of the board to handle the decision making. The government, on the other hand, will not touch the issue of the land tenure system. Only the production process, as well providing monetary for experts that will help in the operation.
In other words, what the central government must do is to control the production itself. None of the future harvest will be sold outside except to the government. And the state’s involvement for this kind of plan will only be three years. After three years, the government will exit and let the leaders of the farmers group handle all the operations. The experts and workers helping them from scratch in the operation will remain. The farmers themselves will take care of the compensation.
For me, having such a system for agricultural crops will dramatically increase the country’s production. This is what other countries were doing until now. Like Vietnam and Thailand. The good thing with Vietnam and Thailand, they have a strong presence of their government in food production.
In general, that plan is intended for the farmers themselves. The government will allow them to control the production but not abruptly. That’s why there’s a three-years to five years exit plan for the government. Once the government sees the good development, they can turnover the operation with the farmers. Having 20 groups operational scattered all over the country will solve the rice importation issues.
That will be for medium and long term plans. Unless the government takes action, we cannot do away with importation.Another action the government can do is to strengthen its crackdown against corrupt government officials in the Bureau of Custom.
Under President Marcos Jr. ‘s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, the smuggling of rice, poultry and other agricultural products were rampant. Farmers group called Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) cited that country lost about 300 million kilograms of rice to smugglers in 2020 alone.Worst, under Duterte who also claimed he is against corrupt government officials, not a single smuggler or government official linked in the illegal activity has been put to jail.
The central government should also look into this issue.
According to the chairman of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, 6th District PB Member Glenn Anthony Soco, this
is a “remarkable and most historic of annual budgets passed by the Cebu Provincial Board.”
He said the passage of
the budget shows of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s commitment to maximize Cebu’s economic potential by continuing its major in-
CEBU - Most Filipinos believe the country is headed in the right direction under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the latest survey results released by OCTA Research showed.
Based on the 4th quarter of 2022 Tugon ng Masa survey of OCTA, 85% of Filipino adults said the Philippines is headed in the right direction, with only 6% expressing disagreement.
In the major areas, 91% of Filipino adults in the Visayas believe the chief executive is steering the country
well, while 87% in Balance Luzon and 84% in Mindanao affirmed this.
Meanwhile, 70% of Filipino adults in the National Capital Region believe the country is headed in the right direction under the Marcos administration. By socio-economic classes, Class D or the lower middle class registered the highest agreement that the country is headed in the right direction, registering 86%.
On the other hand, 81% of those under Class E, or the “poorest of the poor,” and 79
percent of Classes ABC, composed mostly of upper middle class, believe the country is on the right track under the current administration.
The OCTA survey was conducted with 1,200 adult respondents. Filipino respondents were asked the question: “Based on the policies and programs presented and implemented by the current administration,
you think the country
leading in the right way?”
According to OCTA, the margin of error of the survey is ±3 percent. (Cebu Examiner)
Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseur thinks.
Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected.
In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad.
But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lover for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City.
The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink.
Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a backyard reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection.
Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who want the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice.
And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)
frastructure projects such as roadworks, health and medical facilities and other public health services, water systems, bulk water and distribution facilities, among other vital projects to improve the way of life and living of the Cebuanos.
“It gives emphasis to
the sustainability of successful programs such as Sugbo Negosyo, Sugbo Kahanas, Sugbusog, Enhanced Countryside Development, and other food sufficiency programs,” Soco said.
“What is salient about this budget is that despite the National Tax Allocation's
projected reduction by 18 percent, our budget will increase by at least 10 percent from its current year’s budget. So we are projecting an increase in local income,” Soco added.
The annual budget for 2022 was pegged at P18.3 billion. (EEV)
CEBU - China Airlines (CAL) will launch direct flight services from Taiwan's main airport in Taoyuan to Cebu in Central Philippines, and Chiang Mai in Thailand in the coming months, the Taiwanese carrier announced.
The Taiwanese carrier said flights to Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines, will start Dec. 1 with one roundtrip flight every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The flights, which will use an Airbus A321neo, will leave Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 7:40 a.m. and arrive in Cebu at 10:35 a.m., with the return flight departing the Philippines at 11:35 a.m. and arriving in Taiwan at 2:30 p.m., CAL said.
Meanwhile, flights from Taoyuan to Chiang Mai, set to begin on Jan. 20, 2023 using the A321neo, will take off at 7:50 a.m. every Tuesday,
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and arrive in Thailand at 11 a.m. local time.
The return flight will leave Chiang Mai at noon and arrive in Taoyuan at 5 p.m. (Taiwan time).
CAL said the A321neo, which became part of its fleet last year, has 168 seats in economy class and 12 in business class.
In anticipation of growing demand for air travel in a post-COVID-19 world, the carrier said the return flights from Cebu and Chi-
ang Mai could help attract more transit passengers to change flights in Taiwan on their way to destinations in Europe and North America.
The company forecasts that its number of flights will grow by 30% in the final quarter of 2022, with those to Southeast Asia set to increase by 50%. By the time the Lunar New Year arrives in early 2023, CAL will be serving 17 destinations in Southeast Asia, the airline said. (Wang Shu-fen, Ko Lin / CNA)