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The Department of Health (DoH) on Friday said there are 8,748 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) bringing the total number of active cases in the country to 53,770.Follow us on Spotify 大象传媒 B-Side
\nThe Philippines, often hailed as one the most gender-equal countries in the world, placed 17th out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines came in second only to New Zealand, which ranked fourth globally.\u00a0\u00a0
\nThe report doesn\u2019t paint the whole picture, said Nathalie Africa-Verceles, director of the Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of the Philippines.\u00a0In this B-Side episode, Ms. Africa-Verceles speaks with Gillian M. Cortez (who was a reporter for\u00a0大象传媒\u00a0at the time of the interview) about contradictions between Philippine culture and Philippine laws, in terms of gender equality.\u00a0
\nTAKEAWAYS\u00a0\u00a0
\nGENDER EQUALITY INCLUDES LGBTQ+ RIGHTS.\u00a0
\n\u201cThere are still many laws that need to be enacted and still many provisions of existing laws that need to be revised because there are provisions in existing laws that are discriminatory to women. But when we talk about gender, we don\u2019t only refer to women,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Ms. Africa-Verceles, emphasizing that gender equality includes the rights of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning) community.\u00a0
\nCongress, she added, should prioritize passing the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m very disappointed it\u2019s taking so long.\u201d\u00a0
\nTHE WORKPLACE\u00a0SHOULD PROMOTE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION.\u00a0
\nEmployers have seen the necessity to include measures that encourage diversity in the workplace, said Ms. Africa-Verceles. Weaving in measures that call for inclusivity with current worker-centered practices will ensure the security of employees from experiencing discrimination at work.\u00a0\u00a0
\n\u201cThere will\u00a0always\u00a0be women and gender-diverse\u00a0individuals\u00a0in your organizations so you\u00a0need\u00a0to\u00a0ensure that they do not experience discrimination, marginalization, or subordination… that is the mandate of any decent\u00a0organization,\u201d she said.\u00a0
\nENCOURAGE CRITICAL THINKING AT A YOUNG AGE.\u00a0
\nFamilies and schools are crucial to\u00a0the advancement of\u00a0gender equality.\u00a0Children who are encouraged to think critically\u00a0will be able to discern\u00a0unacceptable gender stereotypes and expectations\u00a0that\u00a0have been embedded in\u00a0literary and artistic\u00a0canons, pop culture, and media.\u00a0
\n\u201cWhat I would like to see us doing in our families and in our schools is raising the critical awareness of children and other individuals with respect to all these constructed notions of masculinity and femininity,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u00a0
\n\u201cWhat we want to do is to raise a generation that knows how to critique the gender norms and stereotypes\u00a0\u2026\u00a0because if you think critically, no matter what happens in your society, you\u2019re not going to accept it just like that because you\u2019re able to analyze.\u201d\u00a0
\n\u00a0
\nThis B-Side episode was recorded remotely on May 18. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez\u00a0and Sam L. Marcelo.
\nFollow us on Spotify 大象传媒 B-Side
\n", "content_text": "Follow us on Spotify 大象传媒 B-Side\nThe Philippines, often hailed as one the most gender-equal countries in the world, placed 17th out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines came in second only to New Zealand, which ranked fourth globally.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe report doesn\u2019t paint the whole picture, said Nathalie Africa-Verceles, director of the Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of the Philippines.\u00a0In this B-Side episode, Ms. Africa-Verceles speaks with Gillian M. Cortez (who was a reporter for\u00a0大象传媒\u00a0at the time of the interview) about contradictions between Philippine culture and Philippine laws, in terms of gender equality.\u00a0\nTAKEAWAYS\u00a0\u00a0\nGENDER EQUALITY INCLUDES LGBTQ+ RIGHTS.\u00a0\n\u201cThere are still many laws that need to be enacted and still many provisions of existing laws that need to be revised because there are provisions in existing laws that are discriminatory to women. But when we talk about gender, we don\u2019t only refer to women,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Ms. Africa-Verceles, emphasizing that gender equality includes the rights of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning) community.\u00a0\nCongress, she added, should prioritize passing the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m very disappointed it\u2019s taking so long.\u201d\u00a0\nTHE WORKPLACE\u00a0SHOULD PROMOTE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION.\u00a0\nEmployers have seen the necessity to include measures that encourage diversity in the workplace, said Ms. Africa-Verceles. Weaving in measures that call for inclusivity with current worker-centered practices will ensure the security of employees from experiencing discrimination at work.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThere will\u00a0always\u00a0be women and gender-diverse\u00a0individuals\u00a0in your organizations so you\u00a0need\u00a0to\u00a0ensure that they do not experience discrimination, marginalization, or subordination… that is the mandate of any decent\u00a0organization,\u201d she said.\u00a0\nENCOURAGE CRITICAL THINKING AT A YOUNG AGE.\u00a0\nFamilies and schools are crucial to\u00a0the advancement of\u00a0gender equality.\u00a0Children who are encouraged to think critically\u00a0will be able to discern\u00a0unacceptable gender stereotypes and expectations\u00a0that\u00a0have been embedded in\u00a0literary and artistic\u00a0canons, pop culture, and media.\u00a0\n\u201cWhat I would like to see us doing in our families and in our schools is raising the critical awareness of children and other individuals with respect to all these constructed notions of masculinity and femininity,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cWhat we want to do is to raise a generation that knows how to critique the gender norms and stereotypes\u00a0\u2026\u00a0because if you think critically, no matter what happens in your society, you\u2019re not going to accept it just like that because you\u2019re able to analyze.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThis B-Side episode was recorded remotely on May 18. Produced by Paolo L. Lopez\u00a0and Sam L. Marcelo.\nFollow us on Spotify 大象传媒 B-Side", "date_published": "2021-06-02T10:12:25+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-06-02T10:13:55+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/winseciontainkes/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5aebc87a76b327f90fc9671dea4220c74092c328c9b13ee03e93a20601e350d3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/winseciontainkes/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5aebc87a76b327f90fc9671dea4220c74092c328c9b13ee03e93a20601e350d3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/05.31.21-B_Side_Natalie-Verceles-1400x1400-1.jpg", "tags": [ "B-Side", "diversity and inclusion", "gender equality", "Gillian M. Cortez", "LGBTQ", "Nathalie Africa-Verceles", "Paolo L. Lopez", "Podcast", "Sam L. Marcelo" ] }, { "id": "/?p=371773", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/28/371773/dole-suspends-ofw-deployment-to-saudi-arabia/", "title": "DOLE suspends OFW deployment to Saudi Arabia", "content_html": "The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has temporarily suspended the deployment overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Saudi Arabia after reports that outbound OFWs were obliged to pay for their own coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests and other health safety measures.
\nBased on a memorandum addressed to Labor Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia dated May 27 that was made public, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello ordered the suspension due to \u201creports that departing OFWs are being required by their employers/foreign recruitment agencies to shoulder the costs of the health and safety protocol for COVID-19 and insurance coverage premium upon their entry in the Kingdom (of Saudi Arabia).\u201d
\nThe suspension of deployment is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice.
\nIn a press briefing on Friday, the DOLE said that recruiters and employers requiring the OFWs to pay for their insurance premiums and health protocols violates the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration\u2019s Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2021 which mandates that recruitment agencies and principals/employers of the OFWs should spend for these requirements.
\nThe abrupt deployment suspension resulted in hundreds of OFWs who were en route to Saudi Arabia finding themselves stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. Over 400 OFWs were not allowed to board their flights on Friday DOLE reported.
\nAt the same briefing, Mr. Olalia said that the department is working to provide a resolution to the issue and is asking for clarification from Saudi Arabian authorities regarding the conflicting guidelines.
\nFlag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Friday said it \u201cregrets\u201d that it could not accommodate 282 passengers who were supposed to board a flight from Manila to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
\nPAL said in a statement that it \u201cdid not receive official advice from the Philippine government regarding the prohibition on the entry into Saudi Arabia until further notice.\u201d — Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has temporarily suspended the deployment overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Saudi Arabia after reports that outbound OFWs were obliged to pay for their own coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests and other health safety measures. \nBased on a memorandum addressed to Labor Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia dated May 27 that was made public, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello ordered the suspension due to \u201creports that departing OFWs are being required by their employers/foreign recruitment agencies to shoulder the costs of the health and safety protocol for COVID-19 and insurance coverage premium upon their entry in the Kingdom (of Saudi Arabia).\u201d \nThe suspension of deployment is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice. \nIn a press briefing on Friday, the DOLE said that recruiters and employers requiring the OFWs to pay for their insurance premiums and health protocols violates the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration\u2019s Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2021 which mandates that recruitment agencies and principals/employers of the OFWs should spend for these requirements. \nThe abrupt deployment suspension resulted in hundreds of OFWs who were en route to Saudi Arabia finding themselves stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. Over 400 OFWs were not allowed to board their flights on Friday DOLE reported. \nAt the same briefing, Mr. Olalia said that the department is working to provide a resolution to the issue and is asking for clarification from Saudi Arabian authorities regarding the conflicting guidelines. \nFlag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Friday said it \u201cregrets\u201d that it could not accommodate 282 passengers who were supposed to board a flight from Manila to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. \nPAL said in a statement that it \u201cdid not receive official advice from the Philippine government regarding the prohibition on the entry into Saudi Arabia until further notice.\u201d — Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-28T19:11:34+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-28T19:11:34+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DOLE-LOGO.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=371769", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/28/371769/8000-new-covid-19-cases-bring-total-active-cases-to-53770/", "title": "8,000 new COVID-19 cases bring total active cases to 53,770", "content_html": "The Department of Health (DoH) on Friday said there are 8,748 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) bringing the total number of active cases in the country to 53,770.
This is the first time that the number of active cases breached the 8,000 mark since May 1.
\nIn a statement released on Friday, the health department reported 8,748 additional positive cases of COVID-19. This brings the total case tally since the pandemic started to 1,209,154.
\nOf the 53,770 active cases, 93.2% were classified as mild while 2.2% were asymptomatic, 1.8% were severe, 1.4% were critical, and 1.3% were moderate cases, the DoH reported.
\nIt also said that 3,017 people have recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,134,818. There were also 187 new deaths, bringing the total death tally to 20,566 since the pandemic started.
\nAcross the country, 59% of ICU beds are being utilized while 48% of ward beds are occupied, as are 46% of isolation beds. Thirty-seven percent of ventilators in the country are currently in use. — Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "The Department of Health (DoH) on Friday said there are 8,748 new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) bringing the total number of active cases in the country to 53,770.\nThis is the first time that the number of active cases breached the 8,000 mark since May 1.\nIn a statement released on Friday, the health department reported 8,748 additional positive cases of COVID-19. This brings the total case tally since the pandemic started to 1,209,154.\nOf the 53,770 active cases, 93.2% were classified as mild while 2.2% were asymptomatic, 1.8% were severe, 1.4% were critical, and 1.3% were moderate cases, the DoH reported.\nIt also said that 3,017 people have recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,134,818. There were also 187 new deaths, bringing the total death tally to 20,566 since the pandemic started.\nAcross the country, 59% of ICU beds are being utilized while 48% of ward beds are occupied, as are 46% of isolation beds. Thirty-seven percent of ventilators in the country are currently in use. — Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-28T19:04:45+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-28T19:05:45+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DOH-logo-100719-e1573041679846.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=371760", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/28/371760/house-panel-oks-bayanihan-2-extension-until-december/", "title": "House panel OKs Bayanihan 2 extension until December", "content_html": "A House of Representatives panel on Friday approved the extension of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act until Dec. 30, 2021 as the law is set to expire next month.
\nIn a hearing on Friday, the House Committee on Appropriations approved the unnumbered bill that will consolidate House Bills 9196 and 9356 subject to style. The proposed law called for the extension on the release, obligation, and disbursement of funds under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, informally known as Bayanihan 2.
\nThe P165-billion economic relief fund was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Sept. 11, 2020 and was initially set to expire on Dec. 20, 2020. Through the legislation, the appropriations were then extended until June 30, 2021.
\n\u201cDespite the best efforts to complete each program and initiatives to help the Filipino people rise above the adversity brought about the pandemic, the government finds it difficult to finish the disbursement of the allocated funds to all the beneficiaries until June 30, 2021,\u201d said ACR-CIS Rep. Rowena Ni\u00f1a O. Taduran when she sponsored the measures during the hearing.
\nThe Department of Budget and Management said at the hearing that all the funds under Bayanihan 2 have been remitted to the respective government agencies. Obligation and disbursement of the appropriations are on the part of the government agencies that received the funding.
\nWith the proposed second extension, lawmakers wanted an assurance from all government agencies implementing programs under the Bayanihan 2 that extending the deadline to December 2021 will be long enough for them to finish all of their obligations. The agencies that attended the hearing all said that the December timeline will be sufficient to accomplish this.
\nAPEC Party-list Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc said in the hearing that \u201cthe problems in the first extension would not happen in the second extension\u201d once Congress passes the bill. — Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A House of Representatives panel on Friday approved the extension of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act until Dec. 30, 2021 as the law is set to expire next month. \nIn a hearing on Friday, the House Committee on Appropriations approved the unnumbered bill that will consolidate House Bills 9196 and 9356 subject to style. The proposed law called for the extension on the release, obligation, and disbursement of funds under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, informally known as Bayanihan 2. \nThe P165-billion economic relief fund was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Sept. 11, 2020 and was initially set to expire on Dec. 20, 2020. Through the legislation, the appropriations were then extended until June 30, 2021. \n\u201cDespite the best efforts to complete each program and initiatives to help the Filipino people rise above the adversity brought about the pandemic, the government finds it difficult to finish the disbursement of the allocated funds to all the beneficiaries until June 30, 2021,\u201d said ACR-CIS Rep. Rowena Ni\u00f1a O. Taduran when she sponsored the measures during the hearing. \nThe Department of Budget and Management said at the hearing that all the funds under Bayanihan 2 have been remitted to the respective government agencies. Obligation and disbursement of the appropriations are on the part of the government agencies that received the funding. \nWith the proposed second extension, lawmakers wanted an assurance from all government agencies implementing programs under the Bayanihan 2 that extending the deadline to December 2021 will be long enough for them to finish all of their obligations. The agencies that attended the hearing all said that the December timeline will be sufficient to accomplish this. \nAPEC Party-list Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc said in the hearing that \u201cthe problems in the first extension would not happen in the second extension\u201d once Congress passes the bill. — Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-28T18:55:49+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-28T18:55:49+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Worker-House-of-Representatives.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=371751", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/28/371751/dost-funds-new-rd-centers-which-focus-on-countryside-development/", "title": "DOST funds new R&D centers which focus on countryside development", "content_html": "The Department of Science and Technology\u00a0(DOST)\u00a0has\u00a0approved over P540 million in funds to support seven new research centers that will focus on development in the countryside.\u00a0
\nIn a statement\u00a0released\u00a0on Friday, the DOST said that it\u00a0\u201capproved seven new research and development (R&D) centers in the countryside through the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program.\u201d\u00a0NICER is a sub-program under the agency\u2019s Science for Change Program (S4CP) which aims to increase investment in R&D to boost the country\u2019s innovation in the science and technology sector.\u00a0
\nThe\u00a0recipients will receive a total of P540,497,681.20.\u00a0
\nThe R&D center recipients and their respective funding allocations are the following:\u00a0\u00a0
\nScience and technology Secretary Fortunato T. dela Pe\u00f1a said in a statement on Friday,\u00a0\u201cDOST-S4CP in funding R&D Centers, capacitates the regions to become innovation hubs…\u00a0By supporting R&D, we serve the academe, the local industry, and,\u00a0in turn, the country due to the entrepreneurial advancement provided to the local community.\u201d\u00a0
\nScience and technology Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara also said in a statement that the S4CP\u00a0\u201cis a means to proportionately spread funding across all regions for capacity-building initiatives and securing partnerships across academia and industry members.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0
\nThere are 35 R&D centers in all 17 regions\u00a0of the country\u00a0under the NICER\u00a0program,\u00a0with\u00a0total funding of P1.7 billion. — Gillian M. Cortez\u00a0
\n", "content_text": "The Department of Science and Technology\u00a0(DOST)\u00a0has\u00a0approved over P540 million in funds to support seven new research centers that will focus on development in the countryside.\u00a0\nIn a statement\u00a0released\u00a0on Friday, the DOST said that it\u00a0\u201capproved seven new research and development (R&D) centers in the countryside through the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) Program.\u201d\u00a0NICER is a sub-program under the agency\u2019s Science for Change Program (S4CP) which aims to increase investment in R&D to boost the country\u2019s innovation in the science and technology sector.\u00a0\nThe\u00a0recipients will receive a total of P540,497,681.20.\u00a0\nThe R&D center recipients and their respective funding allocations are the following:\u00a0\u00a0\n\nThe Center for Vector of Diseases established by the De La Salle University-Laguna,\u00a0P26.5 million\u00a0\nThe Center for Advanced Batteries created by the Technological Institute of the Philippines in collaboration with the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP\u00a0Diliman),\u00a0P142.9 million\u00a0\nThe Center for Sustainable Polymers led by the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology,\u00a0P107.8 million\u00a0\nThe Smart Water Infrastructure and Management R&D Center created by the Isabela State University in collaboration with Cagayan State University and Quirino State University,\u00a0P77.2 million\u00a0\nThe Coastal Engineering R&D (CoastER) Center led by Mariano Marcos State University with\u00a0UP Diliman\u00a0and Don Mariano Marcos State University,\u00a0P79.9 million\u00a0\nThe Center for Lakes Sustainable Development will be established under the leadership of the Laguna State Polytechnic University in collaboration with\u00a0UP Diliman,\u00a0P53.2 million\u00a0\nThe Center for Environmental Technologies and Compliance will be established under the leadership of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in collaboration with\u00a0UP Diliman\u00a0and Adamson University, P53.3 million.\n\nScience and technology Secretary Fortunato T. dela Pe\u00f1a said in a statement on Friday,\u00a0\u201cDOST-S4CP in funding R&D Centers, capacitates the regions to become innovation hubs…\u00a0By supporting R&D, we serve the academe, the local industry, and,\u00a0in turn, the country due to the entrepreneurial advancement provided to the local community.\u201d\u00a0\nScience and technology Undersecretary for R&D Rowena Cristina L. Guevara also said in a statement that the S4CP\u00a0\u201cis a means to proportionately spread funding across all regions for capacity-building initiatives and securing partnerships across academia and industry members.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nThere are 35 R&D centers in all 17 regions\u00a0of the country\u00a0under the NICER\u00a0program,\u00a0with\u00a0total funding of P1.7 billion. — Gillian M. Cortez\u00a0", "date_published": "2021-05-28T18:49:16+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-28T18:50:08+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DOST-LOGO.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=371542", "url": "/labor-and-management/2021/05/28/371542/house-passes-measure-granting-employees-pension-portability/", "title": "House passes measure granting employees pension portability", "content_html": "THE HOUSE of Representatives sitting in plenary approved a bill proposing to make pensions portable as workers change employers and to introduce investment options for pension account holders.
\nIn plenary session late Wednesday, legislators approved House Bill 9343 or the proposed Capital Market Development Act. The measure was elevated by Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries Chairman and Quirino Rep. Junie E. Cua to the floor on May 17.
\n\u201cHouse Bill 9343 is approved on second reading,\u201d Valenzuela Rep.\u00a0Weslie T. Gatchalian, sitting as deputy speaker, said.
\nThe proposed law seeks to broaden the capital markets by addressing deficiencies in the current pension system. The bill hopes to make pensions \u201cfully-funded, portable, more actuarially fair, and stable.\u201d
\nWorkers will be required to have an\u00a0Employee Pension and Retirement Income (EPRI) Account which they will maintain regardless of job changes. Both the employer and employee are required to contribute to the EPRI account, with employers initially contributing 4% and employees earning above minimum wage 1%. Those at minimum wage or lower pay nothing.
\nMicro enterprises only contribute to EPRI accounts if the employees have at least three years\u2019 service or if a new hire has an EPRI account.
\nAccount holders will have the option to invest in\u00a0accredited investment products. In the event no investment choice is indicated, regulators will designate a default investment product or products. An investment manager may be appointed by the EPRI account owner to guide the worker in making investment decisions.
\nThe measure also calls for the establishment of the Capital Market Development Council to steer the reform of the pension system and promote investor confidence and financial literacy.
\nEconomic managers have expressed support for the bill, describing as limited the current law governing pensions, the\u00a0Retirement Pay Law. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE HOUSE of Representatives sitting in plenary approved a bill proposing to make pensions portable as workers change employers and to introduce investment options for pension account holders.\nIn plenary session late Wednesday, legislators approved House Bill 9343 or the proposed Capital Market Development Act. The measure was elevated by Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries Chairman and Quirino Rep. Junie E. Cua to the floor on May 17.\n\u201cHouse Bill 9343 is approved on second reading,\u201d Valenzuela Rep.\u00a0Weslie T. Gatchalian, sitting as deputy speaker, said.\nThe proposed law seeks to broaden the capital markets by addressing deficiencies in the current pension system. The bill hopes to make pensions \u201cfully-funded, portable, more actuarially fair, and stable.\u201d\nWorkers will be required to have an\u00a0Employee Pension and Retirement Income (EPRI) Account which they will maintain regardless of job changes. Both the employer and employee are required to contribute to the EPRI account, with employers initially contributing 4% and employees earning above minimum wage 1%. Those at minimum wage or lower pay nothing.\nMicro enterprises only contribute to EPRI accounts if the employees have at least three years\u2019 service or if a new hire has an EPRI account.\nAccount holders will have the option to invest in\u00a0accredited investment products. In the event no investment choice is indicated, regulators will designate a default investment product or products. An investment manager may be appointed by the EPRI account owner to guide the worker in making investment decisions.\nThe measure also calls for the establishment of the Capital Market Development Council to steer the reform of the pension system and promote investor confidence and financial literacy.\nEconomic managers have expressed support for the bill, describing as limited the current law governing pensions, the\u00a0Retirement Pay Law. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-28T00:03:51+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-27T19:12:23+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SSS-PENSION-FILEFOTO.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Editors' Picks", "Labor and Management" ], "summary": "THE HOUSE of Representatives sitting in plenary approved a bill proposing to make pensions portable as workers change employers and to introduce investment options for pension account holders." }, { "id": "/?p=371541", "url": "/labor-and-management/2021/05/28/371541/poea-once-more-extends-deadline-to-file-reports-on-welfare-of-deployed-workers/", "title": "POEA once more extends deadline to file reports on welfare of deployed workers", "content_html": "THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has once again extended the deadline for recruitment and manning agencies to submit monitoring reports on their overseas-deployed workers.
\nIn POEA Advisory No. 62, the agency said the new deadline is now June 20. The advisory applies to Philippine Recruitment Agencies (PRAs) and Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs), which must report to the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Welfare Monitoring System (OWMS).
\n\u201cIn view of the continuous requests received from the PRAs, LMAs, and industry organizations and associations, the deadline to create and/or update the welfare records in the OWMS of all OFWs onsite (workers) and seafarers onboard is hereby further extended until 20 June 2021,\u201d according to the advisory.
\nThe first deadline extension lapsed on April 30. The original deadline was March 31.
\nSubmission of OFW welfare monitoring reports is required under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.
\nThe POEA said failure to submit the reports will trigger possible administrative sanctions. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
SUPREME Court Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen did not celebrate the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against him by the House of Representatives on Thursday, saying it was a waste of time and was ill-motivated to begin with.
\n\u201cThere is no victory to be celebrated by anyone. If anything, it should remind some not to waste our time and resources for narrow parochial selfish gains,\u201d Mr. Leonen said in an e-mailed statement on Thursday.
\n\u201cA dismissal on the basis of the mere face of the impeachment complaint affirms the baselessness of the grounds raised. It is an act that powerfully speaks for itself,\u201d he added.
\nMr. Leonen said the country\u2019s leaders will eventually see the motives of those who filed the complaint and \u201c(a)t the right time, they will do the right thing.\u201d
\nHe also told \u201cthe prime movers of this baseless complaint and those who have supported them\u201d that he wishes them well, \u201cand I wish that you will also find your own peace.\u201d
\nThe complaint was filed in Dec. 2020 by Edwin M. Cordevilla, secretary-general of the Filipino League of Advocates for Good Government. It was endorsed by House Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco in March.
\nThe House of Representatives dismissed the complaint for lack of authentic and verified documents supporting his alleged violations of the Constitution.
\nThe complaint alleged that Mr. Leonen violated the 1987 Constitution by failing to submit his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) when he was with the University of the Philippines, and for his slow disposal of cases before the Supreme Court.
\nDeputy Speaker Rufus R. Rodriguez, during his manifestation on Thursday, said the complaint lacked the authenticated documents that are meant to determine its sufficiency in form. Most of the documents submitted were published newspaper articles.
\n\u201cThe complaint is beyond verifying because they are all hearsay. All of the documents are hearsay. All the attached in annexes are hearsay,\u201d Mr. Rodriguez said.
\nAlbay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, for his part, said the supposed violations relating to the filing of SALNs cannot be impeachable as the allegations happened before Mr. Leonen\u2019s appointment to the Supreme Court.
\n\u201cGranting if this is true, it cannot be a ground for impeachment for the following reasons: one, the alleged failure was before Justice Leonen was appointed as Associate Justice in 2012. An impeachable incumbent official should be impeached for offenses done during his incumbency,\u201d he said. \u2014 Bianca Angelica D. A\u00f1ago and Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "SUPREME Court Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen did not celebrate the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against him by the House of Representatives on Thursday, saying it was a waste of time and was ill-motivated to begin with.\n\u201cThere is no victory to be celebrated by anyone. If anything, it should remind some not to waste our time and resources for narrow parochial selfish gains,\u201d Mr. Leonen said in an e-mailed statement on Thursday.\n\u201cA dismissal on the basis of the mere face of the impeachment complaint affirms the baselessness of the grounds raised. It is an act that powerfully speaks for itself,\u201d he added.\nMr. Leonen said the country\u2019s leaders will eventually see the motives of those who filed the complaint and \u201c(a)t the right time, they will do the right thing.\u201d\nHe also told \u201cthe prime movers of this baseless complaint and those who have supported them\u201d that he wishes them well, \u201cand I wish that you will also find your own peace.\u201d\nThe complaint was filed in Dec. 2020 by Edwin M. Cordevilla, secretary-general of the Filipino League of Advocates for Good Government. It was endorsed by House Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco in March.\nThe House of Representatives dismissed the complaint for lack of authentic and verified documents supporting his alleged violations of the Constitution.\nThe complaint alleged that Mr. Leonen violated the 1987 Constitution by failing to submit his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) when he was with the University of the Philippines, and for his slow disposal of cases before the Supreme Court.\nDeputy Speaker Rufus R. Rodriguez, during his manifestation on Thursday, said the complaint lacked the authenticated documents that are meant to determine its sufficiency in form. Most of the documents submitted were published newspaper articles.\n\u201cThe complaint is beyond verifying because they are all hearsay. All of the documents are hearsay. All the attached in annexes are hearsay,\u201d Mr. Rodriguez said.\nAlbay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, for his part, said the supposed violations relating to the filing of SALNs cannot be impeachable as the allegations happened before Mr. Leonen\u2019s appointment to the Supreme Court.\n\u201cGranting if this is true, it cannot be a ground for impeachment for the following reasons: one, the alleged failure was before Justice Leonen was appointed as Associate Justice in 2012. An impeachable incumbent official should be impeached for offenses done during his incumbency,\u201d he said. \u2014 Bianca Angelica D. A\u00f1ago and Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-27T20:13:08+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-27T20:13:08+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/justice-leonen.jpg", "tags": [ "Bianca Angelica D. A\u00f1ago", "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ], "summary": "SUPREME Court Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen did not celebrate the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against him by the House of Representatives on Thursday, saying it was a waste of time and was ill-motivated to begin with." }, { "id": "/?p=371265", "url": "/top-stories/2021/05/27/371265/bayanihan-iii-nears-final-house-approval/", "title": "Bayanihan III nears final House approval", "content_html": "![\"\"](\"/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/slum-area-2.jpg\")
THE HOUSE of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved on second reading the proposed P401-billion economic stimulus measure, which seeks to drive recovery with additional support for pandemic-hit businesses and families.
\nHouse Bill No. 9411 or the Bayanihan to Arise as One Act (Bayanihan III) was passed by lawmakers via viva voce voting.
\nAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin told reporters on Wednesday that there is a rush to pass the third stimulus bill on final reading before Congress\u2019 sine die adjournment on June 4.
\n\u201cYesterday we did some…amendments by substitution… Rightfully so, maa-approve siya (the bill will be approved) before we adjourn next week,\u201d she added.
\nSince it is not certified by Malaca\u00f1ang as urgent, Bayanihan III can only be approved on third and final reading next week. Under the Congress\u2019 rules, a bill can only be passed on third reading three session days after it was approved on second reading.
\nAs of Wednesday, there are 297 members of the House who signed to be the authors of the measure.
\nMs. Garin said the stimulus fund\u2019s amount was adjusted to P401 billion from P405.6 billion, to reflect the priority programs.
\nHowever, Bayanihan III still lacks a certification from the Treasury that funds are available for its implementation. This is a requirement for special appropriations bills on Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution.
\nWhile the Senate and the Executive department are hesitant to support the stimulus measure, Ms. Garin said their concern over funding sources can be further discussed.
\n\u201cWe continue our dialogue with (National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon), to (Finance) Secretary (Carlos G. Dominguez III)\u2026 we continue. The communication is regular…kahit hindi pa tapos \u2019yan (even if we are still not finished with the talks) we are in the opinion that we do need this now and we are passing this kasi kailangan talaga natin (because we really need it),\u201d she said.
\nLawmakers earlier identified the bill\u2019s potential funding sources such as the realignment of the 2019 and 2020 national budgets; expanding the minimum required remittances of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); and giving the President the authority to withdraw capital from overcapitalized GOCCs, among others.
\nThe main feature of Bayanihan III is the \u201cAyuda (aid) for All\u201d which will provide P2,000 for all Filipinos regardless of social status, given out in two tranches.\u00a0
\n\u201cWe decided to prioritize ayuda for all… and additional ayuda according to need,\u201d Marikina Representative and the bill\u2019s primary author Stella Luz A. Quimbo said.
\nBayanihan III will also provide assistance for workers and businesses affected by the lockdowns; areas affected by disasters; fund pensions of military personnel; and other critical sectors affected by the ongoing crisis. It also includes additional allocations for cooperatives and higher education.
\nThe Philippines remains in a recession, after gross domestic product (GDP) fell by an annual 4.2% in the first quarter of 2021.
\nThe worse-than-expected first-quarter GDP, coupled with the spike in COVID-19 cases and lockdown restrictions in late March to April, prompted the government to slash its growth targets to 6-7% from 6.5-7.5% penciled in last December 2020.
\nHowever, this was still an improvement from the record 9.6% contraction in 2020. \u2014 GMC
\n", "content_text": "Tall buildings are seen from the Baseco compound, May 25. The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading the Bayanihan to Arise as One bill. \u2014 PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS\nTHE HOUSE of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved on second reading the proposed P401-billion economic stimulus measure, which seeks to drive recovery with additional support for pandemic-hit businesses and families.\nHouse Bill No. 9411 or the Bayanihan to Arise as One Act (Bayanihan III) was passed by lawmakers via viva voce voting.\nAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin told reporters on Wednesday that there is a rush to pass the third stimulus bill on final reading before Congress\u2019 sine die adjournment on June 4.\n\u201cYesterday we did some…amendments by substitution… Rightfully so, maa-approve siya (the bill will be approved) before we adjourn next week,\u201d she added.\nSince it is not certified by Malaca\u00f1ang as urgent, Bayanihan III can only be approved on third and final reading next week. Under the Congress\u2019 rules, a bill can only be passed on third reading three session days after it was approved on second reading.\nAs of Wednesday, there are 297 members of the House who signed to be the authors of the measure.\nMs. Garin said the stimulus fund\u2019s amount was adjusted to P401 billion from P405.6 billion, to reflect the priority programs.\nHowever, Bayanihan III still lacks a certification from the Treasury that funds are available for its implementation. This is a requirement for special appropriations bills on Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution.\nWhile the Senate and the Executive department are hesitant to support the stimulus measure, Ms. Garin said their concern over funding sources can be further discussed.\n\u201cWe continue our dialogue with (National Treasurer Rosalia V. de Leon), to (Finance) Secretary (Carlos G. Dominguez III)\u2026 we continue. The communication is regular…kahit hindi pa tapos \u2019yan (even if we are still not finished with the talks) we are in the opinion that we do need this now and we are passing this kasi kailangan talaga natin (because we really need it),\u201d she said.\nLawmakers earlier identified the bill\u2019s potential funding sources such as the realignment of the 2019 and 2020 national budgets; expanding the minimum required remittances of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); and giving the President the authority to withdraw capital from overcapitalized GOCCs, among others.\nThe main feature of Bayanihan III is the \u201cAyuda (aid) for All\u201d which will provide P2,000 for all Filipinos regardless of social status, given out in two tranches.\u00a0\n\u201cWe decided to prioritize ayuda for all… and additional ayuda according to need,\u201d Marikina Representative and the bill\u2019s primary author Stella Luz A. Quimbo said.\nBayanihan III will also provide assistance for workers and businesses affected by the lockdowns; areas affected by disasters; fund pensions of military personnel; and other critical sectors affected by the ongoing crisis. It also includes additional allocations for cooperatives and higher education.\nThe Philippines remains in a recession, after gross domestic product (GDP) fell by an annual 4.2% in the first quarter of 2021.\nThe worse-than-expected first-quarter GDP, coupled with the spike in COVID-19 cases and lockdown restrictions in late March to April, prompted the government to slash its growth targets to 6-7% from 6.5-7.5% penciled in last December 2020.\nHowever, this was still an improvement from the record 9.6% contraction in 2020. \u2014 GMC", "date_published": "2021-05-27T00:34:12+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-26T21:04:49+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/slum-area-2.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured2", "Gillian M. Cortez", "Editors' Picks", "大象传媒" ], "summary": "THE HOUSE of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved on second reading the proposed P401-billion economic stimulus measure, which seeks to drive recovery with additional support for pandemic-hit businesses and families." }, { "id": "/?p=371398", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/26/371398/house-oks-easing-cha-cha-ownership-limits/", "title": "House OK\u2019s easing \u2018Cha-cha\u2019 ownership limits", "content_html": "The House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on second reading a resolution seeking to ease economic restrictions in the 1987 Constitution.
\nCongressmen will amend the three-decade-old Charter by inserting\u202f the phrase \u201cunless otherwise provided by law\u201d in clauses that limit foreign ownership in some sectors.
\nThis will give lawmakers the leeway to pass laws that will lift the Charter change (Cha-cha) limits.
\nThe House committee on constitutional amendments endorsed the measure in plenary in January. Congressmen have prioritized idebates on the measure since sessions resumed on May 17 after a two-month recess. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "The House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on second reading a resolution seeking to ease economic restrictions in the 1987 Constitution.\nCongressmen will amend the three-decade-old Charter by inserting\u202f the phrase \u201cunless otherwise provided by law\u201d in clauses that limit foreign ownership in some sectors.\nThis will give lawmakers the leeway to pass laws that will lift the Charter change (Cha-cha) limits.\nThe House committee on constitutional amendments endorsed the measure in plenary in January. Congressmen have prioritized idebates on the measure since sessions resumed on May 17 after a two-month recess. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-26T20:40:00+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-27T08:42:06+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/rgentribirthfurd/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/9965230d2fd009579b4e8df9a934f6d1021b1ee67e60bcb4cad3b7249a2900ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-nation-default.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=371355", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/26/371355/philippines-keeps-ban-on-worker-deployment-to-israel-despite-truce/", "title": "Philippines keeps ban on worker deployment to Israel despite truce", "content_html": "A PHILIPPINE ban on worker deployment to Israel stands despite a ceasefire between the Middle Eastern country and Hamas, according to the Labor department.
\nLocal authorities would keep watching the geopolitical situation in Israel and Gaza before sending more workers, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III told an online news briefing on Wednesday.
\n\u201cIf the situation gets better, let us start processing,\u201d he said.
\nThe agency may start deploying Filipino workers to Israel starting next month, Mr. Bello said. About 400 workers were supposed to be deployed to Israel this month.
\n\u201cGive it another two to three weeks,\u201d he said, adding that the government would like to see if Israel\u2019s ceasefire deal with Palestinians would be followed.
\nIsrael and Hamas both claimed victory last week after they ended 11 days of fighting where more than 200 people died and caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reported.
\nHumanitarian officials said the damage to Gaza would take years to rebuild, according to the news wire.
\nPalestinian officials put the rebuilding costs at tens of millions of dollars, while economists said the fighting could curb Israel\u2019s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters said.
\nHamas, the Islamic militant group that seeks to destroy Israel, needs to rebuild a territory that is already suffering from poverty, widespread job loss and a raging coronavirus pandemic.
\nMr. Bello said the situation seems to have improved after the ceasefire.
\nThe Labor department imposed the deployment ban last week, which the presidential palace backed. No Filipino death had been reported, he added. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A PHILIPPINE ban on worker deployment to Israel stands despite a ceasefire between the Middle Eastern country and Hamas, according to the Labor department.\nLocal authorities would keep watching the geopolitical situation in Israel and Gaza before sending more workers, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III told an online news briefing on Wednesday.\n\u201cIf the situation gets better, let us start processing,\u201d he said.\nThe agency may start deploying Filipino workers to Israel starting next month, Mr. Bello said. About 400 workers were supposed to be deployed to Israel this month. \n\u201cGive it another two to three weeks,\u201d he said, adding that the government would like to see if Israel\u2019s ceasefire deal with Palestinians would be followed.\nIsrael and Hamas both claimed victory last week after they ended 11 days of fighting where more than 200 people died and caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reported.\nHumanitarian officials said the damage to Gaza would take years to rebuild, according to the news wire.\nPalestinian officials put the rebuilding costs at tens of millions of dollars, while economists said the fighting could curb Israel\u2019s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, Reuters said.\nHamas, the Islamic militant group that seeks to destroy Israel, needs to rebuild a territory that is already suffering from poverty, widespread job loss and a raging coronavirus pandemic.\nMr. Bello said the situation seems to have improved after the ceasefire.\nThe Labor department imposed the deployment ban last week, which the presidential palace backed. No Filipino death had been reported, he added. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-26T20:38:29+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-26T20:37:31+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/DoLE.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured2", "Gillian M. Cortez", "Editors' Picks", "The Nation" ], "summary": "A PHILIPPINE ban on worker deployment to Israel stands despite a ceasefire between the Middle Eastern country and Hamas, according to the Labor department." }, { "id": "/?p=371301", "url": "/economy/2021/05/26/371301/delay-seen-in-public-service-act-amendments/", "title": "Delay seen in Public Service Act amendments", "content_html": "PROPOSALS to amend the Public Service Act (PSA) could be delayed, though other priority legislative items like amendments to the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2020 could be approved sooner, a key legislator said.
\nOn Wednesday, AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon S. Garin said legislators recently met with the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council on the three measures, all certified by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as urgent.
\nThe House versions of the amendment bills have been approved on third reading while the Senate is still deliberating its own bills seeking to amend the Public Service Act and the Foreign Investments Act.
\nMs. Garin said while discussions on the Foreign Investments bill at the Senate have been promising, the PSA amendments have fallen behind in the approval process.
\n\u201cThe Foreign Investments Act\u2026 is going along. It has a good chance na matatapos siya (to be finished) before the break. \u2018Yung Public Services Act, medyo complicated \u2018yun (that is a bit more complicated). I don\u2019t know if they can finish but they are trying,\u201d she said.
\nMs. Garin said the Senate and the House of Representatives will begin the bicameral conference for the Retail Trade amendment bill soon. The Senate approved its bill earlier this month.
\nCongress will go on sine die adjournment on June 2.
\nMs. Garin said that the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act, known informally as the Bayanihan III stimulus package, is not deemed a priority measure.
\n\u201cBayanihan III is not in their priority of the executive. It is a priority of the House and then eventually the Senate,\u201d she said, adding that the three investment-liberalization bills are the top priority for the executive.
\nThe House of Representatives has approved the Bayanihan III bill on second reading. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez\u00a0
\n", "content_text": "PROPOSALS to amend the Public Service Act (PSA) could be delayed, though other priority legislative items like amendments to the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2020 could be approved sooner, a key legislator said.\nOn Wednesday, AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon S. Garin said legislators recently met with the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council on the three measures, all certified by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as urgent.\nThe House versions of the amendment bills have been approved on third reading while the Senate is still deliberating its own bills seeking to amend the Public Service Act and the Foreign Investments Act.\nMs. Garin said while discussions on the Foreign Investments bill at the Senate have been promising, the PSA amendments have fallen behind in the approval process.\n\u201cThe Foreign Investments Act\u2026 is going along. It has a good chance na matatapos siya (to be finished) before the break. \u2018Yung Public Services Act, medyo complicated \u2018yun (that is a bit more complicated). I don\u2019t know if they can finish but they are trying,\u201d she said.\nMs. Garin said the Senate and the House of Representatives will begin the bicameral conference for the Retail Trade amendment bill soon. The Senate approved its bill earlier this month.\nCongress will go on sine die adjournment on June 2.\nMs. Garin said that the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act, known informally as the Bayanihan III stimulus package, is not deemed a priority measure.\n\u201cBayanihan III is not in their priority of the executive. It is a priority of the House and then eventually the Senate,\u201d she said, adding that the three investment-liberalization bills are the top priority for the executive.\nThe House of Representatives has approved the Bayanihan III bill on second reading. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez\u00a0", "date_published": "2021-05-26T19:59:33+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-26T21:57:14+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/House-congress.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy", "One News" ], "summary": "PROPOSALS to amend the Public Service Act (PSA) could be delayed, though other priority legislative items like amendments to the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2020 could be approved sooner, a key legislator said." }, { "id": "/?p=371048", "url": "/economy/2021/05/25/371048/dict-pitches-telecom-spectrum-user-fee-to-drive-telco-investment/", "title": "DICT pitches telecom spectrum user fee to drive telco investment", "content_html": "THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Congress needs to legislate a spectrum user fee (SUF) to ensure the sustainability of telecommunications industry development and improve access to the internet.
\nAt a House hearing Tuesday, Information and Communications Undersecretary Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic said the SUF was on the DICT\u2019s wish list when legislators were discussing the proposed third Bayanihan economic stimulus package. The DICT said the fee can only be imposed by law. The funding generated by the fee will allow more fiber connectivity in remote areas.
\n\u201cIf you will allow us… (to unlock the) spectrum users fee, we will be able to invest in digital infrastructure\u2026 so that it is sustainable, economical, and better,\u201d he said, in response to Catanduanes\u00a0Rep. Hector S. Sanchez\u2019s question on the DICT\u2019s plan to \u201cfiberize\u201d the telecom infrastructure.
\nThe House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability was holding the hearing Tuesday to debate House Resolution No.\u00a01751, investigating irregularities in the implementation of the free public Wi-Fi program.
\nThe DICT said the program has enabled up to 6,000 communities along the so-called last mile to access free internet services.
\nMr. Caintic said the free Wi-Fi roll-out was carried out in partnership with the\u00a0United Nations Development Program. It has led to the activation of 9,122 sites. Mr. Caintic said in 2021, more sites will be set up and funds are available to establish 14,000 more. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Congress needs to legislate a spectrum user fee (SUF) to ensure the sustainability of telecommunications industry development and improve access to the internet.\nAt a House hearing Tuesday, Information and Communications Undersecretary Emmanuel Rey R. Caintic said the SUF was on the DICT\u2019s wish list when legislators were discussing the proposed third Bayanihan economic stimulus package. The DICT said the fee can only be imposed by law. The funding generated by the fee will allow more fiber connectivity in remote areas.\n\u201cIf you will allow us… (to unlock the) spectrum users fee, we will be able to invest in digital infrastructure\u2026 so that it is sustainable, economical, and better,\u201d he said, in response to Catanduanes\u00a0Rep. Hector S. Sanchez\u2019s question on the DICT\u2019s plan to \u201cfiberize\u201d the telecom infrastructure.\nThe House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability was holding the hearing Tuesday to debate House Resolution No.\u00a01751, investigating irregularities in the implementation of the free public Wi-Fi program.\nThe DICT said the program has enabled up to 6,000 communities along the so-called last mile to access free internet services.\nMr. Caintic said the free Wi-Fi roll-out was carried out in partnership with the\u00a0United Nations Development Program. It has led to the activation of 9,122 sites. Mr. Caintic said in 2021, more sites will be set up and funds are available to establish 14,000 more. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-25T20:42:26+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-25T20:42:26+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/telcom-tower-third-player-013019.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Congress needs to legislate a spectrum user fee (SUF) to ensure the sustainability of telecommunications industry development and improve access to the internet." }, { "id": "/?p=371045", "url": "/economy/2021/05/25/371045/house-plenary-passes-e-cigarette-bill-amid-claims-of-weaker-health-safeguards-youth-protections/", "title": "House plenary passes e-cigarette bill amid claims of weaker health safeguards, youth protections", "content_html": "THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that proposes to regulate e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, in the face of opposition from some legislators over the deletion of health safeguards.
\nVoting 192 to 34 with four abstentions, legislators approved House Bill 9007, or the proposed\u00a0Non- Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act. The bill sets regulations for the manufacture, use, sale, packaging, distribution, advertisement, and promotion of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
\nIf signed, the bill will also set product standards for ENDS/ENNDS which will be determined by the Department of Trade and Industry in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will also outline standards for HTPs as identified by the DTI in consultation with the Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco.
\nPenalties for noncompliance are capped at P500,000 for a first offense and P750,000 for a second offense. Third offenses warrant a fine of more than P1 million or imprisonment of up to five years.
\nThe bill will also lower the minimum age for persons allowed to purchase from 21 years to 18 years.
\nThe bill will allow the online sale and advertisement of ENDS/ENNDS and HTPs as long as the website or e-commerce platform restricts sales to those under 18.
\nThe head of the House health committee opposed the passage of HB 9007, claiming that the health safeguards are too lax.
\nQuezon Rep. Angelina DL Tan said in explaining her No vote that \u201cI cannot in any manner support House Bill No. 9007… as it pretends to be a health measure for all when if in fact gives primordial consideration to trade and commercial interests of the few.\u201d
\nShe added that the bill runs afoul of various health laws since it does not require warnings on the possible hazards of ENDS/ENDDS and HTP use.
\nMuntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon said in explaining his No vote that HB 9007 has put some distance on its original intent as a health measure and lacks teeth in denying young people access to such products.
\n\u201cThis bill has turned into a trade and industry measure rather than a health measure as we started out. This bill does not protect the youth from the harm of END/ENNDS abuse addiction and as well as the vapes and HTPs because of the permissiveness of the online trading and advertising rules, which IT experts said cannot guarantee the protection of the youth from access,\u201d he said.
\nAgusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence H. Fortun said that the bill also deleted crucial provisions such as designating the FDA as the regulatory agency for e-cigarettes and prohibition of advertising methods attractive to children. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that proposes to regulate e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, in the face of opposition from some legislators over the deletion of health safeguards.\nVoting 192 to 34 with four abstentions, legislators approved House Bill 9007, or the proposed\u00a0Non- Combustible Nicotine Delivery Systems Regulation Act. The bill sets regulations for the manufacture, use, sale, packaging, distribution, advertisement, and promotion of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs).\nIf signed, the bill will also set product standards for ENDS/ENNDS which will be determined by the Department of Trade and Industry in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will also outline standards for HTPs as identified by the DTI in consultation with the Inter-Agency Committee on Tobacco.\nPenalties for noncompliance are capped at P500,000 for a first offense and P750,000 for a second offense. Third offenses warrant a fine of more than P1 million or imprisonment of up to five years.\nThe bill will also lower the minimum age for persons allowed to purchase from 21 years to 18 years.\nThe bill will allow the online sale and advertisement of ENDS/ENNDS and HTPs as long as the website or e-commerce platform restricts sales to those under 18.\nThe head of the House health committee opposed the passage of HB 9007, claiming that the health safeguards are too lax.\nQuezon Rep. Angelina DL Tan said in explaining her No vote that \u201cI cannot in any manner support House Bill No. 9007… as it pretends to be a health measure for all when if in fact gives primordial consideration to trade and commercial interests of the few.\u201d\nShe added that the bill runs afoul of various health laws since it does not require warnings on the possible hazards of ENDS/ENDDS and HTP use.\nMuntinlupa Rep. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon said in explaining his No vote that HB 9007 has put some distance on its original intent as a health measure and lacks teeth in denying young people access to such products.\n\u201cThis bill has turned into a trade and industry measure rather than a health measure as we started out. This bill does not protect the youth from the harm of END/ENNDS abuse addiction and as well as the vapes and HTPs because of the permissiveness of the online trading and advertising rules, which IT experts said cannot guarantee the protection of the youth from access,\u201d he said.\nAgusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence H. Fortun said that the bill also deleted crucial provisions such as designating the FDA as the regulatory agency for e-cigarettes and prohibition of advertising methods attractive to children. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-25T20:39:56+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-25T20:39:56+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/e-cigarette-vape-vaping-111919-768x419-1.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy" ], "summary": "THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that proposes to regulate e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, in the face of opposition from some legislators over the deletion of health safeguards." }, { "id": "/?p=371044", "url": "/economy/2021/05/25/371044/pressed-for-time-house-adopts-senate-tax-amnesty-extension-bill/", "title": "Pressed for time, House adopts Senate tax amnesty extension bill", "content_html": "THE proposed\u00a0extension for availing of the estate tax amnesty will head to Malaca\u00f1ang directly without the need to go through the bicameral conference committee stage after the\u00a0House of Representatives moved to adopt the Senate\u2019s version of the measure.
\nLate Monday, House legislators approved a motion to concur with the Senate\u2019s version of the measure,\u00a0adopting Senate Bill (SB)\u00a02208. The bill\u2019s House counterpart is House Bill (HB)\u00a07068, which proposes to extend the estate tax amnesty by another two years.
\n\u201cWe have been informed that the Committee on Ways and Means, sponsor of House Bill No. 7068, as well as the authors thereof, are in concurrence with the provisions of Senate Bill No. 2208. In accordance with our rules, I move to adopt Senate Bill No. 2208 as an amendment to House Bill No. 7068,\u201d Iloilo City Rep. Lorenz R. Defensor said at the plenary session Monday.
\nWith the House adopting the measure, there will be\u00a0no need for a bicameral meeting on the bill and the bill will be transmitted to the President, skipping a potentially time-consuming stage before Congress adjourns on June 4.
\nThe Senate approved SB 2208 on third and final reading on Monday afternoon. HB 7058 was approved in September.
\nIf signed, the proposed law will amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11213 or the Tax Amnesty Act of 2019, which was set to expire on June 15.
\nThe bill amends the expiration provision to \u201cfour years\u00a0from the effectivity of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act\u201d from the original two years provided for in RA 11213.\u00a0This will move the expiration date for amnesty applications to June 14, 2023. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE proposed\u00a0extension for availing of the estate tax amnesty will head to Malaca\u00f1ang directly without the need to go through the bicameral conference committee stage after the\u00a0House of Representatives moved to adopt the Senate\u2019s version of the measure.\nLate Monday, House legislators approved a motion to concur with the Senate\u2019s version of the measure,\u00a0adopting Senate Bill (SB)\u00a02208. The bill\u2019s House counterpart is House Bill (HB)\u00a07068, which proposes to extend the estate tax amnesty by another two years.\n\u201cWe have been informed that the Committee on Ways and Means, sponsor of House Bill No. 7068, as well as the authors thereof, are in concurrence with the provisions of Senate Bill No. 2208. In accordance with our rules, I move to adopt Senate Bill No. 2208 as an amendment to House Bill No. 7068,\u201d Iloilo City Rep. Lorenz R. Defensor said at the plenary session Monday.\nWith the House adopting the measure, there will be\u00a0no need for a bicameral meeting on the bill and the bill will be transmitted to the President, skipping a potentially time-consuming stage before Congress adjourns on June 4.\nThe Senate approved SB 2208 on third and final reading on Monday afternoon. HB 7058 was approved in September.\nIf signed, the proposed law will amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11213 or the Tax Amnesty Act of 2019, which was set to expire on June 15.\nThe bill amends the expiration provision to \u201cfour years\u00a0from the effectivity of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act\u201d from the original two years provided for in RA 11213.\u00a0This will move the expiration date for amnesty applications to June 14, 2023. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-25T20:38:01+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-25T20:38:01+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/House-Congress-Philstar.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy" ], "summary": "THE proposed\u00a0extension for availing of the estate tax amnesty will head to Malaca\u00f1ang directly without the need to go through the bicameral conference committee stage after the\u00a0House of Representatives moved to adopt the Senate\u2019s version of the measure." }, { "id": "/?p=370742", "url": "/corporate/2021/05/25/370742/house-panel-clears-franchise-of-manila-water-and-maynilad/", "title": "House panel clears franchise of Manila Water and Maynilad\u00a0", "content_html": "A HOUSE panel on Monday approved the franchise grant of water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc.; however, this was opposed by a lawmaker for being too immediate.
\nThe House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Monday approved House bills 9367 and 9313, which grant the franchise of Maynilad and Manila Water, respectively. The panel voted 23-2 for Manila Water and 19-2 for Maynilad.
\nIf legislated, the bills will extend the authority of Maynilad and Manila Water to establish, operate, and maintain waterworks and sewerage in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
\nBayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate opposed the speedy grant of the franchise at committee level, adding that the bills were approved before thorough discussions on amendments were made and before crucial stakeholders have yet to air their issues.
\nHe added that the importance of the presence of representatives from Department of Finance, Department of Justice (DoJ), and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel who did not appear in the hearing. The said departments were involved in the water concession negotiations with the two water service providers.
\n\u201cThis happened even when the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Corporate Office (MWSS-CO) had raised issues on the bills, and, the amendments being proposed by the sponsors have yet to be fully discussed,\u201d he said in a statement on Monday.
\n\u201cRepresentatives from the Office of the President should have been invited to discuss the implications of the revised concessionaire agreements between the Duterte administration and the two (2) water concessionaires. We have yet to fully scrutinize the texts and annexes of the new deals and if they are detrimental to Filipino consumers,\u201d he added.
\nPresident Rodrigo R. Duterte first offered the two concessionaires new contracts last year after the DoJ found onerous provisions in the original concession agreements, which was blamed for high water rates. The same department was also tasked to draft the new contracts, which were signed by Manila Water and Maynilad this year. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A HOUSE panel on Monday approved the franchise grant of water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc.; however, this was opposed by a lawmaker for being too immediate.\nThe House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Monday approved House bills 9367 and 9313, which grant the franchise of Maynilad and Manila Water, respectively. The panel voted 23-2 for Manila Water and 19-2 for Maynilad.\nIf legislated, the bills will extend the authority of Maynilad and Manila Water to establish, operate, and maintain waterworks and sewerage in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.\nBayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate opposed the speedy grant of the franchise at committee level, adding that the bills were approved before thorough discussions on amendments were made and before crucial stakeholders have yet to air their issues.\nHe added that the importance of the presence of representatives from Department of Finance, Department of Justice (DoJ), and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel who did not appear in the hearing. The said departments were involved in the water concession negotiations with the two water service providers.\n\u201cThis happened even when the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Corporate Office (MWSS-CO) had raised issues on the bills, and, the amendments being proposed by the sponsors have yet to be fully discussed,\u201d he said in a statement on Monday.\n\u201cRepresentatives from the Office of the President should have been invited to discuss the implications of the revised concessionaire agreements between the Duterte administration and the two (2) water concessionaires. We have yet to fully scrutinize the texts and annexes of the new deals and if they are detrimental to Filipino consumers,\u201d he added.\nPresident Rodrigo R. Duterte first offered the two concessionaires new contracts last year after the DoJ found onerous provisions in the original concession agreements, which was blamed for high water rates. The same department was also tasked to draft the new contracts, which were signed by Manila Water and Maynilad this year. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-25T00:03:24+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-24T20:32:28+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/faucet-water-1.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Corporate" ], "summary": "A HOUSE panel on Monday approved the franchise grant of water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc.; however, this was opposed by a lawmaker for being too immediate." }, { "id": "/?p=370714", "url": "/economy/2021/05/24/370714/house-committee-approves-bill-creating-3-year-development-plan-for-domestic-auto-industry/", "title": "House committee approves bill creating 3-year development plan for domestic auto industry", "content_html": "A HOUSE committee has approved a bill that will generate a development plan for domestic auto manufacturing, while providing a boost to the auto marts makers suplying it.
\nOn Monday, the House Committee on Trade Industry approved an unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill 1833 or the proposed Philippine Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Industry Act.\u00a0
\n\u201cThere is a motion (to approve) the substitute bill, duly seconded and there being no objection, the motion is approved,\u201d according to Navotas City Rep.\u00a0John Reynald M. Tiangco, the committee\u2019s chairman.
\nThe bill authorizes three-year planning for the industry, culminating in a document known as the National Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Development Plan, to be prepared by the Board of Investments (BoI).
\nQuezon City Rep. Jesus C. Suntay, headed of the technical working group that evaluated the bill, said the measure hopes to build up the domestic open industry to the point where it is integrated with the global auto industry.
\n\u201cThe objective of the bill is first to develop a comprehensive policy that will accelerate the sound development of the Philippine motor vehicle manufacturing industry thereby contributing to capital formation, technology transfer, technical skills development and employment generation,\u201d Mr. Suntay said at the hearing.
\nThe bill also provides for investment incentives for motor vehicle manufacturers registered with the BoI such as income tax holidays, deductions for training expenses, and the opportunity to carry over net operating losses, among others. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A HOUSE committee has approved a bill that will generate a development plan for domestic auto manufacturing, while providing a boost to the auto marts makers suplying it.\nOn Monday, the House Committee on Trade Industry approved an unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill 1833 or the proposed Philippine Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Industry Act.\u00a0\n\u201cThere is a motion (to approve) the substitute bill, duly seconded and there being no objection, the motion is approved,\u201d according to Navotas City Rep.\u00a0John Reynald M. Tiangco, the committee\u2019s chairman.\nThe bill authorizes three-year planning for the industry, culminating in a document known as the National Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Development Plan, to be prepared by the Board of Investments (BoI).\nQuezon City Rep. Jesus C. Suntay, headed of the technical working group that evaluated the bill, said the measure hopes to build up the domestic open industry to the point where it is integrated with the global auto industry.\n\u201cThe objective of the bill is first to develop a comprehensive policy that will accelerate the sound development of the Philippine motor vehicle manufacturing industry thereby contributing to capital formation, technology transfer, technical skills development and employment generation,\u201d Mr. Suntay said at the hearing.\nThe bill also provides for investment incentives for motor vehicle manufacturers registered with the BoI such as income tax holidays, deductions for training expenses, and the opportunity to carry over net operating losses, among others. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-24T20:06:36+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-24T20:06:36+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/car-factory-assembly-line-010919.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured2", "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "A HOUSE committee has approved a bill that will generate a development plan for domestic auto manufacturing, while providing a boost to the auto marts makers suplying it." }, { "id": "/?p=370711", "url": "/economy/2021/05/24/370711/bayanihan-iii-bill-elevated-to-house-plenary/", "title": "Bayanihan III bill elevated to House plenary", "content_html": "THE House of Representatives began plenary deliberations on the proposed P405.6 billion Bayanihan to Arise as One law, known informally as Bayanihan III, with little more than a week remaining before Congress adjourns.
\nLegislators sponsored the measure to the House floor late Monday, after the measure was approved jointly by the\u00a0House Committees on Economic Affairs and Social Services that morning.
\n\u201cI\u00a0appeal to the members of Congress (to) pass this swiftly because this is what we see that our people need,\u201d AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon S. Garin said during her sponsorship speech.
\nCongress resumed session on May 17, naming the passage of Bayanihan III as a top priority for approval before sine die adjournment on June 2. As of Monday, the bill has the support of 293 of the 300 members of the House of Representatives, who had signed on as co-authors.
\nMarikina City Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo, the bill\u2019s original author, said during her plenary sponsorship,\u00a0\u201cI speak for all the authors of this measure when I declare our\u00a0main objectives: We want the poor to have food on their tables and money in their pockets. We want businesses to survive. We want government to have the needed\u00a0power to control the spread of COVID and achieve herd immunity. We want the most\u00a0critically impacted sectors to arise, and with their contributions, along with our collective will and dynamism as a people, re-engage the engines of the national\u00a0economy. Inclusiveness is the only path to true recovery.\u201d
\nThe bill contemplates giving out P1,000 each to the entire population of 108 million, regardless of social class or standing.
\nThe bill will also seek to provide relief for workers displaced due to the pandemic; businesses whose operations were impacted by the economic downturn; areas hit by disasters; and allowances and aid for critical sectors affected by current restrictions on business operations.
\nAlbay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda said the bill can be funded.
\n\u201cFirst, Bayanihan III already meets the constitutional requirement that the proposal be supported\u00a0by funds to be raised by revenue proposed in the same bill. The question of presentation of\u00a0certification of availability of funds is superfluous because the proposal meets the condition that a special appropriations bill be supported \u2018by funds \u2026 to be raised by a corresponding\u00a0revenue proposed therein,\u2019\u201d he said during his sponsorship speech to the plenary.
\nThese funding sources include provisional advances by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to the\u00a0National Government not exceeding 10% of the average income of the government between 2018 and 2020; expanding the minimum required remittances of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); and giving the President the authority to withdraw capital from GOCCs.
\nMs. Quimbo said in a briefing Monday that the bill will also reallocate funds from the 2020 and 2021 national budgets but will not touch those on projects that are being implemented or have logged significant work in progress.
\n\u201cWe will realign funds from those that are not essential spending items such as discretionary travel,\u201d she said, noting that one of the guiding principes is \u201cnot discontinue programs that are already fully implemented.\u201d
\nThe bill will also direct the National Economic Development Authority to create a long-term plan to develop economic resilience to prepare the economy for any future crisis. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE House of Representatives began plenary deliberations on the proposed P405.6 billion Bayanihan to Arise as One law, known informally as Bayanihan III, with little more than a week remaining before Congress adjourns.\nLegislators sponsored the measure to the House floor late Monday, after the measure was approved jointly by the\u00a0House Committees on Economic Affairs and Social Services that morning.\n\u201cI\u00a0appeal to the members of Congress (to) pass this swiftly because this is what we see that our people need,\u201d AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon S. Garin said during her sponsorship speech.\nCongress resumed session on May 17, naming the passage of Bayanihan III as a top priority for approval before sine die adjournment on June 2. As of Monday, the bill has the support of 293 of the 300 members of the House of Representatives, who had signed on as co-authors.\nMarikina City Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo, the bill\u2019s original author, said during her plenary sponsorship,\u00a0\u201cI speak for all the authors of this measure when I declare our\u00a0main objectives: We want the poor to have food on their tables and money in their pockets. We want businesses to survive. We want government to have the needed\u00a0power to control the spread of COVID and achieve herd immunity. We want the most\u00a0critically impacted sectors to arise, and with their contributions, along with our collective will and dynamism as a people, re-engage the engines of the national\u00a0economy. Inclusiveness is the only path to true recovery.\u201d\nThe bill contemplates giving out P1,000 each to the entire population of 108 million, regardless of social class or standing.\nThe bill will also seek to provide relief for workers displaced due to the pandemic; businesses whose operations were impacted by the economic downturn; areas hit by disasters; and allowances and aid for critical sectors affected by current restrictions on business operations.\nAlbay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda said the bill can be funded.\n\u201cFirst, Bayanihan III already meets the constitutional requirement that the proposal be supported\u00a0by funds to be raised by revenue proposed in the same bill. The question of presentation of\u00a0certification of availability of funds is superfluous because the proposal meets the condition that a special appropriations bill be supported \u2018by funds \u2026 to be raised by a corresponding\u00a0revenue proposed therein,\u2019\u201d he said during his sponsorship speech to the plenary.\nThese funding sources include provisional advances by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to the\u00a0National Government not exceeding 10% of the average income of the government between 2018 and 2020; expanding the minimum required remittances of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); and giving the President the authority to withdraw capital from GOCCs.\nMs. Quimbo said in a briefing Monday that the bill will also reallocate funds from the 2020 and 2021 national budgets but will not touch those on projects that are being implemented or have logged significant work in progress.\n\u201cWe will realign funds from those that are not essential spending items such as discretionary travel,\u201d she said, noting that one of the guiding principes is \u201cnot discontinue programs that are already fully implemented.\u201d\nThe bill will also direct the National Economic Development Authority to create a long-term plan to develop economic resilience to prepare the economy for any future crisis. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-24T20:01:27+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-25T01:28:54+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/House-Congress-Philstar.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy", "One News" ], "summary": "THE House of Representatives began plenary deliberations on the proposed P405.6 billion Bayanihan to Arise as One law, known informally as Bayanihan III, with little more than a week remaining before Congress adjourns." }, { "id": "/?p=370453", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/23/370453/congressman-wants-domestic-workers-on-vaccine-priority-list/", "title": "Congressman wants domestic workers on vaccine priority list", "content_html": "A LAWMAKER on Sunday pushed for the inclusion of domestic workers, or kasambahay, under the economic frontline workers group that is next in line for priority vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
\nIn a statement on Sunday, Probinsyano Ako Partylist Rep. Jose C. Singson, Jr. said household helpers need \u201cimmediate protection\u201d and called on the national task force managing the COVID-19 response to consider their addition in the A4 vaccination category.
\n\u201cI can\u2019t see any valid justification to exclude kasambahays in the vaccine priority list.\u00a0 If we want families that do not go outside their homes safe from the virus, we should also have our kasambahays inoculated the soonest possible time like all other workers tagged as essential or frontline,\u201d he said.
\nMr. Singson cited that Republic Act No. 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act mandates employers to safeguard the health and security of the household helper.
\nThere are about 1.4 million kasambahays in the country as of Oct. 2020, based on data from the Labor department and the Philippine Statistics Authority. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A LAWMAKER on Sunday pushed for the inclusion of domestic workers, or kasambahay, under the economic frontline workers group that is next in line for priority vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). \nIn a statement on Sunday, Probinsyano Ako Partylist Rep. Jose C. Singson, Jr. said household helpers need \u201cimmediate protection\u201d and called on the national task force managing the COVID-19 response to consider their addition in the A4 vaccination category.\n\u201cI can\u2019t see any valid justification to exclude kasambahays in the vaccine priority list.\u00a0 If we want families that do not go outside their homes safe from the virus, we should also have our kasambahays inoculated the soonest possible time like all other workers tagged as essential or frontline,\u201d he said.\nMr. Singson cited that Republic Act No. 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act mandates employers to safeguard the health and security of the household helper.\nThere are about 1.4 million kasambahays in the country as of Oct. 2020, based on data from the Labor department and the Philippine Statistics Authority. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-23T19:40:46+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-24T00:35:28+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/kasambahay-OFFICIALGAZETTE-GOVPH.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured2", "Gillian M. Cortez", "Editors' Picks", "One News", "The Nation" ], "summary": "A LAWMAKER on Sunday pushed for the inclusion of domestic workers, or kasambahay, under the economic frontline workers group that is next in line for priority vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)." }, { "id": "/?p=370448", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/23/370448/edtech-firm-says-teachers-as-well-as-students-need-help-in-the-digital-shift/", "title": "EdTech firm says teachers, as well as students, need help in the digital shift", "content_html": "EDUCATION technology firm Blackboard, Inc. said institutions need to focus on teachers, more than on students, as learning systems shift towards a more digital platform.
\nBlackboard Asia Regional Vice President Philip Murray, in a virtual event last week, said the main focus has been accommodating students\u2019 learning needs in what is now the new normal, but younger people tend to adapt faster to digitalized learning than educators.
\n\u201cThey (teachers) have been asked to make very rapid change from being traditional or conventional decorum of teaching\u2026 but (now) they have to learn a lot of new skills,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cMany teachers have taught the same way for some years and they are a bit concerned with how this new world might look like, will their teaching methods have value and of course they will. But then again, it\u2019s looking at other resources available that will help them,\u201d he added.
\nHe said their company provides the Blackboard Learning Management System, wherein the programs are designed to be easy for educators.
\n\u201cThat is where a lot of our programs especially the digital teaching and learning series have helped remove a lot of fear that faculty have had in making that change,\u201d he said.
\nOver 150 million users from 80 countries have utilized tools operated by Blackboard that are offered by institutions as part of their remote learning platforms. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "EDUCATION technology firm Blackboard, Inc. said institutions need to focus on teachers, more than on students, as learning systems shift towards a more digital platform.\nBlackboard Asia Regional Vice President Philip Murray, in a virtual event last week, said the main focus has been accommodating students\u2019 learning needs in what is now the new normal, but younger people tend to adapt faster to digitalized learning than educators.\n\u201cThey (teachers) have been asked to make very rapid change from being traditional or conventional decorum of teaching\u2026 but (now) they have to learn a lot of new skills,\u201d he said.\n\u201cMany teachers have taught the same way for some years and they are a bit concerned with how this new world might look like, will their teaching methods have value and of course they will. But then again, it\u2019s looking at other resources available that will help them,\u201d he added.\nHe said their company provides the Blackboard Learning Management System, wherein the programs are designed to be easy for educators.\n\u201cThat is where a lot of our programs especially the digital teaching and learning series have helped remove a lot of fear that faculty have had in making that change,\u201d he said.\nOver 150 million users from 80 countries have utilized tools operated by Blackboard that are offered by institutions as part of their remote learning platforms. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-23T19:30:22+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-27T16:36:39+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-nation-default.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ], "summary": "EDUCATION technology firm Blackboard, Inc. said institutions need to focus on teachers, more than on students, as learning systems shift towards a more digital platform.\u00a0" }, { "id": "/?p=369945", "url": "/labor-and-management/2021/05/21/369945/dole-backs-jobless-insurance-scheme/", "title": "DoLE backs jobless insurance scheme", "content_html": "THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said it supports a bill creating an unemployment insurance program for displaced workers.
\nAt a House hearing Wednesday,\u00a0Labor Undersecretary Ana C. Dione said the department supports the\u00a0unnumbered substitute bill that will establish a National Unemployment Insurance Program. However, she added that requirements for workers to qualify for unemployment insurance should be less stringent.
\n\u201cWe support the bill but we have a\u00a0suggestion on eligibility to reduce the requirements,\u201d she said, adding that retrenched persons need to more easily avail of the benefits.
\nMs. Dione said the current bill requires workers to undergo job counselling provided by the program or its accredited partners in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits.
\nMarikina City Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo, author of the bill, said: \u201cI agree 100% maybe it is onerous (what the employee) has undergone.\u201d She added that applicants might instead provide proof that they have started job counselling or produce a certificate stating that they are willing to undergo counselling.
\nThe House Subcommittee on Employment on Wednesday approved the substitute bill, subject to style and amendments. It will next face the subcommittee\u2019s mother panel, the House Committee on Labor and Employment.
\nThe proposed unemployment insurance program aims to provide lost-income protection for workers involuntarily separated from employment. The bill also proposes to create the Philippine Job Insurance Corp. , which will oversee the viability and implementation of the program. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said it supports a bill creating an unemployment insurance program for displaced workers.\nAt a House hearing Wednesday,\u00a0Labor Undersecretary Ana C. Dione said the department supports the\u00a0unnumbered substitute bill that will establish a National Unemployment Insurance Program. However, she added that requirements for workers to qualify for unemployment insurance should be less stringent.\n\u201cWe support the bill but we have a\u00a0suggestion on eligibility to reduce the requirements,\u201d she said, adding that retrenched persons need to more easily avail of the benefits.\nMs. Dione said the current bill requires workers to undergo job counselling provided by the program or its accredited partners in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits.\nMarikina City Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo, author of the bill, said: \u201cI agree 100% maybe it is onerous (what the employee) has undergone.\u201d She added that applicants might instead provide proof that they have started job counselling or produce a certificate stating that they are willing to undergo counselling.\nThe House Subcommittee on Employment on Wednesday approved the substitute bill, subject to style and amendments. It will next face the subcommittee\u2019s mother panel, the House Committee on Labor and Employment.\nThe proposed unemployment insurance program aims to provide lost-income protection for workers involuntarily separated from employment. The bill also proposes to create the Philippine Job Insurance Corp. , which will oversee the viability and implementation of the program. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-21T00:05:23+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-20T19:14:45+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DoLE-052518.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Editors' Picks", "Labor and Management" ], "summary": "THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said it supports a bill creating an unemployment insurance program for displaced workers." }, { "id": "/?p=369944", "url": "/labor-and-management/2021/05/21/369944/workers-departing-for-israel-asked-to-delay-departures-amid-gaza-violence/", "title": "Workers departing for Israel asked to delay departures amid Gaza violence", "content_html": "LABOR Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said worker departures for Israel will be suspended following continuing violence between Israeli forces and militants in the Gaza strip.
\nIn a statement Thursday, Mr. Bello said, \u201cThe processing of those who already qualified continues. We are merely suspending their actual departure while the tensions are still high.\u201d
\nThe Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) had said earlier that deployment of workers, especially caregivers and healthcare workers, to Israel will continue for work sites that are deemed safe.
\nMr. Bello called on caregivers and healthcare workers set to work in Israel to delay their flights. He added, \u201cIt will just be a few days of delay. We just want to be sure they will be safe.\u201d
\nHe said deployments to Israel are not yet banned outright.
\nAlmost 30,000 overseas Filipino workers reside in Israel, with DoLE estimating that around 300 live in areas subject to Palestinian rocket attack. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "LABOR Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said worker departures for Israel will be suspended following continuing violence between Israeli forces and militants in the Gaza strip.\nIn a statement Thursday, Mr. Bello said, \u201cThe processing of those who already qualified continues. We are merely suspending their actual departure while the tensions are still high.\u201d\nThe Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) had said earlier that deployment of workers, especially caregivers and healthcare workers, to Israel will continue for work sites that are deemed safe.\nMr. Bello called on caregivers and healthcare workers set to work in Israel to delay their flights. He added, \u201cIt will just be a few days of delay. We just want to be sure they will be safe.\u201d\nHe said deployments to Israel are not yet banned outright.\nAlmost 30,000 overseas Filipino workers reside in Israel, with DoLE estimating that around 300 live in areas subject to Palestinian rocket attack. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-21T00:04:22+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-20T19:13:49+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Israel-Gaza.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured2", "Gillian M. Cortez", "Editors' Picks", "Labor and Management" ], "summary": "LABOR Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said worker departures for Israel will be suspended following continuing violence between Israeli forces and militants in the Gaza strip." }, { "id": "/?p=369943", "url": "/labor-and-management/2021/05/21/369943/nestle-tesda-sign-deal-to-train-mindanao-robusta-coffee-farmers/", "title": "Nestl\u00e9, TESDA sign deal to train Mindanao Robusta coffee farmers", "content_html": "NESTL\u00c9 PHILIPPINES, Inc. and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have entered into a partnership to train agricultural workers in sustainable coffee farming in the southern Philippines, with the aim of increasing the domestic supply of coffee beans.
\nOn Wednesday, Nestl\u00e9 and TESDA signed a memorandum of agreement for an initiative called the Coffee Production Level II Program and Scholarship, a 176-hour certification course offered to coffee farmers in Bukidnon and Sultan Kudarat, which produce 80% of the country\u203as Robusta beans. The program also hopes to aid indigenous people (IP).
\nDuring the signing on Wednesday, Nestl\u00e9 Philippines CEO Kais Marzouki said: \u201cWe are grateful to be working with TESDA to promote entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector and enhance the competencies of the farmers.\u201d
\nThe program also aims to boost the supply of Robusta coffee which had been declining for years before a recent improvement.
\n\u201cWe will enable the farmers and our IP coffee growers to produce quality beans that are at par with the standards of Nestl\u00e9 Philippines. We will also be able to help them increase their yields and pursue a more sustainable livelihood. This partnership will scale the impact of the work we do in TESDA for the farmers and IPs,\u201d TESDA Director-General Isidro S. Lape\u00f1a said in a statement Wednesday.
\nTESDA Deputy Director General Lina C. Sarmiento said the program will accommodate an initial 400 scholars at a cost of P5.1 million.\u00a0She added coffee agronomists, technicians, and others will be trained as trainers for the program.
\n\u201cTESDA has allocated 200 training slots for farmer beneficiaries at the Bukidnon Integrated Coffee Center… In Sultan Kudarat, 200 farmer scholars from five key coffee communities in the municipalities of Esperanza and Kalamansig will also be trained in\u00a0Coffee Production Level II,\u201d she said. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "NESTL\u00c9 PHILIPPINES, Inc. and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have entered into a partnership to train agricultural workers in sustainable coffee farming in the southern Philippines, with the aim of increasing the domestic supply of coffee beans.\nOn Wednesday, Nestl\u00e9 and TESDA signed a memorandum of agreement for an initiative called the Coffee Production Level II Program and Scholarship, a 176-hour certification course offered to coffee farmers in Bukidnon and Sultan Kudarat, which produce 80% of the country\u203as Robusta beans. The program also hopes to aid indigenous people (IP).\nDuring the signing on Wednesday, Nestl\u00e9 Philippines CEO Kais Marzouki said: \u201cWe are grateful to be working with TESDA to promote entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector and enhance the competencies of the farmers.\u201d\nThe program also aims to boost the supply of Robusta coffee which had been declining for years before a recent improvement.\n\u201cWe will enable the farmers and our IP coffee growers to produce quality beans that are at par with the standards of Nestl\u00e9 Philippines. We will also be able to help them increase their yields and pursue a more sustainable livelihood. This partnership will scale the impact of the work we do in TESDA for the farmers and IPs,\u201d TESDA Director-General Isidro S. Lape\u00f1a said in a statement Wednesday.\nTESDA Deputy Director General Lina C. Sarmiento said the program will accommodate an initial 400 scholars at a cost of P5.1 million.\u00a0She added coffee agronomists, technicians, and others will be trained as trainers for the program.\n\u201cTESDA has allocated 200 training slots for farmer beneficiaries at the Bukidnon Integrated Coffee Center… In Sultan Kudarat, 200 farmer scholars from five key coffee communities in the municipalities of Esperanza and Kalamansig will also be trained in\u00a0Coffee Production Level II,\u201d she said. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-21T00:03:22+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-20T19:11:43+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/coffee-beans-082619.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured2", "Gillian M. Cortez", "Editors' Picks", "Labor and Management" ], "summary": "NESTL\u00c9 PHILIPPINES, Inc. and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have entered into a partnership to train agricultural workers in sustainable coffee farming in the southern Philippines, with the aim of increasing the domestic supply of coffee beans." }, { "id": "/?p=370003", "url": "/economy/2021/05/20/370003/prc-clears-unlicensed-nursing-graduates-to-step-in-during-hospital-staffing-shortage/", "title": "PRC clears unlicensed nursing graduates to step in during hospital staffing shortage", "content_html": "THE Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said graduates of nursing courses who have not yet been licensed may be drafted to supplement the healthcare workforce, complying with a request from the House of Representatives to allow such workers to be tapped during the pandemic.
\nSpeaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco said in a statement Thursday that he received a letter from PRC Chairman Teofilo S. Pilando, Jr. agreeing to such a scheme.
\nMr. Pilando was quoted as saying, \u201cShould (nursing graduates) be employed as nurse attendants or aides, they should be under the supervision of a registered nurse.\u201d
\nMr. Pilando said such emergency manpower drafts are permitted by\u00a0Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 14, series of 2009.
\nMr. Velasco earlier proposed to deploy nursing graduates due to take the May nursing board exams to address hospital staffing issues.
\nThe board exams for the first batch of board examinees was since rescheduled to July 3-4. The second batch schedule was maintained at Nov. 21-22. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said graduates of nursing courses who have not yet been licensed may be drafted to supplement the healthcare workforce, complying with a request from the House of Representatives to allow such workers to be tapped during the pandemic.\nSpeaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco said in a statement Thursday that he received a letter from PRC Chairman Teofilo S. Pilando, Jr. agreeing to such a scheme. \nMr. Pilando was quoted as saying, \u201cShould (nursing graduates) be employed as nurse attendants or aides, they should be under the supervision of a registered nurse.\u201d\nMr. Pilando said such emergency manpower drafts are permitted by\u00a0Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 14, series of 2009.\nMr. Velasco earlier proposed to deploy nursing graduates due to take the May nursing board exams to address hospital staffing issues.\nThe board exams for the first batch of board examinees was since rescheduled to July 3-4. The second batch schedule was maintained at Nov. 21-22. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-20T20:21:39+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-20T20:21:39+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy" ], "summary": "THE Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said graduates of nursing courses who have not yet been licensed may be drafted to supplement the healthcare workforce, complying with a request from the House of Representatives to allow such workers to be tapped during the pandemic." }, { "id": "/?p=369942", "url": "/economy/2021/05/20/369942/ilo-cites-productivity-benefits-of-gender-equality-policies/", "title": "ILO cites productivity benefits of gender equality policies", "content_html": "GENDER EQUALITY in the workplace needs to be a priority for governments and the private sector, with such policies expected to improve workplace productivity, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said.
\nILO Philippines Country Director Khalid Hasan said at a forum Thursday that enterprises surveyed by the ILO in the Philippines which implemented gender diversity initiatives have reported improved performance.
\n\u201cEighty-four percent agreed that gender diversity initiatives enhance businesses outcomes. This is significantly higher than the (average) in the Asia Pacific area region which is 68%,\u201d he said.
\nHe added that of those reporting benefits from implementing gender diversity initiatives, 73% noted increased profitability and productivity. Also cited as benefits by over 50% of those surveyed were an improved ability to attract and retain talent; improved innovation and creativity; elevated company reputation; and increased consumer interest.
\nAsian Development Bank Gender Equity Chief Samantha Hung said at the forum that minimizing the unequal privileges granted to men and women transforms the work environment as well as the broader society.
\n\u201cWe really need to address a sustainable gender agenda… to really address gender inequality in the workplace which is really about power and in redistributing the power between women and men,\u201d she said.
\nShe added that for the private sector, the bank has introduced policy interventions to address gender gap issues for use by individual human resources departments.
\nVice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo said at the forum that gender equality needs to be a national priority.
\n\u201cProgress in workplace culture calls us to examine higher leadership practices to abandon tradition that could prevent othering, discrimination, and sexism in the workplace. This also means standing up to the greater societal pressures and stereotypes that have burdened women and other genders for so long,\u201d she said. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "GENDER EQUALITY in the workplace needs to be a priority for governments and the private sector, with such policies expected to improve workplace productivity, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said.\nILO Philippines Country Director Khalid Hasan said at a forum Thursday that enterprises surveyed by the ILO in the Philippines which implemented gender diversity initiatives have reported improved performance.\n\u201cEighty-four percent agreed that gender diversity initiatives enhance businesses outcomes. This is significantly higher than the (average) in the Asia Pacific area region which is 68%,\u201d he said.\nHe added that of those reporting benefits from implementing gender diversity initiatives, 73% noted increased profitability and productivity. Also cited as benefits by over 50% of those surveyed were an improved ability to attract and retain talent; improved innovation and creativity; elevated company reputation; and increased consumer interest.\nAsian Development Bank Gender Equity Chief Samantha Hung said at the forum that minimizing the unequal privileges granted to men and women transforms the work environment as well as the broader society.\n\u201cWe really need to address a sustainable gender agenda… to really address gender inequality in the workplace which is really about power and in redistributing the power between women and men,\u201d she said.\nShe added that for the private sector, the bank has introduced policy interventions to address gender gap issues for use by individual human resources departments.\nVice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo said at the forum that gender equality needs to be a national priority.\n\u201cProgress in workplace culture calls us to examine higher leadership practices to abandon tradition that could prevent othering, discrimination, and sexism in the workplace. This also means standing up to the greater societal pressures and stereotypes that have burdened women and other genders for so long,\u201d she said. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-20T20:11:21+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-21T01:07:40+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Mural-painting-Philstar.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy", "One News" ], "summary": "GENDER EQUALITY in the workplace needs to be a priority for governments and the private sector, with such policies expected to improve workplace productivity, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said." }, { "id": "/?p=369728", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/19/369728/charter-changes-could-hurdle-house-by-next-week/", "title": "Charter changes could hurdle House by next week\u00a0", "content_html": "THE PROPOSED amendments to certain provisions of the Constitution could be approved by the House of Representatives by next week, according to Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez.
\nIn a virtual briefing on Wednesday, he said lawmakers are committed to speedy deliberations of Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 in the plenary and \u201cwrap it up by next week.\u201d
\nThe resolution seeks to insert the phrase \u201cunless otherwise provided by law\u201d in what are deemed \u201crestrictive\u201d economic provisions of the Constitution to open more sectors to foreign investments.
\n\u201cWhen we go back to normalcy, we would want the business sector to be really up and about and be able to receive foreign investments. When we have more foreign investments then we have more employment to our people and more taxes to our government,\u201d he said.
\nMr. Rodriguez also said that even with just nine days left before the Congress\u2019 sine die adjournment, the House will ensure the passage of the third Bayanihan bill, which will provide for a P405.6-billion economic stimulus fund if legislated.
\n\u201cI am willing to stay on until midnight for the deliberation of this bill. We have to have additional support to our people especially because the pandemic is still ongoing and raging,\u201d he said. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE PROPOSED amendments to certain provisions of the Constitution could be approved by the House of Representatives by next week, according to Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez.\nIn a virtual briefing on Wednesday, he said lawmakers are committed to speedy deliberations of Resolution of Both Houses No. 2 in the plenary and \u201cwrap it up by next week.\u201d\nThe resolution seeks to insert the phrase \u201cunless otherwise provided by law\u201d in what are deemed \u201crestrictive\u201d economic provisions of the Constitution to open more sectors to foreign investments.\n\u201cWhen we go back to normalcy, we would want the business sector to be really up and about and be able to receive foreign investments. When we have more foreign investments then we have more employment to our people and more taxes to our government,\u201d he said.\nMr. Rodriguez also said that even with just nine days left before the Congress\u2019 sine die adjournment, the House will ensure the passage of the third Bayanihan bill, which will provide for a P405.6-billion economic stimulus fund if legislated.\n\u201cI am willing to stay on until midnight for the deliberation of this bill. We have to have additional support to our people especially because the pandemic is still ongoing and raging,\u201d he said. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-19T21:14:42+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-19T21:14:42+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Rufus-Rodriquez-@REPRUFUS.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ], "summary": "THE PROPOSED amendments to certain provisions of the Constitution could be approved by the House of Representatives by next week, according to Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez." }, { "id": "/?p=369675", "url": "/economy/2021/05/19/369675/house-panel-approves-bill-calling-for-30-year-infrastructure-plan/", "title": "House panel approves bill calling for 30-year infrastructure plan", "content_html": "THE HOUSE Committee on Public Works and Highways approved a bill that will require infrastructure programs to be planned for 30 years in advance to minimize disruptions caused by changes in government.
\nIn a hearing Wednesday, the panel approved House Bill 8151, a proposed law to adopt a 30-year National Infrastructure Program.
\n\u201cThere is a motion to approve, subject to amendments,\u201d the committee\u2019s chairman, Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, said during the hearing.
\nThe bill was sponsored by its author, CWS Party-list Rep. Romeo S. Momo, who said if passed, it will ensure the continuity of big-ticket projects when governments change.
\n\u201cThis 30-year infrastructure program will rationalize and interconnect in a seamless manner our six-year medium term and yearly infrastructure programs… the 30-year program will ensure continuity in the development and implementation of infrastructure projects across administrations regardless of changes in national leadership,\u201d he said.
\nThe bill is intended to provide a blueprint for the construction sector, investors, and other stakeholders, providing guidance on the direction of public construction over the next 30 years. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "THE HOUSE Committee on Public Works and Highways approved a bill that will require infrastructure programs to be planned for 30 years in advance to minimize disruptions caused by changes in government.\nIn a hearing Wednesday, the panel approved House Bill 8151, a proposed law to adopt a 30-year National Infrastructure Program.\n\u201cThere is a motion to approve, subject to amendments,\u201d the committee\u2019s chairman, Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, said during the hearing.\nThe bill was sponsored by its author, CWS Party-list Rep. Romeo S. Momo, who said if passed, it will ensure the continuity of big-ticket projects when governments change.\n\u201cThis 30-year infrastructure program will rationalize and interconnect in a seamless manner our six-year medium term and yearly infrastructure programs… the 30-year program will ensure continuity in the development and implementation of infrastructure projects across administrations regardless of changes in national leadership,\u201d he said.\nThe bill is intended to provide a blueprint for the construction sector, investors, and other stakeholders, providing guidance on the direction of public construction over the next 30 years. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-19T20:36:28+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-19T20:36:28+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/construction-worker-philstar.jpg", "tags": [ "Featured2", "Gillian M. Cortez", "Economy", "Editors' Picks" ], "summary": "THE HOUSE Committee on Public Works and Highways approved a bill that will require infrastructure programs to be planned for 30 years in advance to minimize disruptions caused by changes in government." }, { "id": "/?p=369390", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/18/369390/solons-call-for-inclusion-of-dentists-med-techs-in-vaccination-teams/", "title": "Solons call for inclusion of dentists, med-techs in vaccination teams", "content_html": "A BILL was filed Tuesday for the inclusion of dentists and medical technologists as vaccinators to speed up the government\u2019s inoculation program against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
\n\u201cWith the arrival of more vaccines in the country, the swift roll out of the vaccine is needed for the efficient administration and prevention of possible expiration of the doses,\u201d reads part of House Bill No. 9354, which will amend the recently enacted Republic Act No. 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act.
\nUnder the existing law, those permitted to administer COVID-19 vaccines are duly trained doctors, nurses, pharmacists and midwives.
\nThe government targets to vaccinate around 70% of the 108 million population to develop herd immunity. Around 2.2 million Filipinos have been vaccinated as of Monday since the start of the vaccination drive in March.
\nThe proposal was jointly filed by Representatives Angelina DL Tan, Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte, and Stella Luz A. Quimbo.\u00a0\u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A BILL was filed Tuesday for the inclusion of dentists and medical technologists as vaccinators to speed up the government\u2019s inoculation program against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).\n\u201cWith the arrival of more vaccines in the country, the swift roll out of the vaccine is needed for the efficient administration and prevention of possible expiration of the doses,\u201d reads part of House Bill No. 9354, which will amend the recently enacted Republic Act No. 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act.\nUnder the existing law, those permitted to administer COVID-19 vaccines are duly trained doctors, nurses, pharmacists and midwives.\nThe government targets to vaccinate around 70% of the 108 million population to develop herd immunity. Around 2.2 million Filipinos have been vaccinated as of Monday since the start of the vaccination drive in March.\nThe proposal was jointly filed by Representatives Angelina DL Tan, Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte, and Stella Luz A. Quimbo.\u00a0\u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-18T20:40:38+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-18T20:48:17+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Vaccination-DavaoCity-BHERT-DavaoCIO.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ], "summary": "A BILL was filed Tuesday for the inclusion of dentists and medical technologists as vaccinators to speed up the government\u2019s inoculation program against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)." }, { "id": "/?p=369389", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/18/369389/rep-quimbo-calls-on-philhealth-to-settle-hospital-claims-seeks-probe/", "title": "Rep Quimbo calls on PhilHealth to settle hospital claims, seeks probe", "content_html": "A LAWMAKER filed a resolution calling on the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to immediately settle its unpaid claims, and is seeking a probe on the agency\u2019s fund management.
\nMarikina Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo filed House Resolutions 1769 and 1770 on Monday. The first urges PhilHealth to settle its balance to hospitals, while the second asks the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to launch an investigation on the agency\u2019s expenditures.
\n\u201cThere is an urgent need to settle payments due to hospitals so as not to further hinder our health system\u2019s capacity to respond to the ongoing pandemic,\u201d Ms. Quimbo said in HR 1769.
\nThe investigation in aid of legislation will focus on the unpaid benefit claims of healthcare facilities and look into the efficiency of PhilHealth\u2019s mechanisms in addressing unsettled claims.
\nMs. Quimbo, in a privilege speech on Monday, said the measures are urgent as these unpaid claims have reportedly forced private hospitals to cut costs by retrenching personnel and downsizing facilities despite the continued high demand amid the coronavirus crisis. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A LAWMAKER filed a resolution calling on the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to immediately settle its unpaid claims, and is seeking a probe on the agency\u2019s fund management.\nMarikina Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo filed House Resolutions 1769 and 1770 on Monday. The first urges PhilHealth to settle its balance to hospitals, while the second asks the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability to launch an investigation on the agency\u2019s expenditures.\n\u201cThere is an urgent need to settle payments due to hospitals so as not to further hinder our health system\u2019s capacity to respond to the ongoing pandemic,\u201d Ms. Quimbo said in HR 1769.\nThe investigation in aid of legislation will focus on the unpaid benefit claims of healthcare facilities and look into the efficiency of PhilHealth\u2019s mechanisms in addressing unsettled claims.\nMs. Quimbo, in a privilege speech on Monday, said the measures are urgent as these unpaid claims have reportedly forced private hospitals to cut costs by retrenching personnel and downsizing facilities despite the continued high demand amid the coronavirus crisis. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-18T20:39:30+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-18T20:39:30+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PhilHealth.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ], "summary": "A LAWMAKER filed a resolution calling on the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to immediately settle its unpaid claims, and is seeking a probe on the agency\u2019s fund management." }, { "id": "/?p=369386", "url": "/the-nation/2021/05/18/369386/lawmaker-asks-budget-dept-to-immediately-release-funds-for-pgh-repairs/", "title": "Lawmaker asks Budget dep\u2019t to immediately release funds for PGH repairs", "content_html": "A LAWMAKER is calling on the Budget department to immediately release funds to repair and re-equip the University of the Philippines-Public General Hospital (UP-PGH), the biggest coronavirus disease referral hospital in the capital, which was partly damaged by fire last Sunday.
\nThe cost of damage was estimated at P300,000, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.
\nIn House Resolution 1768 filed by Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte on Tuesday, the solon urged the Budget department and other pertinent agencies \u201cto immediately release funds for the rehabilitation\u201d of the state-run UP-PGH.
\nMr. Belmonte also said the inter-agency task force handling the coronavirus response should establish \u201cstop-gap\u201d measures to help UP-PGH continue providing crucial medical services.
\nThere were no casualties in the fire that broke out in the early hours of May 16 due to faulty electrical wiring.
\nMedical workers on duty promptly evacuated patients, including several newborns. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez
\n", "content_text": "A LAWMAKER is calling on the Budget department to immediately release funds to repair and re-equip the University of the Philippines-Public General Hospital (UP-PGH), the biggest coronavirus disease referral hospital in the capital, which was partly damaged by fire last Sunday.\nThe cost of damage was estimated at P300,000, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.\nIn House Resolution 1768 filed by Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte on Tuesday, the solon urged the Budget department and other pertinent agencies \u201cto immediately release funds for the rehabilitation\u201d of the state-run UP-PGH.\nMr. Belmonte also said the inter-agency task force handling the coronavirus response should establish \u201cstop-gap\u201d measures to help UP-PGH continue providing crucial medical services.\nThere were no casualties in the fire that broke out in the early hours of May 16 due to faulty electrical wiring.\nMedical workers on duty promptly evacuated patients, including several newborns. \u2014 Gillian M. Cortez", "date_published": "2021-05-18T20:36:24+08:00", "date_modified": "2021-05-18T20:36:24+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PGH-fire-MANILADRRMOFFICE.jpg", "tags": [ "Gillian M. Cortez", "The Nation" ], "summary": "A LAWMAKER is calling on the Budget department to immediately release funds to repair and re-equip the University of the Philippines-Public General Hospital (UP-PGH), the biggest coronavirus disease referral hospital in the capital, which was partly damaged by fire last Sunday.\u00a0" } ] }