“We are just implementing the law… we are ready to implement whatever will be mandated by our laws,” Philippine Health Insurance Corp.(PhilHealth) vice president for corporate affairs Rey Baleña said PhilHealth’s implementation of current contribution rates is in line with provisions of Universal Health Care (UHC) law.
Defending its current contribution rates, PhilHealth said existing premium contribution rates are based on what is mandated by law.
Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo earlier saw need to “re-calibrate premium rates,” adding that “premium rates are simply too high.”
He clarified, though, that PhilHealth is ready to work with lawmakers in amending law, especially if rates are seen as “too high.”
“We leave it to wisdom of Congress to amend contribution rates as they deemed it fit, we have and will always support all efforts towards making UHC Law more responsive to needs and situation of the people,” said Baleña. Baleña revealed that PhilHealth is already in the process of enhancing about 8,000 benefit packages included acute stroke, high-risk pneumonia and hemodialysis.
Under UHC Law, premium rates of PhilHealth are mandated to increase annually from 2020 to 2024. Currently, PhilHealth’s premium rate stands at five percent, and will continue to be at that level until 2025. Earlier, Quimbo called for lowering of PhilHealth premium rates saying premium rates are simply too high for its members. She said state-run health insurer “is earning too much because premium rates are high, but those who pay premiums workers are at losing end.”
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FMJ forms govt lands master list body
By Nidz Godino
“To ensure efficient and effective allocation and utilization of land resources for country’s national development goals, it is necessary to consolidate comprehensive list of all government lands,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has formed interagency body tasked to create master list of all lands owned by government to ensure efficient and effective utilization of land resources for country’s development.
Under Administrative Order 21, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 30, Inter-Agency Coordinating Council will be chaired by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and co-chaired by Department of Agrarian Reform.
Members of the council are Office of the Executive Secretary, Departments of the Interior and Local Government; Agriculture; Justice; and Information and Communications (DICT); Office of the Solicitor General; Land Registration Authority, and Commission on Higher Education.
DENR-Land Management Bureau will serve as coordinating council’s secretariat.
Within 60 days from effectivity of implementing guidelines of order, all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and existing government bodies with functions related to land identification and inventory, are to prepare and submit to coordinating council complete inventory of all lands or inventories in their possession, as may be applicable, AO 21 read.
In coordination with DICT, council will study, formulate and implement digitalization of master list, order stated.
According to Marcos, creation of master list of all government lands will boost administration’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
He said one of the key strategies identified in PDP 2023-2028 to establish livable communities “is creation of database containing complete inventory of idle government lands.”
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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NTF-ELCAC stays
By Nidz Godino
“People who used to clash with government, instead of fighting with them, we are helping them and it had huge effect on reducing internal security threat… because of NTF-ELCAC,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected calls to abolish government’s anti-insurgency task force, saying it has lessened security risks posed by communist rebels and has provided assistance to those who abandoned armed struggle.
New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Karapatan have asked Marcos to scrap National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) after Supreme Court ruled red-baiting, known in the Philippines as “red-tagging,” vilification, labelling and guilt by association threaten person’s right to life, liberty, or security.
HRW described NTF-ELCAC as “abusive” and accused task force of promoting practice of red-baiting. Karapatan, meanwhile, claimed anti-insurgency task force has engaged in “rampant and unmitigated fabrication of lies” to quell dissent and has “driven rampant and unmitigated attacks on individuals and organizations.” But Marcos believes there is no reason to terminate NTF-ELCAC, formed through Executive Order No. 70 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. “Fastest answer to that is no, we will not abolish NTF-ELCAC…we are going to finish its activities because few barangays have yet to be covered…some returnees have yet to receive help,” he added.
Marcos said government still needs task force, noting that government promised aid to former insurgents. In an earlier statement, National Security Council said NTF-ELCAC has been “game changer” in fight against communist rebels. “Because of NTF, NPA ,New People’s Army has been strategically defeated with its last remaining nine weakened guerrilla fronts with around 1,000 remaining armed members scattered in remote areas…peace is finally within our reach,” council said.
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
FMJ forms govt lands master list body
By Nidz Godino
“To ensure efficient and effective allocation and utilization of land resources for country’s national development goals, it is necessary to consolidate comprehensive list of all government lands,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has formed interagency body tasked to create master list of all lands owned by government to ensure efficient and effective utilization of land resources for country’s development.
Under Administrative Order 21, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on April 30, Inter-Agency Coordinating Council will be chaired by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and co-chaired by Department of Agrarian Reform.
Members of the council are Office of the Executive Secretary, Departments of the Interior and Local Government; Agriculture; Justice; and Information and Communications (DICT); Office of the Solicitor General; Land Registration Authority, and Commission on Higher Education.
DENR-Land Management Bureau will serve as coordinating council’s secretariat.
Within 60 days from effectivity of implementing guidelines of order, all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and existing government bodies with functions related to land identification and inventory, are to prepare and submit to coordinating council complete inventory of all lands or inventories in their possession, as may be applicable, AO 21 read.
In coordination with DICT, council will study, formulate and implement digitalization of master list, order stated.
According to Marcos, creation of master list of all government lands will boost administration’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
He said one of the key strategies identified in PDP 2023-2028 to establish livable communities “is creation of database containing complete inventory of idle government lands.”
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
Archipelagic, oceanic university,10th in UP system
By Nidz Godino
“It will become 10th UP university in our system… initiative aims to enhance existing program offerings, introduce digital ad virtual platforms and develop transdisciplinary courses,” University of the Philippines system president Angelo Jimenez announced during National Higher Education Day Summit in Pasay City new university is currently in the works.
Jimenez said university is laying groundwork for what could be 10th university in UP System by connecting marine and ocean programs in UP Diliman and UP Visayas.
He added that pooling of programs in Marine Science Institute of UP Diliman and Fisheries and Oceans Program of UP Visayas would give birth to “archipelagic and oceanic virtual university.”
Jimenez said premier state university plans to collaborate with other state universities and colleges, foreign universities with similar programs and various maritime industry stakeholders to craft curricula and roadmaps for research and innovation.
These will be aimed at developing “Blue Economy and Archipelagic Nation by 2050 in alignment with Pagtanaw 2050,” according to Jimenez, referring to Department of Science and Technology’s foresight and strategic planning project.
Science, Technology, and Innovation or STI roadmap under Pagtanaw 2050 aims to make country “prosperous, archipelagic, maritime nation characterized by society that is inclusive, productive, sustainable, educated and healthy.”
As Philippine universities fell in recent Asia university rankings, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for “comprehensive” and “all-encompassing” strategy to further improve state of tertiary education in the country.
In his speech at National Higher Education Day Summit in Pasay City, Marcos lamented exclusion of Philippine universities in this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings.
“Unfortunately, no Philippine university has reached Top 100, with country’s top schools either dropping or maintaining their rankings… just goes to show that much work is still to be done…we must pursue comprehensive and all-encompassing strategy that will turn this trend around,” FMJ said.
As of December last year, however, at least 81 higher educational institutions (HEIs) had been included in various world university rankings, which is higher than 52 in July last year, according to the President.
He emphasized improving higher education and making it responsive to the present and future needs of society is “front and center” of his administration’s national development agenda.
“Giving youth right competencies and skills and training is only way for them to prevail and to prosper in this highly competitive world, without educated workforce that will implement them, any national economic blueprint will remain simply that blueprints…we will not have means or capacity or labor force to be able to make those plans realities,” Marcos said.
Success of country’s development agenda relies heavily on availability of strong, resilient and skilled human resource, according to the Chief Executive.
He also assured his government remains committed to continuing provision of free tertiary education in public universities and colleges for qualified students under Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.
“We have allocated close to P134 billion for our state and local universities and colleges this year so that more students can receive free tertiary education and more families will be eased of burden of having to pay for college,” Marcos said.
As of Jan. 4, there are 1,977 HEIs in the country. Of the figure, 113 are state universities and colleges, 137 are local universities and colleges, 1,714 are private HEIs and 13 are other government schools, Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-supervised institutions and special schools.
Ateneo de Manila University placed in 401-500 bracket based on recently published THE Asia rankings.
UP placed in 501-600 bracket from last year’s 201-250.
De La Salle University remained in 501-600 bracket, while University of Santo Tomas entered rankings in 601+ bracket, tied with Mapúa University.
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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5 aliens arrested over abortion activities
By J.Lo
“shall be imposed in its maximum period, respectively, upon any physician or midwife who, taking advantage of their scientific knowledge or skill, shall cause an abortion or assist in causing the same,”Article 259, said abortion practiced by physician or midwife and dispensing of abortives, five foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal abortion activities were arrested by law enforcement authorities.
In press release BI nabbed the three Vietnamese nationals and two Chinese nationals along Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City.
One of the Vietnamese nationals, according to BI, introduced himself as doctor of wellness center.
He was identified as 29-year-old Trinh Dinh Sang, who was employed at “wellness clinic” in the area.
According to BI’s intelligence division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., authorities posed as clients for cosmetic treatments.
Upon confirmation of presence of foreign nationals, arresting officers implemented apprehension against Sang and his cohorts.
Operations, carried out in collaboration with Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and Philippine National Police in Pasay City, based on information indicating that Sang was involved in illegal activities, including cosmetic enhancements and abortion procedures.
Sang and the other foreign nationals are held at BI’s facility in Bicutan while pending resolution of deportation against them has been lodged.
Catholic-majority Philippines has world’s most restrictive laws against abortion. Revise Penal Code of the Philippines Article 256 states that any person who shall intentionally cause an abortion shall suffer:
“1. The penalty of reclusion temporal, if he shall use any violence upon person of pregnant woman.
2. The penalty of prision mayor if, without using violence, he shall act without consent of the woman.
3. The penalty of prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods, if woman shall have consented.”
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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WPS civilian convoy to reach Panatag today
By Nidz Godino
“Atin Ito is now in EEZ and has successfully deployed symbolic buoys, markers bearing message: WPS, Atin Ito! Atin Ito’s main civilian boats are now distributing supplies … to Filipino fishers in our EEZ,” organizers led by Akbayan Party announced Atin Ito Coalition’s second civilian supply mission to West Philippine Sea is expected to reach Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal today, where China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels have reportedly set up blockade to stop convoy from reaching its main destination.
At least three Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels have been deployed to monitor activity along with Philippine Navy warship also in the area at an undisclosed location and distance.
Earlier convoy led by five small civilian boats successfully reached waters outside 12-nautical-mile territorial waters of the Philippines and planted buoys within country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Mission also distributed food, fuel and other supplies to some 100 fishing boats joined first phase of trip to Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.
“Hundred small fish boats will go back to Masinloc…five civilian boats will continue to go near vicinity of BdM for second round of supply distribution… where things could get ‘interesting’,” Atin Ito said.
Early in its civilian supply mission to WPS, coalition has executed its three main objectives “conducting peace and solidarity regatta comprised of five civilian marine vessels and 100 small fishing boats in our EEZ, placing symbolic buoys,markers… and completing first round of distributing supplies…”
Group did not identify where these activities were held.
“Atin Ito contingent will now proceed to second phase of its voyage, aiming to reach vicinity of Panatag Shoal for another round of supply distribution to Filipino fisherfolk in the area,” organizers announced.
Atin Ito has also already achieved victory in battle of narratives, saying “China’s narrative has significantly faltered.”
“It is running very bad script…when superpower deploys fleet of military vessels to act as goalkeeper in shoal it has no authority over, against group of wooden fishing boats manned by Filipino civilians, it is unmistakably exposed as aggressor, usurper and illegal occupant,” Akbayan president and Atin Ito co-convenor Rafaela David said.
Edicio dela Torre of Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement echoed same sentiments, stating “persistent aggression displayed by China in West Philippine Sea only highlights its lack of legitimate claim…our mission is testament to resilience and rightful assertion of our sovereignty by Filipino people.”
Around 200 volunteers, including crew, are on board five commercial vessels, and another 100 fishers command smaller boats.
Atin Ito said this second civilian supply mission is joined by New Masinloc Fishermen’s Associations, Subic Commercial Fishing Association Inc., Mabayo Agri Aqua Association in Bataan, Pambansang Katipunan ng Samahan sa Kanayunan, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka, Center for Agrarian Reform, Empowerment and Transformation, Akbayan Youth and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines.
Late yesterday afternoon, Atin Ito said two CCG vessels started shadowing convoy, with one approaching at distance of only one nautical mile.
Organizers said PCG’s BRP Bagacay is protecting civilian boats and exchanged radio challenges with Chinese vessel 50 nautical miles from Panatag Shoal.
Atin Ito said first CCG vessel had bow number 4109 while second appeared and approached later had bow number 4108.
“Atin Ito contingent will continue with its course… Atin Ito will still proceed with its voyage,” organizers updating media through Viber said.
Two more PCG vessels are providing escort to Atin Ito Coalition’s civilian mission to Bajo de Masinloc, PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.
Balilo said their 24-meter patrol boats BRP Panglao and BRP Boracay will join BRP Bagacay in escorting civilian convoy that would distribute supplies to fishermen and lay down symbolic markers.
“BRP Boracay is in Subic already, while BRP Panglao is already on its way to the area…these are 24-meter patrol boats fast and with excellent maneuverability,” Balilo said.
Upon orders of PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG aircraft would also follow fleet, he added.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David asked public to pray for safety of those who joined Atin Ito civilian mission.
“Let us accompany civilian supply mission to West Philippine Sea with our prayers…let us pray to the Lord that no untoward incident happens to fleet of five civilian marine vessels and 100 small fishing boats that are presently navigating their way through our exclusive economic zone to deliver fuel and food supplies to our fisherfolk in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal,” said David.
“Stubborn civilian presence instead of joint military show-of-force is indeed peaceful, nonviolent approach to this conflict… good test case of civilian supremacy over military, which is essential in true democracy, better way to express our unity as nation and assert our sovereignty towards China without succumbing to demands of warmongers who are eager to involve us in violent proxy war that would only benefit major arms industries,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of National Task Force for WPS, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela praised civilian initiative by Atin Ito Coalition, its second since last December.
“In the eyes of National Task Force for West Philippine Sea, this is good sign… because of our transparency initiative started last year, activities like Atin Ito signify there are members of civil society that support our position,” Tarriela said at press conference.
He reiterated that convoy was “not sanctioned by national government,” contrary to what he alleged was information from Chinese authorities.
Tarriela maintained Philippines would never wage war against China, but instead assert its sovereignty as guaranteed by EEZ and 2016 arbitral award.
Tarriela also slammed Chinese publication accused Filipinos of polluting the area.
According to post on X by Global Times, “China’s national English language newspaper, under People’s Daily,” Filipino fishermen “engaged in uncivilized behaviors spitting, urinating, dumping garbage on and around China’s Huangyan Dao, caused pollution to marine environment in South China Sea.”
Global Times also posted videos showed alleged Filipino fisherfolk smoking and peeing on their boats, as well as throwing trash.
“I won’t also lie that even ordinary people in the pier, we can see this behavior of our Filipino fishermen… compared with crushed corals Chinese are dumping in entire South China Sea, compared to harvesting of giant clams and destruction of corals to create artificial islands, what’s Filipino peeing compared to what they are doing?” he asserted.
Tarriela maintained China could be overreacting to what he thought was petty issue in West Philippine Sea.
He also reported 31 days since PCG’s biggest patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua was sent to Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, China’s efforts to dump more crushed corals in the area ceased.
Amid continuing aggression of Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is seeking to reform and reorganize PCG.
Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 2650 seeking to repeal Republic Act 9993, also known as Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, and replace it with Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law.
The senator said gaps in organizational structure, administration and ensuring personnel welfare have negatively impacted PCG operations.
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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PNP to assist NBI on ‘wiretapping’ probe
By Nidz Godino
“It can lead to downsizing of Chinese embassy in Metro Manila, it depends on what can be proven,” Sen. Francis Tolentino said Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to support National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in its probe on alleged wiretapping activities of Chinese embassy.
PNP information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said PNP is ready to give assistance in NBI investigation, ordered by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Remulla issued order after Chinese embassy released transcript of alleged conversation between its diplomat and former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.
Conversation supposedly occurred last Jan. 3, is about “new model” for managing dispute between two sides on Ayungin Shoal.
Chinese embassy officials, along with defense and security officials, would be invited by Senate panel that would investigate, in aid of legislation, alleged wiretapping against Carlos, which is considered serious breach of existing international law for foreign embassy.
In interview, Tolentino said invitation was anchored on his Senate Resolution 1023, calling for Senate committee on national defense chaired by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada to conduct inquiry.
Tolentino clarified regardless of outcome of Senate investigation, content would be extraneous from NBI investigation. “We only want to know if there was wiretapping.”
He said that depending on findings of investigation, all embassy personnel, including non-diplomatic personnel, clerical staff, cooks and drivers who were given visas could have these canceled and they would be sent home.
“They can be declared persona non grata, or they could be sent home… I would not preempt Department of Foreign Affairs’ action, it can lead to DFA calling for reduction in size of personnel of embassy,” he added.
He said downsizing embassy would be first. “Chinese embassy has consulate offices in Cebu, Davao and surprisingly they have consulate in Ilocos Norte,” he said.
Under Republic Act 4200 or Anti-Wiretapping Act, it is unlawful for any person not authorized by parties to any private communication or spoken word to record conversations.
Resolution noted on May 6, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian spoke at press conference and said China has repeatedly negotiated with Philippines’ AFP WesCom to discuss “new model” for West Philippine Sea (WPS) and that Philippine military has confirmed it had been approved by entire command chain, including Philippines’ defense ministry and national security adviser.
“On May 7, China has likewise threatened to release transcript and audio recording of alleged phone conversation that happened on Jan. 3 between Chinese officials and Carlos wherein latter allegedly agreed to ‘new model’ in handling resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre,” resolution added.
“On the same day, DFA issued statement emphasizing that only Philippine President can approve or authorize agreements entered into by Philippine government on matters pertaining to the WPS,” resolution added. “In this respect, DFA can confirm that no Cabinet-level official of Marcos administration has agreed to any Chinese proposal pertaining to Ayungin Shoal.”
Resolution added AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr., one of the high-ranking officers mentioned in wiretapped conversation, vehemently denied agreeing to such model.
Resolution noted China’s claim of audio recording allegedly between Carlos and Chinese diplomat does not merit significant concern as it appears to be malign influence effort from Chinese Communist Party.
“Transcripts can easily be fabricated and audio recordings can be manufactured by using deepfakes… reports only aim to serve as distraction from China Coast Guard’s ongoing aggressive behavior in WPS,” resolution said.
Meanwhile, Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval said they have not received any request for information on Chinese individuals who may be linked to alleged wiretapping operations of Chinese embassy.
“So far, it is not in our radar. .. no information about that or request for data of those involved in this case…but we are closely monitoring this and BI database is ready to share information if they need details about specific individuals related to this case,” she said during Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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PNP, BJMP, BFP to wear light uniforms
By J.Lo
“Tri-bureau’s line of work already poses lot of risks, now that it is coupled with hazards of extreme heat temperature, we also need to protect our PNP, BFP and BJMP,” Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said to ease working conditions of uniformed personnel amid rising heat index across country, police, fire and jail officers can wear light uniforms in performance of their duties.
In an urgent memorandum, Abalos directed Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to issue advisory for all its personnel to wear light uniforms in performance of their respective duties.
He said measure shall help mitigate discomfort and reduce risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke.
PNP, BFP and BJMP are attached agencies of DILG.
“Welfare of our uniformed personnel comes first, especially as they perform their sworn duty,” Abalos said.
Earlier, BJMP issued memorandum on modified schedule of wearing BJMP uniforms during summer season.
DILG issued order as Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued warning that dangerous heat index in various parts of the Philippines would persist until mid-May.
Department of Health likewise advised public to take precautionary measures against dangers of heat-related illnesses.
Col. Jean Fajardo, chief information officer of the PNP, said police officers on field duties can wear more comfortable patrol shirts.
“Those rendering patrol duties are allowed to wear light patrol shirts with at least breather for when they get exposed to the sun,” she said.
Among police officers on field work are members of Highway Patrol Group, special weapons and tactics teams and those from territorial units on beat patrol.
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