4 Agosto 2024, Linggo

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Headlines

FMJ hiked govt workers’ salaries, benefits

By Nidz Godino

“Given  prevailing economic circumstances, including  erosion of purchasing power due to inflation, there is  need to update  salaries and benefits of government personnel in order to maintain  competent, committed, agile and healthy workforce, thereby promoting social justice, integrity, efficiency, accountability and excellence, and ultimately translating to increased productivity and higher quality public service,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said citing “prevailing economic circumstances” and  need to maintain  “competent, agile and healthy” public workforce, issued  executive order (EO) raising  salaries of civilian government personnel and authorizing  grant of additional allowance to those deemed qualified.

Signed for the President on Aug. 2 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, EO 64 details  salary increase for all civilian government personnel in  executive, legislative and judicial branches as well as in constitutional commissions and other constitutional offices.

Wage  increase, according to EO 64, also covers personnel of government-owned or -controlled corporations not covered by Republic Act 10149 or “GOCC Governance Act of 2011” and EO 150 on compensation classification issued in 2021.

Updated  salary schedule will be implemented in national government agencies in four tranches.  First  tranche takes effect retroactively on Jan. 1 this year,  second on Jan. 1, 2025,  third and fourth on  same date in 2026 and 2027, the Presidential Communications Office said in  statement.

EO 64 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Aside from salary increase, qualified government employees will receive medical allowance of P7,000 per annum as subsidy for health maintenance organization-type benefits, it said.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will issue  guidelines for implementing specific provisions of EO 64.

Marcos announced  salary increase for state workers during his third State of the Nation Address last month.

DBM earlier said P36 billion had been allocated for Personnel Services expenditures under  2024 General Appropriations Act.

Total  of P70 billion, meanwhile, has been allotted in 2025 National Expenditure Program to ensure  implementation of the first and second tranches of  salary increase.

Wage  increase for government workers is expected to benefit 165,007 sub-professionals; 1,170,647 professionals such as teachers and lawyers and 22,640 personnel in executive functions,  DBM said.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Jeremiah 33:2-3

² “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ³ ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

3 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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11 succumbed in Chinatown blaze

By J.Lo

“Structures at highest fire risk, especially those buildings that are at least 15 years old, will be prioritized in  inspection to determine their compliance with  National Building Code and the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said eleven people died after  fire hit  old mixed-use building in Binondo, Manila. 

Victims were found lying in their beds  six at mezzanine and five on second floor of the five-floor building along Carvajal Street in Barangay 289, Zone 27, according to Senior Inspector Michael Ignacio, operations chief of the Manila Fire District.

Ignacio said victims could have still been asleep when fire engulfed  residential and commercial building, he noted. 

Bureau of Fire Protection raised  first alarm at 7:28 in the morning and second alarm at 8:14 in the morning, according to  initial BFP report.

Fourteen fire trucks from BFP and 20 others from volunteer groups, as well as ambulances and  special rescue force, helped in  firefighting efforts. 

Huge  blaze persisted, with smoke coming out of  completely shut windows on second floor. Firemen had to break some of the windows, as well as force open some rolling gates at the ground floor, by cutting  padlocks, just to penetrate fire scene.

Relatives of  victims, including  tenant establishments of the building, were left helpless as  fire completely engulfed  building.

BFP declared  fire under control at 9:31 in the morning and fire out at 10:03 in the morning .They have yet to identify  victims. Photos shared on social media showed  bodies were charred beyond recognition. 

 Fire  destroyed property worth P100,000, noted  BFP. 

Blaze  could have come from canteen on ground floor of the building which houses  trading company,  bakery and popular hopia brand Ho-Land, according to  reports.

Ho-Land security guard claimed  fire could have come from  leaking liquefied petroleum gas canister at the canteen. He recalled trying to cover it with damp cloth, but  blaze had already consumed  room.

Old  building has  fire exit  covered with tarpaulin, to serve as shade for stalls of fruits and vegetables along alley on the ground floor.

TBFP maintained its investigators have yet to determine what could have caused the fire.

Pangan said  city government would provide psychosocial, medical and financial assistance to  bereaved families.

She also ordered concerned city government departments to “to conduct thorough inspections of all structures within city.” 

3 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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84.19 % enrollment target reached so far — DepEd

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“As of Aug. 2, 9 in the morning we have reached 84.19 percent of our target with 23,340,101 learners enrolled out of 27,722,835…we are optimistic in maintaining  momentum in the coming days,”  Department of Education has achieved over 84 percent of its target number of enrollees this year.

Based on breakdown provided by DepEd, 20,406,884 students are enrolled in public schools while 2,634,760 students are enrolled in private schools; 37,868 students are enrolled in state and local universities and colleges and 260,589 students are enrolled under alternative learning system (ALS).

Per education level, elementary schools have  most number of enrollees with 10,341,997 students, followed by junior high schools with 5,779,363, senior high schools with 2,671,504 and the ALS with 203,501.

Across  regions, Calabarzon currently has  most number of enrolled students at 3,380,178, followed by Central Luzon and National Capital Region (NCR) with 2,470,220 and 2,407,221 enrolled students, respectively.

Cordillera Administrative Region and  Mimaropa have  smallest number of enrollees at 388,490 and 573,002, respectively.

New  academic year officially started last Monday, though 841 schools nationwide had to defer of their classes due to  widespread damage caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

Of this number, 452 are in Central Luzon, 225 in NCR, 95 in Ilocos region, 66 in Calabarzon and three in Soccsksargen.

DepEd has yet to release  updated report on  number of schools that have yet to open classes.

3 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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FMJ seeks media help fight fake news

By Nidz Godino

“Now more than ever, we need your help in empowering our people to distinguish  truth from fiction and facts from blatant lies,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during  oath-taking of the Board of Trustees of  Association of Philippine Journalists (APJ)-Samahang Plaridel Foundation Inc. at Malacañang  asked members of  Philippine media help in  fight against fake news, has become more dangerous with “unregulated social media” and artificial intelligence.

Marcos made  call weeks after  “fake video” circulated on social media linking him to alleged illegal drug use. 

Separate forensic analysis conducted by  National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police showed man supposedly taking drugs in  viral video was not Marcos.

FMJ cited  crucial role of  APJ-Samahang Plaridel Foundation in upholding freedom of the press, fostering accuracy in journalism and policing errant practitioners within their ranks. 

“May you also find inspiration and guidance in  life and works of Plaridel, or Marcelo H. del Pilar , Father of Philippine Journalism  by practicing courageous, compassionate and committed journalism,” he stressed.

Marcos also assured Filipino journalists of his administration’s continuing support in ensuring their safety and welfare through  Presidential Task Force on Media Security. 

“We will also foster  environment where members of  media can continue to freely practice their profession in  manner  fruitful, rewarding and meaningful,” he said. 

3 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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Headlines

Bato bullied ICC interviewers

By Nidz Godino

“You ,ICC can interview me anytime…but it doesn’t mean that I’ll bow to their jurisdiction over us…if they want to talk, I will answer their question,” Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa  is not bothered about being one of the “suspects” in  drug war case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, and is willing to be interviewed by  International Criminal Court (ICC).

Dela Rosa  is also open to communicating with ICC prosecutors even as he still would not recognize  court’s jurisdiction.

Dela Rosa just wanted to show “amity” and answer questions without disrespect, and to be treated as  normal person if ICC interviews him.

The former top cop  would rather believe in the word of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. than statement of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who said  Philippine government would not hinder  Interpol from executing its duties if  ICC orders  arrest of certain “suspects” in the country.

“Our President has been saying  he will not cooperate and that he does not recognize  jurisdiction of  ICC in our country…so who should I believe…should I believe in Trillanes…should I believe in Remulla…or President Marcos?” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa noted  pronouncements of Remulla and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV  who had bared that arrest warrants would soon be issued for top policemen involved in  previous administration’s drug war contradict Marcos’ declaration.

“Well, it’s difficult if the President doesn’t follow what he says; or is our President double talking….only they know what it really is,” he claimed.

He also admitted  he could not do anything if  government wanted to cooperate with  ICC as he does not have control over what direction  government wants to take.

In  the event  government cooperates with  ICC, he noted  he would feel betrayed as  Filipino as  government is not consistent with its policies.

When asked about his plans, the senator had no plans and would leave his fate up to God, adding  he would act on the matter once  ICC releases  official warrant of arrest against him.

“I will cross the bridge when I get there… I don’t have to telegraph my actions… I cannot give you  definite answer as  government has no definite policy on the matter,” he said.

2 Agosto 2024, Biyernes

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‘Abused’ actor Sandro Muhlach files complaint vs GMA consultants

By Cynthia Montojo

“GMA Network has just received  formal complaint from Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach against two GMA independent contractors, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz,” media network announced  in  statement GMA Network has received  formal complaint filed by Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach, son of former child actor Niño Muhlach, against two GMA independent contractors over  alleged incident of abuse.

“Recognizing  seriousness of  alleged incident, GMA Network had already initiated its own investigation even before receiving  formal complaint…respecting Sandro’s request for confidentiality, investigating body will withhold all details of formal investigation until its conclusion,” it stressed.

GMA also assured  public and its stakeholders of its commitment to conducting this investigation with  highest standards of fairness and impartiality.

Statement  was released amid  blind item circulating online about  newbie actor  allegedly harassed by two “TV executives” during  major showbiz gala.

Earlier, Niño posted  cryptic message on his Facebook account that read, “INUMPISAHAN NYO, TATAPUSIN KO! ”  post  didn’t mention any specific incident.

2 Agosto 2024, Biyernes

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Ph has no integrated flood master plan

By J.Lo

“When we came in, we found out that there were several master plans in 18 major river basins in various stages of preparations…most of  master plans are being updated at this point in time, taking into account  climate change phenomenon and other factors that have to be incorporated into  master plan,” Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted  before Senate panel  although there are several flood control projects in metropolis and all over the country, these are not integrated into  comprehensive master plan that could prevent flooding in 18 major river basins.

Bonoan confirmed  5,521 flood control projects,  touted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) are actually “immediate relief flood mitigation projects” in low-lying areas, and not part of any comprehensive master plan.

Senators criticized  lack of  integrated flood control master plan,  could have mitigated  difficulty experienced by people in Metro Manila during  onslaught of Typhoon Carina and  southwest monsoon last week.

Senate committee on public works questioned officials of  Department of Public Works and Highways and  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) why their flood control projects failed to address the problem,  kept occuring every time country is hit by typhoons and bad weather.

Bonoan’s admission confirmed  senators’ suspicions that  lack of  comprehensive master plan worsens flooding every typhoon season.

“So there is  admission that an integrated master plan does not exist, because these are separate, piecemeal projects not aligned with each other,” Sen. Imee Marcos said .

Marcos bared  zero budget in  2025 National Expenditure Program for foreign-assisted flood control projects,instead were put under unprogrammed funds.

Sen. Joel Villanueva said  lack of planning also means  floodwaters in Metro Manila subside, but remain longer in nearby catch basin provinces like Bulacan.

Country  spends P1.44 billion per day for flood control projects,  only go down  drain every rainy season, Villanueva said.

Bonoan said integrating all flood control masterplans would take time as there is  need to first conduct feasibility study and  detailed engineering design, as well as secure  financing program with  lending institution.

“There is  engineering component, there is  social component, and there is environmental component in master plan,” Bonoan said.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said indiscriminate garbage dumping clogs  waterways and slows down  flow of floodwater into  sea.

Meanwhile,  Department of Environment and Natural Resources is conducting “cumulative impact assessment” to determine if  Manila Bay reclamation project worsened flooding in coastal areas.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said initial study indicated  reclamation projects impede  flow of water and changes  circulation and retention of pollutants and organic materials in the bay.

2 Agosto 2024, Biyernes

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DOTr to continue PUVMP unless halt

By J.Lo

“On the part of DOTr, we were given  marching order by the President, this is  100 percent go,” Transport Undersecretary Jesus Ortega said public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) will go full speed ahead despite  Senate resolution calling for its suspension.

Ortega said they will proceed with  PUVMP upon  directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Majority  of  sector has already consolidated and signed up for the program following  April 30 deadline, he noted.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has written to Senate President Francis Escudero as he tries to allay concerns over the program.

He warned suspension of  PUVMP “could disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits.”

Suspension  would also undermine progress and damage relationships with transport stakeholders who have already consolidated, he stressed.

He noted  government has already allocated  P1.6-billion budget for the program.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said  PUVMP, renamed public transport modernization program (PTMP), will continue as he allayed  concerns of operators that have consolidated.

“We assure  drivers, operators and stakeholders who participated in  PTMP that it will proceed as long as there is no directive coming from the President and  DOTr to halt  program,” said LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz.

Guadiz said they respect  Senate and their call based on concerns raised by some drivers and transport groups.

Government  will continue to implement  PTMP as it will help address aggravating transport-related problems, he maintained.

LTFRB clarified  low number of authorized units in some routes prompted  agency to allow unconsolidated jeepneys and UV express units to operate.

This will help ensure  stable supply of public transportation in some routes without filing for consolidation, LTFRB said.

2 Agosto 2024, Biyernes

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Headlines

Ph won’t stop drug war arrests by Interpol – DOJ

By Nidz Godino

DOJ FORUM WITH SECT. JESUS CRISPIN REMULLA

“We are not in the business of blocking any movement of  Interpol, unless  policy is laid out,  of course will go against our international commitments…kaya hindi natin ginagawa yun,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Philippine government cannot stop  International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) from serving arrest warrants  International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue against former president Rodrigo Duterte and several others for  killing of thousands of suspects during his bloody war on drugs.

At  media forum, Remulla said  while Philippines is no longer  member of  ICC, it is still part of  Interpol, to which it has obligations.

He noted that  ICC and Interpol are “used to working together” and  international tribunal could bring in  Interpol to enforce arrest warrants.

Citing  principle of comity, Remulla said  Philippine government will not obstruct anything as long as it does not violate  country’s laws.

“Principle of comity dictates we remain friendly and do not block any legal actions they undertake…if they engage in illegal activities, then we will not tolerate that, if they violate our laws,” he said.

The justice chief  still would study  implications of dealing with  Interpol on matter but stressed there are repercussions if  Philippine government moves to block its activities in the country.

“Kapag nag-issue ng warrant of arrest, it’s  Interpol’s job to serve it, and we have  job to  Interpol…we are not in the business of blocking  Interpol’s job,  to fight international crime…we respect  Interpol’s actions 99.9 percent of the time,” Remulla said.

He also emphasized  Interpol agents and officials can freely enter  country visa-free.

Remulla likewise confirmed  ICC’s requesting assistance from  government in interviewing persons of interest. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra earlier revealed  ICC making such request.

Remulla said  government “noted”  request but did not “act favorably” on it, as country had already withdrawn from  Rome Statute,  treaty that established  ICC.

Philippines withdrew from Rome Statute in 2019 during  Duterte administration after  tribunal began  probe on his war on drugs.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier said Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and four other former ranking police officials have been named as suspects in ICC probe.

Trillanes had posted  supposedly redacted copy of  order of  ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor.

Others supposedly named in the document were former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde, former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Romeo Caramat Jr., former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and former PNP Intelligence Officer Eleazar Mata.

Trillanes earlier said  ICC had asked  Interpol to place  five men on its “blue list.” This means that if  five leave  Philippines and enter any of the 195 other Inter- pol member states, they can be held for questioning by  ICC.