24 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

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FMJ pushing for passage of 28 bills

By Nidz Godino

“We are strengthening our efforts to improve  collection of revenues by ensuring ease of paying taxes, accelerating digitalization programs, improving non-tax revenue collections and pushing for  privatization of government assets that will lead to operational efficiency and higher investment returns,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is seeking the passage of at least 28 measures aimed at sustaining economic growth, addressing poverty, ensuring food security and maintaining peace and order and  ratification of four conventions on safe use of nuclear energy.

Bills  and nuclear-related agreements were listed in  technical report for Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA),  provided  detailed discussion of government’s programs on economy, food and water security, social development, environment, national security, peace and prosperity and good governance.

To achieve its goal of advancing economic transformation and growth,  Marcos administration is calling for  passage of  proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating  Economy or  CREATE MORE Act,  fourth package of  Comprehensive Tax Reform Program,  bill imposing excise tax on single-use plastics,  motor vehicle users’ tax, value added tax on digital services and  rationalization of  mining fiscal regime.

FMJ listed eight measures that seek to benefit  agriculture and water sectors, namely  proposed National Land Use Act, Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, amendments to  Rice Tariffication Law, amendments to Cooperative Code, amendments to Fisheries Code,  proposed Blue Economy Act, bill on farm-to-market road development acceleration and  bill creating  Department of Water Resources.

To boost efforts to protect  environment, ensure  sustainable energy future and make  Philippines climate-resilient, Marcos called on Congress to ensure  immediate passage of  proposed amendments to  Electric Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA, waste-to-energy bill, nuclear energy bill and Philippine downstream natural gas industry bill.

Marcos is also pushing for  passage of three measures that seek to bolster Philippines’ territorial integrity, namely  proposed Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Act;  Philippine maritime zones bill and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

He likewise urged Congress to pass  amended Philippine Immigration Act to “strike  balance between protecting  country’s borders and encouraging our friends and allies to travel to and invest in the Philippines” and  proposed Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act to enhance  country’s overall defense posture.

Government’s plans on digital transformation and good governance, the President stressed, would be strengthened through  passage of  bill on National Government Rightsizing Program,  New Government Auditing Code,  proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act or  Open Access on Data Transmission Act, proposed E-Governance Act and  budget modernization bill.

Also mentioned in  SONA technical report was the new Government Procurement Reform Act, which was signed into law last Saturday.

Marcos is also pursuing  ratification of nuclear-related conventions to help facilitate  adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines, namely Convention on Nuclear Safety, Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on Safety of Radioactive Waste Management; Protocol to Amend  Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage and Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage.

24 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro

happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor 

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HEADLINES

5K chalk allowance

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“Chalk allowance will be released very soon, in time for  opening of classes…that’s how it’s timed…when classes open, teachers already have  allowance for their needs….whatever’s lacking in their classroom, they can augment with that,” public school teachers will receive their P5,000 teaching supplies allowance before classes open on Monday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Angara said now that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has signed  Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, public school teachers can expect to receive P10,000 in teaching supplies allowance next school year.

“Cash allowance will be P5,000 this year…for the first time, it’s tax-free…next year, under the law, it would be P10,000…so, every teacher will receive that,” Angara said.

Last month, Marcos signed  Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,  mandates  P10,000 teaching allowance for public school teachers starting School Year 2025-2026.

Aside from this, Angara said  Department of Education would be proposing  creation of additional teaching positions beyond Teacher I and Teacher III, as part of Marcos’ pledge during his State of the Nation Address.

The President said  government has allocated funds to implement  expanded career progression system for public school teachers,  shall allow teachers to advance ranks and no longer have “public school teachers retiring as  mere Teacher I,” referring to the lowest public school teacher rank.

“What we’re advocating is promotion based on merit, because that’s what many teachers are frustrated about…they’ve been teachers for so long and yet they have never been promoted,” Angara said.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 112:5

⁵ Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
    who conduct their affairs with justice.

23  Hulio 2024, Martes

Congratulations and more power FMJ!!!

Register now and vote in midterm polls

Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro

happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Hontiveros lands on Ph trends list of X after FMJ bans POGOs

By Nidz Godino

“At ngayon po, naririnig po namin ang malakas na sigaw ng taong bayan laban sa mga POGO,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  said in his SONA, name of opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros trended on X (formerly Twitter) platform after FMJ announced  ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in his third State of the Nation Address.

Chief  executive on July 22 declared  cessation of POGOs in the country after it proliferated during  previous administration.

“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into elicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture even murder. ..grave  abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” he stressed.

“Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa!” Marcos said.

His remarks caused him to receive widespread cheers from  attendees, with some giving him standing ovation.

In his SONA, the president also ordered  Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to “wind down and cease  operations of POGOs by  end of the year.”

Action  caused some online Filipinos to mention Hontiveros, who has been ceaselessly cracking down on POGOs since they came into the country.

“For the first time, Senator Risa Hontiveros stood up and applauded during Marcos Jr. SONA speech. POGOs are banned. Sen Risa’s work with brave whistleblowers and civil society actors, indeed, deserves applause,” sociologist Athena Presto said.

“I just want to thank this woman who always stands up and looks deeper into what’s more to investigate about POGOS. ..she deserves my praise for what she has done to awaken  minds of many people. ..salamat, SEN. RISA HONTIVEROS, AND YOU ARE A TRUE LEADER,” another user wrote.

“Thank you, Sen Risa! Right from the start, you knew where to stand!” a different Pinoy commented.

“Thank you to Sen. Risa who got  ball rolling on this issue. ..time to make sure  these POGOs are totally eradicated,” wrote another user.

Rights lawyer Chel Diokno also credited  lawmaker for her efforts in probing POGOs.

“Maraming salamat, Sen. Risa! Kung ‘di niyo inungkat ang mga POGO, malamang ‘di pa siya na-ban…dapat may kasabay ang ban  pagpapanagot sa mga salarin ,mga government officials na kakochaba at kumita sa kanila,” he wrote.

Keyword  “Sen. Risa” also landed in the top ten Philippine trends list on the X platform on Monday evening.

Hontiveros called  ban  “success for the country.”

“‘Bye, POGO!” she wrote on social media with  waving hand emoji.

Her post has earned 46,000 likes, 14,000 reposts and 790 comments in  replies thread so far.

“Bilang tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Women na nanguna sa imbestigasyon tungkol sa mga krimeng nakakabit sa POGO, hindi ko matatawaran ang saya at ginhawa ng pagpapabawal ng POGO sa bansa,” Hontiveros said.

“POGOs have brought innumerable and unspeakable social ills into the country… I commend the President for his resolute pronouncement,” she stressed.

Lawmaker  said  their Senate hearings “will continue to demand accountability.”

Sen. Win Gatchalian, who has also been calling for ban on POGOs, said  their Senate hearings about illegal POGOs will continue as they have not yet found  “masterminds” of  activities.

He and Hontiveros have been jointly investigating illegal POGOs in  upper chamber, with  most recent one involving suspended Bamban Mayor Guo Hua Ping or Alice Guo accused of enabling them in her town.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros  will “also continue to ensure”  Senate “strengthen policies that would prevent industries like POGOs from ever emerging again.”

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga victim-survivors, whistleblowers, at government agencies na nakipagtulungan sa aming imbestigasyon sa Senado para mabunyag ang kababalaghang nakapalibot sa POGO…we owe you this victory,” she added.

As early as 2020, Hontiveros filed  Senate resolution urging  prohibition of POGOs in the country, saying that they were “non-essential business.”

Earlier that year,  lawmaker exposed  sex and human trafficking dens that were allegedly linked to  gaming and amusement industry.

In 2021,  opposition senator once again renewed 

her call to ban POGOs, stressing their involvement in activities like “illegal recruitment to kidnapping.”

Since then, Hontiveros has been continuously cracking down on POGOs in Senate investigations, with  most recent involving Guo.

Government  started regulating POGOs in 2016 under  Duterte administration.

They were initially touted as  source of revenue but have since been associated with illegal activities such as scams, torture and human trafficking.

23  Hulio 2024, Martes

Congratulations and more power FMJ!!!

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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

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro

happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

E-gates stay, Ph e-visa in next digital reform agenda

By J.Lo

“Our infrastructure and digital reforms, through development of tourism sites and  enhancement of overall tourist experience, are all calculated to boost  productivity of  tourism sector,”  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA)  pronounced  prioritization of projects that enhance  overall tourist experience in the country.

He mentioned  infrastructure and digital reforms, including -gates and Philippine e-visa, as among  initiatives of government to make travel to  country more convenient.

He cited  air transport and tourism have been made more convenient because of  shift to paperless immigration and customs forms, thanking e-Travel system.

The president also said electronic gates will remain to be deployed at the country’s international airports.

“Soon,  piloted e-gates will be standard fixtures at airports, to further facilitate ease of mobility during departures and arrivals,” Marcos said.

In February this year, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco reported  they will upgrade  e-gates at  international airports of the Philippines.

This year, Tansingco  have initiated  procurement of more e-gates to replace 25% of their manual operations in major international airports as part of  bureau’s contribution to Bagong Pilipinas efforts.

Aside from e-gates, Marcos also said “ implementation of  Philippine e-visa will be next in our digital transformation agenda.”

Earlier this month, the president has ordered  review of  e-visa system for Indian tourists.

Last month,  Department of Tourism (DOT_ identified India as one of the key tourist markets it aims to target.

In  statement after SONA,  DOT  is grateful for the president’s prioritization of tourism in his third SONA.

DOT is also thankful for Marcos’ strategic focus on advancing tourism-related policies, including infrastructure development through airport upgrades and new infrastructure construction nationwide, implementation of e-visas, and  introduction of e-gates in line with e-travel system, as well as prioritization of CREATE More Bill that stands impact on tourism investments.

“These initiatives represent significant advancement for Philippine tourism, enhancing our competitiveness and establishing country as  top-notch destination known for its convenience, accessibility, and world-class hospitality, investing in modernizing our airports not only improves connectivity and accessibility but also elevates  overall service quality for travelers, bolstering  Philippines’ appeal as  premier tourism spot in the region,” Christina Frasco said.

Frasco likewise commended Marcos’ prioritization of e-visa services.

“I applaud President’s directive to implement E-visa services for important source markets such as India,  recognizing  transformative impact this initiative will have on our country’s tourist arrivals as it streamlines and simplifies  visa application process, making it more convenient for visitors to travel to the Philippines,” she said. 

23  Hulio 2024, Martes

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Local creators showcased anew at SONA red carpet

By Nidz Godino

Hours  before  SONA several senators showcased  works of Filipino designers during  resumption of  third regular session of  19th Congress,.

Senate President Francis Escudero donned  classic barong tagalog, while his wife, actress-model Heart Evangelista, wore  modern white Filipiniana by Leyva.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada sported  piña barong created by his trusted tailor, Rod Francisco, while Sen. Robinhood Padilla wore  Onesimus slim-fit, full-button barong made of piña silk.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s barong was inspired by  anahaw leaf made from traditional piña silk carefully embroidered across the body and  sleeves, along with key symbols from Philippine flag.

Gown  of Tulfo’s wife, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, was  handcrafted champagne gold silk lamé, inspired by Philippine shells.

Sen. Nancy Binay wore  suit by designer Randy Ortiz, featuring patterns and bead designs on  rice skirt made of pearl beads and floral embroidery.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros donned  piña baro’t-saya designed by Joel Acebuche, complemented by shoes from Zapateria Marikina and  handwoven purse, while Sen. Grace Poe chose  white terno made of silk crepe with  two-color leaf-inspired design featuring gold and silver beads also by Cabral.

Sen. Imee Marcos wore  light green gown by Rem Divino, inspired by  Amorsolo painting “Planting Rice.”  Sleeves  of  gown were hand-painted with images of “gapas” and “ani.”

Sen. Pia Cayetano wore  white Filipiniana mid-calf dress with silk organdy pleated bodice and  corset-inspired top by Mia Urquico contrasted with  checkered organdy jacquard skirt and accented with black silk appliqué.

23  Hulio 2024, Martes

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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro

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FMJ touts ‘bloodless’ drug war, no ‘extermination’

By Nidz Godino

“On fight against dangerous drugs, our bloodless war on dangerous drugs adheres, and will continue to adhere, to  established eight Es of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy…extermination was never one of them,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  trumpeted gains of his crackdown on illegal drugs, saying billions of pesos worth of narcotics have been seized and thousands of offenders have been arrested without resorting to “extermination,” in apparent effort to contrast his style with that of his predecessor and critic Rodrigo Duterte.

In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said more than P44 billion worth of narcotics have been confiscated and 97,000 drug personalities have been arrested in more than 71,500 operations under his “bloodless war on dangerous drugs.”

Marcos was referring to  eight Es that make up  endgame in Duterte administration’s drug war  engineering  structure, education, extraction of information, enforcement, enactment of laws, environment, economics and evaluation.

End  game also emphasizes reinforcement, rehabilitation, recovery and wellness and reintegration of drug offenders who surrendered, according to the Philippine National Police.

Duterte waged  brutal war against illegal drugs when he was president,  campaign  human rights advocates said had encouraged extrajudicial killing and other abusive practices. More than 6,000 drug suspects were killed under Duterte, who had claimed  crackdown is necessary to save  next generation from crime.

Marcos, whose anti-drug campaign involves rehabilitation, reintegration and preventive education programs, had said enforcement “only gets you so far” and that police should zero in on running after people who would “make  difference” in  drug supply when arrested or sent to jail.

According to Marcos, more than 6,000 of the individuals arrested in  anti-drug efforts were high-value targets, 440 of them government employees, including 42 uniformed personnel.

“To further paralyze their operations, dirty money and assets worth more than P500 million have been frozen and preserved…with strong case build-up and efficient prosecution,  drug conviction rate is at  high of 79 percent,”  President said.

Marcos welcomed  report that  number of drug-affected barangays in the Philippines has been reduced by 32 percent. He also reported  decrease in crime rate and  improvement in crime solution efficiency but admitted that they are not enough.

“Our law enforcers need to continue to earn trust of our people… strong pillars of our criminal justice system, especially in light of  new rules on criminal investigation, and our independent judiciary, function in unison,” he said.

Marcos administration’s campaign against illegal drugs is not “bloodless” as claimed by Marcos during his SONA, Human Rights Watch said.

HRW senior researcher Carlos Conde described Marcos’ claim as “spurious and baseless,” citing monitoring by  University the Philippines Third World Studies Center.

“More than 700 have been killed under him so far and  killings worsened in the past year compared to  year before, and by claiming several successes such as alleged reduction in  number of villages affected by illegal drugs, we expect  ‘drug war’ violence to continue, probably even worsen,” Conde said.

HRW has repeatedly urged Marcos to declare  end to  so-called war on drugs, noting  policy marked by killings continued even after end of  Duterte administration. 

23  Hulio 2024, Martes

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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro

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‘WPS not  figment of imagination; it is ours’

By Nidz Godino

“In the face of challenges to our territorial sovereignty, we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done…proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under rules-based international order remain  only acceptable means of settling disputes,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said toward  end of his speech at  Batasang Pambansa country will relentlessly defend its rights and interests in  West Philippines Sea for generations to come,  emotional President Marcos declared in his third State of the Nation Address, drawing  strongest applause and  standing ovation.

He stressed that  country would continue to assert its rights and interests through proper diplomatic channels and based on international laws.

He maintained  West Philippine Sea was not  figment of imagination: “Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi isang kathang-isip natin lamang…ito ay atin…at ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating mahal na bansang Pilipinas….we will strengthen and raise  awareness and knowledge of  entire country, and we will ensure that we can pass it on to our youth and our next generations,” Marcos said.

He said proposed laws on maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes would ensure  “this intergenerational mandate will firmly take root in the hearts and minds of our people.”

Marcos also thanked  Armed Forces,  Coast Guard and  Filipino fishermen for their “vigilance and sacrifice.”

The Chief Executive’s remarks came  day after  Department of Foreign Affairs said  Philippines and China have agreed on“arrangement” for resupplying Filipino troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre,  rusting Navy vessel that serves as  country’s outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

“We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts, without compromising our position and our principles… I know that our neighbors too are doing their very best to make this work,  Philippines cannot yield…  Philippines cannot waver,” Marcos said.

While Philippines espouses peaceful resolution of maritime dispute, Marcos  will persist in strengthening aerial and maritime domain awareness as well as its defense capabilities, including through partnerships with like-minded states.

He said peace and community-building would “always be our clarion call,” especially when the country hosts  Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.

In  tweet after Marcos’ SONA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela thanked the President for “supporting our transparency efforts in ensuring that our youth will have  awakened sense of patriotism, enabling them to carry on our fight in West Philippine Sea because Filipinos never yield…we will not yield.”

Earlier  Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) belied China’s “inaccurate” statement that Manila had agreed to its conditions for guaranteeing uninterrupted resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

In  statement, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said  Philippines in fact had rejected China’s three conditions for letting resupply missions go unmolested  advance notification, on-site inspection, no construction materials  under supposed agreement forged over weekend.

“For the Philippines, this means that we will continue to assert our rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones as entitled under UNCLOS, including in Ayungin Shoal which is within  Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf,” Daza said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said  China would only allow resupply mission “if  Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted.”

Foreign  ministry also said “China will monitor  entire resupply process.”

But Daza called  foreign ministry’s statement “absurd, nonsense and unacceptable.”  Agreement , she pointed out, was “done in good faith” and was based on respect for each other’s positions.

“Principles and approaches laid out in  agreement were reached through  series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved way for  convergence of ideas without compromising national positions,” she said.

“Spokesperson’s statement therefore regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is inaccurate,” DFA official said.

“Nonetheless, in our desire to de-escalate  situation in  South China Sea and to manage differences in  peaceful manner, we emphasize that  agreement was done in good faith and  Philippines remains ready to implement it…we urge China to do the same,” Daza said.

An agreement to de-escalate tensions came after  series of consultations following frank and constructive discussions between  two countries during  9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on South China Sea in Manila on July 2.

23  Hulio 2024, Martes

Congratulations and more power FMJ!!!

Register now and vote in midterm polls

Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro

happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

HEADLINES

FMJ bans POGOs

By Nidz Godino

“Grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop…kailangan nang itigil ang panggugulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa …effective today, all POGOs are banned,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.declared in his third State of the Nation Address shaken by their “grave abuse and disrespect” of Philippine laws, ordered  immediate ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Audience  at the SONA,  lasted an hour and 22 minutes, erupted into cheers, with chants of “BBM! BBM!”

Marcos acknowledged  strong public clamor against POGOs, and he said banning them would solve many of problems faced by the country.

“I hereby instruct PAGCOR ,Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to wind down and cease  operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” he stressed.

Marcos said  labor department, in coordination with  economic managers, would use time until the end of the year to find new jobs for Filipino workers who would be displaced after POGO ban.

“This will solve many of problems that we are encountering… but it will not solve all of them, to solve all problems we have been suffering under, all officials, law enforcers, workers in government and most of all citizenry, must always be vigilant, principled and think of health of the nation,” he added.

According to Marcos, POGOs were disguised as legitimate entities while operating in “illicit areas furthest from gaming” such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, even murder.

He went on to quote English philosopher John Stuart Mill, who had emphasized  importance of directly acting against evil deeds.

“Let me end by recalling  words of  great man: let not anyone pacify his conscience by  delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part and forms no opinion…bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing, he is not  good man who, without  protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name,” Marcos said.

.

POGOs made headlines after 875 people, most of them foreigners, were rescued in  raid on  gaming hub believed to be engaged in human trafficking and other illegal activities in Bamban, Tarlac last March.

POGO hub has been linked to suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo,  suspected Chinese national whose identity has been questioned because of her supposed inconsistent statements and discrepancies in her records.

Lawmakers and other officials widely welcomed President Marcos’ banning of POGO.

“Finally, after two years, POGOs are banned!” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said in an ambush interview at Batasang Pambansa after SONA.

Gatchalian approached Marcos,  former senator, after his speech and shook his hands.

“He shook my hands tightly and told me ‘O banned na ha! I am listening.’ It goes to show that the President is listening to public sentiment,” Gatchalian said.

He said not only did the President make banning POGO  policy pronouncement, he also illustrated serious crimes attributed to illegal offshore gaming activities in his national address.

“He even elaborated on crimes , human trafficking, money laundering, torture… his grand finale, and he received standing ovations for it,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian  believed the President watched  Senate’s several hearings that investigated  involvement of POGOs in criminality.

“Senator Risa Hontiveros and I talked about how our hearings were not done in vain, because the President is listening,it took the President time to announce  ban because he studied it thoroughly, with  Filipino workers to be displaced in mind,” Gatchalian said.

For her part, Hontiveros said  ban on POGO is “victory for  women and children” who are victims of human trafficking.

“This is  big deal… I thought he was no longer going to mention POGOs, until he reached the end of his speech, at least the President did not let go of  opportunity to use his SONA to announce  POGO ban…his position is clear: effective today, POGOs are banned,” Hontiveros said in  interview.

Other senators also welcomed the President’s announcement.

“Concise, forward-looking and thoughtfully articulated…we can say  highlight of the President’s SONA is  banning of POGOs, and reiterating our strong stance to our rights in  West Philippine Sea,” Sen. Nancy Binay said.

“POGOs became  safe haven for criminality…now the President had political will to ban POGOs starting December…legal or not, stop operations by the end of the year…we’re so very hopeful and happy about that,” Sen. Grace Poe said.

“POGOs days are numbered…we thank the President for heeding  people’s voices, for carefully analyzing sound data and for concluding that POGO has no rightful place in our society,” Sen. Joel Villanueva said.

“Yes, I predict that SONA will be  talk of the town because of  POGO ban,” Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said in  text message. “The President demonstrated he is sensitive to  sentiments of his constituents…power issues must be solved once and for all…we need to study  proposed solutions very well,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Jinggoy Estrada said  POGO ban was  welcome development. “Senators and congressmen were very happy with unexpected decision to ban POGO,” he said.

“Congrats to the Republic of the Philippines  will reduce  cases of kidnapping and trafficking of women and children, at least when that is banned we will see end to this kind of nefarious activities, we will report them immediately….they can’t say that because they have permit they can operate if it’s banned, it’s really banned,” former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

“I was happy the President made  national policy statement  we never expected… I know PBBM is  listening President and heard  strong clamor of the people to totally ban POGOs in the country,” Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte) said.

Barbers heads House committee on dangerous drugs that investigates some unlawful activities connected to POGOs.

“We cheer the President’s decision to ban POGOs and order PAGCOR to wind down  operations of POGOs by yearend,” Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon second district) said.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez also lauded Marcos’ order. “We in the House of Representatives have been calling for  closure of POGOs, whether legal or illegal, because of  evil they have caused not only in  areas where they operate but in other communities…we thank the President for finally heeding our call,” he noted.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of  House ways and means committee who endorsed  closure only of illegal POGOs, said Marcos’ directive was “clear executive discretion.”

“Key here is that POGO is just  small part of bigger pie called IGL ,internet gaming license. I hope they find way of banning POGOs without affecting IGLs,” he told reporters.

Employers Confederation of the Philippines president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said  group supports  ban on POGOs.

“I do agree about  POGO… I think that’s  very popular decision, that it must be taken away…what we are saying, those with license should be phased out and I think end of the year is  good phaseout for that,” he said in  interview.

Foundation for Economic Freedom president Calixto Chikiamco, in  Viber message, said  group also supports  phaseout of all POGOs.

“We joined with other business organizations calling for  ban on POGOs…this will help reduce criminality and corruption and even improve our relations with China, which has called for dismantling of POGOs,” he said.

“We are grateful and relieved with  pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of stopping  operation of POGO,” said Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission executive director Gilbert Cruz on Viber. 

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FMJ urges Congress to pass enabling law for LDF

By Nidz Godino

“This will require  enabling law from Congress to confer  legal personality and capacity to the Board,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  said in his SONA Congress needs to pass  enabling law for  Loss and Damage Fund,  international budget for countries affected by climate change.  

During his third SONA, Marcos recounted  Philippines was selected  to host Loss and Damage Fund.  Loss and Damage Fund, initiated by  United Nations Climate Conference, is  endowment  meant to assist developing countries affected by climate change.  

Marcos said  effects of climate change have become more severe, with Philippines’ geographical location making it more vulnerable, making  country  proactive advocate of climate change. 

During  43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta, Indonesia, Marcos had urged world leaders to enact  Loss and Damage Fund. 

“Countries with  smallest carbon footprints disproportionately bear  heaviest burden of climate change…we need to urgently realize  Loss and Damage Fund to catalyze assistance to address climate change,” Marcos said in September 2023. 

In December 2023,  Philippines was able to secure  seat in  Loss and Damage Fund board seat.  Philippines was eventually selected to host  Fund, beating Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Barbados, Bahamas, Togo, Kenya and Eswatini.