Philhealth noon, Pfizer naman ngayon

Malaki ang paniniwala ng Migrante International na si Pangulong Gloria Arroyo at Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III na sila umanong ang nagpakana ng naganap na suhulan para ikutan at iantala ang pagpapatupad ng Cheaper Medicine Act.

 "Ganitong-ganito rin ang naganap noong 2004 na kung saan pangulo pa ng Philhealth si Duque. Hindi malayong si Duque rin at si Pangulong Arroyo ang nasa likod sa diumanong suhol ng Pfizer sa Malacanang para ikutan ang bagong batas hinggil sa pagpapababa ng presyo ng gamot," paglalantad ni Garry Martinez, pangulo ng Migrante International.

 Kamakailan ay ibinulgar ni Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile na ang Pfizer ay nagbigay diumano ng suhol sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalok ng 5 million discount cards na nagkakahalaga ng 100 million para sa DOH.

 " Philhealth cards noon, Pfizer discount cards naman ngayon. Noong 2002, sa pamamagitan ng isang memorandum para kay Pangulong Gloria Arroyo, ipinalilipat ni Duque ang P530 M mula sa pondo ng OWWA para magamit sa eleksyon noon," dagdag ni Martinez.

 Binanggit din ng grupo na ayon sa nasabing memo ni Duque, ang aktwal na nakasulat sa ingles ay,"It is respectfully requested that the Proposed Executive Order (EO) be approved by Her Excellency before the year ends. The Proposed transfer will have a significant bearing on 2004 elections and on the President's desire to provide health insurance to 8M indigents by end of 2003."

 "Sariwa pa sa alaala ng lahat nang magpamudmod ng Philhealth cards si Pangulong Arroyo noong 2004 eleksyon. Pawis at dugo ng mga OFWs ang ginamit nila rito para lamang pabanguhin si Pangulong Arroyo," sambit ni Martinez.

Kamakailan ay naiulat na sumadsad na naman diumano ang popularity rating ni GMA sa -31. Kaagad itong kinontra ng Malacanang sa pagsasabing ito ay kagagawan ng mga paninira ng mga kritiko ni Pangulong Arroyo.

"Matatapos na lang ang termino ni Pangulong Arroyo ay ipagkakanulo pa pati ang kalusugan ng mamamayan. Malinaw na ito ang iiwanang pamana ni Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa 9 na taon niyang panunungkulan – pandaraya sa eleksyon at pangungulimbat sa kabang yaman ng bayan,"pagsasara ni Martinez.###

Deport pharmaceutical execs who tried to bribe Malacanang, Drilon urges

Former Senate President and Liberal Party (LP) National Chairman Franklin Drilon said today foreign executives of giant pharmaceutical companies who allegedly tried to bribe Malacanang to prevent the implementation of the Cheaper Medicine law should immediately be deported from the country.

 

Drilon was reacting to the claim of senators Monday that Pfizer Philippines, a multinational drug company, allegedly attempted to "bribe" President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through the Department of Health (DoH) with five million "sulit (discount) cards" to be distributed to indigent patients around the country.

 

"If proven true, the foreigner (drug company executive) who secretly met with Malacanang executives and allegedly tried to bribe President Arroyo to impede the implementation of the Cheaper Medicine Law should be immediately deported for conspiring against the interest of the Filipino people," Drilon said.

 

"This is grand treachery against the Filipino people, especially the poor who could hardly afford the high cost of medicine," Drilon said, adding that giant multinational pharmaceutical companies should not be exempted from the equal application of the law. "Nobody should be above the law, not even those powerful and influential foreign executives of giant pharmaceutical companies," he pointed out.

 

Malacanang on the other hand, Drilon added, should stop "playing politics with public health and people's lives" and immediately order the immediate implementation of the Cheaper Medicine Law.

Media reports said the executive, Reiner Gloor, director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) which is an umbrella organization of 50 multinational drug companies, said that Pfizer's offer was not a bribe.

 

But Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, said the offer was apparently aimed at influencing President Arroyo against signing an executive order, drafted last month by the DoH, which will cut drug prices in half in accordance with the Cheaper Medicine Law. Malacanang said it rejected the offer from Pfizer Philippines.

 

Drilon explained that Gloor and his fellow pharmaceutical executives could be charged with attempted bribery as well as with violation of Article 186 of the Revised Penal Code known as "Monopolies and Combination of Restraint in Trade" if it were proven that they attempted to stop the implementation of the Cheaper Medicine Law.

 

The "Monopolies and Combination of Restraint in Trade" provision in the penal code prohibits businessmen and industry leaders from engaging in "cartel practices" to manipulate prices of basic goods in the market, Drilon said.

 

Drilon said President Arroyo should sign the month-old draft executive order imposing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on essential medicines.

 

"It is the president's duty to implement the law regardless of who gets hurt," Drilon said. "Malacanang need not wait for the voluntary compliance from these big-time foreign pharmaceutical companies."

 

"It is unfortunate for the Filipino people that the implementation of the Cheaper Medicine Law is being unduly delayed because of the apparent strong influence of the pharmaceutical lobby on Malacanang,' Drilon deplored.

 

Earlier, Liberal Party President Sen. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II revealed that President Arroyo met with officials of giant pharmaceutical companies on July 8 ostensibly to block the implementation of the maximum retail price (MRP) on 22 essential medicines.  

 

The Cheaper Medicine Law, principally authored by Roxas in the Senate, increases people's access to cheaper medicines by imposing an MRP, which will slash drug prices in half.

            END

Chiz to GRP, NDF panels: Come up with timetable to seal peace pact

With barely 10 months to go before the Arroyo administration ends its term, opposition Senator Chiz Escudero yesterday urged both the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) to formulate a timetable in order to come up with a final peace agreement. 

"I congratulate both parties for breaking the impasse and deciding to go back to the negotiating table. Our people have long yearned for lasting peace in the countryside. Let us not disappoint them once more," Escudero said in a statement.

"Let us not waste more time bickering over issues that have long divided us. Let us instead try to bridge the gaps that have kept us from reaching our final goal and prove to the people that all this talk is not for show," he said. 

Malacañang and the NDF confirmed last week plans to resume talks in Norway this August as a result of informal meetings where both parties agreed to concessions which opened the way for the resumption of talks.

The NDF pulled out of the negotiations in 2004 when the United States and European Union included the CPP-NPA in their list of international terrorist organizations.

Escudero urged both parties to fast-track the talks by immediately implementing confidence-building measures aimed at creating the necessary environment that would push the negotiations forward.

Escudero said that instead of waiting for July 17 to lift the suspension of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which grants immunity from arrest to members, consultants and staff of the NDF negotiating panel, the administration should do it immediately.

 The JASIG was suspended in September 2005 after both panels failed to agree to resume negotiations.

"This administration has only 10 months left to make a mark in our history. It should not squander this last chance for peace," he said. The 40-year communist-led insurgency is Asia's longest running guerrilla war.

DOLE clarifies hospital benefits for workers with A (H1N1)

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) clarified that it was not giving P75,000 to victims of the A(H1N1) virus contrary to what the public may have thought.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque reiterated that the public and private health workers diagnosed with the virus may avail of the P150,000 PhilHealth hospitalization benefit, on top of company healthcare benefits if any.

On the other hand, non-health workers such as managers, call center agents, teachers, clerks, etc., and their dependents who are diagnosed with H1N1 may avail of PhilHealth hospital benefits amounting to P75,000. A worker who contracts H1N1 in the performance of his/her work is also entitled to sickness benefits under SSS and employees compensation benefits under PD 626 or the ECC law.

The DOLE earlier called on employers and workers groups to take precautionary measures against influenza A (H1N1) as it formed a task force to strengthen measures aimed at combating an outbreak of the disease in the country's workplaces.

Roque said that in view of the growing number of diagnosed cases of H1N1 in the country, the DOLE deemed it necessary to form the "Task Force on H1N1 in the Workplace" as provided for by DOLE Administrative Order No. 199, series of 2009.

Roque said the task force would serve as the DOLE focal point on H1N1 matters affecting workers and employers pursuant to DOLE Department Advisory No. 04, series of 2009, enjoining employers to institute measures against H1N1 infection and its spread in their workplaces.

He said that the task force would monitor the implementation of the DOLE advisory in workplaces. The advisory asked employers to regularly provide their workers information on H1N1 including its transmission, disease outcome, and treatment options. Companies are also reminded to regularly clean their work areas and make sure that water, soap and disinfectants are available in washrooms and toilets. Delegation of company focal persons who would monitor and ensure that measures against H1N1 are strictly followed at the workplace is highly encouraged.

The DOLE Chief, citing a report from Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte, said the task force has been formed with the Executive Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) as chair and the Directors of Bureaus of Working Conditions (BWC), Labor Relations (BLR), and Women and Young Workers (BWYW), the Employees Compensation Commission, and DOLE regional offices as members.

Trasmonste said the task force would intensively collaborate with labor and employers groups as well as with other government agencies in disseminating information on H1N1 in all workplaces along with issues related to occupational safety and health (OSH) and general labor standards (GLS).

She added that the task force would also assist workers and employers in plant-level risk assessment as well as in putting in place workplace improvements in order to reduce the possibility of H1N1 transmission at the workplace.

At the same time, the task force is in charge of conducting capability-building seminars for HINI focal persons in establishments and organizations that would take steps against H1N1, Trasmonte said as she urged labor and management to send their H1N1 focal persons for training at OSHC, with Tel. Nos. 924-2418/928-6690 and web address at www.oshc.dole.gov.ph.

She said the OSHC has started the conduct of learning sessions on H1N1 in coordination with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, People Management of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, Trade Union of the Philippines and Allied Services and other stakeholders.

She added that the BWC, on the other hand, would provide information on GLS specifically on the treatment of leave of absence of an employee who is asked to stay at home or is served quarantine order for reasons related to H1N1. The worker's leave credits may be charged to his/her annual sick or vacation leave under the company policy or practice or as stipulated in the CBA. If the worker's leave credits have been used up, the employer could consider granting leave of absence without pay as the principle of "no work no pay" applies.

Roque, however, appealed to employers to exercise flexibility and compassion in granting additional leave with pay to workers suspected or already infected with H1N1.

Let's not forget 3 teachers still held hostage

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday welcomed the safe release of International Red Cross volunteer Eugenio Vagni but reminded the government about the plight of three teachers who remain in captivity in Basilan. 

"The end of Mr. Vagni's ordeal should convince those working behind the scenes to exert more effort in securing the release of other Abu Sayyaf hostages," he said.

The three teachers were abducted by last March 13 off the island barangay of Bangkaw-Bangkaw, Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay while they were on the way home.

Jocelyn Enriquez, Jocelyn Inion and Noemi Mandi, who all taught at Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School, were then reportedly turned over to the group of Furuji Indama, an Abu Sayyaf Group commander based in a coastal village in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

"We must take all steps possible so that these teachers can be reunited with their loved ones as soon as possible," Escudero said.  

There have been reports that Mandi died in captivity, although this has yet to be confirmed.

 The Abu Sayyaf Group is a band of radical fundamentalists tagged as a terrorist organization with links to Al-Qaida by the US government.

Nearly 200 people have been kidnapped by the group since 2000, including foreign aid workers, tourists and teachers. Most were released only after huge ransoms were made.

It is estimated that the group has been paid at least P260 million from kidnappings.

 

Agri contingency plan needed now -- Chiz

The government should immediately draw up a contingency plan for the agriculture sector following the announcement of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that the country would experience El Niño conditions in the coming months, opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero said.

"El Niño means adverse conditions for our agriculture sector. The government needs to come up with a contingency plan that will assure our farmers of minimal impact on their livelihood and at the same time ensure that food supply will not be disrupted too much," Escudero said.

The senator said the government should look into realigning its economic pump-priming program to the agriculture sector. Irrigation facilities should immediately be upgraded, and storage facilities need to be established or expanded in key hubs in agriculture centers in the country, Escudero said.

"We must make sure that the inventory of food stocks are maintained, lest we be forced to import shortfalls that may otherwise be avoided if we draw up plans now," he added.

Escudero said early planning may avoid a costly importation program and allow a studious review of spending activities for agriculture.

Earlier, the 39-year old senator lambasted the government for its rice-import dependency policy. He estimates that the government may have lost between P5 billion to P13 billion in the importation of 1.5 million metric tons of rice from Vietnam early this year.

The Philippines now stands as the world's biggest importer of rice.

"The government's near-sighted approach to food security is really deplorable and unacceptable. And with the expected transition of El Niño conditions, the country may be headed for a disaster of massive proportions unless the government shows some foresight," Escudero said.

He also warned the Arroyo administration against using El Niño as an excuse to "pump-prime" graft and corruption through overpriced purchases and projects.

"Huwag naman sana, at maawa naman sila sa mga Pilipino. I will be keeping a very close eye on the government's spending especially during these times of economic struggle," Escudero said.

The El Niño is a weather phenomenon characterized by lack of rainfall. El Niño conditions would impact negatively on sectors that depend on water, such as agriculture, energy, and even health.

Pagasa announced the possibility of El Niño conditions in the country following a report by the US Climate Predictions Center, which is under the US National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, that the equatorial Pacific Ocean has "transitioned ….to El Niño conditions."

 

Press Statement: On the attempt on the life of Joel Ascutia

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the attempt on the life of Piston Bicol Chapter President Joel Ascutia.

 

The attack is not the first of its kind in Bicol, where political activists have been consistently targeted, and in many cases killed, by assassins.

As long as those behind these murders remain unpunished, these attacks will continue to victimize those who seek to advance the interests of the marginalized in their own peaceful but militant way.

Before this incident escalates into another wave of attacks, this administration must not wait for another visit by the UN rapporteur before stepping in to stop this gang of murderers which seem to enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution. I join others in wishing Ascutia a speedy recovery, and urging the Philippine National Police to thoroughly investigate this assassination attempt.

 

Migrants group assails slavery of 7 Pinays in Oman

"While the Arroyo administration is busy with schemes for term extension, our Filipina kababayans in Oman who are being enslaved by their Arab recruiters and employers are being neglected by the government!"  This was the declaration made by Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International, at a press conference held today at the Cypress café in Quezon City regarding the report of another batch of 7 Filipina migrant women victims of abuse and exploitation.

In a span of merely two weeks, the number of cases of violence against overseas Filipina workers steeply rose to 34.

Martinez was pertaining to the complaints of Arniel Hernandez, Marlon Gaje and Nestor Figaroa, husbands of domestic workers in OMAN who went to the office of Migrante to ask help for their wives who are being used as bonded labor by their recruiter, together with 5 other domestic helpers in Oman, after the Office of the Under-Secretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs sat on their case for two months.

According to the accounts of the men,  their wives, Mary Joy Belmes, Cheryl Gaje and Maribel Calisaan, together with Josephine Bilolo, Siony Jamindang, Lysil Laborte and another woman are currently being held against their will by Hamoud Al Harty, the owner of  Gulf Shield Manpower Services at Madinat Qaebos, Muscat, Oman. After being forced to do odd jobs in various job locations during the day, the seven women are locked up in their rooms. They are allegedly not being fed properly. 

The recruitment agencies of the women are Philtrade International Manpower Services, Euroconsult Agency, and Empleos Incorporated.

"Some of the women have become ill. They live in constant fear," Martinez revealed. "The women even have to hide part of their earnings in their private parts so that it cannot be confiscated by their Arab recruiter."

Martinez further explained that the complainants notified OUMWA as soon as they learned of the plight of their wives but to their bitter disappointment, the agency did not do anything.

"Two months passed without any action by the DFA and the situation of their wives has worsened. The government seems to have totally surrendered its responsibility to protect our women," Martinez stated. "The husbands now want their appeal to be made public and are demanding that government act now to save their wives and the four other women and repatriate them without delay!"

Martinez continued, "The hypocrisy of this government is simply staggering! Its officials, led by the President, are nowhere to be found when our OFWs are in distress even as they glibly praise our 'Bagong Bayanis' to high heavens!"

The group is also demanding that government should immediately provide a solution to the increasing incidence of violence against Filipina overseas workers. According to POEA data, the total deployment for the Middle East in 2007 is 487,878 OFWs, most of whom went to Saudi Arabia. There were 7,463 OFWs deployed in Oman. Domestic helpers, who are predominantly women, are the biggest number of newly hired OFWs. Abuses against them are rampant.

"We are holding the Arroyo administration liable for its labor export program that treats Filipinos as cheap commodities," Martinez concluded. "Government must act now or face the growing wrath of discontented, frustrated and angry OFWs."

 

Set contingency plans as Mayon stirs -- Chiz

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday reminded government to have all disaster control procedures ready to ensure the people's safety and minimize damage to property now that Mt. Mayon has shown signs that it could erupt within the next few days.

"The effects of natural disasters are often catastrophic. While I have full faith in the readiness of the LGU of lbay headed by Governor Joey Salceda to undertake the proper measures to meet any eventuality, the national government should do its part," he said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) raised to level 2 the alert status due to the volcano's increasing restiveness as shown by increasing magma intensity and regular low-frequency volcanic earthquakes.

At alert level 2, residents in villages within the seven kilometer radius of the volcano are evacuated for their own safety. 

"The LGUs will always play a crucial role not only in evacuation efforts but also in the repair and rehabilitation of infrastructure so that those affected can resume their normal activities as quickly as possible," Escudero said.

He also reiterated the importance of establishing permanent evacuation centers in provinces frequented by typhoons and volcanic eruptions instead of using schools, barangay centers and basketball courts.

"We have already witnessed the chaos that follows an eruption, since our country is located on the Pacific Rim of Fire. It is important that the Bicol region, where the most active volcano in this country is, prepares for the worse," Escudero said.

 

EXPORTS IN MAY INCREASED BY 10.1 PERCENT FROM PREVIOUS MONTH

Merchandise exports in May increased by 10.1 percent from April 2009, with receipts amounting to US$3.1 billion, reported the National Statistics Office (NSO). "The month-on-month recovery of merchandise exports (10.1%) in May 2009 was due to improvements in export receipts of manufactured products, mineral products, and total agro-based products," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Ralph G. Recto said in his memorandum to the President.
.
According to the NSO, exports of manufactured goods rose by 10.4 percent compared to April 2009, albeit a 24.8 percent decrease from May 2008.

Recto said "positive month-on-month growth rates of electronics (7.6%), machinery and transport equipment (26.5%), and garments (9.8%), which constituted 66.3 percent of the total merchandise exports, helped boost manufactured exports in May". He added that improvement in shipments of electronic products benefited from the 5.4 percent increase in global sales for the period April to May 2009. Sales of semiconductors grew in the Americas (3.9%), Europe (0.4%), Japan (7.2%), and Asia Pacific (6.7%)

Likewise, export receipts from mineral products and total agro-based products registered better performances in May 2009 as these commodity groups posted month-on-month increases of 18.9 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively. A look at specific commodities showed month-on-month improvements in coconut products (32.0%), other agro-based products such as fish, abaca fibers, and tobacco among others (5.9%), copper concentrates (85.5%), copper metal (37.5%), gold (10.7%), and iron ore (13.8%), mainly due to increasing world prices.  

"For the first five months of 2009, total receipts from merchandise exports contracted by 34.5 percent to US$13.8 billion as the export sector continued to be adversely hit by the decline in world trade due to the global economic crisis," Recto noted.

Total merchandise exports declined by 27.0 percent year-on-year. Export receipts amounted to US$4.2 billion a year ago.

Mineral products and total agro-based products still recorded negative growth rates year-on-year, although at a slower rate. Exports of mineral products declined by 49.6 percent and total agro-based products fell by 28.7 percent.

Japan still emerged as the biggest overseas market for Philippine goods with a 16.4 percent share in the total value of merchandise exports in May 2009.  The US slid to second place with a 16.0 percent share in the total value of outbound shipments in the said month. China (9.8%), the Netherlands (9.3%), and Hong Kong SAR (8.5%) completed the top five biggest sources of receipts from overseas sales in May. In addition, the value of outward shipments to PR China, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan ROC comprised 22.1 percent of the total merchandise exports in May 2009.

Semiconductor devices, electronic data processing (EDP) machines, and garments were the major shipments to the five biggest export markets, covering 65.6 percent of the value of the total cargoes delivered to the said countries.
 
Total exports to the five markets dropped sharply by 26.4 percent from May 2008. However, orders from the said countries already improved by 7.8 percent compared to the preceding month.  

Meanwhile, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan ROC, Malaysia, and Thailand also posted month-on-month improvements in their respective exports in May 2009. Other Asian neighbors like Japan, China, South Korea, and Singapore continued to experience downtrend in exports.  

 

Of failed parking lot bombings and pathetic boners

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday slammed government for its futile attempts to sow fear and confusion and force its way into the headlines by coming up with farcical incidents that only serve to underscore its fast-eroding credibility.

"One need not be a rocket scientist to deduce the connection between the series of explosions in Mindanao and the supposedly destabilization efforts carried out by seemingly misguided souls to bomb government buildings in Quezon City," he said.

"It is a desperate but laughable effort to portray a doomsday scenario that is only meant to cover up the glaring shortcomings and scandals that have rocked this administration from its first day in power."

Escudero was referring to the successive bombing incidents in Maguindanao, Cotabato, Sulu, Iligan and Lanao del Norte this week that have resulted in deaths and injuries to both government personnel and civilians.

"It is all the more looking and sounding like a concerted action by some people with the sole objective of needlessly alarming the populace," he said

"I call on the president to rein in some of her more zealous supporters who shudder at the thought that their perks and powers will be gone in a few months, and that they may soon have to answer to the people," he said.

While no group or individual has taken responsibility for the bombings, government has not hesitated to cast blame on renegade factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other unnamed elements.

"At the end of the day, it boils down to credibility and capability, two vital ingredients of real democratic societies that can tolerate dissent and accept responsibility for failure. The current government does not have both."

Chiz urges Palace to divert imported rice to Mindanao refugees

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said the government should act immediately to divert shipments of imported rice to central Mindanao so that the 380,000 refugees in evacuation centers won't go hungry after a UN agency halted its food relief operations in the region.

"We are faced with a humanitarian crisis that could become a disaster if this administration fails to act quickly to fill in the gap left by the UN World Food Program," Escudero.

"Part of the rice we have been shipping in from abroad can be diverted to the ports of General Santos and Cotabato City. This will not make a dent in the NFA's 82-day buffer stock," he said.

He also called on the government to ensure the safety of the staff of the UN agency which suspended its program on Wednesday after a series of bombings in Cotabato and Iligan cities that killed six and wounded dozens of other people.

At the same time, Escudero reiterated his call for the resumption of talks between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) even as he condemned the brutal terrorist attacks which have mostly killed civilians.

"We are now reaping the results of a failed peace policy. The old ways of thinking have not worked. Perhaps it is time for the people to find novel ways to stop the bloodletting," he said.

Bombings show failure of government anti-terrorism policy

 

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said the latest bombing incidents in Central Mindanao is a glaring indication of government's failed policies in resolving the conflict in Mindanao and curbing terrorism.

"There is apparently no real conviction on the part of government to pursue lasting peace in Mindanao, and because of that innocent people will continue to pay with their lives," he stressed.

"Instead of paying lip service to peace, this administration should act now to resume negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," Escudero said.

Talks with the group have been suspended for a year after the MILF alleged the government reneged on a draft agreement on ancestral domain in the southern Philippines.

The Cotabato bombing, which resulted in five fatalities and dozens of bystanders being wounded, came several hours after another explosion in Datu Piang, Maguindanao that wounded three people, and days after bomb-related incidents in Quezon City.

"Government must also exercise extra vigilance in these areas by pouring in more troops to conduct inspections to control the proliferation of firearms and keep a close watch on armed groups that have the capability to carry out such actions," he added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the Cotabato bombing, although both Communist rebels and Muslim militants have been active in southern Mindanao for decades.

Escudero said the Philippine National Police (PNP) should consider including Cotabato in its list of election hotspots to further beef up security in the province.

The current PNP list includes Abra, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Masbate, Nueva Ecija, Samar and Sulu.

 

Fw: People's trust in Chiz remains high and steady: Pulse Asia

 

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero has consistently topped most trusted ratings among selected public officials in four surveys conducted by Pulse Asia in the past year.

The polls show that the 39-year old Escudero was the only one among five probable presidential candidates, whose ratings did not dip below 70 percent, averaging 73.8 percent in the polls that were conducted in July, October, February, May this year.

Closely following Escudero was partymate Senator Loren Legarda who scored an average of 71.6 percent and Senator Mar Roxas with 69 percent. At fourth was Sen. Manny Villar with 63.2 percent while Vice President Noli De Castro trailed at fifth with 50 percent.

In its latest survey held from May 4-17, Roxas, Escudero, Villar, and Legarda were in a virtual dead heat as the most trusted public official in the country.

Roxas had a "big trust" rating of 73 percent, followed by Escudero (71 percent), Villar (70 percent) and Legarda (69 percent). Vice President De Castro had a rating of 48 percent while President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was at 25 percent.

He is also the only candidate whose small/no trust rating has never been higher the 8 percent (high of 8%, low of 6%) compared to Roxas (10%, low of 7%) ; Villar (high of 14%, low of 8%); De Castro (high of 23%, low of 17%); and Legarda (high of 9%, low of 6%.)

The same Pulse Asia survey also shows Escudero placing second to De Castro in a very close race with three other presidentiables if elections were held today.

De Castro topped the poll with 19 percent, closely followed by Escudero at 17 percent, former President Joseph Estrada at 16 percent, and Villar at 15 percent. Legarda was at fifth with 12 percent. Roxas, on the other hand, was trailing at sixth with 8 percent.

 

 

Chiz scores government on rice-import dependent policy

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said the government's rice-import dependent policy will only continue to weaken the country's agricultural sector and further entrench poverty in the countryside.

"We have become the world's biggest rice importer. This administration appears hell-bent in keeping the title by importing a record P59 billion pesos worth of rice this year. This nearsighted approach to food security is deplorable. If the alleged overpricing of rice imports are true, then these deals can only be described as unconscionable" he said.

"What we must do is boost domestic rice production by giving farmers incentives. Another way to lessen dependence on imported rice is to plant other grains that we may be able to barter for rice. We just cannot continue importing rice and be at the mercy of suppliers," he said.

Escudero said his estimates show that the government may have lost 5.7 billion to 13.1 billion pesos in kickbacks in the importation of 1.5 million tons of rice from Vietnam early this year.

He said that the alleged kickbacks are more than enough to pay for the P4.5 billion budget for farm-to-market roads and P3.3 billion allocated for the purchase of fertilizers in 2009.

Escudero also said the report by Oxfam International that rice production in the country would fall from 50 to 70 percent by 2020 should spur the next administration to reverse this rice-import dependent policy.

"We have more than enough time to mitigate, if not prevent, this nightmare scenario from happening. We will not be able to lift most of our rural communities out of poverty if we continue to neglect agriculture," he said.

According to the Oxfam report, rice-producing countries will be hit hard by climate change. It said that farm yields will drop by an average of 10 percent for every one-degree Celsius rise in temperature.

7,000 cops, soldiers for SONA shows people's loss of confidence

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday said the planned deployment of around 7,000 policemen and soldiers to secure President Arroyo during her State of the Nation Address (SONA) shows the utter loss of people's confidence in her administration.

"This excessive deployment reeks of paranoia. It shows how this administration has lost the people's trust and confidence since it took power nine years ago," he said.

"On its last SONA, this administration will trumpet its accomplishments behind phalanx after phalanx of heavily armed security forces and armored vehicles," Escudero said.

Police and military authorities have revved up preparations for the July 27 event, and announced the deployment of thousands of policemen at the Batasang Pambansa and in traditional rally areas like Don Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola), EDSA Shrine and the US Embassy.

Escudero said that the administration should not be surprised at all at the thousands of protesters expected to stage demonstrations during the event considering its unpopularity and the dissatisfaction among the people.

 "The people still remember Garci, Bolante, Abalos, and a host of other characters who were involved in controversies that have diminished us all," he said.

"Our only hope is for this administration to mend its ways, ensure clean and honest elections, and step down in 2010," Escudero said.

Migrante points bombing to Malacanang Petition to hold remittances against Con-Ass launch

 In their kick off activity at the seamen's lurk along Kalaw to launch a petition signing campaign against term extension, calling for a Zero-Remittance Day once the constituent assembly (Con-Ass) convenes, Migrante International warned the people that President Gloria Arroyo is desperate to cling into power and is capable of resorting to other measures, including a scenario that is similar to the months preceding martial law.

The group was referring to the series of bombings and bomb threats that have hit the country, particularly in Mindanao that have killed many innocent civilians.

"It is only the Arroyo administration who will benefit most if these bombings will lead to a state of emergency. We call on the people to be vigilant and continue to demonstrate that they will not let President Arroyo getaway with her crime against the people by extending her term either through con-ass or through a palace coup," said Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante International.

The group pointed out that Malacanang could easily blame the bombing and other looming destabilization incidences to the opposition and other militant groups, as it has done in the past,  to justify what is called a staged coup de etat that will perpetuate President Arroyo into power indefinitely.

"We will try to reach the biggest number of OFWs and their families here in the country to suspend sending their remittances for a day; that is, on the first day of Con-Ass once it convenes. At the same time, our chapters abroad are also getting ready to raise their opposition to any scenario that will prolong President Arroyo's term in Malacanang," adds Martinez

 Migrante plans to put up other petition signing activities in places where OFWs are concentrated. The group also announced that they will compile all the signatures and submit them in congress during the State-of-the-Nation-Address of President Gloria Arroyo this coming July 27, 2009.

LOWER RICE, FUEL & ELECTRICITY PRICES PUSH JUNE INFLATION DOWN TO 1.5 PERCENT

The headline inflation for June this year sharply dropped to 1.5 percent from its year-ago level of 11.4 percent and month-ago level of 3.3 percent. "Rice, corn, fuel and electricity in June were generally less expensive compared to the same month last year. This contributed significantly to lower inflation in the said period," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Ralph G. Recto said in his memorandum to the President.

The core inflation likewise declined to 3.9 percent in June from 4.4 percent in May.

Average inflation for the first half of 2009 settled at 5.0 percent. This is slightly above the DBCC forecast of 2.5 to 4.5 percent for this year.

The NEDA chief cited data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) that showed lower prices of rice. The prices of premium, well-milled, and regular rice declined by 7.7 percent, 10.0 percent, and 12.3 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) showed corn prices dropped by 2.1 percent over the comparative period.

"This declining trend in food prices was also observed by the World Bank as the general fall in world demand took its toll on international commodity markets," Recto said. He added that in particular, maize prices declined from $287 per metric ton (mt) in June last year to $179.5/mt in June 2009, and imported Thai rice (5% broken) prices fell from $775.3/mt to $572.0/mt in the same period.

Recto further said fuel prices also reflected the lethargic demand with domestic prices falling from last year as Dubai oil prices slipped from $127.82 per barrel in June last year to $69.4 per barrel in June this year. He added that electricity rates also declined as generation charges fell from PhP4.43 per kilowatt hour to PhP4.26 per kilowatt hour in June 2009.

Inflation rate for the National Capital Region (NCR) was registered at -0.1 percent compared to 9.2 percent in the same period last year and 0.8 percent last month. "Negative annual price adjustments were observed for fuel, light and water and selected services items in NCR," Recto said.

The inflation rate in Areas outside the NCR (AONCR) also slowed down to 2.2 percent from 12.3 percent a year ago and 4.2 percent in the previous month.

DPWH ACCELERATES ROAD REPAIR WORKS ALONG DAANG MAHARLIKA HIGHWAY IN EASTERN VISAYAS

Considering that the Daang Maharlika Highway is one of the busiest road network in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Public Works and Highways speeds up the road repair works along Calbiga-Tacloban Road.

DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, in charge of Visayas operations said that to assure road safety and round-the-clock transport of goods and basic services, the repair of Calbiga-Tacloban Road is now 61% complete.

    The project involves the rehabilitation of the damage road section along the 55.7 kilometers of Calbiga-Tacloban Road.
The P 50 Million repair works programmed for 2009 includes 5 kilometers of asphalt road and damaged slope protection works.

Meanwhile, DPWH Region VIII Director Angelito Twaño said that the project still require a total estimated amount of P 100 Million for the repair/rehabilitation of carriageway and the construction of slope protection structures.

"The total rehabilitation of Calbiga-Tacloban Road will provide an access to the remote areas and will enhance economic activities resulting in the improvement of families benefiting from the project, and it will ensure safety of the travellers and properties of the travelling public" Twaño said.

Employer gets 6 years in jail for P.3M unpaid SSS premiums

A Quezon City regional trial court sentenced the owner of a manufacturing company to a maximum imprisonment of six years for
failure to remit workers' contributions of about P300,000 to the  Social Security System (SSS), court records showed.

Judge Ma. Luisa Quijano-Padilla sent Sy Sin, owner of Palace  Enterprises and Manufacturing, to jail for failure to remit employees'
SSS contributions from January 1999 to December 2001.

"Accused is further ordered to remit to the SSS the premium  delinquency of P290,651.50 plus the three percent penalty computed
from the time of demand until fully settled, and to pay a fine of  P5,000," the judge said in a four-page decision.

Companies are required to report workers for SSS coverage within 30  days from employment and remit their premiums to the SSS on or before
the tenth day after the applicable month. Late contributions are charged a three percent monthly penalty.

Sin offered to settle his delinquency in his proposal to pay SSS in installments. SSS pursued the case against him when he reneged on his
promise.

SSS Senior Vice President for Legal and Collection Amador Monteiro  reminded employers that violations against the Social Security law are
criminal offenses.

"We hope this decision serves as warning to delinquent employers. Under the law, they face imprisonment of six to 12 years
and a fine of up to P20,000 on top of monthly penalties," he said.

DPWH PREPARES FOR CAMIGUIN FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT

After obtaining financial grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Department of Public Works and Highways now prepares for the implementation of the Camiguin Island Flood Disaster-Mitigation Project.

In his Department Order No. 34, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. had assigned the DPWH Project Management Office for Major Flood Control and Drainage Projects Cluster II (PMO-MFCDP II) to undertake the necessary actions to facilitate the external as well as internal financing arrangements.

" In coordination with other DPWH offices, the PMO-MFCDP II will also manage, supervise and monitor the implementation of the project and assure that it will be completed within the target completion date" Ebdane said.

Among the high impact projects that were also implemented by the DPWH PMO-MFCDP II are the Cotabato- Agusan River Basin Development Project in Mindanao and the Laoag River Basin Flood Control Project in Luzon.

Last July 3, 2009, the National Economic and Development Authority  (NEDA) and JICA had formally signed the P500 Million grant.
The agreement aims to obtain a sustainable economic growth and improve the standard of living in Camiguin Island by providing a reliable flood mitigation structures.

"Once completed, the project will provide an all weather access road, which is the main artery of the island's economic activities, especially the agriculture and tourism industries" Ebdane said.

The project involves the construction of Sabo Dams along Manbajao, Mahinog, Catarman, Sagay and Guinsiliban and it also includes the reconstruction of Hubangon Bridge.

Pour more stimulus funds to farms to lessen rice imports

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday called on government to give agriculture a bigger share of the stimulus package to boost incomes and livelihood in the countryside and decrease the country's dependence on imported grain, particularly rice.

 

"Rather than continue to harp about our location in the typhoon belt, government should instead allocate more funds for the agricultural sector and find ways to mitigate the impact of climate change on our production cycle," he said.

 

 "The Department of Agriculture has a budget of nearly P44 billion this year and about 40 percent of that will go to irrigation alone. But instead of building dams, it should just repair or rehabilitate existing ones that will likely require less spending, or allot funds to construct more post-harvest facilities " Escudero said.

 

World Bank records show that from the years 2000-04, Thailand, then the world's biggest rice exporter, spent 7.3 percent of its public sector budget for agriculture while the Philippines spent only half of that figure.

 

He also noted that a recent study by Transparency International (TI) reveals that a huge amount of money allocated to irrigation is often lost to corruption in the Philippines through cost overruns.

 

Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics indicate that the rice supply of 2.64 million metric tons for 2009, which includes the National Food Agency (NFA) rice inventory, household and commercial warehouse stocks, is good for 82 days.

 

 "My concern is that 61 percent of the NFA rice inventory of 935,000 metric tons at the start of the year was imported rice, and this made the Philippines one of the biggest rice importers in the world," Escudero said.

 

"Now is the best time to prepare for the lean months next year. We should expand programs that aim to boost domestic rice production to lessen our dependence on imported rice ," he said.

 

Escudero also said the government strictly enforce "green" laws and boost environmental awareness programs as part of the overall effort to contain damage wrought on agriculture by climate change.

 

NEDA WELCOMES S&P STABLE OUTLOOK FOR RP

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) welcomed Standard &
Poor's Ratings Services affirmation of its long-term "BB-" and short-term
"B" foreign-currency sovereign credit rating on the Philippines as well as
its "BB+" long-term and  "B" short-term local currency sovereign credit
ratings. S&P's outlook for the country on both the long-term ratings is
stable.

"We are heartened by S&P's affirmation of the stable outlook on the
Philippines' credit ratings. We will remain vigilant as we continue to take
whatever action is needed to further strengthen our growing economy,"
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Ralph G. Recto
said.

He said "the message of S&P's affirmation of the Philippines' credit
ratings and the stable outlook on the ratings is that the country is
relatively resilent to the global financial crisis".

"The Philippines is still a growth story. Our message today for investors
is for them to continue to believe in the Philippines and invest in the
Philippines," Recto stressed.

For his part, NEDA Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan, who is
also presidential economic spokesperson, noted the "S&P saw the tough
economic decisions and the appropriate economic policies adopted by the
Philippine government".

"These are what enabled the country to post growth and remain resilient
amid the global economic downturn. We are working even harder now to
sustain growth and create more jobs for our people," Tungpalan said.

He added: "S&P believes that the Philippines will continue to b a growth
story. In its June 2009 Asia Pacific Sovereign Report Card, S&P forecasted
a 1.3 percent real GDP growth for the Philippines this year which is well
within the government's 0.8 to 1.8 growth forecast."

"In fact, of the 21 countries mentioned in that report, only 9 countries
are projected to post positive growth rate this year and the Philippines is
one of them," Tungpalan pointed out.

The other countries in the Asia Pacific region that were projected to post
positive growth in 2009 are China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan,
Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Warning to all OFWs

Just a warning. Got this from a forwarded message.

Chiz pushes for fixed term for DepEd chief

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero yesterday pushed for a fixed term for the secretary of education to insulate the department from politics and maintain continuity in its programs.   

"We must ensure that the education of our youth is not tied to the fortunes of the appointing power or the politics of the day," he said.

"We can insulate the Department of Education given the president's power to reorganize government by simply providing that its secretary be not co-terminus with the appointing power. We can ensure a fixed term in law for him," Escudero said.

The 39-year old senator also favors the decentralization of the Department of Education so appropriate policies are crafted and problems immediately acted on at the regional level.

He said the next president should also form a commission to develop a master plan that will set benchmarks and timetables to bring the country's level of education at par with the best in the region.

"The Commission can map out a painless transition from the current 10-year basic education cycle to 12 years," Escudero said.

In his talk at an education forum, he also reiterated his proposal for government to increase the education budget from 12% to the Southeast Asian standard of 20 percent.

He said the government is only spending US$138.00 per student compared to the Thailand's US$853.00 and Singapore's US$1800.00.

Escudero said the constitution's mandate for government to give education the highest budgetary priority has not been followed since its ratification in 1987.

"The highest budgetary priority is being given to debt service. They were able to circumvent the constitution by considering debt service as an off-budget item," he said. Debt service is currently at about P600 billion while the budget for education is about P160 billion.

Enrile for President! by unpublishedjournal.wordpress.com

Enrile for President!

Posted by unpublishedjournal on July 3, 2009

Thank you, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. If not for your tantrums after your pre-paid load suddenly disappeared the National Telecommunications Commission will not even lift a finger to act in favor of text-crazed Filipinos.

I think we should start texting each other and campaign for Enrile's nomination for president either of the opposition or the administration.

The NTC, according to Commissioner Ruel Canobas, is set to sign today (Friday) the new rules on extension of prepaid load.

"At 10 a.m. Friday, we will sign the memorandum circular [MC] on prepaid-load guidelines. The signing of the three other draft MCs that we are working on will be deferred pending the submission of position papers by the telcos on Monday," said Canobas.

The new memorandum said the validity of a P10-or-less load credit is valid for up to three days; up to seven days for P10-20 load; up to 10 days for P20-30 load; up to 14 days for P30-40 load; up to 17 days for P40-P50 load; 20 days for P50-60 load; up to 24 days for P60-70 load; up to 21 days for P70-80 load; up to 30 days for P80-90 load; up to 45 days for P100-150 load; up to 60 days for P150-200 load; up to 90 days for P200-300 load; up to 150 days for P300-600 load; and up to 180 days for P600 to P1,000 load.

Smart, Globe, Sun, and other mobile-phone operators shall provide their subscribers call-data records upon request free of charge. Balance-inquiry service through text messages is definitely free of charge.

"Pursuant to Republic Act 7925, Executive Order 546 series of 1979, and in order to protect and promote the interest of subscribers/end-users of prepaid services, the NTC promulgates the following guidelines," the memo said.

Enrile called the telcos in a marathon hearing to inquire on the "vanishing load" on his mobile phone.

Another pro-consumer circulars are up for approval by the NTC, added Canobas, who could well be Enrile's tandem as vice presidential candidate.

The three proposed changes involve the shift of the unit of billing for cellular calls from per-minute to three-second per pulse, grouping of bucket pricing promotions and prohibiting spam messages. -30-

Chiz calls for a stricter review of 'over the budget' payments

 

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero said that abuses in pegging "contract price escalations" in official development assistance (ODA) projects should be curbed and the rules made more stringent because the government should not be paying the "price of two projects for one."

Escudero issued the statement after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported that cost overruns of ODA-funded projects ballooned to P14.25 billion, fearing the amount may just be "the tip of the iceberg" as it does not include those incurred by locally-funded projects.

"We need a stricter, more stringent review and approval system for "over the budget payments" on these ODA-funded projects. Bear in mind that these loans are not gifts and the Filipino taxpayers will eventually pay these with interests. It is immoral to spend what little money our government coffers have on cost overruns when these ODA-funded projects should have gone beyond their respective costs," Escudero said.

According to NEDA, nine ODA-funded projects incurred cost overruns totaling P14.25 billion last year. These projects were implemented by the North Luzon Railway Corp. (NLRC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine National Railways (PNR), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

A cost overrun has been defined as additional costs over and above the approved project cost, said Escudero, who formerly chaired the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on ODA.

He said the review and approval system of the government should be stringent when it comes to granting requests for cost overruns, especially at a time when the procurement system of the government is under scrutiny after the World Bank this year exposed a bid-rigging cartel among local and foreign firms.

Escudero said cost overruns can be avoided if prequalification standards are stringent, weeding out poor performing and unqualified contractors from the very beginning.

He noted that cost overruns also result in what he described as "abuse of discretion by regulators," citing as examples the acceptance of bids higher than the "approved budget of contact" or "approved agency estimate."

"Instead of these two serving as unbreakable ceilings, what happens is they are reduced into mere suggested contract prices, which can be exceeded anytime for no rhyme or reason?" he said.

He said the usual reasons for requesting cost adjustment were: increases in the prices of labor and materials; design and project scope changes; foreign exchange "movement;' increases in consulting services; and "administrative cost."

 

"These reasons should be strictly reviewed by the government. If necessary, an iron-clad prohibition on price escalations should be incorporated in the contract to avoid cost overruns," Escudero said.

 

Fwd: Chiz urges government to aim for no public school dropouts by 2016 (with photos)

Opposition Sen. Chiz Escudero said government should work to sharply reduce, if not eliminate, dropout rates in public elementary and high schools in six years.  

"We should be able to graduate more students in both levels, if not achieve universal primary education by 2015, as targeted in the UN Millennium Development Goals," he said after speaking at a forum on education at the AIM Center in Makati. The forum was organized by the Movement for Good Governance, Youth Vote Philippines, Philippine Business for Education.

Escudero said a UN report in 2000 shows that in nearly five decades since the 1960s, dropout rates at the public elementary level have remained high, with 28 to 34 percent failing to complete Grade 6.

He said the latest data estimates that of the 100 children who enter Grade 1, only 86 move on to Grade 2, 76 to Grade 4, 67 to Grade 6, and only 65 finally complete the six years of elementary education.

Of the 65, only 58 enroll in high school and 45 are able to graduate, Escudero said.

He said while the Department of Education has the biggest share of the national budget at P158.2 billion, it still does not meet the standard set by the UNESCO, which is six percent of a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"Education is the greatest equalizer. Most of the children who are left behind live in poverty and in remote areas. The next administration must aggressively move to narrow the education gap and increase education's share of the national budget to 20 percent," said Escudero.

He said that more classrooms should be built to meet the 1:25-30 classroom-student ratio recommended by the UNESCO.

Escudero said the DepEd has only allocated P3.5 billion for building school buildings this school year.

He added that the lack of classrooms is particularly glaring in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where the student-classroom ratio is 1:45.

"With enrolment reaching 21 million, the government has again resorted to double, even triple, shifting to accommodate students in our public schools," he said.

"We must invest in our youth and we must spend for it. All slogans and campaigns touting progress will be for naught if many of them are left by the wayside," Escudero said. 

 

 

ECO-TOURISM ROAD IN SAMAR NEARS COMPLETION

The Department of Tourism is now formulating new program for the four tourist spots in the Province of Samar as the Department of Public Works and Highways nearly completes the Lope De Vega - San Isidro Road Project.

DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, in charge of Visayas operations said that the programmed works for 2009 is already 77.8% complete and is expected to be completed before December this year.

" Once completed this new road network will serve as the main access road to four water falls sites, namely: Busay Falls, Kangpungkol Falls, Ogsad Falls and Pangaselian Falls in San Isidro, Eastern Samar " Yabut said.

Yabut also added that this project will not only boost the tourism industry in the five identified barangays in the area but it will also provide investment livelihood opportunities among the localities.

The Lope De Vega - San Isidro Road Project has a total of 44.25 kilometers of road which includes the construction of a 720 lineal meters of bridge.
To date, the district office is currently conducting road opening works along the two kilometer mountainous terrain in San Isidro.

There are remaining 18.73 kilometers of new road opening to be accomplished and ready for implementation upon the release of the needed funds. But because of the good weather condition on the site, the winning contractor had already started construction activities in the area.

ALLIANCE SEEKS HIGHER TARIFFS TO COUNTER FALLING EXPORTS, FINANCES

The multisectoral Fair Trade Alliance (FairTrade) urges the government to recalibrate tariffs upward for all industrial and agricultural goods based on the Philippines' maximum World Trade Organization (WTO) bindings, except for raw materials used by local industry.

FairTrade Lead Convenor Wigberto Tañada pointed out that under the WTO rules, the Philippines has every right to increase tariffs up to their maximum binding rates.  Philippine actual or MFN tariffs for industry average to around 6 per cent and yet the country's WTO tariff binding rates are twice, if not more.

"The point is that there are flexibilities available in our trade agreements which can be used to arrest the country's financial distress and counter falling receipts from exports," Tañada said.  

"While we may reduce tariffs on products not locally produced or without any local substitutes down to one or even zero per cent, products manufactured locally that compete with imports should have their tariffs increased, not only as a source for the much needed revenues for the government but also as protection for domestic industry and agriculture."

"The upward recalibration of tariffs will help preserve local jobs in these crisis periods and will also help raise the utilization of domestic production capacities," Tañada added.

"We want an upward re-calibration because the tariff liberalization program undertaken in the l980s and l990s was carried out in a unilateral and accelerated manner without any consultation or coordination with industry and local agricultural producers." 

"We lowered our tariffs unilaterally without even negotiating with our trade partners and we lowered them much lower than the maximum WTO binding rates which were already unacceptable to many countries in Asia," Tañada explained. 

According to FairTrade, the present financial crisis is a test whether the present national leadership has the political will to pursue bold trade reforms and to adjust tariffs based on the flexibilities we have under the WTO. This administration cannot escape the responsibility and obligation to its citizenry to muster a strong will in enforcing tax and customs laws.


__________________________________

The Fair Trade Alliance (FairTrade) is a broad coalition of formal and informal labor, industry, agricultural, non-governmental organizations, and youth pushing for trade and economic reforms.

Letter Pinoy On Saudi Deathrow

Ako po si Rodelio Don2 Lanuza  na kasalukuyang nakapiit sa Dammam Central Jail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia mula pa nuong Agosto taong 2000.

Nahatulan po ako ng parusang KAMATAYAN sa kasalanang nagawa ng di sinasadya. Marami po ang nakaka-alam ng aking mapait na sinapit at marami din po ang hindi nakaka-alam.

Marami na din po ang tumalikod at galit sa aking pagkatao o sa pag-uugali dahilan sa mga nangyayaring kalbaryo sa aking tinatahatak sa ngayon. Marami din po ang malalawak na pang-unawa at nakaka-intindi na magpa-hanggang ngayon at nasa likod ko sila para alalayan ako sa aking masamang katayuan. May pamilya po ako at 2 anak na nangangailangan ng tulong pinansyal.

Ako po ay inyong pagpasensyahan sa patuloy kong pang-iistorbo na paghingi ng tulong para sa kanila sapagkat sadyang di po kaya naming mag-asawa na tustusan ang kanilang pangangailangan. Kung mapapansin ninyo din po na si May Vecina ng Kuwait Deathrow ay nailigtas at nakauwi na po sa mga mahal niya sa buhay.

At ngayon po ay si Jakatia Pawa naman sa Kuwait din ang inaasikaso ng ating pamahalaan at nag-released pa po ng malaking halaga na pondo na gagamitin para sa kanyang kalayaan. Ako po sa inyong harapan na nakaluhod na nagmamakaawa at umaapila na ipaabot sa Presidente ng Pilipinas na bigyang pansin ang aking Kaso. Ako po ay walang tiwala sa ating Embahada dito sa Saudi Arabia sa kadahilanan na puro PANGAKO at SALITA na WALANG KATIBAYAN NA MAY GINAGAWA O NAGAWA PARA MAILIGTAS ANG AKING BUHAY SA PARUSANG KAMATAYAN!

Bawat araw na nakakalipas ay siyang papalapit sa oras ng aking kamatayan! Bakit di po kausapin ng masinsinan ni Ambassador Villamor ang ating Pangulo ng Pilipinas na kausapin ang Hari ng Saudi Arabia? Kikilos lang po ba ang ating gobyerno kung ako ay nakasalang na sa lugar ng pugutan?

Bakit di po magpunta si Vice President De Castro dito sa Saudi Arabia para kausapin ang Hari gaya ng ginawa niya kay May Vecina at Marilou Ranario sa Kuwait na personal niya na kinausap ang Hari ng Kuwait para iapela ang kanilang Kaso? May pinugutan po dito 3 days ago na tumagal ng 17 years na paghihintay ngunit di na pinatawad ng pamilya ng kanyang nasaktan.

Kailangang umabot pa po ba ako sa ganito bago kumilos ang pilipinas? Di na po ako mapakali at makatulog ng maayos sa mga oras na ito. Mga Kapatid kami po ng aking pamilya ay umaapila sa inyo na bigyang pansin ang aking Kaso na manawagan sa ating pamahalaan na isalba ako sa parusang kamatayan.

Utang na loob po konting pansin at oras para sa aking kahilingan.

Maraming salamat po at ako po ay umaasa sa inyong pagkilos sa aking kahilingan. Patnubayan po tayo ng Poong Maykapal.

Gumagalang
Rodelio Don2 Lanuza
OFW in Deathrow (K.S.A.)
+966530049153
+966543519042

DPWH Assures Project Linking NLEX-SLEX Will Not Affect Water, Informal Settlers

Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. yesterday vowed to push through with the implementation of a road-widening project linking NLEX and SLEX, saying this would save the government some P600 million.

Talking to informal settlers along the Old Balara road, Quezon City , Ebdane also assured they will not be affected by the project to widen the road along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue .

"Why fight this project when you are not going to be affected by it. The only ones affected are the rich who play at (Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club
Inc.),'' Ebdane said to Balara residents who were  opposing the project, along with Quezon City Rep. Mat Defensor.

"If I am to be faulted for something here, it is to insist that we use the 450 linear meters inside the golf course so as not to hit you the informal settlers," said Ebdane, adding that the portion of the affected golf course property belongs to the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS).
 
According to Ebdane, a proposal by Defensor and the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) to use a portion of the University of the Philippines to link up the South Luzon Expressway with the North Luzon Expressway would cost the government some P600 million because it would involve the destruction and rebuilding of two buildings in UP, relocation of 650 squatter families and
payment of roads right of way.
 
Compared to the portion of the golf course, Ebdane noted that the lot belongs to the MWSS and that Capitol Golf was found to have not been paying MWSS for
the use of the property.
 
Ebdane also brushed aside Defensor's claims that the DPWH project would hit aquaducts and main water pipes lying under the Hole No. 6 of Capitol Golf and affect the water supply of 8 million residents in Metro Manila.

Ebdane said the pipes are buried 60 meters deep and unless they construct a building over it, they will not be affected.

``There is more done enough cushioning of soil and rocks to protect the main pipes,'' added DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo, who is in charge of the
 operations of the DPWH projects in Metro Manila.

According to DPWH-NCR Acting Regional Director Edilberto Tayao, C-5 Road Extension Project (SLEX-NLEX-Connection) would involve the
widening of 1.1 kilometers of road at a cost of P100 million.

DPWH SPEEDS UP WORKS ON SAMAR CIRCUMFERENTIAL ROAD

To ensure immediate transport of goods and basic services that will boost the agricultural industry in Eastern and Northern Samar, the Department of Public Works and Highways speeds up the completion of  Laoang - Lapinig - Arteche - San Policarpio Road a component of the Samar Circumferential Road.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said that he had already instructed the field engineers to assure that the project would be completed on or before December 2009 because of its impact in the agricultural communities in the area.

"This road network will would benefit the rice granaries in Northern Samar and corn and sweet potato farmers in Eastern Visayas, the immediate completion of this project would surely increase the income of the farmers in the area and would also open the investment and employment opportunities in the nearby municipalities" Ebdane said.

DPWH Region VIII Director Angelito Twaño said that because of its former grade as gravel road, the Samar Circumferential Road is hardly passable during summer days and impassable during rainy season. But now that they had completed a total of 63.7% for the programmed works for this year, motorists are now experiencing a more convenient traveling experience in the said road section.

"The realization of this project will provide an access to the remote areas of the two provinces like Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Arteche and San Policarpio, which will surely boost their economic activities. It will also significantly promote eco-tourism industry in Samar " Twaño said.

This P3.2 Billion road project involves the concreting of 130.4 kilometers of road, replacement of a bridge, slope protection works, drainage structures and installation of road safety devices.

NEDA, JICA SIGN GRANT AGREEMENT FOR CAMIGUIN PROJECT

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently signed a grant agreement in Tokyo, Japan for the Project for Flood Disaster Mitigation in Camiguin Island amounting to about PhP500 million.

The Government of Japan (GOJ) will be extending a grant amounting to ¥1 billion (approximately PhP450 million) for the project which aims to obtain sustainable economic growth and improve the standard of living in Camiguin. These objectives are expected to be met through the enhancement of security and reliability of the Provincial highway, which is the main artery in the region; improvement of agriculture-based economy and tourism; and improvement of Sabo and flood control works.

The project also intends to mitigate the damage caused by disasters such as flood and debris flow in Camiguin Island. It involves the construction of Sabo Dams and reconstruction of the damaged Hubangon Bridge. The project sites include the Municipalities of Manbajao, Mahinog, Catarman, Sagay and Guinsiliban in the Province of Camiguin.

The project was approved by the GOJ for implementation by the Department of Public Works and Highway in Japanese fiscal year 2009.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Ralph G. Recto and JICA President Dr. Sadako Ogata signed the agreement in Tokyo on 19 June 2009. Witnesses to the signing were JICA Director Susumu Ito, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo Siazon, JICA Director-General Osamu Murata, Mr. Hideo Noda, Mr.  Naoyuki Ochiai and Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines Makoto Katsura.

Drilon tells Comelec on poll automation: ‘It’s now or never’

"It's now or never."

 

Thus said former Senate President and opposition leader Frank Drilon as he warned Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials today that Congress may not be inclined to allocate more funds to finance future automation of Philippine elections if it fails to automate the 2010 polls.

 

In his blog, frankahan.com, Drilon said he was "concerned" over the statement of Comelec Chairman Jose Melo that the chances for automating the 2010 elections were very slim, hinting at the possibility of conducting next year's elections manually.

Melo made the statement a day after Total Information Management Corp. (TIM) backed out of the partnership with Barbados-based firm Smartmatic Corp. the consortium that won the bidding for computerizing the 2010 polls. He raised the possibility of reverting to manual elections because time was running out for another bidding.

 

"I am concerned over the possibility of going back to manual elections next year," Drilon said. "The specter of wholesale fraud and a repeat of the infamous Garcellano caper once again loom in the horizon if manual elections will be held."

 

Drilon urged the Comelec commissioners to "do everything within their powers and within the boundaries of the law to pursue the automation of the 2010 elections."

 

The former Senate president added that he was confident that Melo and the other commissioners would take the necessary measures to ensure the holding of free, honest and orderly elections next year. "I believe Chairman Melo is a man of integrity. His sterling record in government service should speak for itself," Drilon said.

 

Drilon, who is also national chairman of the Liberal Party, warned that Congress may not be inclined to allocate additional funds for automation of future elections if Comelec fails to implement the poll modernization program next year.

 

"We must automate now or never," Drilon said. "If Comelec fails to automate the elections next year, I am afraid Congress may no longer be inclined to appropriate another sizable amount for the automation of future elections and we will be stuck with the primitive mode of manual elections for a long, long time."

 

On Tuesday, Melo said Comelec commissioners would sit in an en banc meeting within the day to discuss the poll body's next steps, including holding TIM criminally liable.

"(TIM) can be penalized under Section 65 of Republic Act 9184," he said, referring to the Government Procurement Reform Act.  The law penalizes those who "withdraw a bid after it shall have qualified as he lowest calculated bid/ highest rated bid, or refuses to accept and award, without just cause…" Violators will be meted with imprisonment of not less than six years and one day, but not more than 15 years.

Melo said TIM president Jose Antuñez told him Monday that TIM was pulling out of the project, citing irreconcilable differences with Smartmatic. The reason for the pullout remains unclear, but word has leaked that the breakup was caused by corporate issues between Smartmatic and TIM ranging from the chairmanship of the board to funding disputes.