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Former Mayor Guo should be detained and face a Senate hearing – Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros stated on Friday that former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, who was recently arrested by Indonesian authorities and handed over to Filipino counterparts, ought to be detained at the Senate. “Dapat sa Senado muna siya i-detain para makaharap sa hearing sa Lunes. Ginagalang ko ang karapatan ng Judiciary na maglabas ng warrant pero ang Senado ang may pinaka-unang arrest warrant laban sa kanya,” Hontiveros said. “Ang Senado ang nag-trigger ng manhunt. Senate warrant ang bitbit ng ating law enforcement sa Jakarta,” Hontiveros added. "We want answers, not a photoshoot" The senator is also expecting candid responses from the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, when she appears before the Senate next week. She expressed frustration over how some public servants treated Guo like a celebrity. "We want answers, not a photoshoot. Matapos nyang makipag-taguan sa batas, ginawa namang fan-meet nitong si Alice Guo ang pagkakaaresto nya. Kulang na lang, red carpet," Hontiveros said. "Tingnan natin kung gaano sya ka-photogenic sa hearing sa Lunes. Unli-pictures sya doon," Hontiveros added. Furthermore, Hontiveros criticized government officials for turning Guo's arrest and return to the country into a "fan meet." “Isang paalala rin sa ating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno, hindi dapat ginagawang social event ang pag-aresto sa isang puganteng sangkot sa patong-patong na kaso ng human trafficking, money laundering, fake identity, gross misconduct, illegal recruitment and detention, at corruption,” the Solon said. “Pinaglaruan ni Alice Guo ang mga batas ng Pilipinas at ginamit nya ang posisyon nya para makapag-operate ang mga POGO na naging sangkot sa kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, at prostitution," she added. Hontiveros also anticipates that the former Bamban mayor will have much to explain when the Senate reconvenes on Monday, September 9, to discuss the unlawful activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “Pagbabayaran niya ang pagsisinungaling niya, ang pagtago, pagtakas, at ang panloloko sa sambayanang Pilipino," the senator assured. 📷

1 week ago

Lawmakers, netizens slam gov’t employees over celebrity treatment of Alice Guo

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers expressed their disapproval of the celebrity treatment Alice Guo received after photos and videos surfaced showing some government officials and employees posing for pictures with the dismissed Bamban mayor before she was brought back to the Philippines from Indonesia. “Si Alice Guo ay pugante. Hindi po 'yan celebrity.” These were the words of Senator Risa Hontiveros in a Facebook post regarding Guo's return. “Paalala lalo na sa mga kawani ng gobyerno: Si Alice Guo ay pugante. May kasong human trafficking. Hindi po yan celebrity,” the senator added. Guo was detained by the Indonesian police in Jatanras Mabes Polri on Wednesday after being apprehended in Tangerang City, Indonesia, prior to her handover. On Thursday, Indonesian officials turned her over to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Chief, General Rommel Marbil. As the custody was being transferred, the embattled former mayor appeared to be in good spirits. When asked about her well-being, Guo raised both her thumbs, saying, "I'm good, I'm good!" Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva criticized the government officials involved, calling their actions "unprofessional." In a photo shared earlier by Villanueva, a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent was seen taking a selfie with Guo and Abalos during the handover. "Seriously, do you want to take a picture with this treacherous fugitive?" the senator added. Guo, who faces charges of graft, money laundering, and human trafficking for her alleged role in POGO operations in Bamban, will be detained at the Senate upon her return to the country. Aside from lawmakers, netizens also joined in the public outcry, mocking Guo's "celebrity" return. "Kakahiya talaga mga nasa gobyerno kaya di nirerespeto ng mga kriminal kasi mga lawsi. Di talaga mawawala ang selfie sa mga Pinoy, at pagdating ng Pinas special treatment, naka-private plane. Tinatalikuran lang sila pag ordinaryong kriminal tanggal mask, nakaharap sa media, at naka-posas. Si Alice, nakatalikod, naka-mask, at wala posas. Protocol sa mga kriminal na naka-posas pag nahuli. Kriminal yan, di Vivamax… Hay Pinas, nakakahiya na maging Pinoy… 🥱" said Jay D. in his Facebook comment. "Pa-cute pa more," said Evangeline F. "Pinag face mask para di makita yung ngiti," commented Janvher B. "So, nag-effort ang Indonesian authorities para mahuli si Alice Guo para madala na sa Pinas at makapagpa-selfie tayo?" expressed Jerry G. 📷 National Bureau of Investigation📹 Contributed video

1 week ago

DA assures steady supply of food despite agricultural damage

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured a steady supply of food and rice for the Philippines despite the anticipated agricultural damage from natural disasters. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa dismissed fears of a rice shortage, stating that there is sufficient supply from both local production and imports. “In terms sa bigas na meron tayo ngayon, in terms of volume na meron tayo, there's no reason na matakot tayo," De Mesa said. The DA recorded over 2.8 million metric tons of rice imports since January, including the 296,350 MT received in August. The combined effects of El Niño, shearline, northeast monsoon, low-pressure area trough, Typhoon Aghon, Super Typhoon Carina, and the southwest monsoon, as well as the initial agricultural damage from Tropical Storm Enteng from January to September, have led to rice production losses exceeding PHP8.46 billion, or 386,960.34 MT. “Sa rice yun, kung ito nasa almost 400,000 (MT), syempre wala pa yung epekto ng La Niña ‘di ba? So, mabi-breach mo na iyong normal average annual losses," De Mesa said. The DA recorded 979,125 MT of crop losses and agricultural damage amounting to PHP23 billion. Nevertheless, the Agriculture official pointed out that without the DA's mitigation efforts, the impact of El Niño and other disasters could have been worse. “Iyong expectation natin sa El Niño nasa (our expected losses for El Niño is about) 300,000 MT to 400,000 MT iyong mawawala. Pero iyong nawala 150,000 MT hanggang 200,000 MT," De Mesa said. Additionally, the Agriculture official pledged measures to mitigate the effects of the impending La Niña phenomenon, including the completion, maintenance, and repair of the country's irrigation systems. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Enteng caused PHP350.85 million in early damage, affecting 13,623 farmers and fisherfolk, according to the DA. Most of the recorded damage occurred in rice production, amounting to PHP333.08 million, followed by corn at PHP14.01 million and high-value crops at PHP3.76 million. The DA promised to distribute PHP202.86 million in seeds, bio-control measures, and farm tools, as well as provide up to PHP25,000 in loans from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council's Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program and indemnification funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). “Best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions to the affected farmers,” the DA said. 📷 Department of Agriculture FB

1 week ago

PROVINCES

NCR

Metro Manila, four other provinces under State of Calamity due to Carina

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. proclaimed a state of calamity in four more provinces on Thursday in response to the destruction caused by the southwest monsoon, which was exacerbated by Super Typhoon Carina. During a Carina situation briefing with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Abalos stated that, in addition to the cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bataan, Bulacan, Batangas, and Cavite have declared a state of calamity. The Metro Manila Council (MMC) proclaimed a state of calamity in the National Capital Region on Wednesday in response to catastrophic floods caused by the southwest monsoon or Habagat and Super Typhoon Carina. In several of the 16 cities and one municipality that comprise the NCR, the government will be able to deploy its quick response funding for emergency relief and rescue activities as a result of the state of emergency being declared. In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has mandated a 60-day price freeze on basic goods in Metro Manila. Typhoon Carina departed the Philippine Area of Responsibility for Taiwan early on Thursday. However, the state weather authority PAGASA stated that the typhoon would continue enhancing the southwest monsoon until Saturday. 📷 Henry Ramirezjr, Hinanay Cavaneyro Jr Ricardo, Chad Gerona

1 month ago

Caloocan City implements cleaning and declogging operations

CALOOCAN CITY, Philippines -- The Caloocan City Environmental Management Department (CEMD) conducted a cleaning operation on C3 Road, Barangay 21, Barangay 22, Tambakol Alley, and Taksay Street at Dagat-dagatan Avenue in Barangay 28 on July 17. In a social media post, Mayor Dale "Along" Malapitan expressed his commitment to continuing the cleanup drive to ensure the city remains clean and pleasant. He appealed for the support and cooperation of residents. On July 18, employees of the Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMD) - North carried out declogging operations at various locations in Caloocan, including Laloma Street in Barangay 178, Ilang-ilang Street in Barangay 175, and along Camarin Road leading to Bagong Silang. The local chief executive emphasized that this initiative aligns with the city's safety measures and supports overall community well-being. “Patuloy ang pagkilos ng pamahalaang lungsod bilang paghahanda sa mga posibleng pagbaha ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan para sa kaligtasan ng mga Batang Kankaloo,” he explained. 📷 Along Malapitan FB

1 month ago

Lifestyle and Entertainment

BUSINESS

PH raises $2.5B from dollar bonds

MANILA -- The Philippines secured $2.5 billion from the international debt market through a triple-tranche global bond offering aimed at meeting the country's budgetary requirements. The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) announced on Thursday that the 5.5-year tranche has a yield of 4.375 percent and was priced at T+75 basis points (bps), 35 bps tighter than the initial price guidance, resulting in a 5 bps new issue concession. The new 10.5-year tranche was priced at T+95 bps, 30 bps tighter than the initial price forecast, with no new issue premium, landing at a yield of 4.750 percent. Meanwhile, the 25-year sustainability tranche was priced at 5.175 percent, 32.5 basis points tighter than the initial price forecast, and included a 2.5 basis point reduction. According to the BTr, the 5.5-year bond has the lowest spread of any comparable bond issued by the government since June 2021. Similarly, yields on the 10.5-year and 25-year bonds have reached their lowest levels since March 2022. “The Republic will partially allocate the 25-year Global Bond sale proceeds to assets under the Republic’s Sustainable Finance Framework,” the BTr stated. The transaction is expected to settle on September 5. The BTr noted that the government capitalized on benchmark rates that were beginning to moderate, as investor confidence in impending rate cuts was bolstered by dovish signals from the US Federal Reserve and lower inflation data. Proceeds from the 5.5-year and 10.5-year global bond sales will be utilized for general budget financing, while proceeds from the 25-year global bond sale will be used for refinancing programs and expenditures that align with the Republic's Sustainable Finance Framework, as well as general budget financing. Latest Transaction Attracted Robust Demand National Treasurer Sharon Almanza stated that the most recent transaction drew robust demand and strong momentum across markets, with interest from a diversified pool of high-quality global accounts. “The exceptionally tight pricing across all offerings enables the government to conserve on interest payments, thereby allowing more fiscal space to flow into transformative investments. Thus, the favorable outcome of the transaction further strengthens the Philippine Government's position to fulfill its commitments to fiscal consolidation and rapid economic growth,” Almanza said. Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto noted that the transaction is also a sign of confidence in the country's strong credit rating. "We are very pleased to see the overwhelming investor interest in our new USD 2.5 billion triple-tranche global bonds. In fact, compared to our regional peers, the Philippines’ issuance achieved among the best pricing in all of our tranches this year. This is a resounding vote of confidence in our country’s solid credit profile,” Recto said. “More importantly, this is a significant win for every Filipino as we are raising funds at very affordable costs to support programs and projects that will boost economic growth, create quality jobs, increase incomes, and reduce poverty,” Recto added. 📷 Bureau of the Treasury FB

2 weeks ago

DTI, BSP, and BDO Foundation launch financial education for small businesses

MANILA -- In an effort to empower Filipino micro-entrepreneurs through financial education, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the BDO Foundation, has launched a series of educational videos. The DTI is committed to upskilling and reskilling local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These organizations recognize the critical role of financial education and the entrepreneurial interventions of DTI Negosyo Centers in assisting MSMEs nationwide to help Filipinos scale and grow their businesses. “MSMEs are the drivers of our economy. We want our Filipino entrepreneurs to know that the DTI and DTI Negosyo Centers can offer them a variety of services in pursuing their passion, scaling their ventures, and sustaining what they’ve already started,” shared DTI Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. The DTI, BSP, and BDO Foundation have released three informative videos that address various business-related challenges, such as starting a business, obtaining the necessary permits and requirements, and acquiring the resources needed for business ventures with the assistance of DTI Negosyo Centers and financial institutions. This initiative is part of a larger government plan to support the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector, which often faces difficulties in managing its finances and expanding operations. Moreover, the videos will be made available on DTI platforms to maximize the accessibility of these learning materials. “With this partnership, we are optimistic that more and more micro-entrepreneurs can thrive through these challenging times by providing them with more knowledge and skills that are useful to their businesses,” said BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito. “We will continue to help pave the way for accessible solutions that support micro-entrepreneurs maneuver new landscapes through financial education. BDO Foundation will also help expand the reach of the program by partnering with local government units and civil society groups that support micro-entrepreneurs,” he concluded. 📷 Department of Trade and Industry

3 weeks ago

DTI signs MOU to launch Sari-Sari Store Advancement Program

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with private sector partners to launch the Sari-sari Store Advancement Program. The project aims to empower over a million variety store owners nationwide. This initiative, dubbed "Tindahan Mo e-Level Up Mo!", seeks to provide micro-retailers, known as sari-sari stores, with digital tools, knowledge, and sustainable practices, marking a significant step toward inclusive economic growth. “This program aims to empower over one million sari-sari store owners across the Philippines by equipping them with digital tools, knowledge, and sustainable practices,” said Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual. He recognized sari-sari stores as a backbone of the economy, serving as economic hubs that power Filipino households. Program emphasizes digitalization and sustainability for micro-retailers The program involves Digital Transformation to enhance store operations, Financial Literacy and Access to Financing, Sustainability, and Consumer Protection and Regulatory Compliance. Secretary Pascual highlighted the necessity of incorporating digital technologies to help these micro-enterprises reduce costs, enhance productivity, and expand their market reach, ensuring their continued competitiveness in the digital economy. “Our goal is to see sari-sari stores not just survive but thrive. By registering and formalizing these businesses, we provide them with the necessary support and benefits to elevate their operations. This initiative is a collaborative effort, and through public-private partnerships, we can create a supportive ecosystem for these small but vital enterprises,” Pascual said. DTI Undersecretary Ed Sunico, who heads the program, stated that the DTI has expanded its network of specialists to ensure sari-sari store owners have access to world-class knowledge. “Bawat isang tindahan ay may isang kabuhayang Pilipino. In that spirit, sama-sama na nating i-level up ang bawat tindahang Pilipino,” USec Sunico said. Signatories from the private sector, including Unilever, Coca-Cola, Universal Robina Corporation, Smart Communications, Nestle, Hapinoy, Packworks, PASCO, and GCash, expressed their support for the program, emphasizing that the success of sari-sari stores is also their triumph. 📷 DTI Philippines FB

1 month ago

PCCI Metro Manila Business Conference 2024 set for August

The 2024 Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC) organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) will be held on August 22-24 at the Fiesta Pavilion, The Manila Hotel, bringing together top leaders in business, government and related entities. The event banners the theme, "Integrating Trade, Technology & Tourism for Sustainable Economic Transformation." The business group announced, “Join us as we delve into thought-provoking discussions, foster meaningful connections, locally as well as globally, and be engaged in shaping the future of business in Metro Manila. Don't miss this remarkable opportunity to gain invaluable insights, network with industry leaders, and be part of a transformative journey towards sustainable economic growth.” PCCI-NCR is currently headed by Dr. Hernando B. Delizo, Chairman and CEO of Clinica Manila, also referred to as Ambulatory Healthcare Institute, Inc., renowned as the pioneer in operating a fully-automated, comprehensive healthcare facility inside a shopping mall, and accredited by the prestigous Accreditation Canada International (ACI). Dr. Delizo will lead the chapters of PCCI in the NCR, which are expected to be joined by the officials of the region’s 17 local government units (LGUs) comprising 16 cities and one municipality. “This business event promises to be a convergence of brilliant minds and innovative ideas,” the PCCI-NCR underscored. Regarded as the Philippines’ biggest and most influential business group, the PCCI counts among its members more than 30,000 small, medium, and large enterprises, local chambers, and industry associations representing various sectors of business all over the country. PCCI is currently led by its President, Enunina “Nina” Mangio, owner of several large businesses including the SamgyeopMasarap chain of restaurants, Board Governor of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), a Board of Trustee for the Philippine Food Exporters Confederation (Philexport), Honorary Chair and Senior Adviser for Philippines-Korea Business Council, and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in West Africa. 📷 PCCI FB

3 months ago

PH and Qatar to sign investment pact

The Philippines and Qatar are eyeing to ratify this year an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) which will ensure a business-friendly environment to facilitate greater trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual shared that he and Qatar Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Qassim Al-Abdullah Al-nes have discussed the proposed agreement in a meeting held in Doha on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum. He added that they also discussed the holding of the inaugural Philippines-Qatar Joint Economic, Commercial, and Technical Committee (JECTC) meeting in the first quarter of 2025, with a business forum and a business-to-business matching session on the sidelines of the meeting. The DTI and MOCI also agreed to pursue a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, as well as facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, training programs, and high-level dialogues on IP policy, Pascual elaborated. He noted that the Philippine delegation expressed concern about the proliferation of counterfeit Filipino brands in the Middle East, including Qatar, as he expressed optimisim that enhanced cooperation on IPR protection, including the proposed MOU, would address these concerns and create a more fair and secure environment. Pascual emphasized, "The Philippines is eager to further strengthen its economic partnership with Qatar through enhanced investment flows, increased cooperation on intellectual property rights, and the establishment of the Joint Economic, Commercial, and Technical Committee. We believe that this collaboration will not only benefit our two countries but also contribute to greater prosperity and stability in both the Gulf and Southeast Asia regions." During the forum, he discussed the Philippines' focus on infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and strategic policy reforms to ensure the country’s competitiveness. He stressed that the Maharlika Investment Fund, the Philippines' first sovereign wealth fund, provides support to the nation's Build Better More infrastructure program. The new Public-Private Partnership Code also ensures a clear and predictable policy environment for investors, he added. “Our competitive economic environment, coupled with our game-changing reforms, signals our readiness to attract foreign investments and support sustainable development,” Pascual emphasized. 📷 DTI FB

3 months ago