Author: admin

Manila – With only 11 session days remaining before the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress concludes on May 24, 2024, Philippine senators are poised to approve 20 priority bills. These bills are part of the Common Legislative Agenda set by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (CLA-LEDAC).

According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, the Senate is determined to pass measures focusing on education, economy, and health, despite the challenges. "We can do it, because each senator has his/her own priority measures, and we defend our priority bills. Each one of us has a committee to focus on and monitor," Gatchalian stated. He also mentioned that several bills are at an "advanced stage," including his proposal for a tax refund for non-resident tourists.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed the Senate's progress, asserting that the chamber is "on track" for the approval of priority measures advocated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. "We are confident that the Senate can pass 20 of these measures before the session ends, and the rest of our commitment before this year ends," Zubiri said.

Among the significant legislative advances, the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act is ready for President Marcos' signature. Additionally, the bicameral report on the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the legislation for establishing the Negros Island Region have been ratified and are in the enrollment process. The Senate has also ratified the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.

Other priority measures such as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Act are awaiting approval from the bicameral conference committee. The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act has passed its final reading and was sent to the House of Representatives.

Pending approval on second reading are several bills, including the Anti-Financial Accounts Scamming Act, VAT on Digital Services/Transactions Act, amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act, and the Blue Economy Act, among others. The E-Government/E-Governance Act, the Department of Water Resources Act, and the Konektadong Pinoy Act are still under committee review. The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Bill, already passed in the House, has been transmitted to the Senate.

Zubiri emphasized the Senate's commitment: "We will focus all our energies on these 20 measures before we adjourn for the 3rd Regular Session. But we are confident we can fulfill all of our legislative commitments to the President and to the people before this year ends."

Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Senate is poised to investigate persistent operational issues at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other national airports following recent service disruptions. During a press briefing on Monday, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced his intention to file a resolution to initiate a public inquiry into these malfunctions, aiming to identify responsible parties.

According to Philippines News Agency, a significant disruption occurred on March 27 at NAIA Terminal 2, where a series of power fluctuations led to a three-hour and 16-minute interruption in the power supply, impacting air conditioning units in the departure area. Zubiri also referenced problems at Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental, which he noted was in disarray, and he questioned the delayed transfer of Cagayan de Oro Airport operations to a private consortium, awarded the contract six months ago.

Senator Grace Poe also expressed concerns over the conditions at Iloilo Airport, where travelers were greeted with malfunctioning air conditioning and elevators. Poe emphasized the importance of scrutinizing how the PHP 190 million allocated in the 2024 budget for airport repairs and maintenance at Iloilo Airport is being spent, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the use of these funds.

Cotabato – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Monday that he has directed government agencies to intensively monitor the power situation as the country faces successive red and yellow alerts on its power grids. The declaration came during his visit to Pikit, Cotabato, where he inaugurated the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Stage II.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ongoing power supply challenges are due to an "overloaded" system, exacerbated by a significant rise in electricity demand amid the current heatwave across the nation. He emphasized that the situation is genuine and not fabricated. "It definitely is not an artificial crisis because the power systems are genuinely overloaded," Marcos stated. He highlighted the sudden increase in power consumption as a direct result of the heat, ensuring continuous monitoring by concerned authorities.

Furthermore, Marcos mentioned that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has been tasked with expanding infrastructure, including the construction of additional transmission lines and submarine cables, to stabilize the power supply. Last week, the Luzon and Visayas grids were placed under a yellow alert, with the Visayas grid experiencing a red alert for one hour in the afternoon. The Mindanao grid was also briefly under a yellow alert on Friday.

Manila, Philippines - The Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) has formalized agreements to investigate investment avenues in infrastructure and the energy sectors. The announcement came on Monday as MIC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and a separate memorandum of agreement (MOA) focusing on electrification in Mindoro.

According to Philippines News Agency, the MOU between MIC and BCDA aims to evaluate collaborative projects in transportation, logistics, affordable housing, and agro-industrial urbanization. BCDA president Joshua Bingcang and MIC's Rafael Consing Jr. detailed plans to integrate several BCDA projects into MIC's portfolio. This includes potential developments at strategic locations such as Clark Freeport Zone and New Clark City. Projects under consideration include a massive expansion of Clark International Airport and a comprehensive modernization of Poro Point Seaport.

The partnerships are anticipated to involve an investment totaling approximately USD 4 billion, which Bingcang believes could be mobilized within the year. He highlighted the national government's support as a significant endorsement for attracting further investment. Consing emphasized the importance of the MOU for beginning detailed assessments of these initiatives, assuring that MIC is prepared to fund the projects as needed.

In addition to the BCDA agreement, MIC has also committed to an MOA aimed at achieving full electrification of Mindoro Island. This agreement involves the provincial governments of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, the respective local electric cooperatives, and the National Electrification Administration. Consing noted that this collaboration could serve as a model for other regions, enhancing national energy generation and distribution capabilities.

Manila – The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) saw a notable increase at the start of the week, driven by active bargain hunting, while the peso exhibited little change, closing sideways. On Monday, the PSEi continued its six-day rally, climbing 140.89 points to close at 6,769.64, a gain of 2.12 percent. Similarly, the broader All Shares index also rose, up 1.45 percent to 3,543.28.

According to Philippines News Agency, Inc., the upward trend in the local stock market was influenced by favorable conditions from US markets last Friday and a reduction in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Claire Alviar, assistant research manager at Philstocks, noted the overall market positivity. However, the Mining and Oil sector did not follow the upward trend, experiencing a decline of 0.81 percent to close at 8,802.57.

The Financials sector outperformed other areas, registering a 2.89 percent increase. It was followed by gains in the Services, Property, Industrial, and Holding Firms sectors. The market also benefited from foreign investor participation, with a net inflow of PHP1.18 billion, contributing to a total market value turnover of PHP4.68 billion. Market breadth was positive, with 120 advancers against 74 decliners, and 49 stocks remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, the Philippine peso ended the day unchanged at 57.68 against the US dollar, after opening at 57.75. The currency fluctuated between a low of 57.60 and a high of 57.77 throughout the day, with a weighted average of 57.70. Foreign exchange trade volume on Monday dipped to USD1.46 billion from USD1.69 billion on the previous trading day.

Pasig City, Philippines - Amid rising temperatures due to El Niño and subsequent surges in electricity demand, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized the reliability of conventional power plants. At a media briefing held at Meralco's headquarters on Monday, Pangilinan stressed the necessity of building more such facilities to prevent potential extensive power shortages.

According to Philippines News Agency, the ongoing demand spikes have led to frequent yellow and red alerts in power grids across the Philippines, underscoring the urgent need for robust, conventional power solutions. These plants, primarily fueled by coal or gas, are seen as vital to maintaining grid stability amid extreme demand scenarios. This stance comes in the backdrop of a 2020 moratorium by the Department of Energy, which halted the development of new coal-fired power plants to reduce the nation’s coal dependency.

Further complicating the energy landscape, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis last week projected that liquefied natural gas (LNG), though cleaner than coal, will continue to be an expensive option despite a global oversupply. Despite advancements in renewable energy technologies, Pangilinan pointed out their lower reliable output compared to conventional sources, particularly in peak demand periods.

Additionally, Meralco's first vice president and head of networks, Froilan Savet, revealed that the current peak electricity demand in Meralco-serviced areas has nearly reached the forecasted peak for 2026, highlighting the severe impact of rising temperatures on energy consumption. The company also noted a significant increase in energy sales for the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a broader trend of heightened energy usage during this period.

CEBU CITY—Metro Cebu commuters will continue to have access to mass transportation services despite an ongoing transport strike, according to local transport cooperatives. The Federation of Modern Jeepney Operators' Cooperatives has confirmed that over 1,000 units of modern jeepneys will be operational through Wednesday to ensure that transportation remains uninterrupted.

According to Philippines News Agency, chair of the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives, the cooperative's efforts include deploying vehicles from various franchise owners. The Cebu People's Cooperative alone will contribute 250 units. In addition to modern jeepneys, traditional jeepneys from Central Visayas will also be available to supplement the modern fleet. Maghanoy expressed confidence in the capability of modern jeepney owners to meet commuter needs, especially if traditional transport groups opposing the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) proceed with strike actions.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. further confirmed that no picket rallies or transport strikes by Piston (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide) were reported in Cebu on Monday, indicating a stable transport situation for the region.

BALUNGAO — Twelve associations in Balungao, Pangasinan, composed of 300 families, have received PHP4.6 million in seed capital from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support their participation in a sustainable livelihood program aimed at combating poverty and hunger through carabao breeding and milk production.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at a press conference on Monday, the funding is allocated for the Gatasang Kalabaw Kontra Kagutoman at Kahirapan (GK3K) program. This initiative focuses on carabao-breeding and milk production during its first year and will expand to include processing of carabao milk, hide, and meat in the second year.

The local government of Balungao has backed the project by providing 10 hectares of land for carabao housing, forage, and vegetable production. It has also contributed logistics and essential materials worth PHP4 million. Additionally, the Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos State University has offered specialized training to the beneficiaries and supplied additional carabaos and artificial insemination services.

Further support comes from the Department of Trade and Industry, which has committed to providing equipment for milk production under its Shared Service Facility program.

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Public Works Department announced a temporary half-lane closure on the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Highway at the Hassanal Bolkiah Flyover, heading towards Sungai Akar. The closure will facilitate maintenance works and is scheduled from 10 PM to 5 AM daily until May 29th. Road users are urged to adhere to posted traffic signs and speed limits during this period.

According to Radio Television Brunei, a similar half-lane closure will occur on Jalan Sekolah for pedestrian bridge maintenance, from April 29 to April 30, 2024, between 10 PM and 5 AM.

NEW YORK—The Philippine Consulate General in New York has reported a significant reduction in hate crimes targeting Asian and Filipino immigrants in the state.

According to Philippines News Agency, while hate crimes persist, those specifically targeting Asian immigrants have notably decreased.

Mangalile emphasized during a briefing with Filipino journalists at the Philippine Center in Manhattan that the prevalence of Asian hate crimes in New York has diminished. He attributed the initial rise in these crimes to pandemic-induced stereotypes but noted that such incidents are no longer occurring, urging continued vigilance and personal safety precautions among the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020 and concluded in 2023, incited rhetoric that unfairly blamed Asian immigrants for the spread of the virus in the United States, leading to a surge in racially motivated attacks. A 2021 study by Stop Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate highlighted that Filipinos were the third most targeted Asian group for hate incidents in the U.S., following Chinese and Koreans.

Official statistics from the 2023 US Commission on Civil Rights report indicated that assaults formally classified as Asian hate crimes in New York state escalated from 31 incidents in 2020 to 140 in 2021, with 131 of these occurring in New York City alone.

Filipino caregiver Belinda Thomas, a Manhattan resident for 16 years, corroborated the consulate's observations, noting her personal experience of safety in the city. Similarly, Marivir Montebon, a Filipino journalist based in Queens, reported a lack of recent hate crime incidents against Asians in the last few months, though she remains cautious due to the general prevalence of hate crimes in the area.

PALAWAN, Philippines — A vessel from China's People's Liberation Army Navy, identified by its bow number 578, was detected on Sunday morning within close proximity to the ongoing "Balikatan" multilateral maritime exercise off the coast of Palawan. The ship was spotted approximately seven to eight nautical miles from the exercise flotilla, navigating in the northern waters of Palawan as of the latest reports, stated Western Command (Wescom) spokesperson Capt. Ariel Joseph Coloma.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Wescom is actively monitoring the Chinese naval vessel and reporting its activities as part of their standard procedure. "I cannot speak for them, but we are monitoring them, and we record then we report whatever our ships are monitoring in the area," Coloma remarked during an interview. He further noted that a different PLAN vessel, with bow number 793 spotted the previous day, was no longer in the area.

The maritime exercises, which started on April 25 and will conclude on April 29, involved Filipino, American, and French naval vessels conducting search and rescue training alongside a photographic exercise on Sunday. The ships participating included the Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602); the US Navy's landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49); and the French Navy's Floreal-class frigate FS Vendémiaire (FFH-734).

Despite the presence of the uninvited PLAN vessel, Capt. Coloma stated that there was no provocation and the ongoing exercises were not disrupted. "As long as we continue to monitor and report them, we are in control of the situation, and besides, the exercises are still ongoing," he added.