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Indonesian official sees similarities with PHL plight in protecting women in conflict zones

REUTERS

THE PHILIPPINES and Indonesia have similar struggles in ensuring that women in conflict zones are protected and have an adequate say in negotiating peace, an Indonesian official said.

“I think both Indonesia and the Philippines still have a long way to go” to ensure affirmative measures are in place, according to Andy Yentriyani, chairperson of Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence against Women, said in a video call with BusinessWorld on Oct. 29.

She said in Indonesia, it is still difficult to win recognition for women’s leadership.

“In various conflicts where the community has a very hierarchical structure, where women do not possess any decision-making authority, it is very important to have affirmative measures in place,” Ms. Yentriyani said.

She noted some success stories where women made it to the negotiating table, citing Central Sulawesi, where female leadership resulted in a “more lasting peace” following episodes of inter-religious community violence.

She said that in Aceh, women have been involved actively in bringing communities together even under military rule.

“Their leadership currently also influences how the Aceh government is able to provide… protection for human rights and women’s rights,” she added.

Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, said in a speech at the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security in Pasay that the goal is gender parity in leadership.

She said such parity can be achieved “by adopting temporary quotas as provided in CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women); by accelerating women’s capacity development for peacebuilding; and by making resources available to women peacebuilders.”

The conference was organized in observance of the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which called for increased women’s participation in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, and the protection of women’s rights in conflict zones.

Ms. Valdeavilla said that in 2023, “only 26% of peace agreements mentioned the women’s agenda.”

If women are only marginally represented in the negotiation and decision-making, this invisibility will persist, Ms. Valdeavilla said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

BARMM gets P2B in foreign aid commitments for women, peace

@BANGSAMOROGOVT

AROUND P2.06 billion has been committed by foreign institutions to support women, peace and security in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) said on Wednesday.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also invested P275 million to reduce mortality in births and increase birth registrations in the BARMM. The project will be implemented by the United Nations Population Fund.

“Most people in the BARMM do not have a birth certificate… and without (identity documents)… they will have a hard time being entitled to social protection like PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.), universal healthcare,” OPAPRU Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said at a briefing.

“So JICA and the other donor partners came together (for) projects to improve the lives (of people in the BARMM),” he added.

The Japanese embassy also provided P189 million to fund the production of food for 10,000 farmers, Mr. Galvez said. This is expected to feed 15,000 children in the Bangsamoro.

On Sept. 27, JICA, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, and the US Agency for International Development pooled funds amounting to P1.6 billion to support maternal care for children of up to three years in the BARMM.

Government agencies must ensure that women are considered in their respective budget proposals, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

“When you prepare the budget, the primary purpose is to provide jobs, to give employment to the people. (I hope that) whatever the program, project, or activity, agencies make sure that women are included in budget proposals,” she told the briefing.

Ms. Pangandaman noted that 16.68% of the national budget in 2023 was allocated for gender and development, exceeding the 5% mandatory allocation for gender programs, projects, and activities.

However, only 0.51% of the 2023 budget for gender and development (GAD) went to women, peace and security agencies, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla told reporters.

Further, the GAD budget only had a 13% utilization rate in 2023, “indicating critical challenges in fully implementing GAD plans and programs,” the PCW said in its 2023 budget report.

For 2025, the government is allocating $1.7 billion (P98.97 billion) for the social protection of survivors, including programs for gender and development, internally displaced persons, and disaster relief assistance, Ms. Pangandaman said.

Around $178.9 million (P10.41 billion) is also earmarked next year for family health, immunization, nutrition, and responsible parenting projects. The Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon Program will also receive $2.8 million (P163 million) for 2025.

Ms. Pangandaman also noted that P800 million will be allocated next year for the expansion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to pregnant and lactating women, which would also cover their children’s first 1,000 days.

During the recently concluded International Conference on Women, Peace and Security, ministers and representatives from over 70 United Nations member-states adopted the Pasay Declaration on Women, Peace and Security.

“The declaration highlights the several crucial dimensions, including the increasingly urgent nexus between climate, peace, and security,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo told reporters. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

The EoPT Law: A guide to the classification and reclassification of business taxpayers

Staying compliant with tax regulations can be a daunting task for many entrepreneurs and business owners. With the signing of the Ease of Paying Taxes (EoPT) Law or Republic Act No. 11976, new classifications for business taxpayers have been introduced. This segregated approach not only seeks to streamline tax compliance but also aims to ensure that businesses of all sizes are treated equitably. Whether one is a budding startup or a well-established corporation, understanding these new classifications and how they impact your tax obligations is crucial. In this article, we delve into the specifics of Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 37-2024, exploring how the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is leveraging these changes to create a more efficient and fair tax environment for all.

RMO No. 37-2024 set forth the criteria in classifying business taxpayers into four categories: Micro, Small, Medium and Large Taxpayers. The classification is determined based on a taxpayer’s gross sales. A Micro Taxpayer is one whose gross sales for a taxable year is less than P3,000,000. A taxpayer is classified as “Small” if its gross sales for a taxable year is at least P3,000,000 but less than P20,000,000, while a Medium Taxpayer is one whose gross sales is at least P20,000,000 but less than P1,000,000,000. Finally, those whose gross sales exceed P1,000,000,000 are classified as Large Taxpayers.

The initial classification of taxpayers registered in 2022 and prior years will be based on the declared gross sales in their 2022 Income Tax Returns (ITR). On the other hand, those who have not filed their 2022 ITR or those registered in 2023 and 2024 before April 27, 2024 (i.e., the effectivity of Revenue Regulations No. 8-2024), will be initially classified as Micro taxpayers, unless they are Value-Added Tax-registered, in which case, they will be initially classified as Small taxpayers.

After April 27, newly registered taxpayers will be classified according to their declaration in their Registration Forms (BIR Form No. 1901 or 1903). The initial classifications will remain effective until reclassified. Taxpayers can view or inquire about their classification through the BIR’s Online Registration and Update System or ORUS (https://orus.bir.gov.ph/home).

To ensure that the tax obligations of businesses accurately reflect their current economic status and gross sales, the RMO provides a reclassification process which can be initiated by either the taxpayer or the BIR. Reclassification requests may be submitted by taxpayers manually to their home Revenue District Office (RDO) or through ORUS together with the required supporting documents. The new classification will take effect upon receipt of notification by the taxpayer from the BIR, subject to the final outcome of any ongoing audit/assessment.

In line with the objective of the EoPT law, the process for shifting from lower to higher reclassification is relatively straightforward, with manual requests processed and approved within the day, and requests made through ORUS automatically approved. On the other hand, requests for taxpayer’s reclassification from a higher to a lower level are processed within seven working days and require the approval of  the Regional Director or Assistant Commissioner (ACIR) of the Large Taxpayers Services (LTS), as applicable.

The BIR’s ability to initiate reclassifications based on updated financial data ensures that taxpayer categories remain accurate and reflective of their current economic status. The reclassification can only be initiated every two years based on the taxpayers’ gross sales from latest ITR or VAT returns. RDOs/LT Divisions may recommend the reclassification if the current classification of the concerned taxpayer is found incorrect based on audit investigation findings, subject to approval by the Regional Director or ACIR-LTS. Validated or approved taxpayers for reclassification will be informed accordingly via registered mail, email or any other possible means.

It is important to note that taxpayers reclassified due to a BIR-initiated reclassification cannot request reclassification within the same taxable year, unless there are meritorious reasons duly verified by relevant information.

As the EoPT Law expanded the classification of taxpayers, the BIR can leverage these new classification to enhance the efficiency and equity of tax administration, and to better align with the modern economy and tax environment. By categorizing business taxpayers into Micro, Small, Medium, and Large based on their gross sales, the BIR can tailor its policies and procedures to better suit the needs and capacities of the various taxpayer groups. This classification allows for more targeted tax compliance strategies, ensuring that smaller businesses are not overburdened while larger entities are adequately monitored. Additionally, it is also worth noting the BIR’s use of digital platforms, such as the ORUS, which facilitates easier access to classification information and streamlines the reclassification process, thereby reducing administrative overhead and improving the taxpayer experience.

Evidently, RMO No. 37-2024 is expected to provide a defined classification criteria for businesses, as well as a standardized reclassification process for the guidance of the taxpayers and the BIR. Having these standardized processes will provide transparency on the roles and responsibilities of each party, help reduce taxpayer misclassification, promote fairness and prevent potential misuse of reclassification authority without justification.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Caren Ann Marie Bacera is an assistant manager with the Tax Services group of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC global network.

caren.ann.marie.bacera@pwc.com

Duterte’s ex-police chief says he has no plan to withdraw from drug probe

SENATOR RONALD "BATO" DELA ROSA — OFFICIAL FACEBOOK ACCOUNT OF THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES/VOLTAIRE F. DOMINGO, SENATE SOCIAL MEDIA UNIT/ JOSEPH B. VIDAL, OSP

By John Victor D. Ordoñez and Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporters

SENATOR Ronald M. dela Rosa, ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s police chief who enforced his deadly drug war, on Wednesday said he is not worried about the  International Criminal Court (ICC) amid a Senate probe of the crackdown, adding that he would not inhibit himself from the investigation.

“The fact remains that they don’t have jurisdiction over the Philippines even if they monitor this development,” he told a virtual news briefing via Zoom in mixed English and Filipino.

Mr. Dela Rosa said it would be a “disservice to the Filipino people” to recuse himself from investigation, citing the need to debunk lies and paint a truthful picture of the anti-illegal drug campaign.

The Hague-based tribunal is looking into alleged crimes against humanity committed during the drug war, where thousands of suspects died.

The government estimates that at least 6,117 people died in Mr. Duterte’s drug war between July 1, 2016 and May 31, 2022, but human rights groups say the death toll could be as high as 30,000.

The tough-talking former President told senators on Monday he offers “no apologies, no excuses” for his war on drugs, as he appeared for the first time at a Senate hearing probing the crackdown.

He admitted having ordered police officers in his hometown of Davao City when he was its mayor to goad criminals to fight back during anti-illegal drug raids so cops will have a reason to retaliate, adding that he had a hit-squad tasked to eradicate crimes.

Mr. Duterte said his former police chiefs were “commanders of death squads” since they would handle controlling crime in the city, but denied ordering them to kill innocent people.

The Philippines under Mr. Duterte withdrew from the ICC in March 2018 amid criticisms that his government had systemically murdered drug suspects in police raids. It took effect a year later.

On Tuesday, Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero said he would leave it to the blue ribbon committee to decide whether to invite ICC representatives to answer questions about Philippine withdrawal from the tribunal.

FULL ACCOUNTABILITY
He said the international tribunal has yet to send a formal notice to the Philippine government concerning its probe of the Mr. Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Martin L. Pimentel, who heads the blue ribbon subcommittee handling the probe, said the Senate would likely invite ICC officials through another committee.

“Some other committee probably, not the blue ribbon subcommittee,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

“Maybe the Justice committee or foreign relations committee.”

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ruled out working with the ICC, citing the country’s working justice system.

“The blue ribbon subcommittee is there to conduct hearings in aid of legislation related to any wrongdoing or abuse of power committed by a public or elected official,” Arjan P. Aguirre, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“If the ICC has experience in such a thing, they can be invited to provide this input.”

Also on Wednesday, the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged full accountability for those responsible for extrajudicial killings under the drug war.

In a statement, the agency said it seeks to identify accountable officers and people as more key witnesses come forward to explain the events surrounding the campaign.

“In light of recent revelations, CHR expresses deep concern over the testimony of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who confessed that he would ‘rather have suspected drug dealers killed’ than allow them due process, and admitted to encouraging law enforcement in the past to taunt suspects to justify neutralizing them,” it added.

Referring to its April 2022 report, the CHR highlighted a troubling pattern among law enforcers claiming that victims had resisted arrest to justify deadly actions.

The practice, it said, violates international agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and undermines the Philippine Constitution’s guarantee of due process and the right to life.

“The commission remains steadfast in protecting the rights of the Filipino people, including their right to a safe community and the need to address the proliferation of illegal drugs,” it said, adding that it is crucial not to violate human rights and the right to due process.

“We continue to stress the importance of addressing the root causes of the illegal drug problem and implementing a holistic approach for a sustainable, long-term solution,” it added.

PhilHealth’s P90-B excess funds face Senate scrutiny

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) may need to justify its plea for a bigger budget next year after declaring P89.9 billion as excess funds, while millions of poor Filipinos find it hard to pay their medical bills, according to a senator.

“[It is] not a private corporation, and [it] needs to answer to those hospitalized and those who can’t pay for their medical expenses,” Senator Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito told a news briefing in Filipino on Wednesday. “They have to tell us why they are  still asking for subsidies after declaring a lot of savings.”

This comes after the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday blocked the transfer of P29.9 billion — the last tranche of PhilHealth’s P90 billion in excess funds — to the national Treasury.

In a statement, the high court’s Public Information Office said the injunction was effective immediately. Oral arguments for three consolidated lawsuits challenging the transfer was set for Jan. 14. A copy of the injunction order had yet to be published.

The Senate is set to start plenary debates on next year’s proposed P6.352-trillion national budget on Nov. 9. It seeks to approve the spending plan by the second week of December at the latest.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto in a statement on Tuesday said his agency would comply the tribunal’s order.

The excess PhilHealth funds would have been used to support unprogrammed appropriations worth P203.1 billion, which would support state health, infrastructure and social service programs.

“While PhilHealth has made strides in enhancing its benefit packages, significant gaps in our healthcare overage still exist,” Senator Pilar Juliana S. Cayetano said in a statement on Wednesday. She added that the unused funds should be used to improve the healthcare system instead.

In August, the Senate passed on final reading a bill that seeks to cut PhilHealth premiums to 3.25% next year from 5% this year under the Universal Healthcare Act.

The measure sets PhilHealth premium contributions at 3.25% this year for those with a monthly income of P10,000 to 50,000, with incremental increases of 0.25% each year

Senate President Francis G. Escudero earlier said that the government provides a yearly subsidy of about P70 billion to PhilHealth to carry out its National Health Insurance Program, which covers premiums of indirect contributors, poor Filipinos and senior citizens.

In a statement late Tuesday, Senate Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Martin L. Pimentel called these excess funds “sacred” since these come from member contributions that should be used to their benefit.

PhilHealth started hiking its monthly contribution rate in 2019 so that it could sustain the benefits given to its members. The contribution rate this year will stay at 5% from 2.75% five years ago.

PhilHealth spent P75.8 billion on benefit payouts last year, almost half of the amount paid by the state health insurer in 2022 at P143 billion and P140 billion in 2021, PhilHealth Executive Vice-President Eli Dino D. Santos told congressmen in May.

“This decision shows that there is an urgent need to evaluate the legality of such fund transfers and its irreparable damage to public health,” Ms. Cayetano said.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez said the Finance and Budget departments should refrain from spending excess funds that PhilHealth had already remitted to the National Government pending the Supreme Court case.

Finance and Budget officials could face raps if they use these funds, he said in a statement. There is a need to “first study this very well,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

“Let us respect the Supreme Court,” the congressman said. “The Executive branch should await the final decision on the constitutionality of the directive.”

‘GRAVE LAPSE’
Healthcare advocates and critics have slammed the transfer of the excess funds from PhilHealth to the national Treasury, saying it violated its charter.

The Finance department in March issued a circular ordering government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) including PhilHealth to remit their excess funds to the Treasury, which would allow the government to fund projects for which a specific budget had not been allotted.

The 1SAMBAYAN Coalition, a group led by Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” D. Pimentel III and another group led by Bayan Muna Chairman Neri J. Colmenares had separately asked the Supreme Court to stop the transfer of the PhilHealth funds and void the Finance department order.

Court spokesperson Camille Sue Mae L. Ting this week said it is still possible for the tribunal to tackle a plea to keep the current state of affairs and allow the return of the P60 billion to PhilHealth’s coffers.

The high court should also determine why PhilHealth had tens of billions of pesos in idle funds once it hears the petitions, Party-list Rep. Rodolfo M. Ordanes said in a separate statement.

“It is my hope the SC justices will be able to ascertain why PhilHealth had the excess funds in the first place,” he said. “I wonder whether there was a grave lapse in oversight on PhilHealth.”

Also on Wednesday, Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said the government should look at funding its unprogrammed appropriations by siphoning the excess funds of other GOCCs that don’t provide social services.

“Instead of reducing the budget for PhilHealth, just take it from other GOCCs that have excess funds and whose mandate does not include social services,” he said in a separate statement. — John Victor D. Ordoñez and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Kong-rey strengthens into super typhoon

PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH

THE STATE weather bureau on Wednesday said Kong-rey, locally named Leon, has strengthened into a super typhoon as it moved closer to Batanes province in northern Philippines.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Kong-rey would reach its peak intensity as it nears the northern province. It raised tropical wind signal No. 4 over the area.

“Leon will be closest to Batanes from late evening (Oct. 30) to tomorrow morning (Oct. 31). A landfall in Batanes is also not ruled out,” the agency added. Winds greater than 118 kilometers per hour (kph) to 184 kph was expected in areas under signal No. 4.

PAGASA also warned of a possible storm surge of more than three meters along the low-lying coastal communities of Batanes and Babuyan Islands. The agency placed the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan under signal No. 3.

Areas under signal No. 2 included the rest of Babuyan Islands, the rest of mainland Cagayan, the northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, the northern and eastern portions of Abra, the eastern portion of Mountain Province and Ilocos Norte.

The rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, and the northeastern portion of Tarlac were placed under signal No. 1.

As of 5 p.m., Kong-rey was last seen 215 kilometers east-southeast of Basco, Batanes, moving in a northwestward direction at 20 kph. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

A gale warning was also issued over the seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon. — Adrian H. Halili

8 in 10 millennials, Gen Zs worry about climate

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

EIGHT in 10 Filipino millennials, or people aged 28-43, Gen Z, or people aged 27 and younger, are heavily concerned over the changing climate, according to a recent WR Numero poll.

In a March 2024 survey, WR Numero found that 79% of millennials and 78% of Gen Zs said they were concerned over the effects of climate change, compared to 69% of Gen X and 64% of the Baby Boomers and Silent Generation.

“These figures exceed the national average, with 74% of all Filipinos expressing anxiety about climate change and its effects on their lives,” the polling firm said in a press release.

Gen X are individuals born from 1965 to 1980, while baby boomers are those born from 1946 to 1964. The silent generation are those born from 1928 to 1945.

WR Numero said 22% of baby boomers and the silent generation, and 18% of Gen X, were unsure about the negative impacts of climate change.

The findings form part of WR Numero’s Philippine Public Opinion Monitor which conducted a nationwide face-to-face survey among 1,765 Filipino adults between March 12 and 24. The firm noted no individual or entity, partisan or nonpartisan, singularly commissioned the independent survey.

Moreover, the report found that among regions, Metro Manila posted the highest level of climate anxiety, “with more than 80% expressing concern about climate change,” it said.

It was closely followed by the northern and central parts of Luzon, and the Visayas, with 74% of Filipinos in each region stating they are worried about the effects of climate change.

“South Luzon and Mindanao also show significant concern, with 72% in each region expressing anxiety about climate change,” it added.

The report noted 15% of Filipinos in South Luzon were not concerned about the effects of climate change, followed by Visayas and Mindanao at 13% and 12%, respectively.

The Philippines is still reeling from the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Trami, locally known as Kristine, which submerged parts of Bicol region in floodwaters. Greenpeace Philippines described Trami as the third “highly devastating” weather event to hit the country this year. 

Trami placed at least 206 cities and municipalities in the country under a state of calamity, according to an 8 a.m. report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday.

There were 145 reported deaths, 14 of which were already validated, it said. Thirty-seven people were reportedly missing, it added. It said 115 reported injuries, 10 of which were confirmed.

Damaged houses hit 111,117, over 6,000 of which were totally destroyed, NDRRMC said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Drug war may have increased crimes

FORMER President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday told a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing his anti-illegal drug campaign was meant to “protect the country and the Filipino people.” — PHILIPPINE STAR/JESSE BUSTOS

EX-PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte’s hardline anti-drug campaign led to a rise in crimes during his administration, a congressman said on Wednesday, attributing the increase to revenge killings.

“An action has a corresponding reaction. When you kill a drug suspect, and if an innocent family member or civilian gets caught in it, then more often than not, someone from the bereaved family will seek revenge,” Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace S. Barbers, who heads the House of Representatives dangerous drugs committee, said in a statement in Filipino.

Mr. Duterte’s campaign against the illegal drug trade left thousands dead, prompting an investigation by the International Criminal Court.

The Philippine government estimated that 6,252 died under the campaign, according to a Facebook infographic report published on June 21, 2022, by RealNumbersPH, which is operated by the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs. Human rights groups say the death toll could be as high as 30,000.

In the same statement, Sta. Rosa City Rep. Danilo Ramon “Dan” S. Fernandez said the Marcos administration’s efforts to curb illegal drugs will likely not elicit “a desire for revenge.”

“It focuses on apprehending suspects and rehabilitating them, instead of ‘neutralizing’ them,” Mr. Fernandez, who heads the House public order and safety panel, said.

Index crimes in the Philippines from July 1, 2022 to July 28, 2024 dropped to 83,059 from 217,830 in the same period during the first two years of Mr. Duterte’s term, he added, citing a report from the Philippine National Police. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Meralco prepares for Nov. 1

Linemen of Manila Electric Co. fix electric posts in Tondo, Manila in this file photo. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUSSELL PALMA

POWER DISTRIBUTOR Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said on Wednesday that it is ready to respond to any possible electricity service concern all throughout the observance of “Undas.”

Meralco’s business centers will be closed from Nov. 1 to 2, according to Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco’s vice-president and head of corporate communications.

However, Meralco assured that its crews and personnel will be on standby 24/7 for any troubles and concerns related to its facilities.

The power distributor reminded the public to practice electrical safety measures as many are expected to go to cemeteries.

Meanwhile, Meralco, which serves Metro Manila and nearby provinces, said it continues to monitor Super Typhoon Kong-rey (Local name: Leon) following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Trami (Local name: Kristine).

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

P178-M smuggled mackerel seized 

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) on Wednesday said that around P178.5 million worth frozen mackerel without import clearance has been intercepted recently.

Last Oct. 30, the BoC and the Agriculture department intercepted at the Manila port a total of 21 forty-foot containers of undeclared frozen mackerel shipped from China.

The containers were not covered by the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the BoC said in a statement.

“BFAR’s fisheries certification section confirmed no records of an application for mackerel from the consignee covering the period Aug. 30 and Sept. 16.”

“Furthermore, any such applications would have been rejected pursuant to DA (Department of Agriculture) Memorandum Order No. 14, series of 2024, which suspends the issuance of SPSIC for the importation of round scad, mackerel, and bonito.”

Agricultural goods without an import clearance pose a serious risk to the domestic agriculture and fisheries sector as well as consumers, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said.

“The absence of the necessary SPSIC poses a serious risk to our local agriculture and fisheries, as well as the health and safety of consumers,” he said. “It is imperative that all imported agricultural products adhere to established safety and quality standards.”

The Manila International Container Port, the port where the goods were confiscated, will issue Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the subject shipments for violating Customs laws.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury revenues from the BoC fell by 3.31% to P76.3 billion year on year in September due to a double-digit decline in import duties and the increase in smuggling activities. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Davao City inks 3rd sister city MoU

BW FILE PHOTO

DAVAO CITY — Davao City and Hamamatsu City strengthened their bond through a sister city agreement on Tuesday in Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Z. Duterte and Hamamatsu City Mayor Yusuke Nakano signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a sister city partnership, which will focus on education, academia, investments, and manufacturing.

“In this era of globalization, forging strong bonds and economic ties across international borders have become essential for a locality to harness opportunities for exponential growth and progress. As such we are truly honored to have been offered the opportunity to forge a collaborative relationship and establish a mutually beneficial cooperation with Hamamatsu,”Mr. Duterte said in his message.

Mr. Duterte said with its intent to foster an exchange of information in key focus areas, the city government of Davao expects the MoU to open opportunities for both governmental collaboration and people-to-people linkages.

The proposal for the Sister City Agreement was approved during the 2nd Davao City Council on International Relations Board (DCIRB) Meeting on July 3. This agreement marked a significant step in strengthening the bond between Davao and Hamamatsu cities.

In the same event, the Yamaha Music Philippines, Inc. (YMPH), a sales subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation and a Japanese musical instruments and audio equipment manufacturer, also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) during the event. This is in line with its aim to improve the quality of music education in the field of Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health subjects among elementary schools in Davao City.

YMPH is introducing its “School Project,” which aims to popularize activities using music and musical instruments in public education to provide more children with opportunities to play such instruments.   

“With this partnership, we hope for both Dabawenyos and the residents of Hamamatsu to learn from one another, pursue both business and academic engagements, and boost the already strong relations between Dabawenyos and the Japanese. You can be assured of the commitment and support of the city government of Davao to this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two cities,” Mr. Duterte said.

Hamamatsu City is Davao City’s third sister city in Japan. Kitakyushu City was the first sister city and has worked together with Davao City especially in the field of environment after introducing to the country the first waste-to-energy plant in Davao City. Sennan City is the second Japanese sister city and has been very active in people-to-people exchanges including online cultural interaction between students and promoting economic relations.  — Maya M. Padillo

Ombudsman dismisses raps vs ex-Abra town mayor, officials

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

BAGUIO CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed raps against former Bucloc town Mayor Glybel B. Cardenas and two other town executives.

The anti-graft body found the evidence to indict the former mayor and then Municipal Engineer and Treasurer-designate Aris B. Balsita and then Municipal Accountant Mariano de Guzman Bragas III for Failure of Accountable Officer to Render Accounts and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service, Grave Misconduct, and Gross Neglect of Duty to be insufficient.

The complaint was filed by the Commission on Audit (CoA) based on the agency’s Sworn Narrative Report in April 2022, that pertained to financial statements, monthly check disbursement journals and general journals among others covering years 2019-2020.

The CoA claimed that the respondents did not comply with the obligations of submitting necessary justifications on the municipality’s operational expenditures. It also sued the former mayor liable for failure of ensuring that her subordinates comply with the rules, laws, and regulations.

In appreciating former Mayor Cardenas and the two former town executives, the Ombudsman found no probable cause to indict the trio.

The anti-graft body also found no substantial evidence that Ms. Cardenas and the two other town executives committed Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service, Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty. — Artemio A. Dumlao

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