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DoLE set to complete list of ‘endo’ violators

By Gillian M. Cortez
THE DEPARTMENT of Labor (DoLE) in a statement on Wednesday said it will submit to Malacañang a list of violators in connection with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) No. 51 on job contractualization.
The department also on Wednesday said it has issued an advisory on the renewal of registration of contractors.
DoLE in its statement said it “has been conducting inspections of establishments in the country for compliance of labor laws and standards and occupational health and safety.”
“Fast-food chains, malls, and manufacturing companies are some of the priority industries being inspected,” the statement also said, adding that “more compliance orders to regularize workers across all regions are underway.”
DoLE was mandated to carry out these inspections by EO 51, which Mr. Duterte signed on Labor Day.
According to the statement, the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) is validating DoLE’s list before it is sent to the Palace. DoLE’s Regional Offices 4B (Mimaropa), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 11 (Davao) and 12 (Soccsksargen) have so far contributed to the list.
“We have actually until May 25 to submit the report,” Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III told reporters on Tuesday. “(But) it’s very possible we have a partial submission by May 10.”
Mr. Bello said the tentative list so far has “around 850 plus” companies.
Asked about his agency’s update regarding the malls, Mr. Bello said, “SM, would you believe nag-voluntary regularization sila (undertook voluntary regularization)!”
“They regularized 4,000 and there is a commitment by the end of the year, they will regularize another 5,000, but kailangan pa rin i-validate namin yan (but we still need to validate that). But obviously nakikita (it’s clear that) we’re very serious in implementing,” he added.
SM was sought for comment as of this reporting.
In DoLE’s statement, Mr. Bello was also quoted as saying, “We gained the support of ECOP (Employers Confederation of the Philippines) and they vowed to kick out from their organization any employer who will not obey the orders of the President and DoLE.”
Asked how DoLE will handle violations, Mr. Bello said, “If the employer’s issue is on contractualization, we will declare those employees as ‘regular.’ If the issue is on minimum wage, then we will ask them to pay for the difference.”
For establishments that refuse compliance, “I-pa-file natin sila ng kaso (We will file a case at the) NLRC (National Labor Relations Commission),” Mr. Bello said.
Meanwhile, DoLE also said it has issued Labor Advisory No. 06, as also posted on the agency’s Web site, on the renewal of registration of contractors under Department Order No. 174.
DoLE said renewal applications by labor contractors with no inspection findings or pending cases shall be acted upon.
Applications with inspection findings and canceled registrations will be denied. On the other hand, applications with pending cases will be processed upon presentation of proof of compliance or of dismissal of the case.

Duterte places 69th in Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful People

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte ranked 69th among the 75 “World’s Most Powerful People” list by Forbes magazine, which cited his nationwide campaign against crime and drug trafficking. “Duterte was elected president of the Philippines in 2016 on the strength of a campaign that promised execution of drug dealers and other criminals. So far his war on crime has already resulted in the killing of thousands of people across the archipelago country,” Forbes said in its list published in the business magazine’s May 31 issue.
The magazine also pointed out that Mr. Duterte’s “raw and vulgar vocabulary keeps him in the headlines.”
“He called Obama ‘son of a whore’ and has used homophobic slurs to describe opponents,” Forbes added.
Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said: “President Rodrigo R. Duterte has many times acknowledged that the true source of power is the people. As Chief Executive for almost two years, he has faithfully served our people by promoting the interests of the Filipino people and the Filipino nation first.”
“The anti-drug war, the pursuit of an independent foreign policy, the pro-poor policies and programs of the Duterte administration among others are reflective of the current government’s advancing the welfare of the greatest number of our countrymen. The Presidency, in the mind of PRRD, begins and ends with public trust where real power emanates,” Mr. Roque also said in his statement.
Topping Forbes’ list are Chinese President Xi Jinping (1st), Russian President Vladimir Putin (2nd), and United States President Donald J. Trump (3rd). Mr. Duterte has sought closer ties with these leaders.
Forbes noted that it is the “first time ever” that Mr. Xi topped the list.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin (No. 2) has been knocked out of the top spot, a title that he held for four consecutive years. A little over one year into his term, President Donald Trump falls to the No. 3 spot,” Forbes said.
Notable newcomers to the list include Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia; Jerome H. Powell, Chair, Federal Reserve; Moon Jae-In, President, South Korea; Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, Singapore; and Joko Widodo, President, Indonesia.
As for the methodology, Forbes contributor David M. Ewalt explained in his article: “First, we asked whether the candidate has power over lots of people. Next we assessed the financial resources controlled by each person. Are they relatively large compared to their peers? For heads of state we used GDP, while for CEOs, we looked at measures like their company’s assets and revenues. Then we determined if the candidate is powerful in multiple spheres. There are only 75 slots on our list — one for approximately every 100 million people on the planet — so being powerful in just one area is often not enough. Lastly, we made sure that the candidates actively used their power.”
“To calculate the final rankings, a panel of Forbes editors ranked all of our candidates in each of these four dimensions of power, and those individual rankings were averaged into a composite score,” Mr. Ewalt also said.

Roque joins Bello in Kuwait mission

PRESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr., left for the State of Kuwait on Tuesday night, May 8, upon the order of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“Secretary Roque joined Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Belo III, former (Labor) Secretary Marianito Roque, Labor Attache Rustico dela Fuente, and Deputy Chief of Mission in Kuwait Mohd Noordin Lomondot in meeting Kuwaiti officials,” the spokesman’s office said in a statement Wednesday night.
According to Roque’s office, the delegation met officials of the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry.
“(T)he Philippines and Kuwait look forward to the normalization of ties,” the statement went in part. “Kuwait, on its part, has expressed the value of Filipinos in Kuwait. A Memorandum of Agreement is expected to be signed and agreed upon after the meeting.”
Mr. Roque’s office added that Kuwait has agreed “to create a Special Unit within the Police that the Philippine Embassy can liaison with regarding complaints of Filipino workers which will be available 24 hours(,) and a Special Number that Filipino workers can call for assistance (also available 24 Hours).”
“The meeting of officials between the two countries likewise saw the release of four drivers. It guaranteed that all remaining undocumented Filipinos (under 600), except for those with pending cases, will be allowed to go home — at least 150 of them will be joining the Philippine officials in returning to the Philippines,” the statement said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Palace leads launching of new coins, bank notes

new coins 2
THE MONETARY Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) presented the New Generation Currency (NGC) enhanced bank notes and coins to President Rodrigo R. Duterte at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, May 9.
The presentation was led by BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III.
In his speech, Mr. Duterte said he was grateful to the BSP for taking the lead in “creating stronger and safer financial systems and safeguarding the integrity of the Philippine currency.”
He noted the need to change the design of bank notes and coins. “The law requires us to do so. This is to enhance its security features as well as to prevent forging and improve durability. Initiatives like this are meant to promote public trust and confidence in our financial system,” the President said.
He added: “The new generation currency banknote and coin series highlight our nation’s most significant events, sites and people. We also included endemic flora [and fauna] as well as other well-known Filipino symbols to showcase the best of what our country has to offer.”
The President also called on the BSP to “(i)ntensify your (programs) against counterfeiting and conduct more campaign [drives] in order to protect our citizens from confusion and deceit.”
“I also enjoin the BSP to remain vigilant in ensuring price and financial stability, instituting banking reforms and sharpening strategies. We do this because public interest is at the heart of this administration’s priorities,” he also said.
In a press release, the BSP said the NGC bank notes were issued in 2010 and their design enhanced in December 2017. “The enhanced NGC bank notes bear the signature of the 16th President of the Philippines Rodrigo R. Duterte and the signature of the 4th Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr.”
Other Monetary Board Members who attended the event were Felipe M. Medalla, Juan D. de Zuñiga, Jr., and Antonio S. Abacan.
Also present were BSP Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo, Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier, Assistant Governor Dahlia D. Luna, and other BSP officials.
Also in his remarks, the President said another official will be fired soon.
He called out officials who travel abroad to attend conferences on climate change.
“Unless the hypocrite big powers adapt it heartily, then we could have a climate change, but at the rate the world is turning,… itong (this) climate change could be a farce if we cannot compel the industrialized nations to follow,” Mr. Duterte said. — Arjay L. Balinbin

PHL plan to end violence against children launched

By Gillian M. Cortez
UNICEF, along with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and other local organizations and government agencies, has officially launched the Philippine Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children (PPAEVAC) that will help manage the issue of child violence in the country.
“Children are one of the most marginalized sectors in the country,” said Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon-Uy, executive director of the CWC.
CWC based the PPAEVAC on a 2015 National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children. The study shows that three in five Filipino children experienced physical violence and that same figure also applies to children who have experienced psychological abuse. On the other hand, one in five children are victims of sexual abuse of any kind.
UNICEF and CWC have partnered with the following local organizations and agencies to help in the PPAEVAC: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DSWD will put up a Parenting Program to help parents practice positive discipline towards their children. DepEd, on the other hand, will educate children in learning self-protection skills on how to manage abuse. The DOJ, along with DSWD, will strengthen their services to children who are victims of violence. DILG will implement systems that will reduce child violence in each local government.
Present in the launching was First District of Davao representative Karlo B. Nograles, who said “Congress will support a P2.4 million budget for the national implementation as well as P2.8 million for the localization of the PPAEVAC.”
Senator Loren B. Legarda said in a statement by a representative that, “As Chair of Committee on Finance in the Senate, I will support additional funding in the 2019 National Budget.”

Sereno returns to SC as quo warranto case looms

By Dane Angelo M. Enerio
CHIEF Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno on Wednesday resumed her duties at the Supreme Court two months after being directed by her peers to take an indefinite leave beginning March 1.
According to lawyer and spokesperson Anacleto “Jojo” A. Lacanilao III, Ms. Sereno will preside over the special en banc session on Friday but will inhibit herself from the quo warranto case against her which is anticipated to be on Friday’s order of business.
“She wants to be there (so) she’ll be there,” Mr. Lacanilao said.
“This quo warranto petition may not be the only item in the agenda… but with due respect to the other matters (to) be included in the agenda, she would preside over (them),” said Carlo L. Cruz, another lawyer and spokesperson of Ms. Sereno.
When asked why the top magistrate chose to return now, Mr. Lacanilao replied, “She is fully prepared already, so balik na siya sa trabaho (so she’s back to work.)”
He added: “Matagal na pong ready si chief justice (the chief justice has long been ready)… she’s not going to back down, she’s not resigning,” Mr. Lacanilao said.
Mr. Lacanilao also clarified, “Hindi po niya kailangang magpaalam although ang alam ko nag-usap sila ni (Acting Chief) Justice (Antonio T.) Carpio…hindi po yun pagpapaalam kung babalik siya kasi.” (She doesn’t need permission although from what I know she has talked with Justice Carpio…not to ask for permission to return.)
In its statement on Wednesday, the Coalition for Justice (CFJ) said Ms. Sereno’s return to the SC “is in accordance with the Constitution and in defense of the Constitution.”
Research and advocacy non-government organization (NGO) Action for Economic Reforms (AER) in its statement said, “The quo warranto proceeding is not the constitutional way to remove the Chief Justice or for that matter any member of the Supreme Court.”
“The Constitution is clear on this matter: Impeachment is the mechanism to remove a sitting Justice,” the statement also read.

Isko Moreno named DSWD undersecretary

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
MALACAÑANG announced on Wednesday, May 9, President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s appointment of actor-politician and former Manila vice-mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso as Undersecetary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Mr. Domagoso was appointed in July 2017 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the North Luzon Railways Corporation (Northrail).
In October last year, he submitted his resignation to the Office of the President, citing “personal reasons.”
Mr. Domagoso also lost in his senatorial bid in 2016.
Sought for comment, Mr. Domagoso said he is grateful to the President “for trusting him again.”
“Malaking trabaho at responsibilidad po ito ngunit gagawin ko po ang lahat upang magampanan ang aking tungkulin inatang satin sa abot ng aking makakaya para sa mga nangangailan natin mga mahihirap na kababayan,” he also said in a text message to Palace reporters.
(This is a big responsibility, but I will do my best to carry out my duties to the best of my ability for our poor countrymen.)
Asked whether he plans to run for mayor of Manila next year, Mr. Domagoso said: “Wala pa po” (None yet).
Mr. Duterte signed Mr. Domagoso’s appointment on Tuesday, May 8.
The President also signed the appointment papers of Gerard M. Camiña as member of the Board of Directors of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Antonio Joselito G. Lambino II as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Finance (DoF); and Sherwin S. Rigor as Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Lesson from Boracay: DBM to ease approval for projects in tourist spots

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) will now be “more tolerant” of budget proposals seeking to rehabilitate and develop tourist spots, following the temporary closure of environmentally-battered Boracay Island.
Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, in a media briefing on Wednesday, said the DBM will be more open to give fiscal space for similar rehabilitation programs, as they undergo evaluations for the Tier 2 budget proposals, or new projects requiring funding.
“I think from here on, we will be more tolerant of requests of this nature. Wherein you want to develop tourist destinations, making it more sustainable and more developed,” Mr. Diokno said.
“We will strongly consider that,” he added, noting that they will look at possible rehabilitation programs in Coron and El Nido in Palawan, and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.
He said the Budget department will give priority to new projects that deliver basic services for tourists such as health facilities with helipads.
“In Coron, there’s no hospital there. So when we develop a tourist destination, that should be part of the infrastructure that we have to build. To make it safe and secure for the tourists,» said Mr. Diokno.
The DBM has set a P362.3-billion cap for Tier 2 funding next year, which is equivalent to 10.4% of the proposed P3.78-trillion 2019 budget.
Moreover, he said that the DBM would likewise be open for additional funding in the 2019 budget for possible spillovers of rehabilitation efforts, such as the development of other areas in Malay, Aklan, and the relocation of informal settlers.
“Should agency programs or projects for the Boracay rehabilitation spill over into fiscal year 2019, agencies may also propose these in their Tier-2 budget proposals for the 2019 budget,” he said.
“There are many areas there that need to be improved after the rehab of the main area in Boracay. There are some informal settlers that need to be relocated so those activities might be spilled over to next year.”
Currently, expenses for Boracay’s rehabilitation program are sourced from the Environment and Tourism departments, as well as the P13 billion contingent fund and the P19 billion calamity fund.
Mr. Diokno said the DBM has already released some P448 million to the Department of Labor and Employment to cover the financial assistance of affected formal-sector workers, as well as the Boracay Emergency Employment Program, where affected workers are trained on online marketing awareness, screen printing, entrepreneurship.
The Trade and Tourism departments, along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, has also launched trainings on crafts-making, financial literacy, tour-guiding, driving, welding, pipe-fitting, masonry, among others.
The Budget chief also said that the government is providing micro-enterprise assistance and employment support grants, the Balik-Probinsya transportation allowance, and the Trabaho, Negosyo, at Kabuhayan job fairs.
However, it is still seeking approval from the Office of the President to augment the budget allocation of the Boracay Circumferential Road Project to P490 million from P50 million currently.
“Rest assured that the government has a work plan in the temporary closure of Boracay Island. This plan does not only involve the physical rehabilitation of the once pristine island, but also extends to the social welfare of the residents and workers to be affected,” Mr. Diokno said.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered the island of Boracay, which he earlier described as a “cessspool,” to be closed to tourists for six months starting April 26 for rehabilitation. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Senate to pursue hearings on ride-hailing services for transport law

SENATOR GRACE S. Poe-Llamanzares on Wednesday said measures on ride-hailing services must include competition provisions to ensure enough supply of vehicles and prevent monopoly in the industry following the Grab-Uber merger. “There are those who take unpleasant steps like monopolizing the industry so it’s good that many (transport network companies) are applying because competition is important. That needs to be in the law: how many (transport network vehicle services) we will allow in our roads, if we are going to add different modes of transportation,” she said in a radio interview. With the resumption of Senate sessions next week, Ms. Llamanzares, chair of the committee on public services said, she would continue hearings on ride-hailing services in order to craft a bill on the transportation sector. She also noted that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has yet to submit its data on TNVS to the committee. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

Beach landing

PHILIPPINE and US marine troops hold an amphibious landing exercise in San Antonio, Zambales on May 9 as part of the annual joint military exercises between the two countries called Balikatan, which means shoulder-to-shoulder.

Airport at San Vicente, home to PHL’s longest white sand beach, to be inaugurated today

SAN VICENTE is designated as the country’s pilot Tourism Enterprise Zone. — SAN VICENTE LGU FB PAGE

THE SAN VICENTE Airport, which took almost 10 years to complete, will finally be inaugurated on Thursday, May 10, the Department of Transportation announced. The P62.7-million project is expected to boost tourism in the coastal town that lays claim to the longest white sand beach in the country. The airport officially opened to light aircraft in June last year, while charter flights from Air Juan was launched in August 2017. San Vicente has been designated as the country’s pilot Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ), a program that aims to develop master-planned and integrated complexes around the country for sustainable tourism. Investors within the TEZ can get fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

Davide gets authority to negotiate P1.5-B DBP loan for building project

THE CEBU provincial capitol building — CEBU.GOV.PH

THE CEBU Provincial Board (PB) has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Hilario P. Davide III to negotiate with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for a P1.525-billion loan that will be used to construct a 20-storey building. The “modern” building, which will be inside the Capitol compound, will house government offices and commercial establishments. The final deal between the provincial government and the bank will be subject to approval by the board. Meanwhile, Mr. Davide said in an interview that the National Historical Commission will be consulted on the planned edifice as the Capitol compound, located in Cebu City, is a declared heritage site. The governor said he is hoping to break ground for the project before the year ends. — The Freeman

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