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PSG bars media, citing ‘red alert’

THE PRESIDENTIAL Security Group (PSG) on Tuesday, May 1, temporarily barred members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) from entering the Palace grounds due to a “heightened alert” in the area.
“It is Labor Day, so we are anticipating protest rallies here in Mendiola. There is a heightened alert… Our leadership has declared a red alert,” PSG Chief of Staff Colonel Potenciano Camba said in an interview with reporters.
Mr. Camba said they had to communicate first with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) because they did not expect that MPC members would come on Labor Day.
“Na-facilitate na ang pagpasok nila, hindi kami nag-expect na marami ang papasok. Kung mayroon mang inconvenience pasensya na po,” he also said. (Their entry has been facilitated. We did not expect that many would come to work today. If there is any inconvenience, we apologize.)
This is the second time this year that the PSG barred members of the press from entering the Palace.
Asked if this is going to be a policy now, Mr. Camba said: “Hindi naman, ano lang, basta may prior coordination siguro, things will be smoother.” (Not really. Perhaps, as long as there is prior coordination, things will be smoother.)
In February, President Rodrigo R. Duterte himself prohibited Rappler.com’s senior reporter Pia I. Ranada from entering the Palace due to “loss of trust.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

OSG to SC: Dismiss anti-TRAIN petitions

THE OFFICE of the Solicitor-General (OSG) has petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss for lack of merit the petitions seeking to nullify Republic Act (RA) No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law passed on Dec. 19 last year.
The 74-page consolidated comment dated April 19 and released to media on Monday was in response to the separate Petitions for Certiorari by consumer watchdog group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (Laban) and a coalition composed of Makabayan bloc representatives Antonio L. Tinio, Carlos Isagana T. Zarate, and Ariel Ka-Ayik B. Casilao which, according to the comment, “(claimed) that grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction attended the passage of the TRAIN law.”
Laban argued that, with regards to the imposition of excise taxes on fuel products like diesel and coal, the TRAIN Law was enacted in violation of Sections 16(2) and 27, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution — constitutional provisions on the legislative functions of the House of Representatives.
Mr. Tinio’s petition, on the other hand, claimed the TRAIN Law was in violation of Section 1, Article III on the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, and Section 28, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution on the required quorum in the House.
The OSG argued that “the TRAIN Law was validly passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.”
“(F)rom a total of two hundred ninety-five (295) House Members, two hundred thirty-two (232) members responded to the roll call,” the OSG said. “This number is more than the majority needed to constitute a quorum, a majority being a number greater than half of the total.”
The petition said further: “When the TRAIN bill was presented to the President, it contained the signatures of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III” and that “it also contained the certification of the Secretaries of both Houses that it was passed.”
“The President, therefore, was correct in signing the TRAIN bill into law,” it also said.
OSG said the petitions “should be dismissed outright as they suffer from procedural infirmaties (sic),” such as “improperly (availing) of a special civil action for certiorari,” “(violating) the principle of hierarchy of courts,” and for “(failing) to show an actual case or controversy calling for the exercise of judicial power,” among others.
On the matter of the added tax to fuel products, the OSG said, “the increase in oil excise taxes is imbued with revenue, regulatory, and remedial policy considerations” and that “the provision on the increase of excise tax on coal is not a rider because it is consistent with Section 24, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution and Section 83, Rule XXIX of the Rules of the Senate.”
“The purpose of the TRAIN Law is to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality for the general welfare of the people,” the OSG said, adding that “the TRAIN Law does not violate the due process clause” and “does not violate the equal protection clause.”
The OSG also urged the court to “deny the application for issuance of a temporary restraining order, writ or preliminary injunction, and/or status quo ante order” as sought by the petitions against the law. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

PHL welcomes Kuwaiti assurance ‘to address labor issues’

By Camille A. Aguinaldo
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Tuesday said Kuwait’s cooperation to address concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would allow the Philippines to “move forward” from the diplomatic conflict over the controversial rescue video.
“We welcome the statement of Kuwait Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah conveying his Government’s readiness to work with us in addressing the concerns of overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait,” Mr. Cayetano said in a statement.
“This gesture on the part of Kuwait, a country with which we have a shared history and strong people-to-people ties, will allow us to move forward and hurdle the challenges we face,” he added.
According to the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Mr. Khaled said Kuwait would cooperate with Manila “to explore all means to address labor issues” of OFWs, including the 800 distressed workers currently in shelter centers.
“Kuwait is keen on maintaining safety and rights of all expatriates including the Filipino community, within the labor laws of the country, which have been praised by international human rights agencies,” he was quoted as saying.
Mr. Khaled also said Kuwait “rejects any breach against its sovereignty or laws” regarding the diplomatic row with the Philippines. He added that it would “act decisively against any relevant attempt.”
The Kuwaiti official also said his country shared President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s intention to maintain “deep relations,” citing the Philippines’ support of Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion in the 1990s.
For his part, Mr. Cayetano said the Philippines affirmed its relations with the Kuwaiti government, acknowledging the assurances made by Kuwait on the protection of OFWs.
“We affirm our friendships with the government of Kuwait and its people. The strength of that friendship will withstand this misunderstanding,” he said.
Also on Tuesday, Mr. Cayetano said the memorandum of understanding between Philippines and Kuwait was already more than “60 to 70% complete.”
“The lifting of the ban will be contingent on the signing of the agreement, which is contingent on the good relationship and the assurance that they will be protected,” he said at a press conference in Cebu City.
He added that there was no one to blame regarding the diplomatic row with Kuwait, denying reports that he had a shouting match with Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on who was to blame for the rescue video.
“We’re not blaming anyone because we don’t think we did anything wrong. Is it wrong to fight for the OFWs? Is it wrong to change the status quo? Is it wrong to ask another country?” he said.

Labor Day scenes: Seeking, protesting, working


THE JOB FAIR at the Quezon City hall, among those held across the country on May 1 in observance of Labor Day, is swarmed by job seekers while members of various labor groups hold protest activities nationwide. In another part of the city, public infrastructure maintenance workers take advantage of the low vehicular traffic volume during the holiday to paint the Quezon Avenue underpass.
No ‘untoward incident’ reported during Labor Day rallies — police
The Observance of Labor Day on May 1 was generally “peaceful” with no untoward incident reported during the protest actions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. “As of the moment, it is peaceful in view of the absence of untoward incident reported,” PNP Spokesperson P/CSupt. John C. Bulalacao said in a text message. As of noon Tuesday, May 1, PNP has monitored about 6,920 rallyists nationwide. In Metro Manila, about 5,000 protesters from various labor groups such as Kilusang Mayo Uno, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, and Sanlakas among others assembled in Mendiola, while smaller groups with 30 to 500 members held rallies in different areas outside the capital. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

Kidnappers dressed as cops to face charges

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against two suspects involved in the kidnapping of a man from Sariaya, Quezon last April 9. Four others have been served with subpoenas “for the conduct of regular preliminary investigation,” according to a DoJ resolution dated April 12. To be charged are Glenn M. Taningco and Lalaine G. Barrios, while those summoned for a preliminary probe are Ricky G. Barrios, Camille L. Bubudilla, Ricardo Arguelles, and Joshua Magbanua. The six were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Ronaldo Arguelles, who was rescued in Laguna on April 10 in a police operation that left five suspected kidnappers and one police officer dead. The members of the group were reported to have been wearing fake police uniforms when they abducted Mr. Arugelles from his home in Candelaria. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

Palawan gov’t commends POEA officer for OFW rescue in Riyadh

THE PALAWAN provincial government has commended a labor officer for his efforts in rescuing an abused overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Senior officer Jonathan A. Gerodias of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Palawan office is credited by Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez for the rescue of OFW Jackilyn Berba. Ms. Berba first sought help from Mr. Alvarez, who then tapped the local POEA office. Ms. Berba’s employer, Forever Manpower Services Inc., prohibited her from returning home to the Philippines. Mr. Alvarez sent a letter to Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III praising Mr. Gerodias’ role in the rescue mission. — Gillian M. Cortez

Transport co-op wants BRT to push through

A LOCAL transport cooperative has urged President Rodrigo R. Duterte to intervene in what it called a “crisis situation” amid the strong opposition to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Cebu City. The Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative, through its Chairman and General Manager Ryan Benjamin Yu, asked Mr. Duterte to give approval for the project to proceed. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Michael Lloyd L. Dino and Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade have recommended to the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee to cancel the BRT. The BRT is a 23-kilometer corridor transport system with around 33 bus stations and 176 buses in operation. “It is our belief that the objections of the OPAV, which may or may not be valid, are solvable in the course of project implementation and should not be the basis of cancelling the project,” Mr. Yu said in a letter addressed to Mr. Duterte. He added that the BRT will benefit the public utility vehicle industry, residents, workers and tourists in Cebu. — The Freeman

Davao City business chamber to explore blockchain use for agri, other sectors

THE DAVAO City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) has taken the first step in exploring possible applications of blockchain to help local industries expand. “We look forward to integrate blockchain technology on our businesses, be it on agriculture, banking and finance, heavy industries etc.,” said DCCCII President Arturo M. Milan after a blockchain forum during the group’s 4th General Membership meeting last week. “However, we are still studying on how we can take advantage of this so we can help more businesses to grow,” Mr. Milan added. Blockchain, originally developed for the cryptocurrency bitcoin, is a new technology that allows secure and joint data sharing and management. “The distribution of database system or blockchain is happening all over the world. Top brands and companies are already employing it. It is a platform for greater security, safety and speed in doing business today. Now the only question now is how enterprises will utilize this technology,” said Anthony N. Pangilinan, business advisor for TraXion by Pluma Technologies, who was one of the speakers during the event. Chief Executive Officer Ann Cuisia of Traxion.tech, a blockchain-powered company, meanwhile, warned the DCCCII members against online scams. “I encourage everyone to be vigilant against investment opportunities that appear to be ‘too good to be true,’ especially on bitcoins and other cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is one of the products of blockchain technology and should never been used for criminal acts,” she said.

3 soldiers killed, 1 wounded in Bukidnon and Cotabato incidents

ONE SOLDIER was killed and another wounded after suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked in Quezon, Bukidnon on April 30. The two soldiers, both members of the 88th Infantry Battalion’s Community Support Program Security Team, were on board a motorcycle, unarmed, and in civilian clothes as they gathered necessary documents for a livelihood assistance program for the community when they were gunned down. Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, condemned the attack and slammed the NPA for its “deceitful” attack.
COTABATO CITY
Meanwhile, 2 soldiers were killed in a shooting incident in Bagua, Cotabato City also on April 30. The two victims, identified as Private First Class Nelson M. Paimalan and Private Richard L. Bendanillo, both from the 12 Special Forces Company, were shot by four unidentified men riding in tandem. Mr. Paimalan died on the spot while Mr. Bendanillo died later at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered one fired empty cartridge and one fired slug believed to be from a Cal .45 pistol. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

NEDA-6 head defends statement on Boracay closure impact

NATIONAL ECONOMIC and Development Authority-Western Visayas (NEDA-6) Regional Director Ro-Ann A. Bacal has defended her statements on the impact of Boracay’s temporary closure to the region’s economy, citing that the numbers come from their agency’s main office in the capital. In a press conference on April 30, Ms. Bacal said the data she used were based on the simulation study conducted by the NEDA Central Office. “During the presentation of the Gross Regional Domestic Product, there was a paper prepared by the national policy and planning staff of NEDA Central Office. They were the ones who made a simulation of what will be the socio-economic impact of Boracay. And they generated their info from the data of the central offices of agencies,” Ms. Bacal said. When asked further on the basis of the data, Ms. Bacal told the media, “Ask the central office.” Department of Tourism (DoT-6) Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas has criticized NEDA-6’s statements, saying these were “irresponsible” and “based on the wrong assumption.” — Louine Hope U. Conserva
>> See related story on DoT counters NEDA: Boracay closure won’t necessarily slow down Western Visayas growth

Nation at a Glance — (05/02/18)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

La Salle seeks to close out FEU, win UAAP title

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
A WIN away from bagging another women’s volleyball title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers seek to shut the door on the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in Game Two today of their best-of-three finals series.
Had it relatively easy in the series-opener on April 28, winning in straight sets, 29-27, 25-21 and 25-22, the Taft-based Lady Spikers try to build on it and go for the jugular in their scheduled 4 p.m. match that would give them their third straight UAAP title and 11th championship overall.
In Game One, La Salle had it tough in the opening set, needing to dig deep to hack out the win in extra time.
After that, however, the Lady Spikers were in their element. Even when they were trailing each time to start the second and third sets, they would find ways to come back en route to booking the Game One victory.
The result was the complete opposite of the two cutthroat encounters La Salle had with FEU in the elimination round, where the matches went to five sets each time.
La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus gave credit to their defense for first allowing them to take the first set of Game One and then amplifying their confidence as the game progressed.
“Our defense really stepped up for us, particularly our blocking. We had a hard time early but good thing we got the first set and it helped us a lot in getting our confidence going the rest of the way,” said Mr. De Jesus following their win.
The Lady Spikers had an even attack in the victory with graduating player Kim Kianna Dy the lone player in double digits in scoring with 10 points.
Majoy Baron and Tine Tiamzon added eight points apiece while Davao native May Luna came off the bench to provide nine points of her own.
While they put themselves in a good position to seize the UAAP title anew with the Game One win, Mr. De Jesus knows better than letting their guard down, recognizing that FEU is still alive in the series.
“FEU is not an easy opponent because it also has a deep lineup and can do different rotations. They are also aggressive and difficult to read at times so we must be ready. We will try our best to close out things in Game Two on Wednesday so as not to allow them to get back their confidence and make it tougher for us in a do-or-die if ever,” the La Salle coach said.
NOT OUT OF IT
While they rued not being able to stay at par with the Lady Spikers in the opening game, the Lady Tamaraws remain upbeat that they can still force a deciding Game Three with a victory today.
“We are not out of it. We will take the experience we had today (Saturday) and use it to play better in the next game. Adjustments, too, we have to make,” said FEU coach George Pascua postgame.
Heather Guino-o had a game-high 14 points for the Lady Tamaraws but top gun Bernadeth Pons only had nine and Chin-Chin Basas six points.
FEU, which is the Season 80 host, is gunning for its UAAP best 30th women’s volleyball title.
Meanwhile, prior to the start of Game Two of the UAAP Season 80 finals, the top individual awards will be handed out.
Leading the honor roll is league most valuable player Jaja Santiago of National University, who is also the best spiker.
Other awardees are Sisi Rondina of University of Santo Tomas (best scorer), Celine Domingo of FEU (best blocker), Desiree Cheng of La Salle (best server), Kath Arado of the University of the East (best digger and receiver), Deanna Wong of Ateneo De Manila University (best setter) and Milena Alessandrini of UST (rookie of the year).
On the men’s side, it is Ateneo’s Marck Espejo who is the MVP while also taking the awards for best scorer, best server and best spiker.

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