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SC absolves PhilHealth officials from returning salaries for unlawful position

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Supreme Court (SC) has upheld a Commission on Audit (COA) decision disallowing a position created and funded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) board, but absolved the concerned officials of liability in returning salaries paid for that new position amounting to over P1.4 million.

In the 19-page SC en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho, Jr., the PHIC petitioners were found to have “failed to comply with the requirements of creating a new position” when lawyer Valentin C. Guanio was appointed as “corporate secretary” in 2009.

It upheld COA’s ruling that the PHIC had erred in assuming that it had the autonomy and authority to create the position by virtue of the approval by its board of directors and the PhilHealth president.

“Moreover, the Court has previously held that the PHIC’s fiscal autonomy under RA 7875 is limited in nature,” the SC ruled.

“PHIC cannot find solace in the alleged approval or confirmation by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the approval of the creation of the position of corporate secretary and the salaries and allowance for the said position,” it added.

While the SC found that COA “did not commit grave abuse of discretion in disallowing the grant of salaries, allowances, and benefits to Mr. Guanio,” it ruled that he did not have to return the amounts he received for assuming and performing the job of corporate secretary from Sept. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2010 amounting to P1,445,793.69.

Also absolved from returning the amount were PhilHealth officials Lynie S. Arcenas, Willie M. Bumacod, Lilia R. Garrido, and Bibiana T. Cruz whose roles that led to the approval and certification of the amounts as payment for Mr. Guanio’s services were found by the SC to have been done in “good faith.”

To compel the return of the amount, the SC said that under the Madera Rules on Return there must be the process of “first proving bad faith, malice, or gross negligence before holding a public officer civilly liable.”

“The COA Proper has already absolved Atty. Guanio from returning the disallowed amounts that he received as a passive recipient on the basis of good faith,” it pointed out.

“Considering that PHIC no longer raised the matter of Atty. Guanio’s liability in its Petition, the COA Proper’s ruling on this matter is now considered final and immutable,” it added.

Meanwhile, the High Court stated that while the other approving and certifying officers of the PHIC are excused from returning the disallowed amount, this is without prejudice “to the finding of any administrative and/or criminal liability that any of them may have incurred under existing laws and jurisprudence.”

The SC noted that gross negligence for not complying with the requirements under the Salary Standardization Law is a ground for compelling members of the board of directors, along with other officers, to return the disallowed amount. – Chloe Mari A. Hufana

CHR investigating abduction of 2 activists in Pangasinan

THE COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHR) expressed alarm on Wednesday over the disappearance of two environmental rights defenders in San Carlos City, Pangasinan since last weekend, noting that they were previous subjects of red-tagging by state authorities.

In a statement, the CHR said it is investigating the apparent abduction of Francisco Dangla III, 39, and Axielle Tiong, 29, both founders of the Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment group which opposes mining and energy projects.

At the same time, it called on concerned government agencies to more strictly implement Republic Act No. 10535, the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act, “to address these cases and ensure that solutions on the level of policy-making can be utilized.”

Citing reports gathered by independent human rights groups, the CHR said unidentified individuals confronted Mr. Dangla and Mr. Tiong in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City, in the evening of March 24 and then beat them up before forcing them into a vehicle.

“Alongside the need to search for the whereabouts of missing human rights defenders is the identification of the perpetrators to hold them accountable under the eyes of the law,” the CHR said.

Human rights groups had told the CHR that the two activists had been subject to intimidation and other forms of harassment prior to their disappearance.

The commission said the government should approve the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance by the United Nations General Assembly.

“We all hold the responsibility to foster a country that is conducive to the promotion and protection of the rights of all, and a large proportion of this lies on the need to put an end to the culture of impunity and to reinforce the wheels of justice,” the CHR said.

Independent groups said this latest incident brings to 23 the number of enforced disappearances among activists in the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. – Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Ninja Van riders slam slow pace of mass termination case

THE patience of complainant-riders of a logistics company is wearing thin, with a number of them resorting to protests to pressure the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) to settle their illegal termination claims.

Earlier this week, members of the Ninja Van Riders’ Union-Federation of Free Workers picketed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in Intramuros, Manila to protest the slow pace at which negotiations with the logistics firm serving Lazada and Zalora are moving.

“This is the worst case of union-busting and a shameless attempt to circumvent labor laws to undermine the union, and disrespect workers,” said Dick P. Pacioles, president of the Ninja Van Riders’ Union–FFW.

In a Viber message to BusinessWorld, Ninja Van Philippines communications head Ralph Angelo V. Ty said the company is doing its part cooperate with the NCMB.

“We are still working closely with the NCMB regarding this. We uphold and trust the mediation process to take its course, as we remain committed to a resolution for all parties concerned,” he said.

But the riders’ lawyer Jose Sonny G. Matula told BusinessWorld via Viber that the company is failing to offer them concrete actions in between the conciliation and mediation sessions with the NCMB.

As a result, more than 100 riders launched the mass action last Monday.

Mr. Matula said on Tuesday that they had a 15-day “cooling period” from the date of the filing of the unfair labor practices case against the company.

“This period is meant to serve as a final opportunity for both parties to negotiate and reach an agreement without resorting to a strike,” he explained, noting that time had lapsed last March 1.

The notice of strike was filed on Feb. 14, 2024, but Mr. Matula said there was an appeal for more time on the part of the firm at least until the next meeting on April 2. – Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Bill seeks to build nursing homes for elderly

FREEPIK

A bill seeking to establish a nursing home for abandoned and neglected senior citizens throughout the country has been filed in the House of Representatives.

House Bill No. 10193, the Regional Nursing Home for Neglected and Abandoned Senior Citizens Act, is a measure seen to provide integral care for the aged especially when their families are unable to support them, according to Bulacan Rep. Lorna C. Silverio.

“Some of our senior citizens were neglected by their family members mainly attributed to financial constraints,” Ms. Silverio said in the bill’s introductory note. “This unfortunate situation has urged this representation to file this measure that will seek to establish a nursing home-like environment in every province that will take good care of them.”

The lawmaker explained that government could step in to provide housing and care for senior citizens unable to be accommodated by their families due to household problems, fulfilling the state’s constitutional mandate to provide a “comprehensive approach” for elderly care.

Nursing homes under the proposed measure should provide living accommodations, food and clothing, medical care, and recreational activities for senior citizens.

Senior citizens in nursing homes would also be provided with work opportunities, education, and counseling, based on the bill’s initial institutional care program.

The costs for constructing the nursing homes will be shouldered by respective local government units (LGUs) but will be primarily operated and maintained by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, supported only by LGUs. – Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Okada Manila unveils a blissful Easter by the Bay

Okada Manila, Entertainment City’s premier luxury resort and casino, is thrilled to announce an array of splendid Easter celebrations. As a time of renewal and joy, Okada Manila is set to transform the holiday experience with its opulent offerings, tailor-made for families and friends seeking an extraordinary Easter adventure.

Cove Manila’s Easter Daycation: A Celebration of Joy and Discovery

On March 31, Cove Manila transforms into a festive wonderland for a one-day extravaganza. With session timings from 9 AM to 2 PM and 3 PM to 8 PM, guests of all ages are invited to enjoy a variety of activities. The lineup includes a family-friendly program, an Egg Hunt Adventure set within the vibrant Dance Club, arts and crafts for creative expression, and a Photo Booth Station to capture the day’s memories. Additionally, guests can take advantage of swimming in Cove Manila’s luxurious indoor pools, adding to the day’s excitement. Ticket options are available with the Child Pass priced at PHP 2,288 nett, providing children a 5-hour pass filled with delightful surprises, including an Easter loot bag, a meal, beverage, and exclusive activities. The Adult Pass is set at PHP 1,600 nett, offering adults a 5-hour experience complete with Easter-themed snacks and beverages, allowing for a day of memorable family bonding.

PLAY’s Easter Carnival: A Festive Adventure for the Young

The young and young-at-heart are welcomed to PLAY, Okada Manila’s dedicated family zone, for an Easter carnival brimming with fun and excitement. From the whimsical “Pin The Tail” activity to a host of games and creative stations, PLAY is set to be the epicenter of joy and laughter this Easter.

Culinary Celebrations: A Journey of Flavors

This Easter, Okada Manila invites guests to a culinary journey at Medley Buffet and The Lobby Lounge, featuring special dining experiences that promise to delight the senses and create lasting memories. On March 31st, Medley Buffet will serve a Delightful Easter Feast for lunch and dinner, with adult tickets at PHP 4,300 nett and children’s tickets at PHP 2,150 nett. The feast boasts a wide array of lavish dishes, from seafood like Boston Lobster and King Prawn, to meats such as Roasted Prime Rib and Crispy Pata, and ending with Easter-themed desserts for a sweet conclusion. The Lobby Lounge also offers a cozy retreat from March 22to April 10, where guests can indulge in Easter specialties starting at PHP 400 nett, providing an elegant setting for those wishing to enjoy the festive flavors in a more relaxed atmosphere.

A Fusion of Celebration, Luxury, and Wonder

Okada Manila’s comprehensive Easter celebration also blends retail therapy with a serene staycation offer and the mesmerizing Fountain experience, promising a memorable holiday. For those seeking a retreat, Okada Manila’s luxurious accommodations provide a serene oasis, while its retail spaces offer a prelude to summer with an array of shopping choices. The festivities culminate with The Fountain show, a captivating display of water, light, and music, creating a perfect atmosphere for Easter memories.

This season, Okada Manila curates an unparalleled blend of entertainment, dining, and relaxation, crafting an extraordinary Easter experience. For a more detailed look at what’s in store and for reservations, visit the Easter Bliss by the Bay landing page at https://www.okadamanila.com/deals/easter-bliss-by-the-bay.

 


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Rice variety resistant to heat, drought to be launched in 2026, IRRI says

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A new variety of rice that can withstand hotter climates, survive weeks without water, and cut growing costs may be released by 2026, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) said.

“We started in 2022. We already have selections for stage 2, and we are yet to select the one that we will be nominating to the National Cooperative Test (NCT) once we harvest those that we have in stage 2,” according to Mary Jean Du, IRRI regional breeding lead for Southeast Asia, said Monday.

“This year, we have four (breeding) pipelines, from which we will select what we will nominate to NCT. So in two more years, a new variety may come out,” she added.

The four pipelines are: direct seeded, early, long, soft, rainfed (DELS-R), direct seeded, early, long, soft, irrigated (DELS-I), transplanted, early, long, soft, rainfed (TELS-R), and transplanted, early, long, soft, irrigated (TELS-I).

Under the OneRice PH program, IRRI, the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute will each nominate 100 entries for the NCT.

“So we have a total of 300 entries that we test across our phenotyping sites, and then we cull and select at least 20% that will proceed to stage 2,” she said.

“After which, we will screen them again for another two seasons and select the very promising ones for nomination,” she added.

Maria Cristina Heredia, IRRI Field Phenotyping and Analysis assistant scientist, said that the drought-resistant varieties can survive two to three weeks without water.

“During that span, they are still able to yield, and then we lightly water them, and then we leave it for another two weeks without water,” Ms. Heredia said.

She said that directly seeded non-drought-resistant rice usually only lasts two to three days without water.

“The advantage of being drought-tolerant is that even if the area is always subjected to water stress, it will still survive and yield,” she added.

In terms of savings, Ms. Du said that the direct seeded breeding pipeline will help farmers reduce costs. Conventional farming, which involves transplanting, usually costs farmers P60,000–P70,000 per hectare.

“With transplanting, they will need to hire many people, unlike with direct-seeded, where they can use machines. I think the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization has started distributing the seeders,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ms. Du said that a facility for speed breeding in IRRI is set to be finished within the month, which can reduce the breeding cycle to two to four years.

“The conventional time frame takes 10–12 years. And this is advantageous for the Philippines since both IRRI and the facility are here,” she said.

“The facility may be finished within this month and may open or start operations next month,” she added.

In a statement late Tuesday, IRRI announced the establishment of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Agricultural Genomics Research Center (AGRC) Project Steering Committee.

The committee will guide the construction of a $5-million AGRC, which is part of a $14.97-million six-year project funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The AGRC is meant to provide capacity building opportunities for scientists from UPLB, IRRI, and Korea. The project is KOICA Philippines’ first research and development project on agriculture with the Philippines’ national university. — Justine Irish DP Tabile

Term deposit rates slip on BSP rate cut hopes

YIELDS on the term deposits auctioned off by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) dropped on Wednesday amid rate cut signals from the Finance chief.

Demand for the central bank’s term deposit facility (TDF) reached P253.468 billion on Wednesday, below the P250 billion on the auction block as well as the P275.772 billion in bids last week for a P310-billion offer.

Broken down, tenders for the one-week term deposits hit P141.985 billion, below the P150-billion offer and the P164.612 billion in bids seen last week for P170 billion on the auction block.

Banks asked for yields ranging from 6.5% to 6.57%, a wider band than the 6.52% to 6.57% seen at the March 20 auction. This brought the average rate of the seven-day debt to 6.5422%, down by 1.65 basis points (bp) from 6.5587% previously.

Meanwhile, the 14-day deposits attracted P111.483 billion in bids, higher than the P100 billion on offer and the P111.16 billion in tenders seen the previous week for a P140-billion offering.

Accepted rates for the two-week debt were from 6.57% to 6.605%, lower than the 6.58% to 6.61% margin seen last week. With this, the average rate of the 14-day deposits slipped by 0.11 bp to 6.5903% from 6.5914% a week ago.

The BSP has not auctioned off 28-day term deposits for more than three years to give way to its weekly sale of securities with the same tenor.

The TDF and 28-day BSP bills are used by the central bank to mop up excess liquidity in the financial system and to better guide market rates.

Term deposit yields went down amid rate cut signals from the BSP chief, Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said in a Viber message.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. last week said the Monetary Board may begin cutting rates later this year.

The Monetary Board will next meet to discuss policy on April 8.

The BSP has kept its policy rate steady at a near 17-year high of 6.5% for three straight meetings after it hiked borrowing costs by 450 bps from May 2022 to October 2023 to help bring down elevated inflation. — L.M.J.C. Jocson

More issuances of tokenized securities likely amid demand for digital assets

IMPROVING APPETITE for digital assets may result in more issuances of debt instruments using the blockchain like the tokenized bonds offered by the government last year, the top official of a cryptocurrency exchange said.

PDAX Founder and Chief Executive Officer Nichel Merlimichael O. Gaba told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Tuesday that following the strong appetite seen by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) for its maiden tokenized bond issue last year, another offering could be possible.

“There was a lot of demand [for the first offer]. I wouldn’t be surprised if they issued another one this year, but we’ll only know if they make a public announcement,” Mr. Gaba said, noting this would depend on the government’s funding requirements.

The BTr raised P15 billion from its maiden issuance of tokenized bonds last year as demand reached P31.426 billion, more than three times the target issue size of P10 billion.

The one-year notes fetched a coupon rate of 6.5%.

The fixed-rate government securities, which pay a semi-annual coupon, were issued in the form of digital tokens to be maintained in the BTr’s Distributed Ledger Technology Registry.

PDAX last year partnered with the BTr, the Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Development Bank of the Philippines to facilitate the issuance of the tokenized bonds and offer them to retail investors.

Mr. Gaba said other types of publicly- or privately-issued securities could be put on the blockchain in the future to expand access for retail investors.

“We’ve always been big believers that blockchain technology can enable access to what was previously inaccessible. To buy a T-bill (Treasury bill), you probably have to shell out hundreds of thousands or billions — and that is something that blockchain technology is perfectly designed to solve,” he said.

“We’re not exactly sure when that will happen, but putting the Treasury bonds on the blockchain and making it available to Filipinos for as little as P500 is a phenomenal start, and we can expect tokenized securities to be life-changing for most Filipinos,” he added.

Mr. Gaba said increased adoption of cryptocurrency in the country will be supported by developments in digital asset regulation.

He noted that PDAX saw an influx in users and surge of trading activity since Bitcoin began gaining, with trading multiplied by four times in the last three months. — A.M.C. Sy

RCBC Trust’s AUMs hit P161 billion

THE TRUST arm of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) recorded P161 billion in assets under management (AUMs) as of February amid strong client growth, it said on Tuesday.

This was an increase from the P147.49 billion recorded as of March 2023, RCBC Trust Corp. said in a statement.

The company’s market share among electronic money issuers also grew, with investments increasing to P1 billion from P200 million in the same period.

“Additional services such as investment advisory and estate planning are now being offered by RCBC Trust Corporation. We believe that these two services will be additional avenues of growth for the company,” RCBC Trust President and Chief Executive Officer Robert B. Ramos added.

RCBC Trust began operating on Jan. 1 as the listed bank spun off its trust unit into a stand-alone firm.

Its parent RCBC’s attributable net income rose by 1.14% to P12.218 billion in 2023 amid higher loans and deposits.

RCBC shares gained 40 centavos or 1.74% to end at P23.40 apiece on Wednesday. — A.M.C. Sy

Peso rises on increased inflows before trading break

BW FILE PHOTO

THE PESO appreciated against the dollar on Wednesday amid increased remittances ahead of the long weekend.

The local unit closed at P56.24 per dollar on Wednesday, strengthening by eight centavos from its P56.32 finish on Tuesday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session at P56.28 against the dollar. Its weakest showing was at P56.329, while its intraday best was at P56.18 versus the greenback.

Dollars traded went down to $1.18 billion on Wednesday from $1.55 billion on Tuesday.

The peso rose on the back of remittances ahead of the long weekend, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

“Consolidation was still the main theme for the pair with Holy Week inflows capping the intraday ranges. Today, the dollar-peso pair continued consolidating as month- and quarter-end requirements go against Holy Week inflow hedging,” Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces likewise said in a Viber message.

Philippine financial markets will be closed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. — A.M.C. Sy

Geotagged travel posts increase risk of cyber threats, crimes

REUTERS

SHARING LOCATIONS on social media platforms when traveling increases the risk of being targeted by cyber threats and real-life crimes, according to Kaspersky.

“Posting a geotag may endanger users even if they are not in this place at the moment, as it shows perpetrators that there is a place where they can easily be tracked,” Kaspersky General Manager Yeo Siang Tiong said in a statement.

Mr. Yeo also advised users to think twice when sharing on social media, noting that delayed posting is ideal.

Using information found online, users’ locations, current activities, travel histories, and interests are enough to create a detailed profile of a potential target, he said.

These can be exploited for various malicious purposes, such as phishing and identity theft, Mr. Yeo said.

Victims must “identify and stop any pending payments to the scammers and terminate any compromised credit cards to prevent additional unauthorized charges,” he said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Airbnb, SPARK! team up to boost women tourism entrepreneurship in PHL

REUTERS

AIRBNB is investing $100,000 in training programs to provide women in the Philippines access to employment opportunities in the tourism sector, it said on Monday.

Airbnb and SPARK!, a non-profit organization focused on women’s entrepreneurship, signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday, the former said in a statement.

“With the Philippines leading the pack with the second largest women-led Airbnb Host community globally, this partnership for us goes beyond agreements; it is a unified mission to uplift women and enhance the backbone of our tourism industry,” Airbnb Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Mich Goh said.

In addition to the training programs, SPARK! will also focus on job-matching within the tourism sector.

“Our commitment extends beyond training; we are dedicated to creating a pathway for women to access meaningful and empowering opportunities may it be through employment or entrepreneurship or both,” SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Mikaela Luisa Carmen R. Teves said.

SPARK! will lead the yearlong program that was recently piloted in Quezon City with the support of the local government unit.

“Women are the perfect ambassadors for tourism. Through this program, we hope that more women can explore business models that would boost local tourism, generate more job opportunities, and contribute to the development of the city,” Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte said.

“Private and public sector partnerships like Airbnb’s initiative showcase the transformative power of education in unlocking opportunities for economic growth and development,” said Department of Tourism Office of Industry Manpower Development Director Arlene A. Alipio. — A.R.A. Inosante