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Ohio, California poultry imports banned after outbreak of bird flu

ARTEM BELIAIKIN-UNSPLASH

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has banned shipments of poultry products from two US states after outbreaks of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DA said that imports of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from Ohio and California were suspended starting Jan. 15.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that the import ban was necessary to prevent the entry of bird flu into the Philippines.

“The rapid spread of the HPAI H5N1 strain in the United States since the first laboratory detection necessitates wider coverage of the trade restriction to prevent the entry of the HPAI virus and protect the health of the local population,” he added.

In 2016, Philippine and US veterinary authorities agreed that statewide bans could be imposed if three or more counties in each state are affected by the virus.

The US Veterinary Services notified the World Organisation for Animal Health in November of the bird flu cases in the two states.

Mr. Laurel said that he had ordered the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation, and issuance of the Sanitary Phytosanitary Import Clearances on shipments from Ohio and California.

He added that such shipments from the two states may still be accepted provided that the items were produced or slaughtered 14 days before the first outbreak.

“Poultry and poultry products imported to the country from the states of California and Ohio after Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, shall be seized and destroyed by the DA, or returned to the country of origin,” it said.

It added that other US states excluded from the ban may still ship poultry and poultry products to the Philippines.

Poultry meat imports from the US amounted to 166,356 metric tons in 2023; the shipments were valued at $175.78 million. The US accounts for about 40% of Philippine poultry imports.

The DA earlier banned imports of poultry from Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota after a similar outbreak of HPAI. — Adrian H. Halili

New year, new tax rules

As we welcome 2024, we have a new law, the Ease of Paying Taxes (EoPT) Act or Republic Act No. 11976. This is a welcome development as the new law introduces reforms which aim to modernize tax administration and improve efficiency by providing mechanisms to encourage easy compliance on the part of taxpayers.

The EoPT law will be effective on Jan. 22, 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Significant highlights of the EoPT law are as follows:

Classification of taxpayers

For purposes of responsive tax administration, the EoPT law classified taxpayers into four groups, depending on their gross sales.

Micro taxpayers are those with gross sales of less than P3 million. Those with gross sales of P3 million to less than P20 million are small taxpayers, while medium taxpayers are those with gross sales of P20 million to less than P1 billion. Taxpayers with gross sales of P1 billion or more are considered large taxpayers.

‘File and pay anywhere’ mechanism

Unlike the existing rule which restricts the filing of returns and payment of taxes with the revenue district office (RDO) where the taxpayer is registered, the EoPT law introduced the “file and pay anywhere” mechanism.

Under this mechanism, tax returns may be filed and tax paid, either electronically or manually, at any authorized agent bank, RDO through the Revenue Collection Officer or authorized software provider.

This development will result in convenient filing of returns and payment of taxes and the elimination of the 25% surcharge on wrong-venue filings.

Simplified rules on tax withholding

Under the current withholding tax rules, the obligation to withhold arises at the time an income payment is paid, becomes payable, or is accrued or recorded as an expense or asset, whichever is applicable in the payor’s books, whichever comes first.

The timing of withholding of tax has been simplified under the EoPT law with the introduction of a new provision under the Tax Code [Section 58 (C)] which states that the obligation to deduct and withhold tax arises at the time the income has become payable.

Another significant change under the EoPT law is the repeal of Section 34(K) of the Tax Code on the requirement to withhold taxes as a requisite to claim deductions from gross income.

Changes in VAT rules and documentation

With the objective of having simplified rules and documentation for Value-Added Tax (VAT) purposes, the EoPT law provided for a uniform tax base (gross sales) and documentation (VAT invoice) for all transactions, whether involving the sale of goods or services, or lease of property.

With these developments, VAT is due upon issuance of the invoice, regardless of the timing of collection.

To remedy the potential cash flow issue, the EoPT law allows taxpayers to deduct the output VAT remitted on uncollected receivables from their output VAT in the next quarter after the lapse of the agreed period to pay, subject to the following conditions: (1) the seller has fully paid the VAT on the transaction; and (2) the VAT component of the uncollected receivables has not been claimed as an allowable deduction.

On the invoicing requirements, the need to specify the business style of the purchaser for sales amounting to P1,000 or more has been removed. Further, an invoice with incomplete information is no longer a bar to claim input VAT provided the lacking information is not one of the essential ones, specifically the sales amount, VAT amount, name and taxpayer identification number (TIN) of buyer and seller and description and date of the transaction.

Classification of VAT refund claims

VAT refund claims are to be classified as low-, medium- and high-risk claims depending on the amount of the refund claim, tax compliance history, frequency of filing of refund claims, among others. Only medium- and high-risk claims are subject to the audit or other verification process of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Refund period for erroneously paid/collected taxes

The prescriptive period to file a claim for a refund is still two years from the date of payment. Note, however, that this prescriptive period will only be applicable to administrative claims for refund, i.e., the filing with the BIR, and will no longer apply to judicial claims.

In addition, refund claims must be acted upon by the BIR within 180 days from the taxpayer’s submission of complete documents. Judicial appeal must be made within 30 days from either (1) the receipt of the full or partial denial of the claim; or (2) from the lapse of the 180-day period for the BIR to act on the refund.

Other changes in the Tax Code brought about by the EoPT law includes the five-year period for preservation of books of account, an adjusted threshold for the mandatory issuance of an invoice from P100 to P500 in sales, the reduction of penalties (surcharge, interest and other penalties for violating the Tax Code) for micro and small taxpayers, and the removal of the business style requirement as well as payment of the annual registration fee in the taxpayer’s registration.

While the implementing rules and regulations are yet to be issued, being due within 90 days from effectivity of the law, I am optimistic that with these tax reforms introduced by the EoPT law, the legislative intent of encouraging tax compliance from the taxpayers will be achieved to improve tax collections.

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.

 

Rachel Diciano-Sison  is a senior manager at the Tax Services department of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers global network.

rachel.d.sison@pwc.com

Marcos’ Taiwan remarks a display of diplomatic resolve, says analyst

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES/ PPA POOL

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES appears to be bolder in asserting its will in foreign affairs and displaying its ability to act independently amid pressures from China, as shown when President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recognized the election of Taiwan’s new leader even as Manila continues to adhere to the One China Policy, an analyst said.

“This is all about Manila making an effort to assert its agency,” Joshua Bernard B. Espeña, who teaches international relations at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

By mentioning “agency,” Mr. Espeña was referring to Manila’s ability to exercise its will without and despite persuasions and threats from other foreign actors.

He said such was showcased in the recent exchange of pleasantries through X posts between Mr. Marcos and Taiwan President-elect William Lai Ching-Te, who has been denounced by China as a dangerous separatist.

Describing the incident as a “significant evolution in regional geopolitics,” Mr. Espeña said the Philippines is gradually settling itself in a more comfortable position to keep China’s behavior in check.

The latest victory of the Democratic Progressive Party in a free election was an acknowledgement of Taiwan, which has governed itself independently of China since the 1940s.

In an X post on Monday night, Mr. Marcos congratulated Mr. Lai and said he looks forward to “close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.”

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan’s next president,” he said as world leaders, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, recognized the new Taiwanese leader.

In his response, Mr. Lai recognized the “enduring friendship” between the Philippines and Taiwan. “I look forward to enhancing our economic and people-to-people ties while championing democracy, peace & prosperity in the region,” he said on X.

Following Mr. Marcos’ remarks, the Philippine foreign affairs department said the country continues to uphold the so-called One China Policy.

Mr. Marcos’ congratulatory statement was “his way” of thanking Taiwan for hosting about 200,000 overseas Filipino workers, the agency said on Tuesday. The two countries “share mutual interests.”

Under a joint communique signed by late president Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. and Chinese premier Zhou Enlai in 1975, the Philippines recognizes the People’s Republic of China as “the sole legal government of China” and respects its position that Taiwan is “an integral part of Chinese territory.” Mr. Marcos’ statement prompted the Chinese government to summon Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz “to give the Chinese side a responsible explanation.”

Mr. Espeña said it seems that the Philippines is adopting a flexible and assertive approach to interpreting the One China Policy.

“The Philippine government is increasingly becoming much more willing to bear the risk of asserting agency and keeping threats in check,” he said, “by interestingly poking its wounded spots that are the Taiwan Strait.”

WAS THE POLICY VIOLATED?
The Chinese government is “strongly dissatisfied” with and “resolutely opposes” the Philippine President’s remarks, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular news conference.

She accused Mr. Marcos of violating the so-called One-China principle and supposed “political commitments” made by the Philippines to China in the past.

But Aries P. Arugay, head of the University of the Philippines’ political science department, said the joint communique signed by Manila and Beijing in the 1970s was a bilateral agreement and that any violations “should be mutually agreed by both parties.”

“You cannot really have just one country saying ‘Oh you violated the One China Principle!’ Because if you look at the joint communique, there’s nothing that bars any heads of state or any Philippine president from making remarks such as what President Marcos has done,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

“At the end, China gets to decide when the One China Policy is violated,” he said, noting that Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian last year pressured Manila to oppose “Taiwan independence” if it really cares about the 150,000 overseas Filipino workers living there.

The Philippines has always abided with the principle since it has only maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Manila, according to Mr. Arugay.

He noted that the foreign ministry of Singapore, which also adheres to the Chinese policy, also congratulated Mr. Lai but it did not get a “condescending” reaction from Beijing.

“China, at the moment, does not just have a lot of tolerance with the Marcos administration,” he said. “Short of kowtowing to Beijing, there’s nothing that the Marcos administration will do that will please China at the moment.”

STRATEGIC MOVES
Mr. Marcos, 66, has veered away from his predecessor’s pivot to China, boosting the Philippines’ ties with the United States and its allies such as Japan and Australia.

The Philippine leader in February announced a decision to give the US access to four more military bases on top of the five existing sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation, angering China, which said the move threatens regional peace.

Three of the new EDCA sites are in parts of northern Luzon facing Taiwan while one is in the island of Palawan facing the South China Sea.

Mr. Arugay said the EDCA expansion indicates that the government’s views that the regional environment has “become more uncertain,” citing “flashpoints in recent years that include the Taiwan Strait.”

“If you are pursuing an independent foreign policy, you plan for the worst case scenario,” he said, noting that a potential invasion of Taiwan would probably lead to the “largest repatriation in Philippine history of OFWs.”

“For the Marcos government, we plan for the worst and use whatever tools that we have,” he said, “one of those is the supposed ironclad military alliance with the US as well as strategic partnerships with other countries.”

Following Mr. Lai’s victory, Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Chen Binhua, said the vote “will not impede the inevitable trend of China’s reunification.”

It will not change “the basic landscape and development trend of cross-Strait relations,” he said, adding that Beijing’s stance on “realizing national reunification remains consistent, and our determination is as firm as rock.”

A MATTER OF RESPECT
In criticizing Mr. Marcos’ remarks, China’s Mao Ning went as far as asking the Philippine leader to “read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the right conclusions.”

“For us Filipinos, we must always ask: Is China treating us with respect?” Mr. Arugay said. “That is critical in any change in Philippines-China relations. The notion that we must negotiate because China is a strong power does not speak well of our identity as a proud Republic.”

“A truly independent foreign policy of the Philippines means that it doesn’t really need to think about how China will react to anything that it does.”

“If a more friendly party won in the Taiwan election like the Kuomintang party, would their reaction be the same? he asked. “I think, in the end, China didn’t like the results because the Taiwanese people sided with the incumbent, the Democratic Progressive Party, which has a stronger stance against Beijing.”

Late Wednesday, the Philippine Department of National Defense released a statement from Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. that scored China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson for insulting the President.

“It is unfortunate that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter level talk — resorting to insulting our President and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the Ministry, and Party she represents in the process,” he said.

On a personal note, Mr. Teodoro said he was “unsurprised” at the comments and neither should Filipinos be surprised.

“We should not all be surprised — being a nation and people enjoying the privileges, rights, and freedoms of a democratic society — that an agent of a Party and system of government incompatible with our way of life and who routinely spouts State-sanctioned propaganda and disinformation would go that far and that low,” he said.

The defense chief added that Chinese official’s statements were “on brand.” “We, and the world, should not expect more,” he said.

Philippines, UK sign agreement on defense cooperation framework

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed an agreement to craft a framework for defense and security cooperation, a move aimed at solidifying the foundation for increased collaboration between the two nations.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that Ambassador to the UK Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and the Earl of Minto Timothy Minto signed the deal between the Philippines’ Department National Defense (DND) and the UK’s Ministry of Defence last Jan. 11.

“The memorandum of understanding is aimed at providing a framework for enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of defense, including on defense and military education,” the DFA said.

“Ambassador Locsin and The Earl of Minto hailed the MOU as an opportunity to further develop defense cooperation between the two countries,” it added.

The DFA said the framework also outlines training and capacity building, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, weapons, as well as research and technology.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. told reporters that the Philippines is also eyeing to sign an agreement with Japan that would allow the deployment of military forces on each other’s territories.

Manila and Tokyo already started negotiations on a reciprocal troop access pact late last year, amid tensions with China over a territorial row in the South China Sea.

Likewise, the Philippines is working on a deal to enhance security cooperation with Canada.

Meanwhile, Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said the government should review if it should keep adhering to the One China Policy, after China summoned the Philippine ambassador there on Tuesday over President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s congratulatory remarks to the newly elected leader of Taiwan.

“In any case, China has no business telling Filipinos what to say or not,” the senator said in a statement in mixed English and Filipino. “As I’ve called for before, we must review this so-called One China Policy.”

Lawyer to Congress: Add more discount provisions in laws on elderly, PWDs

FREEPIK

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

A LAWYER advocating for senior citizens’ rights asked Congress on Wednesday to include specific provisions in existing laws to grant discounts in purchasing supplements and paying the toll on expressways.

“Many establishments also are still denying seniors [their] benefits on the purchase of discounts on vitamins and mineral supplements,” Romulo B. Macalintal, who has represented senior citizens in several cases, told a House joint committee hearing that looked into how discounts for the elderly and differently-abled are being followed by commercial establishments.

“The problem on this issue is because the provisions of previous IRR (implementing rules and regulations) of Republic Act No. 9994 did not contain any provision on vitamins and mineral supplements,” Mr. Macalintal said, referring to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

He also noted amended laws on senior citizens’ and persons with disabilities’ (PWDs) rights repealed provisions granting them expressway toll discounts.

Quoting the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Mr. Macalintal said that “it was not intended by Congress to give them the discount [on expressway fees].”

He also said that some hotels and lodging establishments would deny senior citizens and PWDs their respective discounts because “their rate is already on promo.”

Mr. Macalintal cited a 2014 decision by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in which “double discounting is applicable only when the giving of discount is for the establishment’s promotion and a DTI permit is applied and secured.”

Party-list Rep. Rodolfo M. Ordanes, who heads the House senior citizens committee, called for the passage of a House bill seeking to grant discounts to senior citizens with disabilities when buying vitamins and mineral supplements.

Mr. Ordanes added that hotels and lodging establishments must provide training for their staff members on specific policies when billing for senior citizens or PWDs.

Mr. Macalintal also raised complaints against local government units (LGUs) that supposedly require senior citizens to register as voters before they can avail themselves of benefits they deserve.

“Such requirement is a violation of one’s right to register or not to register as a voter. Registration of voters is not mandatory, but it is only voluntary,” Mr. Macalintal said.

The National Council on Disability Affairs recorded 154 complaints on discounts for PWDs, programs management division head Rhealeth Krizelle D. Ramos told congressmen.

WRONG COFFEE SHOP SIGN
Meanwhile, a coffee shop chain took responsibility for displaying a wrong sign at one of its branches, advising customers that the 20% discount for senior citizens, PWDs and other government discounts are limited to one food item and one beverage per visit.

“We fully acknowledge the error in this signage in question,” Angela Cole, operations director at Starbucks Philippines, said during the hearing.

“To assure everybody here, Starbucks has always and will continue to extend full discount privileges to the seniors and PWDs for their personal use and enjoyment,” she said.

Ms. Cole told congressmen that the sign has been taken down and will not be seen in any of its coffee shops.

Senator concerned over issuance of work visas to fake companies

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO/ SENATE PRIB/JOSEPH VIDAL

A PHILIPPINE senator raised alarm on Wednesday over the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) issuance of work visas to foreigners registered as fake corporations.

“This is a national security risk,” Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said in a statement. “We won’t know if criminal syndicates are able to enter our country and we also have information that these work visas are what foreign nationals use to work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).”

Last Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla told a news briefing that he has ordered the BI to stop granting these work visas and to look into the issue.

He said the BI had allowed the issuance of “pre-arranged” employment visas to foreigners seeking legal work in the Philippines.

“We’re talking about more than 500 corporations and thousands and thousands of visas issued with the petition of these corporations which has been presumed validated by the legal department (of BI) and the visa issuing authority of the Bureau of Immigration,” Mr. Remulla said.

This came after the Department of Justice (DoJ) discovered that thousands of these visas were not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with many being linked to POGO firms.

“I do welcome the DoJ directive that orders that BI stop granting work visas requested by fake companies,” Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel said. “We will look into this in our next senate hearings.”

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian earlier filed a resolution seeking to permanently ban POGOs in the country.

In August last year, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) said it would start the privatization of 45 casinos by the third quarter of 2025, which is expected to generate between P60 billion and P80 billion in revenues.

Mr. Gatchalian said the move and make up for the losses the government would incur from shuttered POGO firms after it was reported that Pagcor failed to collect P2.2 billion in unpaid dues from these POGO outfits. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

LTFRB finalizing transport routes

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is finalizing the route rationalization plan for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

“Route rationalization is key for PUVMP. Local government units are issuing approved route plans, considering the present environment,” said Zona Russet M. Tamayo, LTFRB regional director.

The Office of Transport Cooperatives earlier mentioned that PUVMP completion will take years as the route rationalization plan is pending.

Route rationalization, a study for streamlined routes based on passenger demands, is underway, according to LTFRB. “It is a comprehensive assessment of current public transport based on passenger demand, movement location, and future travel demand patterns,” stated LTFRB.

Ms. Tamayo noted that the LTFRB is working with local government units to complete route rationalization, allowing consolidated units to adjust per route. 

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) affirmed adherence to the Jan. 31 consolidation requirement.

LTFRB guidelines permit unconsolidated PUVs to operate until month-end.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista stated that the department will not extend the deadline, and unconsolidated jeepneys will cease routes starting Feb. 1.

LTFRB reports about 76% of nationwide jeepneys have consolidated to date. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Pasig River rehabilitation launched

A boat is seen on Pasig River, July 31, 2022. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his wife on Wednesday led the inauguration of the showcase area of a rehabilitation project for the capital region’s notorious Pasig River.

The showcase area, which spans almost 500 meters behind the historic Manila Central Post Office building, is an initial part of a grand project that seeks to transform Pasig River into a “center of economic activity, tourism and promote transportation connectivity in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces,” said Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Azucar, whose office chairs the multi-agency team behind the renewal project.

“The newly constructed showcase area will serve as a public park consisting of a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform equipped with water fountain accented by lighting, and sitting areas which can also serve as an open-air venue for events,” he said.

The showcase area is highlighted by a transition bridge under the Jones Bridge designed to ensure seamless connectivity from Manila Bay’s north harbor to Laguna de Bay.

Under the renewal project, recreational and wellness amenities such as public parks and jogging and bike paths will be constructed in key areas along the 26-kilometer stretch of the river, which traverses areas in Metro Manila. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Need for ‘Cha-cha’ questioned

A LAWMAKER from the House minority urged Wednesday a reconsideration of Congress’ push to amend the 1987 Constitution, arguing that Charter change (“Cha-cha”) is not the sole solution to the country’s pressing concerns.

“The issue is not whether people’s initiative (PI) should be junked and let the constituent assembly continue or that both modes of charter change be pursued, but why push for charter change at all when it will not solve the basic problems of Philippine society, not even if it is limited to the economy,” Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. France L. Castro said in a statement.

Both the House of Representatives and Senate are seeking constitutional amendments to alleviate economic challenges, with some congressmen supporting charter change through a people’s initiative.

The Senate, responding to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s request, will conduct a review focused on the Constitution’s economic provisions, particularly in public services, education, and advertising.

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) endorsed constitutional amendments, stating it would benefit the education sector. GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz noted that the proposal would “enable Filipinos to access top-quality institutions and prepare them for global competitiveness.”

Constitutionalist Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco urged the House and the Senate to “stay true to their word that they will only work on amending those specific economic provisions and nothing more.” Mr. Yusingco emphasized that introducing amendment proposals beyond the specified economic provisions could jeopardize the entire effort.

Mr. Yusingco also stressed the importance of ensuring that charter change deliberations won’t be railroaded by Congress. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Baguio urges cables upgrading

SESSION ROAD, Baguio City — JOHN LORENZ TAJONERA-UNSPLASH

BAGUIO CITY — City officials have urged the City Engineering Office (CEO), Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), Inc., and telecom companies to install underground cables, eliminating the unsightly and unsafe wires scattered throughout the city.

In Resolution No. 735, series of 2023, Baguio City legislators emphasized the need for an underground cabling system to align with tourism promotion and the smart city goal. This system aims to provide residents and tourists with a clear view of the city’s natural beauty and architectural structures, which have long been obstructed by dangling wires.

The Baguio City council assigned relevant city government offices to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of installing underground cables or electricity networks for development and safety.

Previously, the City Council considered Proposed Resolution No. 02-23 (Senior Citizen Official for a Day) and Proposed Resolution No. 13-23 (Scout Official for a Day), both advocating for the installation of underground cables. These initiatives aim to address the vulnerability of the open cabling network to calamities like earthquakes, typhoons, and landslides, which can damage surroundings and electrical poles.

City officials emphasized that the current overhead cables and wires, crisscrossing streets, not only create an unsightly mess and eyesores but also pose environmental hazards, impacting public health and safety. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Marcos renews commitment to uniformed personnel 

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of uniformed personnel and their families, amid loose talk of a destabilization plot against his administration. 

“With an increased 2024 budget for the Department of National Defense, we’re dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our uniformed personnel and their families,” he said. 

The President said his administration has supported the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, which he said ensures “financial stability for military and civilian personnel.” 

Mr. Marcos said he had approved a specific budget for rice subsidies and advanced medical services for them at the AFP Medical Center. 

The Philippine leader issued the statement after high-ranking police and military officials paid a courtesy call on him at the presidential palace, including Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. – Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza 

End of Basilan’s bloodiest ‘rido’ good for business 

LEADERS of the two feuding clans in Hadji Muhammad Ajul, Basilan hug each other after signing a peace agreement on Tuesday. — PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN FELIX M. UNSON

COTABATO CITY — Two rival factions within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, engaged in what could be Basilan’s bloodiest “rido,” reconciled on Tuesday, marking a crucial development for the island province’s residents essential to its socio-economic growth. 

The rido, a generic term for clan wars in most Moro languages, was ended through a resolution of the conflict between the groups led by Geon K. Arasad and Tanad S. Nasalon. 

Presidential Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. emphasized the significance of settling the Nasalon-Arasad rido, considering that Basilan is being groomed as the new investment hub in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). 

The senior commanders in the MILF’s 114th Base Command formalized a peace covenant in a symbolic ceremony in Barangay Buton, Hadji Muhammad Ajul town, as disclosed by Brig. Gen. Allan C. Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to reporters on Wednesday. 

Governor Hadjiman H. Salliman, Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, and provincial police director Col. Carlos T. Madronio played key roles in mediating the resolution between the feuding factions. The longstanding rido, involving control over agricultural lands in Muhammad Ajul, Basilan, began in early 2020, resulting in at least 20 fatalities on both sides. 

Victor Moore I. Ututalum, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Isabela City, welcomed the resolution, expressing optimism about attracting investments to Basilan. 

The peace deal between the warring MILF groups was forged in the presence of key figures, including Mr. Salliman, representatives from Mr. Galvez’s office, Major Gen. Ignatius N. Patrimonio of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Orion, and Mr. Luzon, who leads all Army units in Basilan’s Lamitan and Isabela cities and 11 municipalities. 

Rima H. Hassan, a senior member of the Lamitan City Business Chamber, highlighted the positive impact of the Nasalon-Arasad rido settlement on Basilan’s investment climate, crediting the Basilan Provincial Police Office, the provincial governor, and the 101st Infantry Brigade for their efforts. – John Felix M. Unson  

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