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Police ready to give Justice dep’t more case records for EJK review

PNP.GOV.PH

THE JUSTICE department will review more cases that might have involved extra-judicial killings (EJK), including police anti-drug operations, according to an official.

“We will be reconciling the numbers. There could be a few more,” Justice Undersecretary Adrian F. Sugay told reporters on Wednesday.

Police chief Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said they are ready to turn over to the Justice department all such records upon request.

“We will provide them with this information,” Mr. Eleazar said in an interview on ABS-CBN news channel.

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra, who earlier this week said they will be looking into 61 out of the 7,000 police case records, said they are ready to expand their investigation.

“If the PNP (Philippine National Police) chief has said that the review panel may also review these other cases, we will be very happy to do so, as this is what we had wanted in the first place,” Mr. Guevarra told reporters Wednesday.   

The 61 cases were those where “clear liability was established” based on a review and evaluation by the police Internal Affairs Service.

National Union of Peoples Lawyers President Edre U. Olalia, in a statement on Wednesday, said it would be best to “completely and totally open any and all files, documents, records, and uncontaminated evidence to an impartial scrutiny by an independent body, with no other purpose but to arrive at the truth in all its g(l)ory, to render justice to the victims, and to stop the barbaric impunity that has not solved the drug menace to this day.” — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Judges face higher fines for misconduct, inefficiency

PHILSTAR

JUDGES found guilty of misconduct or inefficiency now face higher fines of up to P200,000 after the Supreme Court amended Rule 140 of the Revised Rules of Court.

Court Administrator Jose Midas P. Marquez said the recommendation to adjust the penalties was made “in order to be consistent and commensurate with the prevailing Salary Schedule of judges and personnel of the Judiciary.”

Under the court’s resolution dated May 16 and made public Wednesday, judges found guilty of a serious charge may either be dismissed, forfeited from receiving benefits, and disqualified from public service; suspended for three to six months; or pay a fine “of more than P100,000 but not exceeding P200,000.”

The previous fines were set at P20,000 to P40,000.

For a less serious charge, the penalty is three months suspension or a fine of “not less than P35,000 but not exceeding P100,000.”   

Judges found guilty of a light charge may be sanctioned with censure, reprimand, or admonition with warning and/or may be fined “not less than P1,000 but not exceeding P35,000.”

The changes take effect on May 31. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Bill creating local anti-drug abuse councils up for Senate plenary

BW FILE PHOTO

SEVERAL Senate committees approved a bill that will establish Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in every local government unit.

Senator Ronald M. dela Rosa, chair of the committee on public order and dangerous drugs, raised to the plenary Senate Bill No. 2215 or the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils Law.

“To address the country’s problem on drugs entails tapping into the wisdom and experience of those on the ground, those who can competently provide political judgment: our Local Government Units,” he said in his sponsorship speech.

“At the same time, it demands a systematic and institutional response,” he added.

The committee report was signed by the committees on public order and dangerous drugs, local government, and finance.

If signed into law, local governments will be mandated to establish the councils and formulate and implement the Local Anti-Drug Abuse Plan of Action.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government will monitor the implementation. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

PCG commander rallies troops in Kalayaan Island: ‘West Philippine Sea is ours!’

PCG

THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) commandant visited Kalayaan Island on Tuesday where he rallied troops to protect the West Philippine Sea and proudly fly the flag.

“These are the two main objectives that we need to accomplish — stepping up our presence and flying the Philippine flag with a sense of pride — because the West Philippine Sea is ours!,” Admiral George V. Ursabia, Jr. was quoted as saying in a statement released by the PCG on Wednesday.

Mr. Ursabia, however, acknowledged that Kalayaan Island, which is part of the Spratly Islands, is a disputed area.

“We should not forget that it is also a contested area. There are others claiming that it is also theirs. But of course, we will not surrender the territory. It is ours! Hence, we have to do our part in a peaceful and rules-based manner,” he said.

The PCG along with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have a combined five vessels deployed in West Philippine Sea for maritime and security operations.

Japanese syndicate ‘Big Boss’ nabbed in Parañaque City

A JAPANESE fugitive wanted for crimes in several countries was arrested in a five-star hotel in Parañaque City last May 17, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced Wednesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, NBI Officer-In-Charge Eric B. Distor said Watanabe Yuki, also known as Kenji Shimada or Shi Shimada, is in the list of the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol.

Mr. Distor said the suspect “is said to be the ‘Big Boss’ of the largest telecommunication fraud syndicate, whose international operations cover several countries including Japan and the Philippines.”

Mr. Yuki was arrested along with two other Japanese who failed to present any travel documents such as valid passports and alien certificates of registration.

The three were to be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) last May 20, but Mr. Yuki tested positive for the coronavirus and they were also placed in under quarantine.

The BI said Mr. Yuki and one of the two others have summary deportation orders.

The third Japanese was released for “lack of evidence to establish probable cause” and was found to have a valid visa until this month. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Foreign chambers back lower capital norm for retail entrants

PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

FOREIGN BUSINESS groups declared their support for even lower minimum capitalization requirements for foreign retailers after the Senate approved a measure to ease barriers to their market entry.

The Senate last week approved a measure that would set foreign retailers’ minimum paid-up capital at P50 million or around $1 million should they seek to enter the market, lower than the current requirement of $2.5 million. Under the bill, those with more than one physical store are required to invest at least $5 million or P25 million per store.

Foreign business groups said they support a further lowering to $200,000, and called Senate Bill (SB) No. 1840 an impediment to new foreign direct investment.

“This still-protectionist level is far higher than in Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and others, who also have large numbers of MSMEs (micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises) like the Philippines,” the groups said in a statement Wednesday.

The House version of the bill approved in 2019 set a minimum paid-up capital of $200,000. The two chambers will convene a bicameral conference committee to reconcile their versions.

The business groups said that the entry of retail companies would create more jobs, including work in advertising, agriculture, construction, and logistics.

“More foreign retail players create more competition, which is good for the Filipino consumer, especially the fast-growing middle class, who can purchase higher-quality and more variety of goods at lower cost,” the groups added.

The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) supports the Senate version, expressing concern that smaller businesses would lose out if the minimum capital requirements for foreign investors are lowered further.

“With the approval of SB 1840, PRA welcomes foreign investment without sacrificing our micro, small and medium enterprises,” the PRA said in a statement.

“PRA now hopes that the House version is aligned to the Senate version in the bicameral meeting. The House should now appreciate that their version is too low that it will encroach into our MSME’s all over the country.”

Foreign chambers that signed the statement include the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of the Philippines, Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, Inc. — Jenina P. Ibañez

DTI estimates 8% of firms remain closed during current quarantine phase

AN ESTIMATED 8% of businesses remain closed due to the current easier quarantine settings, which represents an improvement over the level of operations seen during the strict phase of the lockdown in the capital and nearby regions, Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.

The percentage of closed businesses rose to 16% when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was declared, he said at a virtual event on Wednesday.

After being placed under ECQ after a fresh surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections in March, lockdown restrictions on Metro Manila and nearby regions were gradually eased. The regions were placed under the more relaxed general community quarantine in mid-May.

Businesses were hardest hit after initial pandemic-related restrictions were rolled out last year. Several sectors were not allowed to operate on-site, while others saw their revenue decline as commercial foot traffic fell.

During the initial and strictest version of the lockdown in April and May last year, 38% of companies had shut.

The number of shuttered businesses had dropped to 4% by February 2021 as more businesses were allowed to reopen and economic activity rebounded.

“Dito sa inaasahan nating patuloy na pagbubukas ay marami pa uling makakapagbukas na negosyo (Our anticipated business reopening should gain momentum) moving forward into June,” Mr. Lopez said.

He added that he is hoping that the GCQ (general community quarantine) will be extended in June, but the final decision will be announced by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand tapped for DBP hog initiative

REUTERS

THAI-OWNED CHAROEN Pokphand Foods Philippines Corp. (CPFPC) has tied up with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in a credit program that will support farmers seeking to rebuild their depleted hog herds.  

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said in a statement Wednesday that the DBP signed a memorandum of agreement with CPFPC to participate in the Swine R3 credit program, which will finance bio-secured farm projects in support of the government’s hog repopulation initiative.

CPFPC is a subsidiary of Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Co., Ltd.

“This is a welcome development for us as we pursue joint efforts to control African Swine Fever (ASF) and repopulate ASF-free areas. With CPFPC’s technological expertise in modern bio-secured farms and DBP’s support in providing credit assistance to eligible public and private institutions, we will be able to level up our efforts in reviving the industry,” Mr. Dar said.  

According to the DBP, the credit program can be availed of by registered private enterprises and local government units which must use the loans to establish bio-secured swine farms and acquire related machinery and equipment.

Eligible projects under the program include swine breeder farms, swine wean-to-finish farms, and consolidated swine facility projects.  

“Through this partnership, the National Government will be able to elevate and expedite its swine repopulation and rehabilitation initiatives that will eventually allow the country to recover to its pre-ASF status,” DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said.

Sakol Cheewakoset, CPFPC vice-chairman, said the partnership allows the company to share its knowledge in helping the country recover from ASF.

“Our state-of-the-art bio-secured farms enable us to be resilient from ASF, thus making our business a success. Moving forward, this will also open export opportunities for the Philippines. We assure and commit to you our continuous support in investing in the Philippines,” he said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

IP applications rise 21% in four months to April

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) filings rose 21% in the first four months of the year to 15,028 as businesses started to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said in a report Wednesday.

The rise was interpreted to mean a hint of recovery after filings declined by 12% in 2020, with inventors and creatives delaying applications due to subdued business activity during the lockdown declared to contain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The recent uptick in filings indicates “a more positive outlook among businesses and innovation players on the country’s pace of recovery from the pandemic,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said.

“It could also signify that businesses are rebuilding stronger by integrating IP protection in their innovation and branding strategies.”

Utility model filings surged 33% to 420, the bulk of which came from food chemistry filings. 

Trademark applications increased 26% to 13,041. Almost 4,000 of the applications came from the health and cosmetics industry, while agricultural products and scientific research also accounted for a significant portion of the filings.

Patent filings however declined 6% to 1,235, with many of the applications coming from pharmaceuticals. Industrial design filings also dropped 21% to 332.

Copyright deposits almost doubled to 444 from 233 last year.

Mr. Barba said that he is hoping that filings this year return to pre-pandemic levels.

“The office continues to double awareness and education efforts on the benefits of intellectual property to businesses and streamline our digital registration services to provide ease to registrants,” he said. — Jenina P. Ibañez

Korean aid agency to back river development program

PAMPANGA RIVER BASIN — RIVERBASIN.DENR.GOV.PH

THE NATIONAL Water Resources Board (NWRB) has entered into a partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency in a water project for the Pampanga River Basin.

The NWRB said in a statement that the project will involve the establishment of the Integrated Water Resources Management Information System that aims to improve water resources planning, management, and regulation in the river basin.

“With the improvement and expansion of the project covering the entire Pampanga River Basin, it is expected that we will be able to reap more benefits from this project, specifically, in terms of water allocation and distribution, irrigation and flood analysis,” NWRB Executive Director Sevillo D. David, Jr. said in the statement.

“Consequently, this also means more work from both our ends, but this is a very much welcome challenge in which the NWRB is up to,” he added.

According to the NWRB, the South Korean government will provide software, equipment, and materials for the water project.

Experts from South Korea will also be deployed to the Philippines to help in the implementation and train personnel.

“The scope of this foreign grant is spread (over) a four-year period from 2021 to 2025,” NWRB said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave  

PHL pandemic spending rated among world’s most transparent

PHILSTAR

THE PHILIPPINES was among four countries considered to have been the most transparent in pandemic spending last year, according to a survey conducted by the non-profit International Budget Partnership (IBP).

The Philippines, Australia, Norway and Peru were rated “adequate” in terms of spending accountability in IBP›s rapid assessment survey of 120 countries in the March-September 2020 period, covering spending items related to the pandemic.

“Comprehensive reporting, transparent procurement processes and expedited audits of crisis-related spending were promoted by the IMF (International Monetary Fund), GIFT (Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency), IBP and others as essential to achieving adequate fiscal accountability during the crisis and beyond,” the IBP said.

Meanwhile, 29 countries were rated to have achieved «some» level of accountability, 55 others were graded as having “limited” accountability and 32 had “minimal” accountability.

“The main finding from our research is that governments are falling short of managing their fiscal policy response to the crisis in a transparent and accountable manner. More than two-thirds of the governments we looked at, across many regions and income levels, have only provided limited or minimal levels of accountability in the introduction and implementation of their early fiscal policy responses,” it added.

The study used 26 new indicators to assess the transparency, public participation and oversight of fiscal packages rolled out by governments during last year›s crisis.

For the Philippines, the IBP assessed the first relief package, known as Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

It cited as a best practice the requirement that the government provide weekly reports of its actions to an oversight committee composed of legislators and other officials.

It also acknowledged the effort to continue with public consultations during the crisis.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) welcomed the survey›s findings in a statement Wednesday.

“This is an exemplification of the National Government’s continuous efforts towards upholding fiscal transparency and accountability, despite the unexpected, unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said.

“The DBM commits to remain a champion of open and participatory governance by delivering more concrete, felt and transformative results to the citizens especially during these challenging times,” it added. — Beatrice M. Laforga

Delay seen in Public Service Act amendments

PHILSTAR

PROPOSALS to amend the Public Service Act (PSA) could be delayed, though other priority legislative items like amendments to the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2020 could be approved sooner, a key legislator said.

On Wednesday, AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon S. Garin said legislators recently met with the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council on the three measures, all certified by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as urgent.

The House versions of the amendment bills have been approved on third reading while the Senate is still deliberating its own bills seeking to amend the Public Service Act and the Foreign Investments Act.

Ms. Garin said while discussions on the Foreign Investments bill at the Senate have been promising, the PSA amendments have fallen behind in the approval process.

“The Foreign Investments Act… is going along. It has a good chance na matatapos siya (to be finished) before the break. ‘Yung Public Services Act, medyo complicated ‘yun (that is a bit more complicated). I don’t know if they can finish but they are trying,” she said.

Ms. Garin said the Senate and the House of Representatives will begin the bicameral conference for the Retail Trade amendment bill soon. The Senate approved its bill earlier this month.

Congress will go on sine die adjournment on June 2.

Ms. Garin said that the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act, known informally as the Bayanihan III stimulus package, is not deemed a priority measure.

“Bayanihan III is not in their priority of the executive. It is a priority of the House and then eventually the Senate,” she said, adding that the three investment-liberalization bills are the top priority for the executive.

The House of Representatives has approved the Bayanihan III bill on second reading. — Gillian M. Cortez 

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