NGCP, ECCP sign deal to advance renewable energy development

 

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines president and CEO Anthony Almeda (4th from left) and European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines president Paulo Duarte shake hands after signing an agreement to formalize their commitment to mutually advocate the utilization of renewable energy resources in the Philippines. Joining them are (from left) ECCP committee co-chair for renewable energy Ruth Yu-Owen, NGCP AVP and head of public relations Cynthia Alabanza, ECCP executive director Florian Gottein, Pampanga Rep. Anna York-Bondoc and ECCP committee co-chair for renewable energy Jay Layug.

The Philippine Star 

April 19, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  In a landmark move toward fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy landscape of the country, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) have inked an agreement to formalize their commitment to mutually advocate the utilization of renewable energy resources in the Philippines to increase the country’s power supply and energy generation.

The signing ceremony, held at the NGCP’s office in San Juan, was attended by NGCP president and CEO Anthony Almeda. ECCP was represented by its president Paulo Duarte, executive director Florian Gottein, committee co-chairpersons for renewable energy and energy efficiency Jay Layug and Ruth Yu-Owen, manager for industry and government affairs Katt Baligod and advocacy officer Chin.

Layug, a former energy undersecretary, is a known advocate of renewable energy as he currently serves as president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent Inc. and director of the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute.

The collaboration is expected to help advance the development of renewable energy in the country with NGCP pledging to offer expertise, guidance, and support to facilitate the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. By harnessing the strengths of both organizations, NGCP and ECCP aim to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the Philippines.

“We are honored to partner with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in advancing the development of renewable energy in our country. This is a testament of our shared commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy landscape,” Almeda said.

In another forum, Duarte said the removal of the foreign ownership limits on renewable energy projects has drawn more interest from European investors in the country’s energy sector and has attracted foreign investors to capitalize on solar, wind and hydro systems in the country, foreseeing substantial contributions to the renewable energy sector.

“ECCP has been in the country for 46 years and the oldest European chamber outside Europe. This partnership will help the Philippines and NGCP visibility to our members for good reasons. We are very happy for this opportunity,” Duarte said.

Davao, Caraga infra damage tops P1B after floods, landslides

View from an aerial inspection in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro on February 7, 2024.

Philstar.com

February 19, 2024 | 1:38pm

Presidential Communications Office

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to infrastructure due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in Davao and Caraga regions has reached more than P1 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Monday. 

The floods and landslides impacted 216 facilities, bringing the cost of infrastructure damage to P1.19 billion.

An additional 1,762 houses were also reported damaged by the NDRRMC.

Agricultural damage in Davao and Caraga, meanwhile, was estimated at P558.25 million. Around 19,000 farmers and fishers in those two regions were affected. 

According to the disaster agency, over 1.56 million people from Mindanao were impacted by the floods and landslides. Of the figure, 210,740 were displaced from their homes.

NDRRMC reported that the death toll has risen to 98. It also said that 35 people were injured, while eight were missing.

However, a separate count by the provincial government of Davao de Oro showed that 98 dead bodies were recovered following a massive landslide in Brgy. Masara, a gold-mining village in Maco town. Eight individuals remained missing.

Last week, the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice called on the government to declare a state of climate emergency in Mindanao as floods, landslides and drought affect communities in the country’s south.

 

So long to Sky Cable

BLITZ REVIEW - Juaniyo Y. Arcellana - The Philippine Star 

February 15, 2024 | 12:00am

 

Let’s say when first moved in the apartment complex, read condominium, the cornered cable TV provider was the then fledgling Destiny, whose lineup was not as illustrious as the larger companies Sky and Home, but nevertheless had its fair share of rare almost novel channels to seemingly make up for the shortfall, such as Sports plus (The NBA all day, because you asked for it we’re giving it to you) and the Japanese import Wowow, with its unusual combination of fringe movies, stellar sports events and animé.

But even before that big move to Mandaluyong 23 years ago, Sky Cable was our first-ever cable TV in the old apartment digs in Malate, where upon subscribing and telling our landlady about it, she remarked, “Ang yaman niyo!” or you’re so rich, it was such a novelty at the time almost like the telephone which Eastern Telecom had provided us off Vito Cruz after more than a decade phoneless but with pager, so cute and almost like a luxury you could kiss it.

Didn’t disconnect from Sky though despite the move, and thought of bringing it to Boni but for Destiny, or was it destiny that had us transfer the line to Maginhawa St. UP Village, at the old folks ancestral home, where they could watch Turner movie classics, Marimar dancing by the beach, the “X-files” as well as assorted game shows, not to mention the gaggle of news programs including CNN, on which they watched the planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers in New York. 

Even the kids who were toddlers then had a great kick out of the cartoon cluster, such as Cartoon Network (which the youngest pronounced Neckwork), Animax, and regular programs of “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball,” the golden age of animé is always in the elementary years.

The NBA, with its much-coveted basketball programing, did musical chairs with the cable providers, until it came out with a dedicated channel of League Pass with separate subscription, with only token game offerings on long weekends to further whet the appetite of fanatics. It was on Sky though that we got our first glimpse of the English Premier League, where players were hyper like energizer bunnies a step or two quicker than those in other leagues.

Then, too, there were definitive finds on Sky, not least the channel Filmbox Arthouse where you could have your fill of European classics and avant-garde cinema, from the silent movies of Charlie Chaplin to horror pioneer “Nosferatu,” as well the cult classic “Metropolis” and Ozu’s trilogy that forever changed the face of filmmaking, “Late Spring,” “Early Summer” and “Tokyo Story,” all featuring an actress whose role as Noriko was muse of postwar Japan. Also practically the whole Tarkovsky catalogue.

Things were never the same when during the pandemic, congressmen without much gray matter decided not to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, parent company of Sky Cable, and gradually the company began to feel the crunch forcing to lay off thousands of workers as if times weren’t hard enough.

During lockdowns and limited forays into the outside world, cable TV was the link for real time news and information, so much that if it went on the blink for some technical reason and no hotline to call, it was ABS-CBN and Sky point man Kane Choa who received our frantic texts verging on panic, and The STAR columnist always delivered to have cable restored and make quarantine less miserable, less out of touch.

News is out that Sky Cable will sign off by month’s end, making it the second major broadcast carrier and communications conglomerate to write 30 in as many months, after CNN Philippines last January. PLDT’s purchase of the cable provider has finally been approved by the concerned agencies, so Sky pay TV will transition to Cignal while still retaining its broadband service.

While channels may be comparable at more or less the same price, there’s the issue of bundled offerings (Internet plus cable) or standalone satellite dish, the latter frowned upon by condominium administration as the palangganas might be eyesores sticking out of apartments in 2024, not to mention safety hazards during storms. Also, what if the unit already has another Internet provider, say Converge, can’t Cignal harness this using existing Sky Cable lines and not resort to the dish?

So many questions, too little time to say goodbye to BeinSports and Mezzo classical station, the Aquarium channel, though Teleradyo Serbisyo and ANC can still be accessed through broadband to augment One News and OnePh that come with the buy in. So long also to Kyla the bot, whose quick stock responses were filler before connecting to an actual customer rep, but there’s no goodbyes for bots, only wishes that transition from Sky to Cignal would be as seamless as that of Destiny to Sky many years ago. Or maybe Converge Vision TV has a better, more feasible alternative.

(Erratum from last number on Brocka national anarchist: It was William Lorenzo not Alan Paule who was with the director the night he died.)

5 signs that mean your aircon system needs immediate attention or upgrading

Philstar.com

Given its importance, air conditioners can develop problems over time. Some of these issues can be subtle, while others are unmistakable indicators that your AC needs immediate attention or even an upgrade.

MANILA, Philippines — Even during the chilly holiday season, it's not uncommon in the Philippines to experience unexpected bouts of heat, making our air conditioning systems just as essential as they are in the peak of summer.

Given its importance, air conditioners can develop problems over time. Some of these issues can be subtle, while others are unmistakable indicators that your AC needs immediate attention or even an upgrade.

How can you tell if your air conditioning system has been trying to get your attention, signaling that it's time for maintenance or an upgrade? Here are five signs to watch out for.

1. Strange noises

Unusual or loud sounds coming from your air conditioning system, like clanking, rattling, hissing or banging, are clear indicators of a problem. 

These noises can result from loose or damaged components, a failing compressor or debris inside the system. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant issues and should prompt immediate attention.

2. Excessive cooling time

If your AC takes longer than usual to cool your space or fails to achieve the desired temperature, it's a red flag. This issue could stem from a clogged air filter, refrigerant leaks or a worn-out compressor. 

What’s worse, such prolonged cooling times not only lead to discomfort but can also increase energy consumption and utility bills.

3. Inefficient cooling = higher bills

When your AC works harder to maintain your desired temperature, it not only compromises your comfort but also significantly increases your energy expenses. This can result from an undersized system, poor insulation or a failing compressor. 

So always make sure to check your monthly electricity bills and compare energy consumption as upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit can alleviate these problems and help you save on long-term operating costs.

4. Unpleasant odors

Foul or unusual odors emanating from your AC vents can signal that your system needs attention. 

Musty or moldy smells could indicate mold or mildew growth within the unit, while burning odors might suggest electrical issues.

Addressing these odors promptly is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and preventing further damage to your AC system and even to your health. 

5. Repairs cost as much as a new unit 

It’s not about “girl math,” it’s just about being smart and practical.

For budget-conscious individuals, it's common practice to assess whether a repair is more cost-effective than opting for a replacement. However, when you find yourself scheduling repair after repair for your AC system, and the repair bills start rivaling the price of a new unit, it's a clear signal that it's time to consider an upgrade. 

Older AC units tend to demand pricier components and labor for repairs, which can quickly add up. Evaluating the overall cost of repairs against the benefits of investing in a newer, more energy-efficient system is crucial.

What to consider when upgrading

When it comes to upgrading your air conditioning system, several crucial factors deserve careful consideration. 

In the Philippines where sweltering temperatures are a common challenge, finding a cooling solution that not only provides comfort but also addresses rising electricity bills and the expenses of maintenance and repairs is essential.

Here’s where the Carrier Aura Inverter, Carrier's most efficient split-type inverter air conditioner, enters the picture. This cutting-edge system is designed to offer the highest energy savings, making it a smart choice for Filipino families looking to enhance their home comfort while keeping their budget in check. 

Here are compelling reasons why Carrier Aura Inverter is all about efficiency and why it is the upgrade you need for your ultimate comfort. 

First, lowest wattage. The Carrier Aura Inverter boasts low wattage consumption at just 560W for a 1.0HP unit, unlike other any other type of split-type AC which usually ranges from 670W to 700W. This translates to substantial energy savings.

It is also energy efficient, with an energy consumption rate of only P1.13 per hour (based on testing), which assures you that it’s a cost-effective cooling solution that won't burden your budget.

Moreover, the Carrier Aura Inverter has a number of intelligent, user-centric features that even makes the device more efficient. 

For instance, it has a game-changing intelligent eye sensor that allows the device to conserve energy when no human presence is detected

Other intelligent features include the Breeze Away Technology that enhances your comfort by redirecting airflow intelligently; the Customizable Fan Speed that adjusts the fan speed from 1% to 100%; the "Follow Me" Convenience feature that enables the unit to reach the desired set temperature where the remote control is located; and a vertical and horizontal 4-Way Airflow Control for even distribution of cool air throughout the room.

Moreover, Carrier embraces being a dependable brand for your AC needs by offering exceptional after-sales service with experts accessible through hotline number 2277437 and online channels—ensuring that your AC upgrade is as worth it as possible.

This holiday season, make your home ready to host and ensure your AC is in top, most efficient condition. 

Elevate your home cooling experience with the Carrier Aura Inverter, your dependable inverter in beating the heat while safeguarding your savings and preserving invaluable family moments.

 

Pageant vloggers Tita Lavinia, Norman Tinio share top picks for Miss Universe 2023

 

Bernard Decloedt - Philstar.com

Manila, Philippines  — The heat is on in El Salvador. Exactly a week before the coronation night, pageant enthusiasts are pumped up to know who is going to be the 72nd Miss Universe.

In a Philstar.com exclusive, well-known pageant vloggers Norman Tinio and Tita Lavinia gave their early top picks leading up to the preliminaries this November 15 (November 16 in Manila). 

Philippine bet Michelle Marquez Dee, or MMD for short, kicked off her Miss Universe campaign with a "Hello, Universe" video that is now viral. She is now leading the "Voice of Change" portion of the competition. 

Norman Tinio is a permanent fixture in Philippine pageantry. He runs a widely followed pageant blog.  TIta Lavinia, meanwhile, is a popular pageant analyst and a certified cat lover. She also has a YouTube channel.  

Below are their top picks before the Preliminaries: 

Norman's list: 

1. Dominican Republic 

2. Nicaragua 

3. El Salvador  

4. Thailand  

5. Philippines 

6. India 

7. Ukraine 

8. Russia 

9. France 

10. South Africa

11. Bahrain 

12. USA 

13. Colombia 

14. Venezuela 

Tita Lavinia's list: 

1. Australia 

2. France 

3. India

4. Thailand 

5. Philippines 

6. Mexico 

7. Colombia 

8. Puerto Rico 

9.    Egypt

10. Russia 

11. Venezuela

12. Nicaragua

13. Dominican Republic

14. El Salvador

This list will definitely change come the preliminaries this coming Thursday (November 16).

Will our very own Michelle Dee clinch our fifth Miss Universe title? 

Stay tuned with the fearless forecast of beauty pageant experts coming soon after the preliminaries!

What you need to know about influence operations

Cristina Chi - Philstar.com

November 9, 2023 | 11:54am

False information spreads farther, faster, and more broadly than the truth. As observed across several election cycles and a pandemic, fabrications, inaccuracies and distortions muddy public discourse, sowing confusion in times when trustworthy information is scarce.

But the problem of disinformation is not limited to false claims produced by individual sources. In recent years, dubious actors have increasingly taken advantage of digital platforms to employ a range of tactics and organized campaigns to distribute not just false information, but also truthful but twisted narratives.   

These are commonly referred to as “influence operations,” which include the proliferation of disinformation and false narratives using covert influencers or public personalities, but they can also involve the spread of controversy around truths. 

What are influence operations? 

Philstar.com defines influence operations according to the criteria agreed upon by a shared network of media organizations dedicated to identifying, analyzing and investigating influence operations. 

Influence operations refer to orchestrated efforts involving the spread of information by various actors, whether they're connected to governments, private groups or foreign interests. These efforts are driven by financial, political, cultural, ideological, or policy interests and often aim to disrupt the flow of accurate information, targeting important aspects of democratic values, social well-being, safety and peace. 

It involves the use of disinformation, propaganda and other harmful content (such as harassment and attacks), delivered in different formats, in a manner that coerces or manipulates behavior and polarizes society. 

Some forms of information operations use inauthentic, deceptive and/or concealed procedures. It is implemented in a coordinated manner through traditional media, social media, and other digital mechanisms such as messaging applications and over-the-top (OTTs) media service, privately or publicly distributed.

It also includes techniques that disrupt the distribution of and undermine reliable information such as distributed denial of service attacks, hacking and other forms of technical interference.  

What are common indicators of an influence operation? 

We consider an information cascade a form of influence operation if it shows any of the following attributes, among others:

Do all influence operations contain false information? 

Not all influence operations use false or inaccurate narratives. There are influence operations that do not even make definitive claims about an issue. Some types of influence operations merely express opinion or commentary, but in a manner designed to sow confusion among the public, attack a personality or institution, or corrupt public discourse. 

Are influence operations the same as trolls?

Trolls typically engage in online behavior aimed at provoking, harassing or misleading others — the same techniques commonly deployed in information cascades.

Accounts that exhibit troll-like behavior may sometimes be considered a part of influence operations, but influence operations encompass broader and more organized efforts, involving various actors with specific motives to disrupt information ecosystems and institutions, often with far-reaching objectives beyond what trolls typically aim for.

'Pakak': Maris Racal sizzles in another birthday shoot

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

Singer-actress Maris Racal does a sultry shoot for her 26th birthday.

Maris Racal, Gee Plamenco Jr. via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Actress-singer Maris Racal celebrated her 26th birthday by having another sultry photoshoot.

Maris shared several pictures from a shoot she did with photographer Gee Plamenco Jr. on her Instagram last September 22, her birthday. 

Aiding in her looks were makeup artist Jay Salcedo and hairstylist Aries Manal, with styling by Adrianne Concepcion and Via Abbra.

In one set of photos, Maris wore a black tube top over denim jeans and a denim top over black leather pants. 

Another set shows the "Pinoy Big Brother" alum in a brown-gray tube top over brown leather pants, her hands raised as two hidden individuals embrace her from behind.

"Thank you guys for making me feel PAKAK on my birthday," Maris wrote in one post's caption, also sharing her astrology sign — Virgo sun, Gemini moon, Scorpio rising (even saying in the other post her birthday was a "Virgo season ender").

Her fellow celebrities greeted her in the comments section, including Aga Muhlach, Chie Filomeno, Agot Isidro, KaladKaren, Marina Summers, Esnyr Ranollo, Vance Larena and director Dan Villegas.

Not to be outdone was Maris' boyfriend and fellow artist, Rico Blanco, who posted on his own Instagram account a series of photos, including the couple's recent trip to Italy.

"More adventures, more dates, more memories with you. Happy birthday, my sunshine, my star," Rico wrote in the caption.

Maris quipped in the comments that Rico even included one photo where they appeared to be fighting, though the singer clarified, "'Di tayo away nyan, love, muntik lang tayo maiwan ng train."

The birthday girl still expressed her gratitude in another comment by saying, "I love you so much bums."

Maris had a similar sexy birthday photoshoot last year when she wore clothes from Calvin Klein, and the year before when she wore different garments while being splashed with water.

'Filipinos love music': 'Hamilton' international cast on how musical still attracts audiences

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

The international cast of "Hamilton" (from left): Darnell Abraham, Jason Arrow, Rachelle Ann Go, Akina Edmonds, and DeAundre' Woods

MANILA, Philippines — The Tony- and Olivier-winning sensation "Hamilton" has finally reached the Philippines where it hopes to find an even bigger audience.

The sung-and-rapped musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda is based on the titular character Alexander Hamilton's life particularly surrounding America's revolution against the British, which Miranda coined as "America then, as told by America now."

The rap nature of "Hamiilton" was a prominent factor to the musical's immense popularity, which led to a record 16 Tony nominations joint-most wins at 11 including Best Musical.

At a press conference held at The Theatre at Solaire yesterday, where "Hamilton" will run until November 26, Philstar.com asked how the musical's hip-hop and rap features will entice more Filipinos to see the show especially as both genres are rising in the local music scene.

"The fact that hip-hop and rap are growing is already a beautiful insight to how it will continue inspiring people to come along and watch," said Akina Edmonds, who portrays Angelica Schuyler.

Akina also points out that "Hamilton" covers multiple genres with contemporary and musical theater also in the mix.

"What I love about 'Hamilton' is that it's show for people who love theater and also for those who hate theater," continued Akina which ellicited laughter from the crowd. "[Spouses] bring their partners and they leave more inspired than those who dragged them along."

The actress finds the word "universal" the perfect adjective for "Hamilton" as it encapsulates so much of the human spirit, "The show itself is the star. Because its multi-genre and multi-faceted, it only has the potential to inspire more."

Jason Arrow, who portrays the titular character, reiterated something that his co-star Darnell Abraham (George Washington) mentioned about Filipinos' love for music, something that "Hamilton" is filled excellently with.

The actor also took into consideration the voices singing the numbers, and gestures to another co-star Rachelle Ann Go who is reprising Elizabeth Schuyler from London's West End.

"I get to be sung to every night by Rachelle," said Jason with a smile, leading to Rachelle belting an impromptu run much to the crowd's amusement. "Sometimes the ones I get are when the mics are off, I wish you could hear it."

Setting genre aside, Jason ended by saying the music of "Hamilton" itself speaks to everyone.

Philstar.com also asked if the international cast would be getting their own cast recording like previous "Hamilton" ensembles have in the past.

The cast all looked in laughter to the Manila run's producers hoping for a chance to do a recording, with Akina joking they could just make samples on Soundcloud or YouTube.

In the international cast of "Hamilton" with Rachelle, Jason, Akina, and Darnell are DeAundre’ Woods as Aaron Burr, Brent Hill as King George, David Park as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Shaka Bagadu Cook as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, Jacob Guzman as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton, Elandrah Eramiha as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds.

LTO to extend driver’s licenses by one year

 

Romina Cabrera - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to extend the validity of driver’s licenses up to June 2024 as its plastic card supply deal faces a bump on the road.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said yesterday that the agency is set to release a memorandum granting an automatic one-year extension for driver’s licenses that expired in June 2023 “in anticipation of the worst-case scenario.”

The extension will be valid for one year or until lifted by the LTO once the license card situation normalizes.

The LTO is facing a legal battle over its P240-million plastic card contract after a losing bidder questioned the deal before a Quezon City court.

A Quezon City regional trial court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the contract, wherein winning bidder Banner Plasticard Inc. was supposed to deliver a total of 5.2 million cards by Feb. 21 next year.

“Our supplier cannot move because of the TRO,” Mendoza said.

The TRO will expire today if the court does not issue a preliminary injunction against the deal, after which the supplier could deliver the plastic cards, he noted.

Mendoza said that that the LTO will inform law enforcers, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, of the extension order once it is issued.

Meanwhile, the LTO also vowed to review the enforcement of temporary operators’ permit or TOP.

He said he noted that policies regarding the TOP, which should be valid for 72 hours from apprehension, should be harmonized with Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which provides for the revised schedule of fines and penalties.

From feeding programs to tree planting, Sara says confidential funds used across the board

Cristina Chi - Philstar.com

September 4, 2023 | 1:01pm

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte bared on Monday that nearly all major social welfare and public assistance programs under her office use confidential funds.

During the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget briefing in the Senate, a more forthcoming Duterte reiterated that the confidential funds received by the OVP are used mainly for the “safe, secure and successful implementation of the projects, programs and activities” of her office, which she also enumerated.

Duterte was responding to a question by Sen. Risa Hontiveros who asked whether all the OVP projects and programs Duterte enumerated during the briefing — as well as her functions as vice president and two other roles in government — were funded by confidential expenditures. 

The vice president answered in the affirmative.

Duterte’s programs 

Duterte enumerated the following programs of the OVP which she confirmed were covered or supported by confidential expenses. Some of these, such as the Libreng Sakay and tree-planting programs, are the OVP’s flagship public assistance projects that were launched early into Duterte’s term in 2022.

“In addition to that I discharge the functions and duties of the Secretary of (the Department of Education). And in addition to that, I was tasked by the president to co-chair (the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict),” Duterte said.

“And in addition to that I also took on the role of the (president) of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization,” the vice president added.

“And all of these activities use confidential funds,” Duterte said.

Duterte’s response to Hontiveros is the first time the vice president has revealed — at least in broad terms — how the OVP has used its confidential funds since it first acquired the controversial lump sum in 2022. 

Hontiverous, however, pointed out that Duterte's other roles in DepEd and the NTF-ELCAC already have their own allocation of confidential expenses. 

Hontiveros also said that under the guidelines for confidential expenses, these can only be used for a "limited range of purposes," specifically those that are related to surveillance activities.

A 2015 joint circular covering the use of confidential and intelligence funds limits the use of confidential expenses to activities related to surveillance and information-gathering.

“So in broad terms, which activities enumerated in the joint circular are used (by the OVP) with confidential expenses?” Hontiveros asked in a mix of English and Filipino.

Duterte replied: “It varies. Not all activities are the same for each day and each month. The liquidation report of the confidential funds includes the enumeration of the use of the OVP.”

Duterte added that the OVP submits a liquidation of the confidential funds and “a list of activities” it was used for to the offices of the Senate President, the House Speaker and other concerned offices.

The senate finance panel on Monday approved the P2.385-billion proposed budget of the OVP after only Hontiveros and Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel questioned Duterte about the controversial funds. 

Sen. Bong Revilla ended the budget deliberations early out of "respect and courtesy" to Duterte. 

Makabayan bloc lawmakers last week criticized Duterte for refusing to field questions about the OVP’s confidential expenses after the House ended the agency’s budget briefing in just 15 minutes out of “parliamentary courtesy.” 

Before this, Duterte had blasted Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) for accusing her of illegally acquiring confidential funds through budget adjustments in 2022.

Scammer caught using confidential funds 

Duterte also said that the surveillance activities funded by the OVP's confidential expenses had led to the arrest of a scammer posing as an OVP representative to “sell” livelihood projects in Bulacan.

“As an example, we did a surveillance of complaints from constituents in Bulacan with regard to the selling of OVP assistance and selling of TUPAD projects in Bulacan. There was a surveillance operation that was run by the (Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group) for about a month,” Duterte said.

Duterte said they were able to apprehend the scammer and “successfully prosecute the case.”

“And that person went to jail for six months. That's an example of the surveillance activities conducted by the VPSPG for the projects and activities of the OVP,” Duterte said.

Hontiveros asked Duterte whether the OVP coordinated with the government’s main intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Philippine National Police to gather intelligence.

Duterte said: “No. Intelligence starts with the communities and stakeholders. If there are complaints, then it is built up from intelligence and surveillance.”

The vice president also said there is no “reduplication” of efforts to gather intelligence as different agencies have different mandates.

Duterte also maintained that the confidential funds her office has requested each year since 2022 is something that her office “can live without.”

“The OVP can only propose the use of confidential funds based on joint circular 2015-01. But we leave it to the discretion (of Congress) who has the power of the purse to decide whether to grant confidential funds to our office. We can only propose. But we are not insisting,” Duterte said.

“We can live without confidential funds. But of course, our work will be much easier if we have the flexibility of confidential funds to monitor the safe, secure and successful implementation of the programs, projects and activities of the OVP,” she added.

In total, Duterte stands to get P650 million in confidential and intelligence funds in the proposed 2024 budget. At least P500 million will go to the OVP and P150 million will go to DepEd (P150 million), according to the 2024 National Expenditure Program.

NAIA records highest international passenger volume

Passengers at the check-in area in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) wait for an announcement after the cancellation of some flights in the NAIA terminal 3 due to technical issues at the air navigation facilities of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on January 1, 2023.

STAR / Edd Gumban

Rudy Santos - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — The country posted last April its biggest number of international and domestic air travelers since the 2020 pandemic lockdown, with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) alone reporting 1,677,779 international passengers and 9,089 international flights.

In a statement, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which manages the NAIA, said the figures were more than double the 663,824 international passengers and 4,494 international flights handled by the country’s premier airport in the same month last year.

“Summer is indeed a popular time for vacation and international travel, not only for Filipinos taking advantage of airlines’ promotional fares or using travel funds for flights they couldn’t use due to the pandemic, but also for our international visitors wanting to see the Philippines,” MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said.

“After more than two years of closed borders, we expect the momentum of recovery to continue for tourism and the aviation industry,” Co added, noting that NAIA welcomed 1,178,461 passengers overall in the first 10 days of April as travelers took advantage of the long Holy Week break.

Combined with figures for domestic flights, NAIA registered a total of 3,666,503 passengers and 22,816 flights in April this year.

This represents a 50 percent rise from the 2,447,795 passengers in April 2022 and 86 percent of the 4,261,352 passengers in April 2019, the last full year before the pandemic.

Flight movement last month also increased by 28 percent from the 17,774 flights in the same month last year. The figure is equivalent to 98 percent of the 23,327 flights in April 2019.

MIAA also recorded an average of 75.20 percent flight on-time performance (OTP) last April, an improvement from the OTP rating of 71.24 percent in the same month last year.

Earlier, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that 1,715,757 foreign tourists arrived in the Philippines from January to April 22 this year, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Air travel is seen to further increase despite the reported uptick in COVID-19 positivity rate, especially in Metro Manila.

Of the foreign travelers who arrived during the period, more than 320,000 came from the United States, the DOT said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco revealed the data during the recent launch of the agency’s “Bisita Be My Guest” or BBM-G program, a referral and incentive program, at the Philippine Travel Fair in Los Angeles, California.

The program aims to bring in more foreigners by tapping Filipinos, especially those based abroad, who have foreign spouses or friends.

Those who bring in foreign visitors can win condominium units, airplane tickets and holiday packages in select destinations.

The DOT, along with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Tourism Promotions Board, brought the BBM-G program to the US “to give opportunities to fellow Filipinos to become ambassadors for the Philippines,” Frasco said.

Meanwhile, Frasco also said they hope Filipino-American beauty queen R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022, will boost the country’s tourism campaign by visiting the country’s popular tourist destinations.

Frasco met with Gabriel and Khun Anne Jakrajutatip, owner of the Miss Universe franchise, during a dinner hosted by Tatler Philippines editor-in-chief Anton San Diego at the Manila House Private Club in Taguig last Thursday, the agency said in a statement last Thursday.

“Sec. Frasco also discussed with (Gabriel) and (Jakrajutatip) a tourism initiative for (Gabriel) to visit the different islands of the Philippines to encourage tourists to visit the country,” the DOT wrote.

She also thanked Gabriel, whose father hails from Malate, Manila, for “always carrying with you the heart of being a Filipina, making the country proud.”

Aside from Gabriel and Jakrajutatip, Frasco also met with celebrities such as cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo and husband Hayden Kho, events host Tim Yap and Miss Universe 1973 and Cultural Center of the Philippines chair Margie Moran-Floirendo.

Gabriel is in the country to witness the crowning of the Philippines’ representative to the Miss Universe 2023 beauty pageant.

The MUFG Bank Ltd. of Japan earlier said tourism receipts in the Philippines could double this year, as the sector benefits from the return of Chinese tourists.

Jeff Ng, senior currency analyst at MUFG, said in its ASEAN tourism outlook titled “The Return of Chinese Tourists in 2023,” that travel receipts in the Philippines could hit anywhere from $6 billion to $8 billion this year.

The country’s gross travel receipts hit $1.26 billion in the third quarter of last year, 52 percent of the third quarter 2019 levels.

“Given current trends, we anticipate broader upsides in 2023. Gross travel receipts may hit $6 billion to $8 billion in 2023, higher than an expected $4 billion in 2022 and catching up to $9.8 billion in 2019,” Ng said.

Bianca Lapus tries her hand at publishing

 

Bianca with actor-turned-politician, Oriental Mindoro Vice Gov. Ejay Falcon, and Lyn Macanas, CEO and president of Chrizmarie Builders and Construction Supply, who is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Top Shelf Magazine.

Photo from magazine's official Facebook page

Leah C. Salterio - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — “Strong women should really lift up each other.”

That statement was what Bianca Lapuz emphasized in the recent launch of the second issue of Top Shelf Magazine, with businesswoman Lyn Macanas on the cover.

“I also went through a lot as a woman,” Bianca admitted. “I went through a lot of ups and downs and I also became a single mother. That’s why I can relate to the story of Lyn Macanas. I am very inspired with her story.”

Bianca is one of the owners and the marketing director of Velvet Media, which publishes Top Shelf Magazine. Engineer JJ Maghirang is the president and Jhovs Medico is the editor-in-chief. The magazine was launched in October last year, with singer Gigi de Lana on the cover of the maiden issue.

“Velvet Media ventured into publishing because we started in photos and video coverage, weddings, events,” Bianca said. “We evolved and last year, we went into publishing.”

Doing corporate work is something new for Bianca, who originally came from showbiz. She previously acted on TV and the movies.

Then, she got married to Vhong Navarro and they have a son, Isaiah, now 23.

Bianca and Vhong were together for only three years. “But we’re friends until now,” she said. “Even with what Vhong went through lately, I was with him. Wala kaming iwanan.”

She has no plans to resume her showbiz career as she is now enjoying her corporate life. She is a hands-on mom and a breastfeeding advocate.

Last month, though, she welcomed a guesting stint on GMA 7’s weekly sitcom, Pepito Manaloto. Her last acting stint was in Maalaala Mo Kaya on ABS-CBN.

Bianca represents Team Velvet. “Our team is an experienced production and now a publishing company dedicated to creating content that connects brands with their audiences,” she informed.

“Velvet Media provides creative solutions and we pride ourselves in having long-term trusted clients. That’s truly our trademark. We have a lot of plans and inspiring stories that we will feature in the coming months.”

Bianca Lapus has no plans to resume her showbiz career as she is now enjoying the corporate life. She is also a hands-on mom and breastfeeding advocate.

Instagram photo

Top Shelf Magazine is a business and lifestyle reading material that recently released its second issue unveiling Lyn Macanas, CEO and president of Chrizmarie Builders and Construction Supply, on its cover.

The story of businesswoman and single mother is nothing short of a testament of the determination to succeed. In the construction company dominated primarily by male leaders, Lyn has taken up space as her firm paves the way to be one of the leading construction companies in the country.

Other profile features in the second edition are Supermodel Worldwide 2022 Alexandra Rosales, Department of Tourism Legal Affairs and Special Concern Undersecretary lawyer Elaine Bathan, Miss Supermodel Worldwide Philippines grand winner Shyrla Santos Nuñez.

Event pages include the first Supermodel Philippines franchised by Velvet Media and led by national director of the Philippines, Mae Evelyn Maghirang.

“Our purpose is to inspire many people,” Bianca said. “There are so many inspiring stories in our second issue, like our cover, Madam Lyn. I hope a lot of people can read her article.”

The digital copy can be accessed worldwide through www.magzter.com.

Bianca also writes a column in the quarterly Top Shelf Magazine. “Our next cover is director, writer, actress and entrepreneur Bela Padilla. I am also convincing Vhong to be on the cover.”

Velvet Media also acquired the franchise of Supermodel Philippines. “We are starting to produce shows, pageants, concerts,” Bianca shared. “We are still thinking of coming out with another magazine.”

Celeste Cortesi on first acting job, life after Miss Universe

Nathalie M. Tomada - The Philippine Star 

Celeste Cortesi shared that she would love to explore the world of showbiz after her first acting experience in Mars Ravelo’s Darna. The surprise appearance in the series finale last Feb. 10 was quick to trend on social media.

The Miss Universe Philippines played the role of Kevnar, the Queen of Marte, who showed up before the titular character Darna (played by Jane de Leon) to thank her for keeping the planet safe and protected.

“It was a surprise for my fans and I’m happy I did it,” Celeste told The Philippine STAR and a few other members of the press in a chance interview on Monday.

“It was such a good opportunity because Darna is one of the most iconic characters in the Philippines, and it was my national costume in the Miss Universe. The script was in Tagalog and not even an English word. But I managed. I had like three days to really study. It was a very fun experience. It was very challenging actually. It was my first time to do, like, a whole script in Tagalog and a script in general as I’ve never really done acting,” she said.

“It was just a few days before (that JRB Creative Production offered the role) and I was also very surprised but I really took the challenge. It was my first acting experience. It was my first experience acting in Tagalog. I’m really grateful. I just did my best as I always do. I hope more doors will open.”

She was also grateful for the chance “to work with very professional and talented people.”

Celeste in costume for her role as Kevnar, the Queen of Marte who appears in the series finale of Mars Ravelo’s Darna.

“That’s the most important thing for me. The fact that I have so much to learn and so much to explore and I’m really looking forward to what’s going to happen after Miss Universe.”

Joining showbiz fully could be the next step for the Fil-Italian beauty and she’d welcome it. “I would love to. Honestly, now, I’m really exploring. I’m looking forward to my next step. I’m learning to speak Tagalog so I’m very focused on that. I have time to learn,” she shared.

“I’m really just excited about what’s to come. I want to grow, I want to really step out of my comfort zone, which is what I’ve been doing for a very long time. I am excited to try new things. There’s always an opportunity. When a door closes, there’s another one wide open.”

By “door closed,” Celeste meant her failed bid at the 71st Miss Universe held last month in New Orleans. The international pageant was won by Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel, who happens to be Filipino-American.

“Of course, everybody is very heartbroken about what happened in Miss Universe, and me as well. But I’m very grateful because I had a chance to represent the Philippines. And I worked very, very hard. I felt the love, I felt the support. At the end of the day, I’m just very grateful,” Celeste said.

While she didn’t get the chance to bond enough with R’Bonney during the competition, Celeste said she’s very happy for her. “I remember we took a photo together, I remember we danced together during a dinner. She’s really nice and I think that she’s been working very, very hard for the crown. I always said it is destiny, it’s her destiny. I’m happy for her and I think she’s gonna do great things as Miss Universe.”

The STAR got to interview Celeste on the sidelines of the launch of Stanible app, which works as a one-stop shop for unique digital collectibles from celebrity creators. She said, “I can learn a lot of things about NFT. I’m here with my boyfriend. I’m here also to have a new experience.”

On a highlight of her life that can be shared on the Stanible app, she said, “To be honest, to be able to win the crown of Miss Universe Philippines was the best moment. It was a really good comeback for me. And I really felt the love of Filipino people. I’m just grateful.” Prior to Miss Universe Philippines, she was Miss Earth Philippines in 2018.

When asked about what she did shortly after Miss Universe, she shared, “I had two weeks like I was eating everything hahaha. So good. Just two days ago, I started working out again since I wanted to continue my career. I wanna stay fit, I wanna stay healthy. But it’s good sometimes to let go after a lot of months of dieting and sacrifices. You need a break and you really need to also consider your mental health somehow. Now, I’m back, I wanna focus on new goals, so that’s it.”

The search for Celeste’s successor is already ongoing with applications being currently accepted until Feb. 17.

Told by a reporter that aspiring contestants last Feb. 13 included a mother, she said, “I think that Miss Universe has entered a new era, very inclusive of every single woman. And I think a woman, especially a mother, can be whatever she wants to be, she can have a family, she can have a career, she can also be Miss Universe,” she said.

The Fil-Italian beauty queen channels the iconic character Darna in her national costume at the 71st Miss Universe held in January in New Orleans, US.

“I wanna really meet the candidates. I want to give advice and you know, it’s the time for a new queen to be crowned and represent the Philippines so I’m really, really excited for them.

“My advice would be to really enjoy the experience, to work very hard, to not forget where you came from, to always be humble in every situation and to enjoy. Because sometimes, we have so much pressure, opinions from so many people. But as long as you remain yourself, as long as you respect yourself first, everything would be OK. And I always say the same thing: Miss Universe is destiny. Whatever is gonna happen, I’ll be very, very happy to see who’s gonna be the next Miss Universe Philippines.”

Franki Russell denies romantic links with Sandro Marcos

 

Natalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

Fil-Kiwi model-turned-actress Franki Russell readily admits that dating is one of the hardest things to do while she actively pursues a career in showbiz.

MANILA, Philippines — It might be hard to believe with someone as gorgeous as Franki Russell, but she does find dating as one of the hardest things to do while she pursues a showbiz career.

“I think dating is probably the hardest thing because where are you supposed to meet people, di ba? Like apart from work or, you know… Dating alone in this day and age, I feel like it’s hard. But then, it’s like a double whammy like in showbiz, too,” the Fil-Kiwi model-turned-actress recently told The STAR in an interview.

That’s why she’s clueless as to why she’s been romantically linked to Presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

“I keep being asked about this. I want to know also where this came from,” said Franki.

She answered yes when asked if she knew him personally or had met him in the past.

When asked, on the other hand, if she was dating anyone at the moment, she said, “I’m single.”

“I don’t know. I feel like I don’t like talking about boys because I would never want to be known as someone’s ex-girlfriend or someone’s rumored girlfriend. You have titles and headlines, oh this is… and that’s all you ever know of them as… So, I prefer I just want to be Franki Russell. And that’s it,” she also said.

Nevertheless, The STAR asked Franki’s type of guy and she offered, “Someone very traditional like a family person, (someone) close to their family and hard-working.”

In terms of looks, even when she was still based abroad, she was never into blond, blue-eyed guys.

Interestingly, Franki’s next project is playing Claudia Bermudez, the former girlfriend of Pres. Bongbong Marcos (to be played by Diego Loyzaga) in Martyr or Murderer, the sequel to Darryl Yap’s controversial film Maid in Malacañang. The Viva film is set in 1983.

“That’s the first time I experienced this (playing an actual person). So I’ve kind of felt like wow, imagine if she watches it one day. I would hope to do it justice. But I mean, I think it’s cool to be part of it,” she said.

Of working with Diego, whom she was also romantically linked with before, she added, “It was cool to be reunited with him in a work setting and his dad (Cesar Montano). It felt comfortable, I’ve known Diego for a while now.”

Under Viva, Franki has done at least three lead roles (the latest was Tag-Init directed by Jose Javier Reyes). She said she’s lucky to be working as an actress and even described her ending up in Philippine showbiz as fate.

“When I was kid… like in New Zealand, there’s no sort of showbiz so I didn’t really think it was an option. I don’t know but it was kind of like a far-fetched dream. So after Pinoy Big Brother, I kind of fell into it. I felt like it was really tadhana. I didn’t expect it but it just started happening. I was like wow, this is what I wanted,” she shared.

“Everytime I’m on set or I’m in a lock-in taping, that’s where I really feel like… I’m so lucky to be doing this job. I think it can be hard because there’s no routine. There are so many weeks that can go by in between when you’re not working or you’re doing different things. So the lack of routine — that would be like the thing I need to learn more,” she added.

Franki moved to the Philippines in 2019 and was initially just here for commercial modeling. She thought she’d stay in the country for only three months. Then PBB happened.

“All of a sudden, my manager was like, someone pulled out of PBB, do you want to go auditions? I’m like, okay, so I just went literally the next day. I was walking into live TV sa Bahay ni Kuya. It was really just luck. Then, after that, I just fell into everything else.”

Right now, Franki said she’s game for everything although “I think I want to be more choosy with which projects to accept for sure. We can’t say yes to everything. But yeah, I feel lucky. Viva put so much content out there that there are a lot of good roles.”

Among her immediate goals is to be seen in cinema as her past films were all carried on the streaming platform Vivamax. “I feel like since Martyr or Murderer, (I was thinking) wow people can go and watch that at the cinema. It’s different when it’s on the big screen… I feel like if it’s in the cinema, I think it can’t be as sexy as Vivamax.”

Her long-term goals, on the other hand, include longevity in the entertainment industry.

Franki said, “I think, for me, it would be longevity. I think it can be definitely hard to… like I think people can get over people quickly. Or, you know, I think I would love to just be able to stay, living and working as an actress here in Manila. Longevity would be the goal, I guess.

“And be happy and have a family one day, yeah. I just want to be true to myself and yeah, not pretendto be someone else.”

Return to office

Coverage by Jeline Malasig, Philippine Star

If you asked the Trade chief, he would not recommend employees to continue working from home under the loose pandemic restrictions, citing the need to stimulate the economy.

When more people return to their offices, they "will stimulate spending because there are more opportunities to spend going to work and going home," Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Old normal: While the message on the need to recover economically from the pandemic, there was no mention of the billions of pesos in lost productivity on a daily basis due to road congestion and poor public transportation.

Filipino workers who have seen the benefits of remote work in the past two years expressed worry about commuting costs and hassles, long hours spent in traffic jams and poor workplace ventilation.

 

Public transportation is now allowed to accommodate up to 100% of its capacity, but vehicles and train units' conditions have had to force operators to regularly cram passengers and exceed capacity allotment.

 

Many are supportive of "hybrid" work arrangements. "There are jobs that really need to be done in the workplace, but it’s time for our country to evolve for different setups in working," an employee said.

Source of funds

Source of funds

Coverage by Xave Gregorio and Bella Perez Rubio, Philippine Star

The government has "immensely" run out of disaster response funds—or at least that was President Duterte's version of the story. Officials dismissed the claim, pointing to several sources of financing to aid typhoon-battered regions.

A P2-billion calamity fund with NDRRMC. “We still have P1 billion, and then another billion given or allocated to local government units," an Office of the Civil Defense official said.

Duterte's contingent fund of P2 billion, according to the acting budget chief.

Rep. Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna party-list)'s own estimate, on the other hand, suggests there is still more than P4 billion to tap for both the president's contingent and the NDRRMC's funds.

P1.44 trillion in unused funds from stalled and idle infrastructure projects, which the Commission on Audit flagged. Sen. Franklin Drilon suggests government can dip into this massive pool through realignment.

"Our social and health services took a backseat precisely to fund these infrastructure projects that the COA found delayed and idle... [T]he government must examine its prioritization, once and for all," Drilon said.

5Star Story from Philippine Star

 

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Interaksyon Singles Day Coverage by Catalina Ricci S. Madarang Almost everyone now knows the much-awaited 11/11, the largest online shopping event in Asia and the counterpart of the massive annual Black Friday sale in the U.S. Leading e-commerce platform Shopee released early data showing 11 million items sold in the first five minutes of November 11. Zoom out: While online shopping is getting a larger share of shopping malls' original foot traffic, it relies on footprints more heavily than malls. These online footprints are large data sets on customers' browsing behavior and preferences shared across platforms.   Facebook, for one, is able to push the targeted ads for users to buy on Lazada, for example, even when our accounts are not linked.

PhilStar Story - you should not miss

 

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CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT COP26 and the Philippines Coverage by Gaea Katreena Cabico The two weeks in Glasgow, Scotland can set the direction for the world—and Earth—in the decades to come. Our reporter, Gaea, is there for the climate summit that gathers political and industry leaders, scientists and experts as well as activists from all over. (Follow her LIVE coverage here.) Why it matters: The Philippines is no foreigner to powerful cyclones and destructive floods, but climate change can worsen possibilities. It is fourth on the list of countries most impacted by climate change. Filipinos are thus likely to bear the brunt of unsustainable practices and environmental abuse of wealthier nations. This makes concessions made at the highest levels of leadership a "matter of life and death," especially for poorer Filipinos. You may also read: Stories of victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda that ravaged the country exactly eight years ago.

Lost in Translation

AS A MATTER OF FACT 

By Sara Soliven De Guzman 

(The Philippine Star) | Updated January 22, 2018 - 12:00am

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William Shakespeare once wrote, “The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream.” We have been dreaming for a better Philippines. Is this being too ambitious?

For decades now we have longed for change. We want it so badly, we are ready to go through a thin livewire, perhaps get electrocuted along the way and burned beyond recognition. Of course, there is always hope even after a very painful surgical procedure and horrifying experience.

This is what’s happening to our country. We have too many ambitious politicians, legislators alike who think they know everything, who think they can solve our problems but in reality are only saving their own.

Are we just ‘dreamers’? Or are we shapers? Are we capable of creating change? Or are we insane? I guess, due to desperation we can be all. Will our bahala na (come what may) mentality rule over us?

President Duterte’s determination to change the present form of government to Federalism definitely comes out from his own 22-year experience as a mayor and a public servant in Mindanao. His frustration may be that of many local and national officials around the country because the central command center has always been in Metro Manila. Not only is it too far to reach, it may also be too partisan, too preferential or too bias.

The shinning seas in this archipelagic nation may be a deterrent in communication, production and distribution owing it to the poor and slow development of the maritime industry not to mention the problematic land and air traffic. But more than these hindrances, the problem lies in the degree of unity we have as a people. The Filipinos have not accepted many things about our national identity – the name of the country, the national language, our national heroes, etc. etc. We tend to be more loyal to our sub-cultures within the nation.

Opinion ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

We are still a nation in search of our identity as we keep to our ancestral domains, our regions and our provinces, believing that each islet can stand independently. We all want to be the rajahs and the datus; the kapitans and the gobernadorcillos; the leading chieftains in our individual kingdoms. Haven’t you noticed how each province is almost owned by a long reigning political dynasty?

The idea of Federalism for the Philippines to the ambitious politicians is like a carrot stick just waiting for the rabbits to hop toward it. And boy! Are there many rabbits out there! This could be the opportunity of their lifetime. Why should they miss this chance?

The legislators debating over the issue last week seemed to believe they are experts in the field of Federalism. Don’t be fooled by them. How can they be authorities in this subject matter? They must admit their lack of expertise and start talking to the real McCoys out there.

First, we must identify our needs in relation to the elements involved for such a change. So far, no one has presented such information. Second, we have to evaluate the professional consultants needed to research and compile a study. They cannot be merely volunteers. They must not only be academically knowledgeable but also experienced in applied federal government specializing in organization and framework structures. If they are not available in the country, then we seek the help of other Federal countries like France, Germany, Australia, Denmark and others.

When it comes to productive government change, I am sure these countries are more than willing to help and assist for the betterment of our nation. We can also talk to Filipinos who have experienced living and working in a country with a federal system. Just imagine an ex-Chief of Justice stating that Federalism will make the poor poorer. This is nonsense. Does he know what he is talking about? And we blindly and foolishly believe him. These are the type of so-called experts we have here. Sanamagan!

We need to be more professional, we need to elevate our way of thinking, we need to evolve. Each member of Congress must responsibly plan and implement the wishes of the people and their constituents. This is not a matter of ambition but must be a genuine contribution to what is best for the people of the Philippines.

Over the past one hundred years of our constitutional history, we have released multiple versions of the Constitution. From the pre-Spanish laws, the Spanish and American versions, the Marcos dictatorial regime to President Corazon Aquino’s democracy. To date, we haven’t quite gotten the right formula for running a country. Susmariosep!

We lack the ability to progressively develop and maintain our Constitution as a proactive government mechanism. This includes the full organization administrative framework of government and the needed legislation in managing and maintaining government administration, the judiciary both criminal and civil legislation and the proper organization of the different branches of government. We cannot perform as a government beyond the legal implications of any desired changes to better government practices.

The Constitution of the Philippines states that, the local governments “shall enjoy local autonomy”, and in which the Philippine president exercises “general supervision”. Congress enacted the Local Government Code of the Philippines in 1991 to “provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and referendum, allocate among the different local government units their powers, responsibilities, and resources, and provide for the qualifications, election, appointment and removal, term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of local officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and operation of local units.”

Empowering the local government in this way without visualizing the conniving nature of our Filipino culture and where politicians target long term power and control resulted in corruption, creation of family dynasties and an ineffective and inefficient government service. The practicality of the Local Government Code is suited to a Federal Regional State Government governance operation but not for each local government. It is ideal as the initial basis to be developed under a Federal form of government. It is meant as the basis in guiding satellite cities and municipalities to a uniform way of administrative governance. If applied correctly, the Regional State office needs the management portion of the local municipal office regarding the resources made available by the national government, like Health, Education, Election Coordination and inspectors, Energy Management, Social welfare and others.

The Local Government Code was developed to address deficiencies in local government. But as we are a nation not known for proactive development of systems, we simply hide behind the foolish legal arguments. So this is why we have ineffective government machinery. Nothing is corrected or reviewed properly. The Local Government Code was rushed and wrongly applied. It can still be reviewed to become more efficient and can be the segue to the federal system of government.

The President must carefully plan his moves. He can delay the decision to change the form of government into federalism for a year. Then, commission top universities and colleges to submit a thoroughly researched paper taken from local and international sources with realistic findings in 12 months. After the presentation of the paper to Congress, then maybe both Houses can proceed with the process of changing the form of government. Probably this can be a more practical and non-political approach to address the federalism issue. Let’s not get lost in translation.