Senate maritime committee approves archipelagic sealanes bill
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Tolentino formed a technical working group (TWG) to fine tune the consolidated bills designating archipelagic sea lanes (ASLs) in the Philippines.
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Suspension of PhilHealth contributions sought for minimum wage earners
MANILA, Philippines — An economist-lawmaker from the House of Representatives has proposed to suspend the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) premium contributions of all minimum wage earners to increase their take-home pay.
Japan steps up in its global role
In the early 70s, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger mistakenly believed that as China grew in wealth on the back of the free trade system, the communist nation would abandon its Maoist principles and embrace western values. Upon Kissinger’s advice, President Nixon ushered in China’s entry into the free trade system. Years later, President Clinton took it a step further by facilitating China’s membership in the World Trade Organization. China’s economic miracle followed.
DSWD chief ready to explain AKAP to lawmakers
MANILA, Philippines — After questions were raised about the budget allocation for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian yesterday expressed readiness to explain the program to lawmakers.
Marcos approves release of P9.7 billion unprogrammed funds for DPWH projects
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has approved the release of P9.7 billion from the unprogrammed funds for public works and road repair whose original budget was slashed and included in the P60 billion in last-minute insertions in the 2024 national budget by some members of the House of Representatives.
‘Imee budget realigning led to millions not receiving 4Ps’
MANILA, Philippines — Nearly 4.3 million poor Filipinos were deprived of cash aid under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in 2023 after Sen. Imee Marcos realigned the 4Ps funding of P13 billion in the national budget to another social amelioration program, a member of the House of Representatives said yesterday.
Approved without thinking: P26.7-B ‘mysterious ayuda’
Another last-minute insertion in the 2024 national budget has been bared. The P26.7 billion was slipped in by the bicameral conference committee. Senators and representatives then ratified the bicam report. They are all thus answerable to the people for that hanky-panky.
‘Joint Philippines-US patrol aimed at protecting territory’
MANILA, Philippines — A joint Philippine-US air patrol on Monday over the West Philippine Sea – involving a long-range heavy bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons – was aimed at protecting national interests and territory, the military said yesterday.