ALMOST A YEAR IN OFFICE, 19TH CONGRESS HAS ONLY PASSED 4 MARCOS ADMIN PRIORITY BILLS

MANILA — The 19th Congress has approved only 4 of the 42 legislative priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) with just one last week of sessions before wrapping up its 1st Regular Session.

As explained in a press release of the House of Representatives, the President has signed into law only 3:

the SIM (subscriber identify module) Registration Act

the bill postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to October this year, and

the measure amending the law on the fixed term of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff and other high-ranking officers.

A 4th bill, which already has the nod of both the House and the Senate and is just waiting for the signature of the President, is the bill which seeks to condone unpaid loans obtained by thousands of agrarian reform beneficiaries together with their penalties.

For its part, the House already approved 31 of the 42 priority bills, including the 4 that already got the nod of the Senate, which means 27 House approved priority bills are in the backlog of the Upper Chamber.

The 27 House approved administration priority bills include the following:

Virology Institute of the Philippines

Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation

National Disease Prevention Management Authority or Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Medical Reserve Corps

Philippine Passport Act

Internet Transaction Act/E-Commerce Law

Waste to Energy Bill

Free Legal Assistance for Police and Soldiers

Apprenticeship Act

Build Operate Transfer Law

Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers

Valuation Reform Bill

Eastern Visayas Development Authority

Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone

Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery

National Citizens Service Training Program

Magna Carta of Seafarers

E-Governance Act / E Government Act

Negros Island Region

Rightsizing the National Government

Maharlika Investment Fund

Ease of Paying Taxes

Automatic Income Classification for Local Government Units

Amendment to the Universal Health Care Act

Specialty Centers in Hospitals

Infrastructure Development Program

National Land Use Act

MARCOS REJECTS PROPOSED TOTAL DEPLOYMENT BAN TO KUWAIT OVER VISA ISSUE

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Friday thumbed down a proposal to impose a total ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait, which he said would be an "overreaction" to its suspension of visas for new OFWs.

Marcos said he was "never very comfortable" with completely stopping the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Kuwait.

"I don’t want to burn any bridges na sasabihin na baka in the future, baka in a little while, a few months from now, a year from now, sasabihin magbago ang sitwasyon, eh baka pwede pa tayong magpadala ulit ng ating mga workers sa Kuwait," Marcos said.

"Kaya, I don’t know, yung sometimes overreaction yung iba, basta't ban lang tayo ng ban, hindi naman tama," he told reporters at the celebration of the Philippine Navy's 125th anniversary in Manila.

The Kuwaiti government earlier this month imposed an entry ban on Filipinos without a residence permit due to the Philippines' alleged non-compliance to a labor agreement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said news reports suggested that this might have been a response to the Philippines' creation of a “resource center” in the Arab state.

In response, a lawmaker proposed the total deployment ban of Filipino workers to the Arab state, citing the previous abuse of some OFWs.

"Hindi kami (Kuwait) nagkakasundo dahil sinasabi nila may paglalabag daw tayo sa kanilang mga rules, wala naman kaming nakikita, kaya't yan ang naging situation," Marcos said.

But the President said the country must "react to the situation as it is."

"I think the proper reaction is to take the decision of the Kuwaiti government to no longer issue new visas... It’s their country, those are their rules, so we will just leave that issue open and hopefully we will continue to negotiate with them," Marcos said.

"We will continue to consult with them at baka sakali down the road magbago ang sitwasyon, maibalik ngayon ang ating mga workers, lalo na yung mga nabitin... So hopefully down the road we will continue to work to improve that situation," he said.

Kuwait's entry ban has so far affected around 800 Filipino workers.

Kuwait hosts around 275,000 to 300,000 Filipinos, most of them household workers while some are in the hotel, restaurant, and healthcare industries.

GOV’T LAUNCHES FREE PAPER ‘THE PHILIPPINE GAZETTE’

Malacañang on Thursday launched a free newspaper in a bid to disseminate the latest information on the projects and programs of the Marcos administration.

The first issue of “The Philippine Gazette” focused on the administration’s housing projects.

It also featured stories on government initiatives to push for renewable energy, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, and President’s recent visit to the United States, among others.

Communications Assistant Secretary Francisco Rodriguez III serves as editor-in-chief of the free newspaper.

Joining him in the editorial board are Justine Hernandez as Managing Editor and Trish Alcantara as Associate Editor.

The Palace says the newspaper is available for free in select LRT-2 stations (Recto, Cubao, at Santolan); PNR (Tutuban), and at the Manila North Harbor Terminal and Victory Liner Terminal in Pasay.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the Philippine Gazette would be a monthly publication.

“The newspaper will serve as a bridge to deliver to Filipinos information about the programs and projects of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” the PCO said in a statement.

MARCOS SEEKS REVIVAL OF PH-EU FREE TRADE TALKS

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) to push for the resumption of the negotiations for a bilateral Philippine-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

“I believe that we can all agree that the timing and conditions are now quite ripe for us to solidify the long-standing and historically beneficial trade relations: through a bilateral Philippine-EU Free Trade Agreement,” Mr. Marcos said during the EU-ABC Annual General Meeting Gala Dinner in Makati City Thursday evening.

He said a bilateral FTA will be a “win-win strategy”for both the Philippines and the EU.

“Hence, I take this opportunity to call upon our friends from the EU-ABC and ECCP to actively advocate for the resumption of negotiations for this purpose, as well as to strive for fair treatment and more beneficial reciprocity.”

A Philippines-EU trade deal, he said, promises to achieve mutually beneficial economic goals while remaining consistent with the EU’s core ideals of sustainable development and environment protection, as well as with its strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

“And if and when that happens, it could very well be the capstone of all efforts to strengthen Philippine and EU relations over the course of the next decades,” said Mr. Marcos.

‘JOBLESS PINOYS DOWN TO 8.7M IN MARCH’

Adult joblessness in the Philippines was down to 19 percent or the equivalent of about 8.7 million Filipinos who are unemployed in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest survey released by pollster Social Weather Stations.

While the figure was 2.3 points below the 21.3 percent in December 2022 and seven points below the 26 percent in April 2022, it was still 1.5 points higher than the pre-pandemic record of 17.5 percent in December 2019.

SWS defines the labor force as adults, 18 years and above, who are presently with a job as well as those looking for a job.

The survey was conducted from March 26 to 29 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult respondents nationwide — 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Based on the results, the Labor Force Participation Rate was at 62.4 percent or 45.9 million.

SWS added that joblessness stayed higher among women at 30.2 percent than among men at 11.6 percent.

“Compared to December 2022, joblessness fell from 15.2 percent among men while it hardly moved from 29.7 percent among women,” it said.

As of March 2023, joblessness was highest among the 18-to-24-year-olds at 36 percent, followed by the 25-to-34-year-olds at 23.8 percent, those 45 years old and above at 15.9 percent, and the 35-to-44-year-olds at 11.7 percent.

COMELEC JUNKS DQ PETITION VS. TULFO AS ACT-CIS NOMINEE

The Commission on Elections on Thursday dismissed a disqualification case against former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo as nominee of the ACT-CIS party-list.

In its resolution, the Comelec Second Division said the poll body has no jurisdiction to act on the petition for disqualification.

“Under Section 4(b), Rule 5 of Comelec Resolution No. 9366, a petition for disqualification of party-list nominees must be filed at any day not later than the date of proclamation,” Comelec said.

“But the Petition for Disqualification against Erwin Tulfo was filed nine (9) months after the proclamation of ACT-CIS, or on 1 March 2023. Thus the Comelec no longer has jurisdiction over the petition for being filed out of time,” it added.

Comelec said said the petitioner, Atty. Moises Tolentino Jr., still has five days to file a motion for reconsideration.

Tolentino, in his petition, cited the “question of citizenship” and “conviction by final judgment of a crime involving moral turpitude” against Tulfo.

Both issues were earlier raised against Tulfo, then DSWD chief, by the Commission on Appointments, resulting in his failure to get the CA nod and prodding the President to appoint another Social Welfare chief.

PALAWAN'S HIDDEN BEACH NAMED 3RD BEST BEACH IN THE WORLD

MANILA — Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan has been included in The World's 50 Best Beaches list as presented by pharmaceutical company Banana Boat.

The list is based on Banana Boat beach ambassadors and hundreds of global travel influencers, journalists, editors, and agents.

All the beaches were ranked according to five important criteria: sheer untouched nature, remoteness, how swimmable it is, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature.

The famous El Nido beach placed third on the overall list, behind top-ranked Lucky Bay in Australia and Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles.

The list described Hidden Beach as "truly one-of-a-kind" and an "unparalleled paradise," tucked away behind towering limestone cliffs making it impossible to see from the outside and only accessible by boat and a quick swim through a small opening.

"Crystal clear, shallow water surrounded by white sand and majestic limestone walls with lush greenery and palms, there is no question why so many of our beach experts voted this one of the best," the description also said.

The World's 50 Best Beaches recommend visiting Hidden Beach between December and April although it is accessible year-round with an average temperature of 27.2-degree Celsius. It even said the beach has 231 sunny days a year, is 90% swimmable, and its nature is completely untouched.

"This cove is well-protected from wind and waves, making it ideal for jumping into the ocean. March and April are the summer seasons in the Philippines, which means more travelers during this time. If you want to avoid the crowds, you might want to skip these months," the list advised.

Australia had the most representatives in the overall list at four, with Whitehaven Beach, Turqouise Bay, and Little Hellfire Bay joining Lucky Bay.

Greece and Mexico followed with three entries each, the latter also having a particular Hidden Beach making it at the 33rd spot.

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BRACE FOR ‘MAWAR’ IMPACT

The government is taking the appropriate steps as the country braces for the possible effects of Super Typhoon Mawar, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public on Thursday.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said the government continues to monitor the situation and updates on the expected onslaught of Mawar as it moves closer to the Philippine area of responsibility after hammering Guam.

“We are preparing for its possible effects not only on the northern part of the country but also in areas that might be possibly hit by the typhoon,” Marcos said in Filipino.

Marcos said Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. assured him that the national government and local government units (LGUs) are ready to provide assistance to areas where Mawar may wreak havoc.

“We made sure that funds and food packs have already been positioned, response teams are on standby, and LGUs are ready to assist the areas that might be hit by the typhoon,” he said.

Mawar has maintained its strength and its “much closer approach” to the Philippines, the 11 a.m. weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

Mawar was last spotted 2,065 km east of southeastern Luzon, packing maximum winds of up to 185 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

Moving west at 10 kph, Mawar may enter PAR by Friday evening or Saturday morning and will be given the local name Betty.

Mawar is forecast to continue intensifying in the next three days and may reach a peak intensity of 215 kph by Sunday.

PAGASA said the typhoon’s rain bands may bring heavy rains over Cagayan Valley between Sunday and Tuesday next week.

PNP ADOPTS ‘ONE-STRIKE, NO TAKE’ RULE VS. GAMBLING

The Philippine National Police reaffirmed its commitment to crack down against illegal gambling, which will be supported by a “one-strike and no take policy.”

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said order came as part of the organization’s partnership with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to stop illegal gambling across the country.

“We will not tolerate the existence of illegal gambling activities that prey on the most vulnerable members of our society,” Acorda said.

“Together with the PCSO, we will deploy all necessary resources and implement stringent measures to put an end to this menace.”

“With this strong stance, the PNP aims to leave no room for leniency in eradicating the illegal gambling menace,” he added.

Police officials found guilty of negligence or inaction in their efforts to stop illegal gambling in their area will be met with “swift consequences,” such as being relieved from their post and being charged administratively under the doctrine of command responsibility, Acorda said.

Acorda said that the one-strike policy will be applicable to officers one month after they assume office.

Part of the efforts to eradicate illegal gambling is the mobilization of the Anti-Illegal Gambling Special Operations Task Groups across the country.

NO BREACH IN GCASH DESPITE UNAUTHORIZED TRANSACTIONS, SAYS PRIVACY WATCHDOG

MANILA - The recent unauthorized transactions in some GCash accounts were likely due to phishing and not because of a security breach, National Privacy Commission Complaints and Investigation Division Chief Atty. Michael Santos said on Friday.

Several GCash users earlier reported unauthorized withdrawals amounting to millions of pesos cumulatively.

Based on the NPC's findings released on Thursday, there was no breach in GCash.

"As far as data privacy is concerned in determining kung na-breach nga ba sila o hindi, sa ating pagsisiyasat, hindi sila na-breach (based on our investigations, there was no breach)," Santos in an interview with TeleRadyo.

He said the incidents appeared to originate from a modus where those in the gambling site were made to believe they were reloading credits when in fact they were adding another device.

GCash immediately adjusted the affected accounts. It said no funds were lost due to the incident.

"Akala nila, nag-enter sila ng OTP para mag-load. Yun pala, para mag-add device (they thought they're loading but they're actually adding another device)," Santos said.

He said GCash was ordered to amplify security measures to prevent other incidents in the future. However, GCash may have to answer to other regulating bodies, he added.

"Whether or not may iba silang pananagutan sa ibang regulator, sa ibang batas, hindi na natin saklaw 'yun," said Santos.

TV SETS PROHIBITED IN LOBBIES OF METRO MANILA POLICE STATIONS - CHIEF

MANILA - Television sets have been disallowed in lobbies of police stations in Metro Manila to ensure proper attention is given to people seeking assistance, the region’s top cop said Friday.

Police Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo said in an interview on ABS-CBN’s Sakto program that he had also ordered policemen in the Philippine capital not to use their cellphones to send text messages or check their social media accounts while on duty.

“Nag-conduct kami ng study at discreet lang ito, na pinamunuan ng aming Regional Intelligence Division. Nung papasok yung tinatawag naming discreet personnel to ask assistance dun sa mga desk officers, medyo hindi naasikaso dahil nakatingin yung mga desk officer namin sa telebisyon, ayaw paistorbo,” said Okubo, who assumed the top post at the National Capital Region Police Office in February.

“Kaya nagkakaroon ng maling assessment at pagtanggap sa mga customers namin. Kaya pinatanggal muna namin (yung mga telebisyon) dahil sa study namin na ginawang iyon,” he added.

Okubo said policemen may still get to watch TV but only in the station’s kitchen area.

Related to this campaign and policy, female cops have been assigned at the station’s front desks, the police official said.

“Naniniwala kami na ang aming mga kababaihang pulis ay may pasensya, the capability to listen to complaints, amiable, and of course, more compassionate, para mas magustuhan ng ating mga customers yung pagpasok sa istayson dahil mabait at mas nagbibigay ng assistance yung mga female officers namin,” Okubo said.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

JOHN LLOYD CRUZ, SARAH GERONIMO TO REUNITE IN NEW FILM

MANILA — Viva Artists Agency (VVA) confirmed that blockbuster stars Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz will reunite in a movie together.

In its official Instagram account, VVA posted photos of the blockbuster tandem in the Viva office.

"LOOK: Our #AshLloyd hearts. @justsarahgph and John Lloyd Cruz in a new movie together? YES!!!" VVA captioned the post, adding "the #SOON" hashtag.

Sarah also posted the photos in her Instagram account.

She only captioned it with two video cameras and a clock emojis.

Sarah and John Lloyd already starred in four blockbuster films such as "A Very Special Love," "You Changed My Life," "It Takes a Man and a Woman" and "Finally Found Someone."

John Lloyd admitted in the past that he had a feeling for Sarah but said that "timing wasn't a friend."

Sarah also admitted that she had a crush on John Lloyd.

Sarah is now married to Matteo Guidicelli while John Lloyd is rumored to be in a relationship with artist Isabeel Santos. He is also a father to Elias, Ellen Adarna's son.

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 56.06

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Yesterday I dared to struggle. Today I dare to win. – Anonymous