MikeLigalig.com

The death penalty's revival should be given serious thought "for crimes of an unimaginable level of brutality and inhumanity, as in the Maguindanao massacre," Senator Imee Marcos said.

"The scope of the Revised Penal Code at present does not fathom the horror suffered by the relatives of the brutally murdered victims, specially of the Mangudadatu family and the orphaned children of scores of journalists," Marcos added.

Marcos opposed the death penalty as a congresswoman, adding that she had even constantly argued with her mom on the issue.

"But the law is an organic, living thing that must respond to our extraordinary times," the senator explained.

If the death penalty is revived, Marcos said its application should be limited to "very exceptional exceptions" like large-scale drug trafficking and plunder.

"Definitely, no juveniles," Marcos 



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Leila M. de Lima has urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to monitor the exorbitant fare rates and difficulty in booking on ride-hailing platform Grab Philippines this holiday season to ensure that commuters' rights are not abused.

De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, said it has come to her attention that the booking prices of Grab have surged lately and that it has become harder for passengers to book a ride, especially during rush hours.

"The ride-hailing app company points to higher demand as the cause. This comes at the heels of Grab being asked by authorities to refund its customers for overpricing the cost of their rides," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 677.

"Nananawagan tayo sa ating mga awtoridad na masusing bantayan ito, at siguruhing walang nangyayaring pagsasamantala. Sa ganitong paraan, pare-pareho nating mararating ang gusto nating destinasyon: ang maaliwalas na biyahe kung saan walang nadedehadong Pilipino," she added.

Amid the holiday rush, several Grab users have complained about the sudden rise of fare rates and difficulty in getting a ride, which the ride-hailing company blamed on higher demand and limited cars that could serve a big number of passengers.

In a data reportedly provided by Grab, it showed that it is receiving around 700,000 to 800,000 booking requests a day but there are only 35,000 to 36,000 Grab drivers plying the road daily.

Last month, it may be recalled that the Philippine Competition Commission ordered Grab Philippines to refund PhP5.05 million to affected riders for breaching their price commitments.

The lady Senator from Bicol, meanwhile, appealed to Grab not to deceive passengers this Yuletide season and make sure that they provide them proper service.

"Asking your users for more patience is not enough. Ensure you are fully committed to the rights of your consumers. Do not take them for a ride with excuses; do not deceive or cheat them," she said.

"Sa kabila ng mas mahal na pamasahe, marami nating kababayan ang gumagamit ng mga ganitong app para makaiwas sa kalbaryong dulot ng napakabigat na traffic, para hindi ma-late sa trabaho, makaltasan ng sweldo, mapagalitan ng boss, at lalo na, para makauwi nang mas maaga at makapiling ang pamilya. Suklian naman sana ang pagtangkilik na ito ng malasakit, maayos at makatarungang serbisyo para sa kanila," she added.

This 18th Congress, De Lima filed Senate Bill No. 1165, or the "Passenger Transit Rights Acts of 2019," which seeks to establish clear standards for service for the riding public and provide relief against unprofessional and abusive drivers.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has warned against Mr. Duterte's continued disregard for human rights after popular Irish rock band U2's lead singer Bono reminded him that there can be no compromise on human rights under his leadership.

De Lima, a known human rights defender here and abroad, maintained that justice will one day catch up with Mr. Duterte as he unfailingly promotes the culture of violence and impunity in the country.

"Duterte can only ignore Bono at his own peril. You cannot dilute, pollute, or refute the universality and primacy of human rights," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 672.

"It is every one's right - as it is every one's duty - to stand up for every one's dignity," the lady Senator from Bicol added.

Asked during a press conference about his thoughts on the human rights situation in the Philippines, Bono simply left what he called a "soft message" for the President.

"I would just say, you can't compromise on human rights. That's my soft message to President Duterte," said Bono who is a member of Amnesty International (AI), a human rights advocate and a critic of Duterte's drug war, ahead of his concert in Manila last Dec. 11.

Since Duterte assumed presidency in July 2016, an estimated 27,000 individuals have already been killed either through vigilante-style executions or "legitimized" police operations.

Last October, De Lima supported the call by AI to end the government's bloody drug war and account for the thousands of extrajudicial killings of suspected drug offenders in the country often perpetrated by state authorities under Duterte's orders.

This 18th Congress, De Lima reintroduced her Anti-EJK Bill, now logged as Senate Bill (SB) No. 371, seeking to define and provide for acts that constitute EJKs and strengthen the intervention and investigative functions of government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra thinks US Senate Resolution 142 is "trash", and that I should just wait for my trial to finish. That is easy to say for someone not in prison, and who is responsible for the continuation of injustice that is my incarceration based on fabricated charges.

Guevarra says US S. Res. 142 asking for my release violates Philippine laws. No, it does not. It is merely like any domestic or international call for my release. It just so happened that in the case of the US Senate, the call is backed up with serious potential sanctions that will hurt my persecutors, including Guevarra himself. Hence, it has the punch that Guevarra and other in the Duterte officialdom fear.

Like his predecessor, this Secretary of Justice has discarded rule of law when he allowed criminal convicts to stand as state witnesses against me, in violation of the law; when he allowed a null and void information to survive despite its (both the original and amended Information) failure to charge an offense, let alone a drug-related offense, against me; when he continues to exclude from prosecution those who appear to be the most guilty, the Bilibid drug lords and Rafael Ragos, just so they can testify against me; when he allows commission of perjury and subornation of perjury against me.

Sec. Guevarra, hindi lang ang US S. Res 142 ang ibinasura mo. Ang pinaka-una mong ibinasura ay ang pananaig ng batas at hustisya sa Pilipinas, mula noong nagsuot ka na ng mga tapalodo sa mata para hindi mo mapansin ang kahindik-hindik na paglapastangan sa batas na ginagawa ni Duterte. May oras din na matatapos ang rehimeng ito. At pagdating ng panahon na iyon, kayo ang ibabasura ng kasaysayan. ###



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The increase in Grab fares by more than double the rates that riders are accustomed to suggests that the digital ride-hailing company is "playing games with the riding public's patience," Senator Imee Marcos said.

Marcos explained that based on Grab's pricing commitments to the government, the company is supposed to cap its fare increases this December at 22.5 percent of its average rates before it bought out its rival, Uber, in March 2018.

Grab had agreed with the Philippine Competition Commission just last month to extend its pricing commitments for one more year.

Marcos cited a screenshot of Grab's quoted fares, showing a one-kilometer ride that used to cost less than P100 can now cost P245 via GrabCar or from P231 to P346 via GrabTaxi.

"How will Grab explain that? Monopolies tend to push limits and cross the line of abuse, so we in the government must remain vigilant of sectors imbued with public interest like water and transport," Marcos said.

Marcos also called on the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow motorcycle-for-hire services to fill the gap in public mobility, as traffic worsens while mass transport systems are being improved.

Marcos has filed Senate Bill 409 that seeks to recognize motorcycle-for-hire services like Angkas as legitimate means of public transport, employment opportunities for an unskilled workforce, and revenue-earners for the local government units that will supervise them.

"Sana umangkas na ang LTFRB sa diwa ng Pasko at regaluhan na ng siguradong trabaho ang mga Angkas drivers," Marcos said.

Of the estimated 15,000 drivers of Angkas, some 4,000 or more than 25 percent of them did not graduate from college or were previously out of a job, Marcos explained.

"The country's most congested urban areas - Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao - are crying out for the convenience of more ride-hailing services," Marcos added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The Senate has begun deliberations into the proposed measure that expands the use of a fund meant to help overseas Filipinos facing legal distress in their places of work abroad.

Senator Joel Villanueva sponsored on Tuesday Senate Bill No. 1233, which seeks to expand the use of the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) that the government taps to cover various costs of overseas Filipinos embroiled in legal actions abroad.

Speaking at the plenary, Villanueva explained the necessity of instituting amendments on the use of the LAF, saying the proposed measure would ultimately benefit more OFWs in distress should it pass in the upper chamber.

"Full protection of labor more significantly implies a continuing positive duty on the part of the State to ensure that the rights of its workers are at all times protected and their welfare promoted and improved at every chance possible," said Villanueva, chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development.

Outlining the amendments to provisions on the LAF in Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers' law, Villanueva pointed out that the proposed measure sought to expand the coverage of the fund to include the payment of bail bonds, but other bonds required by foreign courts, tribunals or other agencies. but also by other agencies or tribunals.

Another amendment contained in SBN 1233 is the granting of authority to foreign posts to use the fund to engage the services of paralegals familiar with the country's culture to provide immediate basic assistance and legal aid to distressed overseas Filipinos. The aim is to advance and improve not only the quality, but also the promptness of the delivery of these services to our migrant workers and overseas Filipinos, according to Villanueva.

The measure also mandates the availability of the fund at all times for the use of distressed OFWs and Filipinos abroad.

"It further clarifies that such assistance shall be given from the moment the case is initiated, or the proceeding is commenced, until its termination, promulgation, and execution. This assistance extends further to all appeals taken on these cases, thereby guaranteeing full and complete support to distressed Filipinos overseas," the senator pointed out.

Another key amendment in the measure provides that the Secretary of Foreign Affairs may delegate the authority to the head of Post to approve an expenditure chargeable to the LAF, subject to existing rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit. Villanueva explained that under the current system, heads of Posts seek approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila before the fund may be available to migrant workers and overseas Filipinos in distress, resulting in delays in providing immediate legal assistance to the detriment of the distressd Filipinos.

"We urge our esteemed colleagues to rally behind this noble effort to further strengthen the protection afforded by the State to our migrant workers and overseas Filipinos. The risks and vulnerabilities suffered by our countrymen overseas cannot be overemphasized," Villanueva said. "The proposed amendments to the Migrant Workers Act are a testament to the State's continuing effort to give true meaning to the constitutional edict of giving 'full protection' to our migrant workers and distressed overseas Filipinos."

Data shows a steady increase of Filipinos who have sought the help of the DFA for legal assistance has been on a steady increase. In 2018, there are 3,735 overseas Filipinos who have been assisted by the DFA through the legal assistance fund.

As of August 31, 2019, some 4,116 have already benefited from the legal assistance fund, government data showed.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

With Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu's pronouncements that the country, particularly Metro Manila, is now in the middle of a garbage crisis, Senator Win Gatchalian calls on everyone to manage their waste and practice environmentally friendly activities, especially this time of the year.

Cimatu had said that Filipinos generate more waste during the holidays than any other time of the year. That is why Gatchalian believes that the passage of Senate Bill No. 363 or the Waste-to-Energy Act (WTE Act) will help solve the perennial garbage problem. It will not only encourage the development of new technologies in the treatment and disposal of solid waste, it also supports the expansion of bioenergy to attain sustainable energy.

WTE refers to the energy recovered from waste, usually the conversion of non-recyclable waste materials into useable heat, electricity or fuel through a variety of processes.

"Meeting our growing power demand without sacrificing our environment and draining our natural resources need a delicate balancing act. With the passage of the WTE bill, the country will be able to maximize the energy we can produce from waste, be it in the form of electricity, fuel, or gas, and in the process address the waste problem," explains Gatchalian.

The projected waste generation in the country based on the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) data show that the yearly amount of waste is expected to increase from 14.66 metric tons in 2014 to 16.63 metric tons in 2020 and up to 20.51 metric tons in 2030. Metro Manila's waste generation continues to increase from 3.60 metric tons in 2014 to 4.44 metric tons in 2020 and 6.32 metric tons in 2030.

In 2014 alone, Metro Manila's waste was 24.2 percent of the entire country's waste. By 2030, it is projected to reach as high as 30.80 percent.

The DENR has just issued guidelines on the establishment and operation of WTE facilities with Cimatu hoping that the country will be able to demonstrate in a pilot basis one solution to the waste problem without necessarily violating Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act.

Our ASEAN neighbors have started to invest in waste-to-power plants. Singapore, for instance, aims to reduce the average daily amount of waste by 30 percent by 2030. Indonesia is moving forward on plans for WTE plants as well as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

"With the DENR's issuance of the guidelines, the government may now be able to implement a 2016 resolution of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) which allows the entry and operations of WTE projects," Gatchalian said.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy believes that WTE projects would benefit the country in terms of a more secure energy system while addressing the issue of waste management system.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has chided Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra for downplaying the recent US Senate resolution calling for her immediate release and dropping of charges against her by branding it as "trash" and unlawful.

De Lima, a prisoner of conscience, noted that the US bipartisan resolution does not violate the judicial process in the country because it is merely similar to any domestic or international call for her freedom, only with additional call to sanction her persecutors.

"Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra thinks US Senate Resolution 142 is 'trash', and that I should just wait for my trial to finish. That is easy to say for someone not in prison, and who is responsible for the continuation of injustice that is my incarceration based on fabricated charges," she said.

"Guevarra says US S. Res. 142 asking for my release violates Philippine laws. No, it does not. t just so happened that in the case of the US Senate, the call is backed up with serious potential sanctions that will hurt my persecutors, including Guevarra himself. Hence, it has the punch that Guevarra and others in the Duterte officialdom fear," she added.

Last Dec. 11, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved Senate Resolution (S. Res) No. 142 calling on the Philippine government to free De Lima and drop politically motivated trumped-up drug charges against her, and also to drop all the charges against Maria Ressa and Rappler.

It also called on the US President to impose sanctions against Philippine officials responsible for De Lima's persecution, and security forces and government officials who perpetrated extrajudicial killings, as provided in the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

In response to the US resolution's unanimous approval, Guevarra reportedly said that the Philippine government will not heed the call made by American lawmakers to release De Lima and drop the charges against her and Ressa.

Guevarra, who belittled SR No. 142 as "trash" and "non-existent," further claimed that the US bipartisan resolution was supposedly against the country's rule of law because it calls for the disruption of the judicial process.

The lady Senator from Bicol reminded Guevarra that he, and not the US Senators, was the one who discarded the rule of law when he allowed the Duterte administration to weaponize the laws against her.

"Like his predecessor, this Secretary of Justice has discarded rule of law when he allowed criminal convicts to stand as state witnesses against me, in violation of the law; when he allowed a null and void information to survive despite its (both the original and amended Information) failure to charge an offense, let alone a drug-related offense, against me;

"When he continues to exclude from prosecution those who appear to be the most guilty, the Bilibid drug lords and Rafael Ragos, just so they can testify against me; when he allows commission of perjury and subornation of perjury against me," she noted.

US Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) are the main authors of SR No. 142, which was filed as early as April 4. They authored it along with Richard Durbin (D-IL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Chris Coons (D-DE).

As the staunchest critic of Duterte's drug war, De Lima is unjustly and illegally detained based on trumped-up illegal drug charges fabricated by the administration using perjured and coerced witnesses.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Leila M. de Lima has decried Ombudsman Samuel Martires' refusal to release to the public Mr. Duterte's Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) purportedly to protect the interest of public officials, including the President.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, reminded Martires that it is his mandate to protect the interest of the Filipino public over that of the public officials and ensure that there are accountability and transparency in public office.

"This government only becomes more disgusting by the day. With Ombudsman [M]artires's declaration that he will not release Duterte's SALN because he has the duty to protect public officials, this government's act of turning all principles of accountability and transparency on their head is now complete," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 680.

"With Martires' pronouncement that this Ombudsman office has now turned its mandate 180 degrees to that of protecting and defending public officials like the President, the people are effectively deprived of their anti-corruption champion. From Tanodbayan, the Ombudsman has now become the Traydorbayan," she added.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) recently released a report about Mr. Duterte's failure to release his SALN over seven months after the April 30 deadline for the filing of the document.

In the report written by journalist Malou Mangahas, PCIJ noted that the Ombudsman had released Duterte's SALNs in the preceding years and that it was only under Martires' leadership that it has been delayed - which is supposedly a first in 30 years.

PCIJ likewise quoted Martires as saying that the SALN can be obtained from the Office of the President and the Office of the Executive Secretary, but Presidential Spokesman Salavador Panelo reportedly said in a separate statement that it is the Office of the Ombudsman's, and not the President's, responsibility to release the SALN.

In response to the PCIJ report, Martires reportedly claimed that while he understands the right of the public to information, he also has the duty to protect the interest of officials.

In reminding the Ombudman's that it is "never" charged to represent the interest of public officials, the lady Senator from Bicol recalled the definition of Ombudsman.

"It is a term of Swedish origin which means 'an official who is charged with representing the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints of mal-administration," she recalled.

De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, urged Martires to relinquish his post if he cannot fulfill his duty as Ombudsman and if he continues to betray public trust.

"One can only pull out her hair in anguish at how this otherwise distinguished official has perverted and distorted the rule of law beyond recognition. If Ombudsman Martires cannot fulfill his mandate under the Constitution, he should resign his position," she said.

"Hold up Duterte to the same stringent standards that you subjected Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to in the submission and disclosure of their SALNs. Otherwise, you will not only be remembered for your double standard, but for your betrayal of the public trust," she added.

This 18th Congress, De Lima filed Senate Bill No. 186, or the Comprehensive Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth Act of 2019, which seeks to address the loopholes in the filing of SALN to make it more effective in eradicating corruption and promoting transparency in the government service.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo does not seem to understand the US Appropriations bill that was just signed into law by the US President. Panelo says he hopes the US Secretary of State is more properly informed than the US Senators who introduced the amendment on the US travel ban, an amendment that was unanimously approved at the Committee level and passed by the whole US Congress.

Panelo is sorely mistaken in his belief that they can ask Pompeo for a reconsideration in the implementation of the federal law. He cannot. Both the US Congress and the US President have already determined the fact of my persecution, and that this determination is already part of the federal law of the US and can only be reversed by repeal or an amendatory law.

What is left for the US State Department to determine is the identity of my persecutors who will be subjected to the US travel ban, not whether or not indeed I was persecuted by these individuals. While the former will be subject to the information the State Department already has in hand and will further obtain from various agency sources, the latter issue is already final, regardless of Panelo's already exhausting protestations.

Malacañang cannot still get over the fact that no one gets away with injustice and violating human rights. No one gets away with impunity and tyranny. Duterte, Panelo, and all of Philippine DDS officialdom should realize by now how their happy days are almost at an end.

It is just a matter of time before Europe, Canada, and Australia follow suit with their own Magnitsky measures and anti-human rights violator laws. When that time comes, this regime will be properly identified with that part of the world with which it shares values -- those ruled by corrupt and repressive one-party governments and those controlled by bureaucracy-embedded criminal organizations.

The US travel ban has put this regime in its proper place in the world. And it is only fitting that Duterte himself has made it his foreign policy to warm up to those countries to whom he wants his government to belong, while repeatedly spurning the EU, US, Canada, and other democracies of the world. This is his and his sycophants' just desserts.

If these DDS officials want to be identified with the free world and be treated as its citizens, they cannot act like tyrants and criminals. If they want to be citizens of Rome, they cannot behave like barbarians. It is as simple as that



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Christmas is a time for us to pause from our busy schedules, go home to our families, and be grateful for all the blessings we received. It is also a time for us to express solidarity with our countrymen who are facing difficulties amidst the holiday season.

Ang ating pagdadamayan sa ganitong mga panahon, kabilang na ang pagtulong natin sa ating kapwa ang nagpapahayag ng tunay na diwa ng Pasko. Sa pagdiriwang natin ng kapanganakan ng ating Panginoon kapiling ng ating mga mahal sa buhay, ang pagbibigay ng pag-asa ang pinakamagandang regalong maaari nating maibahagi sa ating mga kababayan.

Mula sa akin at sa aking pamilya, binabati ko po kayong lahat ng isang Maligayang Pasko!



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go accompanied President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday, December 23, in Cotabato City at the ceremonial turnover and distribution of 685 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to farmers and former rebels in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The CLOAs, awarded to 793 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), cover 1,742.63 hectares in the provinces of Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Assisted by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones, the President led the ceremonial distribution to five ARB representatives at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the Bangsamoro Government Center.

Three former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) represented ARBs from Maguindanao, and two farmers represented ARBs from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

In his speech, the President introduced Go as someone who truly represents the people. As Go's mentor for more than twenty years, the President vouched for Go's dedication to his duties.

"Senator Bong Go, ang tinulungan ninyo," the President said. He added, "Tao ninyo ito. Ako na ang nagsasabi. He is serving the interest of the Moro people," the President said.

The President and Go pushed through with the distribution despite security concerns, after several explosions occurred in Cotabato City and nearby areas the night before.

In an interview earlier, Go said threats will not stop them from fulfilling their mandate. "Hindi po kami takot mamatay. Mas gusto namin mamatay na nagseserbisyo sa bayan," he told reporters when he distributed cash and relief assistance to earthquake victims in Matanao, Davao del Sur earlier in the day.

After the distribution of CLOAs, Go accompanied the President again to Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao to visit and give assistance to soldiers and civilians who were injured in the explosions and to two soldiers who were wounded in action in other incidents



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

For their love of country by defending the nation from threats of terrorism, President Duterte and Senator Go visited the wounded-in-action (WIA) soldiers in the Cotabato City bombing that happened on Sunday, December 22.

The President and senator went to the Battle Casualty Ward of Camp Siongco Station Hospital to visit the four WIA soldiers affected in the explosion. These are Sgt. Ariel F. Joaquin, Cpl. Genesis R. Mansalon, PFC Cris John F. Figueroa and Pvt. Ian C. Villaruel. They were all given Order of Lapu-Lapu - Rank of Kampilan, and other forms of assistance from the Office of the President.

They also visited other WIA soldiers admitted in the hospital. Cpl. Alvin V. Samama of 61DRC, 6ID, PA, who sustained blast injuries due to an encounter last November 28 in Brgy. Pikeg of Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao also received the Order of Lapu-Lapu - Rank of Kampilan and other forms of assistance. Also in the ward was Cpl. Alexander D. Flauta, who was already awarded with Order of Lapu-Lapu in a previous visit by the President.

The two officials also met with representatives of wounded soldiers who are confined in Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC). The families of soldiers, namely SSgt. Ariel M. Lumagod, PFC Aljon B. Jimenez, PFC Jaymark A. Bron and Pvt. Raymond F. Oyan were given cash and other forms of assistance.

In addition, the President also met with the wounded civilians and/or their representatives. They were given cash assistance from the Office of the President.

Senator Go also gave additional cash and other forms of assistance to the wounded soldiers and civilians.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

For their love of country by defending the nation from threats of terrorism, President Duterte and Senator Go visited the wounded-in-action (WIA) soldiers in the Cotabato City bombing that happened on Sunday, December 22.

The President and senator went to the Battle Casualty Ward of Camp Siongco Station Hospital to visit the four WIA soldiers affected in the explosion. These are Sgt. Ariel F. Joaquin, Cpl. Genesis R. Mansalon, PFC Cris John F. Figueroa and Pvt. Ian C. Villaruel. They were all given Order of Lapu-Lapu - Rank of Kampilan, and other forms of assistance from the Office of the President.

They also visited other WIA soldiers admitted in the hospital. Cpl. Alvin V. Samama of 61DRC, 6ID, PA, who sustained blast injuries due to an encounter last November 28 in Brgy. Pikeg of Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao also received the Order of Lapu-Lapu - Rank of Kampilan and other forms of assistance. Also in the ward was Cpl. Alexander D. Flauta, who was already awarded with Order of Lapu-Lapu in a previous visit by the President.

The two officials also met with representatives of wounded soldiers who are confined in Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC). The families of soldiers, namely SSgt. Ariel M. Lumagod, PFC Aljon B. Jimenez, PFC Jaymark A. Bron and Pvt. Raymond F. Oyan were given cash and other forms of assistance.

In addition, the President also met with the wounded civilians and/or their representatives. They were given cash assistance from the Office of the President.

Senator Go also gave additional cash and other forms of assistance to the wounded soldiers and civilians.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Not all local government units have the same level of intensity as far as insurgency is concerned. In fact, many LGUs do not even have insurgency concerns at all. Further, local officials have a better grip of the insurgency problems in their localities than national officials.

I would say that as long as the parameters of the national government are clearly defined to guide the local officials in dealing with the localized peace talks, and as long as they are adequately supported logistically with some degree of authority to extend livelihood programs to possible rebel returnees, I believe they have a better chance of success than what we have been failing to accomplish for the past several decades.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Please take the time to listen to this https://youtu.be/yG57f_fHuzw and reflect.

The hymn Payapang Daigdig was composed by Felipe de Leon in December of 1946 as he lamented the horrible violence and destruction that fell upon the City of Manila at the end of World War 2 and his longing for peace and serenity amidst the suffering, the devastation, and the horrible loss of countless of lives.

Over a hundred thousand lives were lost in the Battle of Manila from February to March 1945 (more were killed here than in the nuclear bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima). Among Allied nations, Manila next to Warsaw was the second most devastated city in the world at the end of the war.

Tragically, the over 30,000 Filipino lives killed from 2016 to 2019 in the senseless war on drugs has perhaps seen the most number of violent deaths inflicted upon ordinary citizens throughout the county since World War 2. In this context, the song Payapang Daigdig takes on a timely and heart-wrenching meaning especially for the tens of thousands who have been cruelly widowed or orphaned in the last three years and for all those who believe in the sanctity of life.

This is why we struggle, why we fight: So that we achieve in our lifetime a genuine and lasting peace based on justice for our nation.

A meaningful and purposeful Christmas to everyone."



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Tuwing sasapit ang Pasko, inaanyayahan po ang bawat isa sa atin na gunitain ang kapanganakan ni Hesukristo nang may pagsasabuhay sa Kanyang mga aral ng kababaang loob, pagmamahalan, pagbibigayan at malasakit sa kapwa.

Kaya nga po higit sa mga handa, dekorasyon, at mga regalo, makikita natin ang tunay na diwa at halaga ng Pasko sa mata ng mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan ng atensyon at kalinga--sa mga batang naulila, sa mga nasalanta ng sakuna, sa mga nawalan at nangangambang mawalan ng hanapbuhay, at sa mga sumisigaw pa rin ng katarungan sa pagpaslang sa kanilang mahal sa buhay.

Gaya nga po nina Jose at Maria na labis na nangailangan ng tulong para sa pagsilang ng Dakilang Sanggol, tinatawagan tayo na sa bawat pagkakataon at sitwasyon, ay bukal sa loob tayong magbukas-palad sa kapwa.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us demand from our leaders and our government to give the Filipino nation their due: to put an end to the brutal killings that are blatantly happening in our midst, to uphold our national dignity and sovereignty, to stop its vindictiveness and political persecution against its critics, and to address the long-time problems that they promised to resolve such as poverty, unemployment, traffic, and corruption, among others.

Ito na ang ikaapat na Pasko ng mga Pilipino sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang gobyerno. Ang kailangan natin ay tunay at ganap na pagbabago para iangat ang kalidad ng buhay ng mga Pilipino; hindi propaganda, hindi kasinungalingan, hindi panggigipit sa mga kritiko.

Today and for the years to come, let us continue to pray for each other, especially for our children, for those in need, and work together while striving for a better and brighter future of our nation.

A peaceful and meaningful Christmas to all!

(Sgd.) LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Tuwing sasapit ang Pasko, inaanyayahan po ang bawat isa sa atin na gunitain ang kapanganakan ni Hesukristo nang may pagsasabuhay sa Kanyang mga aral ng kababaang loob, pagmamahalan, pagbibigayan at malasakit sa kapwa.

Kaya nga po higit sa mga handa, dekorasyon, at mga regalo, makikita natin ang tunay na diwa at halaga ng Pasko sa mata ng mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan ng atensyon at kalinga--sa mga batang naulila, sa mga nasalanta ng sakuna, sa mga nawalan at nangangambang mawalan ng hanapbuhay, at sa mga sumisigaw pa rin ng katarungan sa pagpaslang sa kanilang mahal sa buhay.

Gaya nga po nina Jose at Maria na labis na nangailangan ng tulong para sa pagsilang ng Dakilang Sanggol, tinatawagan tayo na sa bawat pagkakataon at sitwasyon, ay bukal sa loob tayong magbukas-palad sa kapwa.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us demand from our leaders and our government to give the Filipino nation their due: to put an end to the brutal killings that are blatantly happening in our midst, to uphold our national dignity and sovereignty, to stop its vindictiveness and political persecution against its critics, and to address the long-time problems that they promised to resolve such as poverty, unemployment, traffic, and corruption, among others.

Ito na ang ikaapat na Pasko ng mga Pilipino sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang gobyerno. Ang kailangan natin ay tunay at ganap na pagbabago para iangat ang kalidad ng buhay ng mga Pilipino; hindi propaganda, hindi kasinungalingan, hindi panggigipit sa mga kritiko.

Today and for the years to come, let us continue to pray for each other, especially for our children, for those in need, and work together while striving for a better and brighter future of our nation.

A peaceful and meaningful Christmas to all!

(Sgd.) LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

For Christmas 2019, Senator Leila M. de Lima wishes that it would be her last Yuletide celebration in detention so she could perform her duties to participate in the legislative process and spend more time with her family.

This is the third time that De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, would be spending Christmas in detention since she surrendered herself to arresting authorities last Feb. 24, 2017.

"I hope that this is my last Christmas in detention so that my normal life as a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and as a duly-elected Senator be now restored," she said.

"I'm raring to work fully and assiduously as a fiscalizing minority senator and focus on my chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development," she added.

Same with her previous celebrations in detention, De Lima is celebrating Christmas Day along with family, some close friends and staff members by hearing a Mass and sharing a simple lunch inside the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police, in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Aside from her personal wishes, the lady Senator from Bicol also shared her hopes for the country and the entire Filipino populace.

"I wish that more and more patriotic men and women and pro-democracy forces join the ranks of those persistently working for a return of a just, humane and decent Philippine society," she said.

"Despite the struggles Filipinos continue to endure under an anti-human rights government, I hope that we can all remain optimistic that better days are coming if we choose to fight for what is right," she added.

Known as a prisoner of conscience, De Lima has consistently maintained that no amount of lies by political manipulators and even paid trolls could erase her innocence from all trumped-up illegal drug charges filed against her by the government, believing that she will be vindicated in time.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has expressed elation over the recent passage into law of the United States 2020 Appropriations Bill which includes amendments imposing an entry ban to government officials responsible for her wrongful imprisonment.

De Lima, a prisoner of conscience, said the imposition of sanctions in the approved appropriation bill is a "most wonderful Christmas blessing" as it signifies a solid recognition by the US government that she is a clear victim of political persecution.

"My gratitude to the US Congress is overwhelming for including in the final and approved Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2020, now signed into law by the US President, the provision restricting the travel to the US of those responsible for and party to my persecution and imprisonment," she said in her Dispatch from Crame No. 683.

"This latest development signals the fact that impunity cannot last and that one way or another, justice will catch up with those who choose to do injustice to others," added the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime.

Last Dec. 20, US President Donald Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials involved in De Lima's wrongful detention.

The provision in the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill was introduced by US Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy last Sept. 27 and adopted at the committee level.

It stated that the US Secretary of State shall apply the subsection on the prohibition of entry "to foreign government officials about whom the Secretary has credible information have been involved in the wrongful imprisonment" of De Lima, who has been detained on trumped-up drug charges since February 24, 2017.

The US Senate bill also sought the same prohibition on the entry of certain "officials of the governments of Turkey, Egypt or Saudi Arabia, relative to Mustafa Kassem, an American citizen imprisoned by the government of Egypt, and other cases of wrongful detention of a locally employed staff of a U.S. diplomatic mission or a U.S. citizen national."

De Lima explained that systematic and widespread violation of human rights, similar to what people are experiencing under the Duterte regime, must be condemned and punished with sanctions by the community of nations because it is not an exercise of sovereignty or independence.

"It is only a matter of time before the European Union, Canada, and other nations follow suit in imposing sanctions on Duterte, his officials and their cohorts. Human rights is fighting back! Accountability is coming! A most wonderful Christmas blessing! Thank you, US! Thank you, dear God!" she said.

De Lima pointed out that the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act complements the recent US Senate Resolution (SR) 142 unanimously approved by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee which calls for sanctions against her persecutors and other human rights violators under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (or GloMag).

"More than denying travel visas to subject PH officials, GloMag also imposes the freezing and forfeiture of their US assets, properties, and bank accounts. Once this is also implemented, we will witness how the world of human rights violators in the Philippine government increasingly shrinks," she said.

"This will teach them that human rights is not a domestic concern, but a universal interest that affects the security of all nations, regardless of where the violations occur," she added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

For Christmas 2019, Senator Leila M. de Lima wishes that it would be her last Yuletide celebration in detention so she could perform her duties to participate in the legislative process and spend more time with her family.

This is the third time that De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, would be spending Christmas in detention since she surrendered herself to arresting authorities last Feb. 24, 2017.

"I hope that this is my last Christmas in detention so that my normal life as a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and as a duly-elected Senator be now restored," she said.

"I'm raring to work fully and assiduously as a fiscalizing minority senator and focus on my chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development," she added.

Same with her previous celebrations in detention, De Lima is celebrating Christmas Day along with family, some close friends and staff members by hearing a Mass and sharing a simple lunch inside the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police, in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Aside from her personal wishes, the lady Senator from Bicol also shared her hopes for the country and the entire Filipino populace.

"I wish that more and more patriotic men and women and pro-democracy forces join the ranks of those persistently working for a return of a just, humane and decent Philippine society," she said.

"Despite the struggles Filipinos continue to endure under an anti-human rights government, I hope that we can all remain optimistic that better days are coming if we choose to fight for what is right," she added.

Known as a prisoner of conscience, De Lima has consistently maintained that no amount of lies by political manipulators and even paid trolls could erase her innocence from all trumped-up illegal drug charges filed against her by the government, believing that she will be vindicated in time.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Spreading festive cheer to his fellow Filipinos, especially during Christmas day, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go visited Balay Pahulayan, a temporary resting area for patients' watchers, at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City on Wednesday, December 25.

"Alam niyo po, itong Bahay Pahulayan, itinatag ni Pangulong Duterte para may pahingaan 'yung mga watchers ng pasyente. Dito na po ako mag-celebrate ng aking Pasko. Mamimigay ng konting pamasko at pagkain sa kanila, lalo na ang daming mga tao rito na hindi taga-Davao, 'yung iba galing pa Bukidnon at Surigao. At least, may pahingaan sila rito," the senator said.

"Sabi ko nga lagyan ng mattress para lalo silang maging komportable. Sa initiative niya na ito, makikita mo talaga ang puso ni Pangulo, lalo na sa mga mahihirap," he added, emphasizing how the Duterte administration prioritizes vulnerable sectors that need government attention the most.

During his visit, the senator offered holiday greetings, gamely posed for photos and delivered gift bags and other kinds of assistance to patients and their watchers. He also thanked everyone for their continuous support for the Duterte administration.

"Maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na suporta. Binabati ko po kayo ng Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," Go said.

The senator also interacted with some of the watchers, lifting their spirits on Christmas day despite the struggles they are going through. He urged them to avail of various assistance from the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop that streamlines the provision of medical and financial assistance from concerned government agencies and offices as part of the senator's advocacy to improve the public health system.

"Nandidiyan na po ang apat na ahensiya ng gobyerno na handang magbigay ng tulong sa lahat ng mga Pilipino, kahit hindi po kayo taga-Davao. Basta Pilipino ka, tutulungan ka nitong Malasakit Center," he said.

The agencies present in these hospital hubs are the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

The process of seeking assistance has also been simplified through the Malasakit Unified Form, which means there is only one form to fill up for Filipinos requesting assistance.

"Noon kailangan pa ninyong pumila sa iba't ibang opisina. Ubos na ang panahon ninyo, ubos pa ang pamasahe ninyo. Ngayon dahil may Malasakit Center na tayo, magtutulungan (ang mga ahensiya ng gobyerno) para sa inyo," Go said.

With the aim of reducing to the lowest amount possible the hospital bill balance of those seeking government help, the center provides financial assistance that covers patient services and expenses, such as laboratories, medicines, surgeries or operations, with the exemption of professional fees and private room accommodation. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will also be prioritized in the centers through an express lane.

The senator added that also all DOH-run hospitals will now get their own Malasakit Centers with the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11463 by President Duterte early this month.

Meanwhile, in an ambush interview, Go expressed his optimism in government's efforts to pursue peace, especially in Mindanao. But the senator also demanded sincerity on the side of the rebels, especially after several reports have come out about ambush attacks against government troops shortly after the unilateral ceasefire has been declared.

"Sa totoo lang po, I am for peace. Gusto ko po ng kapayapaan lalong lalo na sa Mindanao, with the Moro rebels, and with the Left. Si Pangulo gusto rin niyan ng long lasting peace. Ayaw niya kapwa Pilipino nagpapatayan tayo."

"Isa rin po ako sa nilapitan ng Left leaders ukol sa peace. Suportado ko po ito. Iisa lang ang layunin natin, magkaroon ng long lasting peace sa bansa.

"But we have a problem right now. Nabalitaan ni Pangulo na nagkaroon ng ambush sa Camarines at Iloilo. May namatay at nasaktan after ng declaration ng unilateral ceasefire," Go told, further saying that the President is now investigating if violations were committed in the said attacks.

"Ngayon interesado ang Pangulo kung may violation. Kung sakaling meron, hindi niyo masisi na i-terminate ng Pangulo ang unilateral ceasefire sa parte ng gobyerno," he added.

"Ngayon, bine-verify ng Pangulo ang totoong nangyari."

Ending his statement, Go urged the rebels to trust the President, recounting his experience in Davao when he and the President--then Davao mayor--would go to the lair of the rebels to negotiate the release of captive soldiers.

"Naaawa kami sa mga sundalo kapag binibisita namin sila, halos hindi na makapagsalita. 'Yung mga misis at anak nila, nangungulila. Ayaw naming may pamilya pa na mawalan ng ama. Kapwa Pilipino naman tayo."

"Kami ni Pangulo, nagtiwala sa Left. Umaakyat kami noon ng bundok sa Davao para kumuha ng bihag na sundao, walang bodyguard. Tiwala kami sa inyo. Magtiwala naman kayo sa gobyerno," said Go.

"With all sincerity po, magtiwala kayo kay Pangulo. Pwede niyo siyang kausapin. Lagi siyang handang makinig sa inyo," he ended, emphasizing the commitment of this administration to pursue peace and development all over the country.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has denounced the reported ban for families of political prisoners from visiting their loved ones in their detention quarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, especially during this Yuletide season.

With the unjustified visitation ban, De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, said the Duterte administration has reached another low.

"I condemn this blatant violation of the rights of these Persons Deprived of Liberty [PDLs]. The timing of this latest harassment couldn't be any worse, considering the Christmas season," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 684.

"Why are the jailers acting like Scrooges? Pati ba naman ang sariling pamilya, ipagkakait pa sa mga bilanggong pulitikal ngayong kapaskuhan? Ano na naman ang palusot na ibibigay nila sa lantarang panggigipit na ito?" she asked.

"Kapatid," a human rights group working towards attaining freedom for political prisoners and gathering support for them, recently condemned the plight of families and friends of political prisoners denied of their rights to visit their loved ones in detention.

De Lima cited a particular case of Fides Lim, the wife of political prisoner Vic Ladlad who is detained at MMDJ-4, Bicutan, who claimed to have been banned by authorities to visit her husband ahead of Christmas day, last Dec. 22.

"I protest why I am not being allowed right now to visit my husband to bring him food and medicines. I have been here for hours now at Gate 1. The guards at the gate led by a Major Pascua said he is just following orders not to allow me in," part of Lim's Facebook post read.

While Mr. Duterte has declared a ceasefire with the rebels, the lady Senator from Bicol lamented how he continues to order the security forces to silence his critics and deprive them of the remaining rights they have once detained.

"Ginoong Pangulo, dyan ka nagkakamali. Ang panggigipit mo ang higit na magbibigay-tapang sa mamamayan upang labanan ang mga mala-diktador mong asta," she said.

"These political detainees may be harassed for eternity, but they will never stop fighting for their principles and their cause. You can never silence the idea of resistance that is fueled by the tyranny and corruption of your own regime," she added.

This 18th Congress, De Lima filed bills on sweeping prison system reforms, logged as Senate Bills No. 180 and 181. These two measures both aim to help initiate comprehensive reforms in the country's prison and correctional systems. She also filed Senate Bill No. 179 or the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has underscored that the guilty verdict for the 2009 Maguindanao massacre masterminds serves as a reminder to the entire nation that warlords cannot escape justice, especially in a democratic country like the Philippines.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, made the remark after the three sons of late former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. were convicted for the murder of 58 persons in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

"Justice has finally been served. It has been a long and rigorous process in obtaining justice for the 58 victims of the deadliest incident of electoral violence and attack on the press in the history of the country," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 681.

"This day will forever be etched in history as the day justice did not tolerate homicidal and monstrous abuse of power. By means of this guilty verdict, we are reminded that warlords have no place in a democracy, but are its very anti-thesis," she added.

In a 761-page decision, Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221 found the three Ampatuan brothers Datu Andal Jr, Zaldy, and Anwar Sr., and 25 other accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The 28 convicts were sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or a maximum of 40 years in jail, without benefit of parole, and were also ordered to pay millions of pesos in damages to the victims' families. Meanwhile, 15 were sentenced to 6-10 years for being accessories to crime, while 55 were acquitted.

The case stems from the November 23, 2009 killings in Maguindanao where 58 persons died, including 32 journalists. Photojournalist Reynaldo Momay was declared dead as his body was never found.

As then chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, it may be recalled that De Lima led the agency in conducting fact-finding investigations immediately after the country's worst political massacre in 2009.

When she was appointed justice secretary under the Aquino administration, De Lima took over the supervision of the same case in 2010 and diligently steered it amidst challenges, both internal and external DOJ.

The lady Senator from Bicol, meanwhile, lauded the efforts of the individuals who worked hard to solve the case, including private prosecutors and lawyers and public prosecutors from the National Prosecution Service.

"This victory would have never been achieved without the persistent private prosecutors who, since day one, have refused to succumb to the pressures and challenges of this case," she said.

"I laud the efforts of the lawyers and public prosecutors from the National Prosecution Service who fought tooth and nail to ensure that no stone is left unturned in what has been regarded as the 'Trial of the Century'. Their efforts have proven that we will not take violence and impunity sitting down," she added.

De Lima also commended Judge Reyes' efforts to tirelessly hear the case in the name of delivering complete justice to the victims of the gruesome crime, saying, "Judge Reyes will be remembered for how she tirelessly weighed and appreciated the facts, which led to the conviction of the Maguindanao mass murderers."

Despite the recent victory, the former justice secretary reminded that "there is still injustice out there" that is why "justice needs to be a continuing cycle wherein accountability continues to be exacted from those who abuse their power to maintain a stranglehold on their position.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) revealed that the country's female high school students outperformed their male counterparts in basic academic performance.

The PISA 2018 report shows that girls scored 27 points higher than boys in Reading Comprehension. In terms of performance in Mathematics, girls scored 12 points higher than boys and scored 4 points higher than boys in Science.

The gender disparity in education is not only evident in the Philippines. The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2020 shows the persistence of gender inequalities in the acquisition of different competencies.

And while this year's Global Gender Gap report highlights the growing urgency for action, here at home Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking intensified measures against teenage pregnancy.

The lawmaker puts emphasis on teenage pregnancy as it is the top reason why female students drop out of school. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority's (PSA) Annual Poverty Indicators Survey 2017, "marriage or family matters" is the top reason why female out-of-school children and youth (OSCY) aged 6-24 are not attending school. The PSA's 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) also reported that nine percent of 4.9 million teenage women aged 15-19 have begun childbearing.

"Sa paghahangad nating mabigyan ng pantay-pantay na oportunidad sa edukasyon ang kabataan, mahalagang matukoy natin ang mga hadlang sa pagkamit natin ng layuning ito. Sa kaso ng mga batang kababaihan, nakikita natin na ang maagang pagbubuntis ang isa sa mga isyung kailangan nating tutukan," said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Commitee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

"Fostering gender equality is about empowering half of our population with both the opportunities and skills to succeed in school and later on, in their professional lives. Kaya naman kailangan nating labanan ang maagang pagbubuntis dahil pinagkakaitan nito ang maraming kabataan ng magandang kinabukasan," Gatchalian said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

To 'Thinking Pinoy', I note with gladness that you at least made the effort to look up the Appropriations Law before commenting. However, interpreting US appropriations Law requires more due diligence than just looking at one document and, thereafter, promptly concluding that it does not contain the provision banning my persecutors from entry into the US.

So let me help you understand.

The operations of the US Federal Government are, to say it simplistically, very broad and complex. So, preparing for its budget will be more complicated than what we usually do here.

In this case, the US Congress passed a large, single appropriations bill called an "omnibus bill", in which the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations (SFOPs) language is included. The Final Bill is what you have presumably browsed.

But the omnibus bill includes by reference as an intrinsic part thereof the Final Explanatory Statement, which makes reference to accompanying guiding reports.

In the first page of the Explanatory Statement, it states that unless specifically negated therein, the Report language originally included in the House and Senate SFOPs bill remains in force.

This brings us to the Senate SFOPs bill report language. The provision banning my persecutors is stated therein and it was not specifically negated by the Explanatory Report. Hence, it remains in force.

Let me summarize in 4 simple steps:

Step 1. Look at the Final Bill, which refers to the Explanatory Statement.

Step 2. Now, look at the Explanatory Statement, which makes reference to the House and Senate SFOPs bill Reports.

Step 3. Look at the Senate SFOPs bill Report, specifically top of page 93. There you will see what you are looking for. It's the "Prohibition on Entry" provision which specifically mentions, and made applicable to, my situation.

Step 4. Go back to the Explanatory Statement and ask yourself--does it specifically negate the language you found on page 93? You will see that it does not.

Therefore, the entry ban is in effect.

In short, it's not fake news. ###



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima today urged her countrymen to continue praying and fighting for justice for young Filipino victims of extrajudicial killings and other state-led abuses, as well as their loved ones left behind.

In her message on the commemoration of Niños Inocentes today (Dec. 28), De Lima lamented how Mr. Duterte mirrors the brutality and violence of King Herod of Judea who is known from the stories of the Bible for having ordered the killings of innocent children in an attempt to kill Jesus Christ.

"Kasabay ng paggunita ng Pista ng Niños Inocentes--ang pag-alala sa mga batang ipinapatay ni Haring Herodes matapos ipanganak si Hesukristo dahil sa takot na mapatalsik sa kapangyarihan--inaanyayahan ko po ang ating mga kababayan na ipanalangin ang lahat ng batang naging biktima ng karahasan at walang awang pamamaslang sa ating bayan," she said.

"Taimtim po nating ipagdasal na makamit din ng marami pang biktima ng pamamaslang, karahasan, at pagsasamantala ang tunay at ganap na hustisya," added the former chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights.

Celebrated by the Catholic Church every Dec. 28 in various parts of the world as part of the Christmas season, Niños Inocentes commemorates the innocent children who were killed upon the order of King Herod, fearful of being overthrown by the prophesized Messiah, to ensure newborn Jesus Christ's death.

Also known as the Feast of Holy Innocent, it is commemorated within the season of Christmas because the holy innocents offered their lives for the newborn Savior.

In the country, De Lima recalled the names of several innocent children who were considered as mere "collateral damage" by the current regime led by a despotic leader like Herod who "will do everything in his power just to satisfy his caprices and bloodlust no matter how inhumane his ways are."

They include Saniño Butucan, Danica May Garcia, Francisco Manosca, Althea Fhem Barbon, Reynaldo de Guzman, Carl Arnaiz, Kian delos Santos and Myka Ulpina, to name some.

"Nakapangingilabot. Ang patuloy na pagpatay ng libo-libong mahihirap na Pilipino, at ang pumaslang ng mga batang walang kalaban-laban. Mga batang nangangarap para sa sarili, magulang at pamilya, subalit pinaguho ng mismong estadong may tungkuling protektahan, gabayan at arugain sila," she said.

Despite her and other human rights defenders' repeated calls to an end to extrajudicial killings in the country, De Lima said the government continued to promote violence and killings that led to the death of an estimate of more than 27,000 Filipinos, including children.

"Sa simula pa lang ng War on Drugs, atin nang kinondena ang mga karumal-dumal na pagpatay kung saan may mga nadamay nang mga bata. Pero sa halip na makinig at itigil, binalewala lang nila ito at lalong kinunsinte at pinatindi ang karahasan," she said.

"Kaya sa mahigit tatlong taon nila sa puwesto, dumami pa ang mga batang pinagkaitan ng kinabukasan, mga ina at amang naglibing sa kanilang anak; mga pamilyang naulila ng malambing at masayahing kapatid at mahal sa buhay," she added.

This 18th Congress, De Lima reintroduced her anti-EJK bill, logged as Senate Bill (SB) No. 371, seeking to define and provide for acts that constitute EJKs and strengthen the intervention and investigative functions of government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights.

De Lima's measure also proposes to make local chief executives and chief of police administratively liable if their communities experience a surge in EJK cases, except in communities beset by armed conflict.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to impose stiffer penalty against ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines (Grab PH) for repeatedly violating the country's competition rules since the departure of Uber in 2018.

Gatchalian made the call after finding out that the PCC has penalized the Transport Network Company (TNC) four times for breaching price and service quality promises in a span of more than a year, which for him is very unacceptable.

After Grab acquired Uber's Southeast Asia operations last year, the PCC fined Grab PH for violating key provisions of the Interim Measures Order (IMO) during the merger review period of the antitrust authority.

Grab was penalized in October 2018 for its failure to maintain pre-merger conditions such as pricing policies, rider incentives and service quality.

Citing more data from the PCC, it fined Grab PH again in January 2019 P6.5 million for submitting "deficient, inconsistent, and incorrect data" for the monitoring of its "compliance with its voluntary commitments."

On November 14, the regulator announced that it ordered Grab to return about ₱5.05 million in fares due to "overcharging" from customers who booked their services between February and May 2019. The PCC gave Grab 60 days to refund customers.

On December 19, the PCC imposed a fine of P14.15 million for Grab's extraordinary deviation on its pricing commitment, and P2 million for exceeding driver cancellations at 7.76% instead of the committed 5%.

"Ilang beses nang nakitaan ng violation at sinita ng PCC ang pang-aabuso ng Grab sa ating mga commuter kaya naman sila ay madalas na pinagmumulta. Ang nakapagtataka, apat na beses na silang pinagmulta ng paulit-ulit sa loob ng isang taon", Gatchalian said in astonishment.

"Parang lumalabas tuloy na dahil hawak nila ang 93% ng share sa industry ay pwede na nilang kontrolin ang merkado at ayos lang kahit na magmulta sila at lumabag sa itinakdang standards ng PCC," he added.

The lawmaker reiterates, "more than three times or four times na itong nangyayari kaya dapat maimbistigahan ito sa Senado dahil maliwanag na pang-aabuso ito. Iyong mga pangyayari noong 2018 and 2019 paulit-ulit na lang, kaya dapat tignan na rin ng PCC ang buong sitwasyon at patawan sila ng mas matinding karampatang aksyon."

The PCC is a regulatory body mandated to enforce Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), which aims to promote economic efficiency to ensure fair and healthy market competition.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Imee Marcos said child rebels who have died in combat or who have not returned to their families after being recruited by the communist New People's Army (NPA) should be remembered every December 28, on the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

Marcos issued the statement to express support for the grieving mothers who demonstrated against the Communist Party of the Philippines on its 51st anniversary Thursday.

"Patay man o buhay ang kanilang mga anak, ang mga magulang ay patuloy na nagdadalamhati sa ginawang pagsasamantla ng mga kaaway ng estado sa kanilang kamusmusan," Marcos explained.

Children, under Republic Act 9262 or the law defining violence against women and children, are those below 18 or older but who cannot care for themselves.

"Isang karahasan ang pagkaitan ang mga magulang na mahalin ang kanilang mga anak. Malinaw na paglabag sa batas ang ginagawa ng mga berdugong NPA," Marcos said.

Marcos has sought to amend the Anti-Terrorist Act via Senate Bill 630, which classifies rebellion, kidnapping, and their glorification as acts of terrorism that are subject to heavy penalties.

Besides urban recruitment in universities, Marcos cited the "more atrocious" recruitment of child warriors as young as five years old and rape of teenagers in the rural network of NPA indoctrination centers that masqueraded as schools for indigenous peoples (IPs), known as the Salugpungan Tatanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc.

Tribal leaders Datu Awang Apuga, Datu Joel Dahusay, and Bae Magdalina Ilagan have testified as witnesses and as former Salugpungan students who were victims of NPA atrocities themselves, in a hearing of the Senate committee on cultural communities which Marcos chairs.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents is a Catholic holiday that recalls the random slaughter of children in biblical times, ordered by King Herod who feared the coming of a newborn king, as prophesied.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) revealed that the country's female high school students outperformed their male counterparts in basic academic performance.

The PISA 2018 report shows that girls scored 27 points higher than boys in Reading Comprehension. In terms of performance in Mathematics, girls scored 12 points higher than boys and scored 4 points higher than boys in Science.

The gender disparity in education is not only evident in the Philippines. The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2020 shows the persistence of gender inequalities in the acquisition of different competencies.

And while this year's Global Gender Gap report highlights the growing urgency for action, here at home Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking intensified measures against teenage pregnancy.

The lawmaker puts emphasis on teenage pregnancy as it is the top reason why female students drop out of school. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority's (PSA) Annual Poverty Indicators Survey 2017, "marriage or family matters" is the top reason why female out-of-school children and youth (OSCY) aged 6-24 are not attending school. The PSA's 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) also reported that nine percent of 4.9 million teenage women aged 15-19 have begun childbearing.

"Sa paghahangad nating mabigyan ng pantay-pantay na oportunidad sa edukasyon ang kabataan, mahalagang matukoy natin ang mga hadlang sa pagkamit natin ng layuning ito. Sa kaso ng mga batang kababaihan, nakikita natin na ang maagang pagbubuntis ang isa sa mga isyung kailangan nating tutukan," said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Commitee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

"Fostering gender equality is about empowering half of our population with both the opportunities and skills to succeed in school and later on, in their professional lives. Kaya naman kailangan nating labanan ang maagang pagbubuntis dahil pinagkakaitan nito ang maraming kabataan ng magandang kinabukasan," Gatchalian said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

During his visit to Typhoon Ursula victims in Balasan, Iloilo, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go urged local officials to ensure that all aid and assistance coming from the national government reach the victims.

"Ako po ay nakikiusap, ito ay panahon ng pagtutulungan, makonsensya na lang po tayo. Kung anuman po na tulong na ipinadala dito para po yan sa ating mga kababayan," Go said.

"Pinili po kayo ng mga tao bilang leaders, malaki din po ang tiwala ko sa kanila kaya naman sana ay ibigay nila sa mga tao ang mga dumarating na tulong," he added.

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that in Western Visayas, around 5,700 families, or 21,900 individuals, were affected by Typhoon Ursula.

Fatalities were also reported in the region with 13 deaths---9 from Iloilo and 4 in Capiz.

During the visit at the Balasan Gym, Go distributed relief and financial assistance to 213 affected families who are still reeling from the disaster. The senator also said he will provide uniforms and other school supplies to students who lost theirs during the storm.

"Mayroon po akong dalang mga pagkain, grocery pack. Ang programa ng gobyerno, nandito din sila para makatulong po sa inyo," he said.

Different government agencies were also present during the visit to provide the victims with appropriate assistance. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide cash assistance to victims based on the validated list prepared by local leaders.

"May programa tayo sa gobyerno. Nandito ang iba't ibang mga ahensya para magbigay ng assistance. Iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno, tulung-tulong tayo para makaahon kaagad sila," he said, adding that those who need to rebuild their homes may seek help from the NHA.

"Ang NHA, merong programa na magbibigay sila ng housing materials sa lahat ng mga totally damaged. Bibigyan lahat sila para makapagpatayo kaagad ng bahay," Go said.

"'Yung Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) naman may livelihood program. Iba't ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno magbibigay rin po ng tulong," he added.

As for victims with medical conditions that require a specialist, Go said he is willing to bring them to medical specialists in Manila to have them checked.

"Sa mga nais magpa-opera dahil walang espesyalista dito sa kanilang lugar, ako na po ang sasalo para makapagpa-opera sila sa Manila," Go said.

To promote preparedness and mitigate risks caused by natural disasters, Go also said that he has filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 205 or the "Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019" which proposes for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience, "an empowered, highly specialized department with clear unity of command and primarily responsible in ensuring safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities."

"Layunin po ng batas na ito na magkaroon ng hiwalay na departamento na tututok sa pag-manage natin ng mga sakuna. Tapos na kami sa committee hearing at ipu-push ko ito na mapabilis," said Go.

Back in November 11, the senator emphasized during a Joint Committee Hearing of the National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation; Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation; Ways and Means; and Finance Committees the country's need to be more proactive in its approach in dealing with natural disasters.

"Equally important na proactive tayo bago ang sakuna. Dapat may magtuturo sa mga LGUs kung ano ang dapat gawin sakaling may darating na sakuna. Handa tayo dapat bago pa ito dumating," said Go.

"Kapag may isang departamento na, alam na ng ating mga kababayan kung sino ang kanilang lalapitan. Alam na din kung sino ang makikipag-coordinate sa iba't ibang ahensya. Huwag na nating hintayin na magkaroon pa ng bagyo, sunog, lindol," he added.

After his visit to Balasan, the senator proceeded to Pontevedra town to extend similar assistance to typhoon victims in the province of Capiz.

"Kahit saang sulok po ng Pilipinas, pupuntahan ko po kayo hanggang sa makakaya ko para magbigay ng tulong at mag-iwan ng ngiti sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati," Go told the victims, explaining that he regularly visits victims of calamities to listen to their concerns and provide solutions to their daily struggles.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The coming year may finally mark the beginning of the end for the "disconnect" that has shut out far-flung towns and provinces from much-needed funding for their development programs, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said.

Lacson said he has high hopes for the Department of Budget and Management's policy to require agencies to secure certifications from Regional Development Councils for projects to be included in the proposed national budget for 2021.

"For the P4.1-trillion budget for 2020, projects initiated by the Regional Development Councils accounted for only 25 percent of development projects in the National Expenditure Program or the President's Budget that forms the basis of the budget bill. Yet, local government units, especially those in far-flung areas, are in the best position to know their constituents' needs and priorities," said Lacson, an untiring watchdog of the national budget an advocate of local government empowerment.

"I am thankful to DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado for requiring agencies to obtain certifications from RDCs to make sure projects have local support. This is a step in the right direction that we must follow," he added.

Lacson noted Avisado had informed him that he ordered certifications ahead of the budget call for 2021. This means departments seeking funding for projects need to submit certification from the RDCs.

On the other hand, Lacson said members of Congress, particularly district representatives, can still play an active role in pushing worthy local development projects by taking part in meetings of Local Development Councils, where they are members. They can then shepherd the projects once the NEP is submitted to Congress.

"Under the Local Government Code, district representatives can help shape priority projects for their towns, cities or provinces by taking part in the Local Development Councils," he said.

"What is important is to end this big disconnect between the needs and priorities of LGUs and the national budget. So long as this disconnect exists, poor provinces will get poorer because they cannot get the funding for the projects that will address their needs and priorities," he added.

Lacson has been advocating for empowering LGUs to pursue key development projects, by providing them with much-needed funding. In the 18th Congress, he re-filed the Budget Reform for Village Empowerment (BRAVE) Act of 2019, which guarantees an annual Local Development Fund to help LGUs in provinces, cities, towns and barangays implement their three-year Comprehensive Development Plans.

Meanwhile, Lacson voiced hopes 2020 will finally mark the beginning of the end as well of attempts to manipulate the budget to accommodate the interest of the chosen few. Such attempts have led to the funding of projects that did not undergo proper planning, which in turn result in low budget utilization.

Because of this, he reiterated Filipinos must remain vigilant against abuses in the budget, and report them to the authorities concerned.

"As I have repeatedly been emphasizing, the national budget is the lifeblood of the economy, if not the country itself. No government or no nation will survive without its healthy components and circulation," Lacson stressed.

"If we turn a blind eye, waver in fear of intimidation, give in to pressure - we will leave nothing behind to the future generations that would come after us," he added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Taon-taon, ginugunita natin ang Araw ni Gat Jose Rizal. Subalit ang pagdiriwang na ito ay hindi lang tungkol kay Rizal bilang indibidwal, kundi sa dangal at husay ng lahing Pilipino na ipinamalas niya sa buong mundo, pati na sa pagkamulat ng sambayanan at sama-samang pakikipaglaban para sa ating kasarinlan.

Kung tutuusin, puwede sanang palampasin na lang kung ang isang naturingang pinuno ng bansa ay tinatamad o nagpapalusot lang kung ayaw niyang dumalo sa mga tradisyon ng paggunita sa ating mga bayani. Pero ang hindi katanggap-tanggap sa atin ay ang kawalan mismo ng pagpapahalaga ng isang pinuno sa mga ipinaglabang prinsipyo ng ating mga bayani--ang pagtatanggol sa ating teritoryo, paggalang sa karapatang pantao, malayang pamamahayag at pagkakapantay-pantay.

Isandaan at dalawampu't tatlong taon na mula nang pinaslang si Rizal matapos siyang hatulan ng kamatayan mula sa mga gawa-gawang kaso laban sa kanya. Pilit mang siniraan noon ang kanyang reputasyon, malinaw naman hanggang ngayon na patuloy na tinitingala ang kadakilaan ng paglaban niya para sa katotohanan at katarungan. Patunay ito: hinuhusgahan ng kasaysayan ang ating mga nagawa para sa kapwa't bansa.

Mapa-pinuno man o karaniwang mamamayan, tanungin po sana natin ang ating sarili: Bilang Pilipino, ano ang nagagawa ko para sa aking kapwa Pilipino? Sa harap ng lantarang karahasan at pagpatay sa mga maralita, umimik ba tayo o nanahimik? Sa paglapastangan sa mga institusyon na may mandatong itaguyod ang hustisya, tumutol ba tayo o nagpagamit lang sa mga mapang-abuso? Sa panggigipit sa malayang pamamahayag at pagpapakalat ng fake news, pumanig ba tayo sa tama at nararapat o nagwalang kibo lamang at nagpakaduwag?

As Rizal said, "The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others." Standing up against a despotic regime and upholding our democratic principles is our obligation not only to this generation, but also to the generations to come. Instead of siding with those who continue to ruin our people and country, let us once again strengthen our solidarity in bringing back the glory of our nation that is committed in promoting human rights, social justice and democracy.

(Sgd.) LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has chided a pro-administration blogger for failing to do a diligent work in proving that the United States' (US) entry ban imposed on government officials responsible for her wrongful imprisonment was fake news.

De Lima said the entry ban against her persecutors is, in fact, already in effect after the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations (SFOPs) Bill which includes such provision was signed into law by President Trump last Dec. 20.

"nterpreting US Appropriations Law requires more due diligence than just looking at one document and, thereafter, promptly concluding that it does not contain the provision banning my persecutors from entry into the US," she said in her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 687.

"The entry ban is in effect. In short, it's not fake news," added De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime.

Last Dec. 20, US President Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 SFOPs Bill which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials responsible for De Lima's wrongful detention.

The provision, introduced by US Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy, stated that the US Secretary of State shall apply the subsection on the prohibition of entry "to foreign government officials about whom the Secretary has credible information have been involved in the wrongful imprisonment" of De Lima.

Last Dec. 28, former DFA consultant Rey Joseph Nieto claimed that the entry ban of Philippine government officials was purportedly "fake" because he was not able to find reference on De Lima in the final version signed by President Trump.

Nieto, known by his monicker as "Thinking Pinoy," bragged about in his latest column in the Manila Bulletin that his perusal of the appropriations measure did not show any reference to "De Lima" or her "wrongful imprisonment."

De Lima pointed out that Nieto might have perused the final bill, but not the US Congress' omnibus bill in which the "Prohibition on Entry" is stated, adding that the operations of the US Federal Government are "very broad and complex."

"In this case, the US Congress passed a large, single appropriations bill called an 'omnibus bill', in which the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations (SFOPs) language is included. The Final Bill is what you have presumably browsed," she said.

"But the omnibus bill includes by reference as an intrinsic part thereof the Final Explanatory Statement, which makes reference to accompanying guiding reports," she added.

In the US Senate's SFOPs bill report, the former justice secretary maintained that the provision banning her persecutors is clearly stated. "Hence, it remains in force," she said.

Nieto is included in the initial list that De Lima has identified among the government officials responsible for her wrongful imprisonment. He once served as head of the Strategic Communications Unit under the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs.

In October 2017, Nieto, along with his fellow pro-Duterte blogger Mike Acebedo Lopez, posed taunting photos outside De Lima's Senate office in an apparent attempt to mock the Senator who was detained over trumped-up illegal drug charges.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has recalled the patriotic deeds and sacrifices of national hero Dr. Gat Jose Rizal who stood up and defended the country and the Filipinos against the then abusive Spanish government in the Philippines.

In her message on Rizal Day today (Dec. 30), De Lima urged her countrymen to emulate Rizal's courage and loyalty to the country by fulfilling their obligation to stand up against a despotic regime and uphold our democratic principles for the benefit of the present and future generations.

"Taon-taon, ginugunita natin ang Araw ni Gat Jose Rizal. Subalit ang pagdiriwang na ito ay hindi lang tungkol kay Rizal bilang indibidwal, kundi sa dangal at husay ng lahing Pilipino na ipinamalas niya sa buong mundo, pati na sa pagkamulat ng sambayanan at sama-samang pakikipaglaban para sa ating kasarinlan," she said.

"As Rizal said, 'The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others.' [So] Instead of siding with those who continue to ruin our people and country, let us once again strengthen our solidarity in bringing back the glory of our nation that is committed in promoting human rights, social justice and democracy," she added.

Celebrated annually every Dec. 30, Rizal Day commemorates the life of Rizal who is widely known for being a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary. He was executed by firing squad at Bagumbayan field, now Rizal Park, in Manila on Dec. 30, 1896.

While some people tried to discredit his efforts during his time, De Lima said that the respect and honor given to Rizal until today are strong proof that history judges what one did for his country and countrymen.

"Isandaan at dalawampu't tatlong taon na mula nang pinaslang si Rizal matapos siyang hatulan ng kamatayan mula sa mga gawa-gawang kaso laban sa kanya. Pilit mang siniraan noon ang kanyang reputasyon, malinaw naman hanggang ngayon na patuloy na tinitingala ang kadakilaan ng paglaban niya para sa katotohanan at katarungan," she said.

The lady Senator from Bicol maintained that the people should continue valuing Rizal's principles by calling out and speaking out against abusive leaders who promote and tolerate inequality, injustices and treason.

"Kung tutuusin, puwede sanang palampasin na lang kung ang isang naturingang pinuno ng bansa ay tinatamad o nagpapalusot lang kung ayaw niyang dumalo sa mga tradisyon ng paggunita sa ating mga bayani," she said.

"Pero ang hindi katanggap-tanggap sa atin ay ang kawalan mismo ng pagpapahalaga ng isang pinuno sa mga ipinaglabang prinsipyo ng ating mga bayani--ang pagtatanggol sa ating teritoryo, paggalang sa karapatang pantao, malayang pamamahayag at pagkakapantay-pantay," she added.

In highlighting what Filipinos can do for the country, De Lima said each person should ask his or herself questions such as, "Bilang Pilipino, ano ang nagagawa ko para sa aking kapwa Pilipino?", "Sa harap ng lantarang karahasan at pagpatay sa mga maralita, umimik ba tayo o nanahimik?"

Among the questions De Lima believes people should also ask themselves include, "Sa paglapastangan sa mga institusyon na may mandatong itaguyod ang hustisya, tumutol ba tayo o nagpagamit lang sa mga mapang-abuso?", "Sa panggigipit sa malayang pamamahayag at pagpapakalat ng fake news, pumanig ba tayo sa tama at nararapat o nagwalang kibo lamang at nagpakaduwag?"



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The obfuscation coming from the DDS camp regarding the US visa ban enacted in the 2020 US Appro Law, as initiated by their amateur ideologue-blogger RJ Nieto and echoed by officials like the Senate President, reflects panic, confusion, fear, and denial among their ranks, especially those with a lot to lose like access to their assets and properties stashed in the US.

The amateur "legal" opinion of Nieto was their desperate attempt to deny a fact finally affirmed by none other than the Philippine Embassy in the US itself and admitted by Malacañang.

This obfuscation strategy is also an attempt to downgrade, if not undermine, the very significance of the US visa ban.

DDS officialdom is grasping at straws in denying the fact that finally, something had hit them, and hit them hard where it counts -- travel access to the centers of the western world. To use a popular colloquial phrase, "affected much talaga kayo." But why? Why do you care so much for being denied access to the West, when your political values hew more closely with those of China and Russia?

As I said, you cannot be citizens of Rome and behave like barbarians. You decide to be barbarians, you must only expect to be ostracized from the world of civilized nations and live in the periphery, excluded from the center of civilization.

As for DOJ Sec. Guevarra, who said he does not give a damn if he is banned in the US, and who asked the US Senators or their staff to come to the Philippines to see the evidence against me, he should make up his mind. The Bureau of Immigration which is directly under him has just banned the US Senators from the Philippines. So how can they come here to see the evidence?

Hindi lang kayo nagpapanic, gulong-gulo pa kayo kung iimbitahin ba o ipagbabawal ba ninyo ang mga senador ng Amerika sa Pilipinas.

Apparently, panic time also becomes amateur time, when Malacañang's information about the travel ban has to come from media, then "debunked" as fake news by their amateur ideologue-cum-mediocre scholar RJ Nieto. It is only after the panic and confusion that Malacañang resorted to the official way of verifying information, by asking its own embassy in the US.

Para silang mga anay na nabulabog, nagtuturuan at nanunumbat sa isa't isa.

Sa katotohanan, yan lang naman ang bunga ng pagkilos ninyo nang naaayon sa tinatawag ninyong soberanya. Sa pagwawalang-bahala ninyo sa paalala ng mga sibilisadong bansa na hindi puwedeng balewalain ninuman ang karapatang pantao, ginagawa lang naman nila kung ano rin ang naaayon sa kanilang soberanya, ang huwag papasukin sa kanilang mga bansa o bigyang ayuda ang mga mamamatay-tao at ang mga naglalapastangan sa karapatang pantao, at ang mga pumapalapak sa mga ito. ###



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The admin forked tongues argue that the US visa ban on those officials responsible for my persecution and unjust detention is baseless because I am afforded legal process.

Another rain of truth twisting and propaganda. Let's not forget that this is the same regime that opened the floodgates of drugs and corruption in the country. May kinasuhan ba? May pinanagot ba sa bilyon-bilyong drogang pinuslit sa Customs at mga katiwalian sa gobyerno?

Huwag ako. Paskong-pasko sinungaling pa rin kayo. Magbabagong taon, baka gusto n'yong magbagong buhay din?

It is axiomatic in the law that the process should be fair and just. Saan ang fair and just sa ginawa n'yo sa akin?

Para n'yo nang sinabi na makatarungan din ang pagpako kay Hesus dahil may proseso naman. Dumaan naman kay Poncio Pilato. Huwag n'yong kalimutan na naghugas kamay si Poncio Pilato, gaya ninyo. At ng mga testigo niyong rehearsed at scripted. Umupa pa yata kayo ng acting coach. Sa loob ng korte sintunado mga testigo n'yo. Baka gusto n'yong kumuha na rin ng voice coach?

You can never silence or defeat the truth! Divine justice is mightier than all of you combined



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Franklin Drilon has extended P1.5-million worth of relief goods to typhoon "Ursula" victims in Panay island provinces.

Upon his initiative, and in partnership with private organizations, Drilon put together 3,000 food packs to residents affected by the typhoon that ripped through Western Visayas provinces on Christmas Day.

Ursula, known internationally as Typhoon Phanfone, devastated towns in northern Iloilo, Aklan province and Capiz city on Christmas Day, leaving thousands of residents homeless.

In addition to the 3,000 food packs, 1,000 pieces of blankets will be given to displaced families. The assistance was coursed through to local government units.

"I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. I expressed my sincere sympathy to all the victims, especially my kasimanwas who are going through difficult times," Drilon said.

Drilon, an Ilonggo senator who is instrumental in the development of Iloilo, vowed to look for more assistance "to help rebuild the lives of the victims and the community."

"I want to assure you that more help is on the way. I will do everything in my capacity as senator to help you in this most difficult time in your life. We will rise from this episode," Drilon added.

The senator also thanked those who have extended help to his fellow kasimanwas, and enjoined all Filipinos to help and pray for the victims and affected families.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Following the results of a global survey which revealed low Math and Science proficiency scores among Filipino high school students, Senator Win Gatchalian has called anew for the establishment of a public Math and Science High School in every province.

According to the lawmaker, the results of the global Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, which assessed 15-year old students' proficiency in Mathematics, Science and Reading Comprehension, underscore the necessity of building schools in the provinces with a curriculum that focuses on Mathematics and the Sciences.

The triennial study revealed that among 79 countries, Filipino students scored second lowest in Science and Mathematics. Filipino high school students scored an average of 353 and 357 in Mathematics and Science, respectively. The focus of the next PISA assessment, which will be in 2021, will be on Mathematical Literacy.

"Ang kakayahan ng ating mga mag-aaral sa Agham at Matematika ay hindi lamang sumasalamin sa katayuan ng ating sistema ng edukasyon. Ipinapakita rin nito ang kakulangan sa kahandaan ng ating mga kabataang maging bahagi ng ating mga industriya sa kanilang pagtatapos, lalo na't napakabilis ng pagbabagong dulot ng teknolohiya" said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

Earlier this year, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 369 or the Equitable Access to Math and Science Education Act. The proposed measure mandates all provinces to have at least one public Math and Science High School within their capital cities. These schools shall implement a six-year integrated junior-senior high school curriculum that focuses on Advanced Science, Mathematics, and Technology subjects under the guidance of both the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Graduates from these schools will be required to enroll in a course of study in Pure and Applied Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Technology, or any other field deemed appropriate by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Gatchalian added that these schools will boost student performance in the provinces, noting that in all three areas covered by PISA, students from the rural communities scored lower than those in the urban areas.

"The establishment of a Math and Science High School in every province will also foster greater equity in our education system. Sa pag-angat natin ng kalidad ng edukasyon, layunin nating makitaan ng husay ang bawat mag-aaral ano man ang kanilang katayuan sa buhay o saan man sila nagmula," Gatchalian concluded.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

In a visit to typhoon victims in Pontevedra, Capiz, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go urged government to immediately restore basic services, such as electricity and water, fast track the repair of roads, and provide basic commodities to victims most in need of government attention.

"Gaya na lang po sa mga regions na tinamaan po ng lindol, order nga po sa ating mga national government agencies ay i-restore...to normal kaagad 'yung sitwasyon lalong-lalo na po 'yung mga kalye, kuryente, 'yung mga basic commodities ay maibigay kaagad sa tao," Go said.

More than 272 families composed of 1,015 individuals from five different barangays have been affected by the said typhoon in Pontevedra. The senator, who has been constantly visiting areas affected by such calamities, brought immediate relief assistance, such as food, groceries and cash assistance to the victims.

"As what I have promised to the Filipino people, kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, papasukin ko kayo basta kaya lang po ng aking panahon at ng aking katawan. Pupuntahan ko, para marinig kaagad yung hinanaing," he added.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also provided cash assistance to them while the National Housing Authority (NHA) will provide housing materials and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will assist in providing livelihood assistance.

Internationally known as Typhoon Phanfone, Typhoon Ursula was a very strong tropical cyclone with winds at 150kph. It is a tropical storm that lashed many areas in the country during the Christmas season, killing already three people in Pontevedra alone. The extent of damage it caused is yet to be determined but the typhoon has toppled electricity posts, damaged homes and roads, and disrupted transport services.

Meanwhile, the senator said during his visit that he and concerned agencies constantly report what is happening on ground to President Rodrigo Duterte.

"At ako naman po, pinaparating ko kaagad sa kanya ang nangyari dito," he said adding that as of now, the President is also busy monitoring those who have been affected by the earthquakes in the Mindanao region.

Go also emphasized that the government should always respond appropriately to crises like this. For his part, he had already filed several bills in the Senate to further mitigate effects of such disasters and natural calamities, such as Senate Bill (SB) No. 205 or the "Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019" which proposes for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).

"Bilang isang senador, marami po akong plano, tulad po ng nai-file ko, itong Department of Disaster Resilience para meron na sana tayong departamento na nakatutok lang sa mga ganitong pangyayari tulad ng lindol, baha, bagyo," Go shared.

Through this measure, the existing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) will be reformed locally and a Disaster Resilience Fund will also be established to finance operations, such as preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation in a national level.

As disaster resilience is one of his main advocacies, Go also said that he is also pushing for the establishment of permanent evacuation centers to provide safe, clean and comfortable temporary shelter for calamity and disaster-affected Filipinos.

"Gusto ko rin pong magkaroon ng permanent evacuation center para po may maayos tayong lugar tuwing bagyo na safe, malinis at may higaan, lalo na ang mga bata, komportable po sila, nakakapagpahinga habang di pa sila nakakabalik sa kanilang mga bahay," Go said.

In order to provide affordable housing for Filipinos who still do not have their own houses or have lost their homes due to calamities, Go shared that he has already filed SB No. 203 or the National Housing Development, Production and Financing Act which aims to help Filipinos by providing easy measures to avail affordable housing.

"Itong National Housing Development, Production and Financing Act, para po murang pabahay sa mga kapatid nating Pilipino at matitibay na bahay, para magkaroon na rin po sila ng sarili nilang pamamahay. Marami pa tayong ibang programang pinaplano, mga tulong tuwing mga ganitong panahon tulad ng dagdag na housing material assistance," Go explained, emphasizing how important it is for Filipinos to have safe and comfortable homes.

"Wala dapat maging iskwater sa sariling bayan," he added.

In addition, Go also mentioned the Build Build Build infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration, including the Panay River Basin Project which according to Go, is being studied by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordinating Committee and Infrastructure Technical Board. He also added that this project is already for further evaluation and he is hoping that the value analysis study will be finished by first quarter of 2020.

Go also shared another priority project of the President, the PhP97.3-billion Panay-Negros-Guimaras Bridge which was just approved last December 20 by NEDA-ICC along with eleven other approved infrastructure projects.

Go mentioned that other projects are already in the pipeline for Capiz, such as the opening of a Malasakit Center in the area where the senator mentioned its target opening on January.

"Patuloy niyo pa rin akong maging tulay kay Pangulong Duterte at magkakaroon na rin kayo ng Malasakit Center dito sa probinsya ng Capiz at pati rin sa probinsya ng Aklan. Sa Iloilo meron na kayo at sa Bacolod rin. Tuluy-tuloy po itong programang ito. Inyo po ito, sa tao po ito. Binabalik lang po sa inyo, serbisyo para sa inyo," Go emphasized.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that streamlines the provision of medical and financial assistance from concerned government agencies and offices to benefit Filipinos in need of medical attention.

"Basta Pilipino ka, tutulungan ka nitong Malasakit Center," he said.

The agencies present in these hospital hubs are the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

With the aim of reducing to the lowest amount possible the hospital bill balance of those seeking government help, the center provides financial assistance that covers patient services and expenses, such as laboratories, medicines, surgeries or operations, with the exemption of professional fees and private room accommodation. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will also be prioritized in the centers through an express lane.

The senator added that all 73 DOH-run hospitals will now get their own Malasakit Centers with the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11463 by President Duterte early this month.

Before heading to Pontevedra, Go also visited victims of typhoon in Balasan, Iloilo where he distributed various assistance too.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

In line with his New Year's wish to bring about long lasting peace and development in the whole country, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go called on various rebel groups not to waste the opportunity to resolve the nation's decades-long conflicts and finally attain the sought-after lasting peace in the country, particularly in Mindanao, through cooperation and sincerity in pursuing peace talks with the government.

Go said he was addressing his plea to the organized Left and to the Moro fronts as he urged them to work for peace with the government.

"Sa totoo lang po, I am for peace," Sen. Go said on Wednesday during his visit to the Balay Pahulayan of the Southern Philippines Medical Center to celebrate Christmas with watchers of patients in the Emergency Room of the hospital.

"Gusto ko po ng kapayapaan, lalong lalo na sa Mindanao, with the Moro rebels, and with the Left. Si Pangulo gusto rin niyan ng long lasting peace."

After the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), President Rodrigo Duterte has been steadfast in his desire for lasting peace and welcomed peace talks with other rebel groups.

"Ayaw niya kapwa Pilipino nagpapatayan... Walang Pilipino ang gustong pumatay ng kapwa Pilipino," Go said.

"Isa rin po ako sa nilapitan ng Left leaders ukol sa peace. Suportado ko po ito. Nagkakausap rin po kami ng Pangulo. Iisa po ang aming layunin, magkaroon ng long lasting peace and development sa ating bansa," he said.

"Naawa kami sa mga sundalo, lalung lalo na 'yung mga binibisita namin. Minsan halos hindi na makapagsalita. 'Yung misis at anak umiiyak at nangungulila sa kanilang tatay. Ayaw namin may naiiwang pamilya sa giyera. Kapwa Pilipino naman po tayo," Go added.

He also narrated that in the past, peace is pursued with trust and sincerity among both parties.

"Sa totoo lang, nagtiwala kami sa inyo, sa mga Left. Umaakyat kami ng bundok dito sa Davao, even sa Mindanao, kumukuha ng bihag na sundalo, walang bodyguard at armas. Kaming dalawa lang... Nagtiwala kami sa inyo. Magtiwala naman kayo sa gobyerno. With all sincerity kausap si Pangulo. Wala na kayong ibang leader na pwedeng kausapin na pwede ninyong pagkatiwalaan," Go narrated.

Saying time is of the essence, Go called on various rebel groups not to waste the opportunity to bring about peace in Mindanao.

"The President does not want us Filipinos to be killing each other. No Filipino wants to kill his fellow Filipino,'" Go emphasized.

Go elaborated that the Duterte administration does not want families broken and children orphaned because of the fighting, emphasizing that we are all Filipinos who want peace and development to prosper in the country.

"I hope that this resumption of the peace negotiation will prosper. And the administration of President Duterte can make this a legacy to the Filipino people, "Go said.

He added that after the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire, President Duterte wanted to know if there were violations committed.

"And yet, we have a problem now,'' Go said. "I had a talk with President Duterte... He learned that there were these encounters of the security forces with communist rebels in Camarines... and Iloilo. I heard there were fatalities and others injured."

"Ngayon interesado ang Pangulo kung may violation. Kung sakaling meron, hindi niyo masisi na i-terminate ng Pangulo ang unilateral ceasefire sa parte ng gobyerno," he added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

the condition of Filipinos and his country under siege.

In the uncompromising stand of our national hero against tyranny and abuses, we are inspired to follow in his footsteps. In his triumphs and sacrifices, we are invigorated to remain unwavering in our duty to be compassionate, hopeful, and persevering in building a future the succeeding generations deserve.

Let us remember Rizal for his fortitude and love of country, for fighting for the rights of all Filipinos and for truth. May we have his courage and strength to speak out against abuses and injustices that we still confront today.

The call to action and service remains resonant and clear today as it was during the time of our great forebears. Small steps or giant leaps, let us always choose the path of courage and heroism.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

As a people , a higher Gross National Happiness, of being proud of ourselves , confident in our abilities and upbeat on the future.

I wish us all good health, but when sickness strikes, health care that will heal us. Better schools for our children , so they can go through life as far and as fast as their talent will take them .

Jobs for all Filipinos, one that will put food on the table, roof over his head, and hope in the hearts of his loved ones.

For those who feed us, a better year, bumper harvest and bountiful catch.

To those who labor overseas, more reunions with loved ones, and finally, after dreams have been met, a one-way ticket to the homeland , for their families to be complete again.

To civil servants, the continuing passion to serve our people, whether molding the minds of our youth, defending our borders, or keeping our streets safe.

I wish entrepreneurs profit with honor, a just return to the audacity of their investments, including millennials in brave start ups.

As we begin the third decade of the millennium, may we be united in our vision of what we want for us all.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The year 2019 was such a bittersweet year.

Each one of us had moments of heartaches and joy, sadness and triumphs. But there is so much to be thankful for --napagtagumpayan nating lahat ang 2019.

Sa kabila ng mga unos sa buhay, we will always welcome the new year with a bright and colorful smile. Hindi tayo panghihinaan ng loob sa mga hamong kakaharapin natin.

Sa pagpasok ng Bagong Taon, harapin natin ang bawat bukas na may dalang pag-asa. Armed with our faith, prayers, and our collective strength, we will rise and move forward.

Let us welcome 2020 with a refreshed spirit of hope and optimism. Salubungin natin ang Bagong Taon na may ngiti at buo ang loob.

Mula po sa aming pamilya, Manigong Bagong Taon sa sambayanang Pilipino.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Instead of getting intimidated by Duterte's retaliatory moves, US Senators Leahy and Durbin have bravely stood their ground, and even called out the threat to deny PH visa to Americans. Senator Leahy described the act as "irrational", while Senator Durbin dubbed it as a "strong-arm tactic". They both nailed it on the head.

Thanks Senators Leahy, Durbin and all other US lawmakers in both Houses of the US Congress that supported the Prohibition on Entry provision and led to its successful passage.

This bipartisan support from high-ranking law-and-policymakers in the US has given me a gift I have been longing for: vindication. Because these veteran US public officials would not be standing with me if they had any doubt about my innocence or the fact that my persecution is an attack, not just against me personally, but against human rights and HR defenders.

Maria Ressa, me and other advocates for democratic dissent and free expression have found formidable allies in you. Mabuhay!



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Despite the continued vilification against her by the present administration this year, Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has gained continued support from human rights defenders and activists from across the globe, as they condemned her continued political persecution and called for her immediate release from detention.

Other groups, organizations and publications also expressed their support for the Senator, who remains detained on trumped-up illegal drug charges fabricated by the Philippine government, by acknowledging her efforts to defend human rights at all costs through awards and citations.

"With the local and international support I am receiving from the global community of human rights advocates and activists and pro-democracy forces, I know that I will be vindicated in time and that I will never be alone in my fight for truth, justice and accountability," she said.

One of 'Women Sheroes'

De Lima's year started by receiving a good news: She was named by Canada-based RINJ Foundation as one of the Women Sheroes of 2018 for her extraordinary fight to defend human rights and for boldly challenging the Duterte administration's inhumane policies. A non-profit association of humanitarians listed with the United Nations, RINJ published its list last Jan. 1.

Support from Senate and House Minority

Both the Senate and House Minority, in separate resolutions in February 7 and 8, respectively, called on the Philippine government to follow the recommendations made by UN Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) to free De Lima.

Outpouring of support on her second year in detention

On her second year in unjust detention last Feb. 24, De Lima received outpouring of support from various local and international groups and individuals who rallied for her immediate release.

The foreign groups and individuals who issued statements of condemnation on the continued political persecution of De Lima include Canadian Parliamentarian Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal International Vice President Kiat Sittheeamorn, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, members of the European Parliament, representatives from the Women's Caucus of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, Amnesty Australia, and Human Rights Watch's Asia Division Deputy Director Phelim Kine.

Likewise, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), International Union of Socialist Youth World Council, and FORUM-ASIA issued a joint statement urging the Duterte administration to drop the politically motivated charges against De Lima

The local personalities who expressed their solidarity with De Lima on her second year in detention, meanwhile, include, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, Liberal Party President and Senator Francis Pangilinan, former Sen. Bam Aquino, and former Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, among others.

Launching of 'Committee for the Freedom of Leila de Lima'

On the eve of De Lima's 60th birthday on Aug. 26, a committee advocating for her unconditional freedom from unjust charges was launched. Called "Committee for the Freedom of Leila M. de Lima," its core members include renown economist Prof. Solita Collas-Monsod, Law Dean Prof. Antonio La Vina, former presidential peace adviser Teresita "Ging" Deles, former De La Salle University president Bro. Armin Luistro and former Senator Rene Saguisag.

Global call to free De Lima on her 1,000th day in detention

In a statement published in a full-page newspaper ad in time for De Lima's 1,000th day in unjust detention last Nov. 20, about 480 leaders, activists and groups worldwide assailed De Lima's continued detention.

Among the signatories were Robredo, former President Benigno S. Aquino III, former and incumbent Senators belonging to the opposition, members of PGA, renowned Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, Ambassador of Taiwan Maysing Yang, and members of the European Parliament, French Parliament, and Parliamentary Group Free Democrats, to name some.

Among world's most influential women

Leading business newspaper Financial Times recognized De Lima's fight for human rights by naming her as one of the Most Influential Women of the Year 2019 from across the globe in December. De Lima is the only Filipino who made it to the roster.

US sanctions against De Lima's persecutors

Last Dec. 11, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has unanimously approved Senate Resolution No. 142 which calls on the Philippine government to "immediately release Senator De Lima, drop all charges against her, remove restrictions on her personal and work conditions, and allow her to fully discharge her legislative mandate."

The resolution, principally authored by Sens. Edward Markey and Marco Rubio, also calls on the US President to implement the sanctions such as entry ban and US asset freeze, provided in the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, to government officials responsible for orchestrating De Lima's arrest and prolonged detention, among others.

Days after, on Dec. 20, US President Donald Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials involved in De Lima's wrongful detention. The said provision was introduced by US Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy last Sept. 27 and adopted at the committee level



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Instead of getting intimidated by Duterte's retaliatory moves, US Senators Leahy and Durbin have bravely stood their ground, and even called out the threat to deny PH visa to Americans. Senator Leahy described the act as "irrational", while Senator Durbin dubbed it as a "strong-arm tactic". They both nailed it on the head.

Thanks Senators Leahy, Durbin and all other US lawmakers in both Houses of the US Congress that supported the Prohibition on Entry provision and led to its successful passage.

This bipartisan support from high-ranking law-and-policymakers in the US has given me a gift I have been longing for: vindication. Because these veteran US public officials would not be standing with me if they had any doubt about my innocence or the fact that my persecution is an attack, not just against me personally, but against human rights and HR defenders.

Maria Ressa, me and other advocates for democratic dissent and free expression have found formidable allies in you. Mabuhay!



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Despite the continued vilification against her by the present administration this year, Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has gained continued support from human rights defenders and activists from across the globe, as they condemned her continued political persecution and called for her immediate release from detention.

Other groups, organizations and publications also expressed their support for the Senator, who remains detained on trumped-up illegal drug charges fabricated by the Philippine government, by acknowledging her efforts to defend human rights at all costs through awards and citations.

"With the local and international support I am receiving from the global community of human rights advocates and activists and pro-democracy forces, I know that I will be vindicated in time and that I will never be alone in my fight for truth, justice and accountability," she said.

One of 'Women Sheroes'

De Lima's year started by receiving a good news: She was named by Canada-based RINJ Foundation as one of the Women Sheroes of 2018 for her extraordinary fight to defend human rights and for boldly challenging the Duterte administration's inhumane policies. A non-profit association of humanitarians listed with the United Nations, RINJ published its list last Jan. 1.

Support from Senate and House Minority

Both the Senate and House Minority, in separate resolutions in February 7 and 8, respectively, called on the Philippine government to follow the recommendations made by UN Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) to free De Lima.

Outpouring of support on her second year in detention

On her second year in unjust detention last Feb. 24, De Lima received outpouring of support from various local and international groups and individuals who rallied for her immediate release.

The foreign groups and individuals who issued statements of condemnation on the continued political persecution of De Lima include Canadian Parliamentarian Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal International Vice President Kiat Sittheeamorn, the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, members of the European Parliament, representatives from the Women's Caucus of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, Amnesty Australia, and Human Rights Watch's Asia Division Deputy Director Phelim Kine.

Likewise, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), International Union of Socialist Youth World Council, and FORUM-ASIA issued a joint statement urging the Duterte administration to drop the politically motivated charges against De Lima

The local personalities who expressed their solidarity with De Lima on her second year in detention, meanwhile, include, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, Liberal Party President and Senator Francis Pangilinan, former Sen. Bam Aquino, and former Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, among others.

Launching of 'Committee for the Freedom of Leila de Lima'

On the eve of De Lima's 60th birthday on Aug. 26, a committee advocating for her unconditional freedom from unjust charges was launched. Called "Committee for the Freedom of Leila M. de Lima," its core members include renown economist Prof. Solita Collas-Monsod, Law Dean Prof. Antonio La Vina, former presidential peace adviser Teresita "Ging" Deles, former De La Salle University president Bro. Armin Luistro and former Senator Rene Saguisag.

Global call to free De Lima on her 1,000th day in detention

In a statement published in a full-page newspaper ad in time for De Lima's 1,000th day in unjust detention last Nov. 20, about 480 leaders, activists and groups worldwide assailed De Lima's continued detention.

Among the signatories were Robredo, former President Benigno S. Aquino III, former and incumbent Senators belonging to the opposition, members of PGA, renowned Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, Ambassador of Taiwan Maysing Yang, and members of the European Parliament, French Parliament, and Parliamentary Group Free Democrats, to name some.

Among world's most influential women

Leading business newspaper Financial Times recognized De Lima's fight for human rights by naming her as one of the Most Influential Women of the Year 2019 from across the globe in December. De Lima is the only Filipino who made it to the roster.

US sanctions against De Lima's persecutors

Last Dec. 11, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has unanimously approved Senate Resolution No. 142 which calls on the Philippine government to "immediately release Senator De Lima, drop all charges against her, remove restrictions on her personal and work conditions, and allow her to fully discharge her legislative mandate."

The resolution, principally authored by Sens. Edward Markey and Marco Rubio, also calls on the US President to implement the sanctions such as entry ban and US asset freeze, provided in the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, to government officials responsible for orchestrating De Lima's arrest and prolonged detention, among others.

Days after, on Dec. 20, US President Donald Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials involved in De Lima's wrongful detention. The said provision was introduced by US Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy last Sept. 27 and adopted at the committee level.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

For Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima, one of the biggest challenges of being a political prisoner under the Duterte regime is the limited time she could spend with her loved ones, if not to see some of them at all while in detention.

That is why Sen. De Lima said she remains to be thankful that this year allowed her to spend quality memorable time with her mother, Norma Magistrado De Lima, and son, Vincent Joshua Bohol, albeit briefly, in separate occasions.

Son's achievement, mother's pride

Sen. De Lima has been allowed to attend the thanksgiving dinner of her youngest son, Vincent Joshua Bohol, on June 16, for passing the 2018 Bar exams.

The two (2)-hour furlough granted by the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branches 205 and 256 to De Lima to attend her son's thanksgiving was, for her, "a blessing she did not expect to receive."

Vincent Joshua, who graduated from San Beda College of Law - Alabang, was among the 1,800 passers of the 2018 Bar examinations.

Heartwarming reunion with ailing mom

Sen. De Lima said she considers as "a most memorable day" for her the day when the courts handling her trumped-up drug cases granted her furlough to visit her ailing mother in Iriga City last Aug. 15.

"For more than two years, that was the first time I set foot on our family home where I grow up and had my fondest memories, and I was at mommy's bedside for eight hours. Seeing everybody there, relatives, family, friends, neighbors, -- was an incredible moment," De Lima recalled.

It may be recalled that the Senator secured a 48-hour furlough from the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branches 205 and 256 to visit the De Lima matriarch who was then on critical health condition.

Since her detention on February 2017, De Lima has only seen her mother twice. The first was on Dec. 23, 2018 when her mother was brought to her place of detention at the Philippine National Police - Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The second meeting happened when De Lima was granted a furlough by the courts to attend the thanksgiving dinner for Vincent Joshua last June 16.

Continued fight through 'True Leila Project'

A fact-checking website called the "True Leila Project" was launched on November 16 in response to the relentless spread of false content and misleading information against De Lima online.

The website, trueleilaproject.com, is a one-stop destination for the Filipino populace, including journalists and researchers, to confirm the veracity of the malicious information and false narratives peddled against her by malevolent forces.

De Lima said the launch of the website is personal for her because "it marked the start of my renewed fight against fake news, which has been consistently used by political manipulators for the past years to try to ruin my reputation."



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Leila M. de Lima may have had limited access to important devices that she needs to properly discharge her duties as a duly elected lawmaker of the Republic, but it did not stop her from drafting relevant legislative measures and resolutions this year.

"Due to my continued unjust detention, I missed my opportunity again this year to participate in plenary sessions and important debates in the Senate, but I regularly worked on filing bills and resolutions and pushed for the passage of several bills into laws as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development," she said.

Passage into law of four social justice bills

Magna Carta of the Poor

A law that seeks to champion the cause of the underprivileged by ensuring their full access to basic services to help alleviate poverty, Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11291 or the "Magna Carta of the Poor", mandates the government to establish a system of progressive realization or implementation to provide the requirements, conditions, and opportunities for the full enjoyment of the fundamental rights of the poor.

De Lima is the principal sponsor and author of the "Magna Carta of the Poor" bill in the Senate whose beneficiaries include individuals whose income falls below the poverty threshold as defined by the National Economic and Development Authority, and those who cannot afford in a sustained manner to provide their minimum basic needs of food, health, education, and housing. It was signed into law last April 12.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program

When the President signed the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps) bill, which De Lima principally authored and sponsored on the floor through former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV in the Senate, last April 17, she said it was "a big step forward in the continuing journey towards attaining social justice for the most vulnerable sectors of the society."

Institutionalizing the 4Ps as one of the government's regular anti-poverty programs for qualified poor Filipino families, Republic Act No. 11310 provides conditional cash transfer to an estimated 4.8 million qualified indigent families for a maximum period of seven years to improve their health, nutrition and access to education. The law's Implementing Rules and Regulations was signed last Dec. 10.

Community-Based Monitoring Act

R.A. No. 11135, also known as the Community-Based Monitoring System Act (CMBS), mandates the establishment of a monitoring system down to the barangay level where data collected shall institutionalize a nationwide databank that can be used by national government agencies and local government units in the formulation and implementation of poverty-alleviation and development programs.

Originally logged as Senate Bill No. 2172, which was referred to De Lima's Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, as primary committee, it was authored by Senators Nancy Binay and Juan Miguel Zubiri, with the former justice secretary herself, Sen. Sonny Angara and then Sen. Loren Legarda as co-authors.

De Lima had authorized Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, to which the bill was referred as secondary committee, to conduct hearings, prepare the committee report, sponsor and defend the bill before the plenary. President Duterte signed R.A. No. 11315 last April 17.

National Commission of Senior Citizens Act

This year, De Lima, the principal sponsor and co-author of the Senior Citizen Bill in the Senate, also applauded the signing into law of Republic Act No. 11350 creating the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) which is dedicated solely in handling the concerns of the elderly last July 25.

Under the law, a NCSC will be made available not only to ensure strict implementation of laws for the elderly but also to task the Department of Social Welfare and Development to create policies and oversight programs for them.

Drafting of bills and resolutions

This 18th Congress, De Lima has authored 52 bills and 22 resolutions and co-authored three bills and five resolutions.

Some of her priority legislations include the Human Rights Defenders Bill, Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Bill, Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Bill, Comprehensive Prison Reform Bill, Criminal Investigation Bill, Magna Carta for Day Care Workers, and Qualified Reclusion Perpetua Bill, among others



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Along with the Department of Health's call on the public to skip firecrackers in their New Year celebration, Senator Win Gatchalian has renewed his call to ban the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechniques except for authorized fireworks displays.

"Kung isasabatas natin ang pagbabawal sa mga mapanganib na paputok, magiging mahalagang hakbang ito upang itaguyod ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng publiko. Bagama't naging bahagi na ng ating tradisyon ang pagpapaputok tuwing Bagong Taon, walang saysay ang pagpapanatili sa mga ito kung nalalagay naman sa panganib ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga kabataan," Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian took note that 54 firecracker-related injuries have already been recorded by the DOH as of morning of December 30 since December 21, including the case of a seven-year old boy from General Trias, Cavite whose two fingers were amputated. According to the DOH, 35 of these cases involved illegal firecrackers like piccolo and boga.

Gatchalian said a firecracker ban will accelerate the decline in New Year-related injuries and air pollution levels. The DOH reported that firecracker-related injuries from December 21, 2018 to January 2, 2019 reached 236, 52 percent lower compared to the 492 cases recorded from December 21, 2017 to January 2, 2018. This is also 71 percent or 578 cases lower than the five-year average of 814.

According to research institution Manila Observatory, particulate matter (PM) 2.5 concentration from the period 2013-2019 is lower compared to 2003-2011. PM2.5 is a fine particle from smoke and haze that can pose heart, lung, and other health problems when inhaled. Despite this downward trend, PM2.5 concentration at the start of 2019 is still at an unhealthy level, putting even healthy people at risk of respiratory effects.

"Sa pagbubukas ng bagong taon, lagi nating hinihiling ang maayos na kalusugan para sa atin at sa ating mga pamilya pero paglabas ng ating mga bahay ang sumasalubong sa atin madalas ay makapal na usok. Maliban sa mga sugat, ang pangmatagalang epekto ng mga paputok ay ang iba't ibang malubhang sakit na dulot ng maruming hangin," Gatchalian added.

Gatchalian has filed in July this year Senate bill 724 or an act banning the sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, which in effect repeals inconsistent provisions in RA 7183, an act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers.

Under the proposed measure, entities who want to have fireworks displays need to secure a special permit from the Philippine National Police Fireworks and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO). Upon presentation of the permit, the LGU will designate an area where the fireworks display will be held. The bill also requires technically-equipped professionals to handle the fireworks.

Gatchalian stressed that there must be a way to protect our people from traditions that are inimical to public health and safety.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Isang taon na naman ang nakalipas. Sana ay mapagnilayan natin ang lahat ng mga magagandang pangyayari pati na ang naging mga kakulangan natin tungo sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataang mag-aaral.

Naging malaking hamon sa sektor ng edukasyon ang kalidad ng mga batang estudyante, sa gitna ng makabagong teknolohiya. Nasubok pati na ang mga haligi ng eskwelahan at mga tagapagtaguyod ng edukasyon nang matanggap natin ang hindi magandang balita mula sa isang pandaigdigang pagsusulit na nakakuha ng mababang marka ang mga 15 taong gulang nating mag-aaral sa ilang pangunahing larangan ng pag-aaral.

Gayunpaman naway magsilbing hamon ito, hindi lamang sa sektor ng edukasyon kundi sa lahat ng sektor ng lipunan dahil sumasalamin ito ng tunay na kalagayan ng ating bayan.

Ang dekalidad na edukasyon ang tanging malaking kayamanang maipapamana natin sa mga kabataan.

Sa pagpasok ng bagong taon, sama sama nating labanan ang hamong ito! Hangad kong maisakatuparan ang lahat ng ating minimithi tungo sa isang magandang kinabukasan.

Isang masaganang bagong taon sa inyong lahat!



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Nakikiisa ako sa sambayanang Pilipino sa ating paggunita sa araw ng kabayanihan ni Dr. Jose Rizal.

Mahigit 100 taon na ang nakalipas nang pagkamartir ni Dr. Jose Rizal ngunit nananatiling sariwa sa alaala nating mga Pilipino ang sakripisyo niya para sa bayan.

Nawa ay magsilbing inspirasyon natin--lalo na sa mga kabataan--ang dedikasyon, sipag at determinasyon na ipinamalas ni Dr. Jose Rizal lalo na sa ating pakikipaglaban sa mga panibagong banta sa ating lipunan gaya ng kriminalidad, korapsyon at ilegal na droga.

Isang masaya at makabuluhang paggunita sa ating lahat!

CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" GO



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

In honor of his heroism and patriotism, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go joined in the commemoration of the 123rd death anniversary of hero Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Davao City on Monday, December 30.

In his message, the President heaped praises on Rizal's "ardent love of country" which "led to a reawakening of the Filipinos' patriotism and sense of responsibility."

Citing the challenges of "apathy and divisiveness" that the world faces today, the President motivated Filipinos to keep the "embers of nationalism alive"--as did Rizal more than 120 years ago. He also urged the Filipino youth and future generations to emulate the hero's "shining example to always think of the greater good".

For his part, Go--together with other government officials--joined the President in laying the wreath as a tribute to the Filipino hero and to celebrate his luminous life and legacy to the nation.

Go said that in order to continue the legacy of Jose Rizal and other heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, Filipinos should emulate their example by serving others and by always protecting the liberty that Filipinos enjoy today.

"Tulad ni Jose Rizal, mahalin natin ang bansa at mahalin natin ang ating kapwa. Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito, kaya gawin na natin ang tama, unahin na natin ang kapakanan ng mga kababayan nating Pilipino. Magtulungan po tayo para sa ating bansa," he added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

To help them recover from their traumatic experience, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go gave a free tour in Davao City on Sunday, December 29, to 157 children from five municipalities in Davao del Sur that were recently hit by a series of strong earthquakes.

The children, who came from the municipalities of Padada, Sulop, Hagonoy, Magsaysay and Matanao, spent the morning at the Davao Crocodile Park, where they viewed the animals there and watched a bird show. Then they met Go while having lunch at Gaisano Mall of Davao.

"Huwag na kayong masyadong matakot. Hindi naman natin kontrolado ang lindol. Ang Diyos lang ang nakakaalam ng lahat. Magdasal lang tayo na walang masaktan sa atin," the Senator told the children.

"Mag-aral kayo nang mabuti. 'Yan lang ang puwede ninyong iganti sa inyong mga magulang. Walang nais ang inyong mga magulang kundi mapag-aral kayo," he added.

He also said that he would monitor the reconstruction or repair of damaged school buildings in Davao del Sur. "Tutulong tayo upang makabalik kayo kaagad sa paaralan. Tutulong tayo sa maaaring gawin sa inyong mga building."

Go also thanked the military escorts, guides and social workers who accompanied the children on board the six buses.

The Senator earlier offered to tour the children in Davao City when he visited Padada last December 22 to distribute cash and relief assistance to earthquake victims. On the same day, he treated 196 children from Kidapawan and several towns in North Cotabato to a similar tour in Davao City.

North Cotabato and Davao del Sur suffered the worst in the series of earthquakes that occurred in Mindanao starting July. The strongest tremors, which exceeded 6.0 magnitude, occurred on October 16, 29 and 31 and on December 15.

After having lunch, the kids from Davao del Sur watched a movie at Gaisano Mall and strolled in SM Lanang Premier mall to buy select toys that they could take home.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

As the nation welcomes a new year, Senator Leila M. de Lima has rallied the Filipino public to strengthen their call for a more just and humane society and show the world the power of people's solidarity towards upholding social justice and democracy.

In her message in the celebration of New Year, De Lima said people should see 2020 as a time "to fight back" and "fight more" against abusive leaders and not be cowed to threats and oppression.

"Bawat pagsapit ng Bagong Taon ay panahon ng bagong pag-asa. Pag-asa na maging mas maganda at mabuti ito para sa sarili, sa pamilya at sa buong bansa," said the lady Senator from Bicol.

"Ang hiling ko po't dalangin: Maging mas matatag po sana ang bawat isa sa pagharap ng mga bagong hamon ngayong taon. Mas tibayan pa ang ating pananampalataya, at mas lakasan pa ang panawagan para sa isang lipunang makatarungan at may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipino, anuman ang kasarian, edad at paniniwala," she added.

De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, is welcoming 2020 inside her detention quarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. She is joined by her family, relatives, friends, and staff members.

This 2020, De Lima shared that the Filipinos would have to work hard to survive from different challenges brought about by the government's failure to solve the country's pressing problems.

"Ngayong 2020--tatlo't kalahating taon mula nang manungkulan ang rehimeng Duterte--hindi pa rin basta-basta mawawala, sa loob lang ng tatlo hanggang anim na buwan, ang matagal nang pasanin ng taumbayan," she said.

"Kasama rito ang mababang pasahod, mataas na presyo ng mga bilihin, pag-angkin sa ating mga teritoryo, pati na ang kalbaryo ng mabigat na trapiko na sasabayan pa ng pagtatanggal sa libo-libong trabahong nalikha ng serbisyong tumutulong para pagaanin ito," she added.

Considering the calamities that hit the country in 2019, De Lima also urged Filipinos to continue praying for the individuals affected by disasters in hopes that they can swiftly rebuild their lives and recover from the pain of losing their loved ones.

"a di-inaasahang mga pagkakataon, may mga papasok na Bagong Taon na mas matimbang ang pangamba at mas mabigat ang mga pagsubok dahil sa mga hinaharap nating problema at sa mga nagdaang trahedya," she said.

"Nariyan po ang mga sakuna gaya ng malalakas na lindol at bagyo, na hindi lang sumira sa mga kabahayan at kabuhayan, kundi kumitil din sa buhay ng marami nating kababayan. Patuloy po nating ipagdasal ang mga biktima at ang kanilang naulilang pamilya," she added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

To protect consumers from premature price increases and profiteering, Senator Win Gatchalian urges the Department of Energy (DOE) to create a task force that will closely monitor the implementation of the new round of increases in excise tax on fuel this January.

Gatchalian is making the call as the third and last tranche of tax hike on petroleum products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law takes effect January 1, 2020.

The estimated rate impact on pump price for unleaded premium gasoline would be around ₱1.01 per liter, while the estimate rate impact of the third tranche of the excise tax on diesel price is ₱1.65 per liter. For 100% coal contracted power distribution utilities, the estimated rate impact is around ₱0.03 per KwH.

"Kailangan paigtinging mabuti ng Department of Energy (DOE) ang pagbabantay laban sa hoarding at profiteering sa bansa ngayong nakaamba ang dagdag na excise tax sa huling pagkakataon," Gatchalian said.

"Huwag na nating hayaan ang ilang mapagsamantalang retailers na ibenta sa mataas na halaga ang kanilang mga lumang imbentaryong produkto, gayong nabili nila ito bago pa man maimplementa ang third tranche ng excise tax sa fuel," he added.

The lawmaker noted that oil companies maintain a minimum inventory equivalent to 15-day supply of petroleum products as provided under DOE's Department Circular No. 2003-01-001 or the "Implementing Guidelines for the Minimum Inventory Requirements of Petroleum of Oil Companies and Bulk Suppliers."

Gatchalian also urged the DOE to scrutinize the inventory of coal plants.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should monitor the prices of goods in the market in order to ensure that unscrupulous businessmen will not take advantage and pass on the impact of higher oil prices to consumers as a result of the third tranche of the TRAIN law implementation.

"Mabigat na sa bulsa ng bawat isa ang pagpataw ng excise tax sa krudo. Sana naman ay huwag na natin dagdagan ang pasanin ng taong bayan sa pamamagitan ng hindi makatarungang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin," Gatchalian said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the committee on Justice and Human Rights, said the proposed Philippine Marshal Service will prevent cases where judges are prevented from holding trial in their assigned salas thru intimidation, which has been happening in some areas in the country.

"There have occasions, for example, and I'm sure both my colleagues here who were in the police--I remember many judges would not stay in Sulu or in Basilan. They would hold court in Zamboanga and even the mayors did that. Also, there have been occasions where we have had to move courts or cases and be brought to Manila because we are not so confident about the protection that will be availed of the judges," he noted.

Gordon also cited a judge in Basilan who carries an AK-47 because he was not sure that he was going to get the protection and the Maguindanao Massacre case.

"So we are coming from that direction. We are coming from a direction that will allow the Supreme Court to protect our judges. Under the Constitution, they are in control of the Judiciary and I think they should be allowed to make sure na maipagtatanggol natin iyang mga huwes natin, lalo na iyong mga nasa malalayong lugar. Pag nagkaroon tayo ng marshal service, protective services, siguro may laban na ang mga huwes at sigurado mag-iisip na ng dalawang beses o tatlong beses iyong mga mananakot at papatay sa mga husgado," he said.

The Committee on Justice and Human Rights is hearing bills proposing the creation of a Philippine Marshal Service that would ensure security and protection of the members of the Bench. The bills include Gordon's Senate Bill No. 118, Senator Panfilo Lacson's SBN 1209 and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa's 1237.

In his bill, Gordon proposes the creation of a Philippine Marshal Service under the Supreme Court, through the Office of the Court Administrator which shall be tasked, to protect, defend, safeguard, watch over, provide security and ensure the safety of justice, judges, court officials and personnel, and halls of justice, courthouses, and other court buildings and properties; conduct threat assessments and undertake investigations of crimes and other offenses committed, including potential security threats, against the same.

The marshals will also assist in the execution and implementation of court orders; assist in the protection of witnesses and in the security in the transportation of accused or witnesses necessary in the continuation of court proceedings; seize, freeze, manage and dispose of assets seized, frozen or forfeited by the Courts nationwide; and make arrests of fugitives, searches and seizures in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws, jurisprudence and rules, among others.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was killed in Kuwait. We call for justice into her senseless death. It is already bad enough that she has to leave her family behind to work in a foreign land to give her loved ones a better opportunity. We urge our authorities to pursue all available legal means to ensure her family attains justice they rightly deserve.

We are outraged that another family has to grieve, and we question the implementation of the Kuwaiti bilateral agreement signed last 2018 that was suppose to protect our workers in Kuwait. We all thought that when the government entered into the bilateral labor agreement, our workers there would have better protection against all forms of abuse, effectively stopping the senseless deaths of our overseas Filipino workers at the hands of their employers. The labor department should reach out to their counterparts in Kuwait and see how justice may be achieved for our kababayan and their bereaved family.

We hope that the labor department would continue to make representations with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Labor and work on a system to educate employers on the rights of their household service workers.

The death of our OFW in Kuwait highlights the need to pursue a key measure that will help our distressed compatriots abroad. We are committed to shepherd the passage of Senate Bill No.1233, which seeks to further strengthen and expand the Legal Assistance Fund. The bill, which is on second reading, will strengthen the legal assistance provided for our kababayan abroad, and ensure that justice is pursued for our OFWs and overseas-based Filipinos.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

With the international trend putting pressure in defense of human rights and democracy in different parts of the world, such as the Philippines, Senator Leila M. de Lima is hoping that Year 2020 would encourage the Filipino public, including government officials, into becoming more human rights-centered.

De Lima, a known human rights defender here and abroad, said she hopes that more and more individuals would resist the reigning culture of violence and impunity under the Duterte administration with the start of a new year.

"Given the international trend to increase pressure in defending human rights and democracy, I hope to see a more human rights-conscious and human rights-sensitive Philippine society and a more human rights-compliant Philippine officialdom in 2020. Human rights are what makes us human," she said.

De Lima cited the international trend, such as the unanimous approval by the US Foreign Relations Committee of Senate Resolution (SR) No. 142 calling for, among others, the imposition of the Global Magnitsky sanctions and the passing of Magnitsky-like measures in Europe, Canada, and Australia against rogue regimes.

Note that the Magnitsky Act, enacted by the Obama administration, has become a powerful tool for enforcing accountability for human rights abuses perpetrated by repressive regimes and has even inspired other jurisdictions to consider adopting similar sanctions for combating impunity.

"There are also the anticipated start of the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation on Mr. Duterte and his ilk by early next year, and the recent passage and signing into law of the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations (SFOPs) Bill with its provision banning entry to those responsible for my persecution," she noted.

While she faced several challenges in 2019, including the continued vilification campaign and resurgence of fake news against her by Mr. Duterte and his allies, De Lima said she remains thankful that her struggles left her with valuable learning.

"One remarkable lesson is -- the global forces of Good and Light will give you succor and will stand by you if you consistently fight, and accept no compromises, for the values that matter -- justice, human rights and rule of law. With that, fighting evil in the local domain becomes less tough," said the Senator.

As a prisoner of conscience who is detained on trumped-up drug charges, De Lima said she is "elated and grateful" for the outpouring of support and growing clamor for her release from many individuals and organizations here and abroad in 2019.

"This is best exemplified by the hundreds of signatories, here and abroad, of the statement of Indignation released and published on Nov. 20, and the recent developments in the US Congress re: the imposition of visa ban and other GloMag sanctions, such as freezing of assets, on my oppressors," she shared.

It may be recalled that on her 1,000th day in unjust detention last Nov. 20, over 480 leaders, activists and groups worldwide assailed De Lima's continued detention by coming out a collective statement of indignation over her wrongful imprisonment.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Win Gatchalian has called on telecommunication companies to immediately put in place a mechanism for the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability Act (MNPA) now that telecom giants Smart and Globe, and newcomer Dito Telecommunity announced that they agreed to get US-based Syniverse to provide mobile number portability services.

Gatchalian, principal author of the MNPA, pointed out that mobile number portability should be available within six months from the promulgation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), as provided under Section 11 of Republic Act 11202.

The law was signed in February 2019. The IRR was issued on June 11, 2019 and took effect on July 2, 2019.

Globe earlier said in reports that foreign countries which implemented mobile number portability took 27 months or a little over two years to make the shift beginning from the issuance of the IRR.

"Setting mobile number portability for the second half of 2021 is unacceptable. Our consumers need not to wait that long in order for them to be able to have that freedom to avail of the services they want. We are denying the right of every user to choose what is best for them," Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian himself is appalled by Globe's statement saying that during the bicameral conference, the technical working group meeting and even in public hearings, the telcos assured that they will comply with the rules on mobile number portability. In fact, both Globe and Smart have agreed that the provision on mobile number portability be included in the renewal of their franchises during the 17th Congress.

"To allow the telcos to renege on their commitments in fulfilling their legal obligations based on other countries' implementation is tantamount to consenting to another scheme of the duopoly. This will frustrate competition and the Filipino consumer will have no other choice but to put up with their underwhelmingly poor and expensive services", Gatchalian stressed.

The law provides mobile services subscribers with the option of keeping their existing mobile numbers even if they switch networks or mode of subscription services (from prepaid to postpaid, and vice versa). The bill accomplishes this by prohibiting Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) from locking-in mobile devices to their respective network, regardless whether the device is sold as a unit or under a service contract.

Mobile services subscribers are not required to pay a fee when they decide to retain their existing mobile number after moving from one mobile service provider to another or changing the type of subscription from postpaid to prepaid or vice versa.

The law also removes the interconnection fees charged to subscribers for calling or texting across different networks, according to the lawmaker.

Currently, mobile services subscribers are charged an additional P0.50 per minute for calls and P0.05 for text messages to different networks. In 2016, these interconnection fees generated a total revenue of P3.2 billion for one telco giant.

"The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) should ensure that the three mobile service providers will implement the mobile portability in accordance with the intent of the law," Gatchalian reiterated.

Mobile service providers may be penalized with the maximum fine of up to P1 million and revocation of the PTE's operating franchises if they unjustly refuse to provide mobile number portability services on their fifth violation.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go during a radio interview with DZRH on Thursday, December 2, expressed his condemnation of the violent killing of Filipino household service worker Jeanelyn Padernal Villavende in the hands of her Kuwaiti employer.

"Kinokondena ko 'yung pagpatay kay Jeanelyn at despite the May 2018 agreement between the Philippines and Kuwaiti government, there are still reports of violence and abuses committed against our fellow Filipinos in Kuwait," Go added.

"Masakit na iniiwan ng mga kababayan natin ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay upang makapagtrabaho lang sa mga malalayong lugar at mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang pamilya. Mas masakit malaman na sa kabila ng kanilang sakripisyo, sila ay patuloy na naaabuso at minsan namamatay pa," Go added.

The senator also expressed his sympathy for the family of the victim, saying, "Nakikiramay ako sa mga naulila ni Jeanelyn. Asahan na kaisa ninyo ako sa paghanap ng agarang hustisya sa pagkamatay ng inyong mahal sa buhay."

According to Go, his office will also provide assistance to the family of the deceased particularly for the medical needs of the father with the help of the Malasakit Center.

Go then called on concerned government agencies to coordinate in regard to the immediate repatriation of the slain OFW.

"I call upon the Departments of Labor and Employment, and Foreign Affairs, and other agencies to coordinate with the bereaved family of Jeanelyn for the immediate repatriation of her remains. I also call upon Kuwaiti authorities to wrap up and be transparent with your investigations and make sure that the perpetrator/s will be punished according to the fullest extent of your laws," he said.

"Tututukan ko ang isyung ito at siguraduhing mabigyan ng hustisya ang pagkamatay ng kababayan natin. Kailangang masigurado din na maibigay ng gobyerno at maging ng private insurance company ang lahat ng mga benepisyo para sa mga naulila ni Jeanelyn, katulad ng livelihood assistance, death and burial assistance, scholarship sa naiwang kapamilya at iba pa," Go added.

Citing Villavende's case, Go mentioned the pressing need for a separate department for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) which aims to put certain government agencies dealing with the OFWs under one umbrella. If passed into law, Go said that it will help in curbing issues and inconveniences experienced by Filipino migrant workers and will also provide better protection for them.

"Muli, nananawagan naman ako sa aking mga kapwa mambabatas na ipasa na sa mas lalong madaling panahon ang panukala kong batas na magtatatag ng Department of Overseas Filipinos. Kailangan nating ilagay ang lahat ng mga ahensyang tumutugon sa ating mga OFWs at ilagay sa iisang kagawaran lang. Mas magiging maayos at mabuti ang mga serbisyo sa kanila, at mas magiging mabilis ang pagtugon, lalo na sa mga OFWs na kailangang masaklolohan kaagad," he said.

"Huwag na nating antayin pa po na... halimbawa ngayon, I condemn the killing of Jeanelyn Villavende. Siya po ay overseas worker natin sa Kuwait," he added.

Go filed in July 2018 Senate Bill (SB) 202 or the Department of Overseas Filipinos Act of 2019. The proposed measure aims to establish a Department of Overseas Filipinos to serve as the umbrella agency to specifically address all the issues and concerns of Filipinos abroad and their families, to afford them full protection, promote their full and just employment, mitigate the social costs back home, and serve as a channel to address OFW issues and grievances.

The measure further creates an Overseas Filipinos Assistance Fund to provide financial support to Filipino migrants in distress, inclusive of repatriation and provisions for life-saving funds in times of great emergency or distress, and provides training and livelihood loans for OFWs returning to the Philippines for good.

The bill also mandates the creation of "OFW Malasakit Centers" in all provinces and major cities to ensure prompt and efficient provision of services to OFWs and their families, such as acquisition of government permits, validation of overseas job offers, grievance and complaints desks and reintegration services.

Currently, OFWs need to go to different government agencies scattered in several departments and offices to secure their needed documents and present their other concerns, such as employment and technical education.

Ending his interview, Go said that he will continue to serve the Filipino beyond his role as a senator by listening to their concerns and giving immediate solutions to their needs.

"Gaya ng sinabi ko noon, I will not limit myself as a legislator. Tuluy-tuloy po ang pagbibisita ko sa atingmga kababayan. Ayaw ko po na nasa opisina lang na nagpapalamig samantala 'yung mga kababayan natin ay nangangailangan ng tulong," he said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

We support this move by Secretary Bello. While it limits the opportunities available to Filipino workers, it is also necessary to limit their exposure to risks and abuses. This policy also expresses our government's outrage over the death of our compatriot who was allegedly killed by her employer's wife. The welfare of our OFWs, particularly their safety and security in their places of work, is a paramount concern for our government, and our partners should recognize this especially the ones we signed bilateral agreements with.

Mahalagang ipaintindi ng ating pamahalaan sa kanilang mga katuwang sa Kuwait na ang mga household service workers natin ay hindi nila pag-aari na parang gamit o tupa na maaari nilang itapon na lang kapag wala nang pakinabang o pagbuhatan ng kamay. Kung may problema ang mga employer sa kanilang mga household service worker, maaari naman nila idulog ito sa mga recruitment agency na kanilang pinagkuhanan ng manggagawa.

We have already seen one OFW death in Kuwait too many. If we cannot get safety and security guarantees for our OFWs in Kuwait, a most basic and reasonable demand in our view, perhaps our government should make the ban permanent.

In the meantime, we also call on the DOLE and TESDA to ensure that there are available jobs and training opportunities for workers who will be affected by the ban.

In the long term, we should exert all efforts to create more job opportunities locally so that our kababayans do not need to go abroad and leave their families to find well paying jobs.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

To aid the government in its efforts to improve the state of education in the country, the Senate is pushing for the revival of the Congressional Committee on Education (EDCOM).

Five senators, led by Sonny Angara, have filed Senate Joint Resolution No. 10 calling for the creation of the EDCOM, which will be composed of five members each from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The EDCOM will be tasked to review, assess and evaluate the formal, non-formal, informal and alternative learning systems, including continuing systems of education at all levels.

"A lot has been done to improve the country's educational system over the years but it has become apparent that we need to do more to put us at par with the rest of the world," Angara said.

"The results of the 2018 round of the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA, which saw the Philippines at the bottom or second to the last in the list of 79 countries on reading literacy, mathematics and science literacy, was a wake up call, not only for the DepEd but to Congress as well. We need to act right away," Angara added.

It was back in 1990 during the presidency of Corazon Aquino that the first EDCOM was created through Joint Resolution No. 2 passed by Congress.

Headed by Angara's father, former Senate President Edgardo Angara, the EDCOM came out with a report entitled Making Education Work, An Agenda for Reform that paved the way for the implementation of education reforms in the country.

Among the products of the EDCOM report was the "trifocalization" of the education system, with the Department of Education having oversight over basic education; the Commission on Higher Education for higher education; and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Twenty five years have passed since the EDCOM report came out but challenges remain in the education sector that have yet to be addressed.

The net enrollment ratio for junior and senior high school in 2018 were at 81.4% and 51.2% respectively, while the completion rate of secondary students was only at 84.3% in 2017.

The basic education system still suffers from chronic shortages of teachers and classrooms, large class sizes and low levels of learning achievement.

In 2018, the passing rate in licensure exams was pegged at a low 37.9%.

TESDA has yet to fully implement the provisions of Republic Act 7796 or the TESDA Act of 1994, particularly the devolution of TVET to local governments and industry.

The number State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges have increased significantly since 1992, leading to duplication of degree offerings with consequent decreases in the provision of faculty and physical facilities requirements.

Angara noted that there were also major recommendations of the EDCOM that were not acted upon such as the creation or institutionalization of a permanent National Coordinating Council for Education to harmonize the policies and programs of the three education agencies and dovetail them to national development plans.

"The demands of the workplace are constantly changing and so are the challenges to education brought about by the Fourth Industrial Education. The fast pace of change across the globe is demanding shifts in our educational paradigms, away from content-centric learning to skills and outcome-based learning," Angara said.

Just like its predecessor, the new EDCOM will come up with a report on its findings, including short and long-term policy and program recommendations.

The chairpersons of the Senate Committees on Basic Education, Arts and Culture and on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and the chairpersons of the House Committees on Basic Education and Culture and on Higher and Technical Education shall serve as co-chairs of the EDCOM.

The EDCOM will have three years from its organization to complete its mandate.

Apart from Angara, Senate Joint Resolution 10 has Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Grace Poe and Joel Villanueva as co-authors.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has defended renown activist and author of the New York Times bestseller "Red Notice" Bill Browder against coordinated political attacks from Mr. Duterte's troll armies and supporters on social media.

De Lima made the remark after Browder was attacked by paid trolls and pro-Duterte bloggers for tirelessly campaigning to impose sanctions against human rights abusers from across the world, including De Lima's persecutors, through the Magnitsky Act.

"Attacks vs you are proofs that rights abusers in PH have been notified alright. In fact, they're now erasing their dirty tracks, but the door to the world is closing in on them! Clock is ticking down," De Lima's post on Twitter read.

"It looks like troll armies got their envelopes. Apart from deleting their evil tracks, they are now busy spreading fake news that have long been debunked," she added.

The Magnitsky Act, enacted during the Obama administration, was named after Russian tax lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who experienced reprisal after uncovering a tax fraud scheme linked to Russian officials. He was jailed in Russia and later died.

The Magnitsky Act, or the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, has become a powerful tool for enforcing accountability for human rights abuses perpetrated by repressive regimes.

Browder has spent almost a decade conducting a global campaign seeking to deny visa applications and to freeze assets of human rights abusers globally, particularly those who played a role in Magnitsky's false arrest and death. He is also among those pushing for sanctions against De Lima's persecutors.

In his recent post on Twitter that attracted attacks from trolls and pro-Duterte bloggers, Browder said "[t]he Philippine Government is having a full scale meltdown at the possibility of being sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act for the unjust detention of Sen. Leila de Lima..."

De Lima has received bipartisan support from among the members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee which unanimously approved a resolution calling on the Philippine government to free her from detention and drop all charges against her.

US Senate Resolution (SR) No. 142, primarily authored by Senators Marco Rubio and Edward Markey, adopted an amendment calling on the US President to impose sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, namely, entry ban and US asset freeze, on government officials responsible for orchestrating De Lima's arrest and prolonged detention, as well as on members of security forces and Philippine government officials responsible for the extrajudicial killings.

In her recent Dispatch from Crame No. 668, the lady Senator from Bicol also thanked Browder for campaigning for the Global Magnitsky Act and ensuring that abusers and human rights violators are punished.

"Bill Browder, the British fund manager and activist who pushed for the Magnitsky Act, welcomes its application on Philippine officials as a powerful tool against oppressors and human rights violators. [T]hank you, Mr. Browder and other champions for your work," she said.

His grandfather, Earl Browder, the American trade unionist who, in 1927, met with and helped Philippine labor leaders establish relations with communist Russia, would have loved the irony of his capitalist grandson being responsible for the law that is now benefitting Philippine human rights defenders," she added.

De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, said the Global Magnitsky Act sends "seismic shock to tyrannical powers who cut corners on human rights and will not stop at anything to shut down democratic voices."

"I see a tool inspired by divine justice in Magnitsky Act - a powerful tool indeed to fight impunity," she said.

Last Dec. 20, US President Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials responsible for De Lima's wrongful detention.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

01/02/20

The President's statements against ABS-CBN is eerily reminiscent of his public remarks urging me to kill myself: an obscene display of an authoritarian's propensity to abuse his office for his own twisted ends.

The law is clear on this matter. Whatever perceived slight he experienced from ABS-CBN is a matter for the courts to pass upon, not Congress. The grant of legislative franchise is a prerogative of Congress based on the standard of common good, not on the personal whims of a madman.

It is apparent that these attacks against the ABS-CBN is just part of a bigger, systematic effort to subjugate Filipino companies under the political interests operating through Malacañang, both local and foreign. Just recently, the old tyrant accused the Ayala Corporation and Manny Pangilinan group of "syndicated estafa" and threatened to send their executives to jail. These empty accusations bereft of neither evidence nor any legal basis whatsoever has become a trademark of his administration. We have not seen such level of abuse of the powers of the Office of the President since the Marcos administration.

The ongoing attacks against Filipino corporations operating public utilities and franchises by the President betray his intention to replace them with his cronies or any of the China-sanctioned entities.

Tinatawagan ko ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na panindigan ang mga prinsipyo ng ating demokrasya at labanan ang anumang maling paggamit sa ating mga batas bunga ng kapritso at masamang pulitika.

ABS-CBN should stand firm against these despotic attacks and remain confident of their crucial role in our democracy. The congressional action on their franchise renewal will be the litmus test of our Senators' and Congressmen's commitment to free press and democracy. ###

(Access the handwritten version of Dispatch from Crame No. 692, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch692)



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

1/3/20

Presidential Spokesperson Panelo and DOJ Secretary Guevarra insist that the government is observing due process in my case and that my trial follows the regular judicial process. This is a lie.

Due process in form only, i.e., a sham trial rooted in a patently bogus charge, is NO due process.

Duterte himself targeted me for attack and imprisonment even before any case against me was investigated by any legitimate law enforcement agency. As early as July 2016, former SOJ Aguirre together with SOLGEN Calida, PAO Chief Acosta, Sandra Cam, Ferdinand Topacio, and a host of DDS wannabes from the PNP already started approaching and pressuring Bilibid convicts to solicit testimonies against me.

This was followed by a public slut-shaming extravaganza that only Duterte has the character to perform, digging into my personal life and stripping me of my dignity, as he used the presidential podium to carry out his all-out war against me. This was complemented by his social media propaganda agents Mocha Uson, Sass Rogando Sasot, RJ Nieto, etc. and media personalities like the Tulfo Brothers.

All the evidence of course was invented. In fact, former CIDG Chief (now Mayor) Benjamin Magalong himself testified that the CIDG itself had no information whatsoever that I was ever involved in the drug trade. There was no such allegations, from any other law enforcement or intel agency or from anyone, for that matter, before Duterte took power.

It is only under Duterte that the case against me was fabricated, publicly tried in the kangaroo court of the House Justice Committee led by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, then Majority Leader Rudy Farinas, then Committee Chairman Rey Umali, and railroaded by the DOJ Panel of Prosecutors under Aguirre's direction.

Duterte himself, in so many occasions, has already declared me guilty even before any official investigation or formal trial started. This is not only a case of pre-judgment, but a case of outright persecution where none other than the powerful President is my accuser, prosecutor, judge and executioner.

Malacañang also keeps on harping the Supreme Court decision in De Lima v. Guerrero, et al. which upheld my arrest and detention. However, in that case, not even the majority of the Supreme Court agreed on the nature of the charges filed against me. Some said it was illegal drug trading, others opined it was conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, one justice said it was both.

This is not possible, because an Information can only charge one offense, not two. As such, a summary of the votes of the majority reveals that the Information against me was patently void for failure to specify the nature of the offense I was being charged with, as even the majority justices cannot agree among themselves what offense I was being charged with. And yet they still upheld my arrest and detention.

The SC decision is not a unanimous decision. Six justices dissented, with former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio calling the case against me a "pure invention", "fake charge" and the "grossest injustice" ever committed upon any person in recent memory.

But this is not the only indication that the Supreme Court itself was predisposed to kowtow to Duterte when it comes to my situation. Up to now, after more than three years, the SC continues to sleep on my Petition for a Writ of Amparo against Duterte, which asks the Court to order Duterte to cease and desist in his personal attacks against me. This petition has largely become moot and academic, not because Duterte has stopped his attacks, but because the damage done to me is already complete and absolute. If only the Supreme Court acted promptly on my petition and ordered Duterte to stop his personal acts of persecution against me, my predicament would not have come to this.

Since the case was orchestrated, fabricated, and manufactured by Duterte and his operators, the evidence of the prosecution consist mainly of perjured testimonies coming from criminal convicts who are even disqualified by law to testify as witnesses for the state. It is revolting to note that none of these criminal convicts who all admitted during the House Justice Committee hearings of engaging in the drug trade was charged of any criminal offense, except for one. They were granted immunity in exchange for testifying against me, again illegally, because criminal convicts are prohibited by law from being granted immunity and turned state witness.

Other so-called prosecution witnesses - Ragos, Ablen and Esmeralda - are equally with zero credibility. All shameless liars! They're no different from the convicts-witnesses.

During the trial, the prosecution itself admitted that NOT A SINGLE ONE of the bank accounts identified by these criminal convicts to have been supposedly used to deposit the proceeds of the drug trade belongs to me. And more than three years after former SOJ Aguirre pronounced that he has in his possession the AMLC report of the "billions" in the drug trade transactions that supposedly passed through my accounts, the prosecution up to now cannot produce a single AMLC report that even a single centavo from the drug trade passed through my bank accounts.

The prosecution says the AMLC Report "is still a work in progress", more than three years after Aguirre said it was already in his possession. "Work in progress" is just a euphemism for a fishing expedition, or bespoking AMLC records according to the requirements of the prosecution. Perhaps, more time is needed to fabricate and manufacture AMLC records in my case.

So yes. Nothing in my arrest, detention, and trial is in accordance with ordinary legal and judicial processes. My case is a case of a targeted attack by none other than the President of the Philippines using the whole government machinery and the strong arm of the law to demolish, incapacitate, destroy, silence and put behind bars a political and personal opponent.

This is all about Duterte's deep-seated personal vendetta against me.

With all these glaring violations of my right to due process, it is impossible for Sec. Guevarra to go on proclaiming that he is not the one who should answer to his conscience.

But of course, Meynard, you are not the one who will answer to your conscience, because after you joined Duterte and embraced his case against me hook, line, and sinker, as your own, I doubt if you still have one. Sayang ka Meynard. Sayang ang talino mo...

I AM INNOCENT! ###

(Access the handwritten version of Dispatch from Crame No. 693, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_693)



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Amidst a spike of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases nationwide, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to strengthen interventions protecting the youth from sexually-transmitted diseases, which entails the full implementation of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11166).

At the end of 2019, the DOH's Epidemiology Bureau reported that 36 new cases were recorded per day, higher than the 35 new cases recorded in July 2019 and the 32 cases documented every day in 2018.

A 2019 report by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) revealed that there are approximately 77,000 people living with HIV in the Philippines, more than 19,000 of which belong to the 15-24 age group.

The UNAIDS also identified the Philippines as the country with the fastest growing number of HIV cases. Between 2010 and 2018, new HIV infections spiked from nearly 4,400 to more than 13,000 or 203 percent. Among these new infections were men who have sex with men (MSMs) which accounted for 81 percent. Only 27.9 percent of these MSMs are covered by prevention programs and 49.8 percent use condoms as a preventive measure.

"Isa sa mga ugat ng sitwasyong kinakaharap natin ngayon ay ang kakulangan ng sapat na impormasyon na maaari sana nating ipalaganap sa ating mga paaralan. Nakakalungkot at nakakabahala na sa kabila ng mga pagsisikap natin, lalo pang dumami ang mga kababayan nating nagkakaroon ng HIV," said Gatchalian, Chairman of Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

Gatchalian added that interventions like sexuality education should sound the alarm on social media and dating apps' role in the rise of the HIV epidemic, citing a two-year United Nations study released in 2015 that said these apps gave Asia's teenagers expanded options for casual and spontaneous sex.

"For us to defeat this HIV epidemic, we have to go to schools and maximize opportunities to engage young and vulnerable people. And we can't just teach them what the solutions are, we have to provide them access on those interventions," Gatchalian added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Detailing what the country can expect from him in 2020, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go vows to continue provide prompt service to all Filipinos during a radio interview with DZRH on Thursday, January 2.

"Asahan n'yo po patuloy pa rin po akong magseserbisyo at magiging tulay ninyo sa gobyerno at kay Pangulong Duterte," Go said, adding that he will continue to file and support measures promoting further the welfare of all Filipinos.

"Asahan n'yo po ako po ay tuloy-tuloy na magbabalangkas ng batas na paki-pakinabang lalong lalo na po sa mga mahihirap nating mga kababayan," he added.

During the interview, Go also discussed his priority bills, saying that they are aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos through better access to quality government services.

"Isa po sa mga ipinasa kong batas at maaari naming pag-usapan sa committee ngayong simula ng taon ay ang pagkakaroon ng mandatory evacuation centers sa bansa. Kagaya ng gusto ni Pangulong Duterte, kailangan nating magpatayo ng safe, permanent at dedicated na evacuation (center) na kumpleto po sa mga kagamitan," Go said.

Also known as "An Act Establishing a Mandatory Evacuation Center in all Cities, Provinces and Municipalities, Appropriating Funds Therefor", Senate Bill (SB) 1228 states that an evacuation center will be established in every city, province and municipality throughout the country.

Aside from providing the basic needs and assistance to all evacuees, the said evacuation centers will also guarantee the safety and well-being of all Filipinos who have become victims of natural calamities or any other hazard or emergency event.

These events include typhoons, floods, fire, storm surges, other weather disturbances and outbreak of diseases that may cause imminent danger to life and property.

The bill also provides for the minimum requirements for every evacuation center such as its location, amenities and accessibility, operation and management, among others.

Several regions in the country recently suffered from the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula, resulting to several deaths and affecting thousands. Mindanao was also hit this lately by fourth strong earthquake last December 15. In his previous visits in several evacuation centers in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, Go emphasized the need to establish permanent evacuation centers. Many of the evacuees spent the Christmas and New Year's eves in temporary shelters.

To further improve the government's preparation and mitigation response to natural disasters and calamities, Go is also pushing for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 205 or the "Department of Disaster Resilience Act of 2019" which proposes for the creation of DDR, "an empowered, highly specialized department with clear unity of command and primarily responsible in ensuring safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities."

The bill seeks to establish a clear system of responsibility for disaster preparedness and response in all levels of the government, given the increasing number and devastation brought about by various disasters.

Through the proposed measure, the existing Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) offices will be renamed as Local Disaster Resilience Offices. A Disaster Resilience Fund will also be established to finance DDR's operations, disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, response, recovery, rehabilitation and building forward better programs, projects and activities formulated in the national level.

Currently, disaster-related responsibilities are shared among various government agencies. And the existing National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is a mere coordinating body.

In his previous interviews, Go admitted that "Kailangan na po talaga nating i-scale up ang preparedness to resiliency against disasters. Napapanahon na din na talagang magkaroon ng sariling departamento na nakatutok talaga dito sa mga ganitong pangyayari."

He added that "Sa pagpapatayo ng departamentong ito, mas magiging mabilis ang pagtugon ng pamahalaan, mas maiibsan ang masamang epekto ng kalamidad at mas mabilis makakabangon ang ating mga kababayan."

After he strongly condemned in the same interview the killing of Jeanelyn Villavende, an overseas Filipino worker in Kuwait, Go also urged his fellow lawmakers to expedite the passage of SB 202 or the Department of Overseas Filipinos Act of 2019.

SB 202 seeks to address issues such as the need to improve coordination among concerned offices, hence the proposal to put them together under one roof to expedite services for OFWs and to also avoid finger-pointing among agencies concerned with OFW affairs.

The bill proposes that the following agencies and their powers and functions be transferred to the new department to be established: Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), International Labor Affairs Bureau of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

The powers and functions of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs under the Department of Foreign Affairs and all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices and their officials under DOLE will also be transferred to the proposed department.

Go also discussed how his other bills are progressing in the Senate and their intended benefits to Filipinos.

"Itong Magna Carta for Barangay, pinag-aaralan pa po ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 'Yung National Housing Development Production and Financing Act, nasa komite na po ito at ididinig po ito.

"Ito rin pong Fire Protection Modernization Act, maghi-hearing na rin po ito. Itong Amendment to Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000, itong Act Reinstating the Death Penalty for Certain Heinous Crime Involving Dangerous Drugs and Plunder, nag first reading palang po ito.

"Meron din po akong na-i-file na panukalang batas na amendment to the GCTA Law, Barangay Health Workers Act, at Bill proposing to Provide Free Legal Assistance to the AFP and PNP Officers and Personnel.

"Marami pa pong iba. Emergency Medical Services Systems Act, nag first reading pa lang po ito. Advanced Nursing Education Act, Bill Expanding the Purposes and Application of the Special Education Fund, (first hearing to be scheduled soon), Philippine High School for Sports, ito po'y pag-uusapan sa plenary soon," Go told, adding that he will continue to promote the interests of Filipinos.

"Marami pa pong iba na sana ay mapakinabangan po ng bawat Pilipino. Palaging uunahin ko po ang interes po ng bawat Pilipino," Go said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

1/4/20

People are asking - Is there a list already of my persecutors? Has it been submitted to the US State Department?

Yes, I have their names stored in my mind all this time (not unlike the names Arya Stark used to recite like a litany, after her father was falsely branded and punished as a traitor by the power players in the Kingdom, who were acting out of fear of the truth he might reveal), even before this whole issue of the US visa ban cropped up. I've recently converted my mental list into a written formal list, and am now finalizing the same. An "Arya List" so to speak, if you will.

I guess everyone knows by now, more or less, who are at the top of my list. Some of the names I've already mentioned in previous writings or dispatches of mine, which delve on the subject of my persecution and related matters. Media had reported such partial list.

Soon enough, I will be ready to submit my final list - complete with a summary and citation of references justifying their inclusion - to the US State Department for its consideration.

I fully recognize that it remains the prerogative of the US State Department, as mandated by the US Congress, to come up with its own list based on credible information from its own sources. The final determination as to who will be part of the official list as subjects of the US entry ban lies entirely on said office. It may or may not publish said list.

My list, therefore, will be merely recommendatory and, as I fully understand, not at all binding on the US government. The US authorities will remain independent in their exercise of judgment and discretion, though I do hope that they give my list due consideration.

For that reason, I cannot reveal my final list without preempting the US State Department. I am not minded to do so in deference to them and their own policies and processes.

After all, this is not a process of vengeance, but of justice.

There is a massive difference there that my persecutors never comprehended: they could not, AND SHOULD HAVE NEVER, acted as the complainant, investigator, prosecutor, judge, jury and executioner in pursuing the baseless charges they themselves engineered and orchestrated against me. For when they did so, they revealed that their whole charade is not one of truth and justice, but of political persecution borne out of past encounters with those who now carry personal and political grudges against me, as well as borne out of fear of the other truths I wanted to reveal.

Thus, I will not make the same mistake that they did. Mine is not a ranting, wrathful, vengeful list. What I can assure everyone is that great effort at exercising circumspection and prudence was exerted to make sure that it is not a mere wish list, let alone an arbitrary one. It is a serious list, with particulars on why the named personalities deserve to be on the list, meaning, their respective roles in my persecution that led to my wrongful imprisonment.

The only colatilla is - there may be other names still unknown or undiscovered at this point, but were very much part of this whole Duterte project of persecution against me. We hope to name them also in due time.

No one, not even any of my staff, has seen my final list. I'm keeping it close to my chest at this point.

A final word. I am dead serious in achieving full vindication for the grievous wrongs done to me. I owe it to my late father, my ailing mother, my children, grandchildren and siblings to restore the good name of the de Lima family. With God's merciful grace...

(Access the handwritten version of Dispatch from Crame No. 694, here: https://issuu.com/senatorleilam.delima/docs/dispatch_no._694)



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has denounced anew the resurgence of misleading content and fake news stories directed to her which she counts as a part of an obviously well-oiled and well-orchestrated campaign to discredit her.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, said the makers and purveyors of fake news have been working double time again to spread fake news against her as she continues to receive support from the international community, particularly from US lawmakers.

"After the passage into law of the United States 2020 Appropriations Bill which includes an amendment imposing an entry ban to government officials responsible for my wrongful imprisonment, there has been a resurgence of fake news against me, including false narratives and misleading headlines," she said.

"These evil men and women who resort to the use of social media to spread outright lies and propagate hate speech online will stop at nothing to propel their political agendas to greater heights," she added.

Recently, pro-Duterte pages are using various social media platforms, including Facebook, to share and re-share the link of an old YouTube video that ran a misleading headline implying that De Lima tolerates prison gangs who are exerting control over the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Uploaded by pro-Duterte YouTube channel "Duterte Latest News" three years ago, the video's headline read: "Full story of Gangs control Bilibid prison in Manila with blessing of Leila de Lima."

Upon careful fact-checking, the video was actually the 2013 documentary produced by Discovery Channel entitled "Inside the Gangster's code," showing ex-mafia insider Lou Ferrante revealing the untold secrets of prison gang culture, including his meeting with the world's most ruthless prison gangs.

The trailer of the documentary series was originally uploaded on YouTube Channel of Discovery UK with the title "Gang Boss Conference - The Philippines - Inside the Gangster Code."

De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte administration, pointed out that the purveyors of fake news are re-sharing the link to the old video in a desperate attempt to damage her reputation.

"As then justice secretary, I worked hard to combat illegal drugs and stop the luxurious culture of Bilibid inmates. These paid trolls are hell-bent on damaging my good reputation by discrediting my efforts and making me look an evil person," she said.

"Whatever lies they spread about me, the good men and women who continue to support my good causes, including the defenders of human rights here and abroad, can never be fooled into believing fake news about me," she added.

Last Dec. 20, US President Donald Trump signed into law the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill which includes a provision banning the entry of Philippine government officials involved in De Lima's wrongful detention.

The provision in the US Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill was introduced by US Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy last Sept. 27 and adopted at the committee level.

After Trump's signing into law of the US 2020 Appropriations Bill, Mr. Duterte's allies launched tirades against Senators Durbin and Leahy and other supporters of De Lima.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Win Gatchalian is eyeing more highly qualified teachers to support disadvantaged students as they tend to underperform compared to their socio-economically advantaged counterparts.

The lawmaker made the call following the release of the global survey Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, which revealed that socio-economically advantaged students in the Philippines outperformed disadvantaged students in Reading Comprehension by 88 score points.

PISA is a global triennial study that measures 15-year olds' scholastic performances in Reading Comprehension, Science and Mathematics.

According to the study, targeting additional resources and more high quality teachers to schools with a high concentration of low-performing and disadvantaged students will ensure that both advantaged and disadvantaged children will have equal learning experiences.

"This way, learning will be the same across the board and no child should be left behind," said Gatchalian, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

Gatchalian urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to offer incentives to top-performing teachers to teach in schools where they are most needed.

In Japan, for instance, officials in prefectural offices transfer effective teachers to underperforming schools so students can have equally capable instructors. In Shanghai, the government commissions strong public schools to take over the administration of underperforming schools.

"Ang layunin ng edukasyon ay magkaroon ng pantay-pantay na oportunidad ang ating mga mag-aaral. Ngunit kung magpapatuloy ang mga suliranin tulad ng kakulangan ng mahuhusay na guro, lalong mapag-iwanan ang ating mga nangangailangang mag-aaral," Gatchalian said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

"I join the entire nation in mourning OFW JeanelynVillavende's tragic death in Kuwait at the hands of her cruel employer. I join my colleagues in the Senate in condemning her senseless killing. The DFA should hire the best legal team to assure her bereaved family that justice will be served. DOLE through the POEA should maintain the deployment ban until sufficient reforms are in place to ensure the safety, honor, and dignity of our OFWs in Kuwait."

"Any investigation into this case should include the alleged failure of both the local licensed agency and its foreign counterpart to closely monitor the working and living conditions of Jeanelyn. Based on news reports, the OFW had already been complaining to her local agency of contract violations a month after her deployment to Kuwait. Were these complaints ever acted upon?"

"Let us scale down the deployment of domestic workers to the Middle East until such time that we are able to put in place a more effective monitoring system onsite. Because this is a business, recruitment agencies will accept job orders for domestic workers that may already be beyond their capacity to monitor. This is one aspect of overseas employment that deserves our serious attention."

"Meanwhile, the DOLE, DTI and DA can look into alternative livelihood and local employment opportunities for workers affected by the deployment ban to Kuwait so that they no longer feel compelled to leave the country for the Middle East as domestic workers. Perhaps, their husbands or even the women themselves can be trained to handle basic construction work because there is a huge shortage of skilled workers in the construction field."

Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation & Governance (VILLAR SIPAG) has built 25 construction schools all over the country to train men and women on constructions skills, masonry for men & painting for women.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Sonny Angara welcomed the announcement of the Supreme Court on the creation of 50 judges-at-large posts as a significant step towards providing swift justice in the country.

Angara, the principal author of Republic Act 11459 or the Judges-at-Large Act, said the implementation of the law will help ensure that justice is served swiftly by freeing up the courts of its dockets.

"Our justice system has long been criticized for being excruciatingly slow. The huge caseload of the courts has resulted in the slow disposition of cases, to the detriment of both the victims of crimes, as well as the accused, many of who are innocent but are deprived of their liberty," Angara said.

"For the victims of crimes and their families, the long wait for the resolution of cases adds to the emotional and financial burden that they have to bear on top of the pain they already experienced. For the accused who are innocent, the fact that they are deprived of their liberty is an injustice to them. This is why we want cases to be resolved expeditiously," Angara added.

The law mandates the creation of 100 judges-at-large posts for the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) and 50 posts for the Municipal Trial Courts (MTC).

These appointed judges-at-large will have no permanent salas and may be assigned by the Supreme Court as acting or assisting judges to any RTC or MTC in the country "as public interest may require."

They are entitled to salaries, privileges, allowances, emoluments, benefits, rank and title of regular RTC and MTC judges.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court announced the creation of 50 judges-at-large posts--30 for the RTCs and 20 for the MTCs in partial implementation of RA 11459.

"This is the first step towards our objective of decongesting the courts of its dockets. Eventually, the law will be implemented in full and we will have more judges to handle the cases that have piled up in our courts," Angara said.

The 2020 General Appropriations Act, which is scheduled to be signed by the President tomorrow, contains a P2.5 billion augmentation of the budget of the judiciary for the creation of new positions in the Supreme Court and the lower courts; the repair and maintenance of halls of justice nationwide; the hiring of decongestion officers; hazard pay of judges; and to fund the 50 judges-at-large posts.

This will also fund the construction of an office building of the Sandiganbayan and the operating expenses of the Court of Appeals and Court of Tax Appeals.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Sonny Angara welcomed the announcement of the Supreme Court on the creation of 50 judges-at-large posts as a significant step towards providing swift justice in the country.

Angara, the principal author of Republic Act 11459 or the Judges-at-Large Act, said the implementation of the law will help ensure that justice is served swiftly by freeing up the courts of its dockets.

"Our justice system has long been criticized for being excruciatingly slow. The huge caseload of the courts has resulted in the slow disposition of cases, to the detriment of both the victims of crimes, as well as the accused, many of who are innocent but are deprived of their liberty," Angara said.

"For the victims of crimes and their families, the long wait for the resolution of cases adds to the emotional and financial burden that they have to bear on top of the pain they already experienced. For the accused who are innocent, the fact that they are deprived of their liberty is an injustice to them. This is why we want cases to be resolved expeditiously," Angara added.

The law mandates the creation of 100 judges-at-large posts for the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) and 50 posts for the Municipal Trial Courts (MTC).

These appointed judges-at-large will have no permanent salas and may be assigned by the Supreme Court as acting or assisting judges to any RTC or MTC in the country "as public interest may require."

They are entitled to salaries, privileges, allowances, emoluments, benefits, rank and title of regular RTC and MTC judges.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court announced the creation of 50 judges-at-large posts--30 for the RTCs and 20 for the MTCs in partial implementation of RA 11459.

"This is the first step towards our objective of decongesting the courts of its dockets. Eventually, the law will be implemented in full and we will have more judges to handle the cases that have piled up in our courts," Angara said.

The 2020 General Appropriations Act, which is scheduled to be signed by the President tomorrow, contains a P2.5 billion augmentation of the budget of the judiciary for the creation of new positions in the Supreme Court and the lower courts; the repair and maintenance of halls of justice nationwide; the hiring of decongestion officers; hazard pay of judges; and to fund the 50 judges-at-large posts.

This will also fund the construction of an office building of the Sandiganbayan and the operating expenses of the Court of Appeals and Court of Tax Appeals.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Leila M. de Lima wants to inquire into the implementation of the Phase 1 of the Chinese-funded "Safe Philippines Project" which would install more than 10,000 closed-circuit television (CCTV) security cameras in public areas in Metro Manila and Davao City.

In filing Senate Resolution (SR) No. 275, De Lima urged her colleagues to look into the initial implementation of the deal between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the China International Telecommunications and Construction Corp. (CITCC) to ensure protection of national security and State secrets.

"Granting a country whose global reputation for its forceful espionage activities has raised worldwide concern, the opportunity to create a surveillance system in our country should raise a red flag for our policymakers to ensure that none of our national interests are compromised by such agreements, particularly our national security," she said.

"Commercial contracts with companies whose international operations have put at risk the right of the people to privacy, entails careful scrutiny and utmost diligence in order to prevent abuses and violation of rights," she added.

Last year, the Philippine government signed 29 deals with China, including the contract between the DILG and state-owned CITCC for the installation of a ?20-billion network of security cameras in public places around Metro Manila and Davao City.

Under the multibillion contract, the Chinese multinational telecommunication equipment and consumer electronics company Huawei will supply the equipment requirements of the multi-billion project called "Safe Philippines."

During the 17th Congress, several senators expressed concern over the vetting and approval of the "Safe Philippines Project" they deemed a threat to the country's national security. The project, however, was formally launched in Marikina City last month.

The first phase of the project will reportedly use an advanced information and communication technology that will involve video monitoring, multimedia critical communication, information management and command center systems.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, maintained that the people's right to privacy requires for a Senate scrutiny into the information sought to be collected through surveillance using equipment sourced from Chinese firms under the questioned project.

"The matter of improving the country's technological capability in the enforcement of laws must be put on a scale to strike a balance between gaining technological competence and yielding access to information from our country and our citizens," she said.

Cautioning against any deals with China, De Lima cited the contract between China and Zimbabwe for the use of the former's CloudWalk technology for a surveillance program, which was put under spotlight after legal loopholes made it possible for Zimbabwe to share the data of millions of its citizens with China.

De Lima said the Senate inquiry is to "determine the extent of these Chinese companies access to information relating to classified information, national security, national defense, military and diplomatic secrets, and other confidential matters of the State."

In the 17th Congress, De Lima filed Senate Resolution No. 978 which called for an inquiry into the PhP20-billion loan agreement for the installation of CCTV security cameras in public areas in Metro Manila and Davao City in just 30 months.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to ensure that all 118 local universities and colleges (LUCs) in the country become eligible to offer free tuition under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 (Republic Act 10931), a move that provides free quality tertiary education.

CHED recently signed an agreement with the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFast) and 27 LUCs that will be offering free tertiary education for Academic Year 2019-2021. Aside from free tuition, CHED-accredited LUCs also offer subsidies. Previously, there were 76 LUCs that have started offering free tertiary education and subsidies since the law took effect in 2017.

The law mandates LUCs to comply with certain policies, guidelines, and standards so they can offer free tuition. With only 15 more LUCs that have yet to be accredited, Gatchalian said that CHED should coordinate closely with these institutions to help them meet their prerequisites and become eligible to offer free tuition and subsidies.

"Mahalaga ang papel ng mga lokal na pamantasan at mga kolehiyo upang gawing abot-kaya ang dekalidad na edukasyon. Kung masisiguro natin na may kakayahan ang lahat ng mga paaralang ito na magbigay ng libreng edukasyon, mas marami tayong matutulungan na mga kabataan sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa na makapagtapos at magkaroon ng maayos na kinabukasan" said Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of the free tuition law.

"Isang mahalagang reporma sa ating sistema ng edukasyon kung maibibigay natin ito nang libre sa ating mga pampublikong pamantasan at mga kolehiyo. Sa puntong ito, ang layunin natin ay masigurong naipapatupad natin nang wasto ang batas upang makinabang dito ang bawat kabataang Filipino," Gatchalian added.

Aside from LUCs, Republic Act 10931 also covers state universities (SUCs) and colleges and state-run technical vocational institutions.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go filed a bill that seeks to create an additional division of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) to be established in Davao City.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 1254, which intends to amend the relevant provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, also requires the addition of three more commissioners since each division of the NLRC is composed of three members.

"The creation of an additional division of the NLRC will be beneficial for the proper administration and implementation of the labor laws and rules," Go stated in the explanatory note of the bill.

The NLRC is mandated to resolve disputes "involving both local and overseas workers," and Go cited the growing number of these workers as another reason for the creation of the sixth division.

"The NLRC is now tasked with a bigger responsibility," Go said adding that this proposal will make its services more accessible to Filipinos.

Recently, the Philippine Statistics Authority released its Latest Labor Force Survey, indicating that the country's employment rate is now at 95.5%, as of October 2019. Unemployment rate has gone down to only 4.5%---the lowest in the last fourteen years. Because of the robust economic growth, with more businesses and trades being opened and expanded, more Filipinos are now gainfully employed.

The NLRC was founded in the 1970s when the country's labor force was still comparably smaller than what it is now. With the growing number of workers under its jurisdiction, NLRC has to expand in order to minimize case backlogs and address labor disputes in more timely manner. Senator Go believes that the three-decade-old Labor Code has to keep abreast with the changing conditions of the present time.

The NLRC currently has five divisions, with the NLRC Chair acting as Presiding Commissioner of the first division. The other members of the first division are a commissioner from the workers sector and another commissioner from the employers sector. The other divisions have similar compositions, but instead of the NLRC Chair, a commissioner from the public sector acts as the presiding commissioner for each of them.

The first, second, and third divisions of NLRC have main offices in Metro Manila and handle cases coming from the National Capital Region and parts of Luzon. The fourth division, with main office in Cebu City, handles cases from the Visayas, while the fifth division, with main office in Cagayan de Oro City, handles cases from Mindanao.

He cited the number of cases that the NLRC, an agency attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and mandated to adjudicate labor and management disputes, handled in the past two years.

"In 2018, the Commission posted an overall disposition output of 48,770 cases through compulsory arbitration, which consist of 37,073 (76%) original cases from the Regional Arbitration Branches and 11,733 (24%) appealed cases from the Commission Proper," the Senator explained.

"Out of 39,160 original cases received for the current year, 37,037 (95%) are disposed by the Regional Arbitration Branches while 11,733 (105%) are disposed by the Commission Proper from the 11,193 appealed cases received for the current year," he added.

SB 1254 requires the number of commissioners to be increased from fourteen to seventeen and, in accordance with the existing practice, the three additional commissioners shall come each from the public, workers and employers sectors. The powers, functions and duties of the NLRC, however, remain the same.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

During his visit to fire victims in Pasay City, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go demanded justice for the death of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jeanelyn Padernal Villavende in Kuwait which prompted the government to impose again a deployment ban to the Middle Eastern country.

The Filipina, who hailed from Norala, South Cotabato, was allegedly killed by her employers in December last year. The suspects are currently in custody.

"Magkakaroon ng ban ng deployment sa Kuwait. Hintayin muna natin ang pahayag ng Pangulo kung ano ang magiging decision niya. I'm sure he will decide based on the interest of Filipinos," Go said during his visit to fire victims in Brgy. 145, Zone 16, Santo Niño, Pasay City on Saturday, January 4.

Asked on whether the President will still push through with his visit to Kuwait this year, Go said that no changes in his plans have been made so far.

"Sa ngayon, wala namang pagbabago at plano niyang pumunta ngayong quarter na ito or some time in March or April sa Kuwait. Dahil after ng agreement sa Kuwait noong 2018, naging maganda ang relasyon sa parehong bansa at OFWs na nagta-trabaho dun. Maraming mga hiling natin ang naibigay nila," Go said.

However, the senator decried the murder of Villavende, adding that justice must be served.

"Sana maiwasan ang mga ganitong pangyayari. I want justice para sa namatay nating kababayan," he said.

Meanwhile, Go also expressed his sympathy for the 118 individuals affected by the fire in Pasay City during his visit to them, saying that his visits to victims of disasters intend to fulfill his promise to Filipinos that he will come to their aid when needed to bring smiles to their faces and address their concerns.

"Gusto ko lang na magbigay ng ngiti sa inyong mga mukha sa oras ng inyong pagdadalamhati ngayon," Go said, adding that he goes around the country to listen to the concerns of ordinary Filipinos and find solutions to their daily struggles.

He added, "Kaya ako narito dahil pangako ko ito sa taong bayan. Kung ano ang ipinangako ko, 'yun ang tutuparin ko. 'Yan lang po ang pinanghahawakan namin ni Pangulong Duterte."

Comprising of 75 families who have lost their homes in the fire which broke out only a few days after Christmas, Go distributed relief and financial assistance for them. He also told students affected in the fire incident that he will provide them a new set of uniform and school supplies to enable them to resume their studies immediately.

"Narito po ako para dinggin ang inyong mga hinanaing," Go told fire victims. He added that his priority has always been the Filipinos and that wherever he is needed, he will immediately respond to the distress calls of the people.

"Apat na araw lang usually ang hearing sa Senado at ayoko na masayang ang natitirang tatlong araw (sa isang linggo). Minsan, sinisingit ko rin ang mga pagbisita sa mga araw ng aking trabaho sa Senado dahil hindi ko matiis ang aking mga kababayang nahihirapan," Go explained.

The victims also received additional assistance from concerned government agencies. They received housing materials assistance from the National Housing Authority (NHA), livelihood assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and financial assistance from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) gave immediate financial assistance and additional assistance under the agency's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

As for those who were injured or have serious medical conditions, Go urged them to visit the nearest Malasakit Center to seek medical and financial assistance from the government.

"Gusto ko rin ibahagi na kung may nararamdaman kayong sakit o may nasugatan sa insidenteng ito, mayroon na po tayong Malasakit Center na handang tumulong sa inyong medikal na mga pangangailangan, lalo na ang pinansyal na aspeto ng pagpapa-ospital," Go said.

The country's 30th Malasakit Center was opened last March 2019 at the Pasay City General Hospital.

The senator explained to the fire victims that the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for all Filipinos, particularly the poor and indigent patients, where they can ask for assistance from the different government agencies now housed under one roof.

"Naipasa na kasi ang Malasakit Center Act of 2019, batas na ito at hindi na mapipigilan ng kahit sinuman ang pagpapatakbo ng programang Malasakit Center na tiyak na mas makakatulong pa sa sambayanan," Go added.

Go also warned the public against scammers who victimize unknowing people for money, saying that they should not be quick to trust scammers who use his name for their own personal interests.

"Huwag po kayong magpaloko diyan, walang katotohanan 'yan. Kapag ginamit ang pangalan namin, hindi totoo yon. 'Wag kayong maniwala kapag may gumamit ng pangalan ko, hindi 'yun totoo," said Go.

"Walang manloloko kung walang magpapaloko. Sa mga nanloloko, makonsensya naman kayo. Maawa naman kayo sa mga kababayan natin," he added.

Ending his message, Go told that he will continue to work hard to fulfill his promises to the people.

"As promised, dalawa na po ang piority bills natin ang naipasa - iyan ay ang Malasakit Center Act of 2019 at ang postponement ng barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Rest assured 'yung iba kong pangako, I will push for them," Go said.

"Patuloy po tayong magseserbisyo para maiparamdam sa bawat Pilipino ang tunay at tuloy-tuloy na positibong pagbabago sa ating bansa," he added.

After his visit to Pasay, Go immediately went to Parola compound in Tondo, and Brgy. 833 in Pandacan, Manila to provide similar assistance to fire victims there.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Bawat pagsapit ng Bagong Taon ay panahon ng bagong pag-asa. Pag-asa na maging mas maganda at mabuti ito para sa sarili, sa pamilya at sa buong bansa.

Gayumpaman, sa di-inaasahang mga pagkakataon, may mga papasok na Bagong Taon na mas matimbang ang pangamba at mas mabigat ang mga pagsubok dahil sa mga hinaharap nating problema at sa mga nagdaang trahedya.

Nariyan po ang mga sakuna gaya ng malalakas na lindol at bagyo, na hindi lang sumira sa mga kabahayan at kabuhayan, kundi kumitil din sa buhay ng marami nating kababayan. Patuloy po nating ipagdasal ang mga biktima at ang kanilang naulilang pamilya.

Ngayong 2020--tatlo't kalahating taon mula nang manungkulan ang rehimeng Duterte--hindi pa rin basta-basta mawawala, sa loob lang ng tatlo hanggang anim na buwan, ang matagal nang pasanin ng taumbayan. Kasama rito ang mababang pasahod, mataas na presyo ng mga bilihin, pag-angkin sa ating mga teritoryo, pati na ang kalbaryo ng mabigat na trapiko na sasabayan pa ng pagtatanggal sa libo-libong trabahong nalikha ng serbisyong tumutulong para pagaanin ito.

Ang hiling ko po't dalangin: Maging mas matatag po sana ang bawat isa sa pagharap ng mga bagong hamon ngayong taon. Mas tibayan pa ang ating pananampalataya, at mas lakasan pa ang panawagan para sa isang lipunang makatarungan at may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipino, anuman ang kasarian, edad at paniniwala.

Indeed, human rights are what makes us human. Given the international trend to increase pressure in defending human rights and democracy, I hope to see a more human rights-conscious and human rights-sensitive Philippine society and a more human rights-compliant Philippine officialdom in 2020.

Once again, let us show the world the power of our solidarity towards upholding social justice and democracy. Now, more than ever, let us not be cowed to threats and oppression.

We will not succumb to tyranny. We will fight back and we will fight more.

A peaceful, meaningful and blessed New Year to all!

(Sgd.) LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame

1 Enero 2020



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

On behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, Presidential son and Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, turned over on Friday, January 3, financial assistance to the municipal governments of Malalag and Padada in Davao del Sur to help earthquake victims and to fast track rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas.

The President was not able to attend the events. The younger Duterte, in his speech on behalf of the President, emphasized strength and resilience despite the trials brought about by the series of earthquakes in Mindanao.

The two officials were also accompanied by representatives from concerned government agencies as they visited the affected families and participated in the ceremonial turnover of food packs and other forms of assistance. The senator, in his message, asked the people of Padada to be strong and help each other in these trying times.

Go also assured the public that the President is in good health. "He's not feeling well for the second straight day... and he was advised by the doctor to take a rest," Go told reporters during an interview after he met the earthquake victims in Malalag.

"Sino ba namang 74 years old na hindi nagkakasakit? It's normal naman po. Rest assured wala po tayong dapat ikabahala. Nothing serious," he added.

Go and Vice Mayor Duterte went to Malalag first, where they turned over financial assistance to the LGU, and then proceeded to Padada, to also turn over financial assistance on top of what was already provided by the Office of the President to the town a month ago.

The quake victims, who gathered at the Malalag Municipal Gymnasium and at the Padada Central Elementary School Gymnasium, also received food, relief and other forms of assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

As additional help to the earthquake victims, Go offered to give assistance to those who need to undergo operations or consult medical specialists in Davao City or Manila. "Tutulungan ko kayo sa inyong mga gastusin papunta doon at pabalik, hanggang gumaling kayo," he said in his speeches in both towns.

He also announced that a Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance, will be opened soon in Davao del Sur. At the Malasakit Center, patients can ask for help from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Health (DOH), DSWD, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

"Hindi na po ninyo kailangang pumila sa iba't ibang opisina," Go explained in his speeches adding that the goal of the Malasakit Center is to improve access of all Filipinos to quality medical services from the government, especially for indigent patients and those in need of assistance due to calamities.

The Senator and Vice Mayor Duterte also addressed requests for assistance of the municipalities, such as expansion of waterworks system for Malalag, and housing programs and reconstruction of the municipal hall for Padada. They will forward the requests to the Office of the President and relevant government agencies.

Davao del Sur and neighboring areas were hit by a series of strong earthquakes in the late part of 2019. The strongest earthquake, with 6.9 magnitude, struck on December 15.

Go shared during the interview that the President and he will be travelling from Davao City to Manila on Friday night to attend the turnover ceremony on Saturday morning for newly appointed Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.

"Makakapagtrabaho na po siya dahil maraming dapat gawin ngayong Lunes. Bukas turnover po ng Armed Forces, and then sa Lunes, he is scheduled to sign the national budget for 2020 at the Palace," the Senator said.

"We cannot afford another delay dito sa budget. Mahirap mag-operate ng re-enacted budget. Losses po ang nangyayari. Isa po ito sa dahilan ng inflation noong nakaraang taon," he added.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Fulfilling his promise to visit communities in need of aid, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go provided assistance on Saturday, January 4, to nearly 400 residents of Tondo district in Manila who lost their homes in a fire that occurred on December 29.

The 79 affected families, comprising 395 individuals, stayed and welcomed the New Year at the Delpan Evacuation Center.

Go distributed cash and relief assistance to the evacuees . "Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa tao, gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito," the Senator told the fire victims in a speech.

The Senator also offered to be a godfather to the future babies of the expecting women present.

For those who want to relocate outside Metro Manila, Go offered to pay for their fare. "Ang sikip ng lugar dito sa Manila. Kami ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, kapag umuuwi kami ng Davao, nakikita namin na sa mga probinsiya natin, marami pang lupa. Dito, magkakatabi na ang bahay, matrapik pa," he admitted.

At least 30 houses were razed to the ground when the fire occurred at Gate 10, Pier 2, Barangay 20, Zone 2 in Parola compound.

Along with the aid from Go, the victims also received different kinds of assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Housing Authority (NHA) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), among others.

Go also thanked the residents for their continued support to the Duterte administration and urged them to help fight illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. "Kami ni Pangulo, gagawin namin ang lahat. Tulungan lang po ninyo ang kampanya namin laban sa korapsyon, kriminalidad at iligal na droga," he said.

"Galit si Pangulong Duterte sa mga kriminal at durugista. Ako rin po, galit ako. Layuan niyo po ang droga. Mga bata, huwag n'yong subukan. Mga magulang, ipabaon na lang po ninyo sa inyong mga anak ang pera ninyo," he added.

In an interview after the event, the Senator assured the public that the President has recovered from the sickness that prevented him from attending some engagements for two days.

"Kagabi po, lumuwas kami ng Manila kasama ni Pangulong Duterte. May picture po akong ipinakita. At ngayon he's scheduled to attend the turnover ceremony sa Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, from General Noel Clement to General Felimon Santos Jr.," Go told reporters.

"Sino ba namang 74 years old ang walang sakit? Normal lang po na nagkakasakit ang ating Pangulo. Sobrang sipag po niya. Kahit rest day niya sa Davao, sabi niya, ikutin natin ang mga nalindol," the Senator shared.

"Magdasal po tayo na sana po ay laging nasa mabuting kalusugan ang ating Pangulo ngayong taon na ito para patuloy po siyang makapagserbisyo sa bawat Pilipino," Go added.

On the same day, Go also visited and provided assistance to fire victims in Pasay City and in Pandacan, Manila



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Imee Marcos called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure that the government agency's plan to import 35,000 metric tons of red onions would not affect local harvests in March.

The DA said it decided to import red onions to make up for a supply shortage.

Marcos fears that a glut in imported red onions would end up rotting in government warehouses, without bringing down the price of the farm produce.

A similar situation happened last year when the National Food Authority imported millions of pesos worth of rice but was unable to bring down market prices significantly, Marcos cited.

Also, Marcos said, the importation of rice from other countries has significantly hurt the livelihood of many Filipino farmers.

"Baka bumaha ng imported na sibuyas, at pagkatapos matetengga na naman ang mga aanihing local na sibuyas sa Marso. Tapos anong mangyayari? ibebenta na lamang nang palugi ang mga lokal na sibuyas natin gaya sa nangyari sa lokal na palay sa bansa, na ikalulugi na naman ng ating mga maliliit na magsasaka," Marcos said.

The wholesale price of red onions in December averaged P195 per kilo, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

At groceries and supermarkets, red onions sold for P150 to P200 per kilo.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The untimely and tragic death of three Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait and Singapore should prompt Congress to prioritize the approval of proposals creating a separate department for overseas employment, Senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquaio today said.

Pacquaio, who is the primary author of Republic Act 11227 or "The Handbook for Overseas Filipino Workers of 2018," lamented that many OFWs make a lot of sacrifices while working abroad and many of them are constantly at risk because of the nature of their job.

It is for this reason that he also authored and filed Senate Bill 997 which seeks to create the Department of Overseas Employment so that the government can give more focus in serving our OFWs.

" IT's already too hard that they are working away from their families and loved ones and still, some of our kababayans end up sacrificing their lives. Some are so unlucky that they get abusive employers. I think that it is really time that we should have a separate department whose sole focus is to look after the welfare of our OFWS," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao said that for their sacrifice, he has committed to give P100,000 each to the families of the three OFWs and would also provide scholarship assistance to their orphaned children.

Pacquiao said that although the death of two OFWs in Singapore was due to an accident, it should serve as a reminder of the dangers faced by Filipinos working abroad.

According to reports, the victims Abigail Danao Leste and Arlyn Nucos were just hanging out with some Filipinos outside the Lucky Plaza mall in Singapore when they were hit by a wayward car. At least four other Filipinos who were at the scene were also injured in the accident.

Before the turn of the year, another Filipina domestic worker identified as Jeanelyn Villavende was alleged killed by the wife of her employer in Kuwait prompting the government to impose another temporary employment ban for OFWs in that country.

According to Pacquiao, although the circumstances surrounding the tragic demise of the Filipina OFWs in Singapore and in Kuwait were completely different, both incidents would entail a long and winding administrative and legal processes that requires full government attention.

"These incidents will happen as long as we continue deploying OFWs and most often, the families of the victims will just accept what happened as fate. Namatayan na nga sila pro-problemahin pa nila kung paano nila makukuha yung bangkay ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay tapos iisipin pa nila kung paano nila mahahabol yung mga lumapastangan sa kanilang mga kaanak kaya madalas napapabayaan na lang ang kanilang mga kaso," Pacquiao noted.

"We should change this situation by making sure that our OFWs get best government service that they truly deserve. After all, they have been the lifeblood of our economy,"Pacquiao added.

Pacquiao said the immediate passage pending proposals to create a separate department for overseas employees would allow the government to give more focus in dealing with the various challenges faced by Filipino OFWs.

" A full government department for our OFWs would mean more manpower to provide assistance for our distressed OFWs and more resource to go around in supporting our kababayan even after they have already decided to come home for good. We need to give our OFWs the full attention that they truly deserve. Dapat special sila," Pacquiao said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to closely monitor world oil prices as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.

"The DOE should strictly watch the oil price movement globally, especially with respect to Philippine sources of crude oil. Crude prices keep surging and it could batter our economy," expressed Pimentel.

The Senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, also advised that the DOE must plan to secure new sources of crude oil as early as now, in view of the flare-up in US-Iran-Iraq relations.

"The government must study and seriously consider securing new sources of our crude oil. Spiking oil prices have led to recessions in the past. Mabuti nang advance mag-isip so that we are prepared," noted Pimentel.

Pimentel suggested that the Philippines should consider getting oil from Russia; a move which, the Senator believes, could strengthen Philippines-Russia relations in the process.

Oil prices have risen sharply following the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

While the Department of Energy awaits Malacanang's reply on its submitted nuclear policy, Senator Win Gatchalian said the DOE should release a report to the public on the integrated work plan for nuclear power infrastructure in the country.

The government concluded a week-long discussion in November last year with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which gave its Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) on introducing a safe, secure, and sustainable national nuclear program.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi called for the creation of Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) in October 2016 to comply with IAEA's policy guidelines in conducting research on the feasibility of nuclear energy development.

Gatchalian, Senate Energy Committee Chairman, stressed that ordinary Filipinos will never understand the reason behind these nuclear talks if the government will continue to keep them in the dark when it comes to the Philippine nuclear plan.

"The more the public is informed about the government's nuclear plan, the more comfortable they become. By being transparent, we are telling the Filipinos that the government is serious and committed in discussing and investigating whether nuclear power might be part of the country's future energy policy," the senator explained.

This is not the first time that Gatchalian called out the DOE for its lack of transparency on nuclear energy agenda. In October last year, Gatchalian probed the DOE's ambiguity on its nuclear plan amid reports that the Philippines and Russia signed a deal on exploring the possible construction of a nuclear power plant in the country.

"The basic question is - is nuclear energy fit for the Philippines? Will it deliver the promises of lower electricity cost at very minimal risk? Most importantly, what will we do with the nuclear waste in the long term?," asked Gatchalian.

Gatchalian has filed a resolution for the Senate Energy Committee to conduct an inquiry on the status of the country's nuclear energy plan.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

As he distributed financial and relief assistance to fire victims in Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said in an interview that the government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, with President Rodrigo Duterte calling for a meeting with the Armed of Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Sunday afternoon to assess the likely impact of the tensions in the region on the country and Filipinos.

"Hintayin natin ang ating pamahalaan, lalo na kung anong security (measures) ang gagawin nila," Go said in an ambush interview during his visit to Quezon City fire victims on Sunday, January 5.

"Nagpatawag na si Pangulong Duterte ng meeting kasama ang chief of staff ng AFP kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa ating bansa at sa ating seguridad," he added.

Tensions are currently high in the Middle East region after an American air strike on Baghdad's international airport in Iraq killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.

The senator also assured the public that the government will take steps to ensure the security of Filipinos in the country and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East.

"Sigurado ako na maraming hakbang na gagawin ang ating pamahalaan. The President is very conscious and aware sa mga nangyayari doon," Go said.

"Sisiguraduhin ng Pangulo ang seguridad ng bawat Pilipino hindi lamang sa bansa kundi pati na rin 'yung mga nasa (Middle East)," he added.

The Senator was at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Covered Court in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City to provide aid to 161 families affected by a fire that occurred at Brgy. Vasra on December 31.

Go distributed foods, grocery packs and cash assistance. Around 700 individuals lost their homes in the incident. He also told students affected in the fire incident that he will provide them a new set of uniform and school supplies to enable them to resume their studies immediately.

"Narito po ako para dinggin ang inyong mga hinanaing," Go told fire victims. He added that his priority has always been the Filipinos in vulnerable situations and that wherever he is needed, he will immediately respond to the distress calls of the people.

"Apat na araw lang usually ang hearing sa Senado at ayoko na masayang ang natitirang tatlong araw. Minsan, sinisingit ko rin ang mga pagbisita sa mga araw ng aking trabaho sa Senado dahil hindi ko matiis ang aking mga kababayang nahihirapan," Go explained.

As for those who lost their homes, Go said that there are many options for them and that the government is always ready to assist them.

"Huwag sana silang pabayaan diyan. Kawawa 'yung mga bata, walang pahingaan at comfort room na malinis at maayos. Ako naman, sabi ko maraming option para sa kanila. Pwede silang mag-avail ng murang pabahay. Bibigyan din sila ng housing materials," he said referring to various programs and assistance that the National Housing Authority (NHA) is providing.

"Nandito rin ang iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para magbigay sa kanila ng tulong. Tulungan lang po. Pantawid lang. Importante na magkaroon sila ng permanente na tahanan."

The victims also received various forms of assistance from representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), NHA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP). Some local officials were also present during the visit.

"Para po sa mga may sakit o nasaktan dahil sa insidenteng ito, mayroon na po tayong Malasakit Center na handang tumulong sa inyong medikal na mga pangangailangan, lalo na ang pinansyal na aspeto ng pagpapa-ospital," Go said.

The senator explained to the fire victims that the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop for all Filipinos, particularly the poor and indigent patients, where they can ask for assistance from the different government agencies now housed under one roof.

"Naipasa na kasi ang Malasakit Center Act of 2019, batas na ito at hindi na mapipigilan ng kahit sinuman ang pagpapatakbo ng programang Malasakit Center na tiyak na mas makakatulong pa sa sambayanan," Go added.

Quezon City hosts four Malasakit Centers located in various hospitals, such as the Lung Center of the Philippines, Novaliches District Hospital, Philippine Heart Center and the Philippine Children's Medical Center.

Go, who has been constantly visiting fire victims in evacuation areas anywhere in the country, expressed that he just wants to help by addressing their needs as well as by leaving good memories and smiles on the faces of his fellow Filipinos who are in vulnerable situations.

"Kaya ako nandito para magbigay sa inyo ng kaunting tulong, para makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa inyong lahat," he said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

President Rodrigo Duterte met today with top officials of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assess the likely impact of the increasing tensions in the Middle East on the country, especially on affected Filipinos overseas.

"Nagpatawag na si Pangulong Duterte ng meeting kasama ang chief of staff ng AFP kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa ating bansa at sa ating seguridad," Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Sunday, January 5.

According to Go, who was present during the meeting, President Duterte ordered the AFP to be prepared to deploy military assets to repatriate overseas Filipinos in the Middle East, particularly from Iran and Iraq, at any moment's notice, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other concerned agencies.

"Hindi na makaantay ang Pangulo na sa Martes pa pag-usapan sa Command Conference ang sitwasyon sa Middle East kung kaya siya nagpatawag ng emergency meeting ngayon. Mabuti na prepared tayo mag-repatriate ng ating mga kababayan if necessary, iyan ang prayoridad ng Pangulo," Go explained.

Go added that concerned agencies were also instructed to prepare contingency measures and identify other nearby safe countries where affected overseas Filipinos can be repatriated and all other contingencies in case it will be too difficult to bring them back to the Philippines.

The senator assured the public that the government will take all steps possible to ensure the security of Filipinos in the country and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially in the Middle East.

"Patuloy nating minamanmanan ang sitwasyon sa Middle East, lalo na sa Iran. Nasa interes ng Pilipinas na panatilihin ang peace and stability in the region. Our concern clearly is on the safety and security of Filipinos in that country and the region," Go said.

According to Go, the President considers the situation with utmost concern and hopes that things will stabilize, with the support of all regional and global stakeholders.

"The President has directed relevant agencies to prepare for any eventuality and possible impact on the country. As your Senator, I will support all efforts of PRRD to safeguard and protect our national interests in the Middle East," Go said.

Very recently, relevant government agencies, including the DFA, were instructed to closely monitor and report developments in Iraq, Iran and other parts of the Middle East.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

In a visit to fire victims in Santa Ana, Manila, on Sunday, January 5, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said that he is pushing for the passage into laws in 2020 of the bills that he filed last year, especially the ones that seek to address disaster resiliency related problems in the country.

"Meron po akong mga na-file na bills na isinusulong ko. Isa rito ang pagtatatag ng Department of Disaster Resilience. Huwag na nating hintayin na magkaroon ng mga sunog, baha, at lindol (bago umaksyon). Dapat meron na tayong departamentong nakatutok talaga," Go said during an interview after he gave assistance to the fire victims.

Go's Senate Bill (SB) 205 or the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) Act seeks to create an empowered, highly specialized and responsive DDR with clear unity of command and primarily responsible in ensuring safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities. The department shall concentrate on three key result areas, namely: disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and recovery and building forward better. Presently, various government agencies dealing with disaster risk reduction and management are scattered in several departments and offices and the current lead National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is merely a coordinating body.

The bill also includes the construction of permanent evacuation centers in disaster-prone areas. "(Aside from natural disasters,) kailangan rin itong permanent evacuation centers tuwing may nasusunugan," he explained.

Another bill that mandates the establishment of safe, permanent and dedicated evacuation centers was also filed by Go last December. SB 1228, also known as the Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, will require every city, province and municipality to construct such centers that will be equipped with emergency packs, medicines and other basic necessities.

Cognizant of the need to modernize the country's fire protection bureau, the Senator also filed last July 2019 the Fire Protection Modernization bill (SB 204). The measure seeks to modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection with the adoption of a Fire Protection Modernization Program, which shall include the hiring of more personnel, acquisition of modern fire equipment, trainings for firefighters, among others, all designed to suppress all kinds of destructive fires and prevent deaths and injuries.

"Isa rin sa mga bill ko ang modernization ng Bureau of Fire Protection para may modernong kagamitan ang mga firefighter natin para naman maging safe sila sa kanilang trabaho," he said.

"Masakit at masyadong mahirap po ang masunugan ng bahay at mawalan ng mga minamahal sa buhay dahil sa mga sunog," Go admitted in previous interviews emphasizing the need for government to strengthen measures in preparing and protecting communities for such unfortunate situations.

Moreover, even before a series of strong earthquakes hit Mindanao late last year, Go already saw the need to update the National Building Code in order to ensure the safety and structural integrity of infrastructures in the country.

Before the Senate went on its holiday break, Go filed the Philippine Building Act (SB 1252), seeking to update the existing building code which took effect on February 19, 1977 when then president Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree 1096.

"Halos kalahating siglo na ang nagdaan mula na nagkaroon tayo ng National Building Code noong 1977 pa. Napapanahon nang kailangang ma-update ang lumang batas na ito. Kailangang sumabay ang ating mga batas sa mga pangangailangan ng modernong panahon, lalo na ngayon na mas dumadami at mas tumitindi ang mga kalamidad sa bansa, katulad ng lindol at bagyo. Huwag nang hintayin na may gumuhong gusali at may mamatay muli," Go explained.

A pioneering measure that tries to replicate the Davao 911 model was also filed by Go on his first month in the Senate. SB 394 or the Emergency Medical Services Systems Council (EMSS) Act, mandates all local government units to establish an emergency medical service system for their area of jurisdiction as well as dispatch centers where constituents can call in cases of emergencies. An Emergency Medical Services Systems Council (EMSS) to be created shall develop minimum requirements such as the need for emergency medical vehicles and ambulances.

"Ang EMSS ay magsisiguro na merong sapat na mga personahe, pasilidad, kagamitan at transportasyon na magagamit para sa epektibo, organisado at agarang paghahatid ng mga health and safety services para sa mga kailangang masaklolohan kaagad," Go explained.

It can be recalled that in 2019, the two laws that were signed by the President during the 18th Congress were based on the bills that Go initially filed. The Malasakit Center Act and the law postponing to December 2022 the May 2020 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were also campaign promises of Go.

Go also filed a bill that became a basis of the Salary Standardization Bill, which both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed on the third and final reading. "Inaasahan natin na malapit na itong pirmahan ng Pangulo," Go said.

Meanwhile, during his visit in Manila, Go distributed financial and relief assistance to 572 families, comprising 1,963 individuals, affected by a fire that occurred on January 1 on Pasigline, Sagrada Familia and Araullo Streets in Santa Ana district.

The Senator also told the victims, who were staying at Ignacio Villamor High School, that he would pay for the uniforms and school supplies of the affected children. He then offered help in the financial needs of those who need to undergo medical procedures, such as dialysis.

"Kami na pong bahala sa pamasahe at pagkain ninyo," he said, adding that their medical bills may be covered by the Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Aside from the assistance extended by Go, the affected families received help from various agencies such as the DSWD, National Housing Authority (NHA), Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), among others.

Before going to Santa Ana, the Senator also distributed financial and relief assistance early in the day to the victims of a fire that occurred on December 31 at Barangay Vasra in Quezon City.

Go spent the first weekend of 2020 providing much needed assistance to fire victims, first in Pasay City, then in Tondo and Pandacan, Manila on Saturday, January 4. He then visited two more communities in Brgy. Vasra in Quezon City and in Santa Ana, Manila City on Sunday, January 5.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

While advising the public that there is no need for undue panic or anxiety amid the reported mystery disease from China as there has been no reported human-to-human transmission, Senator Richard J. Gordon, chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, nevertheless called on the government to monitor the situation in Wuhan, China and take necessary preparations in the event the disease spreads.

"The cause of the "mystery" disease from Wuhan, China has not been determined and thus far, there has been no reported human-to-human transmission. Until the cause is known, there is no need for undue panic or anxiety. Meanwhile, the situation needs to be monitored and preparations should be in place in the event that the disease spreads," he said.

Gordon also commended the Department of Health for ordering the Bureau of Quarantine to be on alert and ordering tightened screening of all incoming travellers, given the significant number of workers from China.

"However, given the significant number of workers from China, including those involved in POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) - it is prudent for the Philippines to ask these travelers to declare if they have travelled to Wuhan and if so, be requested to be subjected to screening and a temperature check with minimum inconvenience as they enter the country," he added.

The DOH earlier ordered strict monitoring of all incoming travelers amid reports of a mysterious disease from China that has sparked fears of a return of the dreaded severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III assured the public that the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is on alert and is closely watching all seaports and airports in response to reports of the mysterious disease. Duque instructed the BOQ to intensify the checking of all incoming travelers especially those manifesting fever or signs of respiratory infection.

It has been reported lately that an outbreak of a mysterious illness has affected 44 individuals in China. According to reports, the disease is similar to a "viral pneumonia of unknown origin." Many of the infected individuals were stall holders at Wuhan's Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which health authorities have closed until further notice, according to the South China Morning Post



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Richard J. Gordon described Republic Act 11459 or the Judges-At-Large Act of 2019, which the Supreme Court is set to implement, as a game-changer that would improve the country's judicial system since it would ease the overload of cases in trial courts across the country and hence ensure speedy administration of justice.

Republic Act 11459, to which Gordon was the principal sponsor and author, seeks to create 100 positions for regional trial judges-at-large and 50 positions for municipal trial judges-at-large nationwide to be assigned by the Supreme Court as acting or assisting judges in regional trial courts or second level courts and in the municipal trial courts or first level courts that are overloaded with cases.

"The Supreme Court is on the right track - creating 50 judges-at-large posts in partial implementation of the law. The Constitution mandates that all persons have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases but the overloaded dockets of our courts prevent that. But the implementation of this law will address that," the chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights said.

Gordon pointed out that with about 160,000 cases pending in the 1,200 first-level courts (city and municipal courts) and 640,000 in the 1,100 second-level courts or the regional trial courts as of 2017, the clogged dockets of the courts cause great delay in the disposition of cases.

"The law seeks to assign judges-at-large to support or to assist practically in passing these cases that are loading the docket so that justice could be dispensed more swiftly. They could also be assigned to temporarily fill up the vacancies until a permanent judge has been appointed," he explained.

Gordon added the congestion of courts' dockets also adversely affect the dispensation of justice in that judges no longer have sufficient time to study, analyze and research to come up with good, reasonable decisions.

"This will also relieve the judges and afford them time to study each case carefully and to come up with good decisions," he said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Imee Marcos said the government may be caught flat-footed if it limits the scope of its contingency plans for evacuating OFWs to just Iran and Iraq.

Iran has vowed to retaliate against the United States and its Middle East allies, after a U.S. air strike Friday killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq.

"Hindi dapat tayo nakatali lang sa kung anong magiging kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan sa Iran at Iraq lamang. Sa anumang gagawing hakbang ng ating pamahalaan, hindi ito dapat nakasentro lang sa Iran at Iraq. Mas dapat natin bigyang pansin ang magiging kaligtasan ng milyon nating kababayang OFWs sa buong Middle East," Marcos said.

More than half of the total number of OFWs worldwide are based in the Middle East, with the majority or more than 500,000 working in Saudi Arabia, more than 300,000 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and more than 100,000 each in Qatar and Kuwait, according to a 2018 survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority.

More than 30,000 Filipinos have been recorded living in Israel, with fewer than 10,000 in Iran and Iraq combined.

"Nakaamba ngayon ang mga retaliatory attacks sa mga lugar kung saan naroroon at malakas ang pwersa ng Estados Unidos, at ang masaklap nito, naroroon din sa mga bansang iyon ang libo-libo nating mga OFWs," Marcos added.

Marcos cited statistics from the International Crisis Group and the Federation of American Scientists that estimate the numbers of American troops in the Middle East at 13,000 each in Kuwait and Qatar; 6,000 in Iraq; and 5,000 and 3,000 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

"Bigyan din natin ng pansin ang ating mga Filipino seafarers na nagtatrabaho sa mga oil tankers, hindi lang ang mga land-based OFWs, dahil ang tension na nangyayari sa Middle East ay may kaugnayan din sa economic sanctions na ipinataw ng US laban sa Iran," Marcos also said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Inuulit namin ang matagal na nating panawagan: Itigil na ang araw-araw na patayan, at bigyang tulong ang lahat ng mga nasalanta nito, pangunahin na ang mga batang inulila at mga asawang binalo ng drug war. Bigyan ng kabuhayan ang mga tumayong padre de pamilya. Bigyan ng scholarship ang mga batang nahinto sa pag-aaral. At higit sa lahat, patuloy na bigyan ng tulong ang mga namatayan kung paano patnubayan ang pighati.

Papanagutin din ang mga ninja cops, at habulin niya ang mga sindikato ng droga at mga kasabwat nitong mga opisyal ng Customs.

Buo ang ating pagsuporta kay VP Leni sa kanyang pagharap sa hamon ng panahon.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto has renewed his call to make the overtime pay of government and private sector workers tax-free.

Recto's proposal, first filed during the 15th Congress, seeks to amend the tax code by including "overtime pay" in the tax-exempt items.

Admittedly, Recto said his proposal will cost government foregone revenues, but pointed out that more money in taxpayers' pockets will raise workers' disposable income and boost consumer spending.

"This, in turn, would trigger demand for more goods and services thereby stimulate activities in the industrial and service sectors and eventually generate more taxes," the senator explained.

Recto's Senate Bill No. 601 is expected to benefit an estimated 26.7 million wage and salary workers from both private and public sectors.

The bill seeks to exclude overtime pay from the computation of taxable income, amending Section 32 (B) (7) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

It defined overtime pay as "compensation due to hours worked in excess of the required normal working hours."

"An employee who renders overtime work puts in additional hours of work and requires greater physical and mental effort. Instead of being able to rest early and spend more time with the family, the employee is forced to extend the working hours to achieve the organization's goals. Thus, it is only fitting that the employee is properly compensated for additional work hours rendered," said Recto.

Under the Labor Code, the prescribed number of hours of work for employees for six consecutive days is eight hours a day.

If the employee renders more than eight hours of work, the employer is required to pay additional compensation equivalent to the employee's regular wage plus at least 25 percent of his regular wage and if the overtime work falls on a holiday or rest day, the rate is increased to 30 percent.

State workers are also entitled to overtime pay subject to Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

Under existing laws, overtime pay of employee is taxable.

Recto said the current set-up not only limits the full enjoyment of monetary benefits due the employee for putting in more hours of work but also diminishes the value of the additional physical and mental effort exerted.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

VP Leni's ICAD Report is a well-researched, data-driven and a completely objective look on the President's War on Drugs. She cited existing government data and based her conclusions on credible authorities.

Her further statements and responses during the presscon yesterday reveal a deep grasp of the real drug situation, including the gaps and shortcomings in the bureaucratic structures and strategies. Her proposed directions henceforth are well thought of and doable. Credible and convincing report. VP Leni certainly knows what she's talking about.

Meanwhile, Panelo attempted to discredit her report even without reading it. It is hypocritical of Panelo to dismiss VP Leni because she didn't take part in any ground operations during her 18-day stint when not even the President did so in all of his 3 ½ years in office.

That is precisely what is wrong with this government: all politics and blusters, no substance.

Sa sobrang pamumulitika at porma, winalang bahala ang mga datos. Sa pagsantabi sa katotohanan ng War on Drugs, panalo ang mga drug lords, talo ang taumbayan. A failure indeed! ###



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

Senator Win Gatchalian has once again pressed for the immediate issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) for the "Murang Kuryente Act," saying that the delay denies ordinary Filipinos of having cheap electricity.

The law was created to make electricity more affordable to consumers by removing the National Power Corporation's (NPC) stranded debts and costs (Universal Charge for Stranded Debts or UCSD and Universal Charge for Stranded Contract Costs or UC-SCC) that are passed on to consumers and reflected in the monthly electricity bill.

Gatchalian explained that each Filipino household is currently paying ₱0.09 per kilowatt hour for UCSD and UCSCC in the electricity bill. Aside from this, consumers are expected to pay additional Php 0.86 per kilowatt hour for UCSCC and UCSD. But with the enactment of the Murang Kuryente Act, consumers will no longer pay the additional cost.

Those consuming 200 kWh per month, for instance, can save Php 172 per month or Php 2,064 per year, equivalent to three to four kilos of rice per month or a sack of rice per year.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and co-author of the law, pointed out that the law should have taken effect starting December last year if only an IRR had been issued. He added that the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Finance (DOF) should have already issued the IRR in November 27 last year or 90 days after the effectivity of the law.

"Dapat Disyembre pa lang ay wala na sa bill ng kuryente ang UCSD at SCC. Ibig sabihin, dapat sana ay bumaba na ang bill sa kuryente ngayong buwan", said Gatchalian.

"The more that we are delaying the issuance of the IRR, the more we are denying Filipinos of having cheaper electricity. This is a total disservice to our constituents," the lawmaker stressed



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

In response to Vice President Leni Robredo's claim that the government's campaign against illegal drugs is a failure, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go said on Monday, January 6, that the Filipino people should be the better judge.

"Sila ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan natin na direktang nakikinabang. Sila kasi ang nagsasabing mas ligtas sila ngayon kaysa noong panahon ng nagdaang administrasyon," Go said.

Robredo, who acted as the co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) for eighteen days, held a press conference earlier in the day and stated that she would give the government's campaign against illegal drugs a score of 1 over 100.

"Sa kabila ng mga ginawang hakbang ng gobyerno, sa kabila ng walang humpay na kampanya kontra droga, para kay VP Leni ang grado ng gobyerno ay 1/100 lamang. Parang may mali naman sa batayan ng ating Vice President kung ano ang makakabuti sa bayan," Go said.

"Between one person using her own computation giving a grade of 1%, and 79% of Filipinos who said they are satisfied with our campaign, I will choose to believe the latter," he added.

The Senator emphasized that the war on drugs is a continuing effort. "Habang nandyan pa ang mga adik, nandyan ang mga drug lords, nandyan ang kasakiman sa pera, hindi agad-agad mawawala ang supply ng shabu sa bansa. Ito ang rason kung kaya't patuloy ang kampanya ng gobyerno na puksain ito at iligtas ang mga inosenteng nabibiktima ng iligal na droga. Habang tumatagal, mas pinapalakas natin dapat ang kampanyang ito."

He also said that the government must maintain its firm stance. "The war against illegal drugs is a continuing campaign and a relentless one. We will not stop until we put an end to this menace. Hindi po ito madadaan sa salita lamang. Dapat takutin at, kung kailangan, patayin ang masasamang loob para sugpuin ang iligal na droga sa bansa."

He added that the method has been effective. "Noong umupo si Pangulong Duterte, nawala na ang mga 'tiangge' na nagbebenta ng iligal na droga. Dahil maraming takot mamatay, maraming piniling magbagong buhay. Nasa datos rin iyan ng PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) at PNP (Philippine National Police)."

Robredo said that the government must change its strategy, but Go said that while he respects her recommendations, he believes that the government must continue what it has been doing.

"Let me reiterate, hindi po madadaan sa salita lamang ang laban sa iligal na droga. Dapat takutin, dapat handang pumatay ng masama para sa kabutihan ng mga inosenteng Pilipinong apektado dito," Go said.

"Siguro kung si VP Leni pa rin ang nakaupong co-chair ng ICAD, mas dadami pa ang supply ng shabu dahil hindi matatakot ang drug lords sa kanyang iminumungkahing stratehiya," he added.

Go also called for Robredo to listen to the people. "VP Leni, tanungin



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

In a bid to make communities around the country safer and more disaster-resilient, Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go filed a bill in December 2019 that seeks to provide for the effective regulation of planning, design, construction, occupancy, and maintenance of all public and private buildings and structures.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 1252, also known as the "Philippine Building Act of 2019", aims to safeguard the public welfare and to mitigate the impact of disasters by proposing to provide all buildings and structures a framework of minimum standards and requirements in line with mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and management efforts and to regulate and control their location, siting, planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

Asked on why there is a need for such measure, Go said that many elements are lacking or need to be updated in the current building code due to the changing times.

"The National Building Code of the Philippines took effect on February 19, 1977. Ilang dekada na po ang nakakalipas mula nang ito ay naging batas. Mula noon, marami na po tayong mga natutunan tungkol sa building safety dahil sa advancements in science, at pati na din po sa ating mga naging masasamang experience mula sa sakuna, tulad ng lindol na nangyari sa Mindanao. Panahon na upang ating pag-aralan ang pag-update sa National Building Code na ito," Go said.

The senator added that some safety standards on fire safety and sanitation are not mentioned in the current Building Code, leaving several loopholes and inadequacies that should be addressed.

"Kapansin pansin po na kahit na mayroong mga safety standards ang current Building Code, gaya ng fire safety and sanitation, hindi po specifically mentioned ang disaster resiliency dito. Napakahalaga ng disaster resiliency dito sa ating bansa dahil maliban sa around twenty typhoons ang pumapasok sa ating bansa taon-taon, our geographic location makes us vulnerable to other disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, storm surges, and more."

To fill up these loopholes, Go is proposing amendments to ensure that all buildings and structures in the country are built according to the principle of "building back better".

"'Building back better' requires that in the reconstruction of damaged structures, due consideration shall be given to the possibility of the disaster repeating itself," said Go.

"Ire-require din natin na ma-integrate ang disaster resilience measures sa paggawa ng rules and regulations, at sa reference standards para sa pagplano, pag-design, at pag-reconstruct ng mga bagong buildings and structures na itatayo," he added.

To prevent corruption in the building of such structures, the bill also promotes the accountability among relevant stakeholders and establishes sustainability standards for government-owned buildings to mitigate any negative environmental, economic, and social impacts.

"Kailangan din nating mag introduce ng steps upang maiwasan ang corruption na possibleng nagiging sanhi ng non-compliance ng ibang building owners sa safety standards. To do this, we can introduce a 'Peer Review' system which shall be performed by an accredited and independent verifier who can confirm whether or not the structural design of a proposed or new building or structure complies with the new set of safety standards."

If the proposed measure is passed into law, the National Building Official (NBO) will be primarily responsible for its execution, administration and enforcement, while a Building Regulations and Standards Council will be created to assist the NBO in reviewing and recommending rules and regulations and reference standards to accomplish the objectives of the proposed law.

The Office of the National Building Official (ONBO), within the Department of Public Works and Highways, will also be created to provide sufficient technical, legal, administrative, and support personnel to the NBO.

To ensure the safety and resilience of buildings and structures, the bill provides a system of classification as to their type of construction according to fire resistance rating; use or occupancy; and required permitting process. Each classification will have specific rules and regulations promulgated by the NBO.

General planning requirements for the location, siting, and zoning of buildings and structures are also provided in the bill, all of which should also take into account the environment and its conservation and protection.

As for design requirements, the bill mandates due consideration of structural stability, protection from fire, moisture and surface water, among others. Buildings and structures will also be required to provide safe access, circulation, and egress from the buildings, including emergency exits for persons and vehicles.

According to Go, the use of materials, pieces of equipment, plants, and tools, and selection of personnel for construction must also conform to reference standards to ensure quality of materials and workmanship.

"Pagdating sa construction and demolition ng buldings, kailangan natin magkaroon ng maayos na waste management. All buildings must be constructed or demolished with a corresponding waste management plan to protect the environment and the health of surrounding inhabitants," Go said.

"Sa pagpili ng building materials at components, kailangang sumunod sa set of criteria that will consider, among other things, the strength, fire resistivity, moisture resistance, durability, and sustainability and, of course, disaster resilience," Go added.

Go also said that the proposed measure covers the review and inspection of old buildings to ensure that structural integrity of these structures are compliant.

"Sa pagpasa ng bagong batas na ito, kailangan din po nating ma-review ang structural integrity ng mga building na naluma na," he explained.

To promote accountability among stakeholders further, building owners of any proposed construction or existing building or structure will be asked to secure the appropriate permits from the Local Building Official, prior to the start of such work or occupancy.

The owners will also be required to maintain the buildings according to provided requirements. The ONBO will establish a system for monitoring, reporting, and evaluating maintenance and inspection activities, according to the bill.

Finally, the NBO, in coordination with relevant agencies, will also develop and administer incentive schemes to promote voluntary compliance and to encourage all owners to promote the use of environmentally sound or sustainable materials, methods, practices, and technologies.

"Huwag na po natin intayin magkaroon pa ng isa pang sakuna. Importante na maging handa ang ating bansa para masigurado na safe at disaster-resilient ang ating mga komunidad," Go explained



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The fitness policy adopted by the Philippine National Police leadership is a win-win situation for all - except the criminals.

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson stressed this Tuesday as he lauded the PNP, which he headed from 1999 to 2001, for keeping alive what he considers his best legacy to the institution.

"I would like to think the best legacy I left in the police institution was the discipline that I instilled in my policemen who I enjoined to stop huffing and puffing with big bulging tummies. Instead, they maintained a maximum waistline of 34 inches so they would be trim and thin when they chased robbers and other criminals," Lacson said.

He was referring to the policy of PNP officer-in-charge P/Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa to deny police officers schooling for promotion if they do not comply with fitness requirements.

Lacson, who as PNP chief personally led his men in physical fitness regimens, said the police personnel would benefit by way of being healthier. "Para sa kanila yan," he said.

"For many pot-bellied police officers, their waistlines were reduced to a point that they became proud and confident of wearing their police uniforms once more," he added.

But most importantly, he said the sight of fit and trim police officers pounding their beats would instill confidence in the public.

Lacson said this policy should be combined with intensified internal cleansing efforts to make sure rogue police personnel who betray their oaths "to serve and protect" are punished.

"If we have policemen and policewomen who are physically and morally fit, everybody indeed wins. Only the bad guys will lose," he said.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com

The Senate committee on public services headed by Sen. Grace Poe will conduct a public hearing on Jan. 14, Tuesday on bills proposing to regulate the use of motorcycles as safe and alternative public utility vehicles.

The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. at the Senate Session Hall and will tackle the four bills on motorcycle taxis filed by Poe and fellow Senators Sonny Angara, Imee Marcos and Ralph Recto.

"The long lines of commuters waiting for rides leave no doubt that we need alternative public utility vehicles. We hope this hearing will help find solutions to issues on safety, legality and other questions that need to be threshed out towards an efficient transport system as a whole," Poe stressed.

At the hearing, Poe said she would ask for updates from the Department of Transportation on the pilot implementation of motorcycle taxis which started in June 2019.

"The results of the pilot run will be an important guide for the committee in crafting the final version of the bill," she said.

"Our ultimate goal is availability, safety and comfort for our riding public," Poe explained.

The cap set by the regulator on the number of motorcycle taxis and issues concerning ownership will also be tackled in the hearing.

Under Poe's Senate Bill 128 or the proposed Motorcycles-for-Hire Act of 2019, operators of motorcycle taxis may utilize online ride-hailing or pre-arranged transportation platforms.

When passed into law, it will amend Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.



*WORK from HOME and START YOUR OWN blog site, business or personal website, or e-commerce store at www.hostwinds.com