Trump 2.0
Trump 2.0 will have no guardrails, no check on its drive to remold policies on everything from reproductive rights to Ukraine. Trump the political narcissist interprets his sweeping mandate as a license to bend the entire US government to his will. Recall that pro-Hamas protesters heckled her rallies but did not do the same for Trump, who had a tougher pro-Israel stance. During the campaign, Trump encouraged Israel to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. A Trump administration, for instance, may be less sympathetic towards the Philippine effort to build alliances to counter Chinese bullying.
Source:Philippine Star
November 08, 2024 17:31 UTC
‘Private consumption likely to improve’
‘Private consumption likely to improve’MANILA, Philippines — Despite the economy slowing down to just 5.2 percent in the third quarter, private consumption may strengthen in the coming quarters due to receding inflation and easing monetary policy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), analysts said. “We see private consumption growth improving further in the fourth quarter alongside receding inflation, reduced unemployment, improved consumer confidence and a hike in minimum wages that took effect in the third quarter,” he said. According to Gonzales, the uptick in credit growth is in line with improving consumption and investment. Prior to the cuts, the BSP kept its policy rate steady for six straight meetings since November 2023 to anchor inflation and inflation expectations. Gonzales said the third-quarter GDP slowdown strengthens the likelihood of another 25-basis-point rate cut from the BSP in December.
Source:Philippine Star
November 08, 2024 17:31 UTC
Explanation required
We also have to borrow heavily to support our national budget, money that future generations will have to pay. The amount is part of the P15.5 million in confidential funds of the DepEd’s Youth Leadership Summits (YLS) in 2023. The 2024 national budget allocated P997.9 billion for flood control projects and the DPWH is requesting a P900-billion budget for next year. These institutions must make sure no one is above the law, and the use of public funds must be explained. Once upon a time a dictator was ousted for, among other reasons, thinking that public funds were his family’s funds.
Source:Philippine Star
November 07, 2024 20:31 UTC
A matter of trust
The 2024 Philippine Trust Study (PTS) reveals that Filipinos now demand proof before extending trust to institutions. For most Filipinos, trust is a gut feeling – ”gusto ko sya, mabait sya, naniniwala ako sa kanya” (I like him/her, he/she is good, I believe in him/her). So, they rely on gut feel, cross their fingers, and hope that their trust is rewarded. The data suggests that while trust in local government is strong, trust in national government reflects more caution and is influenced by public perceptions of transparency, competence and consistency in governance. In contrast, social media platforms face significant distrust (though in reality, most prefer social media due to its accessibility, as nearly everyone has a mobile phone).
Source:Philippine Star
November 07, 2024 20:30 UTC
Passage of ‘game changer’ EBET Act lauded by business group
MANILA, Philippines — A business group on Thursday welcomed the passage of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, emphasizing that it was a “game changer” in ensuring job opportunities. Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) said in a statement that this law aims to strengthen training programs in the country. “The EBET is a game-changer for technical-vocational graduates, offering a seamless path from classroom to real job opportunities,” said PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas. Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Marcos signs law to tackle jobs mismatch, push quality employmentPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that EBET or the Republic Act No. Marcos also noted that this law would foster and improve enterprise-based training modalities under the framework.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 07, 2024 20:01 UTC
Marbil relieves NCRPO, ACG heads over controversies about a Pogo raid
This development comes following the October 29 raid on Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed that PNP chief General Rommel Marbil ordered the administrative relief of NCRPO Acting Director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia and ACG Director Maj. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga. On October 29, the ACG enforced a cyber warrant at the Century Peak Tower, alleging that it housed a Philippine offshore gaming operator. READ: NCRPO chief denies claims of extortion during Manila Pogo raidArticle continues after this advertisementThe NCRPO chief denied the allegations on Tuesday. Gen. Reynaldo Tamondong and ACG Chief of Staff Col. Vina Guzman are the designated officers-in-charge of the two units while Hernia and Cariaga are relieved.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 07, 2024 13:45 UTC
Marcos signs Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework Act
Marcos signs Enterprise-Based Education and Training Framework ActMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, November 7, signed a measure that creates a framework for the upskilling of Filipino workers in a bid to address the country’s underemployment. The Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act hopes to align and strengthen all the different enterprise-based training modalities under one framework. EBET beneficiaries should be able to acquire foundational and mid-level skills that will make beneficiaries ready for “immediate employment”, Marcos said. The EBET law is one of the priority pieces of legislation under Marcos' administration. “With the EBET Framework Act, we are empowering Filipinos to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Source:Philippine Star
November 07, 2024 13:42 UTC
Father, son slain in Camarines Sur shooting
LEGAZPI CITY — A 65-year-old man and his son were shot and killed Wednesday by unidentified suspects in Lupi town in Camarines Sur. In a report on Thursday, Nov. 7, Lupi police said while watching television inside their canteen, Desederio Longabela was approached by two armed men and shot several times in Barangay Colacling at 6:10 p.m. Article continues after this advertisementAfter hearing the gunshots, his son, Bobby, 38, came outside to check on his father and was also shot multiple times by the suspects. An initial report said that Bobby was a former Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit member. Police were still investigating the possible identification and the arrest of the suspects.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 07, 2024 04:27 UTC
Agricultural, fisheries output further contract in Q3
Agricultural, fisheries output further contract in Q3MANILA, Philippines — The country could miss its target growth rate for the agriculture and fisheries output this year after a prolonged dry spell and devastating typhoons dragged down local production in the third quarter to its steepest decline in 15 months. It was the second straight quarter that agriculture and fisheries output declined. The value of crop production, which accounts for half of the overall agriculture output, declined on an annual basis by 5.1 percent. Livestock output fell by 6.7 percent year-on-year while fisheries production contracted by 5.5 percent. The value of the country’s agriculture and fisheries output from January to September dipped by two percent on an annual basis following the third quarter performance.
Source:Philippine Star
November 07, 2024 04:11 UTC
Gov’t expects record rice imports this year
MANILA, Philippines — Rice imports may hit a new record this year amid expectations the country would need to increase its stockpile for lean months following substantial losses from typhoons. “Other farmers are already able to [harvest more than the average rice yield] as long as they have enough capital, so it is not impossible,” said Cathy Estavillo of the Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women. Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Agricultural damage due to Kristine climbs to P3.11BThe group said the current yield of 4.17 metric tons (MT) of rice per hectare could be increased to 5 MT per hectare and raise the country’s average rice yield per hectare by 20 percent. The volume of rice imports entering the country is estimated at 4.2 million MT by year-end, Sebastian said, citing DA projections. Article continues after this advertisement“That means in November and December, we will probably be expecting another 400,000 MT minimum,” Sebastian told attendees of the World Rice Conference held in Pasay City.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 07, 2024 03:44 UTC
Analysis: Miss Universe 2024 semifinalists forecast
Analysis: Miss Universe 2024 semifinalists forecastMANILA, Philippines — Days after the Miss Universe 2024 delegates arrived in Mexico City for the 73rd pageant edition, we saw some girls who we think would place in the semifinal round. This is a two-part series so we begin with the first 10:Philippines - Chelsea Manalo is the first Filipino winner with Afro-American lineage. France - presenting the most glamorous national finals annually, 2024 winner Indira Ampiot has favorable qualities that other delegates could only wish they had. Watch the 73rd Miss Universe final show on November 16 (November 17, Manila time) via the A2Z Kapamilya channel. RELATED: Miss Universe announces 2024 judges, selection committee
Source:Philippine Star
November 06, 2024 16:53 UTC
Marcos hopes for ‘better future for all’ under Trump
Marcos hopes for ‘better future for all’ under TrumpA broadcast of former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trum speaking at his Florida election party is shown on a screen at the Nevada GOP election watch party in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 5, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — As Donald Trump is predicted to win the United States presidential election, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his hope for a “better future for all of us,” anticipating a change in the U.S. administration. “President Trump has won, and the American people have triumphed. I congratulate them on their victory in an exercise that showed the world the strength of American values,” Marcos said. “I personally met President Trump when I was young, so I know that his strong leadership will result in a better future for all of us,” he added.
Source:Philippine Star
November 06, 2024 15:58 UTC
Pre-termination of contract as OVP spox a ‘mutual decision’ – Poa
MANILA, Philippines — The pre-termination of his contract as the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) spokesperson was “a mutual decision,” according to lawyer Michael Poa himself. Poa revealed this when asked about his contract by Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun during the House committee on good government and public accountability on Tuesday. “Nagkaroon ng pag-uusap prior to the previous hearings, it was a mutual decision,” Poa told lawmakers. My consultancy contract was already pre-terminated.”“I’m also no longer a spokesperson,” he likewise said in Filipino and English. Chua was quizzing Poa regarding seven OVP officials who were the subject of the House panel’s probe into alleged government funds misuse.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 05, 2024 19:38 UTC
INQToday: Typhoon Marce slightly intensifies; more Luzon areas under Signal no. 1
Preliminary data from the agency showed that the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 2.3 percent year-on-year in October, up from 1.9 percent in September. An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) has admitted to receiving envelopes containing P25,000 “monthly allowance” reportedly from Vice President and former DepEd chief Sara Duterte in nine months last year. One of the seven officials of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) linked to alleged misuse of government funds under Vice President Sara Duterte’s watch fled the Philippines for Los Angeles on Monday night. Article continues after this advertisementHouse committee secretary Sheryl Lagrosas reported this to lawmakers during a hearing on Tuesday. The House committee on good governance on Tuesday issued another subpoena to seven officials of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) who were linked to the alleged misuse of government funds under Vice President Sara Duterte’s watch.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
November 05, 2024 19:17 UTC
Headless chickens
Headless chickensBBM said the government’s response to the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine was not enough. Our officials, both national and local, still run around like headless chickens when typhoons hit. Ms. Quirino thinks that our officials, national and local, are remiss for the glaring lack of proper evacuation centers. As she correctly pointed out, with the Mandanas ruling giving LGUs a bonanza in available funds, they should have put up multipurpose buildings as evacuation centers. It is better to set up soup kitchens in these evacuation centers to provide hot meals.
Source:Philippine Star
November 05, 2024 19:04 UTC