BPO worker went missing
ADVERTISEMENT“Nagwo-work po siya sa BPO (business process outsourcing) company sa Makati at ang last message niya po sa amin ay Wednesday, July 24,” she said. “Binaha yung area namin sa San Mateo, Rizal kaya di siya umuwi. Ang akala ng parents ko ay nasa office siya yun pala hindi na siya nagre-report sa office since July 25,” she added. (Our area in San Mateo got flooded, so he could not go home. ADVERTISEMENTAccording to Joy, they had already reported this to San Mateo, Rizal Police Station, and Makati Police Station.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 05, 2024 09:34 UTC
Traffic accident death toll down amid crackdowns
Adelyn LauAlmost 400 people lost their lives or were seriously injured in traffic accidents in the first half, police said. Officers handled 363 fatal and serious traffic accidents that saw 341 people suffering serious injuries and 51 losing their lives. The rest who died were 18 drivers, nine passengers and seven cyclists. Four of the cyclist deaths did not involve other road users, and six of the cyclists weren't wearing helmets. Officers plan a new round of enforcement operations in the third quarter to combat distracted driving and reduce bicycle accidents.
Source:The Standard
August 04, 2024 19:48 UTC
Pronouns and parodies
Pronouns and parodiesSome days, I swear, when I open my Facebook feed, I’m tempted to immediately switch it off, drowning in a flood of vexatious opinion certain to trigger my worst reflexes. Some will call this silly wokeness, but in UP, we take our students’ preferred pronouns and names seriously as a sign of respect for the person. Staff don’t sit for a chummy chat with customers. Some of them may be hypocrites, but I’m sure many or most aren’t – and there are hypocrites as well (and worse) among apostates and non-believers. Even if you later changed your mind after listening to all the learned explanations (to some, I’m sure, excuses), the fact is, you saw something you didn’t like.
Source:Philippine Star
August 04, 2024 18:36 UTC
51 killed in traffic accidents in H1 2024: police
The number of deaths and serious injuries from traffic accidents in the first half of 2024 decreased compared to last year. However, the number of fatalities involving cyclists has risen. Police recorded 363 fatal and serious injury traffic accidents involving 392 people, down 42 percent from the same period last year. Among the 392 casualties, 341 were seriously injured and 51 were killed, including 18 drivers, nine passengers, seven cyclists, and 17 pedestrians. The fatal traffic accidents involved 17 trucks, 17 private cars, nine taxis and eight motorcycles.
Source:The Standard
August 04, 2024 18:04 UTC
First cut is the deepest
First cut is the deepestFinancial markets remained volatile last week as the tech selloff spread to currencies, particularly the Japanese yen. These moves were triggered by a weaker-than-expected June US CPI report that fueled expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve rate cut. As we wrote in a previous article, “Expectations of the Fed’s first cut are having the deepest, most significant effect on global capital markets. They are driving substantial moves in the US dollar and significantly impacting currencies, bonds and equity markets.” (see The cut is near, July 15). This combination of the BOJ’s rate hike and the possibility of an imminent, substantial Fed rate cut has further propelled yen’s rise.
Source:Philippine Star
August 04, 2024 18:00 UTC
BSP enhances settlement of digital payments
BSP enhances settlement of digital paymentsIn a circular signed by BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. on June 27, the Monetary Board approved the changes to the guidelines on the settlement of electronic payments under the National Retail Payment System (NRPS) framework. MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved amended guidelines to further enhance the settlement of digital payments, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the country’s payment system. “This ensures that all enhancements to the settlement guidelines of ACHs are thoroughly reviewed and approved by the BSP prior to implementation,” it said. On the other hand, the BSP, Philippine Payments Management Inc. (PPMI) and the PESONet steering committee activated the third settlement cycle for PESONet transactions on July 8. The share of digital payments to total retail transactions jumped to 53 percent last year from 42 percent in 2022.
Source:Philippine Star
August 04, 2024 00:56 UTC
Fintechs urged to serve more women entrepreneurs
Fintechs urged to serve more women entrepreneursThis was the recommendation of the multilateral lender in a report that looked at challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. This was the recommendation of the multilateral lender in a report that looked at challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. While digital lenders have several products that can be useful for WMSMEs, the ADB said most fintechs do not focus specifically on women. It said many fintech firms also need to track the number of women they serve. “To adequately serve women, financial service providers must first understand women’s financial service needs and then make appropriate adjustments to their products and services,” the ADB said.
Source:Philippine Star
August 03, 2024 23:28 UTC
Marcos signs order setting 4-year gov’t pay hikes
ADVERTISEMENTREAD: DBM: Gov’t workers to get first salary increase tranche this yearThe new round of four-year government pay hikes follows the 2020-2023 yearly increases under the salary standardization law (SSL) of 2019. There are 33 salary grades and eight steps for each, with the highest salary going to the President. The President’s latest EO did not specify the number of government employees nationwide who will benefit from the salary increase. Pangandaman orderBudget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that she had ordered her officials to finalize the guidelines for the release of the salary increase under Phase 6 of the salary standardization law (SSL VI). “I am happy to announce that we would be able to fund the salary increase not just for 2024 but also for 2025,” Pangandaman said.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 03, 2024 23:00 UTC
‘PTMP needs adequate government support’
‘PTMP needs adequate government support’Photos show modern jeepneys and traditional jeepneys as they wait for passengers along Escoda Street in Manila on April 13, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — The Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, is achievable with adequate government support, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday. “The birthing pains are unavoidable if we want to achieve a meaningful transformation of our transport sector. He also said there has been a significant delay in the approval of the transport routes. The senator also said the government has not provided adequate support to the drivers in terms of retraining, livelihood options and social protection.
Source:Philippine Star
August 03, 2024 11:04 UTC
Marcos names new acting DTI secretary
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Trade Undersecretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as acting secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), following Alfredo Pascual’s decision to return to the private sector. ADVERTISEMENTBefore this, Roque was trade undersecretary for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Group and was “instrumental” in executing programs and initiatives for MSMEs. In an earlier meeting in Malacañang, the President thanked Pascual for his service and contributions to the DTI during his two-year stint as trade secretary. “He looks forward to a seamless transition under Acting Secretary Roque’s leadership,” the PCO added.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 03, 2024 09:40 UTC
President Marcos seeks media help in fighting fake news
President Marcos seeks media help in fighting fake newsPhilippine President Ferdinand Marcos delivers the annual State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Manila on July 22, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos asked members of the Philippine media yesterday to help in the fight against fake news, which he warned has become more dangerous with “unregulated social media” and artificial intelligence. Marcos made the call weeks after a “fake video” circulated on social media linking him to alleged illegal drug use. Separate forensic analysis conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police showed that the man supposedly taking drugs in a viral video was not Marcos. Marcos also assured Filipino journalists of his administration’s continuing support in ensuring their safety and welfare through the Presidential Task Force on Media Security.
Source:Philippine Star
August 03, 2024 03:54 UTC
Growing Cordillera economy seen to boost autonomy bid
With a 2023 gross regional domestic product of 6.9 percent, the Cordillera has sufficient momentum for growth as an autonomous government, according to Apayao Gov. Bulut chairs the Regional Development Council (RDC), and delivered the Sora alongside Kalinga Gov. “Our unwavering commitment to autonomy as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution will persist, and we remain steadfast and tireless in this pursuit,” Bulut said. Upland infrastructureThe Cordillera Administrative Region was formed on July 15, 1987, through Executive Order No. But as of 2023, 95 percent of national roads in every province of the Cordillera have been paved, the governors said.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
August 03, 2024 03:04 UTC
Infinix Teams Up with UNESCO and Google to Inspire Today's Youth with AI and Robotics Education through the Largest CogLabs Workshop Ever
Themed "Get in Now", Infinix partnered with UNESCO and Google to inspire today's youth with AI and robotics education through the CogLabs initiative. Michael Zeng"It is a true honor for Infinix to collaborate with UNESCO and Google in globally promoting the CogLabs project," said, Brand Manager of Infinix Kenya. Advertisement CogLabs WorkshopJoan Nadal"The CogLabs project is a shining example of how we can inspire and empower the next generation to embrace the transformative power of AI and robotics. "We are thrilled to preview the mobile application of the CogLabs initiative," shared John Kimani, Head of Developer Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa, Google. This attention to detail and understanding of the African landscape sets the stage for the transformative impact of the CogLabs project.
Source:Manila Times
August 03, 2024 01:58 UTC
LIVE updates: Team Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics
LIVE updates: Team Philippines at the 2024 Paris OlympicsMANILA, Philippines (First published on July 27, 2024, 8:48 a.m.) — A total of 22 Filipino athletes are set to compete on the world stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Catch the excitement as Team Philippines aims for glory in various sports, showcasing their talent and determination from July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024. Follow Philstar.com's live updates and highlights of their journey. (Can't view the live updates. Click here?)
Source:Philippine Star
August 02, 2024 21:50 UTC
House probe surfaces links between POGOs and illegal drug trade
House probe surfaces links between POGOs and illegal drug tradeThe House committee on public order and safety conducts its third joint hearing ob the criminal and illegal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), July 31, 2024. On Wednesday, House public order and safety committee chairperson Rep. Dan Fernandez (Sta. Rosa, Laguna) presented a list of individuals and entities involved in the intricate network based on separate probes by the House committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety and public accounts. Fernandez said their findings stem from extensive hearings initiated last year by Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairperson of the House committee on dangerous drugs, on the P3.6 billion worth of shabu seized in Mexico, Pampanga. The lawmaker said the findings from the committee inquiry will lead to recommended legislative measures to prevent POGOs from resurfacing.
Source:Philippine Star
August 02, 2024 20:25 UTC