By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — Who is this high-ranking official of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) who was branded by his colleagues in the agency as “Atty. Pera” due to his alleged lawyering to favor a food supplier?

On Nov. 8, 2023, the BuCor made an early procurement. The process was supposed to be proper and the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) has already recommended the winning bidders to be awarded with the contract for the food supply for the inmates.

However, “Atty. Pera” seems to like just one supplier to qualify for the monopoly of catering.

Even though the BAC has recommended the award to the other winning bidder, Atty. Pera was still opposing the other bidder and “looking for loophole” to award the catering to only one company.

The result was very delayed process and most probably the food supply for the inmates will be affected.

Imagine the entire BAC of BuCor and TWG (Technical Working Group) said that Atty. Pera berated them because they did not want to follow his position and it was allegedly illegal and the agency will be held accountable.

But because of the high position of Atty. Pera, the concerned personnel were afraid of him. The high official always tells them that he will replace them if they don’t follow what he was saying.

The suffering being experienced by the BuCor employees was pitiful because of the extensive influence of Atty. Pera.

It was also learned that Atty. Pera was previously allegedly using illegal drugs. His use of drugs caused the distortion of his mouth and often times oozing of saliva while he was talking.

They hoped that Atty. Pera will stop using drugs and it would not be good for him.

The complainant urged Director General Roberto Catapang to stop the plans of Atty. Pera for the monopoly of food supply inside the BuCor.

QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday (Feb. 1) said that the unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUV) are allowed to operate until April 30, 2024 as long as they are registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III made the announcement, citing Memorandum Circular (MC) 2024-001 which issued the guidelines on the consolidation during the period of extension and granted provisional authority to unconsolidated individual operators to operate until the extension of the consolidation deadline on April 30, 2024.

“The authority to operate the units of all unconsolidated individual operators is EXTENDED until 30 April 2024, provided the unit is currently registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and has a valid Personal Passenger Accident Insurance Coverage,” said the three-page document dated Jan. 30, 2024.

“Confirmation of units of unconsolidated individual operators may be allowed until April 30, 2024. The said units are allowed to ply the route as PUV only within the said period,” it added.

This came after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. approved the recommendation of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista to grant a three-month extension for the Industry Consolidation Component of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

The memorandum also set the guidelines for the filing of application for consolidation, reiterating that, all applications for consolidation shall comply with the documentary requirements and procedures provided in the MC 2023-050.

For routes covered by the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), consolidation is allowed on existing rationalized routes with no consolidated entity as of Dec. 31, 2023.

For routes not yet covered by LPTRP or route rationalization, consolidation is allowed if the number of unconsolidated units in a particular route is at least 40 percent of the total number of authorized units (NAUs).

The consolidated entities on the said route must comply with a common fleet management to ensure organized dispatch of units and avoid cut-throat competition between them.

The LTFRB explained that if the number of unconsolidated units is below 40 percent of the total NAUs, consolidation shall not be allowed.

However, the unconsolidated individual operators may join existing Transport Service Entity (TSE) on the route subject to the conformity of the latter.

For routes with NAUs of less than 15 units, consolidation shall be allowed if the application for consolidation covers at least the majority of the existing NAUs on the said route.

For this purpose, those individual operators whose application for consolidation was limited by prior issuances of the LTRFB restricting the number of units to at least 15 units, may now be allowed to form their own TSE or join any existing TSEs in overlapping routes until April 30, 2024, with the latter’s conformity.

The MC 2024-001 provides that the period to complete the required number of units of pending applications for consolidation with affidavit of undertaking as provided for under MC 2020-084 is extended until April 30, 2024.

The new memorandum said that individual members are allowed to withdraw his/her membership in a cooperative without the need for Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC) Endorsement, provided that the application for consolidation of the cooperative from which the member seeks withdrawal is still pending with the LTFRB or its Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices (RFROs) and no Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) has been issued at the time of withdrawal.

It added that the withdrawal of membership shall conform with the existing Cooperatives Development Authority (CDA) and OTC rules and regulations.

Individual stockholders/members are likewise allowed to withdraw from the TSE corporation, provided that the application for consolidation of the corporation is still pending with the LTFRB or its RFROs and no CPC has been issued at the time of withdrawal.

The withdrawal of membership/shareholding shall conform with the existing Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations.

The new memorandum shall take effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

PASAY CITY – With the theme: “Telecon Spinning Innovations”, the 2024 National Textile Convention culminated the month-long Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month through the auspices of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Tuesday (Jan. 30).

DOST Secretary Renado U. Solidum, in his video message, said that the PTRI was mandated by Proclamation No. 313 known as the “Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month”.

The DOST-PTRI leads the annual celebration of the “Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month”. It is an institutionalized event under Proclamation No. 313 issued in 2012, which declared January every year as “Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month”.

Solidum noted that fabrics was then sourced from small local native sources for textiles.

“We must therefore use the power of creativity and transformation,” he said.

“In the Philippine textile industry, our challenge in the government is to be aligned with inclusivity and competitiveness,” Solidum added.

Aside from Telecon and the National Convention, Solidum cited Republic Act No. 9242, otherwise known as the “The Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law”.

He noted about the regional innovation centers, natural die centers, the DOST is even more championing the textile industry.

“We will also launch the Textile Industry to be included in the 2023-2028 harmonized fabrics industry,” Solidum said.

“In spinning, we transform and we take a new form. Senate Bill No. 731 filed by Sen. Nancy Binay provides that the Philippine Textile Industry must rise to the Textile Development Plan and the power of digitalization by becoming intertwined and has the power to dream and to do,” he added.

“It aligns us with the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ where Science and Innovations assure us that no one is left behind,” Solidum said.

PTRI Director Julius L. Leano, Jr., noted that “today is gathering of a family in the textile industry. Textiles encompass wearables.”

“Wearables now moving in food packaging, in automotives and others which impact in humans and others,” Leano said.

“Where does the innovation lie in all these conversations,” he added.

Leano noted that textiles could be seen as goods, cultural materials, among others.

From the Philippine Development Plan, or the eight-point economic agenda of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr, it is evident that the Textile Industry is included.

Climate-tagging project has been identified in the General Appropriations Act of 2024, which provides for the Php5.768-trillion budget for the National Expenditures Program for the year 2024.

The DOST was asked not only to do research and development, but also the National Harmonized Research and Development Agenda (2017-2022).

The United Nations Development Goals (UNDG) provides for the guidelines on programs and projects.

Republic Act 11534, otherwise known as “An Act Reforming the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives System (CREATE) Law” provides for the corporate and tax incentives.

“As one of the seven research and development arms of the DOST, we are mandated to conduct a textile innovation formula or plan,” Leano said.

He noted that fibers, yarn and vowens are the “backbone” of the textile industry.

FRONTIER Fostering the Revitalization and Nascent Textile Innovation Ecosystems in the Regions, “We are not just here to enable but to lead. It’s not only the one Textile Industry but Philippine Textile Research Institute,” Leano said.

“With the Natural Textiles, the Bamboo Textiles.PH, the yarn need not be brought to Manila, but the regional yarn centers will process them,” he added.

The DOST is now looking for different Regional Women Innovation Centers (RWICs).

The Regional Natural Textiles Innovations Centers will be launched in the provinces of Catanduanes, Leyte and Negros Occidental.

“Frontier for revitalization and innovation ecosystems leading the way to a more innovative and inclusive growth in the regions,” Leano said.

Senator Loren Legarda, the author of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, in a message read for her by DOST Undersecretary Lea Buendia, said that the national convention is rooted on Republic Act No. 9242, otherwise known as “The Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law”.

Legarda urged the fellow government agencies to follow the lead and implement RA 9242.

“Aside from championing the enactment of the Tropical Fabrics Law, we also supported the establishment of the ‘Hibla ng Lahing Pilipino,” she said.

The Senate Majority Floor Leader Pro-Tempore also supported the cocoon and silk industry, aside from supporting the textile industry.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — East Zone concessionaire Manila Water has released the schedule of its free monthly desludging caravan for February.

“To ensure that the septage or collected wastewater is properly treated, we continue to encourage our customers to avail of Manila Water’s desludging services to ensure that the effluent to be released back to water bodies passes the standards set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Manila Water is currently operating two (2) septage treatment plants, one in Taguig City and the other in San Mateo, Rizal, that receive and treat the hauled septage before discharging into water bodies through environmentally safe means,” Manila Water Corporate Communications Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.

“We can also prolong the life of our household septic tanks through regular desludging every 5-7 years. If the septage accumulates for too long, the solids might clog drains and overflow and may potentially contaminate the water supply at home. These poses harm not only to sanitation but to the health and safety of our customers,” Sevilla added.

Residential customers from Barangays Botocan, Malaya, Socorro, and Vasra in Quezon City; Sta. Cruz and Bambang in Pasig City; Bagong Silang and Harapin ang Bukas in Mandaluyong City; Rizal in Makati City; and Cupang in Antipolo City may coordinate with their respective barangay councils or call the Manila Water Consumer Help Desk 1627 for the exact desludging schedule in their community.

As part of environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance, Manila Water is offering desludging services to its customers at no additional cost.

Customers were encouraged to avail of the free service, as septic tanks only provide initial wastewater treatment.

From January to November 2023, Manila Water has emptied a total of 103,511 septic tanks in the East Zone service area.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

SAN JUAN CITY — Task Force Kasanag (TFK) President Dr. John J. Chiong led some VIP guests and government officials who graced the formal launching and induction of TFK International Elite Group on Monday (Jan. 29) in the historic Club Filipino in this city.

Dr. Chiong said that TFK International Elite Group is there and exists primarily to serve the Filipino people.

In his speech, Chiong said that “the advocacy of TFK is focused more on peace and development through community development and for being an instrument of peace and order in the country.”

He added that “we have more mission and vision which we are doing right now.”

The TFK President also welcomed the TFK International Elite Group present in the launching and induction ceremonies.

Cristina Chiong, TFK Int’l Elite Group Chairperson, stressed that “our group is a non-profit and non-political organization.”

Ms. Chiong said that “we serve the Filipino. We are protected by God. We are the champion.”

Ambassador Arlene Riazon wecomed the Elite Group in her inspirational message.

Riazon noted that TFK headed by Dr. Chiong will really give support to the government.

“We have to give way to patience and understanding in support of humanitarian causes and the campaign against terrorism,” Riazon pointed out.

The ambassador congratulated and wished the members and officers of TFK good luck in their mission and vision of campaign against graft and corruption, and terrorism.

In an earlier ambush interview in Club Filipino, Task Force Kasanag (TFK) International Founder Dr. John Halili Chiong, known as “Berdugo Laban sa Corrupt”, said that Task Force Kasanag is a government organization that really fights against graft and corruption.

Chiong said that filing the complaints is the proper procedure, adding that, “we believe in the rule of law.”

He noted that they have already filed complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman against the DPWH and NPO, among others, adding that, it’s not whether or not the cases prospered or won them, but the important thing is that Task Force Kasanag sued them before the anti-graft court.

Task Force Kasanag was established in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in 2009 to help the government.

It holds office in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly in 1501 Arlegui St., Malacanang Compound, Manila with 227 Chapters nationwide and in Japan, United States and Australia.,including Quezon City and Paranaque City.

Chiong, an Anti-Corruption, Anti-illegal Drugs, Anti-Criminality, and Anti-Terrorism Advocate, added that “Task Force Kasanag is a non-profit and non-political organization, which is also helping rebels who are returning to the folds of the law and the main stream society with the Armed Forces of the Philippines .”

Inducted were TFK International Elite Organization led by Chairperson Cristina Chiong, liaison officer Kim Siongntang and swore that they will fight for the mission and vision of the organization against all odds, whole-heartedly and without reservation.

Member of Board of Directors April Malanque cited Director Boy Osorio, Ben Figura, Sir John Chiong.

She noted that Ambassador Riazon is now the Task Force commander in Luzon.

She stressed that she is honored and proud to be with Task Force Kasanag for more than five years now.

Renato dela Cruz, one of the new members of TFK and consultant of TESDA, boasted that they will create a database for all the members of TFK, whose children will be provided with free scholarship, training and workshop worth PHP40,000 each nationwide.

As a new member of TFK, Dela Cruz also promised to provide scholarship and a sustainable program of TFK for the rebels who are returning to the folds of the law and to the main stream of society.

It was pointed out that the TFK is a non-profit organization, but the TFK International Elite Group is where all kinds of businesses for profit are welcome.

The members and officers of TFK International Elite Group led by Founder John J. Chiong signed in the Commitment of Support.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday (Jan. 29) vowed to look into reports that the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program was being used for political ends as indicated during the Senate hearing last Jan. 23.

Gatchalian said that it was alarming enough that several witnesses from certain provinces told senators that a portion of the AICS they received from the DSWD’s regional field office personnel were being mulcted by persons who have been identified by the witnesses.

“We welcome the initial findings of the committee of Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa and the DSWD leadership vows to look into the leads that came out during the January 23 Senate hearing,” he said.

The DSWD Secretary maintained that the Department does not tolerate wrongdoings, especially when it comes to dispensing cash assistance to the poor and vulnerable sectors, who are most in need of social protection.

“We assure our senators and congressmen that the DSWD will take appropriate and legal actions if and when we have found out that there are guilty personnel in the agency,” Gatchalian stressed.

The DSWD Chief said that based on the reported “ayuda scam”, an extensive review of the agency’s implementing regulations for the conduct of its payout is underway.

“This will be done with the intention of discouraging persons who may take advantage of the DSWD’s AICS beneficiaries,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian has already ordered agency personnel to strengthen the Department’s  grievance mechanism in order to report instances of fraud or even intimidation of its beneficiaries and personnel in the field offices.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, who is also concurrent spokesperson, said that the DSWD will also be conducting a massive information campaign in all payout areas, in addition to revising its payout criteria.

“The purpose of this campaign is to educate the beneficiaries that the payout grants belong solely to them, and that no one is permitted to take a cut or get a percentage after the payout has been made,” Lopez said.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

PASIG CITY — The think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute Inc. (ACPSSII) on Saturday (Jan. 27) divulged that China is envisioning a community of shared future for mankind as well as better Philippine foreign relations.

During the ACPSSII Media Forum, Prof. Anna Malindog-Uy speaking from Beijing, China via video teleconference, noted that the vision of shared community and shared future is not only significant but imperative.

“The era of interconnectivity has bridged the gap of digital divide which should address the cybersecurity challenges,” Uy said.

“It’s a vision of shared community of the concept of a Multipolar World and not a Unipolar world,” she added.

She stressed that it’s not utopia but it’s achievable.

“Let’s embrace this vision with open heart and open mind,” Uy said.

ACPSSII President Herman “Ka Mentong” Tiu Laurel said that there is the dream or vision of a community of shared future for mankind.

Laurel cited the picture of the world today.

He mentioned the decision of the International Court of Justice on the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel.

The ICJ, Laurel said, has ordered Israel to stop committing genocide against the Palestinian people in the light of the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza Strip.

Laurel added that the Philippines is now in the special situation on the crossroad of war with China.

However, he noted that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo heeded the Dec. 20, 2023 phone conversation with Chinese Minister Wang Yi.

“It’s a moment for quiet reflection standing at the ‘crossroad’,” Wang Yi described to Manalo.

According to Laurel, there was a yet baseless allegation of Chinese Coast Guard harassment at Bajo de Masinloc made with no substantive investigation which did not prosper.

“Instead we note PBBM’s (President Ferdinand ‘Bpngbong’ R. Marcos, Jr.’) emphatic reiteration of the ‘One China pilicy’,” Laurel said.

The ACPSSII chief executive presented a photo of President Marcos with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian at the DepEd (Department of Education) 2024 Report with Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte – intimating a pro-active advocacy role. “

The evolving international situation should be a deep concern of our nation and its policy makers especially in the foreign policy field,” Laurel said.

He mentioned the crises in Ukraine, Israel-Gaza, East Asia and the Taiwan Straits-South China Sea all involved proxies of the US but are already catastrophically crushing the Philippine livelihood and living standards.

“The Philippines must stand with the solution and not the problem,” Laurel said.

The subject of the special forum of ACPSSII today is focusing on that better world vision that is the “Vision of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind”.

Laurel stressed that Chinese President Xi Jinping first proposed such a vision 11 years ago in answer to the question “Where is humanity headed?”

He pointed out that Xi Jinping’s proposal lights the path forward as the world fumbles for solutions, and represents China’s contribution to global efforts to protect “our shared home called Earth – and create a better future of prosperity for all.”

Laurel expounded that China today has the economic, financial and geopolitical means to bring the benefits of material development to the world.

He emphasized that it results in stability and peace, especially amongst the emerging economies of the Global South.

The ACPSSII President noted that the Community of Shared Future project has gained the active support of the world’s majority in the Global South, adding that, leading countries from the African Union, Latin America and West Asia ranging from South Africa to Venezuela and Egypt joins China in building the Community of Shared Future of Mankind.

ASEAN’s seven countries, including Vietnam, while awaiting Singapore and Brunei’s expected engagement, are already helping build the Community of Shared Future for Mankind.

“The Philippines has been delayed by the momentary domestic impasse in the refocusing of its foreign relations direction but no doubt stands to benefit from joining the ASEAN majority in participating in the community’s campaign for global development, security and civilizational convergence,” Laurel said.

“China’s ‘community of shared future’ is a call for global brotherhood,” he added.

It was highlighted that among others, A Community with a Shared Future for Mankind involves the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.

“Hence, today, the ACPSSII endeavors to explain the concepts and enabling actions behind the Vision of the ‘Community of Shared Future for Mankind,” Laurel said.

“Ambassador Huang Xilian of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has been kind enough to share and permit the exposition he used to expound on the subject Community of Shared Future for Mankind slides,” he added.

Movie Director Mauro Gia Samonte, Manila Times columnist and author of the book” China: The Way, The Truth and The Light”, said that instead of pro-China, it should be friendly to China.

“The vision or dream of a shared community for mankind is contrary to the prevailing condition such that there is a producer who is making the products and a consumer who is consuming the products,” Samonte said.

“The reigning class and the class who are being ruled by the ruling class should be united so that there will be a shared community for mankind,” he added.

He cited that China is the only country in the world who is promoting socialism which is bringing about progress and development.

“You cannot be pro-Filipino, if you are not pro-China or with friendly relations with China. Hence, the system of China should be assimilated with that of the Philippines,” Samonte said.

The Bolshevik Revolution, he said only lasted for 10 days wherein Nikolai Lenin ousted the Cabinet of the reigning Czar and established the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).

Samonte noted that during the past, war was the only means to resolve conflict, but today, dialogue is the means exerted to resolve misunderstanding and conflicts among nations.

“China should take the responsibility, take the initiative to assimilate the underdeveloped countries into the system of China being the most powerful and developed country,” Samonte said.

“Winning a war, without fighting,” Samonte said, adding that, “you have already won the battle, without firing a single shot.”

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III on Wednesday night (Jan. 24) said that they will adhere to President “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to extend the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs) until April 30, 2024.

Guadiz urged operators and drivers to take advantage of such an opportunity provided by President Marcos.

Malacanang on Wednesday (Jan. 24) said that President Marcos approved the extension of the deadline for the consolidation of PUVs until April 30, 2024.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil, in a statement, said that this was to give drivers and operators who did not meet the deadline for consolidation another chance.

The previous extension of the PUVs’ consolidation was set to expire on Jan. 31, 2024.

Data from the LTFRB showed that a total of 1,948 routes across the country have no consolidated jeepney and UV Express units, a week before the start of the crackdown on unconsolidated PUVs on Feb. 1.

Out of the total, 1,767 were jeepney routes and 181 were UV Express routes.

By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.

QUEZON CITY — Globe Telecoms, Inc. (Globe) on Thursday (Jan. 25) launched Senior Digizen at SM North Sky Dome in North Avenue, Bago Bantay for the benefit of senior citizens in the city.

With the theme: Atin Ang Mundo (The World is Ours), participating in the event were GCash, konsultaMD, Google, SMAC, SM Cares, SM North EDSA, ideal vision Manila Hearing Aid, viu, 0917, National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), United Seniors Party-List, Kroma Entertsinment among others.

SMAC or SM Advantage Card is the no. 1 rewards points card in the country for the past 20 years now.

KonsultaMD, via cellphone and Internet and through konsultaMD app, offers a 24/7 pharmacy nationwide with 20 percent senior citizen discount and 20 percent discount for PWD (Person with Disability).

It also offers mental health support and at-home lab test, as well as diagnostics and home care with partner providers in the area.

SM Cares expressed optimism that senior citizens coming out from the event will become Senior Digizens and Super Grannies.

Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO, delivered a heartfelt video message to the seniors, citing that GCash provided solutions to their needs.

Liza Reyes, Globe PR and Communication Strategy Head, acknowledged the various partners of Globe, volunteers and the media for their support in the launching of the Senior Digizen.

Reyes stressed that the senior citizens will be educated on digital skills, use of Smartphone, to create an account for GCash for their financial needs.

She said that konsultaMD is also present and ready to provide the health needs of the senior citizens.

A video presentation showed how senior citizens were trained and they themselves learned how to use GCash online for more earnings.

The senior citizens shouted that they are ready to go digital.

They were also taught on the proper use of Smartphone through the so-called “Smartphone 101”.

Generation Alpha were those born from 2010 to present, Gen Z (Zoomers) were born from 1995 to 2009, among others.

Essential evolutions throughout the years such as in transportation, food, communication and entertainment which vary from one generation to another.

The apps in the Smartphone have simplified these transactions online.

The senior citizens were likewise taught on how to download and install apps online.

Steve Jobs is the Father of Digital Revolution.

“A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them,” Jobs was quoted as saying.

United Seniors Party-List Rep. Milagros Aquino Magsaysay was also present during the launching.

It was highlighted that Gmail is one of the largest email apps in the world wherein there are two million subscribers in the Philippines.

The senior citizens were educated that through Gmail they will have the advantage of Information, communication and security where the messages were encrypted so that other people would not be able to read or access them.

They were advised that a spam is nothing but a series of email with advertisements and phishing is an email that has links which steal personal information.

Rep. Magsaysay expressed her profound gratitude to Globe for their launching of the Senior Digizen for the senior citizens of Quezon City.

She stressed that the importance of digital technology, particularly in senior citizens who are oftentimes victims of online scams, is that they are now educated on digital literacy that would help improve their progress and development.

She commended Globe and the local government of Quezon City for undertaking the program which would contribute to country’s development and nation building.

GlobeOne app wherein bills can be settled 24/7 not only for Globe bills, but other billers, loans, insurance and government fees, there is SIM Card registration, rewards points program, and promos.

In GlobeOne app, there can be up to 10 multiple accounts in one app.

Mayor Joy Belmonte, in a message read for her by Quezon City Second District Action Man Councilor Ollie Belmonte, thanked Globe for providing help and support to the senior citizens of Quezon City in making them knowledgeable of digital skills in improving their lives.

In learning sessions provided by Globe, Belmonte noted that senior citizens will have easy access on online payment of fees, business and other taxes online on GCash.

The Quezon City chief executive expressed the hope that there will be further partnership and cooperation with Globe so that more and more senior QCitizens will become Senior Digizens. NCSC Chairperson Atty. Franklin Quijano thanked Globe and SM for gathering the senior citizens today and making them acquire digital literacy.

Quijano noted that senior citizens must be aware of the laws, especially the Expanded Senior Citizen Law.

The “Baby Boomers” or 80 years old and above, Quijano said, should be digitally knowledgeable and literate.

The NCSC Chairperson stressed that by Monday (Jan. 29), there will be four million Filipino senior citizens.

Nakiisa si Senador Alan Peter Cayetano sa buong Senado sa pagpapahayag ng pagtutol sa kumakalat na “People’s Initiative” na layong mangalap ng sapat na pirma para maamyendahan ng Kongreso ang 1987 Constitution.

“We are one with the Senate in opposing the ongoing People’s Initiative that may diminish the power of the Senate as a collective body,” wika ni Cayetano matapos basahin ni Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri sa sesyon noong Martes, January 23, 2024, ang pahayag na pinirmahan ng 24 senador.

“We must… guard against any sinister and underhanded attempt to change the Constitution by exploiting our democratic process under the guise of people’s initiative,” ayon sa pahayag.

Tugon ito sa ulat na may mga dokumentong kumakalat sa bansa na lumilikom ng pirma upang gawing iisa lamang ang pagboto ng Kongreso at Senado sa isang  constituent assembly.

Kapag nangyari ito, kayang baguhin ng House of Representatives, na may higit sa 300 miyembro, ang Saligang Batas dahil mas marami sila kaysa sa 24 na miyembro ng Senado.

“It is ridiculous that the Senate, a co-equal chamber of the House, necessary to pass even local bills, will have a dispensable and diluted role in Charter Change – the most monumental act of policymaking concerning the highest law in the land,” ayon sa pahayag ng Senado.

Binigyang-diin din ng pahayag na magiging “powerless” and Senado sa pagpigil ng mga “radical proposals,” tulad ng pagpayag na magmay-ari ng lupa ang mga dayuhan, pagsuspinde ng term limits ng mga elected officials, at maging ang pagkansela ng eleksyon sa taong 2025 o 2028.

Sa pagsasaad ng suporta sa Senado, sinabi ni Cayetano na mahalaga ang “timing’ sa pag-amyenda ng Konstitusyon, at kailangang masusing suriin ang bawat desisyon na may kinalaman sa bagay na ito. — PR