PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday pushed for substantial allocations for key programs of the Department of Education (DepEd) as the agency revealed the reduction in its budget for 2025 could worsen the country’s problem on teacher shortage.
The President took notice of the budget gaps of various projects of DepEd for this year despite education as one of the Chief Executive’s top priorities.
“We have to be able to show that that’s (education) the priority,” President Marcos stressed when he met Education officials to review their 2025 budget.
For DepEd, from its proposed P748 billion appropriations, Congress only approved PhP737 billion.
Allocations reduced by Congress were for the creation of new school personnel positions, the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), and the implementation of the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP).
The lower budget for new school personnel positions will “exacerbate the teacher shortage,” according to DepEd.
It added the requirement from previous years remains partly addressed, further compromising the delivery of quality education.
The DepEd proposed PhP12.379 billion for its DCP but was only given PhP2.43 billion. It said the decrease will affect the delivery of much-needed learner and teacher tools, such as laptops, smart TVs, and satellite-based internet.
As a result, DepEd was forced to cancel about PhP4 billion out of the PhP7 billion worth of DCP projects that already underwent early procurement activities.
The reduced BEFF will also affect the construction of school buildings.
Meanwhile, President Marcos concurred with TESDA’s plan to study options for financing its unfunded programs.
While TESDA’s budget increased by PhP20.73 billion in the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) from the previous PhP18.50 billion in the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), some of its key programs were not funded this year.
This included the creation of Enterprise-based Training Office and the establishment of New Regional Office for Negros Island Region.
BI eyes charges against harborers of 29 arrested POGO workers
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it has initiated deportation proceedings against 29 foreigners caught operating an illegal online gaming facility.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado made the announcement after the said foreign workers were arrested Wednesday afternoon during a raid in a private resorts and events place in Silang, Cavite.
The raid was led by elements from the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU) and anti-terrorist group (ATG), together with the presidential anti-organized crime commission (PAOCC) and criminal investigation and detection group (CIDG).
Viado said he has already directed prosecutors from the BI legal division to go to the CIDG and conduct preliminary investigation of the aliens consisting of 23 Chinese and 6 Myanmar nationals.
“Thereafter, the aliens will be charged with immigration violation cases before the BI board of commissioners which will issue the orders for their deportation and their inclusion in our blacklist, effectively banning them from re-entering the country,” the BI chief added.
Viado disclosed that the arresting team encountered the illegal POGO workers during an operation to capture a Chinese fugitive who was suspected to be hiding in the resort, but the latter was not around when the raid took place.
“I issued a mission order for the operation after the BI received an intelligence report that the referenced Chinese fugitive was at the resort where illegal POGO activities have been reported,” he said.
The agents reportedly caught the foreigners in flagrante working at various PC work stations that were used for their online gaming operations.
“Physical custody of these foreigners will be with the PAOCC but they will be under the legal custody of the BI due to ongoing deportation proceedings,” Viado explained.
Viado added that they are mulling filing a case of harboring illegal aliens against the renters of the resort.
“If during our investigation, we discover that they have knowingly harbored these illegal workers, and then they will face cases for violation of the Philippine immigration law,” said Viado.
Section 46 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 prohibits harboring illegal aliens, and violators may face up to 10 years in prison.
Government seeks to recover funds from DPWH foreign-assisted projects
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is intent on recovering funds for foreign-assisted projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Congress has substantially cut appropriations for DPWH programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) in the 2025 national budget.
The President met with DPWH officials on Thursday at the Malacañan Palace to discuss the result of the agency’s budget review under the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act vis-à-vis the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program.
“Because we asked for PhP70 billion and they (lawmakers) gave us PhP23 billion,” the President said. He emphasized the focus should be on projects that “will make a difference to people’s lives.”
He also wanted DPWH to prioritize maintenance of agency projects, feasibility studies, and right of way issues.
Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), budget reductions in the DPWH’s programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) included payments of right-of-way (ROW); contractual obligations, Value Added Tax, and other taxes; pre-feasibility study (FS), feasibility study, and primary and detailed engineering; public-private partnership strategic support fund; and KAlsada TUngo sa PAliparan, Riles, at DaungAN (KATUPARAN) Program.
The outlay was also reduced for the agency’s Bridge Program, Network Development Program, Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP), Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) Program, and foreign-assisted projects.
Despite this, total budget of the DPWH increased by PhP188.80 billion, or 20.98 percent from the proposed PhP900 billion in the FY 2025 National Expenditure Program to PhP1,088.80 billion in the FY 2025 GAA. |
Brian Poe pushes for equal pay, additional benefits, regularization for Tanods
The FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist will fight for the regularization and fair compensation of Barangay Tanods nationwide, recognizing their crucial community roles.
There’s no exact number of Barangay Tanod (Village Watchmen) in the 42,046 barangays in the Philippines. Their numbers vary from four to twelve based on the population of the area they cover. The members of the Barangay Tanod are appointed by the Sangguniang Barangay.
They receive allowances, with a minimum of ₱1,000, as mandated by law. According to Barangay Captain Reil Briones of Talao Talao, Lucena City, the tanod’s allowance is almost only a thousand per month plus insurance coverage.
Randy De Silva, a tanod in Barangay San Pablo, Binalonan Pangasinan, said, “Our allowance is P1,200 per month. We only receive rice during aid distribution.” According to Brian Poe Llamanzares, the first nominee of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan partylist, they are frontliners enforcing law and public safety in the barangay.
They deserve care from the government. Barangay Tanods patrol local areas, especially at night, supporting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in crime prevention and control.
They also respond to emergencies and alarms. Efforts to improve their benefits and incentives are underway, exemplified by Senate Bill No. 2 filed in 2007, which aims to amend the Local Government Code of 1991.
Pending proposals in Congress include financial benefits such as monthly allowances (₱2,000-₱5,000), hazard pay (₱1,000-₱2,000), rice subsidies (20-50 kilos per month), and transportation allowances (₱500-₱1,000 monthly). These proposed benefits acknowledge the Tanods’ essential role in maintaining community peace and order, with the support of the FPJ Panday Partylist. Other suggested benefits include job security through permanent appointments rather than co-terminus ones with the serving Barangay Captain, and free legal assistance to protect against harassment and intimidation, which often occur when Tanods confront or arrest prominent individuals. Brian Poe expressed support for these changes.
PhilHealth assures funds for expanded health benefit packages
THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has assured lawmakers in the House of Representatives that they have sufficient funds to cover their new expanded health benefit packages.
During a hearing of the House Committee on Health, chaired by Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., PhilHealth officials, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., revealed that they had P492 billion in cash on hand as of December 31, 2024.
This amount is expected to increase in 2025, with PhilHealth anticipating P203 billion in collections from direct contributors, including government and private sector employees, exceeding the P178 billion collected in 2024.
This, according to PhilHealth officials, is more than enough to cover the P271 billion needed for both existing and new health packages, which include outpatient services, particularly those who visit emergency rooms (ER) but are discharged after a few hours.
PhilHealth will also increase its contribution for heart disease patients. The coverage for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary angioplasty will rise from P30,000 to P540,000. For kidney transplants, PhilHealth’s coverage will increase from P600,000 to P1 million for living donors and P2.14 million for deceased donors.
These are just some of the new health packages introduced by PhilHealth after the government faced criticism for not providing subsidies under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“So P271 billion is the total new number for total expected benefit packages in 2025. So we have funds. We are liquid. We can fund this, these packages that we are talking about,” assured Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, who was supported by Ledesma.
“Hopefully, we can implement this quickly and efficiently,” added Quimbo, acting chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
The Sampaguita vendor and the Security Guard: A tale of two worlds at SM Megamall
THE recent altercation between a sampaguita vendor and a security guard at SM Megamall, captured on viral video, isn’t just a petty dispute; it’s a microcosm of the larger societal inequalities playing out within the gleaming walls of our malls.
The image—a frail vendor, her livelihood threatened, facing off against a uniformed authority—resonates deeply, sparking debate about public space, economic disparities, and the often-unseen struggles of those who navigate the margins of our consumerist landscape.
The sampaguita vendor, a symbol of Filipino resilience and resourcefulness, represents a precarious existence. Her income depends on the goodwill of passersby, a daily hustle fraught with uncertainty. SM Megamall, a monument to modern commerce, represents a different world entirely—one of controlled environments, strict regulations, and a prioritization of profit and order. The clash between these two worlds highlights the inherent tension between the needs of the marginalized and the demands of corporate efficiency.
The security guard, while upholding mall regulations, arguably represents a system that often overlooks the human element. While maintaining order is crucial, the enforcement of rules must be tempered with empathy and understanding.
The video suggests a lack of compassion, a rigid adherence to protocol that failed to acknowledge the vendor’s plight. Was there no room for negotiation, for a compromise that allowed the vendor to continue her modest trade without disrupting the mall’s flow?
This incident compels us to question the nature of public space within private malls. Are these spaces truly public, accessible to all, or are they primarily designed for the benefit of consumers and corporate interests?
The vendor’s presence, however small, challenges the sanitized image of the mall, reminding us of the economic realities that exist just beyond the polished floors and air-conditioned comfort.
The solution isn’t simply to ban sampaguita vendors. Instead, we need a more nuanced approach, one that balances the need for order with the recognition of the economic contributions of informal workers. Perhaps designated areas, permits, or alternative arrangements could be implemented to allow these vendors to earn a living with dignity.
The incident at SM Megamall should serve as a wake-up call, prompting a conversation about inclusivity, empathy, and the creation of more equitable public spaces for all, regardless of their economic standing. The fragrant sampaguita, a symbol of Filipino culture, deserves a place within our modern landscape.
Akbayan lawmaker calls for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment
AKBAYAN Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña called on the House of Representatives to defend its integrity and fight back by impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte, during the “Misa ng Sambayanan: May Kapayapaan kung May Katarungan” held at the symbolic EDSA Shrine Church, January 16.
Co-led by Akbayan Partylist, the mass for justice and accountability was attended by the impeachment complainants, various people’s organizations, social movements, sectoral formations and religious leaders.
“Ending impunity in the country should be the house leadership’s moral obligation. Sa bawat araw na nakaupo si VP Sara sa pwesto, we are enabling her to undermine our laws and to continuously perpetuate her family’s legacy of not answering to their crimes,” Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña said.
“Our dilly-dallying over her impeachment has emboldened the Vice President to pursue the Presidency. Ngayon pa lang, lantaran na ang kanyang pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan. Asahan nating hihilahin niya ang bansa sa mas malalim na kumunoy sakaling manalo siya,” he added.
This follows the Vice President’s statement saying that she is “seriously considering” her 2028 presidential bid.
During the mass, Cendaña also wore his peach ribbon to signify the calls for impeachment, and pointed out that “by sitting on the complaints, the Vice President is already winning.”
“Kung gusto natin ng kapayapaan, kailangan muna nating makamit ang hustisya. We have to reflect, unite, and continuously pray as a nation upang matigil na ang bangungot na dulot sa atin ng mga Duterte. Alam ng kasaysayan natin ang kapangyarihan ng ating mga dasal. Our prayers have the power to triumph over corrupt governments, as they have done in the past,” the Akbayan Representative concluded.
Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña endorsed the first of the series of impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, outlining multiple grounds including the culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.#
Rice-for-all price reduced to P38/kg ahead of MSRP implementation – Tiu Laurel
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Thursday that the price of the 25% broken rice variety sold under the Department of Agriculture’s Rice-for-All program (RFA25) will be reduced from P40 to P38 per kilogram.
“This price reduction will take effect on Friday, just ahead of the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58 per kilo for 5% broken imported rice,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said during a joint public market inspection with Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque at the Mutya ng Pasig.
The MSRP for imported rice is set to be enforced beginning Monday, January 20, initially targeting Metro Manila markets. The measure will be reviewed monthly to reflect fluctuations in global market prices and tariff rates, with plans to extend the program to other key cities nationwide. Should imported rice prices frequently exceed the MSRP, the DA intends to implement a stricter Suggested Retail Price (SRP) framework accompanied by fines and penalties for violations.
According to Secretary Tiu Laurel, the MSRP framework includes a nominal profit margin of approximately P10 per kilogram above the landed cost of imported rice, excluding specialty rice varieties such as malagkit, Japanese, and black rice. “If world rice prices remain stable, we anticipate a reduction in the MSRP after the February review,” he added.
The current rice tariff, reduced from 35% to 15% under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 62 last July to mitigate rice costs, is also under evaluation. This tariff policy mandates a review every four months, with the next assessment scheduled for March.
In addition to RFA25, the Rice-for-All program, a critical component of the KADIWA ng Pangulo initiative, features other affordable rice options for consumers. These include RFA5, which contains 5% broken grains priced at P45 per kilogram, and RFA100, a 100% broken variety, popularly known as “Sulit Rice,” available at P36 per kilogram.
Furthermore, the Rice-for-All program is complemented by P29 rice to ensure even wider access to affordable rice varieties. These offerings are being expanded across public markets and KADIWA centers to better serve Filipino consumers.
DS Suarez questions Chinese authority in NGCP board, executive positions
DEPUTY Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez of Quezon questioned the significant authority exercised by Chinese nationals in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), including the election of a Chinese national as chairman and the involvement of another Chinese executive, “Wenbo,” in approving land purchases for NGCP projects.
“So how is it possible that the chairman of NGCP was able to be elected as chairman when their shares only represent not even half or minority of the company? Oftentimes, the majority shareholders would be able to elect their chairman. How is it here in NGCP, a minority share was able to hold chairmanship of the company?” Suarez asked during the January 14 hearing of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
“Understood. The board of directors would elect. Now, isn’t it quite ironic that a minority shareholder will hold the highest position in the company?” Suarez continued.
Atty. Lally Mallari of NGCP acknowledged that Zhu Guangchao, a Chinese national, is the company’s current chairman.
“Mr. Chair, insofar as the composition of the board of directors, the chairman, Mr. Chair, from what I understand, is just presiding. So not much functions,” she said.
Suarez responded sharply, “No, no, no. But regardless, di ba? That’s the chairman. 60% is Filipino-owned iyan. Mas gugustuhin ko na ang chairman Filipino. Bakit ko ibibigay sa dayuhan iyan eh 40% lang yung kanilang hawak.”
“Can I also ask Mr. Chair if indeed Atty. Mallari’s testimony is correct? Can I also request the minutes of the elections of how the board conducted themselves, Mr. Chair?” he added.
Mallari confirmed she would comply with the request for the minutes. Suarez further highlighted the issue of executive control, referencing a Chinese executive, “Wenbo,” who reportedly ask for authorizations for land acquisitions for NGCP projects.
“I have documents here from NGCP addressed to the president of the company from their chief technical officer, whose name is Wenbo. And the subject of the document is request for approval of authority to purchase lands and land rights,” Suarez said.
“Bakit hindi po ba ito pwedeng ipagkatiwala sa Pilipino? Pati po ba ‘yung pagbili ng lupa? Sila na rin po ang magdedesisyon? Sila din po ang mag-a-approve? Bakit po ganun?” he asked.
Mallari responded that she was not familiar with Wenbo’s role and suggested that his involvement may have been during earlier years.
“Your Honor, the date of the document is 2014. Perhaps if we could look back to our GIS for 2014, perhaps his name may appear there, Mr. Chair,” she said, adding that no Chinese national currently occupies an executive position in NGCP.
Suarez remained unconvinced, saying, “Documents don’t lie. We find ourselves in a very peculiar situation right now, where sovereignty is a very sensitive topic in our country.”
“Are they actually really in our seas or are they actually in our system? Are they even deciding certain decisions that should be left for Filipinos to decide?” he stated.
Bill seeks to make Sangguniang Bayan sessions public through livestreaming
TO promote greater transparency in local governance, Rep. Ron P. Salo of the KABAYAN Partylist filed a bill mandating the livestreaming of Sangguniang Bayan sessions yesterday, January 15. The proposed measure, titled “An Act Mandating the Livestreaming of Sangguniang Bayan Sessions, Amending for the Purpose Sections 50 and 52, Chapter III of Republic Act No. 7160, Otherwise Known as the ‘Livestreaming of Sangguniang Bayan Sessions Act,'” aims to improve the accessibility of local legislative proceedings.
Rep. Salo believes that the digital technology offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance public access to government proceedings and strengthen citizen engagement. Thus, the Local Government Code of 1991 needs to be updated to mandate the utilization of online streaming platforms to make local legislative sessions accessible to the public.
“In a democratic country like ours, enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and openness in governmental processes is imperative. Livestreaming legislative sessions fosters transparency and ensures that public officials are held accountable,” said Rep. Salo.
The solon highlights that both Houses of Congress which have already been livestreaming their sessions have already paved the way to providing citizens with a front-row seat to observe policy formulation and decision-making processes. He also cited a study in Isabela City, Basilan which revealed how digital technology is vital in improving public service delivery and citizen engagement. Similarly, he also mentioned Laoag City Council in Ilocos Norte which has been livestreaming its sessions since July 2022, empowering residents by providing real-time access to discussions on measures affecting their city.
The bill introduces specific amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991, mandating LGUs to livestream all regular and special sessions on official social media pages and archive recordings for public access. Section 52 will be divided into two subsections: 52.A, requiring real-time livestreaming and archiving, and 52.B, which institutionalizes livestreaming to uphold transparency and accountability standards.
“This initiative modernizes governance, ensuring it evolves alongside today’s technological advancements. Livestreaming local legislative sessions not only combats misinformation but also fosters an informed and engaged citizenry,” Rep. Salo emphasized. “The proposed measure underscores the importance of using digital technology to bring governance closer to the people, setting a higher standard for public service in the Philippines.” Salo added.
Rise in online libel, voyeurism cases reported by anti-cybercrime group
A SHARP rise in online libel and voyeurism cases was reported by the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) for 2024.
According to a statement released Thursday, photo and video voyeurism cases, under Republic Act No. 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009) in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, jumped from 294 in 2023 to 347 in 2024—an 18.02% increase. Online libel cases also saw a rise, climbing from 1,403 to 1,458, a 3.92% increase.
The ACG attributes this surge to the expanding use of social media and increased internet access, creating a fertile ground for the spread of false information and defamatory statements. The rise in voyeurism cases, the ACG noted, is largely due to revenge or emotional retaliation by former lovers, facilitated by the easy sharing and distribution of intimate content online.
ACG chief Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang emphasized the severe harm inflicted by these crimes, including reputational damage and privacy violations. He urged victims to report such incidents to the police, assuring the public that the ACG is prepared to address these growing concerns.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported an increase in cases of online libel and voyeurism in 2024 compared to the previous year.
In a statement released Thursday, the ACG said cases of photo and video voyeurism under the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, climbed to 347 from 294.
Cases of online libel, meanwhile, rose slightly to 1,458 from 1,403.
“The reported online libel cases increased by 55 or 3.92 percent from 1,403 in 2023 to 1,458 in 2024, while cases under RA 9995 rose by 53 or 18.02 percent, from 294 to 347 during the same period,” the ACG said.
“This surge can be attributed to the growing use of social media and broader internet access, which has led to an increase in digital interactions where defamatory statements and false information often thrive,” it added.
According to the ACG, the increase in photo and video voyeurism among former lovers was mainly due to “acts of revenge or emotional retaliation.”
“The widespread availability of intimate content shared during relationships, combined with the ease of online distribution, enables such harmful behavior to proliferate,” the ACG said.
ACG chief Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang reminded the public that such offenses cause significant harm, tarnish reputations, and infringe on personal privacy.
Yang said the ACG is prepared to address such incidents as he encouraged victims to report these crimes to the police.
Quinta comm trains sights on smuggling, ASF, meat importation
THE House Quinta Committee or the “Murang Pagkain Supercommittee,” led by committee on ways and means chairperson and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, on Wednesday resumed its motu proprio inquiry into the implementation of government efforts to address smuggling and price manipulation of basic goods and essential commodities.
AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones expressed his concern over importers potentially misdeclaring pork cuts as something else to evade higher tariffs.
According to him, pork cuts are imposed with 25% tariff, while fats, meat skin and offals are imposed 5% tariff only.
“Dine-declare na offals pero ang totoong dumadating, may possibility na tunay na pork cuts or tunay na karne just to evade paying right tariffs,” he said.
Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Constante Palabrica committed to investigate the matter.
According to him, African swine fever (ASF) is the primary challenge facing the local swine industry. Since 2019, ASF has drastically reduced the country’s pig production by more than 50%, posing a significant challenge to the agricultural sector.
DA has initiated measures such as repopulating swine herds and rolling out an ASF vaccination program. Palabrica disclosed that the DA secured 500,000 doses of ASF vaccines, which have been distributed to farmers to aid in repopulation efforts.
He added that the ASF vaccine is currently undergoing clinical trials. Once found that it meets surveillance and observation standards, the DA plans to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its regular distribution.
Palabrica also reported the DA establishing checkpoints in Metro Manila to prevent the spread of ASF from different regions.
Bureau of Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla explained the agency’s use of a selectivity system for inspecting shipments. The BOC conducts open-close inspections for frozen goods, with more thorough second-border examinations performed at cold storage facilities accredited by the National Meat Inspection Service and Bureau of Animal Industry.
Panel co-chairperson and Iloilo Rep. Ferjenel Biron proposed reinstating pre-shipment inspections to address these issues, noting that post-shipment inspections are more challenging.
“Kasi it’s very challenging for us to do a post-shipment inspection. It may incur additional cost on the part of the importer but that will ensure biosecurity and you prevent revenue loss,” Biron stated.
The inquiry, in aid of legislation, is pursuant to House Resolution 254 authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
The mega-panel is composed of the Committees on Ways and Means chaired by Salceda, Trade and Industry chaired by Biron, Agriculture and Food chaired by Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, Social Services chaired by Nueva Ecija Rep. Rosanna Vergara and Special Committee on Food Security chaired by Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Luisa Cuaresma.
