FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto expressed confidence that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is on its way to becoming one of the world’s best airports where all passengers will receive full VIP treatment following the signing of the NAIA public-private partnership (PPP) Concession Agreement on March 18, 2024.
“This project will ensure that only world-class service will be delivered to our people and international visitors, setting NAIA’s departure from its notorious reputation as one of the world’s worst airports to one of the best,” he said.
“Our people must receive full VIP airport treatment—no hassles, no long lines, and definitely no bed bugs and rats, just excellent service. After all, the Filipino people deserve nothing but the best,” Secretary Recto said.
With an estimated project cost of PHP 170.6 billion, the solicited proposal to rehabilitate NAIA aims to address the longstanding challenges of undercapacity, congestion, and underinvestment in the country’s main gateway.
The Finance Chief underscored that the NAIA PPP deal is a crowning achievement of the Marcos, Jr. administration, having achieved numerous unprecedented feats through a strong partnership between the government and the private sector.
The solicited PPP project for NAIA was evaluated within a record-breaking six weeks and was approved by the NEDA Board, chaired by President Marcos, Jr., on July 19, 2023.
“The NAIA PPP project sets the benchmark for efficiency for the government’s pipeline projects, being the fastest-approved PPP proposal in Philippine history,” Secretary Recto said.
“If we act with the same dispatch on all public projects, I am confident that we can sustain the momentum of growth necessary to deliver an inclusive economy for our people,” he added.
Secretary Recto said the groundbreaking deal also sets a precedent for future PPP initiatives, guaranteeing the greatest economic returns for all stakeholders.
On February 16, 2024, the MIAA board awarded the contract for the project to the SMC-SAC Consortium, which submitted the highest bid amount and is sharing 82.16% of future gross revenues with the government––passenger service charges not included.
Stabbing spree in New York: Pinay victimized by man in a wheel chair
NEW YORK CITY — A Filipina was one of the injured victims in a stabbing spree by a man in a wheel chair with alleged mental health issues in New York City over the weekend.
The Filipina is identified as Bel Molina, 46 years old, from Leyte, a marathoner.
She sustained stab wound required three stitches for treatment on her arm.
Reports said Molina was jogging home from the subway station on 54th Street when she encountered the suspect in a wheelchair. Initially assuming he was harmless, she ran past him on the sidewalk. It wasn’t until she was close that she noticed he had a knife.
Despite attempting to flee, she was still injured on her arm near the elbow.
Molina has been a resident of the area for 12 years. She said this is the first time she has experienced such an incident.
She also told GMA Integrated News that she never imagined such an attack would occur.
This is not the first time that a suspect with mental conditions has attacked victims randomly in public places in New York City.
Aside from Molina, three others fell victim to the suspect’s stabbing spree. A 69-year-old woman was stabbed in the face and body, while a 57-year-old man was stabbed in the back, according to report of Dave Llavanes of GMA News.
The suspect, identified as Kareem Philips, 38 years-old, was promptly arrested and is currently in the custody of the New York Police Department.
Philips is facing charges of two counts of attempted murder, four counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
It remains unclear if this is being treated as a hate crime, as all the victims were Asian.
OFW Partylist proposes Magna Carta for Aviation Professionals, Workers in PH
OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino filed House Bill No. 10166 or An Act Providing for the Magna Carta for Aviation Professionals and Workers in the Philippines.
The proposed Magna Carta for Aviation Professionals and Workers, which was drafted with the help of industry stakeholders, aims to codify the rights and protection of aviation professionals and workers as expressed in international instruments and domestic laws of the Philippines; strengthen accountability of both the private and public sectors in the employment of aviation professionals and workers in the country; and maintain a sustainable pool of aviation professionals and workers in the country.
The party list lawmaker highlighted the air transport’s importance to the economy through generation of local employment, the spending poured in by international and domestic airlines and their supply chain, its impact on trade flows, tourism and inflow of investments into the country, and its provision of speedy connections between countries and cities, which are all fundamental drivers of economic growth, and more importantly a key in labor migration.
However, Magsino emphasized that the aviation industry’s success is dependent on the working conditions of its professionals and workers, including pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crews, and ground staff. Working conditions and benefits are critical to the job satisfaction and top performance of aviation professionals. Thus, she filed House Bill 10166, which aims to promote and improve the competitiveness, job security, and the socio-economic status of local aviation professionals and workers in the country, including the provision of humane working conditions, just and fair employment terms, and progressive career development, and to ensure a sustainable working pool of aviation professionals and workers in the Philippines.
“Air transport plays a pivotal role in our economy, in our tourism initiatives, and also in labor migration. However, the international aviation community anticipates a shortage of skilled aviation professionals and workers in the near future. Because of the rise of infrastructure, increase in passengers and flights, and overall globalization, there has also been a greater demand for aviation professionals in the country. In order to address this important issue, the government must take initiatives to ensure that enough qualified and competent aviation professionals and workers are available and willing to operate, manage and maintain the future air transport system in the country. Hence, we need to put a premium on the plight of its professionals and workers, and ensure good working conditions and benefits for them,” Magsino said.
House Bill 10166 also covers guidelines for salary and compensation, working hours and overtime pay, hazard pay, compensation for work-related injuries, free medical examinations, workers’ right to freely organize and join professional organizations of their choice, prohibitions on salary deductions, and non-diminution of benefits. It also mandates the establishment of a Code of Professional Conduct to be overseen by relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders.
“The Philippine commercial aviation industry must focus on moving forward with a clear outlook on future labor plans, creative ways to attract and retain talent, and increasing labor efficiency. With the diligence and competence of aviation professionals and workers in the performance of their tasks, a safe and comfortable flight coming in and out of the country, or to and from their hometown destinations, is also assured for the benefit of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). As representative of our OFWs in Congress, this bill forms an integral part of my advocacy,” Magsino said.
Speaker bullish foreign investments influx following PH hosting of WEF Country Roundtable
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today expressed optimism that the two-day World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Roundtable would drive more direct foreign investments into the country, creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people.
It could be recalled that in January this year the Speaker, upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., spearheaded the Philippine delegation to the WEF in its 2024 annual meet in Davos, Switzerland, laying the groundwork for the staging of the WEF Country Roundtable here.
Among the participants in the WEF Roundtable on the Philippines are top global executives from the private sector’s energy, infrastructure, finance, banking, telecommunications, and marketing industries.
“The WEF Country Roundtable amplifies our message of progress and prosperity, resonating with potential investors both at home and abroad. It reinforces the narrative of the Philippines as a dynamic and resilient economy, ripe with opportunities for those willing to partner with us in our journey towards shared prosperity,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez hosted the cocktails for the members of the delegation of the WEF CEO Roundtable late Tuesday afternoon in the historic Laperal Mansion, which has been renovated by the Marcos administration and intended for use by visiting foreign leaders and dignitaries.
According to Speaker Romualdez, the WEF Country Roundtable magnifies the visibility of the Philippines as a prime destination for investment and underscores the commitment of the Marcos administration to fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and development.
“Moreover, the WEF Country Roundtable serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue on pressing economic issues, enabling us to exchange insights with global leaders and glean valuable lessons that can further enhance our investment climate,” Romualdez noted.
“By participating actively in these discussions, we reaffirm our dedication to sound governance, transparency, and inclusive growth,” he added.
He noted that according to WEF President Børge Brende, the participation of President Marcos in the January 2023 WEF meeting created a lot of interest and optimism in the Philippines, with numerous companies wanting to know more about its investment prospects.
According to Brende, the Philippines could remain bullish if it continues its current policy reforms, upgrade infrastructure, as well as invest in renewables and other areas.
In his message before offering a toast to the WEF delegation and Philippine officials present, Romualdez underscored the solid and unwavering support of the House for the initiatives of President Marcos to open the country’s doors to foreign investments.
“Under my stewardship the House not only met but exceeded expectations, securing 100 percent approval of the priority measures identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) three months ahead of our target date—our commitment definitely to opening up our economy to foreign direct investments,” Romualdez said.
He said the achievements of the House mirror the aspirations of the WEF, fostering innovation, nurturing economic growth, and building resilient infrastructures to withstand global challenges.
“These accomplishments are a testament to our collective resolve to elevate the Philippines on the world stage and ensure that our development strategies are not only aligned with global best practices but also resonate with the unique needs and aspirations of the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.
Garin urges DepEd to ‘look deeply’ on viral teacher scolding students
AFTER the video of the teacher scolding her students went viral, House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to look deeply into the incident as it may not be an isolated case.
“We need to look into this kasi baka mamaya it is not an isolated case. Nagkataon lang na nalaman ng lahat kasi ni-live niya. So hindi siya by accident, it is intentional. There is a deeper message behind that,” Garin said during the press conference in the House of Representatives.
The Iloilo lawmaker said that the DepEd must ascertain the reason behind the acts of the public school teacher to understand the situation, noting that the teacher’s move may be her way to voice out her concerns.
“Ano ba ‘yung pinagmulan ng lahat ng ito? Where is she coming from? And nakakalabas ba sila ng boses within the Department of Education? Is somebody hearing them out? Is somebody hearing their problems? Or is somebody supporting them?” she asked.
“What should be the feedback mechanism between our teachers and their administration? This is a very important thing that should be looked into because for all we know baka mamaya sa loob loob niya nandun na ‘yung galit pero hindi siya makalapit sa principal, sa regional director or baka nakalapit siya, may problema na pero kinocontain kasi hindi nila maipalabas sa Central Office,” Garin continued.
The teacher did a live video on her social media account while she was berating her students which received backlash from the netizens.
DepEd said that it has yet to issue sanctions to the teacher and assured her that she will undergo due process.
“This can also be an eye opener. May mali ang teacher, yes. There is also the impact of social media, yes. But we also have to look at the bigger picture. Baka ‘yung ating mga public school teachers ay mayroon ding pinagdaraanan and wala dun ‘yung avenue na ‘yung mga needs nila o ‘yung mental problems nila,” the lady lawmaker stressed.
DOH releases P76.1B to pay HEA of public, private health professionals
A TOTAL of P76.1 billion to pay the health emergency allowance (HEA) to public and private health professionals has been released by the Department of Health (DOH).
In a statement, the DOH said this is in compliance with Republic Act No. 11712 as of March 19, 2024.
“This is to pay for 8,549,207 claims from July 1, 2021, to July 20, 2023,” the health department said in a statement.
The agency said that for Fiscal Year 2024, the General Appropriations Act gave only P19.9 billion for HEA under programmed appropriations, of which the DOH has already released 99% or about P19.7 billion.
“The DOH still requires an estimated P27 billion to pay for arrears filed by the health facilities,” it added.
Through its regional Centers for Health Development, DOH has collaborated with hospitals and health facilities operated by private and local governments.
The Department maintains a list of hospitals and health facilities with outstanding liquidation obligations.
“We continue to work hand-in-hand with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to grant HEA to all eligible health workers. We are ready to release the funds as soon as the concerned private and LGU hospitals will comply with the law that requires liquidation,” DOH noted.
The Republic Act No. 11712, also known as the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act, is a benefit for frontline workers who rendered services at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic were provided under the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2).
