THE MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) has obtained provisional authority from the regulator on two interim power supply agreements (IPSA) in light of an expected high electricity demand during months when a contracted plant is on maintenance shutdown.
(Third of 5 parts) In last week’s article, we discussed some of the changes introduced under the new Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), particularly the new threshold value of those considered as small value importations, the rules on relief consignments, and personal and household effects (including appliances and durables) brought in by returning residents and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
THE PHILIPPINES is set to remain among the best-performing economies in the region, with a qualified set of incoming managers seen to step up the already strong fiscal footing laid out by the Aquino administration.
THE BUDGET department has extended the period for local government units (LGUs) to comply with requirements set in order to tap funds allocated under the government’s bottom-up budgeting (BuB) program.
THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued a resolution to divide itself into two core groups when it hears anti-competition cases in order to speed up their disposition.
President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Ulat ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority kay Juan at Juana at the Brick Plaza of the TESDA Complex in Taguig City on Tuesday (June 14). With the President are former TESDA head and now senator-elect Joel Villanuea and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldos. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III has signed into law institutionalizing the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee (FISC), the governing body to implement the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI). Under Executive Order No. 208 signed by Aquino on June 02, 2016, the FISC has been mandated to provide strategic direction, guidance, and oversight of the NSFI. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the NSFI serves as a guidepost for public and private sector stakeholders to systematically accelerate financial inclusion in the Philippines. President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Ulat ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority kay Juan at Juana at the Brick Plaza of the TESDA Complex in Taguig City on Tuesday (June 14). (MNS photo) The NSFI defines the national vision for financial inclusion and provides a platform for public and private sector coordination to ensure synergy of efforts. Meanwhile, the FISC is tasked to align various financial inclusion related policies and programs and monitor the progress of these, and collaborate with public and private sector stakeholders on various agenda. “The issuance of the EO represents another milestone in the country’s efforts to establish a financial system that Read More …
Senator Jinggoy Estrada arrives at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Monday, June 30, for his arraignment over the plunder charges filed against him and businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles in connection with the alleged P10-B pork barrel scam. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is asking the Sandiganbayan to allow him to attend the oath-taking of his daughter, Janella, who was elected San Juan City vice mayor in the May elections. In his petition, Estrada said his request to administer his daughter’s oath of office on June 28 is “his last official act as Senator of the Philippines.” Estrada is detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center over his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. He was accused of pocketing P183.793 million in public funds after diverting his pork barrel to “non-existent” and “unaccredited” non-government organization which failed to deliver the assistance to beneficiaries from 2004 to 2012. Estrada was charged with plunder on June 5, 2014, while his graft charges were filed on July 7, 2014. (MNS)
Liza Soberano (MNS Photo) Liza Soberano vehemently denied that she recently got an offer from Marvel to play Mary Jane Watson in the upcoming “Spider-Man” movie. Before leaving for Italy, Soberano clarified it was just her fans who suggested the idea. “It’s not really an invitation. I think it was what the fans wanted lang, fans of Marvel. I think one of them is Pinay and parang she tweeted that, parang kung merong magiging Mary Jane Watson, she would want it to be me. All my fans started retweeting it and everything but wala naman po talagang invitation,” she said. However, Soberano said she would feel honored if she does get an offer. “[Kung meron], I would love that. That would be a nice opportunity,” she said. She also has the support of her rumored boyfriend, actor Enrique Gil. “If it is a good opportunity para sa kanya, go na go ako. Tamang tama dahil ‘yung mom niya, favorite superhero si Spider-Man,” he said. Soberano is undeniably one of the prettiest faces on primetime TV today. On weekday nights, she plays Serena, the princess-like heir of one of Italy’s most influential families, on “Dolce Amore.” In real life, however, Soberano is just a typical teen. Born to a Filipino father and American mother in the United States, she moved to the Philippines to live with her father’s relatives when her parents separated. She turned 18 years old last January. (MNS)
By Abner T. Galino Film Choir of St. Pious V doing their Kundiman medley. A GRAND BALL in a plush hotel symbolically capped the week-long celebration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day in Los Angeles. On a theme of “Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong,” the Kalayaan Incorporated filled up the grand ballroom of the The Concourse/Hyatt Regency Hotel on Saturday night (June 11) with business and community leaders for its annual Philippine independence day gala night. The event apparently dwarfed all other formal dance parties or balls that were simultaneously held by other Filipino-American groups in Los Angeles. PASCAL dancers doing the Singkil Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim, the guest speaker, extolled the heroism of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as he expounded on the theme of the independence day grand ball. Lim said OFWs in the US and as well as Filipino-Americans who continue to support families and friends in the homeland exemplify sacrifice and heroism in the modern-day. Last year alone, the consul general said, OFWs around the world sent home around $29 billion worth of remittances, more than a quarter of it were sent from the US. Limconcluded that because remittances go directly to the people, these money spur immediate economic activities in the homeland. Miss World 2013 Megan Young sings to Carson City crowd. The most entertaining moments during the event was provided by the PASACAT Philippine Performing Arts Company. The group regaled the crowd with Filipino folk dances. The dancers were particularly applauded for their renditions of the Read More …
(L-R) Mr. Jack Teotico, Mr. Dennis Rubio, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia and wife, Madam Victoria Cuisia with other guests during the unveiling ceremony of “The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship” and other works of art at the Chancery Annex building of the Philippine Embassy on 10 June 2016. WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy proudly unveiled the “The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship,” a mural by Filipino artist Dominic Rubio, and other works of art at the Chancery Annex building on 10 June 2016. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and his wife, Madam Maria Victoria Cuisia led the unveiling ceremony. “‘The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship’ tells the story of the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States. Its depiction of key events in Philippines-US relations reminds the viewer that more than the political, security and economic interests, it is the shared history and values that bind our nations. As our two countries celebrate seventy years of formal diplomatic relations, let us remember that the mutual respect and affection between Filipinos and Americans, forged by more than a century of pursuing common aspirations, have intertwined our fate much more effectively than consequences of strategic calculation,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “The Great Promenade of Philippine-American Friendship,” a mural by Filipino artist Dominic Rubio At 8 x 27 feet, “The Great Promenade” is a monumental work by Dominic Rubio, a native of Paete, Laguna, whose artistic signature of long, pencil-thin necks and lollipop heads and the delightful Read More …