June school opening to spare learners from extreme summer heat--Gatchalian

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Apr 19, 2025 06:57 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has welcomed the June 16 opening date for the upcoming school year (SY) 2025-2026, saying it will spare learners from intense summer heat.

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(Unsplash) 

  

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has welcomed the June 16 opening date for the upcoming school year (SY) 2025-2026, saying it will spare learners from intense summer heat.

That the planned school opening would essentially be a return to the pre-pandemic calendar also wasn't lost on Gatchalian. 

"The opening of School Year 2025-2026 on June 16 marks the return of our academic calendar to pre-pandemic times," the senator from Valenzuela City said in a statement on Saturday, April 19.

"Resuming classes in June will help restore a sense of normalcy for our learners and teachers after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and HELP THEM AVOID EXTREME HEAT DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR," he said, the emphasis his.

"Hindi naging madali ang proseso upang maibalik natin ang school opening sa buwan ng Hunyo, ngunit nagawa natin ito (Bringing school opening back to June wasn't an easy task, but we did it)," Gatchalian noted.

"The phased implementation of the MATATAG curriculum also continues this year. Teachers need all the support they can get," he said.

The senator said that while the current 2024-2025 SY has ended, school-aged children still face the risks posed by extreme heat. 

"That is why I’m reiterating my call for close collaboration among local government units, tourism establishments, and healthcare providers to provide adequate medical services to children," he said.

"This is especially crucial now as children go on vacation with their families, where outdoor activities will expose them to extreme heat," Gatchalian added.

In the Philippines, the summer months stretch from March to May.

Trabaho Party-list calls Pinoy workers 'heroes'; compares them to World War II vets

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Apr 9, 2025 10:28 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Trabaho Party-list recognized the resilience and heroism of Filipino workers on the occasion of the Day of Valor on Wednesday, April 9. 

(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN) 

  

Trabaho Party-list recognized the resilience and heroism of Filipino workers on the occasion of the Day of Valor on Wednesday, April 9.

The group, which is vying for seats in the House of Representatives in the upcoming May 12 mid-term polls, likened the daily struggles of the modern-day working class to the sacrifices of World War II veterans.

“The spirit of Araw ng Kagitingan lives on in the dedication of our workers, our modern-day heroes, who, despite economic hardship, continue to carry the weight of our nation's progress,” Trabaho Party-list spokesperson Mitchell-David Espiritu said in a statement.

The party-list says that true valor today means fighting for a future where every Filipino has access to dignified and meaningful work. 

With this, the group reaffirmed its mission to champion inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities. 

Founded on the principles of uplifting the working life and promoting true equality, Trabaho is pushing for key reforms including a real living wage, improved working conditions, increased support for small businesses, and expanded access to skills development programs. 

The group also expressed openness to exploring progressive policies such as Universal Basic Income to combat “in-work poverty", if and when it wins seats in Congress.

“As we honor the bravery of our forebears, let us also commit to building a society where no Filipino is left behind, where every worker is respected, protected, and empowered,” Epsiritu concluded.

 

P1-M bank deposit insurance coverage to boost economy--Campos

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Mar 3, 2025 09:30 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Makati City 2nd district Rep. Luis Campos Jr., expressed confidence that the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.'s (PDIC) move of doubling the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) for bank depositors from P500,000 to P1 million will have a positive impact on the economy. 

Makati City 2nd district Rep. Luis Campos Jr. (Facebook)  

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.'s (PDIC) move of doubling the maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) for bank depositors from P500,000 to P1 million will have a positive impact on the economy.

Thus, said Makati City 2nd district Rep. Luis Campos Jr., who hailed the PDIC's decision over the weekend.

“The 100 percent increase in the MDIC to P1 million per depositor per bank is long overdue,” Campos said.

The increase will take effect on March 15. 

“There’s no doubt that the P1 million MDIC will help strengthen public confidence in our banking system, which plays a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and jobs creation,” Campos noted.

The veteran solon was as the first member of Congress to push for the P1 million MDIC, as he underscored the need to restore its full protective value at today’s prices and encourage Filipinos to continue keeping their money in banks.

“Based on cumulative inflation data, the purchasing power of P1 million today is more or less equal to the buying power of P500,000 in 2009, or 16 years ago,” Campos, the husband of Makati Mayor Abby Binay, noted.

Campos is running for Makati mayor in the May 12 elections while his wife is seeking a Senate seat under the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas ticket.

The MDIC was last increased in 2009, from P250,000 to P500,000.

Since its initial implementation in 1963, the MDIC has been raised several times:

•1963 – P10,000

•1978 – P15,000

•1984 – P40,000

•1992 – P100,000

•2004 – P250,000

•2009 – P500,000

•2025 (effective March 15) – P1,000,000

“This is the first time the PDIC has exercised its authority to increase the MDIC,” Campos pointed out.

He noted that Congress had been periodically increasing the MDIC since 1963, until it passed Republic Act No. 11840, or the new PDIC charter, in 2022.

The new law granted the PDIC’s governing board the authority to increase the MDIC.

In 2024, the PDIC paid P281.5 million in deposit insurance claims, benefiting 7,482 depositors of three distressed rural and cooperative banks that had been shut down by regulators.

Quimbo joins rally, asks senators to prioritize bill on seniors' universal social pension

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Jan 21, 2025 07:05 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Showing her commitment to senior citizens' welfare, Marikina 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo joined a rally at the Senate on Monday, Jan. 20, to push for the passage of the proposed Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Act. 

Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo speaks to her fellow rallyists outside the Senate in Pasay City (Rep. Quimbo’s office)  

Showing her commitment to senior citizens' welfare, Marikina 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo joined a rally at the Senate on Monday, Jan. 20, to push for the passage of the proposed Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Act.

“The Universal Social Pension Act is about fairness and dignity. It ensures that no Filipino senior is left behind, regardless of their economic status. This is our way of giving back to those who have contributed so much to society,” said Quimbo, acting chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations. 

Thousands of senior citizens and supporters attended the rally to highlight the financial challenges faced by the aging population in the Philippines. Quimbo emphasized the importance of passing the bill, which has already been approved by the House of Representatives but has yet to advance in the Senate.  

The rally sought to urge senators to prioritize the legislation, which aimed to establish universal coverage by providing every Filipino aged 60 and above with a guaranteed monthly pension.  

Quimbo penned and filed House Bill (HB) No.10423 (Universal Social Pension for Senior Citizens Act), which was passed by the House of Representatives in 2024.  

Several elderly citizens from Marikina, who support the bill, joined the congresswoman at the rally.  

The proposed legislation seeks to address critical gaps in the current system under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act (RA 9994). The current framework limits pension eligibility to indigent seniors. 

This exclusionary provision leaves millions of elderly Filipinos who may not meet the criteria for indigence but still face financial hardships without access to necessary support. Of the 4.085 million seniors listed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) social pension program, only 783,000 have received payouts due to logistical delays and issues with local government units (LGU) compliance in liquidation processes.  

Key provisions of the bill include automatic pension eligibility for all Filipinos aged 60 and above, efficient distribution mechanisms with no transaction fees, and provisions to ensure funds are used efficiently and rolled over when unused.  

"By extending pensions to all senior citizens, we can reduce inequality and ensure that no one is excluded from receiving the support they deserve. This social pension will be a vital lifeline for seniors without other income sources, significantly reducing their risk of poverty," Quimbo said.

"Moreover, the increased spending capacity of our elderly will stimulate local economies, especially small and medium enterprises, as they invest in essential goods and services," added the aspiring Marikina mayor.

The growing demographic trends in the country show that the senior citizen population is expected to reach nearly 11 million by the end of 2025. Many of these individuals face significant financial and health-related vulnerabilities, with 59 percent of their medical expenses paid out-of-pocket in 2018.  

Quimbo stressed the urgency of addressing these inequities through universal pension coverage. “This bill is not just about numbers; it’s about lives. Our seniors deserve to retire with dignity and the financial means to meet their basic needs,” she said. 

 

Tariff cut effect: Rice prices to go down further if peso gets stronger

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Jun 7, 2024 05:20 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can help maximize the expected reduction on retail prices of rice by keeping the peso at "reasonable levels" against the United States (US) dollar.

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House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN) 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can help maximize the expected reduction on retail prices of rice by keeping the peso at "reasonable levels" against the United States (US) dollar. 

This was the takeaway from the House Speaker Martin Romualdez-led press conference Thursday, June 6 wherein the effect of the Palace-ordered tariff reduction on rice imports was discussed. 

During the presser, Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Quezon 1st district Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga shared that as per the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), retail prices of rice--the country’s staple food--was "going to be less by P5 to P6 per kilo". 

Such will be the price drop on the heels of President Marcos' decision to slash imported rice duties from the current 35 percent to 15 percent. 

But Deputy Majority Leader for Communications ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who was also at the presser, quickly noted that foreign exchange can have a huge impact on local rice prices. 

"That’s depending on the, that P5 to P6 [reduction] is at the current exchange rate po iyon at P58 po yung kwan. So if the dollar goes down then mas mataas pa doon (the reduction on retail prices will be higher), so depending on the dictate of the exchange rate," he said. 

Agreeing with Tulfo's statement, Romualdez says there's already coordination going on between the House and BSP for the sake of consumers. 

"Kausap din natin yung our friends at the BSP sa Monetary Board (We're also talking to our friends at the BSP, in the Monetary Board), it is also their role to make sure that the foreign exchange is also kept at reasonable levels," the Speaker said. 

The foreign exchange rate grabbed headlines recently after the peso went above P58 against the US dollar. Marcos announced the tariff cut a few days after. 

"So the BSP has from time and time again very quietly but steadily has always been there at the forefront to safeguard any abrupt or any changes sa forex to absorb the shocks...we’re all trying to coordinate so we can afford again the consumers, quality affordable rice always. Yan ang goal (That's the goal)," noted Romualdez. 

The House leader further said: "So everyone involved we’re talking to and making sure that coordinated po tayo kasi the (making sure that we are coordinated because the) President has already given his mandate and that is his desire because that is the best for the people. So we’re all on board, we’re all on board."

Regular milled rice currently hovers at P50 per kilo. 

The presser was held following a meeting between the ranking solons and officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other stakeholders, including those from the private sector.
 

PBBM's compassion for senior citizens on full display with new law, says Tulfo

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

  

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AT A GLANCE

• President Marcos' signing into law Monday, Feb. 26 of the Expanded Centenarians Act places on full display his compassion toward elderly Filipinos, says House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo. 

ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook, MANILA BULLETIN) President Marcos' signing into law Monday, Feb. 26 of the Expanded Centenarians Act places on full display his compassion toward elderly Filipinos. 

Thus, said House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who was one of the many celebrators following the enactment of Republic Act (RA) No.11982. 

Under the new law, senior citizens will soon be getting a P10,000 cash gift upon reaching the age of 80 and every five years thereafter (85, 90), until the age of 95. 

Upon reaching 100 years old, the beneficiary will still receive the P100,000 bonanza that's in the original language of the bill. 

“This goes to show na talagang may malasakit ang ating pamahalaan sa mga kababayan nating senior citizens. Maraming salamat po sa ating Pangulo sa pagbibigay importansiya sa mga matatanda nating kababayan,” Tulfo said in a statement. 

(Our government truly has compassion for our senior citizens. Thank you to our President in giving importance to our elderly citizens.) 

Tulfo, along with his fellow ACT-CIS Party-list nominees Reps. Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap, were co-authors of the newly-signed RA No.11982. 

This new law for seniors expands the coverage of RA No.10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, which entitles Filipinos aged 100 years old to a cash gift of P100,000. 

The law has been pursued by ACT-CIS solons since the precvous 18th Congress in a bid to give additional benefits for senior citizens. RA No.11982 also creates an Elderly Data Management System to identify seniors eligible to avail of the benefits of the law.

Davao flood victims get timely help from Pulong

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Nov 10, 2023 08:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The office of Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte has been able to assist over a hundred families in the city that were affected by flash floods earlier this week. 

(Unsplash) 

 

The office of Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte has been able to assist over a hundred families in the city that were affected by flash floods earlier this week. 

Duterte, better known as "Pulong" to his constituents, oversaw the distribution of food packs and plus other forms of assistance to the affected residents. 

The second-termer's assistance and outreach program is dubbed the “Pulong Pulong ni Pulong”. The latest beneficiaries happened to be families that were displaced due to flash floods triggered by heavy rains that began late Wednesday and continued until Thursday morning (Nov. 8 to 9). 

“'Action always beats intention' is what the members of the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong always keep in mind. We acted quickly to assist as many Dabawenyos as we can. While the flooding has subsided, we are continuously reaching out to the displaced families,” Duterte said. 

According to reports, the heavy downpour which caused  the flooding affected at least six barangays. These were Matina, Bago Gallera, Tugbok District, Talomo Proper, Matina Aplaya, and Maa. 

Many residents had to climb on rooftops as floods quickly inundated their homes. 

Pulong, a former House deputy speaker, is the son of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Pag-asa, Kalayaan Island Group could become PH's own 'Maldives', says Romualdez

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Oct 6, 2023 05:36 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be turned into the country’s own "Maldives".

• Maldives is a famous tourist destination thanks to its stunning beach resorts.

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Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll, Maldives. (Unsplash) 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island and the rest of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be developed into a "Maldives"-style tourist destination. 

Romualdez had this to say in a press conference Thursday night, Oct. 5 at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. That same morning, the Speaker led a small group of congressmen to Pag-asa. 

"The beauty of the area is astounding. If you just go and visit there, you'll see how beautiful the place is, so there are many potentials," he said.

Romualdez said that he was reminded of the world-famous tourist destination of Maldives during his short time visiting the remote Palawan island. 

"This I will tell you as we were flying over the Kalayan Island Groups, it's as if we were flying over the Maldives. 

“So we’re looking at hindi lang to support, hindi lang 'yung budget ng DND, hindi lang DOTr baka pwede rin yung DOT, kasi napakaganda dito baka pwede itong maging tourist destination," Romualdez said. 

(So we’re looking at not just support, not just the budget of the Department of National Defense, not just the Department of Transportation, but probably also the Department of Tourism, because it was so beautiful there maybe it could be turned into a tourist destination.) 

"There are other islands that we would like to develop…parang sa Maldives, so pwede sigurong maging Philippine Maldives… So we shall invite everyone to come and visit," the Leyte 1st district representative noted. 

(We'll copy Maldives, this can become the Maldives of the Philippines.) 

"But we shall develop the facilities here, the airport, the seaport and the other facilities within the Kalayaan Island Group,” Romualdez said.

Maldives is famous for its stunning beach resorts.