LTO sets maximum fees for driving courses, allows opening of more driving schools

BY AARON RECUENCO

Mar 22, 2023 11:36 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The maximum prescribed fees for both Theoretical and Practical Driving Courses are P3,500 for motorcycles and P5,000 for light vehicles

• The new fees will take effect on April 15, 2023

• The LTO also allows filing of application for individuals and groups that wish to open driving schools in the country

• Currently, there are 1,400 driving schools in the Philippines

• photos: LTO

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Barely a month after committing to address the high fees being charged by driving schools to their clients, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued on Wednesday, March 22, maximum fees that should be charged for both the theoretical and practical driving courses.

From the range of P9,000 to P15,000 before, LTO chief Jose Arturo “JayArt” Tugade said the fees for both the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and Practical Driving Course (PDC) were cut by over 50 percent.

TDC focuses more on classroom discussion on the rules and regulations on road safety while PDC focuses on actual driving. 

Based on the guidelines issued by the Technical Working Group of the LTO headed by Kathleen Deann Salayog, the maximum prescribed payment for both the TDC for motorcycles (Driving License Codes A and A1)  and light vehicles (DL Codes B, B1, B2) is P1,000.

For PDC, the maximum fee for motorcycles is P2,500 and P4,000 for light vehicles. 

Tugade said that if the driving schools offer a bundle or package for both the TDC and PDC, the maximum amount that should be charged must not exceed P3,500 for motorcycles and P5,000 for light vehicles.

The standardization of the payment of driving schools, according to Tugade, will be effective on April 15 this year.

“This is our response to numerous complaints that we have been receiving about the high fees and varying fees being charged by driving schools across the country. This is proof that we are listening to the people’s suggestions and complaints,” said Tugade in a press briefing.

Last month, Tugade committed to address the complaints regarding the high fees being charged by the driving schools—complaints that are also the subject of discussions in social media and prompted Pampanga 4th District Rep. Ana York Bondoc to call out the LTO for what she described as an anti-poor policy

The LTO only charges a minimal fee in securing driver’s license—P250 for student permit (P100 for application fee and P150 for student permit fee) and  P685 for the regular driver’s license (P585 for the license fee and P100 for application fee). 

But it is the mandatory requirement that those who want to secure a student permit and driver’s license must undergo Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) and Practical Driving Course (PDC) that resulted in an applicant shelling out P9,000 to P15,000—and even higher for some.

Why they agreed

Salayog said the guideline set by the LTO was based on their own study, including the cost of operating a driving school and prevailing inflation in various areas.

During the consultation they made, Salayog said there were some suggestions from the representatives of driving schools to raise the maximum fees—suggestions that were rejected since the LTO has its own study on the matter.

LTO Region 3 Director Glorioso Daniel Martinez said one of the reasons why the driving schools agreed to limit the maximum fees for both TDC and PDC is that they are now allowed to accept more applicants.

During the pandemic, he said the driving schools can only allow a maximum of 20 applicants.

“But with the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions, they can now accept a maximum of 40 students,” said Martinez.

The penalties 

The operation of driving schools in the country is governed by accreditation from the LTO.

In case there is a violation of the maximum fees for TDC and PDC, Tugade said the penalty for first offense is P50,000 and suspension of six months while the second offense has P100,000 penalty and one year suspension.

For the third offense, he said the penalty is revocation of the accreditation, which means that the driving schools which committed three violations would no longer be allowed to operate.

The catch 

While the LTO set the uniform maximum fees that should be charged by the driving schools nationwide, Tugade said there is a provision in the Omnibus Guideline that driving schools can appeal the fees.

The major consideration for the inclusion of the provision on review, he said, is that the prevailing inflation in a certain region must also be considered. 

Lifting of moratorium

In the press briefing, Tugade also announced that starting Thursday, March 23, the LTO will also lift the moratorium for the restriction in the opening of driving schools.

This means, he explained, that individuals and groups can start submitting applications to open driving schools.

Currently, Salayog said there are 1,400 driving schools operating across the country.

De La Salle dumps NU to sweep first round of UAAP women’s volleyball

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Mar 22, 2023 4:10 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Lady Spikers shrugged off the Lady Bulldogs’ resistance in the third set to complete the swift victory and improved to a perfect 7-0 card.

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De La Salle got back at its Season 84 tormentor National University with a 25-10, 25-15, 25-21 rout to sweep the first round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Spikers shrugged off the Lady Bulldogs’ resistance in the third set to complete the swift victory and remained perfect with a 7-0 card.

Super rookie Angel Canino carried out a team-high 14 points, while Fifi Sharma and Jolina Dela Cruz contributed 12 and 11, respectively.

***De La Salle ends its head-to-head misery over reigning champion National University to stay perfect with a 7-0 record in the UAAP Season 85 women's vollryball. (UAAP Media)***

The Lady Spikers have not won against the Lady Bulldogs since March 2019 in Season 81.

Tied at 16-all in the third set after Evangeline Alinsug’s crosscourt attack, La Salle remained unfazed and went on a 3-0 run to extend the lead by three, 19-16.

From then on, the Lady Bulldogs wouldn't be able to cash in on their might as Thea Gagate sent the Lady Spikers to the match point, 24-20.

Bella Belen saved one match point with a through-the-block kill but Dela Cruz' crosscourt attack ultimately punctuated the match.

La Salle leaned on its defensive scheme with 12 blocks compared to NU’s four. The Season 84 finalists were also able to limit their unforced errors to only 11, less than nine to NU’s 20.

“Di ko inaasahan ‘yong na-straight sets namin sila. Sabi ko nga sa mga bata stick to the plan kung ano ‘yong plano natin na ginawa sa training. They played with pride di pwedeng magpapa-intimidate tayo. Nu’ng last year hindi tayo nakakuha ng set. Different team na tayo ngayon,” said interim head coach Noel Orcullo.

Belen paced the reigning champion with 12 points built on 11 attacks and a block as it snapped its three-game winning streak for a 5-2 record to end its own first round campaign.

THE WORLD NEEDS EMPOWERING WOMEN

By: Klaus Döring, Davao City/Philippines

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent."
Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Korbel Albright was nominated to be the first woman Secretary of State by President William Jefferson Clinton on December 5, 1996, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 22, 1997, and sworn in the next day. She served in the position for four years and ended her service on January 20, 2001.

Women’s empowerment can be defined as promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others. 

It is closely aligned with female empowerment – a fundamental human right that’s also key to achieving a more peaceful, prosperous world.

In Western countries, female empowerment is often associated with specific phases of the women’s rights movement in history. This movement tends to be split into three waves, the first beginning in the 19th and early 20th century where suffrage was a key feature. The second wave of the 1960s included the sexual revolution and the role of women in society. Third wave feminism is often seen as beginning in the 1990s.

Women’s empowerment and promoting women’s rights have emerged as a part of a major global movement and are continuing to break new ground in recent years. Days like International Women’s Empowerment Day are also gaining momentum.

But despite a great deal of progress, women and girls continue to face discrimination and violence in every part of the world.

Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries.

When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential, contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children. They are also able to help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large.

To overcome these situations and to have an independent role in society, women's empowerment is needed. Empowering women is the fundamental right of women. They can have equal rights to participate in education, society, economics, and politics. They are allowed to have higher education and treated in the same way like men.

Feminism is not a dirty word, but it’s certainly been seen that way throughout history.

Thankfully, there are plenty of women who have fought for equality, even in the face of discrimination, violence and more. From securing the right to vote to our continuing fights for pay equality and for action to be taken on climate change, it’s women who are leading the way. 

Annie Lennox, singer and political activist said: “We all fight over what the label 'feminism' means, but for me it's about empowerment. It's not about being more powerful than men - it's about having equal rights with protection, support, justice. It's about very basic things. It's not a badge like a fashion item.”

My empowering woman is my wife Rossana Balcom-Döring. For four decades now! We are celebrating our Rubin-anniversary. Allow me to use a typical saying: "Behind every successful man stays a  woman!"

Global women who rule 2023: PH women leaders celebrate Women's Month

Global Women Who RULE (GWWR) is a celebration of awe-inspiring tales from a collective of women forward-thinkers and achievers, out to pay it forward to society.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Mar 21, 2023 11:30 PM

  

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Celebrating International Women's Month, this women leaders group is pulling out all the stops. Created at the start of the pandemic by Apple Esplana-Manansala, the past two years is seeing nothing but growth. Global Women Who RULE (GWWR) is a celebration of awe-inspiring tales from a collective of women forward-thinkers and achievers, out to pay it forward to society. On March 25, GWWR holds its main event, the GWWR Summit committed to use the power of social media to promote community and use #DigitalForGood.

On its third year, the GWWR Summit 2023 features 22 profiles of Filipino women leaders from all industries from all over. Pushing 4 pillars: Education, Mental Health, Human Rights, specifically Violence Against Women (VAWC) and Health, this year's event is on track to break its own record.

"The support has been tremendous, for which we are grateful. We have about a hundred nominees this year from PH and from the US, NA, APAC, ME and even Oceania—everywhere. It feels good to receive this kind of acknowledgement from our peers, from young women and men, and from colleagues and co-leaders, and of course from entrepreneurs and business leaders. GWWR is a 'Circle of Sisters' so to speak, and the outpouring of well wishes fills our hearts," says Apple.

GWWR 2023 is the first hybrid event for the year. With the world opening the more people are intent on socializing. For Apple, this is careful strategizing. The more eyes, the better. The more direct interaction, the more memorable and compelling it is for the hundreds of attendees that will join onsite at Enderun Extension, the venue partner. PuzzleBox BPO, Inc. and WELLife Corporation also joined in support of the event.

For online attendees, Apple's own 24\7 streaming media platform The New Channel (TNC) is the site. Though Global Women Who RULE is a separate entity from The New Channel, both are connected at the hip with GWWR providing opportunities for meaningful partnerships and programs with brands and media.

"We, at The New Channel, are very proud of our flagship movement Global Women Who RULE. We're helping GWWR encourage Filipino women to be brave and innovative and we give them a platform to speak up and be heard," says the prime mover.

This year's event GWWR Summit on March 25th stages the 3rd of what has been envisioned to be an annual search for amazing profiles to join their growing group targeting 22 new additions to GWWR from more than a hundred nominated profiles. Another first for GWWR 2023 is the hopeful release of the digital version of its PowerBook featuring the 2021 and 2022 profiles of GWWR women leaders.

Apple adds, "We are so proud to hold GWWR this year. It's a culmination of a full year's sweat and toil. We've gotten some buzz, but we have the chops to show for it. The topics for each keynote speech are rich and inspiring, and the speakers are the best in their fields and they teach from experience."

Apple isn't exaggerating. Among the enlightening talks will be coming from:

Mamie Lamley, founder of Empowerment On Fire and founding partner of Heroic Voice Academy. She will join via stream live from Colorado USA.

Marieton Pacheco, Omni News Filipino producer will be joining via stream live from Vancouver Canada.

Le-an Lai Angeles Lacaba, co-founder of 2xYou who will stream live from Cebu City.

Erika Canoy-Sanchez, executive vice president and COO of RMN Networks.

LTC Jannette C. Arceo GSC (MNSA) PA (R), commanding officer, 403 Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion National Security Fellow, Philippine Council for Foreign Relation (PCFR).

Mona Magno-Veluz a.k.a. Mighty Magulang, national president of the Autism Society Philippines.

Ace Gapuz, chief executive officer of Blogapalooza Inc..

Jenny Bautista Wieneke, chief marketing officer-Tokyo Tempura and an MSME Advocate.

Marjorie Carlet Edmonds, "The House Flipping Queen" and CEO of Carlet Edmonds Housing Solution, LLC who will be streaming live from Central Valley, California, USA.

Dianna David, creator of MVMT Medicina Somatic Practice & Authentic ExprEssence Coaching and will stream live from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The primary beneficiary of GWWR Summit is Alopecia Philippines with the vibrant and larger than life Abby Asistio as spokesperson.  Completing this year's 22 profiles are:  Second Officer Marie Ison Maximo, Teresa Dumadag, Carmie de Leon, Arizza Nocum, Audrey Pe, Dra. Necy Juat, Gracie Miranda-Maulion, Atty. Josephine Santiago, Wandalyn Tan-Calupig, Ellen Perez, and Chazeline Caberos-Bautista.

"We're here to inspire, to compel women to harness their power and be a vehicle for good. GWWR is a group that can help young girls to start dreaming and work towards achieving goals, and therefore build and strengthen communities," adds Apple.

6th Philippine Empowered Men and Women of the Year 2023 ...

... and Philippine Social Media Best Brand of the Year to honor Grandeur VVIP Beauty Lounge

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 21, 2023 8:00 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Grandeur VVIP Beauty lounge is one of the awardees of the Philippine Social Media Best Brand of the Year, while Ms. Elaiza Imutan will be honored by the Philippine Empowered Men and Women of the Year 2023 in a grand ceremony to be held at Teatrino Greenhills, San Juan on April 15, 2023.

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Photo shows from left: Elaiza Imutan, co-owner and business partner of Grandeur VVIP Beauty Lounge, Richard Hiñola - Philippines Awards Guru/Publisher Best Magazine and Jovelyn Sorio, also known as Ms LV, CEO/owner, Grandeur VVIP Beauty Lounge.

The Grandeur VVIP Beauty Lounge is officially open. It is a one-stop beauty haven with a wide array of services catering to both men and women.

Co-owned by Elaiza Imutan and CEO and President Jovelyn Sorio, The Beauty Lounge is located in the heart of Malate Manila.

“It's never easy to put up your own business when you are by yourself, especially when you're starting a new business. That’s why I decided to partner with Jovelyn Sorios. We share the same passion, enthusiasm, and excitement to provide equality and great service to our clients," said Elaiza.

In the photo are: Jovelyn Sorio (left), also known as Ms. LV, CEO/owner of Grandeur VVIP Beauty Lounge, and Elaiza Imutan, co-owner and business partner of Grandeur VVIP Beauty Lounge.

Grandeur VVIP Beauty lounge is one of the awardees of the Philippine Social Media Best Brand of the Year, while Ms. Elaiza Imutan will be honored by the Philippine Empowered Men and Women of the Year 2023 in a grand ceremony to be held at Teatrino Greenhills, San Juan on April 15, 2023.

Some of the awardees include Dulce, Joel Cruz, Arnold Vegafria, Evangeline Pascual, Rosa Rosal, Maria Cecilia Bravo, Raoul Barbosa, Wilbert Tolentino, Usec. Niña Taduran, etc.

GMA Regional TV makes love month extra special

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 22, 2023 09:09 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• GMA Regional TV kicked off its series of month-long activities by participating in Ilocos Sur’s Kannawidan Festival. Sparkle artists Ken Chan and Andrea Torres graced the opening ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Frontage in Vigan last Jan. 28. Boobay and Pepita Curtis bannered the LGBT Festival Queennadiwan at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay last Jan. 30 while EA Guzman hosted the LGBT Festival Queen 2023 Grand Coronation Night last Jan. 31.

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‘Mga Lihim ni Urduja’ stars Jeric Gonzales, Michelle Dee, Kylie Padilla, Pancho Magno, and Vin Abrenica graced the Panagbenga Festival

Love was truly felt in the air last month as Kapuso stars went all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to meet their fans in Kapuso Mall Shows and to celebrate with them at various festivals.

 
GMA Regional TV kicked off its series of month-long activities by participating in Ilocos Sur’s Kannawidan Festival. Sparkle artists Ken Chan and Andrea Torres graced the opening ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Frontage in Vigan last Jan. 28. Boobay and Pepita Curtis bannered the LGBT Festival Queennadiwan at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay last Jan. 30 while EA Guzman hosted the LGBT Festival Queen 2023 Grand Coronation Night last Jan. 31.

 

Sparkle artist Sophia Senoron hosted the Miss Ilocos Sur Grand Coronation last Feb. 2 with fellow Sparkle artist Dion Ignacio serenading the candidates. Ms. Eco International 2018 Thia Thomalla, in turn, served as one of the judges during the pageant night.

 

Celebrity Chef Jose Sarasola, on the other hand, was the guest and judge during the Culinary Competition last Feb. 3. Chef Jose also showed his culinary talent by preparing Ilocano dishes during the event.

 

Later that night, Tiktoclock hosts Kim Atienza, Rabiya Mateo and Faith da Silva further livened up the festivities during the Kapuso Fiesta. Joining them were ‘Hearts on Ice’ star Ashley Ortega, and ‘Voltes V: Legacy’ actor Martin del Rosario. Fellow Kapuso artists Bruce Roeland and Lianne Valentin also treated their Ilokano fans, while Vaness del Moral hosted the event.

‘Underage’ stars Hailey Mendes, Elijah Alejo, and Lexi Gonzales at Ilocos Sur’s Kannawidan Festival.

Gabby Concepcion made hearts flutter at the Gift Giving to the Elderlies last Feb. 6 as part of the Kannawidan’s Senior Citizens Day activities. ‘Underage’ stars Lexi Gonzales, Hailey Mendes, and Elijah Alejo made the Kannawidan Beach Party at Choco Surf Caoayan a blast last Feb. 9. Rochelle Pangilinan graced the Dance Craze as performer and judge last Feb. 10 while Mark Herras performed at the Kannawidan Street Dance Showdown last Feb. 11.

 
 ‘Voltes V: Legacy’ cast Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, and Raphael Landicho made the Kannawidan Festival extra special by leading the Kapuso Float Parade last Feb. 12.

 
Last Feb. 13, the vocal prowess of Kapuso singers Jessica Villarubin, Mariane Osabel, Garrett Bolden, and Thea Astley set the night ablaze during the Governor’s Night, One Ilocos Sur Party.

 
Love was indeed in the air at the Tinagba Festival 2023 in Iriga City, Camarines Sur as Love Is: Caught in Your Arms stars Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay together with Lianne Valentin performed in front of thousands of Irigeños last Feb. 11. Later that night, Rhian Ramos and EA Guzman participated at the Mayor’s Night Tinagba Street Party.

 
Also on the same day, during the 10th Dinagyaw sa Tablas 2023, Unica Hija’s Kate Valdez, Abot Kamay na Pangarap’s Andre Paras, and  Maria Clara at Ibarra’s Andrea Torres made the celebration extra fun during the Kapuso Fiesta at Candoni Sports Complex, Candoni, Negros Occidental.

Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza bannered the Kapuso Mall Show of Maria Clara at Ibarra in Pampanga. Joining her were Khalil Ramos, Pauline Mendoza, Kim De Leon, and Julia Pascual.

More festivals, Kapuso Mall Shows

Gracing the return of the Panagbenga Festival in the Summer Capital of the Philippines were the cast of the Kapuso primetime show ‘Mga Lihim ni Urduja’. Kapuso artists  Kylie Padilla, Jeric Gonzales, Vin Abrenica, Michelle Dee, and Pancho Magno fired up the atmosphere at Sunshine Park in Baguio City last Feb. 17.

 

GMA Regional TV also participated in the celebration of the 22nd Araw ng Sibugay at the Capitol Grounds, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Binibining Sibugay 2023 candidates were serenaded by ‘Mga Lihim ni Urduja’ star Kristoffer Martin during the coronation night last Feb. 22. The anniversary show held last Feb. 24 was also made more special by Kapuso artists Andrea Torres, Dion Ignacio, and Jake Vargas.

 

Various Kapuso Mall Shows were also held all over the Philippines. Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza bannered the Kapuso Mall Show of Maria Clara at Ibarra last Feb. 12 at the Ayala MarQuee Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga. Joining her were Khalil Ramos, Pauline Mendoza, Kim De Leon, and Julia Pascual.

Andrea Torres, Kate Valdez, and Andre Paras during Kapuso Fiesta in Candoni, Negros Occidental.

‘Voltes V: Legacy’ stars Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, and Raphael Landicho thrilled the fans during the Kapuso Mall Show at KCC Mall de Zamboanga last Feb. 18. They next visited Ayala MarQuee Mall in Angeles City Pampanga last Feb. 25.

 Also last Feb. 25, ‘Hearts on Ice’ stars Xian Lim and Ashley Ortega joined the celebration of the Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City held at KCC Convention and Events Center. Joining them were TiktoClock hosts Kuya Kim Atienza, Jayson Gainza, and Faith da Silva.

 
GMA Regional TV made the celebration of the Love month even memorable as it organized its nationwide Bloodletting Day last Feb. 10. Encouraging Filipinos all over the country to donate blood and save lives, GMA Regional TV was able to collect a total of 1,186 blood bags from Tarlac City, Vigan City, Cebu City, Bacolod City, Gen. Santos City, Zamboanga City, Naga City, Batangas City, Iloilo City, Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City.

Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza bannered the Kapuso Mall Show of Maria Clara at Ibarra in Pampanga. Joining her were Khalil Ramos, Pauline Mendoza, Kim De Leon, and Julia Pascual.

 
“Our hearts are full as we went around the country together with our various Kapuso shows and artists last February. The series of events also complemented GMA Network’s campaign of the Kapuso Love Month celebration that aimed to bring out the best in everyone. And we are just starting. We’re inviting all our Kapuso in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to join us in the upcoming events we have prepared for them,” says GMA First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor Amoroso.

 
More events are in store for Kapuso all over the country as GMA Regional TV continues to work together with various local government units in bringing closer to fans their favorite Kapuso shows and artists.

DoH warns vs hot weather diseases

By Red Mendoza

March 22, 2023 160

(UPDATE) THE Department of Health (DoH) has reminded the public to be extra careful to avoid diseases such as heat stroke, skin diseases and other common health problems associated with the dry season.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has officially declared the start of the "dry" season, which is characterized by warm temperatures in different parts of the country.

In a media briefing on Tuesday, Health Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the onset of the dry season will lead to health problems such as heat stroke.

She urged people who will go outside to wear hats or use umbrellas and avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"We should not go outside of our homes during that time, but if we really have to go out, we should wear hats or bring umbrellas," Vergeire said.

She also urged the public to apply sun protection lotions for additional protection, and to drink enough water to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.

The official reminded those who will go to resorts to ensure that the water in the swimming pools are clean and free of bacteria.

"You can get ear infections, eye infections in these resorts that are not checked or are filthy. You can also get gastrointestinal disease," Vergeire said.

She called on local government units to inspect resorts if they follow the appropriate standards on water safety, quality and cleanliness.

House panel OKs divorce bill

Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman. File Photo

By Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino

March 22, 2023 120

WITH a vote of 12-0, the House Committee on Population and Family Relations on Tuesday approved the substitute bill on divorce.

"The approval of the bill on absolute divorce for eventual plenary debates assures that the country is now at the threshold of joining the universality of absolute divorce in the community of nations," Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman said in a statement.

Annulment, declaration of nullity and legal separation are the only available options in the Philippines.

Last month, the House committee approved in principle the proposed laws for divorce after it heard resource persons' positions on divorce.

"The template of the substitute bill is my House Bill 78, which is almost a replica of the bill approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives during the 17th Congress. The approval of the same bill during the 18th Congress was stalled by the pandemic," Lagman said.

"While it is said that marriages are solemnized in heaven, the fact is some marriages plummet into hell because of human frailty and imperfections. The Divorce Act seeks to redeem couples, particularly the abused or abandoned wives, from infernal agony," he said.

"But it must be underscored that a law on absolute divorce is not for everybody. This act is for the exceptional circumstances of married couples who are marooned in toxic, dysfunctional and even abusive marriages, particularly for wives who suffer the torment of irreversibly dead marriages," Lagman said.

Under the bill, a divorce petition will undergo a judicial process where proof of the cause for the divorce is established and that the marriage has completely collapsed without any possibility of reconciliation. There will be a 60-day cooling-off period after the filing of a divorce petition "wherein the judge shall exert earnest efforts to reconcile the parties."

The cooling-off period will not apply in cases involving acts of violence against women and their children under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, or an attempt against the life of the other spouse or a common child or a child of the petitioner.

The cooling-off period would not be required for petitions under summary judicial proceedings.

Grounds for absolute divorce that may be subject to summary judicial proceedings will include separation for at least five years; when one of the spouses has contracted a bigamous marriage; when the spouses have been legally separated by judicial decree for at least two years; when one of the spouses has been sentenced to imprisonment for at least six years, even if subsequently pardoned; or when one of the spouses has undergone sex reassignment surgery or has transitioned into another sex.

Ridge of high pressure area, easterlies affecting PH – Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times

GENERALLY-fair weather is expected over the next 24 hours across the country due to the ridge of the high pressure area (HPA) and easterlies which both bring hot temperatures and warm, humid conditions, the state-run-weather agency said on Wednesday.

Weather forecaster Benison Estareja of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) stressed that there is no summer but only a warm-dry season in the country.

Filipinos are used to saying it is the summer season during the months of March, April and May since these are the hottest months in the Philippines.

But state meteorologists would always refer to this period as the dry season.

Estareja said the ridge of HPA, which is in the north Pacific Ocean, is now extending over Northern and Central Luzon.

Pagasa said the ridge refers to the extended part of an HPA or an anticyclone.

"An opposite of the low pressure area, HPA indicates an area where the atmospheric pressure is higher than its surroundings. Formation of clouds is usually suppressed, thus, less chance of rains," the state weather bureau said.

Meanwhile, the easterlies -- winds coming from the east, passing through the Pacific Ocean, bringing warm and humid weather to the country – and localized thunderstorms are bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

Now that the country is in the warm-dry season, isolated rain showers and thunderstorms can still be expected, especially during late afternoon and at night, according to Estareja.

'First tier' PH banks seen 'managing fine'

 

By Niña Myka and Pauline Arceo

BIGGER domestic banks are expected to perform better than their smaller counterparts in an uncertain business environment highlighted by higher inflation and interest rates, a Fitch Group unit said in a report on Tuesday.

CreditSights affirmed a neutral or "market perform" recommendation for three "first tier" banks — BDO Unibank Inc., Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) — and "second tier" Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).

An "underperform" outlook, meanwhile, was retained for three other "second tier" institutions: Security Bank Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and Philippine National Bank (PNB).

"Among the Philippine banks, we prefer the first tier banks over the second tier names in the current environment," CreditSights said.

"The persistent inflation and aggressive rate hikes are likely to put some pressure on loan growth and asset quality in the quarters to come, but we see the first tier banks managing fine due to their larger more resilient corporate books, ability to grow and protect their NIMs (net interest margins) as a result of their stronger competitive position and better established franchises, good capital and loss absorption buffers," it added.

The separation between first and second tier banks, CreditSights said, is "increasingly clear" given their 2022 earnings results.

The former, given their bigger and more established businesses, were said to have kept fund cost pressures relatively well controlled as liquidity tightened in 2022. NIMs were subsequently expanded throughout last year.

Net interest income and core operating growth were also better compared to second tier banks. NIM growth is expected to continue in the first half of 2023 and the Fitch unit also noted that first tier asset quality was "more benign," and that credit costs were lower and on a more stable trajectory.

"The second tier banks, on the other hand, are in a tough spot; pronounced NIM pressure due to their weaker deposit franchises and competition in the term loan market due to still lackluster corporate demand have driven them further into the higher yielding but riskier lending segments," it said.