Duterte’s TRAIN devalues daily pay & pushes workers into deeper poverty

By ALU-TUCP
March 11, 2018

QUEZON CITY – Minimum wage earners and informal sector workers fell further in deeper poverty three months into the increases in the prices of goods and services due to the implementation of the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) excise tax on fuel and sweetened beverages and the increase in prices of government documents.

In a monitoring of prevailing prices by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) released on February 9, 2018 , the real value or the buying power of the country’s 17 regions total average daily nominal minimum wage of P329.35 is now only P210 a day.

In Metro Manila, the country’s highest minimum wage, the buying power of P512 daily minimum pay fell to P357.29. On the other hand, the real value or purchasing power of the country’s lowest minimum pay of P265 a day in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is P152.12 a day.

As of March 1, 2018, the total purchasing power of workers for a month fell to P8,575. However, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the published standard amount needed by a family of five to survive within poverty line in 2015 is P9,064.

“We noticed the erosion of wage’s purchasing power move quickly downwards by 6% in just a matter of two months from January to February upon the affectivity of TRAIN. This extraordinary devaluation of monthly salary is significant to the informal sector workers earning less than P12,000 a month and the minimum wage earners receiving less than the same amount,” said Alan Tanjusay, spokesperson of labor group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP).

“We urge government’s immediate and quality response to save and prevent these workers, who help build our economy and who are producers of goods and services to make our economy competitive, from falling through the cracks,” Tanjusay said.

With the inflation rate hitting 3.9 % by the end of February 2018, the ALU-TUCP expect it to rise by the end of the month in the light of impending increases in the cost of electricity, rice, fish, sardines, vegetables, condiments and prices of gasoline.

The March 15 meeting between ALU-TUCP and President Duterte on the group’s proposed P500 government monthly subsidy was moved to March 22.

The ALU-TUCP proposed to Duterte an amelioration program called Labor Empowerment and Assistance Program (LEAP). Under the program, minimum wage earners will received monthly a P500 worth of grocery items to help the workers cope with the rising cost of living caused by TRAIN.

Duterte regime’s proscription petition targets critics, rights defenders

By KARAPATAN
March 9, 2018

QUEZON CITY – Karapatan condemns the listing of more than 600 persons, human rights defenders and critics of the Duterte government in the proscription petition filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), through Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong, at a regional court in Manila on February 21, 2018. The petition not only seeks to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as terrorist organizations but also named individuals as their supposed leaders or members, including those who are dead, missing and members of paramilitary units accused of killing Lumads in Mindanao.

“There is no doubt that the filing of the petition is an effort to sow fear and panic among Duterte's supposed detractors, subjectively prepare the public for more intense political repression, and be the front act of a crackdown against the dictator wannabe's critics. The list of leaders and members is a take-off from the Order of Battle (OB) lists of the Gloria Arroyo and Noynoy Aquino regimes," said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina E. Palabay.

She recalled that persons listed in the OB often ended up arrested based on false charges, incarcerated and even tortured, missing or killed. “Not only do such lists incite human rights violations, they also legitimize and make "normal" to the public the government's abuse of power in suppressing dissent and decimating the supposed ‘enemies of the state’,” she stated.

Victoria Tauli Corpuz, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples and former Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, is among the named individuals in the petition. “This is a clear case of reprisal from Malacanang for Corpuz’s expressed concern over possible cases of human rights violations due to the imposition of martial law in Mindanao. She and another UN SR released a statement in response to a letter of allegation submitted by Karapatan to her office,” Palabay commented.

In the list also are human rights defenders who have been in the forefront of defending and protecting human and people’s rights like Elisa Tita Lubi, Karapatan National Executive Committee member and former interim Regional Coordinator of the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD).

Also named in the petition are Joan Carling, past Secretary General of the Asian Indigenous Peoples’ Pact (AIPP) and former member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; Atty. Jose Molintas, former member of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP); Beverly Longid, Global Coordinator of the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL); Sandugo Co-Chairperson Joanna Cariño; Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA) Chairperson Windel Bolinget; and at least 10 Lumad datu/leaders in Northern and Southern Mindanao. Even more unbelievable is the inclusion in the list of the names of the nine-member Karapatan quick reaction team arrested in November 2017 and HR defenders in Negros.

While National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as an organization was omitted in the proscription, those involved in the peace talks between the GRP and NDFP were listed like Peace Panel members Coni Ledesma, Juliet de Lima and Benito Tiamzon; Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison; Senior Adviser Luis Jalandoni; Wilma Austria-Tiamzon and at least 20 other peace consultants; and former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, independent cooperator.

The Karapatan leader also said that the list is “severely defective as it contains scores of aliases (aka), John and Jane Does so any person can be added later."

"The list also contains seven names of paramilitary group members including four from the New Indigenous Peoples' Army (NIPAR), led by Alde "Butchoy" Salusad, who have standing warrants for the killing of Lumad leader Datu Jimmy Liguyon. They also have been presented and paid as surrenderees, consistent to their being all-purpose pawns in the military's repressive schemes,” Palabay said.

“On the whole, DOJ’s proscription petition is dubious and a maneuver meant to harass, target and criminalize persons in progressive organizations. We should oppose this and other tyrannical acts that brand legitimate dissent and activism as ‘terrorism.’ What should be addressed instead is Duterte’s brand of state terrorism, which has victimized thousands. Indeed, shouldn't Duterte be branded instead as the number 1 terrorist?” Palabay concluded.

DPWH RD Tabacon inspects status of Caraycaray bridge

Press Release
March 9, 2018

NAVAL, Biliran – Engr. Edgar B. Tabacon, Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII conducts inspection of CarayCaray Bridge with Engr. David P. Adongay Jr., District Engineer and Engr. Alfredo L. Bollido, Assistant District Engineer of Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO) on March 2 to assess the status of the said bridge.

After Tropical Storm Urduja, BDEO is exerting efforts to restore the CarayCaray Bridge within the 30-days timeline set by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar.

Both approaches of the Caraycaray bridge undergone backfilling and embankment to serve as a temporary passage for the public. It was opened to traffic for motorcycles and tricycles on January 9, 2018 and to light vehicles on January 11, 2018.

During the inspection of RD Tabacon, the approaches of Caraycaray Bridge is undergoing riprapping works to ensure that the remaining structures can still sustain another flooding while waiting for the construction of the new bridge.

Construction for the new CarayCaray Bridge is already under Preliminary and Detailed Engineering (PDE) stage undertaken by the Regional Office thru consultancy.

The approaches of the said bridge was severely damaged during the onslaught of TS Urduja last December, 2017.

BDEO has still deployed maintenance personnel under Engr. Glenda G. Dagalea, Acting Chief in the Maintenance Section to man the traffic in Caraycaray Bridge as it is limited only to 4-wheels and light vehicles.

Heavy vehicles are advised to take the alternate long route Naval-Almeria-Kawayan-Culaba-Caibiran-Cabucgayan road and vice versa.

Bantay Kapayapaan troopers: Ready to perform its mission

By DPAO, 8ID PA
March 8, 2018

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army formally closed the Battalion Organizational Training of 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion with Maj. Gen. Robert M. Arevalo, Acting Commanding General, Philippine Army as the Guest of Honor and Speaker at the 8ID Battalion Retraining Facilities (BRF), Camp Eugenio Daza, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar on March 8, 2018 at 11 o’ clock in the morning.

Bantay Kapayapaan is a newly organized battalion and composed of seasoned Officers and Enlisted Personnel who underwent a four-week organizational training. The newly organized unit is part of the 10 Battalions that will be activated to fast tract the AFP’s peace and development efforts all over the country.

Maj. Gen. Raul M Farnacio, Commander, 8ID in his remarks, congratulated all the gallant members of Bantay Kapayapan headed by Lt. Col. Hilarion G. Palma for successfully completing the battalion organizational training. He further urged them to live up to the unit’s creed.

“As we welcome you to the battlefield, I remind all of you to perform only your duty as a disciplined soldier, establish rapport with the people, build bridges to communities and especially those that long have been under the shadow of the terrorists. We have already won significant amount of the people support especially during our effort in Mindanao and Marawi. It is our time or golden opportunity to produce decisive accomplishments against our enemies and be the best example of our profession to the Filipino people,” Maj. Gen. Farnacio stated.

Maj. Gen. Robert M. Arevalo AFP, in his message said that, “Sa inyong presensiya bilang Bantay Kapayapaan troopers dito sa lalawigan ng Eastern Visayas Region, ay naniniwala kami na malaki ang maiaambag niyo sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan upang lalong maging maunlad ang lugar at maiangat ang kalidad ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan.”

Ormoc agrarian beneficiaries savor first harvest

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
March 8, 2018

ORMOC CITY – Tired but obviously happy was how the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Barangay Sumanga looked on Tuesday as they savor their first harvest of sugarcane within the 17.5-hectare land awarded to them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) 21 years ago.

“Masaya kami dahil may income na kami. May pambayad na sa lupa, at matutupad na ang pangarap ng anak ko na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.” (We are happy because we now have income. We can now pay land amortization, and my child’s dream to get a college degree will already be realized.) These were the words of Pablo Silva, 55, one of the 24 ARBs and president of the Sumanga United Farmers Association (SUFA) during the interview.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Perpetua Sabaldan who takes charge of installation activities in Leyte, explained that the 17.5 hectares are just part of the 35-hectare property previously owned by the Potenciano and Anecita Larrazabal Enterprises Corporation (PALEC) that was awarded to SUFA.

According to her, 12 hectares of which were planted to root crops by the ARBs.

Their journey as ARBs was not smooth. They were blocked from entering the property by the previous landowner who resisted coverage of the lot under CARP.

Pablo and the 23 other ARBs waited for 19 years to be installed in their awarded land, and two more years before they were able to harvest in the land that was already theirs 21 years ago.

He narrated that after several attempts, they were successfully installed on June 20, 2016 with the combined efforts of officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); KAISAHAN, a non-government organization assisting them; and the Philippine National Police.

But the previous landowner bargained during the dialogue to allow them to harvest first the existing crop for they were the ones who planted them. After the harvest, the previous landowner surrendered the land to the ARBs as promised during the said dialogue.

Pablo shared that during Tuesday’s harvest they are expecting about 15 truckloads of freshly harvested sugarcane with an estimated net income of P14,000 for every truckload.

As it takes about 12 months for this crop before it could be harvested, the ARBs had to wait until the current year to experience the complete success of their struggle.

However, Wowie Silva, 21, who helps his father, Pablo, in farming said it could have been better if the trucks that would transport the harvested sugarcane to the sugar central can enter the area for fast and easy hauling.

Wowie disclosed that trucks can no longer enter their area because the road leading here is privately owned by the previous landowner and the latter dug a big hole along the way preventing trucks from passing by.

Because of this according to him, the men have to carry on their shoulders the harvested sugarcane for a distance of about a kilometer where trucks can wait.

Though this is no longer a big deal to Pablo, still he appeals to concerned sectors to help them have an access road.

Hundreds of women march to decry VAW, poverty, contractualization, federalism

Press Release
March 8, 2018

MANILA – Hundreds of women marched to Mendiola on International Women’s Day to decry the present administration’s inaction and contribution to the inequality that continues to be experienced by Filipino women today.

Members of women’s movement Oriang denounced President Duterte’s frequent anti-women statements and failed policy promises as major threats to the state of Filipino women’s rights, particularly to their rights to work, livelihood, health, and security.

“Duterte stepped into the presidency bearing the promise of real change, but he has delivered nothing but the same dismal conditions to Filipinos – if not worse,” said Flora Asiddao Santos, National President of Oriang.

“His failure to end labor contractualization along with his betrayal of the poor through the deadly War on Drugs and the burdensome TRAIN Law have exacerbated the marginalization of the most vulnerable groups in society – primarily, women,” said Santos.

“On this International Day of Women, it is important that we surface the very distinct and dire manner by which women experience social inequalities,” said Oriang Secretary General Oyette Zacate.

According to Oyette Zacate, apart from the usual impacts of issues like labor contractualization, unemployment, violence, and environmental degradation, women experience additional pressures and burdens due alone to their position as women.

“Women are hit harder by this administration’s unequal policies. We see this in the discriminatory retrenching of pregnant women in labor contracting firms, in the greater rate of violence against female OFWs, in greater rates of land grabbing and unpaid agricultural work committed against rural and indigenous women, in the harsher impacts of TRAIN-caused high prices on poor women and women vendors, and in many other issues of social inequality,” said Zacate.

Kimberly Arriola, Oriang Vice Chairperson, then condemned Duterte’s proposed federalism as another so-called ‘change’ by the administration that threatens to breed a host of inequality impacts for women.

“As long as patriarchal and elite governance is the norm in the country, federalism will only serve to bolster the marginalization of vulnerable groups like women – especially poor women – while fattening the pockets of existing political dynasties and corporations,” said Arriola.

Arriola also condemned the Duterte administration’s unapologetic misogyny, as manifested in lascivious and violent remarks thrown frequently by various officials, led by the President himself.

“The Philippine society’s perception of the rights and dignity of women as human beings is at a danger of being in decline due to a trend of misogyny within our government,” added Arriola.

“Although done under the guise of humor, this behavior of our leaders is no laughing matter for women at actual risk of greater discrimination and harassment,” she said.

According to Flora Santos, the administration’s gross neglect and trampling of women’s rights and women’s issues serve as a wake-up call for women all over the country to collectively push back.

“Duterte and the rest of his administration have revealed themselves as false agents of change in this country, especially in the lives of women who have had to suffer through age-old sexism through countless administrations,” said Santos.

“We thus call on Filipinas to rise up and actively resist an administration that has unapologetically shown contempt for women and other vulnerable sectors,” she said.

“The International Day of Women has taught us that it is not through select leaders, but through the organization and collective action that true equality is achieved and preserved,” she concluded.

Sec. Lopez lauds Senate approval PH-EFTA Free Trade Agreement

By DTI-OSEC-PRU
March 7, 2018

PASAY CITY – Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez hailed the ratification of the Senate of the Philippines-European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (PH-EFTA FTA) during its third reading last 05 March 2018.

“The PH-EFTA FTA is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s strategy of pursuing trade relations with non-traditional as well as high potential trade partners. With this ratification, the Philippines will benefit from expanded trade engagements with non-EU members even as it gives us greater access to the European market,” said Sec. Lopez.

The agreement will allow duty-free market access between the Philippines and the EFTA member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) to trade products and services and facilitate investments.

Sec. Lopez said: “While there’s a large potential to expand our trade and investment relations with EFTA, the FTA also capitalizes on it since trade goods between the Philippines and EFTA are non-competing.”

The FTA benefits the PH especially in exporting agricultural, industrial, and fishery products. Once the FTA is in place, EFTA will grant duty-free market access to all industrial and fishery products from PH.

PH will also gain tax incentives on agricultural products, particularly those (1) that are currently being exported to the EFTA Member States such as desiccated coconut, prepared or preserved pineapples, and raw cane sugar; (2) with high potential export interest, including those exported to neighboring European countries, which can be alternatively exported to EFTA countries.

“This will improve the country’s market share vis-à-vis the other ASEAN countries in the EFTA market. The Philippines can take the opportunity to position itself as EFTA’s primary import source of these products,” said Senator Loren B. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during her speech at the Senate last February 26.

In return, PH will also grant EFTA countries duty-free market access on most industrial and fishery products as well as market access on goods such as temperate fruits, mineral and aerated waters, food preparations, chocolate, cheese and wine.

The agreement will also welcome foreign investments on renewable energy, computer and related services (IT-BPM), construction, environmental services, maritime transport, and finance.

Highly-skilled Filipino workers will also have easier entry in the 4 countries. The agreement allows temporary stay of the following service suppliers, without the need for an economic needs test: (1) executives, managers and specialists (who are intra-corporate transfers), (2) business visitors, (3) contractual service suppliers, and (4) installers of service industrial machinery.

The PH-EFTA FTA will be effective three months after its ratification in PH and at least one EFTA member state. Once implemented, this is the Philippines’ second bilateral FTA after the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) in 2008.

Carmudi academy for road safety heads to DLSU

Press Release
March 5, 2018

TAGUIG – After officially launching its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, global online car platform Carmudi has renewed efforts, starting off its road safety campaign for this year in one of premier universities in the country.

The Carmudi Academy for Road Safety (CARS) program kicked off for 2018 at the De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila.

The CARS program is designed to create awareness and help students – particularly in Universities and Colleges – raise their basic understanding of road safety.

During the event, Kris Lim, Head of Public Relations and Marketing of Carmudi Philippines, reiterated the road safety program focuses on three fundamentals that would lead to better and safer driving: right knowledge; right skills; and right attitude.

He shared to the participants some facts and figures pertaining to road safety, specifically road accidents that occurred in the Philippines.

According to Lim, a surprisingly huge number of the motoring public (composed of drivers, pedestrians and commuters) lack the basic knowledge of road signs, markings, traffic rules and regulations, does not have the sufficient defensive driving skills and as does not practice proper attitude while on the road.

He also said that the program held at De La Salle University (DLSU) is just the start of series of campus workshops that they will be doing as the year progresses.

“Instilling in their minds the key factors to better and safer driving is not a one-time event but a continuous program for Carmudi," Lim said.

"Our aim is to create a harmonious and safer driving environment for motoring public," he added.

Further, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) – a constant partner of Carmudi Philippines in its road safety efforts – took part in the inauguration of the CARS program.

Through AAP Advocacies Manager Cynthia Reyes, the national auto club discussed the overview of Republic Act 4136 – also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code – and showed scenarios which resulted in road crashes.

Carmudi forged its partnership with AAP, which also led to assisting the club in the reproduction of copies of the RA 4136, which was also given to the participants.

Aside from AAP, Carmudi also invited road safety advocate Arnel Doria that further discussed the advantage of defensive driving on the road and driving behavior of motorists.