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opposition solons
OVER the past few years, the attorneys at CHALEFF REHWALD PETERSON (www.caregiverovertime.com) have had the honor of informing CAREGIVERS: even if there is a signed a document that purports to identify them as a contractor. Still, it is common for private employers to try to hundreds of caregivers about the convince caregivers they are specific overtime laws that protect caregivers from being overworked and underpaid. Many of these Are you ready to claim independent contractors because it is much less costly and much more advantageous for them. caregivers decided to call us after reading our articles on Weekend Balita or finding our Facebook page. your overtime in 2020? The reality is that many private employers misclassify caregivers as independent contractors to These are some of our favorite calls avoid paying overtime and other to receive. And, as a result of these employee benefits. calls, we have been able to help hundreds of caregivers recover 4. “I Did Not Pay Taxes on The millions in unpaid overtime. Wages I Did Receive.”
We would have been able to help While we recommend that our many more caregivers. But the clients pay all taxes owed for the truth is that some caregivers who wages received, if a caregiver have suffered wage theft, and been has not paid taxes on wages, the exploited by their employers, do not caregiver still has the legal right want to pursue their claims. We have to seek the overtime wages due. recognized several common fears It is the employer’s obligation to that prevent caregivers from taking properly classify the employee and action. If you have been thinking withhold state and federal income about making an overtime claim, taxes. If this has not happened, the or calling to get more information, employer has also violated the law. please do not hesitate to call us. We want to hear from you.
Here are some of the most common concerns we hear from caregivers and 5. “I Do Not Have A Social Security Number.” the reasons why these concerns should not prevent you from seeking the You do not need a social security number to recover overtime wages overtime compensation you deserve. from your employer. If you succeed in your unpaid overtime claim, Chaleff Rehwald Peterson can help you get an ITIN that can be used to pay the 1. “I Feel Obligated To My Patient.” taxes owed.
By nature, caregivers are typically caring people. Many private employers take advantage of a caregiver’s compassionate nature and do not pay a fair 6. “I Am Concerned About Immigration Status.” wage. Many caregivers feel a sense of loyalty or obligation towards their California law permits undocumented workers to recover unpaid overtime employers that make them reluctant to pursue valid claims. wages. In our experience, our undocumented clients have not suffered
While these are noble sentiments, it does not change the fact that caregivers any serious adverse effect from presenting an overtime claim. While we who are paid less than the legally required wages are victims of wage theft. cannot guarantee no problem will arise, we believe the benefit in recovering In fact, many people who hire in-home caregivers are financially able to pay unpaid overtime far outweighs the risk. Also, we have a relationship with for caregiving services as required by law, but simply choose not to because an immigration attorney that can review and possibly assist with your they want to save money. We often see the children of elderly patients making specific immigration situation. efforts to preserve their own inheritance by taking advantage of caregivers. The truth is that the family members are obligated to ensure their loved 7. “I Do Not Want A Long Court Battle, and May Leave the Country.” ones are adequately cared for. It is not a caregiver’s obligation to provide Most cases settle without going to court, and many cases settle within a care in exchange for a wage that is less than what the law requires. matter of a few months to a year. We regularly help caregivers who return to their home countries while the case is ongoing and keep in contact with 2. “I Am Afraid Of The Court System And Having A Lawsuit.” us via the phone and internet. Because the laws are so strong in favor of the
Many private employers refuse to pay caregivers overtime because they caregiver, most employers seek an early settlement of claims. believe caregivers are unsophisticated and will not be able to file a legal If you are working as a caregiver and you are not paid overtime when claim. The legal process can be intimidating and confusing. But that is why working more than 9 hours a day, or 45 hours a week, you should consult the lawyers at CHALEFF REWALD PETERSON are here to help. We know with CHALEFF REHWALD PETERSON to discuss your rights. We are here the law and stand ready to help. to help. With the penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees allowed, claims can exceed 3. “I Signed A Document Stating I Am An Independent Contractor.” $200,000 for 24-hour caregivers who have worked just one year. Even if you
It is unlikely that an in-home caregiver is an independent contractor have only worked three to six months, you likely have a valuable claim.
This article is an attorney advertisement written by Daniel Chaleff, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson in Woodland Hills. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. Or visit us at www.caregiverovertime.com/ to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.
ASEAN parliamentarians to Duterte admin: Stop red-tagging opposition solons
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Southeast Asian parliamentarians advocating for human rights have called on the Duterte administration to immediately stop its "vicious and dangerous" red-tagging campaign against opposition lawmakers in the Philippines.
The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) made the call amid Duterte and other government officials' continued association of the House Makabayan Bloc with communist rebels even as the concerned lawmakers themselves have already denied links to the insurgents.
“Red-tagging has had extremely violent consequences in the Philippines, and the fact we are seeing President Duterte leading the way on such a menacing practice is utterly inexcusable,” said Charles Santiago, a Malaysian Member of Parliament (MP) and chair of APHR.
“Let’s be clear: not only do the president’s actions attempt to silence political opposition and undermine democracy, but they also directly put people’s lives at risk, particularly those who oppose his agenda," he added.
The APHR noted that in the Philippines, "red-tagging" is being used by authorities to harass those perceived as threats to the country by linking them with communists or communist sympathizers, and those that have been labeled as such have either been attacked or killed.
Only recently, Duterte himself even took a step further and "definitely" named the Makabayan Bloc and other progressive groups like Bayan and Gabriela as fronts for the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front (NDF).
He also claimed that these progressive groups are part of a "grand conspiracy" led by the CPP to oust the government.
“How can lawmakers be expected to fulfil their role as a check on the executive when they themselves are being attacked?" Santiago said. "We urgently call on President Duterte and the Philippine government to stop labelling directly-elected representatives as terrorists, and allow opposition lawmakers to effectively fulfil their mandates and freely express their opinions,” he added.
The APHR said Duterte's latest comments are part of his administration's widespread assault on democracy and human rights in the Philippines as they took note of the war on drugs, the jailing of government critics including APHR member Senator Leila De Lima, and the introduction of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
“We call on MPs in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia to use their positions to speak up against the practice of ‘red tagging’ in the Philippines, particularly by government officials towards political opponents, and ensure that their colleagues can effectively fulfil their mandates as elected representatives of the people,” said Mu Sochua, an APHR Board Member and former Cambodian MP. (MNS)
Trillanes says he sought ICC intervention vs. Duterte’s drug war ahead of Reds
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday said he and former Magdalo congressman Gary Alejano sought the intervention of the International Criminal Court in connection with the Duterte administration's war on drugs ahead of other groups, including the Reds.
In a statement, Trillanes said the communication they filed in June 2017 adopted and supplemented the one earlier filed by lawyer Jude Sabio in April of the same year. "Together, these two communications formed the primary basis for the ICC’s initiation of its preliminary examination in February 2018," he said.
He claimed that leftist groups and lawyer Rommel Bagares filed theirs only around mid- to late 2018.
“During the first two years of the Duterte administration, the CPP/ NPA/NDF [were] in a power sharing/coalition government with Duterte. In fact, there were at least three Cabinet secretaries from the CPP/NPA/NDF,” Trillanes said. FORMER SENATOR
ANTONIO TRILLANES IV
Cops’ gimmicks bringing anxiety to the public must be stopped — Sinas
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Gimmicks of police officers which could cause anxiety to the general public must be stopped, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas said on Thursday.
In a television interview, Sinas was asked for his reaction about the prank supposedly made by the Cebu City Police where its men pretended to arrest civilians but in reality, will just give them Christmas gifts.
According to local reports, police would issue warrants of arrest to some civilians. Later on, they would be brought to the police vehicle only to find out that they will be given gifts. The said gimmick was dubbed as "arrestoguinaldo."
Sinas said the gimmick is not part of his directive to police officers. "Wala naman 'yun sa regular directive namin. Baka initiative lang po ng mga lower units natin. Titingnan ko po kung ano ang nangyari, maybe kung it's good, then we could support it but if it already caused anxiety sa publiko at sa mga kababayan natin, I will direct them to stop such practices po," Sinas said.
Sinas admitted that he is not privy with this gimmick, noting that he will still talk to the police officers involved in this matter. "Alamin ko pa po kung ano ang sit-
PNP CHIEF POLICE GENERAL DEBOLD SINAS
wasyon na 'yan baka kung ano 'yung gimmick ng pulis natin doon. I have no actual knowledge po doon," Sinas said. "Maybe, I'll talk to those in charge po doon, at alamin kung how it was carried out, kung ano 'yung intention, ano 'yung program. Baka sa kanila lang po 'yun and they want just to impress people," he added.
Foreign videos
PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana told GMA News Online that the prank was an imitation of what the local police see in foreign videos. "The intention by a group of police officers is to make a 'target victim fall into their trap' and then make fun out of a post-staged act revelation," Usana said. "To the person/s subject of that scenario, they may end up shocked or laughing as the result of such unexpected situation. We have seen this in some local reality programs naman po. Some have worked, some have not," he explained.
According to Usana, the PNP is open if the "victims" of this prank will decide to file a formal complaint against the gimmick.
Some individuals as well as netizens in social media have criticized the said prank of the Cebu City Police.
In a press statement, Bayan Muna lawmaker Ferdinand Gaite slammed the prank, saying it is just bringing unnecessary stress to its targets. Gaite said the gimmick should be stopped. "Instead of holiday cheers this ill-conceived gimmick brings chills and causes unwarranted stress and shame to its victims, people who might already be under a lot of stress due to the pandemic and the bad economy. Hindi nakakatuwa. Itigil na lang nila 'yan," Gaite said. "Pwede nga maaresto ang isang sibilyan kung mag-prank call siya sa PNP Hotline, tapos ganitong gimmick pa ang naisipan nila, hindi talaga maganda. Pasko po ang parating, not April Fool's," he added.
Gaite said police could give Christmas gifts "without any distasteful humor."
He also said the PNP should be "more circumspect about this considering all the anomalies the institution is facing, including tokhang which are again being brought to light following the recent statement of the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor." (MNS)
'Another fi asco, and you’re out', Duterte tells toll board
MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte warned officials of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) that they may face sacking if another “fiasco” such as the traffic mess caused by the implementation of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) toll collection system in expressways in Luzon would happen.
In a public address late Wednesday night, Duterte called TRB officials “inutile”, and suggested to replace them with a retired military official if they could not improve their regulatory services.
“Another fiasco, alis na kayong lahat at ilagay ko nalang sa isang tao (and you’re all out and I’ll appoint someone else there). You better call them regularly [Transport Secretary] Art [Tugade] at pag hindi (because if not), just set them aside maglagay ka lang ng tao diyan, expert na mag-plano, isang tao lang naman kailangan diyan e. Magkuha ka ng military (just assign someone there, an expert, just one person is needed. Get someone from the military),” he said.
Duterte said that before he could even start firing anyone, TRB officials who acted as “deadwood” were better off stepping down from their posts.
“I have to weed out incompetence. I do not want you becoming a deadwood. If you cannot perform what is expected of you then the best that you can do for decency’s sake, resign and do not wait to be fired because masakit ‘yan, mapahiya ka (because being embarrassed is going to hurt),” he said.
He said the traffic mess and confusion could have been avoided if the TRB had fully prepared for the rollout of the cashless toll collection system before it was implemented.
“Next time you prepare the public. Kayong mga (You) regulators, if there are changes, if there are I said innovations there, let them practice it. Ayusin niyo muna. Huwag kayo basta papasok-pasok (Fix it first. Don’t just suddenly implement it) especially if it involves public interest and public safety,” he said.
According to Duterte, their incompetence had caused additional “hardships” on the people.
“Public interest, protect the public. Do not for Christ’s sakes, do not make it hard for the people to survive. I’ve been telling you just to make Philippines a comfortable place,” he said.
Duterte urged TRB officials to meet with Tugade on Thursday to discuss measures to fix the RFID mess.
He said he could not blame toll operators because it was the TRB’s job to have studied and tested the cashless payment system on a trial run before it was carried out. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Fleet review, wing flyby shows AFP development — Gapay
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The fleet review and wing flyby held off Morong, Bataan on Wednesday highlighted the development of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) into a respectable military force. "The fleet review and wing flyby showcases the AFP's development into world-class armed forces and a regional power through the modest but well-planned AFP modernization program," AFP chief-of-staff General Gilbert Gapay said.
The event is one of the highlights of the AFP's 85th founding anniversary which is on December 21. Around 63 air and naval assets took part in the said activities. Among those who participated were the newly-commissioned missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), and strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), which led the Philippine Navy (PN) contingent while three Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH light-lift jet trainers and two S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters spearheaded those of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Other naval assets present include the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), BRP Batak (LCC-299), BRP Abraham Campo (PC-296), and BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25).
Meanwhile, 36 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft also joined the FA-50PH and the S-71is, including the two AugustaWestland AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine and three AW-109 "Power" combat utility helicopters.
Onboard BRP Batak, a Navy landing craft, is the Philippine Army's Simba armored personnel carrier and the Philippine Marine Corps' V-150. "We are truly grateful to our Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte, for the unprecedented support to our modernization," Gapay said.
A short ceremony was held on-site and was headed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who was aboard BRP Tarlac (LD-601) that served as the viewing deck for defense officials and senior military officers attending the activity. "This showcase of our reliable and modern assets is our gift to the Filipino people. This is where your taxes go. The AFP as protector of the people and the state shall continue its judicious use of its resources and protect the trust and
Top defense and military officials, led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief-of-staff General Gilbert Gapay, watch the fleet review and wing flyby on Wednesday at Morong, Bataan. (MNS photo)
support the people have vested on us," Gapay said.
In an interview with reporters, Lorenzana said the fleet review and wing flyby shows to the Filipinos that the AFP is starting to upgrade itself albeit modestly.
"I feel proud (that) this happened during my term as the Secretary of Defense but more than anything else, we should thank the President for his concern, his push to buy more equipment," he said. (MNS)
Tugade apologizes to motorists, LGUs for RFID mess
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Wednesday apologized to the motorists and local government units who were affected by the massive traffic congestion and other inconveniences caused by the RFID system in some tollways.
“Again I express my apologies to the users of the tollways, to the local government for the convenience whatever it cost. be assured that the inconveniences cost is not designed, is not intended,” Tugade said in a live briefing.
“There will be a day today, consider what is happening now as what we call a birthing experience para ayusin ho namin yan,” he added.
Many motorists have found themselves stuck in slow-moving traffic in the first several days of cashless collection of toll payment in expressways.
Due to the traffic, the local government of Valenzuela also suspended the business permit of NLEX Corporation, which cleared traffic jams in the area.
“Alam ko ho na nakakabulahaw dahil sa mga nangyari. Nahihiya po ako sa Valenzuela, sa mga local govenrment, sa mga nagmamaneho,” Tugade said.
“Be assured that your Department of Transportation, together with the TRB, the LTO, and the LTFRB are trying its utmost best to achieve that interoperability,” he added.
Tugade also said that he wanted the barriers removed.
“Sabi ko alisin niyo na lang ‘yan, diretsyo na lang ‘yan. Pagnagkaroon ng glitch, kasi pagnagkaroon ng glitch pila yan, sagutin niyo na ‘yon kasi that is a problem of the sytem. If it is a problem of the system why should you make the travelres and the public suffer? You bear the cost because that is your system,” he said. (MNS)
TRILLANES… FROM PAGE 10
He was referring to Left-recommended former National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor Liza Maza, former Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, and former Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael "Paeng" Mariano. "It is clear that when the CPP/NPA/ NDF were still in bed with [President Rodrigo] Duterte, they countenanced Duterte’s extrajudicial killings," Trillanes said. "During those times, they never called out Duterte for the EJKs and, therefore, did not file a case with the ICC. It was only when the peace talks [were] eventually scrapped by Duterte that they started raising issues against him," he added.
But CPP founding chairman Joma Sison previously said the Reds were never allied with Duterte despite the said appointments.
Sabio's withdrawal from ICC case
Meanwhile, Trillanes said the withdrawal of Sabio from the ICC last January "merely removed himself as a stakeholder" and did not affect the case filed in any way.
Sabio, the lawyer of self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato, filed the first complaint against Duterte at the ICC in connection with the administration's controversial anti-illegal drugs campaign in 2017.
The ICC prosecutor started a preliminary examination of Sabio’s allegations regarding the anti-illegal drugs campaign in February 2018.
Weeks later, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the Philippines was withdrawing from the ICC, a move that was challenged by opposition senators before the Supreme Court.
In August 2018, activists and families of eight victims of the government's war on drugs filed another complaint. They were represented by the National Union of People's Lawyers.
The country's exit from the ICC took effect in March 2019 but the preliminary examination continued.
Just this week, the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor said there is "reasonable basis" to believe that crimes against humanity were committed in the Duterte administration's war on drugs.
The Palace said it was "legally erroneous" and dismissed it as "political propaganda." (MNS)
“Is it the fault of the system? Yes, because the system was not tested thoroughly which would translate into something like an incompetence at lahat na (and everything). Hindi ko masisi itong may-ari nitong…sila (I don’t want to blame the owners) Ramon Ang, Ayala because meron tayong (we have a) regulator. That’s the purpose of having a regulatory board. They should not have allowed the system right now to put into use without a trail of one week at titignan nila (and they should see) and anticipate what would be the problem. That is the correct frame of mind,” he said.
Meanwhile, Duterte also defended his preference to appoint former military officials in the Cabinet, noting that they always had a “system” prepared before battle or war.
“It’s only I said the military sa experience ko who can do that… hindi naman lahat, pero (not all but) the frame of mind that I want kasi matagal ako sa gobyerno, is the frame of mind of a military man,” he said.
Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian earlier ordered the suspension of the business permit of NLEX Corp. following traffic jams in the city due to the implementation of the toll regulator’s RFID payment system.
The RFID cashless toll collection should have been a seamless and no contact payment system in the expressways as part of the government's initiative to also curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019. (MNS)
Bishop, FEU law professors join calls to junk impeachment bid vs. Leonen
MANILA (Mabuhay) — A Catholic bishop and law professors at the Far Eastern University (FEU) have joined calls for the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.
Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines, urged lawmakers to devote their time to "more important concerns" instead of the impeachment, which he said "clearly has no merit."
He stressed the need for Congress to act on legislation that will help farmers, address the effects of climate change, and strengthen the country's economy.
FEU law professors led by Dean Mel Sta. Maria, for their part, said Leonen is an honorable, independent, and erudite justice who has served as a voice of reason in the highest Philippine court. "Walang alinlangang hinahayag niya ang pagpuna at konstruktibong pagbatikos sa maling patakaran o gawain ng ibang sangay ng gobyerno, ehekutibo man o lehislatura," the educators said in a statement. "Kung siya ay tumututol sa ilang mga desisyon ng nakararaming miyembro ng Korte Suprema, may base ito sa batas at sa ating kasaysayan. Hindi siya sunod-sunuran kanino man. Isa siyang boses ng katwiran," they added.
They said Filipinos have a duty to defend democracy and the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, as well as public servants who they said are honorably doing their work. "Kami ay nananawagan sa mababang kapulungan ng kongreso na agarang ibasura ang impeachment complaint laban kay Associate Justice Marvic Leonen," they said.
Human rights advocates and several law professors from the University of the Philippines (UP) have also expressed their support for Leonen.
Impeachment complaint
Leonen faces an impeachment complaint accusing him of delay in resolving cases and of a failure to file his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for many years when he taught at UP.
The alleged non-filing of SALNs was also an allegation against then-chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who faced an impeachment complaint before her own colleagues at the SC removed her from office in 2018. Leonen voted against the Sereno ouster.
Leonen earlier expressed confidence that lawmakers will "do the right thing." "Certainly, this may not be the time to attend to false issues raised by some for clearly personal or vindictive reasons," he said. (MNS)
Manufacturers commit to retain prices of noche buena items at 2019 levels
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Manufacturers of noche buena items have committed to keep product prices at 2019 levels and hold off on any increases for the meantime, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday.
At a virtual briefing, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government has been in close coordination with private entities since November to ensure that there will be no steep increases in prices of basic necessities and noche buena items this holiday season, which are usually hiked by 3% to 5%. "Itong mga manufacuturers ng noche buena products in coordination with DTI, nakisama po para sa ating mga kababayan dahil sa kahirapan, sa pandemya maraming nawalan ng trabaho, na hindi sila mag-i-increase," he said. "'Yun 'yung magandang balita, talaga hong same 2019 prices po sila as 2020, so 'yun ang at least maganda ngayong kapaskuhan na 'yung noche buena products at mame-maintain," he added.
Latest data available shows that inflation accelerated for the second straight month to 3.3% in November, the highest since the 3% recorded in April 2019.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects inflation to clock in at an average of 2.4% this year, faster than its previous forecast of 2.8%.
Moving forward, the DTI said it will continue to monitor prices of basic necessities and noche buena items to ensure that they fall within the government-mandated suggested retail price. "Ang pinaka-challenging talagang parte ay 'yung sa mga palengke. Karamihan dito, 'yung mga agricultural products, talagang very challenging in the sense na subject talaga sila sa supply and demand," said Lopez. "Kung mayroon mang mga pagtaas ngayon ay dahil sa kalimitan ng supply na naapektuhan, for example, nag pagbabawas let's say ng production," he added. (MNS)
PH dollar reserves rise to an all-time high in November
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the country's gross international reserves reached an all-time high in November.
The country's GIR rose to $104.51 billion, up by $710 million from $103.80 billion in October.
The increase was due to the strong foreign exchange operations of the central bank and income from its investments abroad, it said.
This was partially offset however by withdrawals made by the national government to pay off foreign debts and losses from the BSP's gold holdings as prices went down in November.
The BSP said the November GIR "represents an adequate external liquidity buffer" which is equal to 11.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.
This buffer "can help cushion the domestic economy against external shocks," it said.
BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said the central bank has been actively trading gold, as prices surge the past few months.
He previously noted that gold takes up over 10 percent of the central bank's dollar reserves. (MNS)
Cash remittances up 2.9 percent in October
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Cash remittances from overseas Filipinos hit $2.747 billion in October, up 2.9 percent compared to the same month last year, the Bangko Sentral said.
This pushed the total cash remittances from January to October to $24.633 billion, representing a slight decrease of 0.9 percent from the $24.858 billion registered in the comparative period last year, the BSP said.
The central bank said the increase was due to the growth in remittances from both landbased and sea-based workers. "By country source, cash remittances from Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Germany, and Kuwait declined, while those from the United States (US), Singapore, Qatar, Oman, Hong Kong and Taiwan increased," the BSP said.
The US posted the highest share of the total remittances at 40.2 percent, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the UK, the UAE, Canada, Hong Kong, Qatar, and Taiwan, the central bank added. "The combined remittances from these countries accounted for 78.7 percent of the total cash remittances."
Meanwhile, personal Remittances also rose 2.5 Percent in October to $3.044 billion.
For the first ten months of 2020, personal remittances reached $27.346 billion bringing the cumulative contraction to 1 percent in October from 1.4 percent in September 2020.
Remittances have so far defied bleak forecasts from defied bleak forecasts from both government agencies both government agencies and multilateral lenders.
The Philippines is one of the largest recipients of the largest recipients of remittances, which remittances, which power domestic power domestic consumption consumption and support and support the economy. the economy. (MNS)
Duque may face graft raps if found remiss on Pfi zer deal — Pangilinan
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's alleged lapses in processing the deal for the supposed delivery of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines in January may drag him to court, Senator Francis Pangilinan said Thursday. "Kung totoo ito na nagkulang ang DOH (Department of Health), gross and inexcusable negligence sa anti-graft law ang posibleng kaso," the senator said in a message. "Huwag naman sana na may issue ng 'kickvacc' sa dropping of the ball ng Pfizer vaccine procurement," he added.
Pangilinan said the upcoming Senate Committee of the Whole hearing on the vaccination program, which he called for, is crucial in checking if there are corrupt and overpricing practices involved in the rolling out of vaccines for COVID-19.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. recently said "somebody dropped the ball" which affected the shipment of 10 million Pfizer vaccines to the country.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, citing information from Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, later on said it was Duque who failed to work on the necessary documentary requirement namely, the Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement.
On Thursday morning, Lacson tweeted what he called a "direct quote" but did not name whom it was from: "In July, we passed the ball to him. Instead of aiming at the hoop, he scratched his balls so he dropped the ball even as time was running out. Then, Singapore grabbed and shot the ball." "Now, they have the vaccines and we don’t," the senator said.
Duque, for his part, said "there is no such thing as dropping the ball" and assured critics that negotiations are ongoing.
Nevertheless, Lacson said the initiative with Pfizer has been renewed only after "they missed the bus the first time."
Both Lacson and Pangilinan repeatedly called for the resignation of Duque in past months over his alleged failure of leadership in COVID-19 response. (MNS) (MNS)
