18 minute read
Task force on corruption sets parameters for gov’t-wide probe
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The inter-agency task force that would look into allegations of corruption in government would prioritize five agencies in its investigation and have set parameters to determine which allegations would be considered, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Friday.
In a press statement, DOJ spokesperson Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the probe will look into "amounts involved (in the agency to be investigated), the rank of the persons involved, and the impact on delivery of services to the public".
A minimum threshold of PHP1 billion in public funds involved will be one of the parameters, Villar said.
She added that while no particular transaction has been identified, the investigations would also include anomalous government procurement as well as transactions entered into by government agencies with private entities.
In the list are allegations of irregularities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Land Registration Authority (LRA).
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte's orders for his agency to go after perpetrators of corruption in government will mean twin goals -- prosecuting offenders and preventing corruption in the bureaucracy.
Guevarra clarified that the DOJ's findings on its graft investigations are not merely recommendatory but the initiation of criminal charges.
Guevarra met with senior DOJ officials, including Prosecutor General Benedicto A. Malcontento and NBI officer-in-charge (OIC)-director Eric B. Distor on Tuesday to discuss the organization of the task force to investigate allegations of corruption in the bureaucracy.
It was agreed during the meeting that the core group constituted for the task force to investigate allegations of corruption in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) would be the same core group to investigate allegations of corruption in the government.
The core group, headed by the DOJ, is composed of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP), National Prosecution Service (NPS), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
The task force shall also invite the Commission on Audit (COA), the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and the Office of the Ombudsman to work together with the Task Force, with due consideration of their independence as constitutional bodies. (MNS)
Senators urge DBM to release ASAP remainder of Bayanihan 2 funds
MANILA (Mabu-
hay) — Several senators urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release as soon as possible the remaining allocations under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 to concerned agencies.
The lawmakers stressed that said funds were meant to facilitate economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate committee on finance chairperson Sonny Angara welcomed the DBM's release of P76.22 billion out of the P140 billion general fund that was provided for under the Bayanihan 2. "It’s good since the law is effective until December 19, 2020. It’s best that most of the funding be released soon," Angara said in a message. "It’s clear the government is speeding up its releases and that is good for the various affected sectors who are eligible to receive help under the law," he added.
DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado assured that all budget requests are being processed and that there will be no delays as long as complete documentary requirements are submitted by the government agencies, according to Senator Christopher "Bong" Go.
"Wala pong rason na hindi po mai-release ang pondo kaagad. Kung kaming mga legislators ay nag-overtime para maipasa ang Bayanihan 2, dapat mag-overtime din ang mga executive agencies para mapondohan at maimplementa ang mga ito," he added.
Senator Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also reminded the DBM that the Bayanihan 2 is time-bound and urgency is really needed. "Kung hindi ma-release lahat, it's possible na maipasa namin ang isang simple amendment kung saan extend po natin ang validity ng Bayanihan 2," he said in an online interview.
Nonetheless, the senator said that would not be necessary if Avisado can take swift action.
Senator Grace Poe also hopes the various affected sectors would be able to feel the impact of the economic recovery package as soon as possible. "Bureaucratic delays must spare the money intended to tide our people and sectors over the coronavirus crisis," she said in a separate statement. "Huwag na nating hintayin ang Pasko bago nila maramdaman ang benepisyo ng Bayanihan 2."
The Bayanihan 2 was signed into law last September 11 and will expire on December 19 when Congress adjourns session. (MNS)
Ombudsman warns vs underestimating DOJ-led probe on gov't corruption
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Ombudsman Samuel Martires welcomed the creation of a Department of Justice-led Task Force to probe corruption in the entire government, saying that President Rodrigo Duterte’s move should not be underestimated.
Martires noted that the DOJ has been a long-standing partner of the Ombudsman’s office in its drive against corruption.
The combined effort of both offices led to the filing of criminal charges against government officials over the P10 billion pork barrel scam.
Recently, the probe on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation fund mess led to Martires issuing preventive-suspension orders against top officials of the state-insurer.
“The directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Secretary Menardo Guevarra to investigate allegations of corruption in the government is most welcome. Secretary Guevarra is an intelligent and decent public servant who is well-respected by his peers and colleagues,” Martires said.
“Given this partnership, there is absolutely no basis to detract or underestimate the laudable objectives of the President in creating the DOJ mega task force,” Martires added.
He also said that the Ombudsman and the DOJ were part of the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council—a multi-agency partnership established in 1999 as a voluntary alliance of government agencies to formulate and develop concerted techniques and strategies in the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of graft cases.
“In any case, investigations conducted by the DOJ involving complaints of corruption are subject to the evaluation of the Ombudsman,” Martires said.
Martires then assured the public that his office— an independent constitutional body—will continue to conduct in-depth parallel investigations as to alleged anomalies in the government “despite this Office’s limited manpower and the ongoing reorganization to strengthen the bureaus undertaking investigative functions.”
House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate earlier said that nothing much could be expected on the DOJled probe.
After all, the President had cleared Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar of corruption, and had absolved National Capital Region Police Office chief Major General Debold of quarantine violations.
Zarate also argued that there was no need for such a task force given that such investigations were part of the Office of the Ombudsman's mandate. (MNS)
Drilon nixes proposed budget cut for agencies under corruption probe
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Friday rejected a suggestion that Congress should shave the 2021 budget for agencies that are set to be investigated over allegations of corruption, saying even a "reduced budget can still be plundered."
ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap earlier said that lawmakers may move to "reduce or remove the budget" of an agency tagged in corruption schemes. "Good media copy. But not the appropriate remedy," Drilon said in a text message to reporters. "Even a reduced budget can still be plundered if handled by the same corrupt officials," he said.
Drilon underscored that beneficiaries - not corrupt government officials - would suffer if Yap's budget cut threat materializes.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - two agencies that provide financial assistance to the public - are among the agencies that may be hit with Yap's proposed budget cuts, Drilon said. "Why will you punish PhilHealth, or SAP (Social Amelioration Program) beneficiaries, especially during this pandemic, for the acts of its officials?" the senator said. "Effective prosecution of corrupt officials, and strengthening the anti-graft laws, and not the reduction of the budget, are the proper and more effective remedy," he said.
Yap's comments came days after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that a "mega" task force would look into corruption allegations hounding several government agencies.
The Department of Justice earlier said it would prioritize 5 agencies in the series of corruption investigations. (MNS)
PRIVACY BODY WARNS BIZ OF ‘REPURPOSING’ CONTACT TRACING DATA
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has warned businesses and other establishments from using the contact tracing data collected from the public for purposes other than contact tracing.
In a statement on Thursday, the NPC warned that some workplaces and businesses have allegedly been using contact tracing data for their own benefit.
“We’ve been receiving reports that some personal information collected were used for marketing, profiling, and other purposes not related to Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) prevention,” the NPC said.
In response, it released NPC Advisory No. 2020-03 that laid out the guidelines for workplaces and establishments for the processing of personal data as part of its Covid-19 response.
It was released as a supplement to the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 20-04-A series of 2020 of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment, which requires workplaces and businesses to collect employee health declaration forms, client or visitor contact tracing forms, and implement measures to manage Covid-19-positive employees in the workplace.
For their role in the collection and management of personal data, it said these establishments are now personal information controllers (PIC) and as such, are required to comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA), its implementing rules and regulations, and other issuances of the NPC on upholding data.
To ensure the protection of personal data, it said these establishments are required to adhere to the “general data privacy principles” of transparency, legitimate purpose, proportionality, implement “reasonable and appropriate” security measures at each stage of the personal data lifecycle, and uphold data subject rights.
When collecting personal data for purposes of Covid-19 prevention and control, it said establishments shall limit its collection to only those required; inform employees, clients/ customers, and visitors of the establishments with a privacy notice; ensure data quality and accuracy through authorized personnel; prohibit repurposing of data for other purposes, whether commercial or non-commercial; and establishments are responsible for reminding its employees and third-party personnel that using private data is punishable under the DPA.
“The rights and redresses under the DPA are available to the employees, clients/customers, visitors, and their close contacts. Establishments and workplaces are bound to uphold data subject rights,” the advisory read. (MNS)
Palace defends DBM policy of withholding funds pending compliance with requirements
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Thursday defended the policy of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to withhold the release of funds for congressional initiatives.
Some items under the 2020 General Appropriations Act, particularly those that were supposedly congressional insertions, were categorized under For Later Release (FLR) while President Rodrigo Duterte was reviewing the budget bill submitted by Congress.
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday called “arbitrary” the DBM’s decision to tag the funds for congressional initiatives as FLR, adding the role of Congress in the budget authorization process has been rendered useless.
However, Roque said the FLR policy was necessary.
“Iyong FLR po naging necessary naman po iyan dahil siyempre, kinakailangan muna natin gastusan iyong pinaka-importanteng mga bagay na related po sa COVID-19 [pandemic],” he said at a news conference in Bohol.
According to the DBM, FLR items are those whose release is subject to compliance with specific conditions, such as documentary requirements and approvals from appropriate authorities. (MNS)
DSWD crafts policy for online purchase of seniors, PWDs
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday it will craft a measure to ensure that vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), are still able to avail of their discount privileges even in online transactions.
DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, in a virtual briefing, said the agency has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to craft a policy that will check the rules for online purchasing of senior citizens and PWDs.
“Ito ay para masigurado na hindi maaabuso ang mga pribiliheyo para sa bulnerableng sektor ng lipunan (This is to make sure that the privileges enjoyed by the vulnerable sector will not be abused [overlooked]),” he added.
Under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, senior citizens are entitled to a 20-percent discount and are exempted from the value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services from all establishments.
Republic Act 10754 or An Act Expanding the
Benefits and Privileges of PWD, meanwhile, provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in the mainstream of society by granting them at least a 20-percent discount and exemption from the VAT on the sale of certain goods and services identified.
This also applies to transportation, recreation centers, and medical services.
“Ito ay patunay na isinaalang-alang ng DSWD ang karapatan ng bulnerableng sektor ng lipunan at patuloy itong nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga opisina at iba pang mga implementing agencies para masiguro na maipapatupad ang iba pang batas na ito (This shows that DSWD looks over the welfare of the vulnerable sector of our community.
We continue to engage with other offices and implementing agencies to make sure that these laws are being implemented),” he added. (MNS)
FDA’s Domingo: Expert panel evaluating Australia’s COVID-19
Healthcare facilities required to report all data to gov't,
vaccine clinical trial application MANILA (Mabuhay) — Public and private healthcare says DOH facilities are required to submit health and health-reMANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine's Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) is currently reviewing the application of an Australian pharmaceutical company for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in the country, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director-general Eric Domingo said on Friday. "There's a number three company that has shown interest in doing clinical trials here in the Philippines and they are undergoing pre-screening sa Vaccine Expert Panel," Domingo said in an online forum of the Department of Health. He was referring to Clover Biopharmaceuticals from Australia. The firm probably submitted its application to the VEP earlier this week, according to Domingo, as he mentioned that he was only informed about it this Friday. Aside from this, the proposed clinical trials for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine candidate Janssen is still being evaluated by the expert panel. China's Sinovac has already secured the VEP's nod and is undergoing ethics and regulatory reviews. The formal evaluation of Russia's Sputnik V that was developed by Gamaleya Research Institute, on the other hand, has not commenced yet as additional information is still being requested by the country's panel. "Ang Gamaleya yata mayroon pang mga tanong at hinihinging information 'yung vaccine expert panel. When they submit that, the formal evaluation of the vaccine expert panel will start," Domingo said. Once the VEP clears an application for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, it shall still be vetted by the Ethics Board and the FDA. (MNS) lated data of patients to the Department of Health and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the smooth implementation of the Universal Health Care law, a DOH official said Thursday. Dr. Eric Tayag of DOH Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service said the patients’ data will be under National Health Data Repository System. “Under the Universal Health Care Act, lahat po, public and private sector, pati iyong nagkakalap ang research, dapat i-report ang data sa PhilHealth at DOH,” Tayag said in an online forum. “Ang kukunin lamang ay iyong importanteng impomasyon na mapapakinabangan ng buong bansa, para maunawaan natin ano na ang nangyayari sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino,” he added. Tayag said these include data from the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. “Kung one to 10 ang hinihingi sa inyong data sa ospital, sa amin, one to five lang. Lahat ng record na ‘yan, mananatili sa mga ospital at kung kakailanganin ng ibang doktor, hindi na sila mahihirapan maghagilap,” he said. Tayag, however, assured the public that their medical records will be safeguarded under doctor-patient confidentiality and by the Data Privacy Act. “Siyempre may maseselan na datos ang pasyente, sasabihin nila, naku Doc, huwag mo ise-share ang
More private labs willing to test OFWs for Covid-19 ating usapan. Sinisiguro ng DOH at PhilHealth na iyong pinadadala sa aming impormasyon eh hindi magamit sa masamang paraan,” Tayag said. Tayag then argued that the National Health Data MANILA (Mabuhay) — More private labs are will- test OFWs and OFs for Covid-19. Repository would not only help implement the Uniing to test overseas Filipinos (OFs) arriving in the “Nagpadala din po ng abiso ang Philip- versal Health Care law but also facilitate care for country for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), pine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory. Ito po patients in need of various forms of medical care. Malacañang said on Thursday. ay isa sa dalawang pribadong laboratories “May magtatanong, Doc, saan ba may develop-
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said na nag-o-operate sa NAIA na handa rin po ment pediatrician kasi may kamag-anak kami na Project ARK, a private sector initiative to boost silang magbigay ng PCR tests sa mga bum- may autism. Hindi na sila mahihirapan hanapin kasi the country’s capacity to contain Covid-19, has abalik na OFWs natin sa kaparehong halaga andun na iyon sa National Health Data Repository. announced readiness to process the specimen of na sinisingil ng Philippine Red Cross (The Puwede na kayo mamili ng doctor at appointment,” returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory Tayag said. OFs while the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. also released an advisory. This is one of the “Kapag may stroke patient at kailangan ng CT-scan (PhilHealth) has yet to pay its remaining debt to two private laboratories operating in NAIA na pinakamura, saan bang ospital meron noon? Alam the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). willing to perform PCR tests for returning niyo na agad kasi doon sa National Health Data Re-
“Nagpadala po ng abiso ang Project ARK sa OFWs that charge the same about as Phil- pository. Mas madali na at hindi na paulit-ulit ang pamamagitan ng kaniyang medical director si Dr. ippine Red Cross),” he said. ginagawa,” he added. (MNS) Minguita Padilla na handa raw po sila na i-subject He said the NAIA-based laboratory can sa PCR testing ang mga bumabalik na OFWs at mga conduct 4,000 PCR tests daily. overseas Filipinos natin sa kanilang 11 laboratories Roque said OFWs and OFs need not worry He also expressed hope that the PRC would conwith a testing capacity of 3,000 per day (Project about delays in their PCR test results. tinue being the government’s partner in boosting ARK, through its medical director Dr. Minguita Pa- “Yung mga bumabalik na OFWs, huwag po kayo the country’s Covid-19 testing capacity. dilla, released an advisory saying they are ready to mag-alala, hinding-hindi po maaaberya ang inyong On Wednesday, PRC chair and Senator Richard subject OFWs and OFs to PCR testing in their 11 lab- PCR tests (Returning OFWs, don’t worry, your PCR Gordon said PhilHealth should pay its debt within oratories with a testing capacity of 3,000 per day),” tests will not be delayed),” he said. three days. he said in a press briefing from Panglao, Bohol. Meanwhile, Roque reassured the PRC that Phil- He warned that the state insurer’s debt will pile
Citing Padilla, Roque said Project ARK will devote Health will soon pay its outstanding balance of up once again if it fails to settle the remaining balthe Philippine Children’s Medical Center, the Jose over PHP561 million. ance as soon as possible. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, and the JB Lingad “Kampante naman tayo na (We are confident PhilHealth settled half of its PHP1-billion debt Memorial Regional Hospital, among other hospi- that) since it was no less than the President who said to the humanitarian organization on Tuesday aftals for receiving the specimens of OFWs and OFs. that the Philippine government will pay, e ano pa ternoon.
Besides Project ARK, Roque said the Philippine ba ho ang hihingin pa ng PRC. ‘Yan po ay (what else In response, the PRC said it will resume acAirport Diagnostic Laboratory at Ninoy Aquino can the PRC ask for. That’s a) sovereign guarantee cepting samples from those covered by the PhilInternational Airport (NAIA) has also offered to from the mouth of the President himself,” he said. Health-fund. (MNS)
Vaccine tied to South Korea deaths not found in PH, assures DOH
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Friday said Filipinos should continue getting flu shots and should not worry about reports of halted use of vaccines in other countries.
“As of this time there is no reported AEFI (adverse events following immunization) with flu vaccine in this country,” said Dr. Beverly Ho, director of the DOH’s Health Promotion and Communication Service, during a virtual briefing.
“The FDA has also checked the lots and batches that are being investigated in Korea and Singapore and none are found here,” she added, explaining that the Philippines “undertake regular surveillance of flu vaccines.”
The DOH said this after international media reported Singapore halted the use of two influenza vaccines that are linked to deaths in South Korea. According to a Reuters report, at least 48 have died in South Korea on Saturday after getting the flu shots, but the country will push through with its vaccination program, explaining that there is no link between the deaths and the vaccine.
Singapore said the halt on SKYCellflu Quadrivalent and VaxigripTetra vaccines was precautionary.
There is an increased interest in flu and pneumonia vaccines in many countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo said the demand for vaccines increased “to protect everybody from seasonal flu and pneumonia,” which have similar symptoms to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Ho said the Philippines will continue its national immunization program while monitoring the situation overseas. (MNS)
