PBBM approves ‘SPF’ for poor

Social Protection Floor cements programs for most vulnerable Pinoys

P

RESIDENTFerdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a Social Protection Floor (SPF) that institutionalizes existing programs that help the most vulnerable Filipinos, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Thursday.

"The Social Protection Floor refers to a nationally defined set of basic social security guarantees that aim to prevent or alleviate poverty vulnerability and social exclusion. These guarantees provide protection to individuals and families in times of need," said Balisacan, who is also director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

"The guarantees should ensure that, at a minimum, everyone in need has access to essential health care and basic social services. These guarantees work together to provide effective access to goods and services that are defined as necessary at the national level," he said.

The SPF health guarantees cover the entire life cycle: maternity care, children, active age and older persons, Balisacan said.

GUN SAFETY DRILL. As part of the US-Philippines Balikatan military exercises, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel undertake Gun Safety and Firearm Familiarization Training in Barangay Labangal, General Santos City on Thursday with the US Marines Special Operations Team 8114, Alpha Company, First Raider Battalion. PCG Photo Stargazers see dazzling solar eclipse

The NEDA chief said the approval of

Teves: Two in gov’t want me dead

Rep. Arnolfo Teves

FUGITIVE congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. on Thursday said two top government officials are plotting to have him killed. Facing murder charges and tagged as the mastermind behind the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, Teves has been abroad and has refused to