IN BRIEF

CHR slams PNP, NICA on red-tagging issue

early retirement to avail themselves of the current pension system.

“Ang gusto nila i-avail na nila ‘yong pension ng current system, kasi ‘yong apprehension ng possible new MUP law magkakaroon ng implication sa kanilang optional retirement,” he said.

“We should really look at the middle ground so that we can see that the morale and welfare of our people will be taken care of,” Galvez.

Galvez also said in a discussion with military personnel and commanders, the group unanimously agreed that the proposed MUP pension law should only cover new entrants.

“If this system is still financially impossible, we are very amenable to modifications in the system so long as it is fair and equitable to the MUP. And also, if it is based on financial soundness or scientific actuarial science,” Galvez said.

BOC seizes P66m worth of smuggled fuel, shabu

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized more than P66 million worth of smuggled fuel and shabu in two separate operations in Pangasinan and Mandaluyong City.

The BOC, in cooperation with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine

Navy (PN), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group seized an estimated 1,350 liters of smuggled diesel fuel worth P54 Million from the vessel “MV Veronica-1” at the sub-port of Sual in Pangasinan.

The Port of San Fernando ordered the immediate seizure of the smuggled diesel and the vessel in compliance with

Customs laws, rules, and regulations.

“This success could not have been possible without the assistance and support of our Intelligence Group and Enforcement Group, who provided valuable inputs and guidance that led to the seizure of the vessel and smuggled fuel,” said Port of San Fernando district collector Arsenia Ilagan.

SSS waives fines on late premium payments

THE Social Security System (SSS) calls on employers who have failed to remit the contributions of their workers in the previous months and years to avail themselves of the contribution penalty condonation program during its recent nationwide conduct of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operations.

SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet encouraged delinquent employers to settle their contribution delinquencies through its Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management and Restructuring Program (CPCoDe MRP) for business employers and the Contribution Penalty Condonation and Restructuring Program (CPCR-P) for household employers. Under these contribution penalty condo- nation programs, SSS assists business and household employers in defraying their delinquencies by allowing them to pay unremitted contributions while condoning their accrued penalties.

“SSS always take into consideration the welfare of its members and its employers which is the primary reason why we offer these condonation programs to help them out in settling their contribution delinquencies with us. With the ongoing pandemic, we understand the economic hardships that they are currently experiencing,” Macasaet said.

The CPCoDe MRP covers all employers classified as single proprietors, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, and associations who have incurred delinquencies in contribution payments, including penalties, from the start of their actual date of operation.

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday scored the Philippine National Police and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency for red-tagging during an orientation conducted at the Carlos L. Albert High School in Quezon City last May 2.

The agency told the Manila Standard that the Alliance of Concerned Teachers through its executive director sent a letter, complaining about the PNP and NICA’s discussion on the alleged recruitment of students by the New People’s Army (NPA) inside the school.

“CHR, in particular, takes cognizance of the presence of armed police personnel within the school premises which is a violation of Department of Education Order no. 32, Series of 2019 or the National Policy Framework on Learners and School as “Zones of Peace,” it noted.

The CHR-National Capital Region has already stepped into the matter, saying “we are also looking into other alleged incidents of red-tagging against ACT members in Region 5 and Region 7.” Rio N. Araja

MMDA, PhilHealth ink healthcare agreement

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has signed an agreement with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to provide health care insurance coverage for MMDA employees.

The accord was in line with Philhealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) program, a comprehensive outpatient benefits mandated by the Universal Health Care Law.

The document was signed by MMDA chairman Romando Artes, MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana, and PhilHealth - National Capital Region vice president Dr. Bernadette Lico in a ceremony held at the new MMDA head office in Pasig City.

Under the agreement, the MMDA will monitor the implementation of the Konsulta Program availed by its personnel and ensure the accreditation of the MMDA Medical Clinic.

Joel E. Zurbano

BI arrests Taiwanese fugitive in Ermita IMMIGRATION agents have arrested a Taiwanese wanted by authorities in Taipei for alleged large-scale fraud.

The suspect, identified as Yin Chih Chou, who was nabbed inside a condominium unit along Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila.

BI fugitive search unit operatives who arrested Chou were armed witha mission order signed by BI commissioner Norman Tansingco upon the request of the Taiwanese authorities.

“He will be deported as soon as our board of commissioners issues the order for his summary deportation. He will then be included in our blacklist and perpetually banned from re-entering the Philippines,” the BI chief said.

Tansingco added that Chou will also be deported for overstaying and for being an undocumented alien as his passport was already revoked by the Taiwanese government. He reportedly last arrived here on July 19, 2018 and never departed since then.

Vito Barcelo