Skills reform needed now —Gatchalian

SINCE the Philippines placed 99th out of 100 countries in online learning platforms and skills, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday pressed the urgency of implementing reforms to boost Filipinos’ competitiveness.

Gatchalian lamented the report that the country has been lagging behind its East and Southeast Asian peers in terms of skills.

The ranking was based on Coursera’s 2023 Global Skills Report, which rated the skill and proficiency of learners in business, technology, and data science.

The country’s ranking fell by 29 spots from 70th place out of 102 countries in 2022.

The report further showed declining scores for the Philippines in terms of proficiency in business, technology, and data science.

The country’s business proficiency percentile rank fell from 62% in 2022 to 16% this year. From 29% last year, technology proficiency in the country fell to 5%, while data science proficiency dropped from 21% to 1%. Macon Ramos-Araneta

In Brief

DHSUD reinforces anti-corruption policy

DEPARTMENT of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Sunday said the agency has reinforced its standing anti-corruption policy through a June 14 memorandum against “corruption, irregularity, and influence-peddling.”

He reminded all DHSUD officials and employees to “adhere to the highest standard of professionalism.”

“The department will not tolerate any form of corruption, irregularity, and influence-peddling, especially among relatives of DHSUD officials and employees, that will undermine its vision,” he said.

“Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he added.

He assured the public that the agency would follow “all relevant laws, directives, and standards in the pursuit of its mandates, and welcomes (public) feedback to ensure continuous improvement in our delivery of service.”

He issued the memorandum as part of DHSUD’s proactive measures against scammers who could be taking advantage of the implementation of the flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. Rio N. Araja

PAO asks SC for ruling on lawyers’ conflicts

THE Public Attorney’s Office has reiterated its “humble and respectful” call to the Supreme Court to review and delete a newly approved provision of Section 22, Canon III, or the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for lawyers allowing public defenders to go against one another in one and the same case. The agency sent another formal communication to the High Court last week, seeking an audience.

All PAO regional offices, such as the Sapao-Dumangas Iloilo District Office, have joined the appeal to remove Section 22, Canon III, saying: “We cannot serve two masters.”

The new code of conduct, approved on April 12, replaced the 34-year-old code for lawyers and now guides the conduct of legal professionals.

“We are one PAO,” Chief Persida Acosta said. Rio N. Araja