Administration vows to address country’s illegal recruitment woes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to address the perennial problems of illegal recruitment and human trafficking that plague the Filipino workforce, Malacañang said Thursday.

Mr. Marcos made the commitment when the International Labor Organization (ILO) officials led by ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo paid him a courtesy visit at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

“That’s a big problem for us here in the Philippines. Illegal recruitment and really, you take it a little further, it becomes human trafficking. And we seem to have become a target for many of these unscrupulous activities,” the President, as quoted by the PCO, told the ILO executives.

Mr. Marcos lamented that human trafficking is plaguing Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.

He said he is working with Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople to maintain the Philippines’ “Tier 1” status against human trafficking.

The Philippines has maintained its “Tier 1” ranking for the eighth straight year, according to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the United States State Department earlier this month.

Bill seeks LPG price hike protection

A BILL was filed at the House of Representatives which proposes that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), instant noodles, potable water in containers, and kerosene be included in the list of basic necessities as defined under the law to protect consumers from unwarranted price increases of these goods, especially during times of calamities.

House Bill (HB) 7977, authored by Reps. Brian Yamsuan of Bicol Saro partylist group and Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur amends Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act to include these four items in the list of basic necessities covered by the regular monitoring of the Price Coordinating Council (PCC).

“The Price Act is due for an update. The Act has not included ‘new’ goods that by virtue of their mass and necessary usage, qualify as basic necessities,” Yamsuan and Villa- fuerte said in their bill’s explanatory note.

HB 7977 also provides a mechanism for greater flexibility in including or excluding types and brands of goods in the list of basic necessities or prime commodities.

Enacted into law in 1992, the Price Act ensures fair pricing and availability of basic necessities and prime commodities, especially during times of calamities and emergencies. This law also outlines the responsibilities of government agencies in monitoring prices and ensures a just return on investment for legitimate businesses.

Under the Price Act, the inclusion or exclusion of goods in the list of basic necessities and prime commodities can be done upon the petition of concerned parties. HB 7977 amends this provision by also allowing the inclusion or exclusion of goods through motu proprio action of the concerned agencies of the PCC.

Tier 1 means a country is fully compliant with the minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking in persons, while Tier 2 classifies a country that is not fully compliant but making “significant efforts” to adhere to the minimum standards.

Tier 3 means a country fails to comply and to make “significant efforts” to meet the minimum standards.

Houngbo said the Philippines could serve as a “model” as it has taken steps to address several issues hounding the labor sector, including human trafficking.

The President also briefed the ILO officials about his administration’s consul- tations with labor stakeholders to “strike a balance and alleviate the ‘inflationary pressures’ on workers.”

He noted that minimum wage earners may enjoy an increase in their salaries to protect them from rapid industrialization and expansion of the economy.

“When there is rapid industrialization and rapid expansion of the economy, there is a tendency to leave the labor sector behind and just exploit the labor sector,” Marcos said. “But I think our negotiations with workers, with the unions, with the different negotiations, we will be able to come to a good working number, a good compromise.”

SENATE President Migz Zubiri said he is a pro-gun legislator “as long as documentations are OK.”

Zubiri also said he makes “it a point that I don’t show my firearms in public.”

He issued the statement when sought for his comment about Sen. Robin Padilla showing off his collection of guns on his Facebook page which went viral. But Zubiri said he respects Padilla whom he tagged as “a shooter.”

The Senate leader said he grew up with guns. The most important thing, he said, is that “you are a responsible gun owner.”

Padilla in a social media post said he brought his guns to a store for cleaning.

Padilla said he has more than 10 guns including high-powered. Firearms and described himself a responsible gun owner.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Recto supports new DOT tourism slogan

HOUSE Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto on Thursday urged the government to invest in better infrastructure with physical security technology in airports and other tourists places, noting the advantages of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) new slogan for Philippine tourism, “Love the Philippines.” “I support the DOT’s new slogan,” Recto said in a statement. “But the focus should be on the infrastructure and security which would lead tourists to rave and not rage about their time here—matters which are outside DOT’s jurisdiction.”

According to Recto, “the advantage of a catchy and clever tourism brand instantly evaporates in the heat of a congested airport, in road traffic which does not move, in restrooms which cannot be found. These are harsh realities no hot advertising copy can cure.” Recto stressed that a slogan— whatever it says—is only as effective as it is actually selling.

“A slogan by itself is not a powerful lure that will prompt a traveler to pack up and go, unless it fully captures our many attractions. It is only as effective as what it is marketing,” Recto said. Maricel V. Cruz

MMDA announces new assistant GM for operations

FORMER Aliaga, Nueva Ecija mayor

David Angelo Vargas was designated as the new Assistant General Manager for Operations of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Assistant Secretary Vargas on his appointment as AGM for Operations. His extensive leadership skills and exceptional attitude make him the perfect fit for the post,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes, who administered the oath of office of Vargas. Vargas, on his part, promised that he will be swift in delivering public service.

“My notable experience in the local government has honed my capabilities as a public servant. Hence, I will serve Metro Manila residents with integrity and compassion for the betterment of the metropolis,” he said. Joel E. Zurbano