PAO chief asked to explain ‘tirade’ against SC

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta to explain why she should not be disciplined for issuing PAO Office Order No. 096, Series of 2023 (Office Order), which the SC finds “disrespectful.”

In an en banc resolution dated July 25, 2023, the SC unanimously voted to require the PAO chief to show cause why she should not be administratively dealt with for issuing PAO Office the said Office Order, in response to the Resolution, dated July 11, 2023, of the Court, directing the PAO head to strictly comply with Canon III, Section 22 of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

Acosta’s Office Order gave Public Attorneys the “discretion and disposition” to comply with Canon III, Section 22 of the CPRA and advised the Public

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has commended a security guard for honesty after he reported and turned over to airport management a suitcase containing cash and jewelry worth P1.9 million.

On July 21, Mahmud Mastul was on duty at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Terminal 1 when he saw a suitcase unattended in the arrival area.

Mastul sought assistance from personnel of the MIAA Police Department and the Police - Aviation Security Group who cordoned off the area for inspection as part of the standard operating procedure and security protocol at the airport.

Attorneys to reconcile the said provision with Article 209 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes betrayal of trust and revelation of secrets by lawyers, to avoid any criminal responsibility and imprisonment.

The Office Order also urged the Public Attorneys to adopt precautionary measures in handling conflict-of-interest cases “to protect their life and limb” and avoid criminal and administrative liability.

The authorities cleared the suitcase of any explosive elements and during the inventory, it was found to contain jewelry and cash owned by one Miguel Castro.

The MIAA management contacted Carpio, who went back to the airport to claim the suitcase.

Mastul, 34, has been in NAIA since 2016 where he has been assigned in different areas of the airport. In his seven years at work, this is the first time that he was able to experience a situation where his honesty was put to test.

“If it’s not yours, whether it’s big or small thing, you have to surrender it because that thing doesn’t belong to you,” said Mastul.

“We need to include HPV vaccines in our list of priorities as we continue to expand our Universal Health Care coverage. Vaccines combined with regular screening, are considered the most effective way for women to help prevent cervical cancer,” Reyes said.

Citing Department of Health data, Reyes said cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women, with an estimated 7,277 new cases and 3,807 deaths due to cervical cancer yearly.

“The numbers are very concerning. We recognize the initiatives rolled out by the government in promoting HPV vaccines but much more needs to be done to make these vaccines more accessible to Filipino girls,” Reyes said.

In 2014, the Philippine government included HPV vaccination in its national immunization program.

To date, there are 52 provinces, 64 cities, and one municipality where the vaccination program is being implemented. Maricel V. Cruz

Poe, Zubiri support new water agency

SEN. Grace Poe on Tuesday urged support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to finally pass the Department of Water Resources Management bill. She noted that water deserves serious focus and consolidated effort. “We must act before the crisis exacerbates,” she said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he was glad to hear that the Department of Water Resources remain a big priority of the administration.

“As the principal author of the bill, I am ready to push the bill through the Senate, which is especially timely now, with the El Niño crisis upon us,” he said.

He added that he would have liked to hear more about the administration’s plans to support workers by way of increased wages and benefits.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Jinggoy hails admin plans for overseas workers

SEN. Jinggoy Estrada said he was pleased to learn about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plans on further improving employment opportunities and creating a better working environment for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Bolstering employment opportunities is essential for driving economic growth and reducing poverty in the country,” he said.

“By investing in infrastructure and fostering a business-friendly environment, this will undoubtedly contribute to job generation and an improved quality of life for all of us,” he added.

According to Estrada, hearing the President outline his plans to establish inclusive social services that cater to the diverse needs of Filipinos and prioritize healthcare, education, and social welfare shows his deep understanding of the challenges faced by our vulnerable communities and marginalized individuals. Macon Ramos-Araneta