Sandiganbayan affirms dismissal of coco levy case

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Sandiganbayan has affirmed its dismissal of a civil case involving companies alleged to have been established using coco levy funds.

In a resolution promulgated on July 31, 2023, the anti-graft court’s second division denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the government.

Social...

From A1 and P801.2 billion respectively, he said.

“With Congress’s approval of the proposed FY 2024 national budget, we will be one step closer to achieving our transformative vision for the country, the Agenda for Prosperity,” the President said.

He added that further cooperation with the private sector and various government agencies would be a vital piece in building a “better future.”

Among the priority sectors in the 2024 national budget, the Department of Education has the highest allotted budget of P924.7 billion, followed by the DPWH with P822.2 billion.

The DOTr will double its previous budget to P214.3 billion, as part of the country’s plan to improve the transport system.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Migrant Workers would receive a combined budget of P40.5 billion, P7 billion lower than their allocation for 2023.

The departments and their allocations are as follows:

* Department of Education – P924.7 billion

* Department of Public Works and Highways – P822.2 billion

* Department of Health and PhilHealth – P306.1 billion

* Department of Interior and Local Government – P259.5 billion

* Department of Defense – P232.2 billion

* Department of Transportation –P214.3 billion

* Department of Social Welfare and Development – P209.9 billion

DENR:...

From A1

The United States Embassy in Manila earlier raised concerns over the possible environmental impact and the “ties” of a Chinese firm to the ongoing Manila Bay reclamation projects.

However, Loyzaga acknowledged the reclamation projects would be crucial in reviving the country’s economy.

The reclamation projects were approved during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“On the geological hazards: So far what we see in terms of the studies I have looked at for reclamation projects is the reference on the 7.2 movement sa

Senate...

From A1

146,260 farmers and fishers, and 170,843 hectares of agricultural areas, with a total production loss of 106,453 metric tons.

The affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries. Damage was also incurred in agricultural and fishery infrastructure and facilities.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Majority Floor Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda raised different longstanding issues with the country’s flood control system.

Senator Bong Revilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works and Highways, vowed to conduct hearings on the massive flooding in Metro