Meralco clients begin receiving lifeline rates

By Alena Mae S. Flores and Macon Ramos-Araneta

LOW-INCOME customers of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) have begun getting lower electricity rates with the implementation of Meralco’s new lifeline rate program.

Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said that under the program, discounts to lifeline rates or marginalized customers are subsidized by regular customers.

director Rino Abad said over the weekend diesel increase may hit P4 per liter.

Abad said the increase in pump prices was driven by cut in production from Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Diesel prices have increased by around P10 per liter for the past five weeks, while gasoline prices have already risen by P5 per liter for the same period.

This week’s adjustments came on the heels of after a major pump price hike of P3.50 for diesel, P2.10 for gasoline, and P3.25 for kerosene last week.

It is also the fifth straight week of increases for diesel and kerosene and the fourth in a row for gasoline.

Meanwhile, the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters on Monday said the government’s P6,000 fuel subsidy should not be limited to public utility vehicle drivers.

“Drivers are not the only people affected by the major oil price hike. Think of the consumers, the commuters, the other lowly employees,” said Rodolfo Javellana Jr., UFCC president.

“The ordinary Filipino people will have to bear the brunt of the subsidies granted to select sectors,” he added. With Rio N. Araja stopped Philippine ships carrying illegal building materials.”

But officials in China could not be reached during the “critical hours” when the Philippines tried to use the hotline between the two countries after the Chinese coast guard trained a water cannon at Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said.

“During the summon, the Philippines through the DFA expressed disappointment that the DFA was unable to reach its counterpart to the maritime communication mechanism for several hours while the incident was occurring,” Daza said in a joint media briefing that included representatives from the Defense Department, National Security Council, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday supported the President’s decision to consult military leaders after the illegal use of water cannons on PCG and civilian vessels.

“The President made the right decision to get the consensus of officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on how best the government can address the latest incident in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez, head of the 312-member House of Representatives, said in commending the President’s course of action.

The Chinese ambassador met on Monday morning with senior DFA diplomats, who conveyed Manila’s deep floor in unsanitary carton boxes. The confiscated meat was later buried in an empty lot in Taytay, Rizal. Dennis Solomon of the DA Inspectorate team said the agency received information from consumers that mishandled meat was being sold in the Taytay Public Market, prompting the team to launch the operation.

“We were able to confirm the reports of mishandled meat being sold. We saw the meat was on the floor... we know how dirty the floors are. The NMIS saw there were violations so they confiscated it,” he said. Mishandled meat, Solomon said, poses a health hazard to people who would consume the meat.

COMMON STAND. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela (left), National Security Council Jonathan Malaya spokesperson (center) and Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar take part in a press conference in response to recent aggression by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila on August 7. AFP concern over the incident and emphasized that China’s actions violated international law.

The incident happened Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) escorted charter boats carrying food, water, fuel, and other supplies for Filipino soldiers stationed at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the Spratly Islands. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually. It has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

The Philippine military and coast guard have accused the China Coast Guard of breaking international law in using as many as eight CCG, Chinese Navy, and maritime militia ships in blocking and firing water cannons at the resupply mission, which prevented one of the charter boats from reaching the shoal.

Another charter boat managed to squeeze through the blockade and was successful in unloading its cargo, video supplied by the PCG and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri showed.

China said it had taken “necessary controls” against Philippine boats that had “illegally” entered its waters.

The US State Department on Sunday condemned the Chinese actions, saying they were carried out by the coast guard and “maritime militia,” and that they directly threatened regional peace and stability.

Britain, Australia, Canada, and the European Union also criticized Beijing’s actions.

On Monday, the United Kingdom ishment which conflict with a child’s human dignity, including ‘punishment which belittles, humiliates, denigrates, scapegoats, threatens, scares, or ridicules a child,’” the SC said.

Court of Appeals ruling finding them jointly liable for “harassing, intimidating, and spreading false and malicious rumors” against their child’s female partner and her parents.

“The best interest of a child cannot justify forms of cruel or degrading pun- mon will be raised to solve heavy traffic and avoid congestion during the rainy season. joined the United States and other foreign governments in calling out China for its actions in Ayungin Shoal.

“The UK is concerned by reports of unsafe conduct towards (Philippine) vessels in a recent incident in the South China Sea. Such action poses serious risks to regional peace and stability,” the British Embassy in Manila said in a Twitter post.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Bruce Hartman said Canada “unreservedly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.”

Calling them “reckless actions,” the envoy said Canada was “in full solidarity with the Philippines in upholding the rules-based international order.”

“Unsafe maneuvers and use of water cannons to disrupt the lawful operations of Philippine vessels is unacceptable, and inconsistent with the obligations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) under international law,” he added.

By continuing what he called “acts of intimidation and coercion,” China is undermining “safety, security, and stability across the region, and raising the risks of grave miscalculation.”

The ambassador expressed support for the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that invalidated the basis of China’s sweeping claims in the resource-rich region, and called on Beijing “to comply with its obligations under international law.” With AFP the couple who made humiliating remarks against the 14-year-old partner of their child in 2004.

Under the lifeline rate program, qualified customers should have a monthly electricity consumption of 100 kilowatt hours or below to avail of the discount ranging from 20 percent to 100 percent in their Meralco electricity bills depending on their actual consumption.

He did not give figures for the lower rates but said the add-on to other customers will go down compared to before.

Fernandez said the program is revenue neutral for distribution utilities/ electric cooperatives like Meralco.

He said the lifeline program has been in operation since the early 2000s. “Only the eligibility criteria has been changed, following the enactment of a new law by Congress,” Fernandez said.

Meralco urged qualified customers to register to avail of the lifeline rate discount.

Sen. Francis Escudero meanwhile filed Senate Bill 2301 which seeks to exempt electricity sales from the 12% value-added tax (VAT) as per the amended National Internal Revenue Code.

Under the measure, the following transactions shall also be exempt from VAT: sale of electricity by generation, transmission and distribution companies and electric cooperatives; and services of franchise grantees of electric utilities.

Speaker...

From A1 terest rate of 6 percent per annum until the finality of the decision. that can withstand the flood can use the old expressway. Cars, on the other hand, can use the elevated ramp. So we’ll study that,” Mr. Marcos said during a situational briefing in Pampanga, some parts of which are still underwater.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. earlier expressed concern over the country’s rice supply amid the widespread damage to farmlands caused recently by Typhoon Egay and the threat posed by El Niño phenomenon on rice production.

Similarly, the export ban imposed last July 20 by India--the world’s largest rice exporter---is expected to cause ripples in global rice prices that would affect millions of consumers, particularly in Africa and Asia.

Vietnam is traditionally the main source of Philippine rice imports but as other buyers crowd in, President Marcos said supply might become limited and the country may have to find an alternative supply source.

The Vietnamese assurance could help boost the country’s rice supply and dampen possible price spikes fueled by speculation over possible shortages.

Romualdez said the Philippines is willing to provide Vietnam with specific products and materials it may need to meet the demand of its industries or consumers.

He also told Hue that he is looking forward to broadening the areas of cooperation between the two countries, particularly between the respective parliaments and in the areas of energy transition and digital transformation.

The President said the bridge in San Si-

Meanwhile, the water impounding system, once approved, will utilize at least 10 percent of the land mass in Candaba.

Last week, motorists passing through the San Simon northbound part of the Candaba Viaduct had to reduce their speed to about 10 kilometers per hour because of floods.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation president and former Department of

“A person who debases, degrades, or demeans the child’s intrinsic worth and dignity as a human being can be held liable for damages,” the high tribunal added.

The decision resolved the appeal of

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson committed that the flooding issue will be fixed.

“We are committing that we will solve the NLEX San Simon segment. We hope to be able to finish it in about three months,” Singson said.

The President underscored the need for the government and the public to prepare for the effects of climate change.

“We really need to prepare for climate

The Supreme Court also affirmed with modification the resolution and ordered the couple to pay jointly and severally P30,000 as moral damages, P20,000 as exemplary damages, and P30,000 as attorney’s fees and litigation expenses. The SC court also imposed a legal in- change. The weather is changing, and is not like what it used to be,” he said.

“Everything we know about the weather is no longer applicable. The weather is changing. We are not going back to what we used to be. This is the reality of climate change.”

“I’m sorry. It’s really bad news and we all don’t want to deal with it, but we have to,” he added.

The DPWH, for its part, said it will conduct extensive dredging operations along the Pampanga and Porac rivers to protect residents living close to rivers and mitigate flooding along the portion of NLEX in San Simon.

“The exemplary damages are awarded not only to compensate respondents but more importantly to remind the petitioners of their fundamental duty as parents, not only to rear our youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character but also to serve as role models,” the High Court said.

DPWH Region III Director Roseller

A. Tolentino said the dredging operations along the Pampanga River, the second largest river in Luzon, will benefit towns and municipalities of Porac, Guagua,

Shipping group lauds move to resolve container issues

THE Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) lauded the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) approach to resolving the industry’s container deposit concerns.

“We can only commend the creativity of the Transportation Secretary for a coming up with a set of viable options which shipping lines can choose from in order to solve the container deposit problem which, for years, has been a source of irritants between the importing community and international shipping lines,” the AISL, in a statement said.

The group further said the solution being proposed by the DOTr Secretary “is consistent with the provisions of

House Bill No. 04933 which is under deliberation by the House Committee on Transportation.”

“DOTr’s pragmatic approach to the container deposit problem is a welcome departure from the solution offered by the PPA’s TOP-CRMS,” the group said.

In a letter dated July 12, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista presented three alternative options for shipping lines to consider, providing them with the freedom to choose the most suitable solution:

(a) Discontinue the container deposit practice; (b) Continue to collect container deposits contingent upon the availability to refund within 14 days, or

(c) Subscribe to container deposit from Container Ledger Account (CLA) or other providers that offer equivalent services.

Shipping lines have the option to voluntarily cease the practice of requiring container deposits, continue collecting container deposit with prompt refunds, or avail of Container Ledger Account (CLA) services or explore other providers offering equivalent services, according to Ronas.

“Unlike TOP-CRMS, the DOTr’s democratic solutions provide shipping lines a latitude in determining, and choosing, the most appropriate resolution to the container deposit issue, ensuring a fair and competitive environment within the shipping industry,” Ronas said.

BARMM governors meet in Davao with Ibrahim in 1st Leaders Council

THE BARMM Governors’ Caucus (BGC) on Monday welcomed the convening for the first time of the autonomous region’s Council of Leaders by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ibrahim.

Members of the Council of Leaders will meet on Wednesday, August 9, in Davao City.

Since the establishment of the BARMM in March 2019, the provincial governors have called for the activation of the Council of Leaders, so that the voice of Local Government Units (LGUs) can be heard and considered in the governance of the autonomous region.

During the launch of the BARMM Governors Caucus (BGC) on June 6, 2023, the five elected governors of BARMM called for the meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), as well as the convening of the Council of Leaders, among others.

The RPOC met in Sulu last 10 June where the governors submitted their manifesto and an open letter to President Marcos. In a Joint Position Paper, the governors called for the regular meeting of the Council of Leaders, at least quarterly, to fulfill its mandate under RA 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The governors also called for the inclusion of the following critical and urgent issues in the agenda for the Council’s meeting: peace and order issues leading to the October 2023 barangay and SK elections; rationalizing and armonizing BARMM and local government planning; greater coordination between regional ministries and localities in the implementation of regional projects in local areass; transparent, accountable, and efficient implementation of regional projects and Issues on Rule of Law and Justice in the region. Maricel V. Cruz

MIAA: Emergency response exercises a ‘success’

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said its recent emergency response capability and preparedness exercise over the weekend was a success.

MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said the successful demonstration of this year’s full-scale simulated emergency made them ensure that the prescribed plans, guidelines, and organizational setup of the Airport Emergency Plan 2023 adequately and effectively address emergencies occurring at or within the immediate vicinity of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

During the simulation dubbed as Crash Rescue Exercise (CREX) held last Friday at the General Aviation Area of NAIA,

THE Quezon City government has received 25 biodigesters and food waste-on-wheels from the United Nations Development Programme in the Philippines and the Japanese Government to boost the city’s transition to a circular economy and further strengthen its food waste recovery strategy in communities.

By Julito G. Rada

THE education sector was allotted P924.7 billion in the proposed 2024 national budget.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary

Amenah said Monday that higher provisions for subsidies, facilities, learning materials, and skills training programs comprise the bulk of the 3.3-percent increase in the budget allocation for the education sector in the fiscal year 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The DBM recently transmitted the proposed budget to the House of Representatives for deliberations following its approval by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“As mandated by the Constitution, education will remain our top priority with a total budget of P924.7 billion, equivalent to 16.0 percent of the FY 2024 NEP,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman said that of the total amount, P758.6 billion was allotted for the DepEd, while P31 billion is for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

She said P15.2 billion had been provided for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and P105.6 billion for the 116 state universities and colleges, among others.

The subsidies for students consist of P51.1 billion for the UAQTE Program and an additional P41.0 billion for Education Assistance — of which P39.3 billion goes to DepEd’s Education Service Contracting, Junior High School and Senior High School Voucher Program, and Joint Delivery Voucher Program for SHS Technical Vocational Livelihood Specialization.

Various infrastructure projects of state universities and colleges will receive P3.4 billion.

Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday defended her proposal for the education department to be given P150 million in confidential funds.

In an interview with media on the sideline of the Brigada Eskwela kick off at Tarlac National High School, Duterte stressed that the fund is necessary for the learning of students.

Duterte said there is basis for the requested amount but refused to give details due to its nature.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas criticized the proposed confidential fund of DepEd, saying it has no place in such department.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) meanwhile said it has shifted the focus of its security preparations for the opening of classes in public schools on Aug. 29.

Vince Lopez