TRIVIA: 34 personalities you didn't know started in 'Eat Bulaga!'

Sino-sino ang mga artistang sumikat dahil sumali sila sa iba't ibang segments ng 'Eat Bulaga!?' Alamin sa gallery na ito.

Michael V
Bago pa man maging isa sa mga host ng 'Eat Bulaga,' sumali si Michael V sa Check 2000, isang singing contest kung saan nakaabot siya sa finals level. Ang judge na nagbigay ng pinakamababang marka sa kanya ay ang best friend niya ngayon na si Ogie Alcasid.

Catriona Gray
Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray is a proud contestant of one Eat Bulaga!'s most iconicsegments 'Little Miss Philippines.' The beauty queen joined the competition way back in 1999. #CutenessOverload

Arnold Clavio
Dati’y kasama ang mamamahayag na si Arnold Clavio sa isang banda at sila’y sumali sa Flashback noong 1982.

Alice Dixson
Naging contestant si Alice ng Reyna ng Santacruzan noong 1986. Ito rin ang naging tulay upang ma-discover siya para sa Binibining Pilipinas.

Camille Prats
Unang napanood sa TV si Camille Prats nang sumali siya sa Little Miss Philippines noong 1990. Inamin niyang idol niya si Aiza Seguerra kaya’t siya’y nag-audition noong siya’y five years old.

Angelica Panganiban
Tulad ng kanyang kaibigan at co-star sa 'Sarah ang Munting Prinsesa' na si Camille Prats, ang aktres na si Angelica Panganiban ay naging contestant din ng Little Miss Philippines.

Donna Cruz
Grand finalist si Donna Cruz sa Little Miss Philippines noong kapanahunan niya.

Geneva Cruz
Ang singer-actress na si Geneva Cruz ay una ring nakita sa Little Miss Philippines. Ngayon ay isa siyang single mom na naka-base sa America.

Rachelle Ann Go
Noong siya’y 11 years old, sumali si Rachelle Ann Go sa Birit Baby kung saan kinanta niya ang "All By Myself" ni Celine Dion. Ngayon ay isa na siyang performer sa West End ng London.

Jillian Ward
Ang Kapuso child performer na si Jillian Ward ay sumali sa Little Miss Philippines noong 2009. Four years old pa lamang siya noon. Ngayon ay isa na siya sa mga child stars ng GMA.

Julie Anne San Jose
Ang Asia’s Pop Sweetheart na si Julie Anne San Jose ay sumali ng Little Miss Philippines noong 1997. Ngayon ay isa na siyang aktres at multi-platinum singer.

Rosanna Roces
Nanalo sa daily round ng She’s Got the Look si Rosanna Roces noong 1991. Pagkatapos nito’y siya’y naging aktres.

Patricia Javier
Ang dating sexy star na si Patricia Javier ay sumali sa She’s Got the Look noon. Siya’y kinasal sa isang American chiropractor at ngayon ay may dalawa na silang anak.

Jessa Zaragoza
Naging contestant ng Little Miss Philippines ang singer-actress na si Jessa Zaragoza noong 1987. Batchmate niya sa kiddie pageant si Aiza Seguerra.

Gladys Reyes
Kasama sa first batch ng Little Miss Philippines si Gladys Reyes noong 1984. Siya’y naging runner-up dito.

Maybelyn dela Cruz
Ang dating child star na si Maybelyn dela Cruz ay sumali rin ng Little Miss Philippines. Ngayon ay isa na siyang councilor at hinirang na National President ng Philippine Councilors League.

EA Guzman
Mr. Pogi 2006 winner ang singer-actor na si Edgar Allan Guzman.

Francine Prieto
Noong 1988 ay naging daily winner ng Little Miss Philippines si Francine Prieto. Naging isa rin siyang beauty queen at cast member ng 'Bubble Gang.'

Jericho Rosales
Ang matinee idol at heartthrob na si Jericho Rosales ay sumali ng Mr. Pogi noong 1996. Naging daan ito upang siya’y maging aktor sa telebisyon at pelikula.

Danilo Barrios
Ang dating teen star at ka-love team ni Camille Prats na si Danilo Barrios ay sumali ng Mr. Pogi noon. Ngayon ay isa na siyang asawa at ama.

Sunshine Garcia
Sumali si Sunshine Garcia sa Teevee Babe noong 2002. Siya’y na-discover ng talent manager na si Joy Cancio, at siya’y naging parte ng Sexbomb Girls.

Goyong
Si Steven Claude Goyong, o mas kilala bilang Goyong ay runner-up ng That’s My Boy noong 1998. Siya’y naging parte ng comedy fantaserye na 'Beh Bote Nga.' Ngayon ay isa siyang commerce student sa University of Santo Tomas.

Dindin Llarena
Runner-up ng Little Miss Philippines si Dindin Llarena noong siya’y seven years old. Pagkatapos ng ilang taon ng pag-aartista, pinili niyang maging parte ng corporate world.

Makisig Morales
Sumali at nanalo sa That’s My Boy si Makisig Morales. Siya’y naging isang child star at ngayon ay based na siya sa Australia.

Richard Hwan
People’s Choice Awardee ng That’s My Foreignoy ang galing Hong Kong na si Richard Hwan. Naging paborito siya ng mga manonood ng 'Eat Bulaga' dahil sa kanyang galing sa pagta-Tagalog. Ngayon ay isa siyang model at host.

Pauleen Luna
Nagsimula ang entertainment career ni Pauleen Luna sa Little Miss Philippines noong 1995. Ngayon ay isa na siya sa mga host ng 'Eat Bulaga!' Dito niya rin nakilala ang kanyang asawa na si Vic Sotto.

Aiza Seguerra
Isa sa pinakasikat na produkto ng Little Miss Philippines ay si Aiza Seguerra. Siya’y tinaguriang child wonder noong ‘80s. Pagkatapos nito’y sampung taon siya naging parte ng 'Eat Bulaga!' Maliban sa pagiging host, siya’y naging aktres at singer.

Ryzza Mae Dizon
Kinoronahang Little Miss Philippines si Ryzza Mae Dizon noong 2012. Dahil sa kanyang angking husay at karisma, siya’y naging host ng kanyang sariling programa na 'The Ryzza Mae Show.' Siya’y kinilala bilang youngest television host.

Nicole Dulalia
Second runner-up ng Little Miss Philippines noong 2004 ang Kapuso teen star na si Nicole Dulalia.

Edric Ulang
Noong 2012, nanalo sa Mr. Pogi si Edric Ulang. Last year, siya’y sumali sa multi-platform boyband competition na 'To The Top.'

Mitoy Yonting
Ang 'The Voice of the Philippines' season 1 winner na si Mitoy Yonting ay sumali sa Ikaw at Echo noong 1990.

Rochelle Pangilinan
Isa si Rochelle sa founding members ng Sex Bomb Dancers. Sa kalauna'y nagkaroon siya ng solo career at naging isang aktres.

Maine Mendoza
Pagkatapos maging viral ng Philippine Dubsmash Queen, una siyang nakita sa telebisyon sa Eat Bulaga! bilang Yaya Dub. Naging simula ito ng kanilang phenomenal love team ni Alden Richards na tinawag na AlDub.

Kim Domingo
In an interview with Ricky Lo, Kim Domingo revealed that she joined 'Little Miss Philippines' in 2000 where she placed 4th runner-up.

DoTR approves Cavite’s proposed Sangley airport

The local government of Cavite obtained the green light from the Department of Transportation to undertake the proposed $9.3-billion Sangley airpot project.

“We just transmitted that we do not object to their proposal provided there are no government guarantees. The provincial government can now proceed.  It means there is no objection from the DOTr for them to implement the Sangley International Airport,” Transportation Undersecretary Ruben Reinoso said.

Reinoso said the  next step was to determine the legal framework for the project.  “It’s a go. So they now have to comply with the requirements for approval,” he said.

Reinoso said the proponent of the Sangley airport project should secure an endorsement from the  Philippine Reclamation Authority and approval from the National Economic and Development Authority board for the reclamation component.

Under the proposal, the provincial government of Cavite plans to reclaim about 1,500 hectares of land and to build an airport terminal that can accommodate 75 million passengers a year in Sangley Point.

The DOTr also received an unsolicited proposal to build an international airport in Sangley Point for $12 billion from Sangley Airport Infrastructure Group Inc., a consortium composed of Solar Group’s All-Asia Resources and Reclamation Corp. and the Sy family’s Belle Corp.

The Philippine Sangley International Airport was envisioned to be a regional airport hub that could accommodate about 120 million passengers a year once fully developed.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said: “If there’s two proposals, the priority is government to government initiative.”

San Miguel Corp., meanwhile, secured an approval from the Neda board for its proposed P735.63-billion international airport in Bulacan.

The unsolicited proposal involves the construction of a terminal, parallel runways and airport toll road. It will be able to accommodate 100 million passengers per annum by its opening year of 2023.

San Miguel’s proposal involves developing an “aerotropolis” on 1,168 hectares and a city complex on a 2,500-hectare area in Bulacan.

The Naia Consortium is also set to secure an original proponent status from the DOTr for its proposed rehabilitation and upgrade of Ninoy Aquino International Airport for P106 billion over a 15-year period.

The Naia Consortium proposed to expand and interconnect the existing terminals of Naia, upgrade airside facilities and develop commercial facilities to increase airline and airport efficiencies, enhance passenger comfort and experience and improve public perception of Naia as the country’s premier international gateway.

The consortium’s members are Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., AEDC, Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

http://www.thestandard.com.ph/business/biz-plus/271685/dotr-approves-cavite-s-proposed-sangley-airport.html

Duterte open to amendments to Bangsamoro law

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has expressed willingness to review and propose amendments to the contentious provisions in the recently-signed Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to make it acceptable to all Filipinos, Malacañang said on Monday, July 30.

"You know, nothing is perfect. And of course, the BOL signed into law is a result of compromise. So all that the President was saying was, if you have specific complaints, we're open to discuss[ing] these complaints with a view of possibly amending further the law," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. told Palace reporters.

"But I think the general sentiment of the President is if there are those who want to object because of specific revisions, we're open to reviewing the specific provisions," he added.

On July 27, Duterte signed the much-awaited BOL, formerly known as the Bangsamoro Basic Law, that will create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in place of the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The BOL, however, did not bear the signature of House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But Roque said Arroyo's failure to sign the law was not a problem, stressing that it would be "easily cured."

The signing of the Bangsamoro law, or Republic Act (RA) 11054, is among Duterte's campaign promises to allow Moro people to enjoy self-governance over their territories in the southern Philippines.

The law is based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a peace pact signed between the Aquino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014.

The BOL overhauls the current setup in Mindanao as it grants the new Bangsamoro region greater control over resources and political power.

Under RA 11054, the BARMM is composed of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

However, a plebiscite is necessary to legalize the creation of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region that would replace the ARMM.

Roque acknowledged that some Moro people, especially those residing in Sulu, opposed the new law.

He said the Chief Executive would exhaust all efforts to ensure that long-lasting peace in Mindanao will be achieved.

"We all know that Sulu traditionally is a bastion of opposition for BOL. So he's willing to sit down with Sulu and talk about possible amendments," he said.

"As of now, it's just really a strong message [of Duterte] that 'If you're not happy with BOL, come talk to me,'" Roque added.

Asked if possible amendments to the BOL would take more time, the Palace official said: "Of course, like any law, it would have to require Congressional action. Hindi naman po (mag-tatagal) kasi for now, we have BOL. So let's see whatever changes they may want from the BOL."

(Of course, like any law, it would have to require Congressional action. It would not take more time because for now, we have BOL. So let's see whatever changes they may want from the BOL.) (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1755419/Manila/Duterte-open-to-amendments-to-Bangsamoro-law

DOF upbeat on prospects for quick passage of rice tariffication bill

THE Department of Finance (DOF) has expressed optimism that Congress would pass soon enough the rice tariffication bill, after President Duterte has declared the proposal to liberalize rice imports an urgent and priority measure, in line with efforts to ease inflation and bring down prices of the food staple by as much as P7 per kilo.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said liberalizing rice imports through the passage into law of the rice tariffication bill pending in Congress is vital in helping low-income households cope with inflation, given that rice accounts for 20 percent of their consumption.

“Along with a national ID [identification] system, the passage of the rice tariffication bill will complement the social mitigation measures we are implementing now to further ease the impact of inflation on poor households,” Dominguez said.

Based on estimates by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, allowing cheap rice imports with tariffs will immediately lower the inflation rate by 0.4 percentage points.

The House of Representatives appropriations committee has already ​approved the funding provision for the consolidated version of its rice tariffication bill, while its counterpart version in the Senate is still being discussed at the committee level.

Package 1B, Package 2

Earlier in the month, DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua explained that the DOF is hoping for three measures to be approved by Congress within the year, with two measures under the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP), namely Package 1B and Package 2, and the other being the Rice Tarrification Act.

Under House Bill (HB) 4904 or the rice tariffication bill is the proposal to amend the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996, prescribing import volumes to be removed and imports to be opened to private entities.

Measures under Package 1B include increasing the motor vehicle users charge, an estate tax amnesty program, as well as a measure on general tax amnesty, amendments to the bank secrecy law and automatic exchange of information.

Package 2 of the CTRP, which aims to reduce corporate income- tax rates from 30 percent to 25 percent while rationalizing the country’s fiscal incentives regime, was submitted by the DOF to Congress in January this year. The measure is under HB 7458 at the House of Representatives.

In his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), the President said rice tariffication was among the long-term solutions the government is working on to lower inflation, provide farmers with additional resources and reduce rice prices by up to P7 a kilo.

“We need to switch from the current quota system in importing rice to a tariff system where rice can be imported more freely. I ask Congress to prioritize this crucial reform, which I have certified as urgent today,”  the President said in his Sona.

The President also reiterated his commitment to a comprehensive tax reform, and called on the Congress “to continue the job,” starting with the approval of his administration’s proposed reforms in the corporate tax system and the rationalization of fiscal incentives.

The Chief Executive described such reforms, which comprise Package 2 of his tax-reform program, as “urgent,” and said he hopes to sign the bill into law before the year ends.

Dominguez said the DOF will “extend all the technical support that Congress needs in heeding the President’s call for the passage of Package 2 this year, especially for the benefit of our small and medium enterprises.”

“President Duterte has always been the principal advocate of inclusive growth and of the means to achieve it. Tax reform is a key tool to reach that objective,” Dominguez added.

Long Tall Howard Medina Reports: National Anthem

An excerpt from Rated K of ABS-CBN:

Sa panahon ngayon, kaya niyong pa bang kantahin ang pambansang awit ng Pilipinas? Sige nga, kung memorize mo ba?

Pero, ang batang ito, three years old pa lang noon favorite na niyang kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang.

“Bayang Magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan. Alab ng puso sa dibdib mo’y buhay. Lupang Hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting. Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, may dilag ang tula at awit sa paglayang minamahal. Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y tagumpay na nagniningning, ang bituin at araw niya, kailan pa ma'y 'di magdidilim. Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta, buhay ay langit sa piling mo, aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi ang mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo.”

Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr. along with De La Salle University (DLSU) professor Michael Charleston Chua, National Historical Institute (NHI) chairman Dr. Ambeth Ocampo and Research, Publication and Heraldry Division Chief Prof. Teodoro Atienza and UP Diliman College of Music dean and tenor Ramon “Montet” Acoymo was at the PICC, CCP complex a few hours before arriving at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila just in time for the launching of the “Milenyo Filipino” marker - a 30-foot-tall recycled “parol” (Christmas lantern) at the Rizal Park, with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other top officials as guests and they talking about singing “Lupang Hinirang.”

Besides next to Ambassador Paynor, Professor Chua of DLSU, Drs. Ocampo and Atienza of NHI and Acoymo of UP College of Music is Sorsogon 1st District Rep. Salvador "Sonny" Escudero, author of "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines"

Siya ay isang masugid na tagapagsulong ng tamang pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang at siya ring may akda ng Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Alinsunod sa itinatakda ng section 37 ng Republic Act (R.A.) Number 8491, ang pag-awit ng pambansang awit, pinatutugtog man o kinakanta, ay dapat na naaayon sa pagkakaayos at komposisyon ni Julian Felipe.

Dagdag din ng R.A. Number 8491 na ang Lupang Hinirang ay dapat awitin sa ating pambansang wika, mapasa-ibang bansa man ito o dito sa Pilipinas.

Ayon sa R.A. 8491, naaayon sa alituntunin ng National Historical Commission of the Philippines ang paggamit ng awiting ito.

Pinagbabawal ng R.A. 8491 ang pag-awit nito bilang isang “recreation, amusement, o entertainment” maliban sa sumusunod: sa mga international competitions kung saan ang Pilipinas ang host o representative; mga lokal na kumpetisyon; tuwing "signing off" at "signing on" ng mga radio broadcasting at television stations; at bago ang pag-umpisa ng mga pelikula sa sinehan at iba pang mga theater performances. Ibinigay, na ang mga may-ari at pamamahala ng mga establisimyento ay dapat na utusan upang ipatupad ang tamang pakikitungo at ipatupad ang mga may kinalaman sa batas na ito; at iba pang okasyon na maaaring pahintulutan ng NHCP.

Ang Panatang Makabayan ay dapat na bigkasin pagkatapos ng pagkanta ng Pambansang Awit sa mga opisina at paaralan. Ang Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas ay maaaring kabisado din, bagaman ang batas ay hindi tumutukoy kung sino ang kinakailangan upang gawin ito.

Habang ang section 20 naman nito ay nagsasaad na ang seremonya sa pagtataas ng watawat ng Pilipinas sa mga opisyal o sibikong pagtitipon ay dapat na simple at may paggalang, at dapat na patugtugin o awitin ang pambansang awit na may orihinal na lirikong Pilipino at pamartsang ritmo.

Flag raising ceremonies are sometimes taken for granted. The spearheading brass band or chorale or rondalla takes away the accountability of the attendees to sing the Lupang Hinirang. The would-be singers become the audience to the “performers”. This scenario also happens during program when multi-media take the course of singing the Lupang Hinirang and the majority of the audience simply wait until the last note is played.

SM City Caloocan - Former Grand Central

Speaker Arroyo OKs Department of Disaster Resilience proposal

LEGAZPI CITY—The proposed draft for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) or House bill 6075 authored by Albay Second District Rep. Joey Salceda has been given the go-signal by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Salceda announced on Friday that after Arroyo assumed her speakership post, she directed the House committees on Government Reorganization and Defense and Security to convene and unanimously draft the proposal and endorse it to the plenary.

“We responded to it because President Duterte has repeatedly underscored in his Sona [State of the Nation Address] the urgency for the creation of department level disaster management agency, a version of which he had approved in his recent regular cabinet meeting,” he said.

Salceda stressed that “with DDR, it will be accountable and responsible for overseeing, coordinating and implementing comprehensive disaster risk and vulnerability reduction and management programs and redirecting policy drifts among other agencies handling disaster response tasks.”

He said passing the bill would be easier with Arroyo, being the House Speaker, since she is familiar with such legislation, having approved during her presidency Republic Act 101221, the law which sought to “Strengthen the Philippine Disaster Risk Management System.” /jpv

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1015184/speaker-arroyo-oks-department-of-disaster-resilience-proposal-arroyo-ddr-house-proposal-house-bill#ixzz5Ml75OzjI
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Transpacific to renew Congress franchise

Transpacific Broadband Group International Inc. said it will apply for the renewal of its Congressional franchise for another 25 years as it plans to become the country’s third player.

Transpacific said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the company’s Congressional franchise under Republic Act 8657 was eligible for the renewal for another 25 years from 2023 to 2048.

The renewal of the franchise aims to support the government’s initiative for a third telecommunications player to serve the public interest.

Transpacific is headed by businessman Arsenio Ng, who also owns ATN Holdings Inc., formerly Jabpract Mining and Industrial Corp.

Earlier, Transpacific said its board approved the fundraising, equivalent to a 40-percent equity to foreign investors, through a private placement.

The company said it would use the proceeds from the private placement to participate in various opportunities in the telecommunication market brought about by the directive of the government to have a third telco in the Philippines.

http://thestandard.com.ph/business/corporate/271515/transpacific-to-renew-congress-franchise.html

TO BOLSTER 3RD TELCO BID: Transpacific Broadband seeks congressional franchise renewal

Transpacific Broadband Group International Inc. (TBGI) is seeking to extend its Congressional franchise for another 25 years as its plan to take part in the government’s third telco initiative.

TBGI said it will apply for renewal of its congressional franchise (Republic Act No. 8675), which will expire in 2023.

Arsenio Ng, chairman of TBGI, has informed its board of directors that the company’s congressional franchise is eligible for renewal for another 25 years from 2023 to 2048.

Its franchise renewal is envisioned to “to support government initiative for a third telco to serve the public interest,” TBGI said in a regulatory filing submitted by its vice president, Paul Saria.

“TBGI maintains its current satellite operations for Uplink Services, VSAT Services, and Internet over Satellite Services to service the education and commercial sector.”

The company signified its interest in various telecommunications market opportunities opened by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

TBGI is planning to sell as much as 40 percent common equity to foreign investors in a fund-raising to bolster its coffers as it goes for the third telco slot.

The company intends to join a consortium of participating investors, or a consortium of “Common Tower Investment Corporation” to establish 50,000 tower sites nationwide.

Common Tower Investment can lease its towers to the third telco consortium.

TBGI said it could also establish a representative office in China in coordination and cooperation with a Chinese consortium in telecoms and technology.

“The aim of which is to bring in Artificial Intelligence Initiative, Block Chain Technology, Asset-backed Initial Coin Offering, and Internet of Things technology,” it said. —VDS, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/662022/transpacific-broadband-seeks-congressional-franchise-renewal/story/

Duterte signs Bangsamoro Law

BOL expected to put an end to armed conflict in the south

By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

President Duterte has finally signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which creates the Bangsamoro government and grants it fiscal autonomy.

In his speech during his visit to fire-affected families in Labuan, Zamboanga City, Duterte said that he has already signed the measure formerly called the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) after its ratification in Congress early this week.

But Duterte said that while there is a possibility that not everybody would like the BOL, he hopes that misunderstandings can be cleared immediately.

“Napirmahankonaang BBL (I have signed the BBL). I have no expectations, baka hindi magustuhan ng lahat (not everybody may like it),” he said Thursday evening.

“Tingnannatin kung kaya i-modify, palitan. ‘Yung ma-disappoint, mag-gyeraagad (Let’s see if we can modify or change it. Those who will be disappointed may just start a war),” he added.

This was the second time Duterte said on Thursday that he has signed the BOL. He first said it in his speech during the 69th Araw ng Ipil, in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Shortly after, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque saidDuterte is yet to be sign the measure as of 5:43 p.m.

When Duterte mentioned about signing the BOL for the second time on the same day, Roque said that the President has “not yet” signed the measure as of 7:19 p.m.

But only four minutes later, Roque confirmed that Duterte has signed the BOL into law.

“This is to announce that the President has just signed the BOL into law,” Roque said in a text message.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go also confirmed in a text message that Duterte has signed the measure on Thursday.

On Thursday afternoon, Duterte said that there would still be a ceremony for the signing but did not specify when or where the event would be held.

“The BBL has been signed, but I’m still going back because I have a ceremony with Jaafar and Murad,” Duterte said, referring to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim and MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar.

“And also I’d like to talk to Nur so that we can have it by the end of the year,” he added, referring to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader NurMisuari.

Malacañanghas yet to release a copy of the signed law.

Duterte was supposed to sign the BOL during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, but the plan did not happen after the House of Representatives failed to ratify the measure on that day due to a leadership standoff.

In his SONA speech, Duterte vowed that after the bill’s ratification, he will sign the BOL within 48 hours but after making sure that it will not put other people at a disadvantage.

“I make this solemn commitment that this administration will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic legal tools to chart their own destiny within the Constitutional framework of our country,” he said.

“Give me 48 hours to sign it and ratify the law. Babasahinko pa bago ko pipirmahan. Baka may isiningit kayo diyan na hindi maganda para sa — para sa ibang tao (You may have put something there that may not be good for other people),” he added.

The President is also hoping that the signing of the BOL would put an end to the conflict between armed groups in the south.

Officially now called as the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OLBARMM), the BOL is the result of decades-long peace negotiations between the government and rebel groups in Mindanao, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The OLBARMM will establish the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which replaces the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The measure is designed to address the grievances, sentiments, and demands of Muslims in the region.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/07/26/duterte-signs-bangsamoro-law/

BIG TICKET PROJECTS SOON IN SANTIAGO CITY BY 4Q OF 2018 AND EARLY 2019:

1. Santiago City Sports Complex
2. Santiago City Convention Center
3. Santiago City Hospital
4. Dariuk Hill Inner Development
5. Southern Isabela Medical Center 2nd - 8F Building
6. Miracle Condominium 10F
7. Honorata Residendes
8. Vista Mall Santiago
9. Ford Isabela New Showroom
10. De Vera Medical Center New Building 4F
11. Rumored SOGO Hotel along Turingan St. going 5F as of the moment
12. Amancio Hotel 2 @ Shell Calao 8F
13. Capstonewell Mixed Township
14. Promise Land Community (Brgy of Subdivisions)
15. Washington Hotel (No details yet on the Floors)
16. Robinson's Place Santiago Cyberzone
17. Charina's Food City
18. Golden Heaven Memorial Park
19. Palazzo Marcelino Hotel at the back
20. First Aaron Residences
21. Aaron Hotel
22. Mandaue Foam Corporate Office
23. Isabela State University Santiago City Campus

Pa add na lang mga heno kung may kulang... Big projects lang ha, wag na yung mga medium size.

Also, anong subdivision na ba ang pinaka-expensive sa Region 2? Can somebody share?

Honorata Residences entry rate is at P5M per model unit, and higher yung ibang model unit sa loob. Camella is at P1.5M entry level nila. 

Duterte signs Bangsamoro Organic Law

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —President Duterte announced yesterday that he has signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) that will allow enhanced autonomy in Mindanao.

Duterte made the pronouncement during his visit for the 69th anniversary of Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay.

He said he will have to go home for the ceremony with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al-Haj Ebrahim Murad and vice chair Ghazali Jaafar in Davao.


“The BBL is already signed, but I have to go home to attend a ceremony with Jaafar and Murad and everyone,” Duterte said, referring to the BOL’s initial name, Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The President added he will also sit down with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari to determine his role in the peace deal.

Misuari has expressed his opposition to the MILF-led peace deal and would rather wait for the implementation of the federal system instead of joining the Bangsamoro region.

“I can create also just like an autonomy for him if that is what he wants and pending the federal system implementation. For the moment he can wait if he trusts me,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he still has three years to act on the issue presented by Misuari to establish a regional government.

Prior confusion
Earlier, there was apparent confusion after Malacañang officials sent mixed signals on the President’s signing the measure.

In the evening, presidential spokesman Harry Roque confirmed the President has signed the BOL after its transmittal from the office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“This is to announce that the President has signed the BOL into law,” Roque said in a text message.

Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) chief Adelino Sitoy said the BOL was received by Malacañang at 7:30 p.m. last Wednesday.

In a press briefing hours before Duterte’s speech in Ipil, Roque said there was no impediment to the signing of the BOL.

Duterte was supposed to sign the BOL during his third State of the Nation Address last Monday. However, the House of Representatives failed to ratify the measure because of the leadership squabble in the chamber.

Duterte then made a self imposed deadline of signing the BOL within 48 hours. He had earlier certified the measure as urgent.

Senators and House members last week reconciled their versions of the measure in bicameral meetings.

Even after the Duterte administration is banking on the immediate passage of the BOL in Congress, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it has not been included in the 2019 budget.

Lawmakers, however, said they will provide funds for the implementation of the BOL and the creation of the envisioned new Bangsamoro region.

Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., a senior deputy speaker, yesterday said funds must also be allotted to carry out the Supreme Court (SC) decision increasing the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of provinces, cities, towns and barangays.

“We must find space in the 2019 national budget for these two must-fund items,” he said.

Andaya noted Malacañang did not include funds for the BOL and the SC ruling in its 2019 budget proposal because these did not exist yet when the Palace put together the outlay.

Andaya, who served as budget secretary during the presidency of new Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, pointed out that at least P160 billion would be needed for the Bangsamoro region and increased IRA of local government units (LGUs).

He said the new Muslim entity that would replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) would need P110 billion.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto added he will raise the matter of lack of funding of the BOL with the DBM.

He said the Senate will have to find ways to fund the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as there is no allocation for it in the proposed P3.8-trillion national budget submitted by Malacañang to Congress.

Recto also pointed out the DBM failed to provide for the SC increasing the IRAs for LGUs, estimated to be an additional P160 billion.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said if the proposed BOL is ratified in a plebiscite before the end of the year, there must be some adjustments in the current budget to include at least the share of proceeds from taxes. – With Jess Diaz, Alexis Romero, Paolo Romero, Jaime Laude, Delon Porcalla

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/27/1837208/duterte-signs-bangsamoro-organic-law

Duterte signs Bangsamoro law

PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte on Thursday said he has signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Speaking in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Mr. Duterte said in Visayans, “The BBL has been signed, but I’m still going back (to Davao City) because I have a ceremony with (Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders Ghazali) Jaafar and (Al-Haj) Murad (Ebrahim).”

Mr. Duterte, however, was contradicted that afternoon by his spokesman, Harry L. Roque, Jr., and aide, Christopher T. Go., who both said the President has not yet signed the autonomy law creating the Bangsamoro Region in Mindanao.

“As of 5:43 p.m., BOL has not yet been signed by the President,” Mr. Roque said in a text message to reporters.

Mr. Duterte in his remarks also said: “And also I’d like to talk to (Moro National Liberation Front leader) Nur ([Misuari)], so that we can have it by the end of the year. I can create also just like an autonomy for him if that’s what he wants, and pending the federal system implementation he can just wait for it if he (Nur) trusts me.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

Duterte signs Bangsamoro Organic Law

The law replaces the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the new Bangsamoro region with greater fiscal and political autonomy

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the landmark Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on Thursday, July 26.

"This is to announce that the President has just signed the BOL into law," said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a message to reporters on Thursday.

The signing came 8 days after the bicameral conference committee (bicam) finalized the bill following days of heated discussions. Duterte had certified the bill as urgent, paving the way for the speedy passage of the measure in Congress.

The Senate was the first to ratify the bicam report on the measure, ahead of Duterte's 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 23.

The House of Representatives failed to push through with the measure's ratification on Monday, however, due to the leadership showdown that saw former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo replacing Pantaleon Alvarez as House Speaker.

The House was only able to ratify the bicam report on Tuesday, July 24, and then the measure was sent to Malacañang for Duterte's signature.

The law replaces the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which would have greater fiscal autonomy, a regional government, parliament, and justice system.

The region would be composed of the current ARMM – Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur – pending a regional plebiscite.

Also included in the Bangsamoro region are 6 municipalities of Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays of Cotabato, provided that the province and their municipalities, respectively, vote to lose jurisdiction over them. These areas previously voted to be included in the ARMM, but their mother units voted against it. (READ: Duterte ends BBL impasse: Mother LGUs' vote needed for inclusion in Bangsamoro)

The chartered cities of Cotabato and Isabela would also be excluded, subject to the approval of their respective registered voters in the plebiscite.

The law has an opt-in provision, allowing areas adjacent to the region to join the Bangsamoro, with a petition of at least 10% of their voters.

The law is the culmination of a peace deal signed between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and past administrations. Former president Benigno Aquino III had wanted it passed before he stepped down, but a botched police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in 2015 derailed its passage. (READ: After Bangsamoro law, a bright yet bumpy path to peace)

Parliament, wealth, justice

The law will pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro government, headed by a chief minister and a ceremonial leader called a Wali.

There would also be a parliament composed of 80 members – 50% party representatives, 40% district representatives, and 10% sectoral representatives, including two reserved seats for "non-Moro indigenous peoples and settler communities."

Despite having its own government, the Bangsamoro would not have its own military and police force, as these would still be under the national government. (READ: Bicam adopts Senate provision vs Bangsamoro firearms purchase)

The region would have its own judicial system based on the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Bangsamoro. (READ: Bicam approves creation of Shari'ah High Court in Bangsamoro)

The law grants 75-25 wealth sharing between the Bangsamoro and national governments – higher than the current 70-30 scheme under the ARMM law. This means 75% of the national internal revenue collection would go to the Bangsamoro, and 25% to the central government.

An annual block grant, pegged at a 5% share of the national internal revenue or some P59 billion, would also be automatically appropriated to the region without any conditions.

The Bangsamoro region would also primarily oversee all inland bodies of water, except for those that produce energy for other areas outside its jurisdiction. Energy-producing bodies of water, like Lake Lanao, would instead be co-managed by the region together with the Department of Energy. – with a report from Pia Ranada

While Kapuso claims ratings leadership, ABS-CBN stays on top in June

More Filipinos turned to ABS-CBN for news and information and values-laden stories as the TV network hit an average audience share of 45 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent last month, according to data from Kantar Media.

The Kapamilya network won in both rural and urban homes, particularly in Metro Manila with an average audience share of 43percent, compared to GMA’s 29 percent. ABS-CBN likewise led in Total Luzon with 41 percent versus GMA’s 36 percent; in Total Visayas with 54 percent, compared to GMA’s 24 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 53 percent, while GMA only got 26 percent.

Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (42.6 percent) held the top spot for the whole month of June, followed by Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.

Also part of the top 10 are Bagani, Since I Found You, TWBA, Bandila, Asintado, Araw Gabi, The Blood Sisters, TV Patrol, MMK, Home Sweetie Home, Wansapanataym, It’s Showtime (Saturday), Ipaglaban Mo and Rated K.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN also led across all time blocks, particularly the primetime block as it garnered an average audience share of 48 percent, or 15-point lead against GMA’s 33 percent. The primetime block is the most important time of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investments in to reach more consumers effectively.

The Kapamilya network also ruled the morning block (6 a.m. to 12 nn) with an average audience share of 39 percent versus GMA’s 29 percent; the noontime block (12 noon to 3:00 p.m.) with 47 percent, compared to GMA’s 31 percent; and the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) with 44 percent, beating GMA’s 36 percent.

Naturally, the Kapuso network challenges these data with their own from the ratings provider they use (NUTAM) and insistently claims it has overtaken the Kapamilya network as the country’s no. 1 broadcast network.

Between the two companies, GMA’s has historically highlighted its performance in heavily populated areas, in particular, urban Luzon and mega Manila.

In Urban Luzon, GMA posted an average total day people audience share of 46.4 percent, more than ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

In Mega Manila, it cornered a share of 48.1 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 29.5 percent.

More Kapuso shows also made it to the list of top-rating programs in NUTAM with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) securing its spot as the most watched Kapuso program nationwide.

Joining KMJS were Pepito Manaloto, Kambal, Karibal, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, The Cure, Inday Will Always Love You, 24 Oras Weekend, and newly-launched program Amazing Earth.

Also included in the list were Lip Sync Battle Philippines, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, GMA Blockbusters, Imbestigador, Wowowin, Sunday Pinasaya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Eat Bulaga, Tadhana, The Stepdaughters and Contessa.

Booster of US and RP brands

Numbers don’t lie. Data, in fact, tell startling truths about a population niche in the United States whose profile may be low, but whose income leads most populations: Filipinos.

 A median household income of $81,929 puts Filipinos near the top among all American consumers (only South Asians, Jewish Americans, and Taiwanese Americans are ahead, the US Census Bureau reports), while the current median household income for the US is $53,657. A median family income of $65,910 still makes America one of the world’s leaders in this category. But this number pales in comparison to the median family income of Filipinos in New York: a jaw-dropping $92,486. In the city with the most billionaires in the world, this figure ranks New York-based Filipinos as first or second among all population groups in the US.

Filipinos’ purchasing power is not lost on marketers at major American brands. Their stake in the Filipino consumer segment can clearly be seen at Fiesta In America Expo and Consumer Show. The event will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Aug. 11 and 12 as the biggest expo and cultural show of its kind on the east coast. Its home for the past 18 years, New Jersey’s Meadowlands Exposition Center in the city of Secaucus, is one of the most prestigious convention sites in the American northeast region.

Fiesta In America’s blend of consumer show and concert attracts a two-day audience of more than 5,000 Filipinos and multicultural consumers from New York, New Jersey and five peripheral states.

According to Daphne Kwok, vice president, Multicultural Leadership, at the 37 million-member American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), “Our partnership with Fiesta in America has been very exciting and we look forward to creating more innovative ways on how we can share AARP’s resources with [this] population.”

For Meriterese Racanelli, MS, Food Scientist, Nutritionist and Chef at Goya Foods, America’s largest Hispanic food company, “It was a joy to work with Fiesta In America. The talent and entertainment are outstanding!”
Nemesio Kinsora, an executive at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s foremost health management organization (HMO), cited the event’s niche-marketing value. “Fiesta In America gave us the chance to connect with the Filipino community on a large scale.”

In the Philippines, a diverse spectrum of Filipino industries is drawn to the buying power of Filipinos in the east coast of the US who attend Fiesta In America, and whose median household income far exceeds that of their kababayan in California. These business participants include some of the most respected names in Philippine real estate; small to medium-size manufacturers of handicraft, packaged food, shoes and apparel, holiday and home décor, and a myriad other products; Philippine Airlines; as well as the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board.

“Our two-day event is uniquely located at the junction of Filipino culture and U.S. diversity marketing,” said Nanding Mendez, founder and CEO of not-for-profit Fiesta In America.

“For our historic 20thyear, the concert headliners are Gary Lewis and the Playboys, Ogie Alcasid, and love team of Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona.

For more information, log on to www.fiestainamerica.com

Palace: Duterte yet to sign BOL

By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

Malacañang clarified that President Duterte is yet to sign the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which creates the Bangsamoro government and grants it fiscal autonomy.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement after Duterte said in a speech that the law has already been signed following its ratification in Congress this week.

In a text message, Roque said that the measure was still with Executive Secretary (ES) Salvador Medialdea.

“As of an hour ago, hindi pa (not yet) and still with ES,” Roque said Thursday afternoon.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go also confirmed that Duterte is yet to sign the BOL.

In his speech in Ipip, Zamboanga Sibugay Thursday afternoon, Duterte said that the measure has been finally signed and that he will meet with Moro leaders for a ceremony.

“The BBL has been signed, but I’m still going back because I have a ceremony with Jaafar and Murad,” Duterte said in mixed English and Bisaya. He was referring to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Murad Ebrahim and MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar.

“And also I’d like to talk to Nur so that we can have it by the end of the year,” he added, referring to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari.

Duterte was supposed to sign the BOL during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, however, the plan did not happen after the House of Representatives failed to ratify the measure due to a leadership standoff.

In his speech, Duterte vowed that after the bill’s ratification, he will sign the BOL within 48 hours but after making sure that it will not put other people at a disadvantage.

“I make this solemn commitment that this administration will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic legal tools to chart their own destiny within the Constitutional framework of our country,” he said.

“Give me 48 hours to sign it and ratify the law. Babasahin ko pa bago ko pipirmahan. Baka may isiningit kayo diyan na hindi maganda para sa — para sa ibang tao (You may have put something there that may not be good for other people),” he added.

Sign language interpreters aid Duterte’s SONA

Local news networks ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), GMA, TV5, and PTV4 recently tapped Filipino Sign Language (FSL) interpreters for the Third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

PNASLI President John Baliza and Benilde SDEAS Dean Nicky Templo Perez for ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), and DZMM.

To be able to fully deliver the President’s speech to the country’s Deaf community, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, together with the Philippine Federation of the Deaf and the Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (PNASLI), lent the helping hands of its skilled and steadfast Deaf and hearing coordinators, partners, and associates to interpret the SONA through FSL.

To be able to fully deliver the President’s speech to the country’s Deaf community, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, together with the Philippine Federation of the Deaf and the Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (PNASLI), lent the helping hands of its skilled and steadfast Deaf and hearing coordinators, partners, and associates to interpret the SONA through FSL.

Sign Language interpreters include SDEAS Dean Nicky Templo-Perez and John Baliza for ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) and DZMM; Jojo Esposa and Joi Villareal for GMA; Jun Sevilla and Rjay Soriano Jr. for TV5; and Naty Natividad and Febe Sevilla for PTV 4.

Proposed Bangsamoro law ratified, awaits President Duterte’s signature

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

P909.7-B allotted for 'Build, Build, Build' program in 2019

A total of PHP909.7 billion out of the proposed PHP3.757 trillion national budget for 2019 will be allotted for the construction of the flagship projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program.

According to President Rodrigo Duterte’s budget message recently submitted to Congress, the PHP909.7 billion for infrastructure projects represents 24.2 percent of the cash budget for 2019 or 4.6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

“Investments in sufficient and quality infrastructure will increase economic activity through improved mobility, connectivity and sustainability across the country,” Duterte emphasized.

He said the public infrastructure spending in 2019 is estimated to generate 1.1 million jobs “something we desperately need”.

The Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) will get the bulk of the 2019 infrastructure budget amounting to PHP555.7 billion while the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will take PHP76.1 billion.

Duterte said the two departments will use the amount to provide connectivity for all Filipinos and to implement major infrastructure projects.

Of the DPWH budget, PHP113.29 billion will be used for the network development including widening of 778.822-kilometer roads with PHP35.93 billion budget and construction of by-pass and diversion roads/missing links/new roads with PHP63.77 billion.

The DPWH has also PHP29.66 billion for the widening, replacement, retrofitting, repair/rehabilitation and construction of new bridges next year.

“Bridges remain an important backbone of our infrastructure investments,” Duterte said.

A total of PHP56.65 billion is allocated for asset preservation program to keep the roads in good condition while PHP101.91 billion will be spent for flood management program including the PHP72.74-billion drainage systems.

Since Metro Manila contributes at least 35 percent to the Philippine economy, DPWH has allotted PHP25.2 billion for the construction of 35-km Metro Manila subway project while PHP2 billion will be used to build 17 more stations of Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program.

Duterte also emphasized the need to build more infrastructure projects outside Metro Manila to spur economic activities in the rural areas.

For Luzon area, the projects include the 72-km PHP4.6-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Commuter project from Solis, Tondo to Los Baños in Laguna; the 38-km PHP14.04-billion PNR North 1 Project that will have 10 stations from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos, Bulacan; the PHP17-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation System; PHP875-million Lower Agno River Irrigation System Extension Project in Pangasinan; and PHP311-million Bongabong River Irrigation Project in Oriental Mindoro.

The listed projects for Visayas, on the other hand, are the PHP754 million will go to New Bohol (Panglao) International Airport; PHP450 million for Catbalogan airport in Samar; PHP50 million for Tacloban airport in Leyte; PHP282 million for New Cebu International Container Port Project; PHP75 million for rehabilitation and improvement of various ports and wharves.

Mindanao also stands to receive PHP2.9 billion for construction of Mindanao Railway Project; PHP500 million for the Siargao Airport; PHP315 million for the Davao International Airport; PHP400 million for Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II in North Cotabato; PHP300 million Sapalan River Irrigation Project in Maguindanao; and, PHP92 million for the Central Mindanao (M’lang) airport.

On the other hand, the bulk of the allocation for the DOTr, PHP24.6 billion, will fund its various railway projects.

DOTr has also allotted PHP2.2 billion for improvement of airports and PHP627 million for sea transport primarily for implementation of Phase 2 of the PHP330-million Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

In a bid to make 145 cities throughout the country livable, sustainable and inclusive, Duterte said his administration will continue investing in the infrastructure development outside Metro Manila.

He said some PHP11.7 billion will be provided for the Assistance to Municipalities, basically to fund local access roads, local bridges, sanitation and health facilities, and potable water system projects, among others.

Likewise, some PHP8.2 billion will be set aside for Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP) to pave, repair, and improve around 500km of provincial roads.

With number of Filipino internet users to hit 70 million in 2018, the Duterte administration also continued to investment in information technology (IT) infrastructure projects.

A total of PHP1.2 billion and PHP280 million has been allotted for free internet wife access in public places and state universities and colleagues, respectively, while PHP177 million for National Government Data Center and PHP43 million for National Broadband Plan in 2019. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1042562

Arroyo-led House ratifies draft Bangsamoro law

The House of Representatives on Tuesday ratified the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law, one day after a dramatic leadership change that saw the former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo wrest control from Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

A maneuver by the Alvarez camp to forestall his ouster also delayed the BOL’s scheduled passage on Monday.

On Tuesday, the House created a five-man transition committee intended to smoothen things out with Alvarez.

The transition team was composed of Representatives Raneo Abu of Batangas, Fred Castro of Capiz, Arthur Defensor of Iloilo, Miro Quimbo of Marikina City and Arthur Yap of Bohol.

The session adjourned at past 5 p.m. Tuesday, without having elected new sets of leaders under Arroyo.

After her election as Speaker in the afternoon session Monday, Arroyo vowed to have the BOL ratified as her first act as the leader of the House.

“As I intend to carry out the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte, we will ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law today,” said Arroyo.

In his Sona, the President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to sign the BOL into law in “48 hours” after reviewing the final.

‘Life begins @40’ para sa lahat ng Dabarkads: Ang vision namin ay maging 24/7 na ang Eat Bulaga!

“LIFE begins @40!” Iyan ang feeling ng lahat ng Dabarkads at ng mga taong bumubuo sa longest-running noontime show sa bansa, ang Eat Bulaga! Yes, 40 years na nga ang award-winning at laging trending na variety show ng GMA.

Nagsimula na nga ang year-long preparation para sa bonggang 40th anniversary ng EB. Ngayong Hulyo muling magbabalik-tanaw ang mga Dabarkads sa 39 taon pagbibigay-saya at pag-asa sa milyun-milyong Pilipino saan man sa mundo.

Ayon kay Jeny Ferre, SVP for Creatives and Operations ng EB, magiging simple, nostalgic at heartwarming ang kanilang selebrasyon para sa nalalapit nilang 40th anniversary.

“Gabay namin sa journey na ito ang makulay at historic na kwento ng Eat Bulaga! Nais naming magbalik-tanaw ngunit kami din ay excited sa mga mangyayari sa mga susunod na araw. Lagi nating sinasabi na ‘life begins at 40,’ ganoon din ang pakiramdam namin. Kami ay excited na i-present ang ‘forty-fied’ version ng EB,” pahayag ni Jeny.

Unang umere sa telebisyon ang Eat Bulaga! noong Hulyo 23, 1979 na pinangunahan nina Joey de Leon, Tito at Vic Sotto. Personal na pinili ang tatlo ni Television and Production Exponents, Incorporated (TAPE) boss Antonio Tuviera para ipangtapat sa noon ay number one show na Student Canteen.

Sa loob ng apat na dekada, tinupad ng TVJ at ng kanilang mga co-hosts kabilang na ang JoWaPao (Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola at Paolo Ballesteros) ang pangakong pagbibigay ng “isang libo’t isang tuwa” sa mga manonood sa pamamagitan ng mahigit 300 segments na umera sa loob ng 40 taon. Kabilang na ang mga well-loved segments na “Pinoy Henyo,” “Super Sireyna,” “Bulagaan” at “Juan for All, All for Juan”.

Ayon pa kay Jeny na mahigit 20 taon nang bahagi ng programa, walang pattern or secret formula ang EB. Para sa kanya, ang success ay nagmumula sa pagmamahal sa trabaho at ang patuloy na pag-evolve ng grupo.

Dagdag pa niya nagiging madali ang trabaho sa EB dahil para na silang isang pamilya, “Maliit lang ang grupo namin pero nandoon ang respeto sa isa’t isa. Nakikita namin ang Eat Bulaga bilang extension ng mga bahay namin. Katulad ng isang pamilya, dumadaan din sa mga pagsubok pero isa kaming lalaban, ‘yan ang kultura namin dito.”

“We don’t rest on our laurels. Advantage namin ang experience at ang mga challenges na nalampasan na namin sa loob ng maraming taon. Pero kailangan pa rin naming maging attuned sa panahon, maka-keep up sa pagbabago, mas maging flexible. Kailangan namin mag-innovate para maipagpatuloy ang pagiging trendsetter,” saad ni Jeny.

Maliban sa pagiging leader sa nasabing format at timeslot, unti-unti na ring pinasok ng Eat Bulaga ang mundo ng internet. Sa ngayon ay maa-access na ng netizens ang mga episode sa EB official YouTube channel at mapapanood na rin ng mga overseas viewers ang programa via live streaming.

Nagsimula na rin silang mag-produce ng content na exclusive para sa kanilang online platforms. Isa na nga rito ang “Eat Bulaga! Behind The Scenes” kung saan gaganap na parte ng production team ang isa sa mga host ng programa.

“Unti-unti na naming ini-extend ang Eat Bulaga! sa interwebs. Pareho pa rin ng kasayahan at entertainment ngunit hindi na lamang ito hanggang 2:30 ng hapon. Ang aming vision ay maging 24/7 ang Eat Bulaga! online. Maaari mong i-check ang videos at manood ng episodes saan man or kailanman mo naisin,” sey pa ng EB executive.

Para naman sa kanilang nalalapit na 40th anniversary, siguradong four times ang fun, laughter at entertainment para sa loyal Dabarkads. Ipagpapatuloy din nila ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa bawat Pilipino.

“Para sa akin, parang nagsisimula ulit kami dahil may bago na namang challenges. Nandoon pa rin yung attitude ng lahat nang magsimula ang Eat Bulaga! 39 years ago.

“Lahat ng kaalaman at experience namin sa apat na dekada ay pagsasama-samahin namin upang makagawa ng mas malaki at mas magandang programa,” paniniguro pa ni Jeny.

Patuloy na subaybayan ang year-long celebration ng Eat Bulaga, kabilang na riyan ang directorial debut ni Jose Manalo sa horror telemovie na “Pamana,” ngayong Hulyo 28, Sabado, alas-11:30 ng umaga sa GMA 7.

Read more: http://bandera.inquirer.net/191316/life-begins-40-para-sa-lahat-ng-dabarkads-ang-vision-namin-ay-maging-24-7-na-ang-eat-bulaga#ixzz5MGEl4M8w
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Proposed GMA-7 Schedule

Weekdays

• 3:55 am - Guidelines for Living
• 4 am - Umaga Na, Balita Na!
• 5 am - Unang Hirit!
• 8:30 am - Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko
• 9 am - Cartoons
• 9:30 am - Cartoons
• 10 am - Foreign Telenovela
• 10:30 am - GMA News Live
• 10:35 am - Sis
• 11:30 am - Drama
• 12 nn - Eat Bulaga!
• 1:30 pm - GMA News Live
• 1:35 pm - Chika Minute
• 2 pm - T.A.P.E. Drama
• 2:30 pm - Nagmamahal, Manay Gina
• 3 pm - Maynila
• 3:30 pm - Foreign Telenovela
• 4 pm - Anime
• 4:30 pm - That's Entertainment
• 5:30 pm - Extra, Extra!
• 6 pm - Saksi: GMA Headline Balita
• 7 pm - Drama
• 7:30 pm - Drama
• 8 pm - Drama
• 8:30 pm - Foreign Drama

Monday

• 9 pm - Pinoy Blockbusters
• 10:30 pm - 

Tuesday

• 9 pm -
• 10:30 pm - 

Wednesday

• 9 pm - 
• 10:30 pm - 

Thursday

• 9 pm - Tadhana
• 10 pm - Magpakailanman

Friday

• 9 pm - Bubble Gang
• 10:30 pm - GMA Love Stories
• 11:30 pm - GMA Network News
• 12 mn - 
• I-Witness
• The Probe Team
• Tunay na Buhay
• Emergency
• Bestmen

House OKs Bangsamoro Law

THE House of Representatives ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on Tuesday, a day after a power struggle for the speakership stalled its approval.

The BOL abolishes the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and replaces it with the Bangsamoro Region, which will enjoy fiscal autonomy under a duly elected Bangsamoro Parliament.

Ghazali Jaafar, chairman of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), welcomed the House move, which would pave the way for President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the measure into law.

“Of course, we are happy because the President will surely sign this into law. The President has been pushing for this. He promised to shepherd this to passage,” Jaafar said.


“The Bangsamoro government will usher in a just and dignified peace in our place,” Jaafar said.

Also provided under the BOL is the inclusion of the six Lanao del Norte municipalities and 39 barangay (villages) of North Cotabato in the Bangsamoro Region, which will only happen if their mother provinces approve via plebiscite.

Malacañan Palace was optimistic the law would be signed by President Duterte anytime this week.

In a news briefing, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the House of Representatives’ ratification of the BOL was the only thing that stood in the way of its enactment into law.

“I think it deserves a ceremony of sorts because this is a milestone…This is the first time that [the law]was enacted after MOA-AD was declared unconstitutional,” Roque added.

MOA-AD is a draft ancestral domain pact between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), declared by the Supreme Court as “unconstitutional” on October 14, 2008.

“I think the fact that it was finally passed by Congress is evidence of the political will of the President himself,” Roque said.

All signs pointed to Duterte signing the measure into law before his third State of the Nation Address, but the plan fell through after the House majority decided to replace House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez with Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

“Despite all that has been said against the BOL by all sectoral groups, I make this solid commitment that this administration will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic legal tools to chart their own destiny within their constitutional framework of our country,” Duterte said on Monday.

“When the approved version is transmitted and received by my office, give me 48 hours to sign it and ratify that. I will read it first before signing, maybe [you lawmakers]put a provision there that will not be beneficial to some people,” Duterte added.

Duterte quipped that he would break the notion of Mindanao as a land of “promise,” since broken promises were all that Mindanaoans had received from the government.

“In the end of my term I hope to see the promise to Mindanao fulfilled. Or at least in the very least approaching fulfillment. Be that as it may, Mindanao is at a crossroads of history. One road leads to harmony and peace, the other to war and human suffering,” he added.

WITH RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA

Reyes: TV5 to meet 2018 revenue target

TV5 Network Inc. said it expects to meet its revenue target for the year as it launched the first-ever e-sports franchise model league in the Philippines.

“We’re right on target. We’re hitting our numbers. We’re very hopeful that the rest of the year will be okay. But right now, our first half was pretty good. We have some challenges, but by enlarge we are right at our numbers,” TV5 president Vincent Reyes told reporters on sidelines of an event.

Reyes said the network was on track to break even by 2019. “The expectation is towards the end of 2019,” he said.

Reyes also said the network expects to generate additional revenues with the launch the Road to the Nationals, a search for e-sports professional athletes  in the country

“It’s going to be a valuable content for the Media Quest group. For TV5, for Cignal, for ESPN5, that’s going to be valuable content for us that will be attractive to different demographics, a younger audience, a digital audience, that is very different from the traditional television audience,” he said.

http://manilastandard.net/business/corporate/271262/reyes-tv5-to-meet-2018-revenue-target.html

House ratifies bicam report on Bangsamoro Organic Law

The House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) before the afternoon session on Tuesday was suspended.

No objections were heard from the members of the House who were present in the session.

In an ambush interview before the session, newly elected Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed that the BOL would be ratified within the day.

The ratification of the BOL was supposedly scheduled on Monday, before the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Rodrigo Duterte, but internal leadership issues within the House delayed the process.

In his State of the Nation Address (Sona), Duterte made a commitment to sign the BOL within 48-hours after a copy is transmitted to his office for his signature.

“I make the solemn commitment that this administration will never deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the basic legal tools to chart their own destiny within the constitutional framework of our country,” Duterte had said during his Sona.



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House ratifies Bangsamoro bill, finally

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday endorsed for President Duterte’s signature the proposed Organic Law for Bangsamoro in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

This, after the new leadership of the lower chamber under Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ratified the bicameral committee report on the proposed organic law.

The ratification of the measure by the House was aborted last Monday following a standoff between former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Senate, however, ratified its copy of the bill.

The 28-member bicameral conference committee earlier said the proposed organic law seeks to abolish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and creates BARMM. The committee also said that can withstand constitutional scrutiny before the Supreme Court (SC).

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said that once the measure is ratified through a plebiscite, President Rodrigo Duterte could start appointing members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) by early next year.

As the ratification of the proposed law deems offices of the ARMM abolished, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority shall be tasked with scheduling the gradual phasing out of the concerned offices.

He added the parliamentary elections for the new region may be held in 2022 along with the national elections.

Iligan Rep. Frederick Siao, a member of the House Committee on Economic Affairs, urged the public, including “detractors,” to give this proposed BOL a chance to be implemented.

“I appeal once more to the detractors and all who remain unsatisfied. Let us give this Bangsamoro Organic Law a chance to be implemented,” he said.

“I strongly urge the voters in the Bangsamoro autonomous region to please elect the most peace-loving, competent, and untiring leaders from among your communities. The success of this new law depends largely on your votes and their abilities to steer your region toward lasting peace and prosperity,” Siao added.

Now that the Bangsamoro Organic Law is ratified, Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Ron Salo of Kabayan called on lawmakers to support the bills related to rebuilding Marawi City.

“As the Islamic City of the Bangsamoro Region, Marawi occupies a pivotal role in Bangsamoro autonomy. It is at the crossroads to Northern Mindanao and other parts of Mindanao. As a strategic city, its rebuilding will spur growth through out the region,” Salo said.

“We will also follow through on the funding needed to support the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” he added.

Salo said the Marawi City Rebuilding Act or House Bill 6700, which his group filed, is meant to directly address the unprecedented housing and business crises in the wake of the destruction of homes and businesses in Marawi City.

“What we propose through this bill is that the residential and commercial buildings to be built in Marawi will be at virtually zero cost to the residents and business owners in Marawi,” he added.

Siquijor Rep. Ramon Rocamora also said the ratification of this landmark legislation is a giant step towards the direction of peace and justice in Mindanao.

“The longstanding grievances of our Muslim citizens in Mindanao have been a constant hurdle that numerous presidents have tried hard to resolve, most to no avail,” he added.

“The complex socioeconomic problems of Mindanao can never be solved through sheer military might but through dialogue and understanding. This legal framework is part of that,” Rocamora said.

House ratifies Bangsamoro law a day after SONA, Gloria takeover

The House of Representatives on Tuesday ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law, a day after it was supposed to be signed into law.

The chamber approved the motion of Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro to ratify the proposed measure, which is seen to bring just and lasting peace in strife-torn Mindanao.

The approval of the measure came after a six-day marathon deliberations of the several members of the Senate and the House to reconcile the disagreeing provisions of their respective versions of the bill.

Among the key provisions of the proposed law are:

• the freedom to exercise religion under the Bangsamoro government;
• the enumeration of the powers to be devolved to the Bangsamoro government instead of listing down the reserved and concurrent powers of the national and local government;
• inland bodies of water in the Bangsamoro region will be co-managed by the regional government and the national government while those not used to produce energy will be under the control of the Bangsamoro regional government;
• former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters will be free to join the police force;
• six municipalities of Lanao del Norte and the 39 barangays of North Cotabato could vote to join the BBL territory in a referendum to be conducted on the mother territory of the areas involved.

A plebiscite shall be held not earlier than 90 days and no later than 150 days after the effectivity of the BOL for the people of what will be called as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to vote if they are for or against it.

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza welcomed the ratification by the House.

"?It's been a long and arduous road for all.?? When President Duterte approves and signs it into law, it will be a new beginning for all Bangsamoro and all citizens to work for a better and peaceful Mindanao and country," he said in a statement.

"It will not be easy. But let's all stay the course."

President Rodrigo Duterte was supposed to sign the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law before he delivered his third SONA.

The House, however, failed to ratify the measure after their morning session on Monday was abruptly suspended.

The Senate, however, was able to ratify during their own session.

Duterte himself vowed to establish a Bangsamoro country as he received on July 17 last year the Bangsamoro Transition Commission's draft of the proposed law.

"May I say to you, my brother Moros, that I commit to support – in front of everybody – my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislator for its consideration," he said.

“And there will be no objections of the provisions of all that is consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people,” he added.

Duterte said he would to sign the measure into law within 48 hours from the time he received it . —NB/BM, GMA News

Congress ratifies Bangsamoro Organic Law

The House of Representatives ratified the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on Tuesday.

Congress failed to ratify the BOL yesterday in time for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte .

A change in leadership at the Lower House installed former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) as the new Speaker.

After one-day delay, House ratifies Bangsamoro law

The ratification should have happened ahead of the 3rd State of the Nation Address, but the leadership showdown at the House of Representatives caused the delay

The House of Representatives finally ratified the bicameral conference committee (bicam) report on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo made good on her promise for the lower chamber to ratify the BOL during the session on Tuesday, July 24.

This was a process that should have happened on Monday, July 23, but got delayed after the ouster of Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez as House Speaker, and Arroyo's subsequent election.

Critics have slammed the takeover in the House, as the power play among lawmakers delayed the passage into law of the landmark bill that would abolish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and replace it with the more powerful Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The bicam wanted both the House and the Senate to ratify the measure on Monday morning, before President Rodrigo Duterte's 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA). Bicam members spent 6 grueling days just to finish the amendments to beat their own deadline.

Senators were able to ratify the bicam report on the BOL in their morning session on Monday.

During his SONA, Duterte said he would be able to sign the BOL into law within 48 hours. (READ: After Bangsamoro law, a bright yet bumpy path to peace)

Once signed, the BOL would establish the Bangsamoro government, headed by a chief minister and a ceremonial leader called a Wali.

There would also be a parliament composed of 80 members – 50% party representatives, 40% district representatives, and 10% sectoral representatives, including two reserved seats for "non-Moro indigenous peoples and settler communities." A Shari'ah High Court would be created as well.

The bill also grants fiscal autonomy to the Bangsamoro, which would have a 75-25 wealth sharing scheme with the national government.

An annual block grant, pegged at a 5% share of the national internal revenue or some P59 billion, would also be automatically appropriated to the region without any conditions.

First on Arroyo’s agenda: Ratify Bangsamoro law, aid to calamity victims

Prior to her arrival at the House of Representatives on her first full day as Speaker, former president Gloria Arroyo meets with her allies at her La Vista home in Quezon City to organize her transition team

SPEAKER ARROYO. Newly installed Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo talks to the media on Juy 24, 2018. Photo by Mara Cepeda/Rappler

On her first full day as House Speaker, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that the first thing she would work on as the new leader of the House of Representatives is the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Arroyo made the commitment in a chance interview with the media upon arriving at the Batasang Pambansa at around 3 pm on Tuesday, July 24.

“I view my role as Speaker with having a primary and specific objective, that is to carry out the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. And that means for today, we must get the Bangsamoro Organic Law ratified,” the Pampanga 2nd District Representatives told reporters.

Both the House and the Senate were set to ratify the BOL on Monday morning, July 23, so that Duterte could sign it into law before his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) that afternoon.

But this did not happen following the ouster of Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez as speaker, which delayed the SONA for more than hour.

Arroyo also said she would assis lawmakers representing 9 districts that were badly hit the southwest monsoon enhanced by several tropical cyclones.

“Right now, I am very glad soon we will have an end to politicking hopefully this afternoon so that we can attend to the calamities of various districts that compose our Congress who have been hit,” she said,

“Just today, we have identified about 9 district which have been very badly hit by the typhoon. And we would like to help our congressmen be able to address, at least for today or this coming week, the immediate needs of their constituents. That is the task that we see for ourselves this week,” Arroyo added.

Prior to her arrival at the House, Arroyo met with her allies at her La Vista home in Quezon City.

During that meeting, the lawmakers set up Arroyo’s transition team who will help ensure an easier transition of Arroyo as House leader They are as follows:

• Capiz 2nd District Representative Fredenil Castro (National Unity Party)
• Batangas 2nd District Representative Raneo Abu of the (Nacionalista Party)
• Iloilo 3rd District Representative Arthur Defensor Jr (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan)
• Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo (Liberal Party)
• Bohol 3rd District Representative Arthur Yap (Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan)

Davao City 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles told reporters members of Arroyo’s transition team met with the Alvarez bloc ahead of the 4 pm session. Arroyo herself had yet to speak to Alvarez.

For now, committee chairpersons and deputy speakers appointed by Alvarez get to keep their post, but Arroyo is expected to change the House leadership as well in the coming days.