DOCSLIB.ORG

February 19, 2011 September 1, 2012

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
February 19, 2011 September 1, 2012 SePtember 1, 2012 Hawaii filiPino CHroniCle 1 ♦♦ SEPTEMBERFEBRUARY 19, 1, 20112012 ♦♦ HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS LEGAL NOTES MAINLAND NOTES Dr. Jorge Camara abanDonment of Pinoy CoConut Drink to reCeive 2012 lPr StatuS Due to nameD ameriCa'S rizal awarD triPS abroaD HealtHieSt beverage HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor loha! We trust that the new school Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Winning the Fight year has gotten off to a good start for you and your family. Many of Publisher & Managing Editor you are looking forward to Labor Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Against Medicare Day, which is right around the cor- Associate Editors A ner. For you hardworking parents Fraud Dennis Galolo and others who are gainfully em- Edwin Quinabo edicare and Medicaid pay out some $750 bil- ployed, we hope that you will take time off to lion each year to more than 1.5 million doc- enjoy a much-deserved day of rest with your family. Hawaii’s job Creative Designer Junggoi Peralta tors, hospitals and medical suppliers. By many market is still very tight, so let’s count our blessings and be thank- estimates, about $65 billion a year is lost to ful for our jobs. Design Consultant Randall Shiroma fraud. Common types of fraud include iden- Earlier this week, the State Supreme Court rejected a complaint M tity theft, providing medical equipment that is filed by City Council candidate Martin Han who challenged the re- Photography not needed and exaggerating or fabricating sults of the August 11 Primary Election. Please turn to page 8 for Tim Llena services provided to clients in order to gain payment. more details on the court’s ruling. In other election-related news, the Administrative Assistant Medicare fraud has grown into such a big problem because Honolulu City Council approved a special election for the District 6 Shalimar Pagulayan the system is easy to manipulate and has very little oversight seat formerly held by Tulsi Gabbard, who has since resigned to focus Columnists as to whether or not those services are actually being provided. on her race in the upcoming General Election. As of press time, 11 Carlota Ader Historically, less than 3 percent of claims are reviewed before candidates have filed to run for Gabbard’s seat. Turn to page 6 for Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Medicare pays them. For years, the government has been play- more on the candidates and other election information. Sen. Will Espero Grace F. Fong, Ed.D ing a losing game of “pay and chase”—or as the FBI puts it, Our cover story for this issue, which was written by State Sen. Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. trying to recoup losses after scammers have cashed in. Glenn Wakai, takes a closer look at Medicare fraud and the efforts J.P. Orias To stem the tide, federal officials created the Senior of local Filipino volunteers with Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Medicare Patrol (SMP) in 1997. These “fraud squads” look Hawaii to help seniors from becoming victims. According to SMP Charlie Sonido, M.D. for scams in the federal Medicare program. In a 15-year span, Hawaii, health care fraud is the number one scam that targets sen- Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. the SMP program has grown to 54 nationwide with nearly iors. The group is looking for more volunteers in the fight against Felino S. Tubera 5,700 volunteers. More recently, the controversial Affordable Medicare fraud and encourages anyone who observes, is aware of, Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Care Act (Obamacare) included $350 million spread over 10 or receives a complaint from any source alleging fraud to report it years to fight fraud. It includes stiffer penalties to those found by calling 586-7281. Neighbor island residents are urged to call Contributing Writers guilty and increases scrutiny over the programs receiving toll free at 1-800-296-9422. We hope you will find Glenn’s story Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. funds. Federal health law and other legislation have also di- Clement Bautista “Filipinos Fight Medicare Abuse Throughout the State” informa- Teresita Bernales, Ed.D rected the federal government to start using software and other tive and useful. Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. new technologies that help find discrepancies and fraud in In other news, we would like to congratulate Dr. Jorge Camara, Linda Dela Cruz health care claims. who has been chosen to receive the 2012 Rizal Award for Peace and Fiedes Doctor Danny De Gracia, II, MA It seems progress is being made. In the last fiscal year Social Justice. Dr. Camara truly exemplifies the life, values and Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand alone, the government recouped more than $4 billion through teachings of Rizal—the national hero of the Philippines. For more on Amelia Jacang, M.D. restitution and fines—but spent millions of dollars doing so, Dr. Camara, please read our news feature on page 7. The award will Caroline Julian as critics have been quick to point out. However, investing in be presented by the Knights of Rizal-Hawaii Chapter on Sunday, Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. fighting fraud is turning out to be money well spent. September 2, 2012 at the Dr. Jose Rizal Award Gala at the Ala Glenn Wakai The reality is that fighting fraud should be everyone’s re- Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom. The event also includes a one-day Amado Yoro sponsibility and concern. Roughly 47 million Americans are conference on the theme “Rizal’s Legacy and Its Implications to Na- Philippine Correspondent enrolled in Medicare and that number is expected to top 80 tion Building.” The keynote address will be given by Dr. Belinda A. Greg Garcia million by 2030 as baby boomers continue to retire. Our na- Aquino, professor emeritus and former director of the UH Center Big Island Distributor tion is already overburdened in paying for rising health care for Philippine Studies. Please see page 5 for more details. Grace Larson costs, yet con artists continue to siphon billions of taxpayer There are other news and tidbits in this issue that I have not Ditas Udani dollars from Medicare. Government can no longer afford to mentioned but hope that you will take time to read. Thank you for Maui Distributor tolerate rampant fraud and neither should you. your continued support of the Chronicle. As always, please feel Cecile Piros free to contact us at: [email protected] if you have Molokai Distributor ideas, concerns or questions regarding Hawaii’s vibrant Filipino Maria Watanabe What to Do with community. Advertising/Marketing Director Until next time… aloha and mabuhay! Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Waikiki Natatorium Account Executives Carlota Ader n the latest twist of the Waikiki War Memorial Natato- J.P. Orias rium saga, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has proposed con- The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published verting the long-neglected facility into a beach The natatorium was built in 1927 to honor Hawaii’s men and weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. volleyball arena. Such a venue would serve as a new women who fought in World War I. World-class athletes like leg- It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- tributed at various outlets around Oahu and visitor attraction that would boost the fast-growing endary Hawaii surfer Duke Kahanamoku swam in the natatorium’s the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- I sport of beach volleyball as well as the University of pool in its early years. But after decades of neglect, it was closed to ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- lication date. Subscriptions are available at Hawaii’s fledgling beach volleyball program. the public in 1979 due to health and safety concerns. The state cur- $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- But as with other public works projects, the big issue is cost. rently owns the facility, which is managed by the City via executive lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country $90. Copyright 2006-2012. The Hawaii Fil- Rather than fully restoring the natatorium which would have cost order. However, officials are moving towards rescinding the execu- ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 upwards of $60 million, a City task force in 2009 recommended that tive order and returning control of the facility back to the State. Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- its crumbling bleachers and saltwater swimming pool be demol- A nearly-completed EIS that was required before the facility 1829. E-mail [email protected]. ished, its arches moved inland and the beach restored. Converting could be torn down has been put on hold while officials mull over Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and the facility into a beach volleyball arena would require a new EIS, who will be in control. The cost of the current EIS is $1.3 million. contributors do not necessarily reflect those more public hearings and input from Friends of the Natatorium, The natatorium is reminiscent of the rail project, which is also on of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle manage- ment. Reproduction of the contents in whole Kaimana Beach Coalition, Oahu Veterans Council and other organ- hold in the wake of a recent State Supreme Court ruling. If there is or in part is prohibited without written per- izations with vested interests in the fate of the natatorium. There are a lesson to be learned from the rail project, it’s that “haste makes mission from the management.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Building Relevance Delivering Value
    BUILDING RELEVANCE DELIVERING VALUE ANNUAL REPORT 2019 VISION To lead the business sector’s efforts to reduce poverty in the Philippines MISSION PBSP is committed to poverty reduction by promoting business sector leadership and commitment to programs that lead to self-reliance .................................. About PBSP Philippine Business for Social Progress is the largest business-led NGO at the forefront of strategic corporate citizenship and business sector leadership, contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction. Established in 1970, PBSP remains a consultant and partner of choice of companies and donors. PBSP scales up impact by adopting the Collective Impact strategy to solve large, complex, and systemic problems. PBSP organizes Platforms for Collective Engagements (PlaCEs) to ensure alignment and sustainability of initiatives by multiple stakeholders. Responding to the changing landscape of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), PBSP’s brand of corporate citizenship taps into the core business competencies of companies and promotes inclusive business as a strategy. PBSP also continues to strategically engage companies through social investment, responsible business practices, and philanthropy. PBSP creates sustainable solutions to societal problems in its core program areas which are Health, Education, Environment, and Livelihood and Enterprise Development. It also provides off- the-shelf options for engagement of companies and their employees. With a proven track record, PBSP provides end- to-end services in
    [Show full text]
  • Getting the Philippines Air Force Flying Again: the Role of the U.S.–Philippines Alliance Renato Cruz De Castro, Phd, and Walter Lohman
    BACKGROUNDER No. 2733 | SEptEMBER 24, 2012 Getting the Philippines Air Force Flying Again: The Role of the U.S.–Philippines Alliance Renato Cruz De Castro, PhD, and Walter Lohman Abstract or two years, the U.S.– The recent standoff at Scarborough FPhilippines alliance has been Key Points Shoal between the Philippines and challenged in ways unseen since the China demonstrates how Beijing is closure of two American bases on ■■ The U.S. needs a fully capable ally targeting Manila in its strategy of Filipino territory in the early 1990s.1 in the South China Sea to protect U.S.–Philippines interests. maritime brinkmanship. Manila’s China’s aggressive, well-resourced weakness stems from the Philippine pursuit of its territorial claims in ■■ The Philippines Air Force is in a Air Force’s (PAF) lack of air- the South China Sea has brought a deplorable state—it does not have defense system and air-surveillance thousand nautical miles from its the capability to effectively moni- tor, let alone defend, Philippine capabilities to patrol and protect own shores, and very close to the airspace. Philippine airspace and maritime Philippines. ■■ territory. The PAF’s deplorable state For the Philippines, sovereignty, The Philippines has no fighter jets. As a result, it also lacks trained is attributed to the Armed Forces access to energy, and fishing grounds fighter pilots, logistics training, of the Philippines’ single-minded are at stake. For the U.S., its role as and associated basing facilities. focus on internal security since 2001. regional guarantor of peace, secu- ■■ The government of the Philippines Currently, the Aquino administration rity, and freedom of the seas is being is engaged in a serious effort to is undertaking a major reform challenged—as well as its reliability more fully resource its military to shift the PAF from its focus on as an ally.
    [Show full text]
  • Mines and Communities: Philippines: Potential New
    MAC: Mines and Communities Home | Companies | Countries | Minerals | Links | Search | About Us | Espanol | Themes Women Workers China Money Law Small Scale Mining Climate Change Search for Contact Us Whats New Donate New Users Philippines: Potential new policies, but same old stories Published Date: 30-11-2011 Source: Intercontinental Cry, Inquirer, Manila Times, etal Source Date: 28-11-2011 Although direct human rights abuses, related to Philippines mining, are less in the news than in our recent post (Philippines: Where is the safety?), the issue certainly hasn't gone away. There has been another armed attack on Xstrata's Tampakan mine, allegedly by "bandits" - actually community members who feel they have had no choice but to defend their lands. (At least the company is no longer blaming every attack on communist extortionists). Benguet Corp. is offering to build "small but heavily-fortified police stations" in order to improve the peace & order situation in far flung areas (where the mining companies operate). Also, one mine worker has been assassinated at Australia's Medusa Mining operations, and another died in an accident at the mine-site. Palawan demonstration against Chinese investors on 10 November 2011. Source: ALDAW Indigenous peoples on Palawan continue to voice their opposition to mining. There have been new accusations of false representation, and protests at the Chinese company Jinchuan's proposed financial support for MacroAsia's contentious project. Meanwhile, the protest movement has gathered over three million signatures to its petition to stop mining on Palawan (see: http://no2mininginpalawan.com/). A leak has developed at a dam control tunnel supposed to contain pollution from the abandoned Marcopper mining site - thus reminding us of the consequences of generally poor environmental performance in the Philippines.
    [Show full text]
  • Information As of August 1, 2016 Has Been Used in Preparation of This Directory
    Information as of August 1, 2016 has been used in preparation of this directory. PREFACE The Central Intelligence Agency publishes and updates the online directory of Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments weekly. The directory is intended to be used primarily as a reference aid and includes as many governments of the world as is considered practical, some of them not officially recognized by the United States. Regimes with which the United States has no diplomatic exchanges are indicated by the initials NDE. Governments are listed in alphabetical order according to the most commonly used version of each country's name. The spelling of the personal names in this directory follows transliteration systems generally agreed upon by US Government agencies, except in the cases in which officials have stated a preference for alternate spellings of their names. NOTE: Although the head of the central bank is listed for each country, in most cases he or she is not a Cabinet member. Ambassadors to the United States and Permanent Representatives to the UN, New York, have also been included. Key To Abbreviations Adm. Admiral Admin. Administrative, Administration Asst. Assistant Brig. Brigadier Capt. Captain Cdr. Commander Cdte. Comandante Chmn. Chairman, Chairwoman Col. Colonel Ctte. Committee Del. Delegate Dep. Deputy Dept. Department Dir. Director Div. Division Dr. Doctor Eng. Engineer Fd. Mar. Field Marshal Fed. Federal Gen. General Govt. Government Intl. International Lt. Lieutenant Maj. Major Mar. Marshal Mbr. Member Min. Minister, Ministry NDE No Diplomatic Exchange Org. Organization Pres. President Prof. Professor RAdm. Rear Admiral Ret. Retired Sec. Secretary VAdm.
    [Show full text]
  • Between Rhetoric and Reality: the Progress of Reforms Under the Benigno S. Aquino Administration
    Acknowledgement I would like to extend my deepest gratitude, first, to the Institute of Developing Economies-JETRO, for having given me six months from September, 2011 to review, reflect and record my findings on the concern of the study. IDE-JETRO has been a most ideal site for this endeavor and I express my thanks for Executive Vice President Toyojiro Maruya and the Director of the International Exchange and Training Department, Mr. Hiroshi Sato. At IDE, I had many opportunities to exchange views as well as pleasantries with my counterpart, Takeshi Kawanaka. I thank Dr. Kawanaka for the constant support throughout the duration of my fellowship. My stay in IDE has also been facilitated by the continuous assistance of the “dynamic duo” of Takao Tsuneishi and Kenji Murasaki. The level of responsiveness of these two, from the days when we were corresponding before my arrival in Japan to the last days of my stay in IDE, is beyond compare. I have also had the opportunity to build friendships with IDE Researchers, from Nobuhiro Aizawa who I met in another part of the world two in 2009, to Izumi Chibana, one of three people that I could talk to in Filipino, the other two being Takeshi and IDE Researcher, Velle Atienza. Maraming salamat sa inyo! I have also enjoyed the company of a number of other IDE researchers within or beyond the confines of the Institute—Khoo Boo Teik, Kaoru Murakami, Hiroshi Kuwamori, and Sanae Suzuki. I have been privilege to meet researchers from other disciplines or area studies, Masashi Nakamura, Kozo Kunimune, Tatsufumi Yamagata, Yasushi Hazama, Housan Darwisha, Shozo Sakata, Tomohiro Machikita, Kenmei Tsubota, Ryoichi Hisasue, Hitoshi Suzuki, Shinichi Shigetomi, and Tsuruyo Funatsu.
    [Show full text]
  • Southeast Asia from Scott Circle
    Chair for Southeast Asia Studies Southeast Asia from Scott Circle Volume VII | Issue 4 | February 18, 2016 A Tumultuous 2016 in the South China Sea Inside This Issue gregory poling biweekly update Gregory Poling is a fellow with the Chair for Southeast Asia • Myanmar commander-in-chief’s term extended Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in amid fragile talks with Aung San Suu Kyi Washington, D.C. • U.S., Thailand hold annual Cobra Gold exercise • Singapore prime minister tables changes to February 18, 2016 political system • Obama hosts ASEAN leaders at Sunnylands This promises to be a landmark year for the claimant countries and other summit interested parties in the South China Sea disputes. Developments that have been under way for several years, especially China’s island-building looking ahead campaign in the Spratlys and Manila’s arbitration case against Beijing, will • Kingdom at a Crossroad: Thailand’s Uncertain come to fruition. These and other developments will draw outside players, Political Trajectory including the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, into greater involvement. Meanwhile a significant increase in Chinese forces and • 2016 Presidential and Congressional Primaries capabilities will lead to more frequent run-ins with neighbors. • Competing or Complementing Economic Visions? Regionalism and the Pacific Alliance, Alongside these developments, important political transitions will take TPP, RCEP, and the AIIB place around the region and further afield, especially the Philippine presidential elections in May. But no matter who emerges as Manila’s next leader, his or her ability to substantially alter course on the South China Sea will be highly constrained by the emergence of the issue as a cause célèbre among many Filipinos who view Beijing with wariness bordering on outright fear.
    [Show full text]
  • The Development of the Philippine Foreign Service
    The Development of the Philippine Foreign Service During the Revolutionary Period and the Filipino- American War (1896-1906): A Story of Struggle from the Formation of Diplomatic Contacts to the Philippine Republic Augusto V. de Viana University of Santo Tomas The Philippine foreign service traces its origin to the Katipunan in the early 1890s. Revolutionary leaders knew that the establishment of foreign contacts would be vital to the success of the objectives of the organization as it struggles toward the attainment of independence. This was proven when the Katipunan leaders tried to secure the support of Japanese and German governments for a projected revolution against Spain. Some patriotic Filipinos in Hong Kong composed of exiles also supported the Philippine Revolution.The organization of these exiled Filipinos eventually formed the nucleus of the Philippine Central Committee, which later became known as the Hong Kong Junta after General Emilio Aguinaldo arrived there in December 1897. After Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines in May 1898, he issued a decree reorganizing his government and creating four departments, one of which was the Department of Foreign Relations, Navy, and Commerce. This formed the basis of the foundation of the present Department of Foreign Affairs. Among the roles of this office was to seek recognition from foreign countries, acquire weapons and any other needs of the Philippine government, and continue lobbying for support from other countries. It likewise assigned emissaries equivalent to today’s ambassadors and monitored foreign reactions to the developments in the Philippines. The early diplomats, such as Felipe Agoncillo who was appointed as Minister Plenipotentiary of the revolutionary government, had their share of hardships as they had to make do with meager means.
    [Show full text]
  • 2010 Annual Report
    THE 2010 CORONA COURT (Standing, Left to Right) Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, Associate Justices Antonio T. Carpio, Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr., Arturo D. Brion, Diosdado M. Peralta, Mariano C. del Castillo, Martin S. Villarama, Jr., and Jose Portugal Perez, (Seated, Left to Right) Conchita Carpio Morales, Antonio Eduardo B. Nachura, Teresita J. Leonardo-de Castro, Lucas P. Bersamin, Roberto A. Abad, Maria Lourdes Aranal Sereno, and Jose Catral Mendoza. 1 ANNUAL REPORT 2010 | SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2010| SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2010 | SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES The 2010 CORONA COURT i Message from CHIEF JUSTICE RENATO C. CORONA 5 2010: PASSING THE TORCH 8 JUSTICES of the Supreme Court 13 Highlights of the CY 2012 SPLC BUDGET PROPOSAL 32 The STATE OF THE 2010 JUDICIARY 37 2010 Supreme Court REFORM PROJECTS 42 OFFICIALS of the Supreme Court 45 ATTACHED INSTITUTIONS 56 2010 SIGNIFICANT DECISIONS 59 2010SIGNIFICANT RULES, Guidelines, 67 Circulars, and Orders SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS of SC COMMITTEES 70 and Technical Working Groups SIGNIFICANT FORA, Conferences, 73 Seminars, and Workshops 2009 SIGNIFICANT ADMINISTRATIVE RULINGS 78 EMPLOYEE WELFARE AND BENEFITS 84 The Philippine JUDICIAL SYSTEM 87 4 ANNUAL REPORT 2010| SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES A first-rate Judiciary. This is something that should be in everyone’s wish list for our country. I say this not just as head of the Judiciary but also as Renato C. Corona, a Filipino citizen. The reason is simple: For the social and economic development of our country to be deep and lasting, the same must be underpinned by the rule of law.
    [Show full text]
  • THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS of the INQUIRER LIFESTYLE SERIES: FITNESS FASHION with SAMSUNG July 9, 2014 FASHION SHOW]
    1 The Humble Beginnings of “Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness and Fashion with Samsung Show” Contents Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines ................................................................ 8 Vice-Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines ....................................................... 9 Popes .................................................................................................................................. 9 Board Members .............................................................................................................. 15 Inquirer Fitness and Fashion Board ........................................................................... 15 July 1, 2013 - present ............................................................................................... 15 Philippine Daily Inquirer Executives .......................................................................... 16 Fitness.Fashion Show Project Directors ..................................................................... 16 Metro Manila Council................................................................................................. 16 June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2016 .............................................................................. 16 June 30, 2013 to present ........................................................................................ 17 Days to Remember (January 1, AD 1 to June 30, 2013) ........................................... 17 The Philippines under Spain ......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report FY20
    DEPARTMENT AND AGENCY REPORTS for Fiscal Year July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS City & County Organizational Chart .................. 2 Emergency Services (HESD) .........................47 Boards & Commissions Organizational Chart ...... 3 Enterprise Services (DES) ..............................49 Mayor’s Message ............................................... 5 Environmental Services (ENV) .......................51 Facility Maintenance (DFM) ............................53 EXECUTIVE OFFICE Fire (HFD) .......................................................57 Office of the Mayor (MAY) ................................9 Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) ...........................................................59 OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICES Human Resources (DHR) ...............................61 Boards, Commissions & Committees (BCC) ....15 Information Technology (DIT) .........................63 Neighborhood Commission (NCO) ...................19 Land Management (DLM) ...............................65 Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) ......................................21 Medical Examiner (MED) ................................67 Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) .............23 Parks and Recreation (DPR) ..........................69 Office of Economic Development (OED) ........25 Planning and Permitting (DPP) .......................73 Office of Housing (HOU) .................................27 Police (HPD) ...................................................77 Royal Hawaiian Band
    [Show full text]
  • Fighting the Smuggling Scourge
    CongressWatch Report No. 179 Report No. 179 5 December 2013 Fighting the smuggling scourge In the 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) of the World Economic Forum, the Phil- ippines ranked 59th overall out of 148 covered economies—a significant improvement from rank 85 out of 139 in 2010-2011. However, a closer look at the figures reveals that our competitiveness numbers might have been better had they not been dragged down by certain indicators, par- ticularly those related to customs and trade facilitation. 2010-2011 GCR 2011-2012 GCR 2012-2013 GCR 2013-2014 GCR (139 economies) (142 economies) (144 economies) (148 economies) PHL overall rank 85 75 65 59 Customs and trade facilitation indicators Imports and 134 131 119 111 exports Tax collection 133 125 118 121 Prevalence of 89 89 76 60 trade barriers Burden of customs 129 128 126 130 procedures Source: World Economic Forum In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Benigno Aquino III greatly criticized the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for not only being unable to collect the correct amount of taxes and seize contraband entering the country, but also for allegedly tolerating the proliferation of illicit trade, which includes the entry of illegal drugs and armaments into the Philippines. The Depart- ment of Finance (DOF), the BOC’s mother agency, estimates that the government is losing over P200 billion in revenue leakages every year due to smuggling, thus denting government’s efforts on accelerating economic growth. Such a concern is shared by the business community when the smuggling scourge was included by 17 business organizations in a joint letter to the President.
    [Show full text]
  • 3 July 2020 Once More, We, the Undersigned, Strongly Register Our
    3 July 2020 Once more, we, the undersigned, strongly register our opposition to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (House Bill No. 6875) recently approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading and the earlier similar bill approved by the Senate (Senate Bill 1083) last February. We reiterate our call for the President to listen to the pleas of our people who are already burdened by the pandemic, and to veto this particular version of the bill, before it automatically lapses into law on July 9, 2020. Once more, we also express our commitment to work with government to craft a better version of the bill, and other legislation, that can uproot terrorism, while still addressing the people’s concerns about their basic rights. By so doing, we will not be divided in countering terrorism. As we have stated in our June statement, while we acknowledge the need to fight terrorism, we find the passage of the bill ill-timed. As our people continue to struggle in coping with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our attention, efforts, and resources should focus on fighting the virus and in helping our people. Many have died and continue to suffer from the pandemic. Our health systems and personnel are stretched to their limits. Many have lost jobs and are hungry. At this time, our priorities should be shoring up our health system, providing support to our health workers, ensuring food for our communities, stimulating the economy and providing jobs for our people. To be sure, it is our lawmakers’ sworn duty as public servants that these very real and terrifying threats to our health and economy receive more of their dedication and attention than hastily passing a bill that could, with its haphazard construction, wrongly impair sacred constitutional rights.
    [Show full text]