IKOT.PH
The Senate formally started its review of the proposed P3.767-trillion 2018 national budget which the Administration dubbed as “A Budget that Reforms and Transforms”. Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, presided over the briefing by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on the 2018 National Expenditure Program (NEP). “The national […]
The national budget will jump to P3.767 trillion in 2018, or by P1 trillion, from its 2016 level of 2.682 trillion, and Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto doubts if agencies have the capacity “to spend their allocations, which essentially are taxes collected from the people.” “The budget will balloon by P1 trillion within a […]
To stimulate economic development in the whole country, Senator Dick Gordon pointed to the need for a master plan that would maximize the potential of infrastructures in the country. While commending the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for allocating trillions of pesos for different infrastructure projects nationwide, Gordon stressed that infrastructure projects would […]
Senator Cynthia Villar led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of two roads in Baseco Compound, Tondo, Manila, that will provide more convenience and comfort to its residents. There was also a launching of vegetable gardening with the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) and clean-up drive and mangrove-planting at Barangay 649 in […]
Senator Joel Villanueva sought for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 1311 or the Expanded Anti-Red Tape Act of 2017, a proposal that aims to address delays and inaction in issuing licenses and permits by government agencies. The bill amends the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, a landmark legislation aimed at combating corruption, […]
Senator Sonny Angara wants the expected revenue gain from the proposed tax reform measure to go to specific projects and programs including the funding of the free college law, the expansion of free dialysis coverage, and the improvement of public transportation system. The Department of Finance (DOF) estimated that the government can collect P134 billion during […]
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) fund to assist OFWs in distress will jump two-and-half times to P1 billion in 2018, while a legal fund, also managed by the DFA, will double to P200 million, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto said. Recto hailed the twin budgetary initiatives as “good news long overdue” even as […]
The Senate concurred with the ratification of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 151 which seeks to protect the right of civil servants to organize, as well as procedures for determining conditions of employment in public service. With 22 affirmative votes and zero negative votes, the Senate approved on third reading Proposed Senate […]
Senator Bam Aquino stressed the need to engage and consult stakeholders before the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act is finalized. “There are still a lot of details to iron out before the Commission on Higher Education’s IRR is finalized. Umiikot kami […]
The Senate passed on third and final reading a bill seeking to prohibit merchants from imposing expiry dates on gift checks, certificates or cards. “A gift certificate, check or card is, for all intents and purposes, good as cash. It is purchased with money and money having no expiry date, it follows that gift […]