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Politics

YAMSUAN URGES WFH AMID OIL PRICE SPIKES

Parañaque 2nd District Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan has proposed a temporary shift to work-from home setups and online classes to help cushion the impact on the public of the possible massive surge  in  oil prices resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.  “We should act fast to ease the burden on our countrymen […]

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Government

DA MONITORS FOOD, TRADE IMPACT OF MIDEAST CRISIS

The Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East following a US airstrike on Iran, warning that a prolonged escalation could quickly ripple through Philippine agriculture through higher fuel, fertilizer, and freight costs. At the center of concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical waterway through which a significant […]

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Politics

ESCUDERO TO DOE: ACTIVATE PLAN VS OIL PRICE HIKE

Senator Chiz Escudero called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to put in place a comprehensive contingency plan against potential surge in prices of petroleum products amid the escalating tension in the Middle East to protect consumers, drivers, and local industries heavily dependent on oil. Escudero warned that any further instability in the region could […]

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Politics

FUEL SUBSIDIES AMID MIDDLE EAST CRISIS PUSHED

With the non-stop oil price spikes likely to spiral up further in the weeks ahead following last weekend’s missile attacks in the Middle East, Deputy Majority Leader Luigi Villafuerte and Camarines Sur Rep. Migz Villafuerte want the government to fast-track contingency plans, including the grant of fuel subsidies to vulnerable sectors, to shield Filipinos  from […]

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Politics

SENATE STARTS PROBE ON PANAY POWER CRISIS

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has urged the stakeholders from the energy sector to fully cooperate with the Senate Energy Committee’s investigation into the recent blackout in the island province of Panay which affected the livelihood and everyday lives of thousands of Ilonggos. “I am asking for your full cooperation, your utmost cooperation on this […]

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Politics

ECLEO: BOOST PH FOOD PRODUCTION AMID CRISES

A lawmaker said the Philippines should boost its own food production capacity in light of the “looming food crisis” to affect the country in the second half of the year. Dinagat Islands Representative Alan Ecleo said his fellow legislators and the incoming Marcos Administration should pursue programs that will provide farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural cooperatives […]

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Government

CRISIS OPENS OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURE – DAR

Despite no respite from the rage of the so-called “perfect storm,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) remains undaunted by the challenges confronting the farm and fishery sector, staying focused and believing that the current crisis also presents opportunities for innovation, transformation, and regeneration. In his presentation during the Economic and Infrastructure Development Clusters’ pre-State of […]

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Government

AGRICULTURE INVESTMENTS TO PROVIDE FOOD, CREATE JOBS AFTER A CRISIS – DAR

“Investment in agriculture can help revive food production and create jobs following a crisis and enable rural communities to recover.” According to Agriculture Secretary William Dar, the government must continue to partner with local government units and the private sector, to increase food sufficiency levels, and modernize and industrialize the country’s agri-fishery sector. Emphasizing the […]

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Politics

HOUSE APPROVES SPECIAL POWERS FOR DUTERTE TO ADDRESS COVID-19 CRISIS

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill declaring a national emergency and granting President Rodrigo Duterte additional powers to address the coronavirus pandemic in the country. The chamber approved House Bill 6616, otherwise known as “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”, with 284 affirmative votes, 9 negative votes, and no […]

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Politics

RIGHT INFORMATION, CORRECT MESSAGING ARE IMPORTANT IN ANY CRISIS – ARAGONES

In a joint meeting of the Committees on Economic Affairs and Tourism recently, Economic Affairs Chair Sharon Garin (Party-list, AAMBIS-OWA) expressed confidence that the Philippine tourism industry will soon recover from the COVID-19 (formerly known as the 2019 novel coronavirus) scare. On the directive of House Speaker Alan Peter “Compañero” Cayetano, Garin and Tourism Committee […]