OCT
13
2018

On the appointment of Ambassador Locsin as DFA Secretary

“This is one of the rare times that “the best and the brightest“ rule in presidential appointments has been followed. If diplomacy is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip, Teddy Boy has this skill in abundance. Rarely can you
COMMENT Off
OCT
12
2018

On Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law

I will be introducing a bill that will repeal Republic Act 10912, or the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Law. Like many pieces of legislation, its intention was good, but not its implementation. It is not the first time that what was appealing in theory, failed in
COMMENT Off
OCT
11
2018

Casino, lotto, sin tax income to finance UHC

“Tax on vices to fund virtue of health-for-all” Multiple sources of finances underpin the Senate-approved Universal Health Care (UHC) bill so that its many mandates will not go unfunded, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said. Among government revenues that will be
COMMENT Off
OCT
10
2018

On Rice Tariffication

This is a tough balancing act. We must hit the sweet spot that will protect farmers from bankruptcy and spare consumers from high rice prices. Hindi pwedeng busog ang isa, gutom naman yung isa. We should give what the rice consuming poor want without harming the rice producing
COMMENT Off
OCT
09
2018

SSS agrees with Senate on ‘endo’ insurance for workers

Social Security System members who will find themselves jobless will soon be entitled to unemployment insurance—if this Senate proposal will be included in the SSS Reform Bill that will soon be sent to President Duterte for signature. The provision’s sponsor, Senate President Pro
COMMENT Off
SEP
20
2018

Recto: Duterte right in putting rice “under one conductor”

Bringing the NFA under the control and direction of the DA Secretary is the right move. There should be no two separate orchestras, with a conductor each, when it comes to rice. Para isang kumpas, it should be one symphony under the baton of one conductor. I hope that this move
COMMENT Off
SEP
11
2018

Recto: No need for a regime change, only a refocusing of government priorities

People should rally behind the President and let him finish a term he won fair and square. There is no need for a regime change, only a refocusing of government priorities. It must re-pivot to the gut issues of jobs, prices, income. Criticisms are par for the course. The mandate
COMMENT Off
SEP
11
2018

Statement on the House of Representatives’ approval on 3rd reading of TRABAHO Bill (TRAIN2)

I support the objectives of TRAIN 2 to lower income taxes by rationalizing incentives, although I question the timing. TRAIN 2 may be inflationary because it increases taxes on domestic industries such as housing, power, petroleum, among other things. It will also increase taxes
COMMENT Off
SEP
10
2018

Gov’t told: Brace for typhoons Neneng and Ompong

Government should brace for typhoon Neneng instead of being focused on political storms. It should be able to distinguish between a tempest in a teacup involving a few and a Category 5 storm which may put millions in harm’s way. Communications-wise, what the public ought to hear
COMMENT Off