With all due respect to a highly regarded Cavalier and distinguished former Senate colleague, “not so bad” may sound worse than “not so good.”
In the middle of a pandemic when the order of the day is virtual communication, what we want to hear, at least realistically, is “good enough.”
Of course, it goes without saying, “very good” or even “excellent” is what we all want to hear from DICT. Clearly, there is much room for improvement.
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The National ID system was signed into law nearly two years ago. There is no other time than now where it is most needed.
I hope the National Economic and Development Authority can fast-track the implementation of the National ID system, as directed by the President.
NEDA should have ample help from the Philippine Statistics Authority as the frontline agency, and the Department of ICT which plays a major role.
The first question is, is the system ready to accept registrants? If so, they should give priority to the marginalized sector, and those targeted for financial assistance because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile, while the President has made a P10-million offer to whoever can develop a vaccine for COVID-19, it would mean much more if the government invested more on research and development than the token annual average share of 0.4% from the General Appropriations Act.
We only need to look at how much the most prosperous countries spend on R&D to see why we are among the laggards. Even if we bump up the percentage to 1 or 2 percent of the national budget, it would make a major difference.
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In an interview with Senate media, Senate President Sotto and Sen. Lacson answer questions on:
– Oversight Committee on Confidential/Intel Funds and DICT Row
– Concerns on 2019-nCoV
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: On DICT, 2019-nCoV Issues | Feb. 5, 2020”
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The Senate sought P20B in calamity funds in the 2020 budget, but the bicameral conference committee approved only P16B. Where did the P4B go? Sen. Lacson answers questions on the subject in a phone patch interview on DZBB and GMA News TV.
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: Saan Napunta ang P4B Kaltas sa 2020 Calamity Fund?”
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As he sponsored the proposed PhP7.72-billion budget of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Sen. Lacson pushed for additional funding for the agency in 2020, saying its initial budget was smaller than the pork barrel of a legislator.
QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “‘Mas Malaki Pa Rito ang Pork ni Cong’: Sponsoring the 2020 Budget of the DICT”
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