Ang tama ay IPAGLABAN. Ang mali ay LABANAN.
In an interview on DZBB/GMA News TV, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
* possible supplemental budget to deal with COVID-19 [0:26]
* at least P989B unused from 2019 budget [2:40]
* local officials naipit sa Social Amelioration Program [17:39]
* DBM circular barring release of 35% of 2020 budget’s appropriations [19:45]
* lockdown until June? [24:17]
NOTES and QUOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: ECQ Extension, Supplemental Budget vs COVID-19 Needed?”
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 on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
* extension of ECQ/lockdown [0:19]
* need for discipline during ECQ [4:07]
* barangay officials’ problems [10:02]
* sayang ang National ID system [14:04]
* May 4 session resumption; options on legislative calendar [18:09]
* test period for DOH Sec Duque [22:40]
NOTES and QUOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: ECQ Extension; ‘Test Period’ for DOH Secretary Duque”
We trust DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, after his admission of shortcomings, will quickly follow up with proactive and positive actions to address the issues and concerns raised by his own people at the DOH, as well as government and private physicians and health workers, against his leadership. It is they who have brought most of these concerns to the attention of the senators who signed the resolution calling for his resignation.
For a start, his display of humility should begin in his own department and field offices. After all, actions speak much louder and clearer than words.
Having said that, we have our Senate rules to follow. After referral, Senate Resolution 362 will trigger an inquiry by the appropriate committee/s, or a Committee of the Whole, whatever will be agreed upon by the majority members of the Senate. That is the proper forum where he, along with other resource persons to be invited, can shed light on the issues contained in Senate Resolution 362.
It is our hope that at the end of the day, the public will be enlightened after witnessing for themselves the open discussion of the issues at hand.
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In an interview on DZBB/GMA News TV, Sen. Lacson cited the reasons for Senate Resolution 362, which sought the resignation of DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III for his “failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight and inefficiency in the performance of his mandate as DOH Secretary, resulting in poor planning, delayed response, lack of transparency and misguided and flip-flopping policies and measures in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic that endangered and continues to endanger the lives of our health care professionals, other frontliners, and the Filipino people.”
NOTES and QUOTES:
Continue reading “#PINGterview: On the Senate Resolution Seeking Sec. Duque’s Resignation”