Dev Flores

Department of  Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Damagoso express confidence that floodwaters along España Boulevard will subside faster once a catch basin is completed.

The initiative is a response to the severe flooding along the major thoroughfare last week due to heavy rains.

According to Sec. Dizon, the drainage system along España Boulevard has existed since 1950; starting this September, the DPWH will expand the system, which may help the floodwaters to subside faster.

In line with this, the Manila City LGU is currently preparing a prospective site to build the catch basin facility.

“Magkakaroon lang ng konting abala doon sa kambal na simbahan natin kasi yung buong kanto na yon o yung buong plaza will be converted as a catch basin area of España,” according to Mayor Isko Moreno

[“There will be a slight inconvenience near our twin churches because that entire street or plaza will be a catch basin area of España.”]

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) expressed dismay over the suspension of the wage hike for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.

The delay follows the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) of the Pasig Regional Trial Court against the implementation of NCR Wage Order No. 27.

According to TUCP Spokesperson Carlos Oñate, the concern should have first been brought before the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) as an appeal before its transfer to the court.

“Kung meron silang problema sa inilabas na wage order, dapat umakyat sila sa National Wages and Productivity Commission as an appeal,” he said

The labor group highlighted that RA 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act states that setting the minimum wage falls under the exclusive authority of regional wage boards, and any objections or concerns must be first filed with the NPWC.

Meanwhile, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino, they were upset with the situation, but they respect the decision of the court. He also gave the court a way to explain the basis for issuing the TRO.

The Cebu City Health Department has recorded 1,228 dengue cases over the past six months. The figure is 12.35% higher compared to the 1,093 cases recorded during the same period last year.

“Sa ating lungsod simula nitong Enero hanggang sa Hulyo 18 ng kasalukuyang taon, mayroon na tayong naitala na kaso ng dengue na 1,228,” according to Councilor Dave Tumulak

[“In our city, from January to July 18 of this year, we have recorded 1,228 dengue cases.”]

Ten individuals have been confirmed dead due to the disease.

“Mayroong sampung kaso na nasawi dahil sa dengue,” Coun. Tumulak said

[“There are ten fatal cases due to dengue.”]

Based on the data, the majority of the afflicted are male. Children aged 1 to 10 are also affected and have the highest number of cases across the city.

Tumulak noted that consecutive rainfalls have contributed to the spike in cases, as stagnant water in clogged drains provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

“Dahil sa  sunod-sunod na pag-ulan sa ating lungsod ngayong taon, maraming tubig ang na-stagnant. Nakalimutang linisin at ligpitin ang mga basura na nagiging dahilan sa problema ng daloy ng tubig at dito na nangingitlog ang mga lamok na may dalang dengue,” he said

[“Due to continuous rains in our city this year, a lot of water has become stagnant. Uncollected and uncleared garbage causes problems in the flow of water, and here where dengue-carrying mosquitoes lay their eggs.”]

Authorities advised the public that if symptoms are present, consult the nearest health center or hospital to receive medical attention and prevent severe complications.

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Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand income tax exemptions, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairperson and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo believes this would provide much-needed relief to the middle class.

In the proposed bill, the annual income tax exemption will climb to ₱350,000.

“Ang middle class, ito yung portion ng ating population na nagbabayad ng buwis pero never nakakatanggap ng ayuda. Sila ang parating napag-iiwanan pagdating sa mga tulong ng gobyerno. Pero pagdating sa tax burden, sila ang pumapasan ng 90% ng burden ng individual taxpayers sa ating lipunan,” Quimbo said

[“The middle class is a portion of our population that pays taxes but never receives government aid. They are always left behind when it comes to government assistance. Yet when it comes to tax burden, they shoulder 90% of individual taxpayer burdens of our society.”]

The lawmaker clarified that the proposed ₱350,000 exemption applies to the taxable income, not the gross annual salary. The taxable income reflects after deducting mandatory contributions (i.g. SSS, GSIS, PhilHealth, and PAG-IBIG).

“In short, kapag may gross salary ka na tingin ko umaabot ng 385,000 (or) 390,000, ikaw pa rin ay magiging tax exempt dahil aalisin natin ang mga SSS at saka GSIS contributions,” Rep. Quimbo explained

[“In short, someone with a gross-salary of around ₱385,000 (or) ₱390,000, I think you could still qualify as tax-exempt because the SSS and GSIS contributions will be subtracted.”]

If the House schedule proceeds as planned, the House Committee on Ways and Means will begin hearings over the matter next week. According to Rep. Quimbo assures that the committee will hear the sides of the concerned agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the middle class will truly get the benefit.

The lawmaker also emphasized that the granted tax relief should not be wiped out by introducing new indirect taxes, as the goal of the House bill is to provide relief to the taxpayers.

“But we will always stand firm on our position that hindi po pwede na ibibigay natin sa kaliwang kamay yung pagpapaluwag ng taxes, pero with the right hand, babawiin naman natin in the form of indirect taxes. Hindi naman tayo papayag doon,” he said

[“But we will always stand firm on our position that we shouldn’t waive the tax relief in the left hand, but in the right hand, it will be taken back in the form of indirect taxes. We will not allow that.]

Following the President’s directive during his 5th SONA for concerned agencies to collaborate on enhancing school safety, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured that it will comply, as this is also aligned with its mandate.

“Magtutulungan ang lokal na pamahalaan, ang barangay, PNP, DepEd, upang palakasin ang seguridad sa paaralan.” PBBM said on his SONA

[“The local government, the barangay, the PNP, and the DepEd will work together to strengthen school security.”]

According to the PNP, its mandate is to ensure public safety, including educational institutions.

“Ang eskwelahan natin ay member of the community. Of course, tutulong tayo sa mga opisyales ng DepEd at other training institutions,” said PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

[“Our schools are members of the community. Of course, we will assist officials from DepEd and other training institutions.”]

The PNP Chief added that police patrols and monitoring within the school vicinities are continuous. Also, he suggested implementing dedicated programs and activities to prevent further school violence.

Alongside police visibility around schools, the PNP will strengthen the coordination not only with school administrators and teachers, but also with barangays and local government units.

“We increase coordination and engagement, and of course, other activities tulad ng napag-usapan natin or ginagaya natin sa ibang bansa kung ano yung mga best practices na yan,” he said

[“We increase coordination and engagement, and of course, other activities, like what we discussed or adopting best practices in other countries.”]

The initiative aims to bolster school security and to prevent the occurrence of the recent violent incidents at Tacloban and Cavite.