Duterte Suspends GOCC Compensation Scheme

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order No. 36 on July 28 suspending the implementation of the compensation and position classification system (CPCS) and the index of occupational services (IOS) of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs).

This is “to eliminate any excessive, unauthorized, illegal and/or unconscionable allowances, incentives and benefits,” EO 36 added.

In the interim, the compensation framework of GOCCs, including their subsidiaries, will be covered by the new measures under EO 36, subject to the approval of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG)--- the central policy-making and regulatory body that monitors and oversees GOCCs' operations.

PH Infrastructure spending up to 12.2% year-on-year in June

The Duterte administration’s bid to further increase infrastructure investments continues to show force with the June 2017 spending up 12.2 percent year-on-year.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) website showed that infrastructure/other capital outlays reached PHP51.9 billion last month, higher than year-ago’s PHP46.6 billion in May.

Infrastructure and other capital outlays accounted for the bulk of capital outlays last June that totalled to PHP77 billion, up 26.5 percent against the PHP51.7 billion in June 2016.

PNP: Government all set for 50th Foreign Ministers Meeting

The Philippines is geared up to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 50th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that will be held in Manila from August 2 to August 8, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday, August 1. 

“I think with all the preparations that we’ve made, the country is very much ready to host this 50th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) regional director Oscar David Albayalde said in a press briefing in Malacañan. 

PRRD Checks Condition of Freed Police Officer

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte personally checks the condition of Police Officer Alfredo Basabica Jr. after the latter was presented to the President at the Tactical Operations Group (TOG)-11 Headquarters in Davao City on July 30, 2017. Basabica was released from his captors on July 28, 2017, a day before his supposed wedding to his fiancé Princess Kaye Dacoycoy. 

PO1 Basabica, a member of 2nd Platoon of the Davao Oriental Provincial Public Safety Command in Aliwagwag PPSC Patrol Base in Cateel, Davao Oriental, was taken by members of the New People’s Army  while on board a passenger bus on his way home along Kilometer 26 of Barangay Panansalan in Compostela town, Compostela Valley Province last July 11. With them are PO1 Basabica’s fiancé 6-month pregnant Princess Kaye Dacoycoy and Special Assistant the President Christopher Lawrence Go. 

ROBINSON NIÑAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Berkeley, ISBB win SBP-Passerelle Luzon finals

Berkeley School and International School for Better Beginnings (ISBB) bagged the championship title for the Luzon finals of SBP (Small Basketeers of the Philippines) – Passerelle, the largest twin tournament in the country, held at the Easter College Gym in Baguio City.

Berkeley School of Baguio easily won the SBP tournament against Wonderland School of Dagupan and earned their 4th consecutive regional championship title, 69-36. 3rd place went to Sacred Heart University after winning the battle against St. Scholastica’s Academy, 56-50.

Meanwhile, it was a hard feat for ISBB to beat St. Louis University during the Passerelle tournament until they finally took the lead halfway through the last quarter, ending the intense battle with 67-64 score. Holy Angel University came in 3rd in a match against Urdaneta City National High School, 50-47.

Anne Curtis runs for children to mark UNICEF’s 70th Anniversary

UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis calls on runners to join the second year of the Heroes for Children Run on September 4, 2016, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.

“I was deeply inspired by the support we received during last year’s run. From children with disabilities to serious runners, the public came together for a great cause. This year, I’m inviting everyone once again to be a hero for children. All proceeds will benefit UNICEF’s First 1,000 Days campaign for children’s health and nutrition needs,” says Curtis

Returning champions rule 40th National MILO Marathon Manila Leg

Five-time MILO Marathon King Eduardo “Vertek” Buenavista and veteran MILO Marathon winner Luisa Raterta returned to the top as they claimed the prized spots in the centerpiece 42K event at the 40th National MILO Marathon Manila qualifying leg held on Sunday. Participants and spectators enjoyed the good weather in the SM Mall of Asia grounds, with almost 33,000 runners crossing the finish line.

Buenavista and Raterta each took home P50,000 in cash and a trophy, and booked their slots to the National Finals in Iloilo on December 4 for a chance to be crowned the MILO Marathon King and Queen. Both will go head-to-head with the country’s best runners in a new, refreshing race experience away from the hustle and bustle of Manila. The lucky winners who will take the coveted titles will also have the chance to compete in an international marathon in 2017 on all-expense paid trips from MILO as part of their prizes.