The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed on Wednesday that the current budgetary cost for the New Senate Building (NSB) is now higher than the estimates provided by Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Nancy Binay. “Ito po problema, nung sinubmit niyo additional submissions niyo, luma na ang presyo. Meaning that lagpas na sa P23 billion yung total project cost,” Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the chair of the Senate Committee on Accounts, said at the continuation of the public hearing on the NSB on July 10, 2024. This after the DPWH admitted that the budgetary cost estimate for the project could balloon to P25-P27 billion. “Ito ang ayaw naming mangyari. Ang pinagtalunan lang namin ni Senator Nancy Binay y’ung cost,” Cayetano said, pointing out that the figures he and Binay had argued about in the first hearing last week are far lower than the new figures revealed by the DPWH. According to the DPWH, the changes in budgetary cost estimates are due to inflation. To clarify the situation, Cayetano provided a breakdown of the total budgetary cost and the implications of applying a “conservative 20 percent inflationary cost” increase as referenced by the DPWH. Cayetano shared that Phase 1’s cost currently increased to P8.6 billion from P8.067 billion due to variation orders. Additionally, the senator also said Phase 2’s budgetary cost estimate is P2.375 billion with potential increases and Phase 3’s P10.33 billion cost, is currently under review. In response to DPWH’s admission, the senator urged the agency to “keep their eyes on the ball” and finalize the cost based on 2024 prices to keep the project moving. “Kayo ang technical, kayo ang nakakaalam. Simple lang: paano matapos sa soonest possible time [ang project na ito] na tamang presyo at tama ang pagkakagawa,” he said. “Get the final design, get the final costing,” he added

MANILA — Forty-eight new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Manila on July 8 to begin their two-year service to support local programs in education, youth development, and environmental protection in communities across the Philippines. Starting in September, the Peace Corps Volunteers will be assigned to fulfill a range of roles requested by host communities in Aklan, Antique, Batangas, Benguet, Bohol, Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Pangasinan, and Tarlac. These roles include co-teaching English in public elementary and secondary schools, serving as youth development facilitators in Philippine Department of Welfare and Social Development-accredited organizations and residential shelters, and supporting local governments in establishing marine protected areas and implementing coastal resource management plans. “U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers come from all over the United States and represent the diversity of the American people. They come with a variety of skills and experience to contribute during their service in the Philippines,” U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said. “The Peace Corps’ goal is to promote world peace and friendship, and what better way to do this than to serve with cultural humility and mutual respect to our Filipino friends and partners.” The 48 new Volunteers represent the 281st batch of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers deployed to the Philippines, bringing the total number of American volunteers currently serving in the country to 126 and surpassing the number of Volunteers assigned to the Philippines prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. “The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) warmly welcomes this 281st batch of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers,” PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe said as he expressed hope that the new American Volunteers will “continue to serve as builders of hope and catalysts of change.” “Together, let us sustain the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding and create a sustainable future for the generations to come,” he added. Before their local deployment, the Peace Corps Volunteers will undergo an intensive 11-week pre-service training that includes technical, language, and cultural studies to prepare them for their service. The newly arrived Volunteers, aged between 22 to 67, bring diverse experience, technical skills, and spirited enthusiasm to learn about the Philippines and work alongside community members on locally prioritized projects that build relationships, promote knowledge exchange, and make a lasting and measurable impact. The Philippines is the second oldest U.S. Peace Corps program. More than 9,400 Americans have served alongside Filipino community members in support of government and community development priorities since 1961.

MANILA — Built upon a published study from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila are investigating the antiretroviral properties of a plant extract in a promising step towards potentially finding treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among the major challenges in treating HIV is viral latency, or the ability of the virus to be in a resting (latent) state, evading detection by the immune system and current HIV medications called antiretroviral therapies (ART). Although ART has significantly decreased mortality in HIV infection, there is emerging drug resistance in the Filipino population, and ART does not target latent infection or gene expression – the step responsible for the multiplication of new drug-resistant clones. In a bold move to change the game in HIV treatment by using natural compounds that may overcome these limitations, a Filipino expert in Virology, Dr. Sheriah Laine M. de Paz-Silava, and her team at UP Manila seeks to understand how the plant extract stops the virus by conducting tests on cells from HIV patients to assess its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This project builds on a recently published study funded by the DOST-PCHRD which demonstrated the antiretroviral activity of the plant extract in HIV-latently infected cells, revealing that the plant extract inhibits virus production to almost zero levels at noncytotoxic concentrations. “One of the biggest obstacles towards achieving a cure for HIV infection is the presence of latently infected cells in bodily reservoirs…This study represents a significant step forward in our ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, particularly for those in the Philippines facing emerging drug resistance,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive Director, Dr. Jaime Montoya. Expected to end by November 2024, the project has already conducted initial experiments focusing on the preparation of plant extracts and the optimization of RT-PCR protocols. As the study progresses, the team plans to collaborate with the UP-Philippine Genome Center (PGC) to analyze the purified extracts and examine its mechanism of action in inhibiting HIV gene expression. This project is supported by DOST-PCHRD, under its Re-emerging and Emerging Diseases (RED) Program with a funding allocation of  P4,944,844.68, in support of one of the DOST’s strategic pillars – Promotion of human well-being.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has renewed its partnership with UNICEF for its new Country Program for Children 2024-2028, reaffirming its commitment to empowering Filipino youth and supporting local communities. Since 2016, CEB has actively participated in UNICEF’s Change for Good campaign, a global initiative that aims to convert spare change of passengers into life-saving supplies and services for children in need. Over the past eight years, the program has successfully raised more than 91 million pesos for UNICEF’s lifesaving programs for children in health and nutrition, education, protection, social policy, and emergency relief. “Our flights have always contributed to nation and community building, but our partnership with UNICEF through the Change for Good program takes this to a different level. Thanks to our dedicated cabin crew, our flights become vessels of hope and change for vulnerable Filipino children,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. CEB is the first and only airline partner of UNICEF in Southeast Asia for the Change for Good campaign. It is also the only local carrier that actively raises funds to support children in its home country. “Cebu Pacific has been a longstanding partner of UNICEF in creating a better world for children. The airline’s support has been instrumental in driving change and ensuring that the most vulnerable children have access to their basic rights and opportunities they need to thrive. We are grateful for their steadfast commitment and the generosity of their passengers,” said Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Deputy Representative.

Manila, July 5, 2024 — The United States Peace Corps, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development, conducted a four-day training workshop in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, on enhancing marine protected area (MPA) management, on June 18 to 21. MPAs are established to conserve and protect diminishing coastal resources.  To address this challenge, the workshop gathered 60 participants, including 20 Peace Corps volunteers, 20 local government representatives from Luzon and Visayas, and 20 fisherfolk leaders, to build their capacity in environmental conservation and protection. During the workshop, national and local frameworks for MPAs were discussed to enhance the participants’ understanding of the legal foundations of MPAs.  Participants explored the ecosystem approach to fisheries management as a holistic method for managing MPAs. They were also introduced to biodiversity assessment tools such as underwater photogrammetry.  The workshop also highlighted “citizen science,” where local communities share valuable, scientific information in biodiversity conservation. Participants explored various funding strategies for MPA management, including the establishment of livelihoods in and around MPAs, and other financing activities such as local government funding and impact loans.  To cap the program, the Peace Corps volunteers collaborated with their local government partners to draft work plans for effective MPA management. “The main thing is bringing this out of the training room and into the communities, to the spaces where all our participants could share their stories, share their strengths, and ultimately work on our main goal as Peace Corps which is partnering together and walking alongside communities as they identify, magnify, connect, and mobilize their strengths for positive change,” Peace Corps Philippines Director for Programming and Training Matthew Tully said. For a more practical approach, participants visited marine and mangrove conservation areas, enhancing their knowledge and appreciation of habitats and communities working within MPAs. The province of Oriental Mindoro and municipality of Puerto Galera also shared best practices from years of experience in establishing and managing MPAs. “I am amazed at how the environment is preserved in Oriental Mindoro. I also learned that the local government has the capacity to include environmental education in their local school curriculum, and I will pursue this back in my municipality,” said Ricky Dela Cruz, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council Municipal Representative of Carles, Iloilo. Peace Corps volunteers assigned to the Coastal Resource Management sector work with local governments to implement integrated coastal resource management plans and assist coastal communities. Over 9,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked alongside Filipinos since 1961.

Senate Accounts Committee chair Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday,July 5,  reaffirmed the rigorous and independent nature of the ongoing review of the New Senate Building (NSB), in response to concerns raised by former Senator Panfilo Lacson about its negative public perception. “The conduct of the NSB review is factual and independent. Hindi pwede ang suspicion, speculation, assumption, akala,” the Accounts chair said. Cayetano gave this assurance after Lacson released a statement expressing dismay that the NSB project is now seen as a potential symbol of government misuse of funds. Lacson’s remarks followed a recent heated exchange between Cayetano and Senator Nancy Binay, Lacson’s immediate successor as Accounts Committee chair, during a public hearing on the NSB last Wednesday, July 3. In the hearing, Binay disputed Cayetano regarding the project’s total cost which had ballooned to P23.3 billion, a figure that Cayetano said came from Binay’s own team involved in overseeing the project. In his statement, Lacson acknowledged the cost increase from an initial P8.9 billion to P23.3 billion, which prompted Senate President Francis Escudero to call for a thorough review. The former senator also disclosed that he helped facilitate discussions between Cayetano and Binay to ensure a smooth transition in overseeing the project details. During Wednesday’s public hearing, Cayetano reiterated the committee’s commitment to conducting a review aimed at ensuring the highest standards of construction at a reasonable cost. “The goal is to have the best functional and iconic Senate building that will be a symbol of our democratic process of the will of the Filipino people, at the best quality at the right cost,”  Cayetano said.

TONDO, Manila — Higit sa isandaang mga residente sa Tondo, Manila na nasalanta ng sunog kamakailan ang nakatanggap ng tulong mula sa magkapatid na Senador Alan Peter at Pia Cayetano at sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), noong Hulyo 3. Nakipagtulungan sa DSWD ang Emergency Response Department (ERD) team ng dalawang Cayetano para maghatid ng tulong sa 127 biktima ng sunog sa Barangay 186 sa ilalim ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program ng ahensya. Mahigit 15 pamilya ang nawalan ng tahanan matapos ang sunog na naganap noong March 19. Dumalo sina dating SK Chairperson Louise Loleng, Barangay Kagawad Dennise Esteban, at Barangay Treasurer Mark Sylvestre sa aktibidad na ginanap sa covered court ng Barangay 185. Kabilang sa mga nakatanggap ay si Ricky Nelson Pregonero. Aniya, sariwa pa ang pinansyal at emosyonal na pinsalang natamo ng kanyang pamilya at mga kapitbahay dahil sa sunog. “Ang hirap po ng dinanas namin. Talagang back to zero po kaming mga biktima,” aniya. “Salamat nga po at walang nasawi sa pamilya namin sa laki ng sunog na ‘yon – halos 24 hours po. Ngayon nga po medyo may phobia pa po ako sa sunog na ‘yan eh,” dagdag niya. Pinasalamatan niya ang mga Cayetano at ang mga lokal na opisyal ng kanilang lungsod sa “tuloy-tuloy” na suporta na kanilang natatanggap mula nang mangyari ang sakuna. “Maraming salamat po sa matatanggap namin, malaking tulong po iyan sa aming mga biktima ng sunog,” aniya Ang aktibidad ay bahagi ng inisyatibang ‘Bayanihan Caravan’ ng magkapatid na senador, na naglalakbay sa buong bansa upang maghandog ng tulong sa mga Pilipinong nangangailangan at tulungang palakasin ang pinakamahinang sektor ng bansa.

Senator Imee Marcos has urged the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to make public details of the June 3, 2024 NEDA Board meeting that resulted in government’s controversial decision to cut the tariff on imported rice to 15 percent up to 2028. This, after it was established during Thursday’s senate hearing into proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RA No. 11203) and Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RA No. 8178), that the proposal did not come from agricultural stakeholders, and was never raised during three consultative hearings of the Tariff Commission in 2023. “Bigla na lang sumulpot ito sa NEDA Board noong June 3. Hihingin po namin, hangga’t kaya, kung sinu-sino ang nagpunta (NEDA Board meeting) at kung may transcript na ibibigay. Kung kinakailangan, mag-e-executive session para lang malaman natin ang ugat nitong EO 62 (Modifying the Nomenclature and Rates of Import Duty on Various Products). “Clearly, this was a small meeting. It was just a board meeting, right? So it can hardly be considered a public hearing with stakeholders and others,” Marcos said. The NEDA Board is composed of the President as chairperson, and NEDA Secretary as vice-chairperson, with the following members: the Executive Secretary, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary of Finance, and Secretary of Budget and Management.   The senator noted that in the transcripts of the March, September and October 2023 consultative meetings and public hearings held by the Tariff Commission, there was no single mention of a 15 percent rice tariff rate taking effect for a period of 4 and a half years. Commissioner Marissa Paderon explained that proposed changes to the tariff lines “come from the parties” present during the meetings. “Sa pagbasa ng transcript na yan, was there any new tariff rate on rice proposed or discussed? Wala po akong makita. Sa buong transcript, wala umangal, walang nagsabi ibagsak sa kinse porsyento ang taripa. Wala akong nakita sa buong transcript. Binali-baliktad ko. Saan po nanggaling yan? Kung sinasabi ninyo manggagaling yan sa magtataas ng kamay at magsa-suggest ng panibagong taripa? Wala naman sa transcript; saan nanggaling yan?” Marcos asked the Tariff Commission, as she pointed out the lack of due process in the implementation of the rice tariff cut. The Senator also lamented how farmers groups, federations, and other agricultural stakeholders, and the Senate were left out of the consultative meetings. Five days after the Malacañang issuance, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), Federation of Free Farmers Inc. (FFFI), United Broiler Raisers Assn. 1 Inc., Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), and Magsasaka Partylist representative Argel Cabatbat challenged EO No. 62 before the Supreme Court (SC).   Marcos doubted the periodic review of every 4 months of the 15 percent rice tariff under the executive issuance. “Ang ibig sabihin ng review na napaka-klaro naman sa atin: i-a-assess, i-e-examine at baka—baka palitan, baka hindi, baka palalain. Baka ibagsak pa lalo. Review yun eh. Hanggang doon lang. Pero hindi tayo sigurado na babaguhin.” Farmers groups and rice millers present during the senate hearing bared they were not even invited to the 2023 consultative meetings on the tariff lines, the senator noted. Marcos has consistently voiced her opposition to the 15 percent tariff rate, stating this will not bring down the retail price of rice because exporters of the commodity would just jack up their prices, based on previous experiences. The senator, who has put agriculture and food security among her legislative priorities, lamented how the latest tariff cut would result in the death of the local rice-producing industry.

Inamin ng Department of Public Works and Highways o DPWH na naantala ang pagpapatayo ng New Senate Building o NSB dahil sa mga variation order o pagbabago na nagresulta sa pagtaas ng kabuuang gastos sa proyekto. Lumabas ang impormasyong ito sa pagdinig tungkol sa NSB ng Senate Committee on Accounts na pinamumunuan ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano nitong Miyerkules. Kasalukuyang sinusuri ng komite ang P23 bilyong halaga ng estimated cost ng proyekto. Ayon sa senador, may mga naantala na sa pagpapatayo ng NSB bago pa man ang reorganisasyon sa Senado nitong May. “Kasi may mga nagpapalabas na dine-delay namin ito ni Senator Escudero,” aniya. Bukod dito, sinabi rin ni Cayetano na 852 araw ng naantala ang proyekto. Ipinaliwanag ni DPWH Project Director Soledad Florencio na ang Extension of Time (EoT) o delay ay dahil sa mga variation order at patuloy na mga pagbabago sa proyekto kaya hindi masabi ng ahensya kung kailan ito matatapos. Nagresulta ito sa mahigit P78 milyong halaga ng mga singil sa EoT, sa loob ng tinatayang P800 milyong halaga para sa buong variation order ng proyekto. Kinuwestyon din ni Cayetano ang karagdagang design fees na nagkakahalaga ng P173 milyon na bukod pa sa P258 milyon na orihinal na design fee ng proyekto. Binigyang-diin ng senador na maaaring maiwasan ang mga delay at karagdagang gastos kung nakipag-ugnayan sana ang DPWH sa Senate Coordinating Team o SCT bago tapusin ang Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design o DAED ng proyekto. “Hindi niyo kinausap ang Senado before DAED, that’s why nagkaroon EoT. Kinakausap niyo senado after DAED that’s why nagka-VO at kaya may EoT [cost] ka na napakalaki,” pahayag ni Cayetano. “On hindsight, avoidable ito . Pwedeng walang RDAED [revised DAED] kung nag usap,” dagdag niya