SSS to condone penalties

BusinessWorld
Posted at 12/27/2010 1:18 AM | Updated as of 12/27/2010 1:25 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Social Security System (SSS) will implement a loan condonation program next year that will allow members with delinquent loan amortization accounts to settle their obligation with the state-pension fund.

“We will launch the ‘Penalty Condonation Program for Unremitted or Delinquent Loan Amortizations of Employees by Employers’ for member with unsettled short-term loans on January 3 and will run it until the end of June,” SSS Member Loans Program Management Department Head Marie Ada T. de Silva told BusinessWorld in a phone interview last Friday.

“Applicants of the program will be able to pay their overdue amortization either in full or through installment,” adding “[the program] would restore the loan privileges of members to apply for loans, renew salary loans, and lift the ‘delinquent’ tag in their account.”

The program covers all members with unsettled salary loans, calamity loans, emergency loans, education loans, privatization fund loan and stock-investment loan program.

Unlike the previous condonation program for loans in 2009, which were directly availed by SSS members, this program will be coursed through the employers. This is similar to the condonation program for contributions implemented this year.

The program can be availed by employers who were not able to remit their employees’ loan amortization and employers of employees with delinquent loans or arrears.

Meanwhile, employers who were delinquent in the payment of their SSS contributions must first settle their delinquent contributions in full or through the submission of an installment payment proposal under the SSS Condonation Law of 2009.

Ms. de Silva stressed that “SSS members who are delinquent can avail of the program, but only penalties which have accrued as of April 1, 2010 will be waived.

“Anything that has accrued after April 1 will have to be settled together with the overdue principal and interest.”

Employers may avail for the program at any SSS branch. Their mode of payment shall be approved by head of the SSS branch where they would avail of the program.

In case the employer choose to settle their obligation in an installment basis, the employer must submit an “instrument” as his guarantee to the state-pension fund to pay in “equal monthly installment in a period not exceeding 24 months” from the date of the proposal’s approval.

Ms. de Silva said “in choosing the installment mode of payment, the amount to be settled will bear an annual interest of 3%.”

“If an employer commits a violation in the terms and conditions of settling his employees’ accounts, penalties will be restored,” she added.

The condonation program was approved by the Office of the President last June.

Collections up

Meanwhile, SSS, in a statement yesterday said its collection from member contributions in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Rizal province surpassed its annual target of P45.85 billion.

The state-pension fund collected P48.57 billion worth of member contributions from the NCR and Rizal province group.

The NCR group posted an estimated P79 billion worth of national and overseas contributions, up from last year’s P45.36 billion. Of which, P12.36 billion was collected from SSS’ three branches in Makati City, the country’s business district. Collections from Quezon City was at P11.69 billion.

“The NCR Group collected P585.27 million unpaid contributions from employers after sending demand letters and filing cases against them, adding that it was 33% higher than the P439.34 million collected through [filing of cases] in 2009,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. was quoted as saying in the statement.

“The SSS will put legal pressure against employers who neglect their duties under the Social Security Law,” he added.

Under the Social Security Law, the non-remittance of contributions is punishable by imprisonment of six to 12 years. -- Ann Rozainne R. Gregorio

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to ALL: from Alevars @ family

Manny Pacquiao Boxing Record

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao
Reigning WBC Junior Middleweight Champion
Reigning WBO Welterweight Champion
IBO, RING Junior Welterweight Champion, 2009
WBC Lightweight Champion, 2008-2009
WBC, RING Super Featherweight Champion, 2008
RING Featherweight Champion, 2003 - 2005
IBF Super Bantamweight Champion, 2001 - 2004
WBC Flyweight Champion, 1998 - 1999
57 Fights
52 Wins (38 by way of Knockout), 3 Loses, 2 Draws

http://www.mannypacquiao.ph/record/

Pacquiao to help government

Pacquiao to help government on 'Save the Industry Act'

MANILA, Philippines - World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will appear on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter appealing to members of the US Congress to pass the Save the Industries Act bill to help save the ailing Philippine garments industry.

“I was just in GenSan (General Santos) last week. We recorded a video. We are just editing it and it will be ready for airing next week,” Board of Investments (BOI) executive director Lucita P. Reyes said in an interview.

The Philippine government has been asking the US to pass thebill because it will revive the dying garments industry by allowing tariff free export of garments to the US.

Reyes said they will be using the Internet to disseminate the video. She said Pacquiao agreed to appear on the video for free. “We are getting Manny Pacquiao to endorse this. We need somebody who can champion it. We have asked his help to have this bill pass into law,” BOI managing head Cristino L. Panlilio said in an interview.

In an earlier interview, Panlilio said that Pacquiao would be a big help because he can raise awareness for the bill. If the Save Act is not passed during the session it will be re-filed next year.

Aside from the Pacquiao endorsement, Panlilio said they will be using the social media. “We will use Facebook and Twitter. Filipino Americans can help convince their congressmen and senators to pass the bill.”

SOURCE:
By  Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star) Updated December 09, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (2)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=637380&publicationSubCategoryId=66

TUCP Workers’ College Training Program

Posted December 20, 2010

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- 18 to 55 years old
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- Not working; no longer studying
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- Must undergo and pass the qualification assessment administered by TESDA

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DOLE rescues 52 minors, padlocks 3 suspected prostitution dens in NCR

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has rescued 52 minors from abuse and exploitation, including 21 young people who were allegedly forced to work in suspected prostitution dens.

"It was a result of an entrapment and rescue operations," Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in an article posted on the DOLE website.

She said 21 of the minors were rescued from a massage center in Quezon City, a KTV bar in Parañaque City and a restaurant also in Quezon City.

Baldoz said the three prostitution dens were padlocked following the rescue.

The investigation showed that the minors rescued from prostitution dens were asked to dance in flimsy attire or in the nude.

One of the rescued minors said the patrons can touch their sensitive parts or can engage in sexual acts with them for a fee.

The 31 other minors were rescued from an embroidery firm in Valenzuela, a garments factory in Pasay City, a printing press in Quezon City and a cafe in Manila.

“We have to step up and intervene on behalf of these minors when their parents and guardians fail to protect them. The government is here to ensure that our youth are free from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination or any condition detrimental to their development," Metro Manila regional director Raymundo Agravante said.

Agravante added that 16 alleged perpetrators were formally charged for violating Republic Act 9231.

The law allows the Labor Secretary or his or her duly authorized representatives to order after due notice and hearing, the closure of any business firm found to have violated any of its provisions three times.

Immediate closure can also be ordered if the violation resulted in the death, insanity, or serious physical injury of the employed minor, or if the establishment is engaged in prostitution or lewd shows.

“Our efforts do not end at rescue and closure operations. The DSWD provides after care assistance to rescued minors while criminal charges are filed at the Department of Justice. The DOLE-NCR handles the administrative cases, which involves issuing orders for the payment of back wages and other benefits," Agravante said.

"DOLE also provides parents of rescued minors with livelihood assistance so they can start earning for their family. Providing these parents with the means to support the needs of their children is one of the viable solutions the DOLE considers in our pursuit to keep these kids off the hook from the perpetrator’s bait," Agravante added.

The DOLE worked with the following in rescuing the minors:
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);
the Philippine National Police (PNP), and
the International Justice Mission (IJM), a non-government organization.

Former child laborers

Meanwhile, the DOLE Cavite Provincial Office, through the support of JAE Philippines, Inc., distributed school supplies to 26 former child laborers who worked as scavengers and “namumukot" in Cavite City and Noveleta, Cavite.

The assistance provided to the children was part of the "Sagip Kabataan: Balik Paaralan," a corporate social responsibility program of JAE Philippines, Inc. – VVP, GMANews.TV

President Aquino congratulates football team

http://www.affsuzukicup.com/_webapp_740122/President_Aquino_joins_Philippines'_fan_club

The Philippines have won presidential approval for their performances so far in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Simon McMenemy's side are on the brink of qualifying for the semi-finals after a glorious 2-0 victory over defending champions Vietnam and a 1-1 draw with Singapore in Group B.

Philippine President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III hailed the exploits of the team in an official statement.

"President Aquino conveys his congratulations to the Philippine team's victory (over Vietnam) at the AFF Suzuki Cup in Vietnam," said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

He added that sport in the Philippines was better known for its achievements in boxing, including the successes of Manny Pacquiao, but football was now pushing for recognition.

"These victories (in boxing and the recent Asian Games) affirm yet again the Filipino's drive to excel, noting further that the Philippine team's triumph in the AFF Suzuki Cup signifies an enthusiasm to join the community of nations in the international arena of football," said the presidential spokesman.

"The President has expressed his support for sports endeavors where Filipinos excel and bring pride to our country."

A draw against Myanmar in their final Group B game on Wednesday will see the Philippines progress to the last four for the first time in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/2010/12/metro-manila-one-of-global-best.html

Metro Manila: One of the global best

John Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
Business Mirror
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/4605-metro-manila-one-of-the-global-best-

What do Los Angeles, London, Tokyo and Berlin have in common with Manila? Nothing. Those cities are not good enough to be ranked in the same category as Manila.

The Metropolitan Policy Program of the Brookings Institute just released a study entitled “Global MetroMonitor.” This is a report detailing an economic overview of 150 global metropolitan areas and their economies during the “Great Recession.”

The purpose of the study was to analyze and compare the 150 global metropolitan areas, including our own National Capital Region (NCR), in terms of their positive impact on their citizens.

GVA looks at income growth and employment growth. How much is employment growing in the metro areas and how much is personal income growing.

For the pre-recession period of 1993 to 2007, the No.1 metro area was Shenzhen, China. Manila was ranked No.34. At the time, Greater Manila had an income-growth rate of 3.4 percent and an employment-growth rate of 2.6 percent. As a comparison, Bangkok, Thailand, was ranked No. 150 with an income-growth rate of negative 1.2 percent and an employment-growth rate of 0.2 percent.

Jump ahead to 2010, and Manila is ranked No. 9, sharing the top rankings with Istanbul, Turkey; Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing in China; Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and Singapore. Manila’s GVA is now 5.3 percent for income growth and 4 percent for employment growth. Bangkok is ranked No. 35 with 3.3-percent income increase and 1.2-percent jobs growth.

Metropolitan areas are responsible for a major portion of a nation’s economic activity. Although only 12 percent of the world’s population lives in these 150 metropolitan areas, these areas account for 46 percent of global gross domestic product. What Brookings measures is what they call economic “Gross Value Added” (GVA). “Metro areas, which are economically integrated collections of cities, suburbs, and often surrounding rural areas, are centers of high-value economic activity in their respective nations and worldwide. Metros form the fundamental bases for national and international economies.”

This is interesting. “Their per-capita measures of Gross Value Added range widely, from under $1,000 in Hyderabad and Kolkata, India, to roughly $70,000 in San Jose, US; and Zurich, Switzerland. What is consistent about these metropolitan areas, however, is their function as locations for high-value economic activity in their respective nations and world regions.” Ultimately, the economic performances of the metro areas determine the economic health and potential future of the country. More important, it does not matter how comparatively poor a metro area is in comparison to others, the metro areas are a nation’s economic driver.

The Global MetroMonitor report makes this conclusion: “The Global MetroMonitor thus portrays a world economy whose continued transition will be driven in large part by the distinct experiences of its powerful network of major metropolitan economies. As metropolitan leaders worldwide confront the challenges and opportunities that accompany continued global economic integration, and many seek new growth models to replace old ones, the shifting metro map points toward an emerging array of productive metro-based economic relationships that could drive regional and national prosperity in the decades to come.”

The Philippines has struggled with two economic questions over the years; how to bring economic growth to the more provincial areas and how to insure that economic growth reaches all sectors of society.

The government as well as private policymakers have faced challenges as to what and where the allocation of resources should be made. For example, should a new branch sales outlet be established in the NCR with its large population or push to an outlying area and hope to build market share. Should infrastructure projects be placed in Metro Manila or be built in the province? Naturally there must be a balance between spending money in the metro areas and spending money in the more rural areas. However, there must eventually be a determination made where the biggest economic bang can be achieved.

The government probably should take its cue from the private sector that in many cases has successfully built its metro and provincial model. The successes that private enterprise has in the metro areas easily can translate to the non-metro areas. Look at Shoemart as the best example. The numerous successful malls in the NCR created its ability and capability to expand to the outlying areas. Only one- third of the SM department stores are in the NCR.

The cost to government for projects in the NCR is much higher than projects in the province. Yet if the economic impact on the country is higher from NCR projects, then that is where the money should be spent until such time that those projects have created excess funds to be used for more rural development.

This study does not address the concerns of metro areas, particularly in Asia, such as congestion and crowding. However, infrastructure projects that help mitigate these two issues also fall within the scope of being economically beneficial. Perhaps solving one problem—crowding—solves another, unemployment.

A balance must be sought and achieved. But to ignore the metro or place it as a lower priority than the provinces is to risk making wrong choices. As the Brookings report states, “National policies must invest in fundamental drivers of metropolitan economies; innovative institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.” But at least for the money, the NCR is one of the global leaders in these two important areas, income and employment, of economic activity.

Source: http://bayan-natin.blogspot.com/2010/12/metro-manila-one-of-global-best.html

P-Noy sympathizes with Vizconde

P-Noy sympathizes with Vizconde but won't comment any further
By Aurea Calica (philstar.com) Updated December 14, 2010 04:27 PM Comments (15)

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino today said he sympathized with Lauro Vizconde after the Supreme Court reversed the conviction of Hubert Webb and the other accused in the Vizconde massacre.

But the President and the Palace refused to comment any further, saying it would be up to the SC to explain its decision to the public.

"Initially of course we sympathize with Mr. Lauro Vizconde. I asked for a briefer to be prepared," the President said in a text message.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said it was not for Malacanang to comment on why the case took 19 years to be decided on with finality and why the accused were convicted.

“How they came up with the decision is entirely up to the Supreme Court to explain and let their spokesperson explain it,” Lacierda said.

“The Palace has no position one way or the other on the Vizconde case. We leave it entirely to the parties to comment on that,” he added.

Lacierda said it was irrelevant that the final ruling on the case was done under the Aquino administration.

“The case was decided based on the assessment of the justices on the appeal. So we can’t comment any further than that. Again, it’s a decision made entirely by a separate branch of government so we leave it up to them. Why it took 19 years? That’s for them to decide and not for us to comment on,” Lacierda said.



“It has no impact (on the Aquino administration) because it is, with all due respect, no relevance to the Aquino administration. It was a case that was pending even prior to the Aquino administration, even prior to the Arroyo administration. So it’s a decision of the Supreme Court based on the assessment of the facts and the evidence presented and why it took that long is for them to answer that,” he added..

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=639187&publicationSubCategoryId=200