By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged lawmakers to enact legislation aimed at improving the conditions of Filipino workers.

“I call on Congress to pass laws that will support the attainment of our job creation agenda, including the Enterprise-based Education and Training Program law, the Revised Apprenticeship Program Act, and the CREATE MORE law or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy,” Marcos stated during the commemoration of the 122nd Labor Day at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 1, 2024).

The President directed the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards to promptly review the minimum wage rates in their respective regions.

He also urged the National Wages and Productivity Commission to revise its rules to ensure that the Boards can maintain “a regular and predictable schedule of wage review, issuance, and effectivity to reduce uncertainty and enhance fairness for all stakeholders.”

He stated that such reviews and adjustments can help mitigate the impact on workers of the increases in prices of basic goods.

In September 2023, Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 11962, or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act.

The said law aims to address unemployment, underemployment, and other challenges in the labor market.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officiated the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed directors of the Maharlika Investment Corporation on Wednesday (20 Dec 2023).

The four directors, Vicky Castillo Tan, Andrew Jerome Gan, German Lichauco, and Roman Felipe Reyes, took their oath of office in a ceremony held at Malacañang, as reported by the Presidential Communications Office.

These appointments follow the recent naming of Rafael Consing Jr. as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maharlika Investment Corp. last November.

Vicky Castillo Tan, a seasoned professional with a background at the Asian Development Bank and various financial institutions, hails from Manila. She holds degrees in Business Administration and completed her Master of Business Administration at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Andrew Jerome Gan, with degrees in finance and business economics from the University of Notre Dame, brings his expertise to the Maharlika Investment Corp. Gan has held key positions in various organizations, including roles in finance, management, and advisory boards.

German Lichauco, a graduate of De La Salle University and Ateneo De Manila University, has an extensive legal and corporate background. His experiences include serving as a director for different corporations and holding leadership roles in law offices.

Roman Felipe Reyes, a graduate of San Beda College and the University of Detroit, Michigan, adds a wealth of experience to the board. Reyes has served in various capacities, including directorships and leadership roles in notable organizations.

The Maharlika Investment Corp., established under Republic Act (RA) 11954, plays a crucial role in mobilizing and utilizing the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) for strategic investments aimed at optimizing returns on investment (ROIs). The new leadership is expected to steer the corporation towards new heights in the realm of investment and financial strategies.

(IAmigo/MNM)

The government is set to maintain its dedication to enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and elevating it to the status of a “world-class force,” as stated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his address at the traditional dinner for the AFP Council of Sergeants Major in Malacañang on Monday.

In his speech, President Marcos encouraged AFP personnel to persist in their outstanding efforts, assuring them of unwavering support from his administration and the entire nation in the execution of their duties.

The President asserted, “Rest assured that we will remain resolute in our efforts to transform and modernize the AFP into a globally respected force that fills our country with pride.”

He went on to add, “Furthermore, I want to assure you that we will persist in the implementation of programs and policies aimed at enhancing your well-being. This commitment extends not only to those in active service but also to their families, whom I consider as contributing to our nation’s active service. So, please continue your commendable work, knowing that this administration and the entire nation stand firmly behind you as you serve our country.”

President Marcos emphasized the indispensable role played by enlisted personnel, describing them as the “backbone of the country’s military force” responsible for sustaining the nation’s security and defense.

He also acknowledged that enlisted personnel constitute 90 percent of the military forces and their specialized skills are integral to the AFP’s daily operations and institutional functions.

“You are crucial to our enduring success in safeguarding our nation’s integrity, sovereignty, and heritage. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that we collaborate to ensure that each of you reaches your fullest potential and becomes a well-rounded soldier,” Marcos emphasized.

The President expressed gratitude for the enlisted personnel’s dedication to understanding the needs of Filipino troops throughout the nation and their efforts to boost troop morale and welfare.

(ai/mnm)

By Liezelle Soriano

THE ADMINISTRATION of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to continue its support to the education sector, including the teachers, to ensure that quality education will be provided to the students.

“The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said in a post.

Marcos made the commitment as he paid tribute to the teachers.

“As National Teachers’ Month comes to a close, we pay tribute to the heroes of children’s education! As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives,” he said.

On Sunday night at the Malacañang complex, Marcos attended a concert honoring Filipino teachers alongside Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The concert in Malacañang is part of celebration of National Teachers’ Month.

Ni Liezelle Soriano

BUMABA ang approval ratings nina Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, ganoon din ang sa dalawang pinuno ng dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso, ayon sa  pinakahuling survey ng Pulse Asia na inilabas ngayong araw ng Lunes (02 Oct 2023),

Mula sa 80 porsiyento sa survey noong Hunyo, bumaba sa 65 porsiyento ang approval rating ni Marcos, habang bumaba naman si Duterte-Carpio mula 84 porsiyento sa 73 porsiyento sa parehong panahon.

Gayunpaman, ang approval rate ni Duterte-Carpio ay nananatiling mas mataas kaysa kay Marcos.

Sinabi ng Pulse Asia na nangangahulugan pa rin ito ng pagpapahalaga ng mga Pilipino sa kanilang pagganap sa trabaho bilang mga pinuno ng bansa.

Bumaba rin ang approval rating ng dalawang pinuno ng mataas at mababang kapulungan.

Bumaba ang trust rating ni Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri mula 56 noong Hunyo sa 50 noong Setyembre.

Bumaba rin ang approval rating ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez mula 52 sa 41.

Isinagawa ang survey mula Setyembre 10 hanggang 14, taong kasalukuyan.

(ai/mnm)