Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Panayam kay Alan Tanjusay ukol sa proposed four-day workweek ng TUCP[09|30|14]
[Good Morning Boss] Panayam kay Alan Tanjusay, Spokesperson, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines ukol sa proposed four-day workweek ng TUCP (Ulat nina Dianne Medina at Jules Guaing) [September 30, 2014]
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N. Cotabato LGU turns over 3 more covered courts
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Sept. 30 (PIA)-- Three covered courts were turned over recently to two areas in the province, two of which in Kabacan town particularly in the villages of Magatos and Pisan while the other one in Barangay Sikitan of this city.
The projects, worth more than a million pesos each were initiated by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and the provincial government.
Rex Pedtaman and Nestor Ranay, chairmen of Barangay Magatos and Barangay Pisan respectively, thanked TUCP and the provincial government for implementing the project which their constituents could use for different activities.
“The village of Magatos is blessed with a project which could be very useful to the residents,” Pedtaman noted adding that the project is a proof that the “Serbisyong Totoo” advocacy works for the people.
Meanwhile, Ranay stated that the project implemented in their area could now become a decent venue to conduct meetings and various activities.
On the other hand, Barangay Sikitan Chairman Zacarias dela Cruz expressed his thankfulness for the infrastructure project put up in their village.
According to him, the covered court can be used not only as a venue for activities but as shelter in times of calamities.
For her part, Governor Emmylou Mendoza emphasized that her administration sees to it that important infrastructure projects are implemented in every barangay to provide people with the basic services they deserve.
She also revealed that the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) continues to implement more infrastructure projects lined up this year to different areas of the province. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz&RASotto-N. cotabato Provincial Government)
Solons, labor split on 4-day work week
LAWMAKERS and three labor groups on Monday were divided on the four-day work week scheme for government employees in Metro Manila to address the worsening traffic situation there.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the plan could save energy and ease traffic in the metropolis, but the group Kilusang Mayo Uno said it would be bad for the workers.
The Partido ng Manggagawa said it had no problems with the plan as long as the workers’ rights were protected, while the Metro Manila Development Authority had earlier welcomed it.
The Civil Service Commission had said the government offices in Metro Manila could implement a Monday-to-Thursday or a Tuesday-to-Friday work schedule, from eight am to 7 pm, with an hour off for the lunch break.
The commission said the plan could be implemented next week, but the government offices must meet some requirements before those could implement the new scheme.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the Civil Service Commission’s optional policy for government offices would be counter-productive.
“I am not in favor it,” Belmonte said.
He said the government should be able to find a solution to the worsening traffic situation without public service being made to suffer.
Barzaga agreed.
“I do not agree with the four day a week work. Public service would suffer,” Barzaga said.
Instead, he said, “I suggest we ban private vehicles at Edsa during rush hours.”
But Quezon City Rep. Bolet Banal and Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz said the four-day work week should be given a chance.
“This is an experiment. It will help us not only with the traffic but also as a guide on the performance and efficiency of government workers,” De la Cruz said.
Said Banal: “As it is, it seems that five days is not enough, but let us hear the proponents out and give them a chance to prove that the proposed four-day work week can alleviate the traffic woes of the metropolis.”
1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III said the shortened number of days for government employees should not affect in any way the quality of service that government offices should be providing to the public.
“Somebody will have to assure the public that this will ease traffic but not at the expense of public service,” Bello said.
The TUCP said the employers should first consult their workers before implementing the four-day plan. It said the four-day work week had advantages and disadvantages, but it could not be implemented in some industries or sectors.
The KMU said increasing the work hours to 11 from eight would affect the workers’ health and violate their rights. It also raised the dangers the plan would pose to those workers who are paid on a daily basis and subject to the no work, no pay policy.
“Workers fought for the right to an eight-hour work day to protect their health. The four-day work week is a direct attack on this hard-won victory of the international works’ movement and shows how anti-worker this government is,” group chairman Elmer Labog said. - By Maricel Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano / Manila Standard Today
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the plan could save energy and ease traffic in the metropolis, but the group Kilusang Mayo Uno said it would be bad for the workers.
The Partido ng Manggagawa said it had no problems with the plan as long as the workers’ rights were protected, while the Metro Manila Development Authority had earlier welcomed it.
The Civil Service Commission had said the government offices in Metro Manila could implement a Monday-to-Thursday or a Tuesday-to-Friday work schedule, from eight am to 7 pm, with an hour off for the lunch break.
The commission said the plan could be implemented next week, but the government offices must meet some requirements before those could implement the new scheme.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the Civil Service Commission’s optional policy for government offices would be counter-productive.
“I am not in favor it,” Belmonte said.
He said the government should be able to find a solution to the worsening traffic situation without public service being made to suffer.
Barzaga agreed.
“I do not agree with the four day a week work. Public service would suffer,” Barzaga said.
Instead, he said, “I suggest we ban private vehicles at Edsa during rush hours.”
But Quezon City Rep. Bolet Banal and Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz said the four-day work week should be given a chance.
“This is an experiment. It will help us not only with the traffic but also as a guide on the performance and efficiency of government workers,” De la Cruz said.
Said Banal: “As it is, it seems that five days is not enough, but let us hear the proponents out and give them a chance to prove that the proposed four-day work week can alleviate the traffic woes of the metropolis.”
1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III said the shortened number of days for government employees should not affect in any way the quality of service that government offices should be providing to the public.
“Somebody will have to assure the public that this will ease traffic but not at the expense of public service,” Bello said.
The TUCP said the employers should first consult their workers before implementing the four-day plan. It said the four-day work week had advantages and disadvantages, but it could not be implemented in some industries or sectors.
The KMU said increasing the work hours to 11 from eight would affect the workers’ health and violate their rights. It also raised the dangers the plan would pose to those workers who are paid on a daily basis and subject to the no work, no pay policy.
“Workers fought for the right to an eight-hour work day to protect their health. The four-day work week is a direct attack on this hard-won victory of the international works’ movement and shows how anti-worker this government is,” group chairman Elmer Labog said. - By Maricel Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano / Manila Standard Today
4-day work week draws mixed views
FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK – A Manila City Hall employee checks his daily time record card on September 29, morning. The Civil Service Commission earlier approved a four-day work week which government offices in Metro Manila can implement in a bid to address worsening traffic congestion. (Valeria Sorrenti)[/caption]
A proposal from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to implement a four-day work week in government offices to allow their employees to cope with the heavy traffic in Metro Manila has drawn mixed reaction from labor groups in the private sector.
The militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) opposed the policy, saying it could significantly reduce the income of workers who are paid on a “no work, no pay” basis.
However, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said it supports the shortened work-week since it will allow government employees to “save energy and ease traffic congestion” in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“The four-day work week is a direct attack on this hard-won victory of the international workers’ movement and shows how anti-worker this government is,” KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog said.
Labog said this could also have a negative impact on the health of workers since they will be required to work for more than eight hours.
Under the compressed work week, government offices will allow their employees to work for only four days a week in exchange for slightly longer working hours.
Labog also expressed apprehension the proposal may also pave the way towards its adoption in the private sector, where it could be abused by some unscrupulous employer to cut labor costs.
TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay, however, said the affected worker should be consulted before the government implements the four-day work week to ensure it will not affect their existing benefits.
TUCP also said the measure should be implemented on a limited scale since it is not applicable in “some industries or sectors.” - by Samuel Medenilla Manila Bulletin
TUCP conditionally supports 4-day work week scheme
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| The four-day work week is believed to ease traffic congestion in the metro |
MANILA, Philippines - Labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) on Monday expressed support to the plan of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) allowing government agencies to implement a four-day work week scheme.
The group, however, pointed out that there would be no diminution of salary and reduction of benefits and public sector workers’ are consulted first they should ever adopt it.
“There are pros and cons to the compressed work week scheme aimed at saving electricity, reducing traffic congestion and minimizing stress of workers. So consultations and social dialogue with public sector worker (are an) important factor before implementing the scheme to know the sentiments of the workers,” TUCP-Nagkaisa spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said.
“The four-day work week should not affect salary and benefits of workers. This is non-negotiable of course,” Tanjusay added.
He noted that health of workers working for 10 hours a day is one of the adverse effects of the scheme to government employees, compromising the quality of service.
Tanjusay said the new work scheme may also affect both their health and their productivity due to stress caused by going home late at night and waking up early.
On the other hand, the scheme may motivate workers to be more productive because of an extra quality day with family, friends or an activity away from work.
The scheme may also cut commuting expenses and allows people to do errands they are unable to do during regular work days, Tanjusay said.
He said the scheme can reduce energy consumption and help ease traffic congestion by minimizing the volume of working people. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)
Monday, September 29, 2014
4-day work week opposed
A PROPOSAL to implement a four-day work week in government offices in Metro Manila was shot down Monday by a militant labor group, saying the scheme will only create problems for workers.
Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said the scheme, which increases the daily working hours from eight to 10, will affect employees' health and violate their rights.
It is also unfavorable to workers who are paid on a daily basis and are subject to a "no work, no pay" policy, the group said.
"Unlike their monthly counterparts, daily paid workers are paid on actual days rendered. So the possibility is that they would be paid based on the number of days actually worked and not by the number of man hours spent," said KMU chairperson Elmer Labor in a text message to Sun.Star.
When applied to private sector workers, some employers may take advantage of the opportunity to cut workers’ wages further, according to KMU.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said it will support the shorter work week provided employers will consult workers before implementation and there is no dimunition of salary and benefits.
The four-day work week is seen by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as a tool to ease heavy traffic along Metro Manila's roads, enhance productivity and promote work-life balance among employees by increasing the number of workers' rest days and time for their families.
"Instead of addressing the causes of heavy traffic, the Aquino government is passing the burden of the problem to workers and ordinary Filipinos. Instead of improving mass transport system to reduce the volume of private vehicles plying the streets, it is implementing a scheme that's bad for workers' health," Labog said.
It would be up to government agencies to heed the CSC's recommendation as policemen, firemen and hospital staff are deemed excluded from the scheme because of their heavy interaction with the public. (Sunnex)By Virgil B. Lopez SunStar
Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said the scheme, which increases the daily working hours from eight to 10, will affect employees' health and violate their rights.
It is also unfavorable to workers who are paid on a daily basis and are subject to a "no work, no pay" policy, the group said.
"Unlike their monthly counterparts, daily paid workers are paid on actual days rendered. So the possibility is that they would be paid based on the number of days actually worked and not by the number of man hours spent," said KMU chairperson Elmer Labor in a text message to Sun.Star.
When applied to private sector workers, some employers may take advantage of the opportunity to cut workers’ wages further, according to KMU.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said it will support the shorter work week provided employers will consult workers before implementation and there is no dimunition of salary and benefits.
"It has advantages and disadvantages and it cannot be implemented in some industries or sectors such as manufacturing," said TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay.
The four-day work week is seen by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as a tool to ease heavy traffic along Metro Manila's roads, enhance productivity and promote work-life balance among employees by increasing the number of workers' rest days and time for their families.
"Instead of addressing the causes of heavy traffic, the Aquino government is passing the burden of the problem to workers and ordinary Filipinos. Instead of improving mass transport system to reduce the volume of private vehicles plying the streets, it is implementing a scheme that's bad for workers' health," Labog said.
It would be up to government agencies to heed the CSC's recommendation as policemen, firemen and hospital staff are deemed excluded from the scheme because of their heavy interaction with the public. (Sunnex)By Virgil B. Lopez SunStar
RTWPB 7 sets 2 hearings on Cola-wage integration
THE Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 7 will conduct two public hearings this month to get the sentiment of the labor sector on the proposal to integrate the P13 cost-of-living allowance (Cola) in the basic wage.
RTWPB 7 labor sector representative Jose Tomungha said that the hearings are set on Oct. 13 in Bohol and Oct. 14 in Cebu City.
Tomungha said that RTWPB 7 will deliberate the inputs from the participants and the result of the public hearings on Oct. 15 and 21.
Tomungha said that the labor coalitions in Cebu are also now conducting research on the amount of the wage increase that could be filed by the workers in May 2015.
He said May 2015 is just seven months away that’s why it is appropriate to start the research now.
Early this year, the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) filed a petition for a P90 across-the-board wage increase, while the Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) wanted an increase of P132 per day.
The regional wage board, however, only granted a P13 Cola for workers that dismayed Tomungha and other labor sector representative, lawyer Ernesto Carreon.
RTWPB 7 is co-chaired by the director of the Department of Labor and Employment 7 and the director of the Department of Trade and Industry.
The RTWPB 7 members who also voted for the Cola are the director of the National Economic and Development Authority 7 and two representatives of the management sector.
With the P13 Cola on top of the P327 basic wage, the total minimum compensation now of a minimum wage worker is P340.
The decision of RTWPB 7 was affirmed by the National Wage Commission and it took effect last March 21, 15 days after it was published in a newspaper of general circulation last March 6.
Tomungha said that unlike Cola, which can be removed from the payroll anytime, a basic pay is permanent under the labor law. - By Elias O. Baquero / SunStar
RTWPB 7 labor sector representative Jose Tomungha said that the hearings are set on Oct. 13 in Bohol and Oct. 14 in Cebu City.
Tomungha said that RTWPB 7 will deliberate the inputs from the participants and the result of the public hearings on Oct. 15 and 21.
Tomungha said that the labor coalitions in Cebu are also now conducting research on the amount of the wage increase that could be filed by the workers in May 2015.
He said May 2015 is just seven months away that’s why it is appropriate to start the research now.
Early this year, the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) filed a petition for a P90 across-the-board wage increase, while the Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) wanted an increase of P132 per day.
The regional wage board, however, only granted a P13 Cola for workers that dismayed Tomungha and other labor sector representative, lawyer Ernesto Carreon.
RTWPB 7 is co-chaired by the director of the Department of Labor and Employment 7 and the director of the Department of Trade and Industry.
The RTWPB 7 members who also voted for the Cola are the director of the National Economic and Development Authority 7 and two representatives of the management sector.
With the P13 Cola on top of the P327 basic wage, the total minimum compensation now of a minimum wage worker is P340.
The decision of RTWPB 7 was affirmed by the National Wage Commission and it took effect last March 21, 15 days after it was published in a newspaper of general circulation last March 6.
Tomungha said that unlike Cola, which can be removed from the payroll anytime, a basic pay is permanent under the labor law. - By Elias O. Baquero / SunStar
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Power supply disclosure sought
A labor group on Wednesday challenged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Department of Energy (DOE) to disclose their power supply data, saying that a lot of available power is being concealed amid allegations of an impending power shortage in 2015.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa said the ERC has not spoken about an impending power shortage in 2015, even as the DOE is all over the place announcing a 300 megawatt deficit that can climb to 800 megawatt.
“We stressed the importance of correct data in undertaking power policy. If DOE has incorrect data, then the wrong arguments are being advanced and that’s is why fale solutions which are very expensive such as gas turbines, power barges, and generator sets are now being prioritized,” the TUCP said in a statement.
TUCP-Nagkaisa said DOE’s proposal of contracting P12 billion of capacity—300 megawatt genset or power barge plus 300 megawatt reserve—would mean a 50-centavo per kilowatt hour increase to be borne by consumers nationwide for two years.
“We warned that an increase in the price of power is sure to create an inflationary domino effect. Power is not a “stand alone” issue,” the TUCP said.
“Take the matter of workers disposable incomes which are constantly being erode by high price of power. A 24-month period where power rates are jacked up by 50 centavos per kilowatt hour which does not yet factor in additional generation, transmission and distribution charges is sure to wreak havoc on the already meager salaries of workers. It will surely trigger an increase in the prices of basic goods and services, we will be left with no other response except to seek an increase in wages.” - By Vito Barcelo / Manila Standard
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa said the ERC has not spoken about an impending power shortage in 2015, even as the DOE is all over the place announcing a 300 megawatt deficit that can climb to 800 megawatt.
“We stressed the importance of correct data in undertaking power policy. If DOE has incorrect data, then the wrong arguments are being advanced and that’s is why fale solutions which are very expensive such as gas turbines, power barges, and generator sets are now being prioritized,” the TUCP said in a statement.
TUCP-Nagkaisa said DOE’s proposal of contracting P12 billion of capacity—300 megawatt genset or power barge plus 300 megawatt reserve—would mean a 50-centavo per kilowatt hour increase to be borne by consumers nationwide for two years.
“We warned that an increase in the price of power is sure to create an inflationary domino effect. Power is not a “stand alone” issue,” the TUCP said.
“Take the matter of workers disposable incomes which are constantly being erode by high price of power. A 24-month period where power rates are jacked up by 50 centavos per kilowatt hour which does not yet factor in additional generation, transmission and distribution charges is sure to wreak havoc on the already meager salaries of workers. It will surely trigger an increase in the prices of basic goods and services, we will be left with no other response except to seek an increase in wages.” - By Vito Barcelo / Manila Standard
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
TUCP-Nagkaisa challenges DOE and ERC to disclose true reserve power
A Press Statement by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa)
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) challenged both the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Department of Energy (DOE) to disclose their power supply data.
If the ERC which is supposed to be the independent power regulator has not spoken about an impending power shortage in 2015, even as the DOE is all over the place announcing a 300 megawatt deficit that can climb to 800 megawatt. Perhaps the ERC is aware of the existence of other sources of power.
We stressed the importance of correct data in undertaking power policy. If DOE has incorrect data, then the wrong arguments are being advanced and that’s is why false solutions which are very expensive such as gas turbines, power barges, and generator sets are now being prioritized.
TUCP-Nagkaisa pointed out that the DOE proposal of contracting P12 billion of capacity – 300 megawatt genset or power barge with another 300 megawatt as reserve – will translate into easily a 50-centavo per kilowatt hour increase to be borne by all power consumers nationwide for two years. This will be an additional burden that workers and consumers can ill afford.
On the other hand, the TUCP-Nagkaia said that here are perhaps other more cost-effective solutions such as the Interruptible Load Program.
TUCP-Nagkaisa projections factor in ILP using diesel at P45 per liter as costing the consumers only an additional 10 centavos per kilowatt hour. You will have the added advantage that the 10 centavo increase will only be for the months you actually use ILP which can be as little as 3 months. Also, only customers in Luzon will be burdened, sparing Visayas and Mindanao.
TUCP-Nagkaisa has also advanced the adoption of corporate-wid – and not just voluntary – demand-side management (DSM). Raising airconditioning by 1 degree will result in less demand for power and free up capacity.
We are looking at DSM where industrial operations will be compensated for running at off-peak hours. Why doesn’t ERC and DOE look to a solution that will not bring up power rates and that will lower carbon emission.
Take the matter of workers disposable incomes which are constantly being erode by high price of power. A 24-month period where power rates are jacked up by 50 centavos per kilowatt hour which does not yet factor in additional generation, transmission and distribution charges is sure to wreak havoc on the already meager salaries of workers. It will surely trigger an increase in the prices of basic goods and services, we will be left with no other response except to seek an increase in wages. - Samar News
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) challenged both the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Department of Energy (DOE) to disclose their power supply data.
If the ERC which is supposed to be the independent power regulator has not spoken about an impending power shortage in 2015, even as the DOE is all over the place announcing a 300 megawatt deficit that can climb to 800 megawatt. Perhaps the ERC is aware of the existence of other sources of power.
We stressed the importance of correct data in undertaking power policy. If DOE has incorrect data, then the wrong arguments are being advanced and that’s is why false solutions which are very expensive such as gas turbines, power barges, and generator sets are now being prioritized.
TUCP-Nagkaisa pointed out that the DOE proposal of contracting P12 billion of capacity – 300 megawatt genset or power barge with another 300 megawatt as reserve – will translate into easily a 50-centavo per kilowatt hour increase to be borne by all power consumers nationwide for two years. This will be an additional burden that workers and consumers can ill afford.
On the other hand, the TUCP-Nagkaia said that here are perhaps other more cost-effective solutions such as the Interruptible Load Program.
We are not comfortable with the ILP because it smacks of Meralco consumers subsidizing business and malls running their own generators to power up their airconditioning and electricity powered operations. However, it might, in the short run, be the least cost solution and power barges which are so expensive. It’s just like buying 15 reserve tires when all you need is 1 for your car.There is 1,300 mw of ILP out there. The question is who is campaigning for ILP participants to come on board to address the power crisis. Or is the DOE leaving the negotiating to Meralco? We can safely assume that it is being left entirely up to Meralco and that the DOE is again abdicating on its responsibilities. What has the DOE has done? Have they requested the President and the economic cluster of the cabinet to campaign with the potential ILP participants to open themselves to the ILP?
TUCP-Nagkaisa projections factor in ILP using diesel at P45 per liter as costing the consumers only an additional 10 centavos per kilowatt hour. You will have the added advantage that the 10 centavo increase will only be for the months you actually use ILP which can be as little as 3 months. Also, only customers in Luzon will be burdened, sparing Visayas and Mindanao.
TUCP-Nagkaisa has also advanced the adoption of corporate-wid – and not just voluntary – demand-side management (DSM). Raising airconditioning by 1 degree will result in less demand for power and free up capacity.
We are looking at DSM where industrial operations will be compensated for running at off-peak hours. Why doesn’t ERC and DOE look to a solution that will not bring up power rates and that will lower carbon emission.
“But the first thing is to get the data right. Even now TUCP suspects that a lot of available power is being concealed. Take the retail suppliers who are providing the power needs of big industrial and commercial power users. Only 60% of the total capacity they have is under take-or-pay contracts with these large users. Where is the rest of the 40%? Are they just waiting for ERC to lift its current cap on prices in the WESM? And there is no more cap they will bid in?”TUCP has conditionally supported the grant of emergency powers as long as it does not increase power rates. We warned that an increase in the price of power is sure to create an inflationary domino effect. Power is not a “stand alone” issue.
Take the matter of workers disposable incomes which are constantly being erode by high price of power. A 24-month period where power rates are jacked up by 50 centavos per kilowatt hour which does not yet factor in additional generation, transmission and distribution charges is sure to wreak havoc on the already meager salaries of workers. It will surely trigger an increase in the prices of basic goods and services, we will be left with no other response except to seek an increase in wages. - Samar News
TUCP to employers: Impose flexi-time, flexi-work schemes
MANILA, Philippines - Labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Tuesday called on private and government agencies to adopt interim measures, such as implementing a flexi-time and flexi-work schemes, to maintain productivity of their workers.
TUCP also suggested that employers take the initiative to adjust their internal tardiness rules.
The group came up with the proposals as more workers' productivity has been affected by the daily traffic jams and deteriorating mass transport system in the metropolis.
TUCP also encouraged employers to employ a compressed four-day work week after consulting with their employees without cutting wages.
"Workers are making sacrificial adjustments already. They are waking up early and arriving home late. They are exposed to all kinds of pollution, stand in long queues, snugged in crowded MRT and LRT trains. And recently we are all victims of massive urban flooding. All these makes metro workers stressed upon arriving at their workplaces eventually affecting the quality output of workers in one way or the other. The need for flexible work arrangement acceptable to the workers and their employers,”TUCP-Nagkaisa Spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said.
On the part of the government, Tanjusay said it must improve the environment by giving tax incentives to employers that would adopt the stress-minimizing and time-saving measures.
It can, in the meantime, also use its entire fleet of service vehicles including those in the government-owned and controlled corporations and government financial institutions in providing shuttle and carpooling for private and public sector workers.
He said it is also possible for companies in the export processing zones to construct mass housing for their workers within or near their plants and factories for employees to cut travel time. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)
Encourage companies to ease stress of commuting to work—TUCP
As Metro Manila continues to suffer from horrendous traffic and congested mass transport, the country’s largest labor group called on the government yesterday to provide tax incentives to companies which implement “time-saving” measures for their commuting employees.
In a statement, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said this will encourage the private sector to adopt schemes to ease the stress of employees from daily commuting woes which has now become the “new normal.”
He said daily stress of commuting would have a negative impact on the productivity of companies in the long run.
TUCP said one of proposed options for companies to maintain the efficiency of their operation is a flexible time scheme which will allow workers to complete their regular eight-hour duty depending on the time of their arrival at their workplace.
It also said some companies could practice a compressed work week to allow employees to work for only four days a week with slightly longer working hours.
Tanjusay said companies could also explore the possibility of temporarily relaxing their “internal tardiness rules” and provide common shuttle or car pool services to workers.
“Employers would adopt the stress-minimizing and time-saving measures by giving them tax incentives,” Tanjusay said.
Aside from the tax deductions, the government could tap fleet service vehicles from government-owned and controlled corporations and financial institutions to provide similar car pooling services to private and government employees, he said. - by Samuel Medenilla / Manila Bulletin
In a statement, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said this will encourage the private sector to adopt schemes to ease the stress of employees from daily commuting woes which has now become the “new normal.”
“The new normal is already happening. Workers are making sacrificial adjustments already. They are waking up early, arrive home late,” Tanjusay said.
He said daily stress of commuting would have a negative impact on the productivity of companies in the long run.
TUCP said one of proposed options for companies to maintain the efficiency of their operation is a flexible time scheme which will allow workers to complete their regular eight-hour duty depending on the time of their arrival at their workplace.
It also said some companies could practice a compressed work week to allow employees to work for only four days a week with slightly longer working hours.
Tanjusay said companies could also explore the possibility of temporarily relaxing their “internal tardiness rules” and provide common shuttle or car pool services to workers.
“Employers would adopt the stress-minimizing and time-saving measures by giving them tax incentives,” Tanjusay said.
Aside from the tax deductions, the government could tap fleet service vehicles from government-owned and controlled corporations and financial institutions to provide similar car pooling services to private and government employees, he said. - by Samuel Medenilla / Manila Bulletin
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Two more TUCP-initiated and one PGCot-funded covered courts nowfunctional in Kabacan and Kidapawan City
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| Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza |
AMAS, Kidapawan City (Sep 23) – Three covered court projects, two of which were initiated by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and one funded by the Provincial Government of Cotabato were handed over to village officials of Magatos and Pisan in the Municipality of Kabacan and Sikitan in Kidapawan City respectively on Sep. 20, 2014.
No less than Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza led the turnover of the projects in Barangay Magatos and Pisan in a simple but well- attended ceremonies with the local officials and their constituents.
Rex Pedtaman, Chairman of Barangay Magatos along with other village officials and hundreds of residents witnessed the turnover highlighted by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by the governor.
He was particularly enthusiastic that the village is a recipient of a sensible project which will benefit by many of his constituents.
“The village of Magatos is blessed with a project sponsored by the TUCP and was implemented by the Provincial Government through Gov. Taliño-Mendoza” he said adding that the project is a proof that the advocacy of the “Serbisyong Totoo” of the governor goes beyond words and promises.
Kabacan Municipal Mayor Herlo Guzman and Municipal Vice - Mayor Myra Bade were present at the activity and called upon the residents of Magatos to make the most out of the project that will include village meetings, programs and other purposes.
Barangay Magatos has around 6,000 residents mostly are engaged in farming and buy-and-sell as source of income.
After the village of Magatos, a same covered court project was also handed to the village officials and residents of Pisan, Kabacan.
It was an exciting day for many especially for the teachers and students of Pisan and so with the local officials as they now have a decent venue to conduct meetings and various activities.
“Everyone here in the village is elated with the project which the people are really thankful of”, Nestor G. Ranay, Chairperson of Barangay Pisan said during the turnover ceremony of the covered court.
Aside from Gov. Taliño-Mendoza, Mayor Guzman and Vice Mayor Bade also graced the activity.
The governor emphasized that her administration aims to put up important infrastructure projects in every barangay to provide people with the basic services they deserve from the provincial government.
She also told the officials of Barangay Pisan of her plan to put up an additional span for the covered court which the residents mostly appreciated.
The last of Gov. Talino-Mendoza’s schedule for the day was a turnover of another covered court project, this time in Barangay Sikitan, Kidapawan City funded by the Provincial Government of Cotabato.
This time, the governor was accompanied by Cotabato 2nd District Board Member Cris Cadungon and City Councilor Judith Navarra.
Barangay Sikitan Chairman Zacarias dela Cruz welcomed them along with his fellow village officials and proceeded with the turnover ceremony.
The Provincial Government of Cotabato through the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) continues to implement its infrastructure projects this year in many more villages in the different parts of the province. (JIMMY STA. CRUZ with reports from ROVILLE ANN SOTTO/Photos by SIDNEY NANINI/PGO Media Center)
Saturday, September 20, 2014
MM, other areas prone to storm surges
 |
| INUNDATED: (Clockwise, from left) Commuters walk along España Boulevard in Manila; residents turn back at a bridge destroyed by floodwaters in Barangay Kabuluan in Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte; and a commercial aircraft is towed at the aviation area at the NAIA, whose tarmac was flooded with three to four inches of water. JOVEN CAGANDE, FRANCIS ELEVADO, AND RUDY SANTOS |
MANILA, Philippines - At least 23 areas in the Philippines, including Metro Manila cities, are prone to storm surges during typhoons as strong as Yolanda, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)’s Nationwide Operational Assessment Hazard (NOAH) project found out.
The risk areas include the coastal cities of Navotas, Las Piñas, Parañaque and Manila in Metro Manila and the coastal towns in the provinces of Pampanga, Bataan, Quezon, Albay and Camarines Sur.
“We did simulation and we found that no less than 23 areas are prone to a storm surge whenever there is a typhoon, and we have submitted this to the respective local government units, so they can make the necessary preparations,” Project NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay told participants of the Business Case for Disaster Risk Reduction summit held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City the other day.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum Jr., meanwhile, warned that should the West Valley Fault move again and cause a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, around 31,000 people may die.
The West Valley Fault – which runs across Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati and Taguig – has moved four times in the last 1,400 years, with a major earthquake occurring every 400 years. The last major earthquake took place in 1658 or 356 years ago. “Given such facts, it is safe to say that we can expect the West Valley Fault to move within our lifetime,” Solidum said.
He explained that the earthquake itself would not cause the deaths, but the effects of the shaking would cause buildings to collapse, fire, liquefaction and landslide, which are expected to claim thousands of lives.
Moreover, the damage and death would happen not only in the areas along the fault line but also in the areas around it.
“We should not feel complacent if our houses or buildings are not located along the fault line or near it because even those far from it will be affected because of the shaking effect. The shaking will bring the damage and the deaths if we are not prepared,” Solidum explained.
Aside from loss of lives, natural disasters also cause dire economic losses to both government and private business.
In 2012, floods, typhoons and earthquakes caused more than $274 billion of economic losses in Asia.
Last year, natural disasters affected 95 million people and caused $116 billion in direct economic losses, of which $10.42 billion belonged to the Philippines, according to data from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
These are the reasons why SM Supermalls hosted the forum that gathers stakeholders to share their views on how people, the government and private businesses could work together to improve disaster resiliency and preparedness efforts.
SM Supermalls aims to present ways to make businesses more risk-sensitive so that all stakeholders, including the government, will be encouraged to invest more heavily in disaster risk reduction efforts.
The forum was held in coordination with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) yesterday sought the immediate relocation of over 7,000 families still living along rivers and creeks in Metro Manila, long after the government evacuated those residing in identified danger zones.
“Around 1,685 informal settler families have been transferred and the remaining 7,092 are still living in rivers, creeks and waterways situated in 13 cities within urban National Capital Region, although the P50-billion budget for their relocation has been released,” TUCP said.
At least 2,123 informal settler families are living along Tullahan River that runs through Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela and Malabon; 1,840 along Tripa de Galina in Pasay City; 1,520 on Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City; 837 along San Juan River; 482 along Maricaban creek; 587 along Estero de Maypajo; 326 along Estero de Sunog Apog, and nine along Pasig River.
Last week, the TUCP said, families living in Manggahan Floodway in Pasig City were given eviction notice by the Department of Public Works and Highways. They were ordered to leave their homes by the end of this month in spite of an agreement between the government and program participants that no informal settler families would be evicted while there is no housing unit available.
“It’s revolting to see poor working people and their families still in danger areas in Metro Manila waiting to be transferred to affordable housing units. Many of them are beginning to give up on government promise to transfer them. Some felt abandoned and decided to no longer cooperate,” TUCP executive vice president Gerard Seno added.
The TUCP also said the relocation of the informal settlers may further be delayed when the national ban prohibiting transfer of people takes effect four months before the May 2016 elections. – By Perseus Echeminada (The Philippine Star) With Mayen Jaymalin
Friday, September 19, 2014
TUCP suggests ways to deal with traffic woes
Traffic jams in Metro Manila have resulted in substantial losses in manhours--that means the productive hours of workers. A workers group has some suggestions on how companies can deal with that problem. This report by AC Nicholls aired on 9TV Network News on September 18, 2014.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
House begins work on Bangsamoro law amid kinks
MANILA - The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is expected to be the key to a lasting peace in Mindanao. However, the start of its legislation has turned out to be rather problematic.
House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said the closed door organizational meeting of the ad hoc committee on Tuesday turned out some problems.
"Unang-una, kita niyo naman kahapon kaagad that's organizational meeting of ad hoc committee, marami na kinks. And si committee has requested the committee on rules to have to meet kahit may plenary kami Wednesday next week. We will grant them, pwede magsimula sila before session starts 9 a.m. 'til 2 p.m. Mas kailangan quorum pagdating ng hapon," he said.
Gonzales thumbed down plans to invite as resource persons former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Nur Misuari, who has been blamed for the 2013 siege of Zamboanga.
"DOJ (Department of Justice) has no intention of applying for the withdrawal of warrant of arrest. Di ko alam how committee can go about it considering we have no power to stop implementation of warrant dahil that's a judicial function, not a legislative function."
The House is on day 3 of plenary deliberations on the 2015 national budget. Under the rules, no committee can hold hearings during this time unless with prior authorization.
Gonzales said all committees have been allowed to meet during the coming 3-week break.
"Nothing prevents the committees including the ad hoc committee to meet during the break. Nakita ko schedule, napag-agree-han mukhang at least 7 ang gusto outside committee meetings," he said.
The ad hoc committee finds itself in the same boat as the energy committee, which is also hammering out an equally important piece of legislation -- a joint resolution authorizing President Aquino to contract additional power generating capacity to address a power crisis in the summer of 2015.
Both committees will be granted permission to hold hearing alongside the budget plenary for so long as they can rush to the plenary during quorum calls.
WARRANTS VS MNLF, BIFF
Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, who chairs the committee, told ABS-CBN they agreed to ask the DOJ to apply for a suspension of the warrants of arrest for Nur Misuari and Umbra Kato to allow them to attend the congressional hearings in Manila on behalf of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The panel expects to finish the bill by November 30 and have it enacted by Congress by December 17.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte previously declared "we have set the ball rolling in creating this Ad Hoc committee and it's systems go" for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
"The passage of a Bangsamoro Basic Law is our fundamental role as legislators recognizing and responding to the call of our diverse culture as Filipinos. It is also our contribution to a global quest for genuine and sustainable peace," Belmonte stressed.
The ad hoc committee agreed to hold open public hearings, starting September 24 until December 17, five days a week, with hearings to be conducted in Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Marawi, among others.
The 75-member committee represents leaders and members of the majority coalition and five members of the minority group.
HB 4994 is entitled: "An Act providing for the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro and abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 9054, entitled 'An Act to strengthen and expand the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,' and Republic Act No. 6743, entitled 'An Act providing for the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,' and for other purposes."
The authors of the proposed law consists of the leaders of the majority coalition led by Belmonte, among them are: Deputy Speakers Henedina Abad, Giorgidi Aggabao, Sergio Apostol, Pangalian Balindong, Carlos Padilla and Roberto Puno; with Gonzales; and Representatives Mel Senen Sarmiento, Enrique Cojuangco, Mark Llandro Mendoza, Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Elpidio Barzaga Jr., Antonio Lagdameo, Jr., Rolando Andaya Jr., Nicanor Briones, and Raymond Democrito Mendoza. - By RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said the closed door organizational meeting of the ad hoc committee on Tuesday turned out some problems.
"Unang-una, kita niyo naman kahapon kaagad that's organizational meeting of ad hoc committee, marami na kinks. And si committee has requested the committee on rules to have to meet kahit may plenary kami Wednesday next week. We will grant them, pwede magsimula sila before session starts 9 a.m. 'til 2 p.m. Mas kailangan quorum pagdating ng hapon," he said.
Gonzales thumbed down plans to invite as resource persons former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Nur Misuari, who has been blamed for the 2013 siege of Zamboanga.
"DOJ (Department of Justice) has no intention of applying for the withdrawal of warrant of arrest. Di ko alam how committee can go about it considering we have no power to stop implementation of warrant dahil that's a judicial function, not a legislative function."
The House is on day 3 of plenary deliberations on the 2015 national budget. Under the rules, no committee can hold hearings during this time unless with prior authorization.
Gonzales said all committees have been allowed to meet during the coming 3-week break.
"Nothing prevents the committees including the ad hoc committee to meet during the break. Nakita ko schedule, napag-agree-han mukhang at least 7 ang gusto outside committee meetings," he said.
The ad hoc committee finds itself in the same boat as the energy committee, which is also hammering out an equally important piece of legislation -- a joint resolution authorizing President Aquino to contract additional power generating capacity to address a power crisis in the summer of 2015.
Both committees will be granted permission to hold hearing alongside the budget plenary for so long as they can rush to the plenary during quorum calls.
WARRANTS VS MNLF, BIFF
Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, who chairs the committee, told ABS-CBN they agreed to ask the DOJ to apply for a suspension of the warrants of arrest for Nur Misuari and Umbra Kato to allow them to attend the congressional hearings in Manila on behalf of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The panel expects to finish the bill by November 30 and have it enacted by Congress by December 17.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte previously declared "we have set the ball rolling in creating this Ad Hoc committee and it's systems go" for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
"The passage of a Bangsamoro Basic Law is our fundamental role as legislators recognizing and responding to the call of our diverse culture as Filipinos. It is also our contribution to a global quest for genuine and sustainable peace," Belmonte stressed.
The ad hoc committee agreed to hold open public hearings, starting September 24 until December 17, five days a week, with hearings to be conducted in Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Marawi, among others.
The 75-member committee represents leaders and members of the majority coalition and five members of the minority group.
HB 4994 is entitled: "An Act providing for the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro and abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 9054, entitled 'An Act to strengthen and expand the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,' and Republic Act No. 6743, entitled 'An Act providing for the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,' and for other purposes."
The authors of the proposed law consists of the leaders of the majority coalition led by Belmonte, among them are: Deputy Speakers Henedina Abad, Giorgidi Aggabao, Sergio Apostol, Pangalian Balindong, Carlos Padilla and Roberto Puno; with Gonzales; and Representatives Mel Senen Sarmiento, Enrique Cojuangco, Mark Llandro Mendoza, Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Elpidio Barzaga Jr., Antonio Lagdameo, Jr., Rolando Andaya Jr., Nicanor Briones, and Raymond Democrito Mendoza. - By RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
‘Why rent power for 2 years when it’s needed only for 3 months?’
While the House of Representatives is ready to grant emergency powers to President Benigno Aquino III to deal with a looming power crisis next year, House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II on Wednesday asked Malacañang to justify the necessity of releasing public funds to pay for the lease of additional generating capacity.
Renting power from an outside source is one of the options presented by the Department of Energy to Aquino and Congress to address the power crisis expected to hit the country in the summer of 2015.
“Our problem is how do we justify this rental? They say we have to rent [the additional generating capacity] for a minimum of two years but we’d only need it for three months. Will it be right to ask the people to shoulder P6 billion for additional power you’d need for only three months next year? That’s a bit steep (Medyo mabigat ata ‘yun),” Gonzales said.
Aquino has asked Congress to grant him emergency powers to contract additional generating capacity to avert a potential power crisis next year, citing as basis Section 71 or the Electric Power Crisis Provision under Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, chair of the House energy panel, said the government would spend some P6 billion to generate additional capacity for the Luzon grid since the minimum lease period for contracting companies was two years.
DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said the government is eyeing sourcing the amount from the accumulated royalties from the Malampaya gas-to-power facility.
No price hike
Gonzales said Malacañang should specify the parameters of the emergency powers the President was seeking because it is difficult for the House to draft a joint resolution based solely on Aquino’s request.
“What we have received is a [formal] communication from the President but we don’t know what exactly he is asking for,” he said.
The Majority Leader said emergency powers that would be granted to Aquino should not result in higher electricity prices for consumers.
Gonzales said that while giving Aquino the authority to contract additional generating capacity was one of the options provided in the EPIRA for addressing a potential power shortfall, there were also other steps the government could take to increase power in the Luzon grid.
"Even without emergency powers, the government has the capacity through the DOE and ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) to assess the situation," he said.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) has said it would support Aquino’s request for emergency powers on the condition that it would not drive up electricity rates.
“We insist that the DOE now present their tariff simulations and cost-impact scenarios to the public so we will know what to do,” said TUCP Executive Director Luis Corral said in a statement. — NB, GMA News
Renting power from an outside source is one of the options presented by the Department of Energy to Aquino and Congress to address the power crisis expected to hit the country in the summer of 2015.
“Our problem is how do we justify this rental? They say we have to rent [the additional generating capacity] for a minimum of two years but we’d only need it for three months. Will it be right to ask the people to shoulder P6 billion for additional power you’d need for only three months next year? That’s a bit steep (Medyo mabigat ata ‘yun),” Gonzales said.
Aquino has asked Congress to grant him emergency powers to contract additional generating capacity to avert a potential power crisis next year, citing as basis Section 71 or the Electric Power Crisis Provision under Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, chair of the House energy panel, said the government would spend some P6 billion to generate additional capacity for the Luzon grid since the minimum lease period for contracting companies was two years.
DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said the government is eyeing sourcing the amount from the accumulated royalties from the Malampaya gas-to-power facility.
No price hike
Gonzales said Malacañang should specify the parameters of the emergency powers the President was seeking because it is difficult for the House to draft a joint resolution based solely on Aquino’s request.
“What we have received is a [formal] communication from the President but we don’t know what exactly he is asking for,” he said.
The Majority Leader said emergency powers that would be granted to Aquino should not result in higher electricity prices for consumers.
Gonzales said that while giving Aquino the authority to contract additional generating capacity was one of the options provided in the EPIRA for addressing a potential power shortfall, there were also other steps the government could take to increase power in the Luzon grid.
"Even without emergency powers, the government has the capacity through the DOE and ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) to assess the situation," he said.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) has said it would support Aquino’s request for emergency powers on the condition that it would not drive up electricity rates.
“We insist that the DOE now present their tariff simulations and cost-impact scenarios to the public so we will know what to do,” said TUCP Executive Director Luis Corral said in a statement. — NB, GMA News
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
How much will emergency power cost electricity consumers?
What’s emergency power’s price tag?
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero raised this question yesterday as he said Malacañang should be transparent enough to identify the cost taxpayers would bear if Congress approves the measure granting President Aquino emergency powers to address a looming energy crisis.
“What’s the cost to taxpayers of this measure? Even if power contracted by the government will eventually be sold to distributors, and thus the acquisition cost will be recouped, we still would like to know the costs involved,” Escudero said in a statement.
Escudero said the Executive department should come clean and disclose what additional costs consumers would carry.
“How will it be financed? Even if it’s an off-budget transaction, the government has the duty to publicly disclose the details,” the senator said.
“What is the burden of this to the consumers? Will it entail additional costs to us? If it’s through the electric bill of consumers then government should tell them in advance,” Escudero pointed out.
“We have to protect the Filipino people. We have to be careful. We have to be very careful on what type of powers we extend to them. We want to make sure what price will be. I am expecting an energy price of P15 per kilowatt hour (kwh) and this might reach P20 kwh,” said Sen. Sergio R. Osmeña III, Senate Committee on Energy.
P6-B TO ADDRESS POWER CRISIS
Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, House Committee on Energy chairman, said the government needs P6 billion to contract additional generating capacity to address the imminent power crisis in Luzon in the summer of 2015.
Umali said the P6 billion, which would likely be sourced out from Malampaya funds, would be used for the payment of the lease for a two-year period.
“If we lease it, we need a maximum amount of P1 billion per 100 megawatts per year. That’s the working figure we are looking at. So if we need to contract an additional generating capacity to address the projected 300-megawatt deficit, that would be P6 billion,” Umali told reporters during the weekly Ugnayan sa Batasan forum.
Escudero said that if the government will tap funds from the Malampaya natural gas project as fuel for the emergency powers, then it should publicly disclose how it would be done and the amount involved.
Escudero was referring to the government share with the Malampaya funds which will reach P34.5 billion next year, according to the 2015 national budget.
“If the government will tap funds from the Malampaya natural gas field as fuel for emergency powers, then it should tell us how it will be done and the amount involved,” Escudero said.
FORMAL REQUEST
In a letter dated September 12, 2014, President Aquino formally asked Congress to immediately enact the Joint Resolution that would allow his government to contract additional generating capacity to address the “imminent” power crisis in 2015.
The President’s request was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.
“In accordance with Section 61 of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the ‘Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001,’ I hereby seek the immediate enactment of a Joint Resolution authorizing the President to establish additional generating capacity,” the President said in his letter to Congress.
“This authority is needed in order to address the imminent shortage of electric power for the summer of 2015 in Luzon,” he stressed.
But Senate President Franklin M. Drilon admitted that it would be impossible for the Upper Chamber to pass the Malacañang request before Congress goes on a three-week recess starting Sept. 26, considering the complicated issues and only four session days left.
“I think the Committee on Energy chaired by Senator Osmeña will meet Wednesday next week. Given all the complicated issues, we cannot rush this but we know the urgency. We will work on this,” Drilon added
‘CRITICAL ELECTRICITY SITUATION’
Aquino sought Congress approval in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) report and projection of a “critical electricity situation” in the summer of 2015 arising from, among others, the expected effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the 2015 Malampaya Turnaround, increased and continuing outages of power plants, and anticipated delays in the commissioning of committed power projects.
“There is no gainsaying that the imminent electric power shortage during these months is a real threat to the country’s growing economy and the general welfare of the people,” Aquino said.
“The speedy enactment of the Joint Resolution will ensure the energy requirements of the country for this critical period – through specific, focused and targeted acquisition of very tight energy supply,” the President added.
The President said he is looking forward to a “favorable response from both Houses.”
Umali said the House of Representatives will likely pass the resolution by October.
But before Congress grants the President’s request, Umali wants Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla to define the parameters as required under Section 61 of RA 9136.
“I asked my committee secretariat to draft a letter to Secretary Petilla to define what should be the basis for the issuance of the joint resolution…To sum it all up, what imminent power shortage are we experiencing? We need clear parameters before we craft the resolution. We may have call for a committee hearing on this,” Umali said.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) urged Congress to approve the request of President Aquino for emergency power to address the looming power crisis.
TUCP Executive Director Luis Corral said this will give Aquino the leeway to implement solutions to ensure the country will have sufficient power supply. by Hannah L. Torregoza and Charissa M. Luci (With reports from Mario B. Casayuran and Samuel P. Medenilla) Manila Bulletin
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero raised this question yesterday as he said Malacañang should be transparent enough to identify the cost taxpayers would bear if Congress approves the measure granting President Aquino emergency powers to address a looming energy crisis.
“What’s the cost to taxpayers of this measure? Even if power contracted by the government will eventually be sold to distributors, and thus the acquisition cost will be recouped, we still would like to know the costs involved,” Escudero said in a statement.
Escudero said the Executive department should come clean and disclose what additional costs consumers would carry.
“How will it be financed? Even if it’s an off-budget transaction, the government has the duty to publicly disclose the details,” the senator said.
“What is the burden of this to the consumers? Will it entail additional costs to us? If it’s through the electric bill of consumers then government should tell them in advance,” Escudero pointed out.
“We have to protect the Filipino people. We have to be careful. We have to be very careful on what type of powers we extend to them. We want to make sure what price will be. I am expecting an energy price of P15 per kilowatt hour (kwh) and this might reach P20 kwh,” said Sen. Sergio R. Osmeña III, Senate Committee on Energy.
P6-B TO ADDRESS POWER CRISIS
Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, House Committee on Energy chairman, said the government needs P6 billion to contract additional generating capacity to address the imminent power crisis in Luzon in the summer of 2015.
Umali said the P6 billion, which would likely be sourced out from Malampaya funds, would be used for the payment of the lease for a two-year period.
“If we lease it, we need a maximum amount of P1 billion per 100 megawatts per year. That’s the working figure we are looking at. So if we need to contract an additional generating capacity to address the projected 300-megawatt deficit, that would be P6 billion,” Umali told reporters during the weekly Ugnayan sa Batasan forum.
Escudero said that if the government will tap funds from the Malampaya natural gas project as fuel for the emergency powers, then it should publicly disclose how it would be done and the amount involved.
Escudero was referring to the government share with the Malampaya funds which will reach P34.5 billion next year, according to the 2015 national budget.
“If the government will tap funds from the Malampaya natural gas field as fuel for emergency powers, then it should tell us how it will be done and the amount involved,” Escudero said.
FORMAL REQUEST
In a letter dated September 12, 2014, President Aquino formally asked Congress to immediately enact the Joint Resolution that would allow his government to contract additional generating capacity to address the “imminent” power crisis in 2015.
The President’s request was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.
“In accordance with Section 61 of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the ‘Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001,’ I hereby seek the immediate enactment of a Joint Resolution authorizing the President to establish additional generating capacity,” the President said in his letter to Congress.
“This authority is needed in order to address the imminent shortage of electric power for the summer of 2015 in Luzon,” he stressed.
But Senate President Franklin M. Drilon admitted that it would be impossible for the Upper Chamber to pass the Malacañang request before Congress goes on a three-week recess starting Sept. 26, considering the complicated issues and only four session days left.
“I think the Committee on Energy chaired by Senator Osmeña will meet Wednesday next week. Given all the complicated issues, we cannot rush this but we know the urgency. We will work on this,” Drilon added
‘CRITICAL ELECTRICITY SITUATION’
Aquino sought Congress approval in response to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) report and projection of a “critical electricity situation” in the summer of 2015 arising from, among others, the expected effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the 2015 Malampaya Turnaround, increased and continuing outages of power plants, and anticipated delays in the commissioning of committed power projects.
“There is no gainsaying that the imminent electric power shortage during these months is a real threat to the country’s growing economy and the general welfare of the people,” Aquino said.
“The speedy enactment of the Joint Resolution will ensure the energy requirements of the country for this critical period – through specific, focused and targeted acquisition of very tight energy supply,” the President added.
The President said he is looking forward to a “favorable response from both Houses.”
Umali said the House of Representatives will likely pass the resolution by October.
But before Congress grants the President’s request, Umali wants Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla to define the parameters as required under Section 61 of RA 9136.
“I asked my committee secretariat to draft a letter to Secretary Petilla to define what should be the basis for the issuance of the joint resolution…To sum it all up, what imminent power shortage are we experiencing? We need clear parameters before we craft the resolution. We may have call for a committee hearing on this,” Umali said.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) urged Congress to approve the request of President Aquino for emergency power to address the looming power crisis.
TUCP Executive Director Luis Corral said this will give Aquino the leeway to implement solutions to ensure the country will have sufficient power supply. by Hannah L. Torregoza and Charissa M. Luci (With reports from Mario B. Casayuran and Samuel P. Medenilla) Manila Bulletin
Senators to Palace: Don’t rush us
ON GRANTING AQUINO EXTRA POWERS
CONGRESS is not likely to pass a joint resolution giving President Benigno Aquino 3rd special powers anytime soon because senators want to thoroughly study the matter first.
Sen. Sergio Osmena 3rd, who heads the Senate Committee on Energy, on Tuesday said the Senate will not grant extra powers to the President just because he said so or because the Department of Energy (DoE) recommended it.
“We all know what happened in 1992, so we have to be very careful about what type of powers we will extend to them,” Osmena noted, referring to the granting of special powers to then-President Fidel Ramos that led to high cost of electricity.
It was Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, during a budget hearing of the Senate committee on finance, who informed the senators that Congress needs to pass a joint resolution giving Aquino emergency powers by the end of the month.
The President sent letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday requesting immediate enactment of the joint resolution authorizing him to establish additional generating capacity in accordance with Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or the Epira law.
Section 71 of the Epira allows the President, upon determination of imminent shortage of supply of electricity and with joint approval of Congress, to search for additional generating capacity under approved terms and conditions.
Osmena said the executive should not rush Congress into enacting the resolution.
He recalled that he has been telling the Department of Energy (DOE) since 2011 about a looming power crisis but nobody listened to him.
He added that Petilla even said in May that the country will have no brownouts next year.
“Then they send a letter to us and they want it acted upon by the end of this month? No sir!” Osmena said.
The senator added that he wants the DOE to provide more details because based on his estimates, the establishment of additional generating capacity would hike power rates to P15 per kilowatt hour or even as high as P20 per kwh.
Senate President Franklin Drilon agreed that it is impossible to have the resolution approved by the end of September because the Senate has not been given the draft.
“We don’t know the parameters of the authority being requested. We know the urgency, but we can’t rush into this,” Drilon pointed out.
The Senate chief, however, gave assurances that the chamber will work as fast as it can but they cannot rush the enactment because the issue is complicated.
The Senate only has four sessions left before it goes on a three-week recess starting on September 27.
TUCP support
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) also on Tuesday said it will support the grant of extra powers to the President as long as proposed solutiosn will not drive up electricity rates.
The group also called for a revamp at the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“TUCP-Nagkaisa will support the President but the solutions proposed should not punish workers and their families with an increase in power rates. We insist that the DOE now present their tariff simulations and cost-impact scenarios to the public so we will know what to do,” TUCP Executive Director Luis Corral said.
TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said some of the solutions to the impending power shortage involve purchase of gas turbines and diesel-powered generation sets.
According to Tanjusay, the purchase of the turbines and sets will drive power rates up.
He accused PSALM of criminal negligence for not including in its budget the case of illegally terminated workers of the National Power Corp. - by JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA REPORTER Manila Times With JING VILLAMENTE
CONGRESS is not likely to pass a joint resolution giving President Benigno Aquino 3rd special powers anytime soon because senators want to thoroughly study the matter first.
Sen. Sergio Osmena 3rd, who heads the Senate Committee on Energy, on Tuesday said the Senate will not grant extra powers to the President just because he said so or because the Department of Energy (DoE) recommended it.
“We all know what happened in 1992, so we have to be very careful about what type of powers we will extend to them,” Osmena noted, referring to the granting of special powers to then-President Fidel Ramos that led to high cost of electricity.
It was Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, during a budget hearing of the Senate committee on finance, who informed the senators that Congress needs to pass a joint resolution giving Aquino emergency powers by the end of the month.
The President sent letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday requesting immediate enactment of the joint resolution authorizing him to establish additional generating capacity in accordance with Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or the Epira law.
Section 71 of the Epira allows the President, upon determination of imminent shortage of supply of electricity and with joint approval of Congress, to search for additional generating capacity under approved terms and conditions.
Osmena said the executive should not rush Congress into enacting the resolution.
He recalled that he has been telling the Department of Energy (DOE) since 2011 about a looming power crisis but nobody listened to him.
He added that Petilla even said in May that the country will have no brownouts next year.
“Then they send a letter to us and they want it acted upon by the end of this month? No sir!” Osmena said.
The senator added that he wants the DOE to provide more details because based on his estimates, the establishment of additional generating capacity would hike power rates to P15 per kilowatt hour or even as high as P20 per kwh.
Senate President Franklin Drilon agreed that it is impossible to have the resolution approved by the end of September because the Senate has not been given the draft.
“We don’t know the parameters of the authority being requested. We know the urgency, but we can’t rush into this,” Drilon pointed out.
The Senate chief, however, gave assurances that the chamber will work as fast as it can but they cannot rush the enactment because the issue is complicated.
The Senate only has four sessions left before it goes on a three-week recess starting on September 27.
TUCP support
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) also on Tuesday said it will support the grant of extra powers to the President as long as proposed solutiosn will not drive up electricity rates.
The group also called for a revamp at the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“TUCP-Nagkaisa will support the President but the solutions proposed should not punish workers and their families with an increase in power rates. We insist that the DOE now present their tariff simulations and cost-impact scenarios to the public so we will know what to do,” TUCP Executive Director Luis Corral said.
TUCP spokesman Alan Tanjusay said some of the solutions to the impending power shortage involve purchase of gas turbines and diesel-powered generation sets.
According to Tanjusay, the purchase of the turbines and sets will drive power rates up.
He accused PSALM of criminal negligence for not including in its budget the case of illegally terminated workers of the National Power Corp. - by JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA REPORTER Manila Times With JING VILLAMENTE
Noy to Congress: Give me emergency powers
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| President Aquino is greeted by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy |
MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has formally asked Congress for emergency powers that would enable him to address the projected electricity shortage next year.
Aquino made the request in a letter to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., a copy of which was furnished Senate President Franklin Drilon.
However, Drilon said it was impossible for the Senate to come up with the joint resolution by the end of September since Congress has only four plenary sessions left before it adjourns for a three-week break.
“We don’t even have the draft joint resolution. We don’t know the parameters of the authority being requested. We know the urgency, but we can’t rush into this,” he said.
The letter-request, dated Sept. 12, was included in the House order of business yesterday and sent to the rules committee chaired by Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II.
“In accordance with Section 71 of Republic Act 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, I hereby seek the immediate enactment of a joint resolution authorizing the President to establish additional generating capacity,” Aquino said in his request.
He informed Belmonte and Drilon that the Department of Energy predicts a “critical electricity situation” in the summer of 2015 due to, among other factors, the expected effects of the El Niño phenomenon and delays in the start of operation of “committed power projects.”
“There is no gainsaying that the imminent electric power shortage during these months is a real threat to the country’s growing economy and the general welfare of the people.
“The speedy enactment of the joint resolution will ensure the energy requirements of the country for this critical period – through a specific, focused and targeted acquisition of additional generating capacities for use during the limited periods of time of very tight energy supply,” the President said.
“This authority is needed in order to address the imminent shortage of electric power for the summer of 2015 in Luzon. I look forward to a favorable response from both houses (of Congress),” he added.
Gonzales said they are reviewing the draft bill before referring it to the committee on energy. “We will attend to the President’s request with dispatch,” he said.
Cannot be rushed
Drilon said the Senate would work on the measure “as fast as we can,” but could not be rushed to approve it.
“I think the committee on energy chaired by Senator (Sergio) Osmeña will meet on Wednesday next week. Given all the complicated issues, we cannot rush into this but we know the urgency. We will work on this,” he said.
During the hearing on the proposed 2015 budget of the DOE yesterday, Drilon said the President’s letter was too “broad” and did not contain the parameters for the authority being requested from Congress.
Osmeña also echoed Drilon’s statement that the authority could not be granted to the President by the end of the month.
“I’ve been telling them we’ll have a shortage since 2011 and then now this is going to be my fault? It’s not accurate for them to depend on Senate approval before the end of September,” he said.
He said the Senate has a duty to protect the people from the possible adverse impacts of the grant of emergency powers to the President.
He cited the experience during the Ramos administration when several independent power producers were contracted to address the power crisis with a take or pay guarantee. This led to an overcapacity and the National Power Corp. accumulating a massive debt.
Cost to taxpayers
Sen. Francis Escudero said he wants to find out how much the government would incur and its cost to taxpayers.
“What’s the cost to taxpayers of this measure? Even if power contracted by the government will eventually be sold to distributors, and thus the acquisition cost will be recouped, we still would like to know the costs involved,” said Escudero, chairman of the Senate finance committee.
“How will it be financed? Even if it’s an off-budget transaction, the government has the duty to publicly disclose the details,” he added.
Only solution
Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said he had raised the issue since July and would continue to push for the establishment of additional generation capacity as “the only solution… at this point.”
While there are other solutions for the expected power shortage next summer, he said there are no guarantees that these would materialize, and might even be more expensive.
Among the options is the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), which involves distribution utilities such as the Manila Electric Co. and electric cooperatives asking their big load customers to address their power requirements by using their own generator sets.
Petilla said private sector response to the ILP has been “dismal” and there is no guarantee it would materialize and address the power shortage.
He said the old Malaya geothermal power plant in Rizal, also among the options, has to be rehabilitated to be utilized.
Given the uncertainties with the other options, Petilla said contracting with power suppliers is presently the only real solution.
Suppliers’ requirement
He said the end-September deadline for the contracting of additional power was based on the requirement of the suppliers of a six-month period to be able to guarantee the necessary load.
“It’s absolute as far as the supplier is concerned,” he said.
With Congress saying that it cannot come out with the joint resolution this month, Petilla said he could settle for a supplier who could provide power requirements of the country in three months.
“But it will be expensive… I don’t think there is anybody who can supply in three months,” he said.
“There are alternatives but the question is, are we willing to pay for it. There are many alternatives, but our problem is time and cost constraints. What we have to consider is if we’re willing to have brownouts. It all depends on what we want,” he added.
Go slow
Militant party-list representatives and other members of the House minority bloc, however, cautioned Congress to go slow in the grant of emergency powers to avoid the anomalies that took place during the Ramos administration.
“We should not commit those mistakes again, like entering into a take-or-pay arrangement, which allows an investor to be fully paid for his generating capacity, whether that is used or not. We should pity the consumer, who will ultimately pay for our mistakes,” Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, a member of the minority, said.
He said Congress should impose strict parameters for the exercise of emergency powers.
He said Petilla should tell lawmakers his agency’s plans to increase generating capacity in Luzon for the middle of next year.
“Are they buying generators or are they renting? What do they exactly want to do? What are the details? Secretary Petilla should tell us because he will be the one who will be in charge of implementation. As of now, we are groping in the dark, we are guessing. ” he said.
Albano said Petilla should also verify his department’s data on “generating capacity, dependable capacity and demand” to clear up confusion.
“If his own figures for 2013 were to be believed, we even have excess electricity available in Luzon,” he said.
He cited the figures released by his minority colleague, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, and supplied by the DOE, that installed capacity for the Luzon grid is 12,790 megawatts, while dependable capacity is 11,469 MW.
The peak demand for the grid is just 8,700 MW, with Meralco using 6,121 MW.
“If these figures are correct, we will have enough electricity in Luzon next year, when a shortage is projected. Unless they are wrong,” Albano said.
TUCP backs bill
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) expressed support for the grant of emergency powers for the President, but said he must also ensure that it will not lead to power rate hikes.
“We insist that the Department of Energy now present their tariff simulations and cost-impact scenarios to the public so we will know what to do,” TUCP executive director Luis Corral said.
The TUCP said the DOE’s proposals, such as gas turbines and diesel-powered generation sets, could lead to higher power rates.
“We have already advised DOE to do tariff simulations first because the power crisis cannot just be defined as a lack of power supply, it is also about uncompetitive power rates,” the DOE said in a statement.
“It is the consumers who are being punished for the failure to inspect defective meters in 125 distribution utilities by the ERC. And now the power industry wants to add to their profit by creating a power shortage which will allow them to charge more,” the TUCP statement added.
Doable plans
Militant labor group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) called on Congress to ask the President to present doable plans to solve the looming power crisis before granting him emergency powers.
PM spokesman Wilson Fortaleza warned that palliative solutions to the power crisis would only bring more problems.
He said the Aquino government should be blamed for the power crisis for doing nothing since warnings were raised as early as 2010.
Fortaleza said lawmakers should also declare the EPIRA and privatization a failure and audit all the plants’ capacities before granting emergency powers to the President. – By Jess Diaz (The Philippine Star) With Mayen Jaymalin, Marvin Sy, Artemio Dumlao
Congress asked to pass extra power reso
PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has asked Congress to pass a joint resolution authorizing him to enter into contracts to add generating capacity to the Luzon grid to avert a looming power crisis in 2015.
In a letter to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon dated Sept. 12, Aquino acknowledged that the imminent power shortage during the first quarter of next year as “a real threat to the country’s growing economy and the general welfare of the people.”
Aquino stressed the need for the House and the Senate to move for the speedy enactment of the joint resolution that “will ensure the energy requirements of the country for this critical period – through a specific, focused and targeted acquisition of additional generating capacities for use during the limited periods of time of very tight energy supply.”
In seeking the authority from Congress, President Aquino invoked Section 71 – the Electric Power Crisis Provision – of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
“This authority is needed to address the imminent shortage of electric power for the summer of 2015 in Luzon,” Aquino said.
Section 71 states that the President, upon determination of an imminent shortage of supply of electricity, may ask Congress for authority, through a joint resolution, to establish additional generating capacity under such terms and conditions as it may approve.
The President’s letter noted that the Department of Energy had projected “a critical electricity situation in the summer of 2015” due to the expected effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the turnaround of the Malampaya gas-to-power facility, the increased and continuing outages of power plants, and the anticipated delays in the commissioning of new power projects.
The resolution to be submitted by the Palace is aimed at averting a looming power crisis in Luzon when the Malampaya gas field shuts down for a month from March 15 to April 15 with a shortfall of at least 300 megawatts.
Belmonte said he already referred the President’s request to the House committee on energy chaired by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali.
Umali had earlier vowed “to work very hard” to secure the passage of a resolution that will grant President Benigno Aquino III emergency powers to prevent blackouts next year.
But Senator Sergio Osmeña III, chairman of the Senate committee on energy, said the Palace request would have to be studied very carefully, even as he chided the administration for ignoring his warnings since 2011 of a coming power shortage.
He said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla was even going around telling people not to believe him because there would be no blackouts in 2015.
“Now they send us a letter and want action by the end of the month? No sir! I have to protect the Filipino people,” Osmeña said.
“We won’t give him emergency powers just like that. We know what happened in 1992, right?” he added, referring to the negotiated power deals by the Ramos administration that resulted in high energy costs.
“We have to be very careful about what type of powers we will extend to them. Number two, we want to make sure that the people know what the price will be. And I am expecting the price will be as high as P15 per kilowatt-hour, or even 20/kwh.”
Drilon said he received the letter from the President Monday, but also said it would be impossible to have the joint resolution by the end of September.
“That is impossible because we don’t even have the draft joint resolution. We don’t know the parameters of the authority being requested. We know the urgency, but we can’t rush into this. We will work on as fast as we can,” Drilon said.
“I think the Committee on Energy chaired by Senator Osmena will meet on Wednesday next week. Given all the complicated issues, we cannot rush into this but we know the urgency. We will work on this,” he added. “I don’t want to bind Senator Osmeña and his committee. They will examine this.”
Senator Francis Escudero urged the Palace to be transparent about how much contracted energy would cost, and how the Malampaya funds would be used if the President is granted emergency powers.
“A powerful light must shine on these contracts in the interest of transparency and to prevent a repeat of the country’s experience during the energy crunch of 1990s when power contracted later burdened consumers,” Escudero said.
In a speech in Quezon province last week, President Aquino announced he was seeking a joint congressional resolution which would authorize the government to order additional generating capacity of around 600 megawatts.
The generating capacity would be cut into two: 300 megawatts to meet the projected base-load deficit and 300 megawatts as buffer or equivalent to 4 percent of peak demand.
Energy officials forecast an energy shortage in Luzon at 400 MW to 1,000 MW during the first half of 2015.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who heads the independent minority bloc in the House, cautioned his colleagues against granting the President emergency powers.
“This is a very serious matter that Congress should address with caution. The concerned government officials should back the necessity of giving emergency powers to the President,” Romualdez said.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa said it supported the granting of emergency powers, but warned that these should not result in higher electricity costs.
In a letter to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon dated Sept. 12, Aquino acknowledged that the imminent power shortage during the first quarter of next year as “a real threat to the country’s growing economy and the general welfare of the people.”
Aquino stressed the need for the House and the Senate to move for the speedy enactment of the joint resolution that “will ensure the energy requirements of the country for this critical period – through a specific, focused and targeted acquisition of additional generating capacities for use during the limited periods of time of very tight energy supply.”
In seeking the authority from Congress, President Aquino invoked Section 71 – the Electric Power Crisis Provision – of Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
“This authority is needed to address the imminent shortage of electric power for the summer of 2015 in Luzon,” Aquino said.
Section 71 states that the President, upon determination of an imminent shortage of supply of electricity, may ask Congress for authority, through a joint resolution, to establish additional generating capacity under such terms and conditions as it may approve.
The President’s letter noted that the Department of Energy had projected “a critical electricity situation in the summer of 2015” due to the expected effects of the El Niño phenomenon, the turnaround of the Malampaya gas-to-power facility, the increased and continuing outages of power plants, and the anticipated delays in the commissioning of new power projects.
The resolution to be submitted by the Palace is aimed at averting a looming power crisis in Luzon when the Malampaya gas field shuts down for a month from March 15 to April 15 with a shortfall of at least 300 megawatts.
Belmonte said he already referred the President’s request to the House committee on energy chaired by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali.
Umali had earlier vowed “to work very hard” to secure the passage of a resolution that will grant President Benigno Aquino III emergency powers to prevent blackouts next year.
But Senator Sergio Osmeña III, chairman of the Senate committee on energy, said the Palace request would have to be studied very carefully, even as he chided the administration for ignoring his warnings since 2011 of a coming power shortage.
He said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla was even going around telling people not to believe him because there would be no blackouts in 2015.
“Now they send us a letter and want action by the end of the month? No sir! I have to protect the Filipino people,” Osmeña said.
“We won’t give him emergency powers just like that. We know what happened in 1992, right?” he added, referring to the negotiated power deals by the Ramos administration that resulted in high energy costs.
“We have to be very careful about what type of powers we will extend to them. Number two, we want to make sure that the people know what the price will be. And I am expecting the price will be as high as P15 per kilowatt-hour, or even 20/kwh.”
Drilon said he received the letter from the President Monday, but also said it would be impossible to have the joint resolution by the end of September.
“That is impossible because we don’t even have the draft joint resolution. We don’t know the parameters of the authority being requested. We know the urgency, but we can’t rush into this. We will work on as fast as we can,” Drilon said.
“I think the Committee on Energy chaired by Senator Osmena will meet on Wednesday next week. Given all the complicated issues, we cannot rush into this but we know the urgency. We will work on this,” he added. “I don’t want to bind Senator Osmeña and his committee. They will examine this.”
Senator Francis Escudero urged the Palace to be transparent about how much contracted energy would cost, and how the Malampaya funds would be used if the President is granted emergency powers.
“A powerful light must shine on these contracts in the interest of transparency and to prevent a repeat of the country’s experience during the energy crunch of 1990s when power contracted later burdened consumers,” Escudero said.
In a speech in Quezon province last week, President Aquino announced he was seeking a joint congressional resolution which would authorize the government to order additional generating capacity of around 600 megawatts.
The generating capacity would be cut into two: 300 megawatts to meet the projected base-load deficit and 300 megawatts as buffer or equivalent to 4 percent of peak demand.
Energy officials forecast an energy shortage in Luzon at 400 MW to 1,000 MW during the first half of 2015.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who heads the independent minority bloc in the House, cautioned his colleagues against granting the President emergency powers.
“This is a very serious matter that Congress should address with caution. The concerned government officials should back the necessity of giving emergency powers to the President,” Romualdez said.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa said it supported the granting of emergency powers, but warned that these should not result in higher electricity costs.
“TUCP-Nagkaisa will support the President but the solutions proposed should not punish workers and their families with an increase in power rates. We insist that the Department of Energy now present their tariff simulations and cost-impact scenarios to the public so we will know what to do,” said TUCP Executive Director Luis Corral. – by Maricel Cruz, Joel E. Zurbano, Vito Barcelo - Manila Standard Today
House Ad Hoc panel working full swing to pass Bangsamoro Basic Law
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| Ad Hoc Comm. on Bangsamoro Chair Rufus Rodriguez conducting its first meeting with the 8 Vice-Chairs and its Secretariat 2014Sep11 |
While the House plenary conducts marathon sessions zeroing in on the proposed 2015 P2.606-Trillion national budget, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte today declared "We have set the ball rolling in creating this Ad Hoc committee and it's systems go" for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Hon. Feliciano Belmonte, Jr."The passage of a Bangsamoro Basic Law is our fundamental role as legislators recognizing and responding to the call of our diverse culture as Filipinos. It is also our contribution to a global quest for genuine and sustainable peace," Belmonte stressed.
Wasting no time, the House Ad Hoc Committee to review, evaluate and proposed legislation relative to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, chaired by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, has approved its Rules of Procedure to guide its deliberations.
"We are tired of war. We cannot afford to lose time. We want peace," Chairman Rodriguez exclaimed after their organizational meeting Tuesday morning, echoing the sentiments of lawmakers especially those from Mindanao.
Gratified by the enthusiasm shown by his colleagues during the initial Ad Hoc meeting, Rodriguez revealed that they agreed to hold open public hearings, starting September 24 until December 17, five days a week, with hearings to be conducted in Zamboanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Marawi, among others.
Hon. Rufus B. Rodriguez"We have decided to give one day for each of these areas to give ample time for concerned people in the said areas to participate actively in the deliberations," Rodriguez added.
The 75-member Ad Hoc Committee represents leaders and members of the majority coalition and five members of the minority group.
During the interim, the committee will be completing the line-up of resource person-invitees or guest who could give valuable insights and proposal to improve or fine-tune the provision in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law contained in HB 4994.
HB 4994 is entitled: "An Act providing for the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro and abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 9054, entitled 'An Act to strengthen and expand the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,' and Republic Act No. 6743, entitled 'An Act providing for the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,' and for other purposes."
It is interesting to note that the authors of the proposed law consists of the leaders of the Majority coalition led by Speaker Belmonte, among them are: Deputy Speakers Henedina Abad, Giorgidi Aggabao, Sergio Apostol, Pangalian Balindong, Carlos Padilla and Roberto Puno; with Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II; and Reps. Mel Senen Sarmiento; Enrique Cojuangco; Mark Llandro Mendoza; Eleandro Jesus Madrona; Elpidio Barzaga, Jr.; Antonio Lagdameo, Jr.; Rolando Andaya, Jr.; Nicanor Briones; and Raymond Democrito Mendoza.
Recalling recent events, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed on March 27, 2014, signalled the end of the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao that has posed major setbacks to the full progress and development of the country, Belmonte and his co-authors pointed out.
"The negotiated CAB outlines the mechanisms, processes, and modalities through which the parties aim to establish and entrench a regime of peace, development, social justice, and the rule of law in the conflict-ridden areas and communities in Southern Philippines," the authors stressed.
Furthermore, inspired by the constitutional foundation on autonomous regions under the 1987 Constitution, the CAB prescribes the design for a new political entity to build upon the vital reforms introduced by the current government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), they added.
"The proposed Bangsamoro entity will enhance existing systems and procedures, as well as establish a new set of institutional arrangements and modalities between the central government and the autonomous government with respect to power-sharing, wealth- and revenue-sharing, transitional aspects, and normalization," Belmonte assured.
Chairman Rodriguez said that, among other important considerations, his committee is will never compromise on the issue of constitutionality of all the provisions embodied in the proposed Basic law.
"We will make sure that it will be a win-win framework for all Filipinos," Rodriguez stressed. - by Dionisio P. Tubianosa, Media Relations Service-PRIB
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
TUCP calls for ERC, Napocor revamp
MANILA, Philippines - Labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)- Nagkaisa on Tuesday expressed support for the granting of emergency powers to President Benigno Aquino III to address the power crisis.
The group's support entails the condition that the proposed solution will not drive up electricity rates and that there be a revamp of both the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“TUCP-Nagkaisa will support the president but the solutions proposed should not punish workers and their families with an increase in power rates. We insist that the Department of Energy (DOE) now present their tariff simulations and cost-impact scenarios to the public so we will know what to do,” TUCP executive director Luis Corral.
TUCP-Nagkaisa accused PSALM of criminal negligence for not including in its budget for operations the pending case of the illegally terminated workers of the National Power Corporation.
The recent Commission on Audit report on both the financial and operational audit of the ERC showed it has failed to inspect 125 distribution utilities as to possible metering violations, allowing an overcharging of the bills of millions of customers.
“We will no longer tolerate the intellectual dishonesty and corruption in the DOE, the ERC and PSALM. Workers and their families will no longer be the whipping boys to increase the corporate profits of the power industry up. Workers need also their fair share now,” Corral said.
He noted that while it is difficult to obtain a wage adjustment in Congress and the regional wage boards, it is so easy for the power sector to obtain an increase in their power rates before the ERC.
“The ERC even allows Meralco (Manila Electric Company) to charge its customers for future expenditures and projected operational costs, three years into the future. In effect, the consumer is made to advance for the capital expenditures of Meralco," Corral said.
The TUCP-Nagkaisa decried the failure of the PSALM to factor in the case of the illegally terminated NPC employees.
“Under their Operational Management Agreement, PSALM is in charge of maintaining the assets to answer for the stranded costs of NPC. The biggest elephant in the room was the pending Supreme Court case involving the workers of the NPC. It was the biggest item that would have to be paid,” TUCP-Nagkaisa spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said.
He said the TUCP-Nagkaisa expressed alarm that some of the solutions listed by the DOE are gas turbines and diesel-powered generation sets.
“This will drive the power rates up. We have already advised DOE to do tariff simulations first because the power crisis cannot just be defined as a lack of power supply, it is also about uncompetitive power rates. Ordinary workers and their families are the ones being punished by for the lack of forwards planning of DOE,” Tanjusay said. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)
With no solution in sight, power crisis will spillover 2016 - TUCP
QUEZON CITY – Without an acceptable and genuine national strategy addressing the forthcoming energy crisis in 2015, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is seeing more brownouts to happen in 2016.
TUCP warned that the real extent of the problem will kick in 2016 and beyond if the current Department of Energy (DOE) secretary resort to quick fix and expensive band aid solutions such as renting power barges and generator sets, gas turbines and effect the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) – a program by the DOE allowing malls to run their generator sets with consumers paying for their maintenance and operation costs.
Under these schemes, TUCP insists the generating companies and their distribution utility will merrily do their supply and demand games while continuously burdening consumers with high power rates and more brownouts. The implications for workers who will be laid off, for jobs that will never be created, for imperiled businessmen, and for the poor consumers are disaster.
“We are alarmed at the silence of the government to directly and genuinely address the power crisis. The silence of Secretary Petilla is deafening. After his ‘emergency powers’ call was made, he is now backpedalling and trying to portray the problem as less than it is. Either he is the ‘boy who cried wolf’ or simply trying to place a band-aid fix because he was unable to make a case for surgery to the president, he clearly has not grasped the true extent of the problem,” said TUCP executive director Louie Corral.
Corral warned that the ILP program is just a stopgap measure. He said Meralco customers will now be financially obligated to cover the costs for Messrs. Sy and Gokongwei running their mall generators for their own use on the theory that by freeing Meralco to keep the lights on in other areas that these oligarchs are doing consumers a favor.
“We are going to end up subsidizing their malls. But the 2015 power deficit is just the tip of the iceberg. The failure of both the DOE to address the policy gap now makes it inevitable that the crisis will repeat itself in 2016 and onwards,” Corral emphasized.
The major policy gap is that government does not incentivize the entry of additional and cheaper power capacity if it continues to allow Meralco to enter ‘sweetheart’ bilateral contracts from their preferred suppliers which will always mean low reserves to ensure high power rates.
To bring in genuine competition and additional supply, TUCP is proposing that there is enough leeway in EPIRA for DOE to mandate that henceforth all the distribution utilities such as the market-dominant Meralco, controlling 74%of the Luzon market, to source their power supply every 3 years from international public bidding held under the supervision of the DOE and ERC.
TUCP suspects Meralco is again behind the power crisis. Meralco allegedly hostaged its consumers to their Redondo coal plant supplier in Subic. When the 600 MW coal plant was stymied by the Supreme Court issuance of Writ of Kalikasan and the objections of environmental groups, Meralco could have chosen 2 to 3 years ago to take their supply from AES Masinloc which also wanted to set up 600 MW plant or even from GN Power in Quezon. Instead they insisted on Redondo.
With 74% of the market share in Luzon, Meralco is proverbial ‘only game in town’ and if they chose any other source, this would have prevented the power shortfall for 2015. “Our call is therefore to clip this self-serving option of their subject the choice of who will supply them to international public bidding under DOE supervision,” he added.
- Samar News
TUCP warned that the real extent of the problem will kick in 2016 and beyond if the current Department of Energy (DOE) secretary resort to quick fix and expensive band aid solutions such as renting power barges and generator sets, gas turbines and effect the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) – a program by the DOE allowing malls to run their generator sets with consumers paying for their maintenance and operation costs.
Under these schemes, TUCP insists the generating companies and their distribution utility will merrily do their supply and demand games while continuously burdening consumers with high power rates and more brownouts. The implications for workers who will be laid off, for jobs that will never be created, for imperiled businessmen, and for the poor consumers are disaster.
“We are alarmed at the silence of the government to directly and genuinely address the power crisis. The silence of Secretary Petilla is deafening. After his ‘emergency powers’ call was made, he is now backpedalling and trying to portray the problem as less than it is. Either he is the ‘boy who cried wolf’ or simply trying to place a band-aid fix because he was unable to make a case for surgery to the president, he clearly has not grasped the true extent of the problem,” said TUCP executive director Louie Corral.
Corral warned that the ILP program is just a stopgap measure. He said Meralco customers will now be financially obligated to cover the costs for Messrs. Sy and Gokongwei running their mall generators for their own use on the theory that by freeing Meralco to keep the lights on in other areas that these oligarchs are doing consumers a favor.
“We are going to end up subsidizing their malls. But the 2015 power deficit is just the tip of the iceberg. The failure of both the DOE to address the policy gap now makes it inevitable that the crisis will repeat itself in 2016 and onwards,” Corral emphasized.
The major policy gap is that government does not incentivize the entry of additional and cheaper power capacity if it continues to allow Meralco to enter ‘sweetheart’ bilateral contracts from their preferred suppliers which will always mean low reserves to ensure high power rates.
To bring in genuine competition and additional supply, TUCP is proposing that there is enough leeway in EPIRA for DOE to mandate that henceforth all the distribution utilities such as the market-dominant Meralco, controlling 74%of the Luzon market, to source their power supply every 3 years from international public bidding held under the supervision of the DOE and ERC.
TUCP suspects Meralco is again behind the power crisis. Meralco allegedly hostaged its consumers to their Redondo coal plant supplier in Subic. When the 600 MW coal plant was stymied by the Supreme Court issuance of Writ of Kalikasan and the objections of environmental groups, Meralco could have chosen 2 to 3 years ago to take their supply from AES Masinloc which also wanted to set up 600 MW plant or even from GN Power in Quezon. Instead they insisted on Redondo.
With 74% of the market share in Luzon, Meralco is proverbial ‘only game in town’ and if they chose any other source, this would have prevented the power shortfall for 2015. “Our call is therefore to clip this self-serving option of their subject the choice of who will supply them to international public bidding under DOE supervision,” he added.
- Samar News
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Think tank urges gov’t to relax wage rules
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| Applicants look at the list of jobs at the Labor Day Job Fair by the Department of Labor and Employment at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on May 1, 2014. A government think tank on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, urged policymakers to relax wage regulations and allow small and medium businesses to pay salaries below the minimum wage when they hire unskilled workers. INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA |
BAGUIO CITY—A government think tank on Tuesday urged policymakers to relax wage regulations and allow small and medium businesses to pay salaries below the minimum wage when they hire unskilled workers.
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said the imposition of a minimum wage had worsened unemployment, a conclusion reached by its labor policy analysis of Philippine job expansion and development.
The unemployment rate in the country stands at 7 percent.
Dr. Aniceto Orbeta Jr., PIDS senior research fellow who participated in the study, said the agency was tasked to examine labor policies, which he described as “tools [that] are not working.”
The policy changes that PIDS is recommending should help reduce poverty, he said, by increasing the chances of poor unskilled workers to land jobs.
“For them, this is a matter of survival,” Orbeta said.
He said, however, that PIDS has yet to study the impact of a flexible or diminished wage regulation on the country’s commitment to international labor standards.
Asean integration
PIDS also needs to see whether its proposals and presumptions about the labor market will remain applicable when the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) become an integrated market next year, he said.
Integration may allow more Filipinos to leave for jobs in Southeast Asian countries once border regulations are lifted and uniform Asean work and skills standards are applied, said Myrna Pablo, Cordillera regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry.
The minimum wage and other labor regulations are designed to protect workers from abusive employers and to give them bargaining power when seeking better wages, Orbeta said.
But citing the 2007 minimum wage increase as an example, he said the PIDS labor policy analysis found that the rise reduced the probability of an employee retaining his job or an applicant landing a job by 8 percent to 22 percent that year.
Employers end up hiring veteran workers instead of fresh graduates, who now compose the bulk of the unemployed work force, Orbeta said.
Consequently, he said, a typical household income is also reduced when at least one member of the family, who is eligible for employment, ends up jobless due to the restricted hiring opportunities.
The wage increase has little impact on big businesses, but has been detrimental to smaller businesses with 10 employees or fewer, Orbeta said.
A mandated minimum wage “hurts the employment probability of the young, female and inexperienced workers most,” he said, so employers must be allowed “to hire low-skilled and poor workers who want to voluntarily opt out of the mandatory minimum wage norm.”
He said these workers could be supported by special measures to improve the value of their smaller income, including adjustments in tax rates or other ways that would increase their pay.
Workers’ protection
Alan Tanjusay, a spokesman for the TUCP, said the minimum wage was the minimum standard to protect workers’ interests and improve the quality of labor.
“If there is no minimum wage, workers will be very vulnerable to abuse and oppression,” Tanjusay said. “There has to be a standard such as the minimum wage. Otherwise, we will revert to the age of slavery.”
Another labor group criticized the PIDS study as an “alibi for the government and employers to reduce wages further” and as a “guise for contractualization.”
“The present minimum wage levels are already below living standards, according to the [National Economic and Development Authority] and yet they want to suppress it further,” said Gie Relova of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino.
“Our experience shows that during wage increase deliberations, government and employer representatives gang up on the labor representative. Never has the government representative sided with the labor sector,” Relova said.
That, Herrera said, is “normally the case, because democracy works through pressure and the greater pressure is exerted by business.”
PIDS’ views not new
Julius Cainglet, assistant vice president for research, communication, networking and project development of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), said PIDS’ views were not new.
“The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have been saying that for years. The think tank’s research seems wanting as it failed to consider the real state of workers,” Cainglet said in a text message.
“The minimum wage is but a meager social protection for workers. Present minimum wage rates in Metro Manila could not even cover half the required income needed to afford your family a decent life. Besides, the minimum wage is much smaller in the provinces where a lot of investors set up manufacturing plants,” he said.
“Abolishing the minimum wage would work only if workers have a voice, that is if the majority of them are unionized. We know how employers do everything to bust unions. Without a minimum wage to bank on and a union to fight for their rights to just wages, benefits and better working conditions, the government is opening the floodgates for even more exploitation of workers. We will end up with workers receiving alms and getting employed for no more than five months,” he said.
High cost of doing business
“What is pushing down employment is the high cost of doing business. For one, the country’s power rates are the highest in Asia. Add the fact that there are mounting fees, permits and impossible requirements when applying for a new business or renewing permits for the same. It is a nightmare, in fact,” Cainglet said.
“The FFW believes that this is what curtails employment more and not the minimum wage. We would want to abolish the wage boards for the right reasons like for being insensitive to the needs of workers. But removing the minimum wage right now will only deprive workers even more of their just share in the country’s economic growth,” he said.
Roger Soluta, secretary general of Kilusang Mayo Uno, said PIDS economists were serving the interests of foreign capitalists in blaming the minimum wage for the low employment rate.
“It’s irritating that to justify doing away with the minimum wage, they would use that argument,” Soluta said.– By Vincent Cabreza, Erika Sauler and Tina G. Santos Inquirer
Wage board optimistic on P89 wage hike appeal in Northern Mindanao
AFTER completing three provincial wage consultations last month, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Northern Mindanao (RTWPB) is hopeful for the immediate deliberation of the P89 wage increase petition filed by the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) on July 16, 2014.
Lawyer Gretchen Lamayon, RTWPB-10 information officer, said the wage board has been doing its best to cap off remaining consultations in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental by the end of September.
Lamayon, however, admitted to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that various reactions from the workers and employers sectors are obstacles needed to be overcome to come up with a fast resolution.
"So far, from the three provinces, some agreed with the increase. There were some who said it has to be reduced. And, of course, there were those who said P89 is too much," she said Tuesday.
Wage consultations have already been conducted in the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon in August 2014.
Lamayon said the executive board of the RTWPB-10 needs more time to deliberate to produce an outcome that is favorable to all concerned sectors.
The wage board also has several considerations in deliberating the petition, which include the social economic conditions of the employers, she noted.
The labor union is optimistic the RTWPB will support the daily minimum wage increase petition even if results of the first round of deliberation have not been disclosed to the public yet.
If approved, the daily minimum wage in the region will become P395 for agricultural and non-agricultural workers.
The board discussions will be attended by the heads of the region's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), two representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), and two representatives from the private sector.
In a petition passed to RTWPB-10, the ALU-TUCP justified the requested increase as beneficial to the working population amid the increasing cost of standard of living.
"The P89 daily increase is essential if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families, even if only partial, and if the country gives meaning and substance to the policy of equitable distribution of income and wealth. The increase, small as it is, has been overtaken by increases in power and water rates, in health and education costs, the prices of oil and its products, LPG, and basic goods and services," the petition read.
"Prices of goods and services in the following months are also expected to rise by at least 5 percent which would require an additional P21.42 adjustment in wages considering the increasing prices of goods and services especially power rates because of the current power shortage in Mindanao. Also, the daily take home pay of wage earners is lower due to legally mandated deductions such as SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig contributions and income tax," it added.
Wildon Barros, Kilusang Mayo Uno-northern Mindanao chairperson, told this paper that although they are pushing for the P125 minimum wage across the board since last year, they would also support ALU-TUCP's endeavor.
"We still want the RTWPB to say yes to this because it is for the benefit of our workers at the end of the day," Barros said by phone.
On May 15, 2013, the RTWPB-10 approved the latest P306 wage increase per day from P286 for the wage earners in northern Mindanao. - By Mario C. Manlupig Jr. SunStar
Lawyer Gretchen Lamayon, RTWPB-10 information officer, said the wage board has been doing its best to cap off remaining consultations in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental by the end of September.
Lamayon, however, admitted to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro that various reactions from the workers and employers sectors are obstacles needed to be overcome to come up with a fast resolution.
"So far, from the three provinces, some agreed with the increase. There were some who said it has to be reduced. And, of course, there were those who said P89 is too much," she said Tuesday.
Wage consultations have already been conducted in the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon in August 2014.
Lamayon said the executive board of the RTWPB-10 needs more time to deliberate to produce an outcome that is favorable to all concerned sectors.
The wage board also has several considerations in deliberating the petition, which include the social economic conditions of the employers, she noted.
The labor union is optimistic the RTWPB will support the daily minimum wage increase petition even if results of the first round of deliberation have not been disclosed to the public yet.
If approved, the daily minimum wage in the region will become P395 for agricultural and non-agricultural workers.
The board discussions will be attended by the heads of the region's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), two representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), and two representatives from the private sector.
In a petition passed to RTWPB-10, the ALU-TUCP justified the requested increase as beneficial to the working population amid the increasing cost of standard of living.
"The P89 daily increase is essential if workers are to cope with the increasing prices of commodities and cost of living, if they are to meet the basic needs of their families, even if only partial, and if the country gives meaning and substance to the policy of equitable distribution of income and wealth. The increase, small as it is, has been overtaken by increases in power and water rates, in health and education costs, the prices of oil and its products, LPG, and basic goods and services," the petition read.
"Prices of goods and services in the following months are also expected to rise by at least 5 percent which would require an additional P21.42 adjustment in wages considering the increasing prices of goods and services especially power rates because of the current power shortage in Mindanao. Also, the daily take home pay of wage earners is lower due to legally mandated deductions such as SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig contributions and income tax," it added.
Wildon Barros, Kilusang Mayo Uno-northern Mindanao chairperson, told this paper that although they are pushing for the P125 minimum wage across the board since last year, they would also support ALU-TUCP's endeavor.
"We still want the RTWPB to say yes to this because it is for the benefit of our workers at the end of the day," Barros said by phone.
On May 15, 2013, the RTWPB-10 approved the latest P306 wage increase per day from P286 for the wage earners in northern Mindanao. - By Mario C. Manlupig Jr. SunStar
Env’l groups, trade unionists join forces vs. lead-based paint
Marking the anniversary of a historic global convention, environmentalists and trade unionists joined forces for the protection of workers, children, and the general public against exposure to lead-based paint.
The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, and the EcoWaste Coalition forged the tie-up during the recent 91st anniversary of an International Labor Organization (ILO) convention banning the use of white lead in paint.
Convention C013, or the “White Lead (Painting) Convention,” is a historic act by the ILO during the time of the League of Nations (the precursor to the United Nations or UN), aiming to control lead levels in paint used in interior housing. It was enforced on Aug. 31, 1923.
It prohibits “the use of white lead and sulfate of lead and of all products containing these pigments, in the internal painting of buildings,” but makes it permissible “to use white pigments containing a maximum of two percent of lead.”
“ILO’s early recognition of the problem with toxic lead in paint was a commendable move indeed. Their effort resulted [in] a number of countries adopting restrictions on the lead content of paint. As [this anniversary] is quietly observed, we find it fitting to call for a review of the landmark agreement for it to be in step with the global consensus to eliminate lead paint that is being advanced by the UN-backed Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP),” EcoWaste Coalition coordinator Aileen Lucero said.
The World Health Organization and the UN Environment Program serve as joint Secretariat for the GAELP, whose purpose is “to prevent children’s exposure to lead via paint containing lead, and to minimize occupational exposures to lead in paint.”
Nagkaisa co-convenor Josua Mata urged the government to take the necessary action to gain the benefits of the review process initiated by the ILO’s governing board.
“It’s been over nine decades since C013 [came] into force, and lead poisoning via exposure to lead contaminated paint chips, dust, as well as products such as toys remains a huge threat for the health of children and workers in many countries,” ALU-TUCP Spokesman and Policy Advocacy Officer Allan Tanjusay said.
According to labor and environmental groups, C013 has to be updated to make it applicable to all lead pigments and dryers, ready-to-use paint, and exterior applications.
They also insisted that the two-percent limit — equivalent to 20,000 parts per million (ppm) — has to be radically lowered to mirror current knowledge of the health effects of lead exposure even at lower levels.
An updated C013 will be a boost to the recently promulgated “Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds” (CCO) issued by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources last December 2013, the groups said.
The CCO limits lead content in paints to 90 ppm, and establishes a three-year phase out period for leaded decorative paints (2013-2016), and a six-year phase out period for leaded industrial paints (2013-2019).
Seventy-six percent of the 803 paint samples from the Philippines and six other Asian countries contained lead at concentrations greater than 90 ppm, and would not be permitted for sale in most highly industrialized countries, according to data from the Asia Regional Paint Report published last March 2014 by the International Persistent Organic Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), with support from the European Union.
The report also revealed that at least a quarter of the 803 paint samples contained dangerously high lead levels of above 10,000 ppm. – by Chito A. Chavez / Manila Bulletin
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