The positive trust ratings of Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri reflect the people’s trust in the Senate.

This according to Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, who on Wednesday credited the Senate President’s positive trust ratings to his “steady, sober leadership of the Senate.”

“Because of this, the Senate President enjoys not only the trust of our people, but the trust of the members of the Senate,” Villanueva said.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Zubiri scored majority trust ratings, with 53% of the respondents saying they trust the Senate head.

The survey, conducted from March 6 to 10 this year, saw a two-percentage point increase in the trust ratings of Zubiri from 51% when Pulse Asia made a similar poll in December 2023.

Zubiri scored big in Mindanao, where he received a trust rating of 69%, up 11% from 58% he got from the previous Pulse Asia survey. Comparatively, the Senate leader’s trust rating among the ABC class also jumped 21% to 62% based on the latest polls. 

“The Pulse Asia survey is very telling, as the results give us an idea of who our people trust among our leaders, who our constituents believe is really credible,” said Villanueva.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte have positive trust ratings, with 57% and 71% of respondents saying they trust the President and Vice President, respectively.

The three officials also scored positive approval ratings, with the President, Vice President and Senate President obtaining 55%, 67%, and 52% approval ratings in the Pulse Asia poll.

Villanueva added that “the timing of the survey also validates the approach the Senate has taken with regard to different issues, particularly the Charter change.”

“Despite the politically-charged and sometimes acrimonious discussions on Constitutional amendments, Senate President Zubiri has led the way by consistently taking the high road, and we believe the Filipino people appreciate this,” the majority leader said.

Clean energy think-tank Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) on Wednesday raised concern that the Japanese government is opting for energy partnership directions that obstruct rather than advance the Philippines’ shift to clean energy from renewables.

The comment came after government-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) announced that it has signed a memorandum of agreement with San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Aboitiz Power Corporation, and Meralco parent company Metro Pacific Investment Corporation (MPIC) for the roll-out of the Japanese-led Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) platform in the Philippines.

“AZEC has been repeatedly denounced as a ploy to promote detrimental energy in developing countries in Asia, particularly with fossil gas and unproven fossil-friendly technologies. That critique is affirmed by JBIC’s partnership with the Philippines’ biggest fossil fuel champions. Japan, clearly, is championing the gas as ‘bridge fuel’ deception at the cost of the Philippines’ climate ambitions,” said Gerry Arances, Executive Director of CEED.

SMC, Aboitiz, and MPIC through Meralco’s power generation arm are jointly responsible for about 23 GW of new proposed gas-fired capacity – more than half of the current national pipeline and equal to over 80% of the Philippines’ currently installed capacity. The three companies are also reportedly in talks to acquire the Philippines’ first operational LNG import terminal owned by the Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company, which was funded by JBIC and is currently undergoing an internal investigation by the bank for environmental violations and community impacts.

“With this development, the Japanese government and, by extension, the Philippine government are revealing a clear lack of commitment to a genuine renewable energy transition. This is unacceptable for a country facing some of the worst impacts of the intensifying climate crisis and where fossil fuel-based power generation is causing death and destruction in vulnerable communities. We are a country whose abundant renewable energy resources makes a 100% transition aligned to the 1.5 °C climate goal possible. The focus should be on unlocking this, and not in putting up more gas,” Arances said.

In the aftermath of this deal, clean energy advocates in Japan and the Philippines are on guard over outcomes of an upcoming trilateral between Japan, the Philippines, and the United States’ heads of government in Washington next week.

“LNG champions Japan and the US should use the upcoming talks to make amends and ensure the prioritization of renewables in the Philippines and other emerging economies in the region, not gas or false solutions. Meanwhile, this trilateral is also a test for the Marcos administration’s commitment to the Philippines’ renewable energy shift. President Marcos entered office with a pledge to make renewable energy its top climate priority, but its execution has so far been half-hearted,” Arances said. 

“The new MOU is quite concerning given their history of expanding fossil gas. JBIC is the biggest financier of fossil gas in Southeast Asia, providing 47% of total public finance to fossil gas in the region. Japan keeps saying that LNG is a necessary bridge fuel and Southeast Asia needs it. But this Japanese push for gas is all about Japanese corporate interest for keeping and selling its fossil fuel related infrastructure and technology. JBIC must stop fossil gas financing that has destroyed livelihoods and environment of local communities,” said Hiroki Osada, Development Finance and Environment Campaigner at Friends of the Earth – Japan.

In its mission to promote road safety awareness and prevent road-related incidents, NLEX Corporation launched a picture book at the National Library of the Philippines entitled “Ang Bida ng Kalsada” to educate kids on the importance of responsible road usage through a creative story and illustrations.

“The ‘Ang Bida ng Kalsada Picture Book’ is our modest contribution and response to UNICEF’s call to action to protect our children who use the road as pedestrians, as passengers, and as responsible members of the community. The story of Danny and Dexter, the main characters in the book, is rich with invaluable road safety lessons that children can easily connect with,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager, J. Luigi L. Bautista

This full colored book written in Filipino and English helps children appreciate road safety by understanding the context behind different traffic rules and regulations in a story covering a child’s journey from the house. The book will be distributed to Grades 3-6 public school students in 20 schools within NLEX, SCTEX and NLEX Connector’s host communities.

Director Marilyn Siao of DepEd’s Bureau of Learning and Delivery extended its gratitude towards NLEX, as the book not only teaches safe road practices but also good values.

“In the pages of this beautifully illustrated book that we launched today, children embarked on a journey filled with important lessons about being responsible pedestrians, about being conscientious passengers and active members of the community. Through a captivating storytelling and vibrant imagery, they not only learn the rules of the road, but also embrace values of caution, obedience, compassion, and cooperation,” she said.

In November 2021, the Metro Pacific Tollway Corporation, the mother company of NLEX Corporation, entered a multi-year agreement with UNICEF, pledging support for its Child Road Safety Program under the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety. Under the partnership, NLEX has committed to assisting 100 schools in identified high-risk areas.

“It is our hope that initiatives like these will contribute to the reduction of road accidents. As parents who trust our children to venture beyond the safety of our homes, and as teachers who bid farewell to students at day’s end, we hold onto the hope of seeing our children become responsible road users. We also hope this picture book can bring about positive change in the lives of children, parents, and teachers alike,” said Bautista.

‘Ang Bida ng Kalsada’ is just one of NLEX’s efforts to contribute to UNICEF’s goal to reduce road traffic fatalities by fifty percent (50%) by year 2030. Dr. Angel Umali, UNICEF Philippines’s Health and Nutrition Officer thanked NLEX for its commitment to the advocacy and urged the tollway company to continue its efforts in organizing and implementing programs that will enhance children’s welfare.

External Affairs Division PPAO

CITY OF MALOLOS– Governor Daniel R. Fernando reminded Bulakenyos to keep hydrated, bring umbrella when going outside, and wear comfortable and lightweight clothes to avoid experiencing heat emergencies including heat cramps, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke as the heat index forecast may reach up to 40°C.

“Kung posible, iwasan na po nating lumabas ng ating mga tahanan ng tanghaling tapat. Kung hindi naman maiiwasan na lumabas, gawin na lamang natin ang mga ito sa umaga o hapon kung kailan hindi pa tirik ang araw,” the governor advised.

Based on the two-day forecast released by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, heat index in their station at Clark Airport (DMIA) in Pampanga may reach 39°C on April 3 and 40°C on April 4.

Meanwhile, according to the Provincial Health Office-Public Health, first aid to be applied to persons experiencing heat emergencies includes moving of the victim to a shady or cool area; removing of clothes that increase body heat; fanning and placing the victim near an electric fan; sprinkling water all over the body; placing of ice packs on the victim’s cheeks, palms, and soles; and taking to the nearest primary health provider.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include body temperature over 40°C; hot, red, and dry skin; fainting, convulsions, or disorientation; dizziness, headache, vomiting or nausea; and tightness or twitching of the muscle.

CITY OF MALOLOS – Barangay Matimbubong in San Ildefonso, Bulacan achieved success by winning the Best Gulayan Award during the Provincial Search for Best Gulayan sa Barangay 2023 spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Agriculture Office.

The award was presented during the Monday Flag Ceremony at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here where Matimbubong Barangay Captain Rosalinda A. Manzon received a certificate of recognition and P40,000 cash prize.

Other winners of the provincial search include Kaypian, City of San Jose Del Monte in second place with a cash prize of P25,000; Dampol, Plaridel in third place with a P15,000; Sta. Rosa, Marilao in fourth place with P5,000; and Tibagan, Bustos in fifth place also with P5,000 cash prize.

Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo said the winners were selected based on the following criteria – land area, garden presentation, natural inputs produced, creativity, number of households served, and record-keeping.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando stressed the importance of such cultivation efforts, noting that it plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of communities. He also hopes for continued growth and more attention to vegetable gardens in Bulacan.

“Nawa ay pagbutihin pa lalo at pagtuunan pa ng pansin ang pagpapalago ng ating mga gulayan sa Bulacan sapagkat malaking tulong ito sa pang-araw araw na kabuhayan sa mga komunidad at maging sa pagsusulong ng food security sa bansa,” Fernando said.

Meanwhile, Barangay Matimbubong represented the province in the Regional Search for Best in Gulayan sa Barangay 2023 and won second place as well as the Facebook Favorite Vegetable Garden in the Barangay award. Gulayan sa Barangay Program is part of the Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crops Development Program that aims to promote vegetable planting to ensure a sustainable and safe vegetable supply in the communities.

Encouraged by the Supreme Court decision upholding the right of the Social Security System (SSS) to take legal action against employers who have been remiss in settling their contribution delinquencies, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet ordered an increase in the frequency of its Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Campaign nationwide.

“Our RACE Campaign must be working,” Macasaet said as he reported that the amount of unremitted members’ contributions from delinquent employers have plummeted by almost 40 percent in 2023.

Macasaet said that uncollected contributions in 2022 stood at P92 billion, but SSS successfully brought it down by 39 percent to P56 billion in 2023 on the back of aggressively pursuing delinquent employers and continuously updating employer records.

In 2022, the Commission on Audit (COA) called out the SSS for failing to collect over P92 billion from half a million delinquent employers. According to state auditors, 466,881 employers did not remit P92.49 billion in premium contributions, penalties, and damages.

In a statement, Macasaet said the SSS has filed cases in court against 2,422 errant employers, majority of which have opted to settle their delinquencies either through full payment or via installment schemes, resulting in a record-high collection P1.37 billion in 2023 from P1.15 billion in 2022.

Collection from delinquent employers

Macasaet explained that the decrease in unremitted contributions could be attributed to the high collection of delinquencies from employers not remitting their employees’ contributions.

Macasaet also explained that the RACE Campaign is one of the programs that played a vital role in pursuing delinquent employers nationwide.

The SSS chief explained that RACE was an operation conducted by the state fund to ensure that employers comply with their obligation as stipulated in Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

He said that only selected SSS branch offices conducted RACE campaigns in previous years. Recently, Macasaet said, he ordered the SSS to beef up the initiative by requiring all SSS branch offices nationwide to carry out RACE campaigns in their respective areas.

“We issued Show Cause Orders or Notices of Violation to delinquent employers and instructed them to report to SSS within 15 days to settle their unpaid contributions and corresponding penalties or face legal consequences for violating RA 11199,” Macasaet said. He added that in 2023, SSS conducted 587 RACE operations nationwide and issued written notices to 4,923 delinquent employers.

SC upholds RACE Campaign

Last month, the Supreme Court (SC) rejected an appeal filed by a real estate company, which was found by a lower court to have failed to remit employee contributions to the SSS on time.

In a seven-page resolution, the SC Second Division upheld a decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) against RGV Real Estate Center, Inc. for violating the Social Security Law for failure to remit contributions.

RGV also violated SSS Circular No. 52 for failing to remit salary loan/calamity loan amortizations of its employees. “The SSS is a government agency that is imbued with the salutary purpose of carrying out the State’s policy of establishing, developing, promoting, and perfecting a sound and viable tax-exempt social security system,” the SC resolution said.

The SSS had repeatedly issued Demand Letters seeking the payment of more than P3 million representing employee contributions. RGV availed the condonation program, which allows members with outstanding balances to settle their arrears by installment. In this instance, RGV still failed to comply with the condonation program’s rules.

The Social Security Commission first heard the case and found RGV liable to pay almost P7.5 million in unpaid contributions, interest, and penalties for late remittance.

The CA then ruled the case to be not reviewable. “Needless to say, the entitlement and amount of benefit and privilege of its (SSS) members are adversely affected by the non-remittance of the much-needed contributions. Any divergence from the rule subjects the employer not only to monetary sanctions but also to criminal prosecution,” the SC said.

Macasaet  said the SSS RACE operations have been institutionalized into the mainstream branch operational procedures in addition to systems enhancements made on regular collection, improved interoperability among concerned internal offices/units involved in collection, introduction of the administrative collection remedy of issuance of a Warrant of Distraint, Levy, and Garnishment (WDLG), partnership with various Regulatory & Law Enforcement Agencies through Memorandum of Agreements, and judicial recourse to our Criminal Courts nationwide.      

Updating the employers’ list

Aside from improved collection from delinquent employers, Macasaet said that SSS also updated its records since it discovered that many of the reported contribution collectibles were from establishments that no longer operated, resulting in overstated statements of accounts (SOAs) being issued by SSS.

Macasaet added that SSS Account Officers and branch personnel visually inspected the establishments and discovered that many of these businesses had ceased operations.

Blockbusters are back in a big way! Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer, despite not being the top grosser of 2023 (that crown goes to the surprise hit, Barbie!), is making waves for being the first major box office draw to win Best Picture at the Oscars in nearly two decades. This win, coupled with the success of last December’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), points towards a resurgence of moviegoing enthusiasm, both abroad and here in the Philippines. Remember how cinemas were hesitant to hold on to MMFF entries after the pandemic? This time, audiences are demanding more, proving they’re ready to return to the immersive experience of the big screen.

So, it’s really a matter of content. Give the public an entertaining time, and they’re ready to return to movie watching as a shared, community experience. Whether it’s a new horror film, action adventure, or comedy, movies are that much more enjoyable when shared with others, experiencing the reactions of the audience around you. You just don’t get that when watching at home.

And SM Cinema, always ahead of the curve, knows this. That’s why several of your favorite neighborhood SM Cinemas have been renovated and technologically upgraded. They now challenge the best cinemas found anywhere in the world. New plush seats, higher-resolution equipment, and improved sound quality make the experience even more immersive. Plus, the ticket buying areas and refreshment stands have all received a makeover as well. It’s well worth a visit if you haven’t been lately.

Get ready, because the blockbusters of 2024 are on their way. Dune Part Two was just the first salvo. On Black Saturday, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire opens, followed by horror with The First Omen the following week!

Here’s what to watch in May, because it’s jam-packed with exciting releases. First up on May 1st is The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt (who coincidentally starred in Barbie and Oppenheimer, respectively). This action-rom-com has received rave reviews and promises great chemistry between the leads. For a dose of family fun, Ryan Reynolds brings IF (Imaginary Friends) to mid-May. And for fans of sci-fi epics, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes swings into theaters later that month.

But wait, there’s more! May also brings us supernatural thrills with Tarot on May 1st, the highly anticipated prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth hitting screens on May 22nd, and a return to lasagna-loving laughs with The Garfield Movie hitting theaters on May 29th. With Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire kicking things off in IMAX 2D on April 10th, it’s a sure bet that 2024 is shaping up to be a year to remember at the cinema!

For fans of K-Drama and K-Horror, SM Cinema is the place to watch The Wild, Exhuma, Demon Dog, Citizen of a Kind, and Midnight Sun. Anime fans will be delighted to hear that Skye Hoshi: Anime Girl and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom are SM exclusives!

There’s so much to look forward to movie-wise in the months ahead, and we haven’t even talked about Filipino productions such as Sunny, Under Parallel Skies, G! LU! (Go La Union), and Men Are From QC, Women are from Alabang.

See you at your neighborhood SM Cinema in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan, a well as Director’s Club, or IMAX theater.

In an effort to address the national housing shortage, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), has partnered with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) and P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (P.A. Properties), to facilitate the construction of affordable housing for Filipinos.

During the signing ceremony at the GSIS Head Office in Pasay on Tuesday, April 2, GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso highlighted the project’s synergy with the government’s Bagong Pilipinas’ vision of fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of every Filipino, particularly the fundamental need for a home.

“Our partnership with P.A. Properties whose advanced construction technology will help boost the country’s housing supply, is more than just a financial venture for the GSIS. It’s  a significant step towards nation-building,” Veloso said.

PNB President Florido Casuela shared the bank’s enthusiasm for the venture, noting its strategic plan to bolster housing project investments.

The agreement outlines the establishment of a P900 million and a P300 million notes facility by GSIS and PNB, respectively, for P.A. Properties. These funds will support P.A. Properties in land banking, acquisition, development, and expansion plans aimed at increasing affordable housing availability.

P.A. Properties, renowned for its 30-year history of developing affordable housing, has already built over 20,000 units in strategic locations across the Philippines. With the support from the GSIS and the PNB, P.A. Properties aims to construct 20 additional housing communities to help reduce the national housing backlog estimated at 6.5 million units.

Romarico Alvarez, Chairman of P.A. Properties, expressed gratitude for the support from GSIS and PNB. “This partnership empowers us to significantly boost our housing production, moving us closer to our goal of providing sustainable, affordable housing to more Filipinos,” Alvarez said.

The GSIS is a staunch supporter of the government’s housing initiatives, launching three programs under the Pabahay sa Bagong Bayaning Manggagawa (PBBM).

These include the Lease with Option to Buy (LWOB) program, offering GSIS’s 13,000 residential properties nationwide either for lease or sale without downpayment, and the Housing Accounts Restructuring and Condonation Program (HARCP), which assists GSIS housing loan borrowers in regularizing their accounts. In addition, GSIS is planning the construction of new low-cost housing units for government workers, in Quezon City and Antipolo.

For more details about the GSIS  housing programs, visit the GSIS website at www.gsis.gov.ph, GSIS Facebook page (@gsis.ph), and call the contact center at 8.847.4747.

Planning to travel Northern Luzon soon? Whether you’re a seasoned road trip warrior or a travel newbie, NLEX Lakbay Norte Travel Guide is your new ultimate buddy as you hit the roads.

NLEX Lakbay Norte Travel Guide is NLEX Corporation’s newest digital campaign showcasing what north has to offer. This travel guide is a trusty and reliable companion that will provide all the information you need for a smooth, enjoyable, and safe adventures.

“Road trips are a fantastic way to experience the charm of Northern Luzon,” says Mr. J. Luigi L. Bautista, NLEX Corporation President and General Manager. “We hope that with this digital guide, with its reliable and up-to-date information, you can explore and discover more why the north is a must-visit destination” Bautista added.

Just like NLEX makes your drive easier, NLEX Lakbay Norte promises hassle-free travel planning. Here’s what you can expect with this new travel guide:

Meet the Humans of the North: Get inspired by the stories of incredible individuals who are making their mark and shaping the region.

Don’t Miss the Ganap Up North: There’s no #FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) because travelers will be in the know about all the exciting events and festivals happening in the north.

Delicious Trips with Kaing Norte: Discover the ultimate food guide featuring must-try dishes and local favorites.

Embrace Your Inner Explorer with Anong Trip Mo: Find hidden gems and must-visit destinations that will make your Northern Luzon adventure truly unforgettable.

Unlike other travel guides, NLEX Lakbay Norte is designed to transform every road trip into a worthwhile and enriching experience. This will help you select which food, activity, and destination to include in your itinerary based on your travel style.

Navigate NLEX with ease, discover off-the-beaten-path treasures, and travel with a purpose – all while ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey!

Ready to embark on your Northern Luzon adventure? NLEX Lakbay Norte is here to guide you every step of the way.

Get ready to achieve that wanderlust dream as NLEX Lakbay Norte Travel Guide launches on April 3. Make sure to follow @NLEXLakbayNorte on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.