Gordon’s call to file raps vs Garin et al ‘a big joke’

August 26, 2020

By

Jester P. Manalastas
People's Journal
“Despite the repeated lambasting of Gordon against me, taking advantage of his position as Senator and Chairman of the Committee on Good Government, I have kept mum. I see no point in wasting my time on recycled, baseless accusations aimed at diverting the real issues. Falsified and twisted statements from Gordon is not new to me. He has demonized me to the core, simply because I was a member of the Aquino Cabinet and refused to be manipulated by the Philhealth Mafia during my tenure,” Garin said.

House receives proposed 2021 national budget

August 25, 2020

By

Jester P. Manalastas
People's Journal
Martin Romualdez
“In behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, we transmit  this proposed national budget  to Congress for your consideration and approval. The 4th year of the administration is facing different challenge because of the COVID-19,” Avisado told lawmakers present at the simple ceremony held in Batasan Complex.

Meralco power rate cut hailed

August 25, 2020

By

Jester P. Manalastas
People's Journal
Meralco officials announced this during the virtual hearing of the House committee on good government and public accountability, and also the extension of the moratorium on the disconnection of services to consumers who are unable to pay their electric bills.

House member worries COVID-19 driving many Pinoys crazy 

August 24, 2020

By

Jester P. Manalastas
People's Journal
“This prolonged pandemic is adversely affecting the mental health of tens of thousands if not millions among us. Worries of being sick with COVID, no work, no food or less food to eat, being unable to go outdoors, pressure to earn for the family, sickness in the family, depressing news of friends infected with and dying of covid, unable to continue school, inability to get physical comfort from friends and relatives — all these result in deteriorating mental health of our people,” he said.

Junk PhilHealth ‘case rates’ — lawmaker

August 24, 2020

By

Jester P. Manalastas
People's Journal
“For instance, they have four case rates for new coronavirus disease or COVID-related ailments. For mild pneumonia, the package costs almost P44,000. A health facility can declare its treatment for colds, cough and fever as covid-connected mild pneumonia and get paid for P44,000 even if the actual cost is only P15,000 or P20,000,” he said.

Bicam okays P10-B for health workers

August 20, 2020

By

Jester P. Manalastas
People's Journal
The Senate contingent agreed to adopt a provision in the House’s version of Bayanihan 2 that seeks to allocate a total of P10.5 billion in various compensations for medical front-liners, including a special risk allowance not just for public healthcare workers (HCWs) but also for private HCWs who are treating coronavirus disease or COVID-19 patients.

Bicam approves recovery fund

August 20, 2020

By

Jester P. Manalastas
People's Journal
The bicam later agreed to divide the P10 billion: P6 billion to be earmarked for soft loans for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector; P3 billion goes to the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) for displaced workers and P1 billion to the Deprtment of Public Works and Highways for tourism infrastructure.