PNoy : Good news to Gov’t workers, sorry for the private

In his labor day speech, the President, Benigno S. Aquino III announced the good news for the workers in the government sector that by June 1 they will be able to get the last installment of the salary increase under the Salary Standardization program of the government. 2.7 billion pesos of government fund was allocated for this program that will benefit the 1.6 million government workers.

It may be a good labor day for the government employees but sorry for the private sector. The president was not in tune in approving or pushing at least for the 125php legislated wage hike. He said that it will be costly for the economy to move for such policy and it will in turn cause more damage than benefits. He also cited that PH workers are already one of the highest daily wage earners in the South East Asian region and increasing wages may cause shutdown of industries or mass lay-offs of employees.. But he also said that the government is expediting its efforts and coordination with the regional wage boards to assess the private sectors needs. He also said that they are working in getting more jobs for the people and to sustain the current jobs availble.

Meanwhile, different labor groups and militant groups celebrated Labor Day via a huge protest in the streets. Gathered in Mendiola bridge, the protesters call on the president to push for the 125 legislated wage hike. They also asked for other benefits for the workers which according to them are concerns from the previous years. Some leaders voiced out their dismay over Aquino government’s in-action on many labor issues and concerns of the workers.

Related articles

• Gov’t workers to get pay raise a month ahead – Aquino (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
• [Press Release] Partido ng Manggagawa slams government inaction on workers demands (hronlineph.com)
• Dismay over PNoy’s Labor Day ‘surprise’ (abs-cbnnews.com)

It’s More Fun in the Philippines Int’l TV Commercial shown

Following the much celebrated new tourism campaign It’s More Fun in the Phillipines, DOT finally unveiled its international TV commercial. Shown in CNN, the TV commercial which lasted for 50 seconds, shows different memes created by Pinoys decribing their take on what is more fun in the Philippines.

Although the interval of transition between the images is a bit fast to read the captions, still it’s a good one in terms of its appeal and on being cathchy.

This is really getting to be a promising renewal of our tourism industry. With the success of WOW Philippines then, I know international tourist will continue to be WOWed because it’s really more fun here. And with the help of every Filipino netizens who are ambassadors on tourism to the world, I know that this campaign will bear fruit and become a succesful one.

PNoy and other Gov’t officials filed their SALNs

Following today’s deadline for the filing of their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth or SALN, gov’t officials led by President Benigno S. Aquino have already filed their SALN as of today. According to Malacañang’s Abi Valte, as early as April 24, 2012, PNoy have already filed his SALN in the office of the Ombudsman.

Meanwhile cabinet officials were also done with their filing and some of those who have already filed their SALNs were ES Ochoa, DOTC’s Mar Roxas, DOEs Rene Almendras, DBMs Butch Abad and others.

On the part of the Judiciary specifically the Supreme Court, this filing is very important as this is the same document being question on the impeachment trial of the Chief Justice. Defense lawyer Ramon Esguerra said, Chief Justice Corona will definitely file his SALN today, but as to its disclosure he said there should be permission first from the en banc.

Senate also was not left behind in filing this year’s SALN, and 4 of its early filers were senators Villar, Lacson, Escudero and Trillanes. According to the SALN of Sen. Manny Villar he has net worth at P854,213,716.00 including investments in shares of stocks valued at P219,228,941.00, and has no listed liabilities. Sen. Ping Lacson on the other hand  totaled his net worth to P22,637,612.46.00, with his assorted assets amounting to P39,075,528.71 and liabilities amounting to P16.5 million. Sen. Chiz Escudero have P9,867,082.00 of total net worth from his assets of P11,367,082.00 and liabilities of P1.5 million. And lastly Sen. Antonio Trillanes declare a total net worth of P3,897,121.50 with assets amounting P10.6 million and liabilities of P6.7 million.

Related articles

• SALN deadline today (newsinfo.inquirer.net)
• Aquino to CJ: My SALN long open to public (hreplib.wordpress.com)