News Roundup 23 May 2022
May 23, 2022 • 4 min Read
Comelec may sue contractor for improper disposal of poll paraphernalia in Cavite — Garcia | INQUIRER.NET – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) may prosecute individuals who are liable for the improper disposal of poll paraphernalia in a vacant lot in Amadeo, Cavite. Comelec entered a contract with logistics firm F2 Logistics for the transport of ballots, vote-counting machines, and other supplies for the elections which were held on May 9. The cargo forwarder earlier was asked to explain why election documents were found in a vacant lot in Amadeo, Cavite a few days after the May 9 polls. “There is a contract and if there is a violation of the contract o hindi nila na-satisfy ‘yung contractual obligation nila, then we can always: 1) either rescind the contract; 2) may damages kami, bawasin natin ‘yung ibabayad namin o; 3) we can withhold payment until we are fully satisfied kung ano ‘yung nangyari or at the same time, we can always prosecute,” Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said in a press briefing.(There is a contract and if there is a violation of the contract or they did not fulfill their contractual obligation, then we can always: 1) either rescind the contract; 2) lessen the payment if there are damages or; 3) we can withhold payment until we are fully satisfied with the situation at the same time, we can always prosecute.) The person who was in possession of the poll paraphernalia will be accountable as it is infidelity in the custody of public documents under the Revised Penal Code, and penal clause under their contract said Garcia.
Cavite Rep. Boying Remulla set to be justice secretary under Marcos Cabinet | INQUIRER.NET – Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has accepted the offer to be the secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the administration of presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Remulla confirmed this in a text message to INQUIRER.net on Monday. “Yes,” Remulla said when asked if he was offered–and accepted the offer–to be the next justice secretary. Remulla was re-elected as the representative of the 7th District of Cavite in the recently-concluded 2022 elections. INQUIRER.net has reached out to the Marcos camp but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.
Labor group pushes P100 billion stimulus package for MSMEs | PHILSTAR.COM – To hasten the country’s economic recovery, organized labor yesterday pushed for the implementation of a P100-billion subsidy loan for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Federation of Free Workers (FFW) president Sonny Matula said the wage increase granted by different Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) for minimum wage earners is insufficient to boost the economy. “This is not sufficient and that’s why government needs to help uplift the economy by launching a P100-billion or more stimulus package as subsidy/loan for MSMEs, and financial assistance to workers who lost their employment,” Matula said in a statement in Filipino. Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion previously recommended that the next administration protect MSMEs, which he said are key to job creation. He noted that MSMEs generate more than half of employment nationwide. Creating jobs, he stressed, would bring more inclusive growth than wage hikes. Though the wage adjustments given to workers are late and insufficient, Matula said these are still being welcomed by labor groups. “These increases are insufficient for the needs of Filipino workers, however, it helps in relieving some concerns from lower purchasing power due to inflation, rising commuter costs, and rising prices of staple goods,” Matula explained. Matula issued the statement after the RTWPB in Mimaropa approved a P35 increase in the daily minimum wage rate in the region. In Soccsksargen, the wage board granted a P32 pay hike. For minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region, the wage board approved a P33 wage increase, and between P55 to P110 for workers in Western Visayas. While lobbying for a legislated national minimum wage, FFW called on other RTWPBs to speedily grant wage increases for workers in their jurisdiction. According to Matula, a law is needed to enforce a national minimum wage for easier enforcement and avoid discrimination. Matula said FFW continues to encourage workers to engage in collective bargaining negotiations to push for wage adjustments.
