News Roundup 26 June 2023
Jun 26, 2023 • 4 min Read
Korean aircraft maker offers deal to PAF | INQUIRER.NET – The PAF’s multi-role fighter acquisition project has been a toss-up between the F-16 Viper of United States’ Lockheed Martin and Jas-39 Gripen of Sweden’s Saab, but the Philippines’ budgetary constraints have stalled a final deal.
KAI built the 12 FA-50 light fighters currently in use by the PAF, which were acquired under the Aquino administration for P18.9 billion to enhance the country’s territorial defense capabilities amid China’s increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Kim Sang-eung, KAI regional manager, said South Korea was proposing to export three squadrons or 36 additional FA-50s and a retrofit for the current light fighters to meet the PAF’s medium- and long-term goals to have a credible air defense and air power.
“FA-50 is the most cost-efficient solution that customers around the world opt to procure as next-generation multi-role fighter aircraft,” he said in a PAF pre-anniversary forum last week, without mentioning a price tag.
Full Story at: Korean aircraft maker offers deal to PAF | Inquirer News
DepEd memo violates privacy – ACT | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Sunday maintained that the move of the Department of Education (DepEd) to ask for a list of those affiliated with their group was a violation of their right to freedom of association and privacy after the agency justified its request.
In a memorandum dated June 14, Education Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo instructed regional directors and schools division superintendents to submit a complete list of teachers affiliated with ACT who are availing DepEd’s automatic payroll deduction system (APDS).
Aside from ACT, DepEd also asked in separate memorandums lists of those affiliated with the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and DepEd Teachers’ Union.
All documents did not indicate or explain the purpose of the request and DepEd only issued a clarificatory statement on Saturday after the memorandum, which ACT suspected as “profiling operations” of the agency, drew criticisms online.
“The sole purpose of consolidating the list of [those availing] APDS from various organizations in the regions is to centralize, connect, update and improve the department’s Human Resource Systems, including the APDS,” the DepEd statement read.
No need for list
DepEd added that there have been “regular complaints” from employees over inaccurate, questionable, and unwarranted salary deductions for loan remittances and membership dues.
But according to ACT, there was no need for DepEd to collect the list of their members “as it is DepEd which approves and implements the APDS every month.”
Full Story at: DepEd memo violates privacy – ACT | Inquirer News
Marcos appoints suspended lawyer Gadon as adviser for poverty alleviation | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed suspended lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon as presidential adviser on poverty alleviation, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
Marcos’ appointment of Gadon — who was indefinitely suspended by the Supreme Court for verbally assaulting a journalist last year — “reflects the government’s commitment to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by our nation,” the PCO said.
“He will play a pivotal role in advising the President on strategies and policies aimed at combating poverty and improving the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society,” the PCO added.
Full Story at: Marcos appoints suspended lawyer Gadon as adviser for poverty alleviation | Philstar.com
Lawmaker seeks suspension of Cebu Pacific’s franchise over flight woes | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro) has filed a resolution seeking to suspend the franchise of budget carrier Cebu Pacific.
House Resolution 1101 aims to temporarily suspend the granted franchise of Cebu Air Inc under Republic Act 751. This act allows the establishment and operation of transport services for mail, goods, and property transportation. The resolution comes in response to recent flight cancellations by the airline.
“Cebu Pacific has a history of unsatisfactory service to the public,” the resolution reads.
Rodriguez stressed the inconvenience faced by passengers due to Cebu Pacific’s flight delays and cancellations. He further noted passengers’ dissatisfaction with the lack of prompt assistance and support from the airline’s customer service hotlines and in-person helpdesks.
“Some of the complaints that were brought up during a Senate Inquiry include one passenger saying how bad they were treated by Cebu Pacific on their return flight to Manila from Tokyo on June 5,” the resolution read.
Full Story at: Lawmaker seeks suspension of Cebu Pacific’s franchise over flight woes | Philstar.com
