Latest news with #Pilipino
GMA Network
2 hours ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Marcos congratulates Gilas Youth for winning FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday congratulated the Gilas Pilipinas Youth after ruling the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, defeating Indonesia in the finals, 70-40, in Pampanga. "Isang malaking saludo sa Gilas Pilipinas Youth," Marcos said in his message in X (formerly Twitter). (A big salute to the Gilas Pilipinas Youth!) "Congratulations on your dominant 6–0 run and the gold medal at the U-16 SEABA Qualifiers. Isang malinaw na patunay na ang galing at determinasyon ng kabataang Pilipino ay walang kapantay. Suportado namin kayo sa inyong susunod na laban sa FIBA Asia Cup," Marcos said. (It is a clear proof that the talent and determination of the Filipino youth is unmatched. We support you in your next match in the FIBA Asia Cup!) Isang malaking saludo sa Gilas Pilipinas Youth! ???????????? Congratulations on your dominant 6–0 run and the gold medal at the U-16 SEABA Qualifiers. Isang malinaw na patunay na ang galing at determinasyon ng kabataang Pilipino ay walang kapantay. Suportado namin kayo sa inyong susunod… — Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) May 31, 2025 Gilas Pilipinas Youth had outscored Indonesia, 21-5, in the first period before taking a 41-20 lead by halftime. The team then logged its biggest lead, 59-25, with 1:31 left in the third period after the Philippines made a 6-0 run from consecutive baskets from Andwele Cabañero, Jeremiah Antolin, Jr., and Jhustin Hallare. Indonesia still couldn't find the answer in the final frame as the Philippines eventually completed a sweep of the tournament. Hallare led the U16 squad with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Carl Gabriel de los Reyes had 11 points, 13 boards, and four assists. Ethan Tan-Chi added nine points, while Evaraigne Cruz added seven points. Aside from winning the gold, the Philippines also secured its spot in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup which will be held in Mongolia this year. The Philippines will be joined by Indonesia and bronze medalist Malaysia in the Asian tourney. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
‘Tapat na serbisyo, sapat na benepisyo,' UAE-based OFWs ask of new senators
With the official proclamation of the 12 newly elected senators from the May 2025 midterm polls by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the globe are once again placing their hopes on the country's new leaders. Migrant workers, particularly those in the UAE, have voiced their long-standing calls for better governance and stronger protection of their rights, as well as support for the families they've left behind in the Philippines. Now, as the 20th Congress prepares to convene, all eyes are on this new batch of lawmakers, a mix of returning and first-time senators, who bring with them a range of promises and advocacies. OFWs and their families are watching closely, hoping these will soon be transformed into concrete policies and meaningful reforms. What OFWs really want Amid all the promises and platforms raised during the campaign period, many OFWs share a common plea: for elected officials to lead with transparency and genuine public service. In a recent Tanong ng Bayan post, the prevailing sentiments highlighted a strong desire for a cleaner government, streamlined systems, and more efficient public services. Key concerns included simplifying the process for returning workers, especially concerning the overseas employment certificate (OEC), which serves as an exit clearance for departing OFWs, as well as ensuring that government agencies uphold integrity and compassion in serving the Filipino people. 'Sana magtrabaho sila nang tama para sa mga mamamayang Pilipino,' an Abu Dhabi-based OFW said. 'Maging honest sila sa kanilang serbisyo,' another commenter wrote. Ahmad Taurac, an admin clerk and Dubai-based OFW, also captured what many others have been echoing for years. First on the list: scrap the OEC, a document many view as an outdated burden. He also called for easier access to government assistance, discounted airfare for migrant workers, and livelihood support for those returning home. 'Bigyan ng kabuhayan ang mga OFW na umuwing walang ipon upang hindi na bumalik pa sa abroad,' he said, adding that the newly elected leaders should also push for their families welfare, such as providing health insurance coverage and free education for their children. Ahmad Taurac, OFW for 13 years in the UAE As the 2025 midterm elections end, let's look back on how several senatorial candidates, now officially proclaimed senators, placed the rights and welfare of OFWs at the center of their platforms—commitments that were largely highlighted in public forums, media interviews, and campaign rallies. Expanding health and social benefits Erwin Tulfo/FB Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo wants to ensure that OFWs retire with dignity. He proposes a dedicated pension fund, separate from the Social Security System, where both the government and workers contribute. Tulfo highlighted the reality that many OFWs return home without savings and often depend on their children, underscoring the urgent need for long-term financial support. Kiko Pangilinan/FB Meanwhile, Senator-elect Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan is pushing for stronger healthcare and social protection. He aims to expand PhilHealth insurance coverage for the migrant workers and improve government assistance for their urgent medical concerns through strategic partnerships with various host countries. Pangilinan also advocates for a comprehensive reintegration program to ease their transition back home after years abroad. Strengthening support, policies Camille Villar/FB Millennial Senator-elect Camille Villar also promised a more responsive government for Filipino workers abroad. She plans to establish a dedicated hotline for legal aid and repatriation, while also pushing financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families. Building on her father Manny Villar's legacy, she vows to continue initiatives like the 'Sagip-OFW Helpline,' which she deemed helpful in repatriating thousands of distressed Filipinos abroad. Ping Lacson/FB Sea-based OFWs were also given attention as Senator-elect Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has pledged to ensure better protection for seafarers. He noted that Filipino seafarers deserve access to affordable education and training, suggesting that the government should provide subsidies similar to those offered under the Free Tertiary Education Act. Other newly elected senators have also voiced support for broader advocacies that could benefit not only OFWs but also their families, including affordable education, youth empowerment, law enforcement, government transparency, agriculture, and women's rights. Shared hopes Now that these senators have been officially elected, OFWs from different parts of the world are hopeful that their promises won't remain mere words. With millions of Filipino workers continuing to sacrifice and contribute to the nation's economy from abroad, they look to the new Senate to take real, lasting action that reflects the value of every modern-day hero.
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
De Lima: Premature to ask senators VP Sara endorsed to recuse from impeachment trial
'As a lawyer and former Justice Secretary, I believe that every senator has the duty to judge the impeachment based on the evidence and the Constitution. Nothing more, nothing less," De Lima said. It is premature to ask senators whose candidacies have been endorsed by Vice President Sara Duterte to recuse themselves from her impeachment trial, ML party-list Representative-elect Leila De Lima said on Monday. De Lima, a former senator and a former secretary of justice, instead called on the senators to rule on the articles of impeachment against Sara Duterte based on the evidence and the 1987 Constitution. 'As a lawyer and former Justice Secretary, I believe that every senator has the duty to judge the impeachment based on the evidence and the Constitution. Nothing more, nothing less," De Lima said. "So ang hiling po natin ay hindi mag-recuse o mag-inhibit, kundi tumingin sa ebidensiya, at tuparin ang sinumpaang tungkulin sa mga Pilipino,' she added. (Our wish is not for them to recuse or inhibit but to look at the evidence and do their sworn duty to the Filipinos.) De Lima is a member of the prosecution panel of the House of Representatives. She said it was important to stick with the impeachment process, and senator-judges should have the chance to prove their mettle and integrity, given that the trial will air on national television for the public to witness. 'Masyado pang maaga para ikonsidera ang issue ng possible inhibition. Tingnan muna natin kung ano talaga ang mga magiging asta o mga pahayag nila kapag mag-umpisa na ang impeachment trial proceedings,' De Lima said. (It is premature to consider the issue of possible inhibition. Let's first see how the senators will carry themselves when the impeachment trial proceedings start.) 'Dahil televised ang proceedings, makikita rin ng taumbayan kung makatwiran at makatarungan ang paghuhusga ng senator-judges, at hindi lamang batay sa loyalty sa kung kaninong politiko,' she added. (Since the proceedings are televised, the public will be able to witness if the Senator judges will be reasonable and can deliver justice instead of deciding based on loyalty to a certain politician.) Under the Constitution, the conviction of an impeached official requires 16 votes or two-thirds of the 24-member Senate. For an impeached official to be acquitted, he or she needs nine. The Vice President was impeached by the House of Reentatives on February 5, with over 200 congressmen endorsing the complaint against her. She was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes mainly over alleged misuse of around P612.5 million worth of confidential funds and threatening to kill President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., his wife First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and the President's cousin, Speaker, Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez. The Vice President said she is looking forward to her impeachment trial in the upcoming 20th Congress because she 'wants a bloodbath,'' noting that her legal team is on "full throttle" in their preparations. –NB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Customs chief steps down amid Marcos call for courtesy resignations
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on Friday announced his resignation, following suit with the courtesy resignations of Cabinet-level and secretary-ranked officials in the midst of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s post-midterm polls Cabinet overhaul. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio also tendered his courtesy resignation. — Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) May 23, 2025 'Ito po ay pagtugon sa panawagan ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas na muling iayon ang ating pamahalaan sa kung ano ang nararapat para sa taumbayan,' Rubio said in a statement. (This is in response to the call of the President of the Philippines to realign the government with the needs of the people.) 'To this end, I have submitted my resignation as the Commissioner of Customs to give the President a free hand in assessing the performance of the heads of agencies and better improve the service to the Filipino people,' the Customs chief said. Rubio's announcement came on the heels of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin's announcement of the latest changes in the Marcos Cabinet. Notably, his boss Finance Secretary Ralph Recto along with other members of the economic team —Trade Secretary Cristina Roque; Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan; Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman; and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go— were retained by the President. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. also tendered his courtesy resignation 'to give the Chief Executive a free hand in evaluating my performance in pursuit of further improving public service under his Administration.' 'Ang makapagsilbi po sa sambayanang Pilipino ay isa sa pinakamalaking karangalang ipinagkaloob sa akin,' Rubio said. (To serve the Filipino people is such great honor bestowed upon me.) 'I remain in full support of His Excellency's policies and reforms for national progress and development,' he added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comelec launches KAISA project ahead of December barangay, SK polls
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched on Friday the KAISA Project to kick off the preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in December. (Photo from NCIP) The Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched on Friday the KAISA Project to kick off the preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in December. Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay said that Project KAISA stands for 'Katapatan at Integridad para Sa Atin.' 'Project KAISA also officially launches the BSKE, Project KAISA was founded on a simple yet powerful premise: katapatan at integridad. Dahil ang ating eleksyon ay naguumpisa at nagtatapos sa pagtitiwala ng sambayanang Pilipino,' he said in a press conference. (Project KAISA also officially launches the BSKE. Project KAISA was founded on a simple yet powerful premise: honesty and integrity. Because our elections begin and end with the trust of the Filipino people.) The commissioner noted that it's very important to ensure an honest and truthful BSKE as barangays and SK are crucial to have an effective national government. 'The BSKE plays a critical role in the grassroots level of our local government. It is actually the cornerstone of our democracy [...] Thus, from the filing of candidacies, in the smallest and remotest barangay, to the casting of votes, and the proclamation of winners, every procedure must be anchored on katapatan at integridad,' said Bulay. 'It will remind us that effective governance starts actually at the barangay hall and transformative leadership starts with the youth at SK,' he added. Meanwhile, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said that the poll body is also aiming to encourage more voters from the vulnerable sector to cast their votes. 'Ang gusto kong ipahatid sa bawat isa na mapagtulung-tulungan natin na masigurado na, lalong lalo na ang vulnerable sector, yung miyembro ng indigenous peoples, yung nakatatanda, yung may kapansanan sila dapat ang binibigyan ng patungkol at tugon lalo na sa araw ng halalan,' he said. (What I want to convey to everyone is that we can work together to ensure that, especially the vulnerable sector, members of indigenous peoples, the elderly, and those with disabilities, are given consideration and a response, especially on election day.) The Comelec also signed a memorandum of agreement with various organizations, including the National Youth Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, various election watchdogs, and academic institution to enhance the voting experience of the Filipinos in the December 1 polls. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News
