Latest news with #SRA
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
‘Smuggled' sugar shipments worth P9 million seized in Manila port
Authorities have intercepted two separate shipments of sugar, which lacked necessary permits, at the Port of Manila (POM) for violations of customs and importation rules. In a statement, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, BOC Assistant Commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group Vincent Philip Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, and POM District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar jointly led the inspection of the intercepted sugar shipments on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The BOC said the first operation was carried out on May 23, 2025, following a Pre-Lodgement Control Order issued by the BOC-POM. The Customs said a joint team from the BOC, SRA, DA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other enforcement units examined two 20-foot container vans from Thailand containing 1,000 sacks of refined sugar. While the consignee was registered with the SRA, the BOC said the shipment lacked the required import allocation and clearance, rendering the importation unauthorized. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-POM recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violations of Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Sugar Order No. 6, Series of 2022–2023. Another shipment, which arrived on April 29 at the POM from Thailand, involved two container vans of refined sugar imported 'without any permit or import allocation from the SRA.' The BOC said it examined the two abandoned 20-foot containers in coordination with the SRA, DA, Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. (CCBI), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) -POM, and CIIS-POM and found 1,040 bags labeled 'sweet mixed powder.' Both shipments of sugar are valued at approximately P9 million, according to the Customs. 'President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the smuggling of agricultural commodities and other regulated goods will not be tolerated. These operations are a direct response to his marching orders to safeguard our borders and protect the welfare of the Filipino people,' said Rubio. In a separate statement, Tiu Laurel said, 'We cannot let these illicit trading practices undermine the agriculture sector and hurt our farmers, particularly those in the sugar industry.' 'The closer coordination among government agencies to clamp down on smuggling as well as the implementation of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law which doesn't allow bail should put fear on these illicit traders,' the Agriculture chief said. The DA chief instructed the SRA to blacklist the importers of the seized sugar shipments. The DA, through its Inspectorate and Enforcement office, last year seized P2.83 billion worth of smuggled farm goods, around P1 billion higher compared to the level in 2023. From January through May 19 this year, DA-IE already seized and condemned smuggled farm goods worth a total P407.6 million. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA Integrated News
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Warren Gatland gives first interview after taking shock new job and reveals who he spoke to about it
Warren Gatland gives first interview after taking shock new job and reveals who he spoke to about it The Kiwi coach says he's been impressed by the standard of talent so far Warren Gatland has given his first interview since arriving in Uruguay (Image: Instagram: cap_rugby ) Warren Gatland says he's excited to get started at Uruguayan side Penarol, and says he's already been impressed by the level of talent at his disposal. Gatland has taken up an advisory role at the club ahead of the Super Rugby Americas (SRA) play-off finals, just three months after ending his second spell with Wales. The 61-year-old will reportedly also contribute to Uruguay's bid to reach the Rugby World Cup. Uruguay have a qualifier against Paraguay in August and could play either Chile or Brazil for a place at the 2027 tournament in Australia. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "Before I came here, it's my first time, I've been to Argentina a number of times, so it's not a big country," he said in his first interview since making the move to the Montevideo-based side. "It's about the same size as New Zealand. A few less people. But I did have a look at from an an economic point of view and a political point of view, how stable it is in South America and how safe it is. "I spoke to a good friend of mine, Craig White, who was with Uruguay in a couple of World Cups and he said 'you'll have a fantastic time and the people will look after you and they're incredibly friendly and very hospitable'. "So I'm excited to be here and I'm looking forward to it. "I've been lucky enough to play Uruguay in a few World Cups and so it's good to be here with Penarol, and having a look at how rugby's come on in Uruguay over a number of years. "It's my second day here but I've been very impressed with the attitude of the players and the work of the coaches and the presentations. "My Spanish isn't very good so I'm trying to pick up as many names as I can and some phrases and try and understand as much as I can." But while there could well be a language barrier, the level of talent has clearly still managed to catch the eye of the New Zealander. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Article continues below "I've enjoyed it so far and been, like I said, very impressed with the attitude of the players and how everyone's been preparing and it's a very big game for them this weekend. "Having watched some of the Sevens players I thought in the world Sevens circuit they did extremely well. I was impressed by some of those players and some of them are here now. They look very athletic and skilful. "There's some big boys here. Some athletic boys and I'm looking forward to seeing how they go over the next few weeks. "
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Govt approves master plan for Dharavi Redevelopment Project
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday approved the master plan for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. The approval was granted during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri Guest House, where Chief Executive Officer of the project SVR Srinivas presented a detailed overview of the plan. After the presentation, CM Fadnavis said that the project would be implemented through an environmentally sustainable and integrated approach. He emphasised that the rehabilitation of local artisans and residents would be prioritised in the ambitious initiative. According to officials, Fadnavis directed authorities to ensure that Dharavi's original identity as a vibrant economic and industrial hub is preserved. 'The core essence of Dharavi must be protected. We are not just building structures, we are rebuilding lives,' Fadnavis said during the meeting. 'Every eligible resident must receive a home in Dharavi. Every skilled artisan and small business should be brought into the mainstream through fair rehabilitation. The criteria for eligibility may differ, but no one from Dharavi should be left behind,' he added. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was also present at the meeting, instructed the departments concerned to expedite all necessary approvals and processes related to the project. The Dharavi project is considered one of Asia's largest slum rehabilitation initiatives. The redevelopment is being carried out by a special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up through a joint venture between the Maharashtra government's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and the Adani Group's Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), now renamed Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL). In this SPV, Adani Properties Private Limited (APPL) holds an 80 per cent stake, while the remaining 20 per cent is held by the SRA. The gross area of the Dharavi Notified Area is approximately 253.7 hectares. Of this, the redevelopment project covers 173.90 hectares (usable area), including land under the Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA), while 79 hectares of property are excluded from the project scope. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 95,790 crore. The project received official approval and the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) on July 17, 2023. Construction began on January 14, 2025, with the issuance of the First Commencement Certificate (First CC). The project is scheduled to be completed within seven years, by January 13, 2032.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
The real reason Warren Gatland took shock job in Uruguay as fee details emerge
The real reason Warren Gatland took shock job in Uruguay as fee details emerge The former Wales head coach has taken on an advisory role with Uruguayan club side Peñarol Rugby Gatland is said to have come to Uruguay "out of passion and to collaborate" (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) More details have emerged around Warren Gatland's shock new job in Uruguay, with the real reason he made the move revealed. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the New Zealander - who stepped down as Wales head coach during the Six Nations after a torrid run of 14 successive Test match defeats - had started a new role with Uruguayan club side Peñarol Rugby, in which he will advise head coach Ivo Dugonjic and his team ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Americas (SRA) play-off finals next month. The move has taken the rugby world by surprise, but it comes after Gatland admitted following his Wales exit that he was "not done with coaching" and would be interested in taking on consultancy role going forward. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Now, the 61-year-old's exact motivations for taking on the short-term role in South America have been revealed by Peñarol's club president Gustavo Guerra. Speaking to El Observador, Guerra revealed that former Uruguayan Rugby Union president Sebastian Piñeyrúa had been the first to make contact with Gatland over the role, having had a good relationship with the coach due to his role on the World Rugby Council. 'Sebastian told me something about this 10 or 15 days ago, and I told him right away that he could count on my support, but that he should put us in the right conditions," he said. "And the truth is, [Gatland] is here out of passion and to collaborate. 'He's fully active, he's going to Australia to give talks, he continues to attend the Lions. He's here to contribute; he's not someone who's retired." Article continues below El Observador also reports that the amount of money Gatland is being paid in the role is "far from" the money splashed around in Europe, with the club simply covering the cost of his stay and expenses, as well as providing "an extra fee" for giving talks to clubs in Uruguay. Instead, the publication says that the former Wales boss has taken on the role "because of the challenge it entails" as well as "his desire to gain a closer look at the reality of regional rugby". While he is set to advise Peñarol over the next three weeks, it is the hope of the URU that they will continue to be able to consult with Gatland in the future, particularly as Uruguay target a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The New Zealander got to work with Peñarol on Monday, meeting club directors and those from the URU, as well as Dugonjic and the rest of the team's coaching staff. On Tuesday, he oversaw training as the team prepare to take on Pampas on Friday, in what will be their final match of the regular Super Rugby Americas season. Peñarol are currently top of the SRA table, with the Pampas match set to determine their route through the play-offs to the final. While he will work with the squad this week, however, next week will see Gatland start giving talks at clubs around Uruguay. Giving an insight into his first meeting with Gatland, Guerra said: 'Yesterday we had a meeting with him, Fabio, Pino, and me. He was a very kind, approachable guy. He knew things about Uruguay; he didn't come with his eyes closed. "He analysed the proposal; he was attracted by the Switzerland of the Americas. Yesterday he walked the boardwalk; everything seemed very safe to him. 'On Sunday we're going to try to take him to the farms, and next week to Punta del Este, Colonia, without driving him crazy either.' Article continues below 'I have to thank both Fabio (Magno, president of the URU) and Sebastian (Piñeyrúa) for putting these kinds of things together," he added. "Being involved in the region, you tend to call people you know from Argentina. "You don't even think of the right contact to call someone like Gatland. Or I could call someone, but it would be a challenge coordinating dates, not to mention the money. From a technical standpoint, it's like Ancelotti coming to Brazil."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington Post announces another buyout program targeting veteran staffers, other departments
The Washington Post announced Monday it was implementing another buyout program, this time targeting veteran staffers and other department employees. "Today, we are announcing that The Washington Post is offering a Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) to news employees with 10 or more years' service at The Post, as well as to all members of the video department and to all members of the copy desk and sports copy desk," Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray wrote in a staff memo obtained by Fox News Digital. The memo stated the move was part of The Washington Post's "ongoing newsroom transformation efforts aimed at reshaping and modernizing the newsroom for the current environment." "Like the rest of our industry, we are adapting to changing habits and new technologies that are transforming news experiences. Even as we have begun creating new departments and welcoming new colleagues, to reach new audiences we must increase our staffing flexibility and expand in areas such as audience data and social video," Murray continued. Jeff Bezos' Tenure As Washington Post Owner In Spotlight As Paper Grapples With Low Morale, Staffer Exodus Murray told staff the buyout program would conclude by the end of July. Read On The Fox News App "With the VSP, we will no doubt see valued colleagues and friends decide to leave The Post," Murray wrote. "But as stewards of this great institution, we all must remain relentlessly focused on bringing engaging and relevant journalism to growing numbers of readers in the formats and ways they want it in 2025. That is an urgent and important task for us given the pace of technological change, the industry's evolving landscape and the ever-present need to produce and promote strong, rigorous and independent journalism." According to a VSP document viewed by Fox News Digital, nine months of base pay would be given to staffers employed for 10-15 years, 12 months of base pay for 15-20-year veterans, 15 months of base pay for 20-25-year veterans and 18 months for anyone who has worked at the Post for more than 25 years. All of them would also receive 12 months of pay credit in their Separate Retirement Account (SRA). Washington Post 'Rudderless' As Bezos' Paper Engulfed By Layoffs, Talent Exodus Ahead Of Trump's Second Term One Washington Post staffer told Fox News Digital that the new buyout program is "less discerning" than previous rounds of buyouts because of how widespread it is, adding that copy editors are "always targets" and that they're "always underperticipated." "Less important who stays or goes. Just want to get the numbers down," the staffer said. A spokesperson for The Washington Post told Fox News Digital, "The Washington Post is continuing its transformation to meet the needs of the industry, build a more sustainable future and reach audiences where they are. This voluntary program is part of our ongoing efforts aimed at reshaping how we deliver world-class news experiences and expand our reach to serve all Americans." Washington Post Staffers Urge Owner Jeff Bezos To Meet In Scathing Letter: 'We Are Deeply Alarmed' The "Democracy Dies in Darkness" paper was hit with layoffs earlier this year and previously implemented buyouts in 2023. The Post was reportedly expected to lose a whopping $77 million in 2024. There has been an exodus of talent from the Post in recent months, including several resignations following moves made by the paper's billionaire owner, Jeff Bezos, who halted the Post's endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris just days before the presidential election and his initiative announced earlier this year, ordering columns regularly defending "personal liberties and free markets" and banning viewpoints that oppose article source: Washington Post announces another buyout program targeting veteran staffers, other departments
