Business groups denounce impunity of officials violating quarantine protocols

BUSINESS GROUPS denounced the prevailing culture of impunity with reports of public officials violating quarantine protocols but not immediately held liable by law enforcers. In a statement on Sunday, different private sector organizations said they have been supporting the “whole-of-government, whole-of-society” response against the coronavirus pandemic, noting that its members as well as their employees and officers were compliant with measures to contain the spread of the disease. “We are therefore greatly disappointed — even appalled and dismayed — about news reports of public officials violating with impunity the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) and DoH (Department of Health) protocols intended to protect public health,” they said in a joint statement, without naming any official. —

Senator wants probe on OWWA assistance to returning overseas workers

A RESOLUTION seeking to look into the operations of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in assisting returning overseas workers has been filed in the Senate. Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon filed Senate Resolution No. 417 after finding OWWA’s assistance to workers displaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as “insufficient and dismal.” Mr. Drilon said the agency has yet to tap its P20-billion OWWA Fund, sourced from overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and has so far only facilitated the provision of food packages, transportation and accommodation of workers. The fund “could be and should be utilized to help OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing them adequate financial, livelihood and other assistance,” the resolution read in part. —

Senate panel finalizes Bayanihan law extension, stimulus package

THE MEASURES extending President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s special powers until September and the proposed economic stimulus package are being finalized, the Senate committee on finance said on Sunday. Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara, who chairs the panel, said they are planning to endorse the extension of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the economic stimulus during Monday’s session. “Trying for tomorrow,” Mr. Angara said in a phone message, “Just awaiting comments from senators and agencies before finalizing committee report.” —

Party-list rep files bill for mandatory registration of stranded, abandoned workers

CONSTRUCTION Workers Solidarity Party-List Rep. Romeo S. Momo has filed a bill mandating the registration of all stranded and displaced workers to expedite government aid in times of crisis such as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Under House Bill 6813, employers will be required submit a list of all affected workers within five days from the declaration of a lockdown to the barangay or local government as well as to the field office of the Department of Labor and Employment. —

Poe appeals for faster cell site rollout for digital learning

THE Senate committee on public services appealed to President Rodrigo R. Duterte to order a faster rollout of cell sites across the country for improved connectivity as the education sector is expected to tap more digital learning options amid the coronavirus threat. “We appeal to the President to put to task all sources or causes of delay in the construction of the necessary infrastructure to enable us to connect effectively with our students who are aspiring for better lives,” Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, committee chair, said in a statement on Sunday. —