Wellness in Government: President Aquino certifies as urgent new sin tax bill on tobacco and alcohol

Aquino certifies as urgent new sin tax bill - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) yesterday lauded Aquino for certifying the sin tax reform bill as urgent. “We are happy that the President recognizes the need to reform the currently flawed taxation system in tobacco and alcohol and has acted upon this by making the sin tax reform bill of Abaya as an urgent measure to be passed in Congress,” said FCAP executive director Maricar Limpin.

Limpin said that while the “amended Abaya bill may not be ideal, as the original bill, we believe that this is still in the right direction.”

Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) had pushed for higher taxes for tobacco in the Philippines as the country’s cigarettes were among the “cheapest in Asia.”"

'via Blog this'

Wellness in Environment: Swimming Contest in Cebu Advocates for Clean Marine Environment

PIA | Philippine Information Agency | Swimming contest in Cebu advocates for clean marine environment: "The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), in partnership with the Philippine Aquatic Sports Association (PASA), is inviting all professional swimmers and swimming enthusiasts to the fifth Olango Challenge on May 19 at Tambuli Beach Resort, Buyong Maribago, Lapu-lapu City in Cebu. The open-water swim competition is an annual raising event set to benefit the people of Olango Island in Cebu. It also serves as an advocacy campaign to highlight the importance of a clean marine environment and to raise awareness about the high incidence of drowning in the Philippines. Past proceeds of the competition went to the construction and refurbishment of classrooms, the promotion and practice of organic verniculture and reforestation of Olango Island. "

'via Blog this'

Wellness in Arts: Surigao Norte gov unveils Surigaonon Arts and Culture Center

PIA | Philippine Information Agency | Surigao Norte gov unveils Surigaonon Arts and Culture Center: "Governor Sol Matugas along with other local officials led the unveiling of Surigaonon Arts and Culture Center Tuesday at the provincial sports complex here.The center showcases the heritage portraits and memorabilia depicting the richness of the Surigaonon culture. The event coincided with the 111th Founding Anniversary of Surigao on May 15. The province of Surigao was once a premier political jurisdiction in Mindanao when the American colonizers established a civil government, in May 15, 1901, by virtue of the Philippine Commission Act 127 enacted by the US government. Surigao was the capital with Prudencio Garcia as its first elected governor. On June 19, 1960, Republic Act 2786 was passed by Congress which brought the subdivision of the once proud Province of Surigao into what is known today as the Province of Surigao del Norte and the Province of Surigao del Sur. (FEA/ Jun Parada/Prov’l Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)"

'via Blog this'

Peace Update: Local Politics In The Sulu Archipelago And The Peace Process

Philippines: Local Politics In The Sulu Archipelago And The Peace Process: "The Aquino government’s peace strategy brings three components together: reform of the dysfunctional government of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which includes the three island provinces plus Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur in Central Mindanao; a review of the 1996 peace agreement with another Muslim insurgent group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); and a peace agreement with the MILF.

The last component is what unsettles the governors of the archipelagic provinces. They and the clan-based networks that support them benefit from the status quo: a political system historically rooted in Manila’s patronage of Muslim elite. They fear that a peace agreement would overhaul governance in Muslim areas, disrupt their access to money and power, and boost the Central Mindanao-based MILF, whom they distrust, at the expense of the islands. Their scepticism towards the peace process undermines its objective: to grant the Muslims of the south, known as the Bangsamoro, true autonomy once and for all."

'via Blog this' click to read full article: Philippines: Local Politics In The Sulu Archipelago And The Peace Process: