Philippines House Bill 9175

Lawmakers approve bill providing permanent validity of birth, marriage certificates.

The House of Representatives has passed on second reading a bill that will give permanent validity to birth and marriage certificates. 

These documents were issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority and National Statistics Office. 

The lower house has approved House Bill No. 9175 or the “Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death, and Marriage Act.”

Under the proposed measure, certificates of live birth, death, and marriage issued, signed, certified, or authenticated by the PSA and its predecessor, the NSPO, and local civil registries will be valid regardless of the date of issuance.

“National government agencies and instrumentalities, government-owned and controlled corporations, local government units, private companies, private and public educational institutions, and other non-government entities are prohibited from requiring the submission of another or newer copies of certificates of live birth, death, or marriage, and reports of birth, death or marriage when a valid certificate can already be presented,” the bill said.

The bill however clearly states that documents should be intact, readable, and still visibly contain the authenticity and security features for it to become valid.

“In cases when the texts on the certificate appear illegible, or an administrative correction or a judicial decree has been approved, the concerned person shall thus submit new, amended, or updated certificate,” the bill added. 

Dar Al Ber Society Donates AED20 Million For 100 Million Meals Campaign

Dar Al Ber Society, one of the first charities established in the UAE, donated AED20 million to the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign aimed at providing food parcels for disadvantaged individuals and families across 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Dar Al Ber’s contribution will help provide 20 million meals to low-income communities in beneficiary countries including Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Angola, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Uganda.

Food parcels are distributed in an integrated network of collaboration between the campaign’s organizer Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the United Nations World Food Programme, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment (MBRCH), Food Banking Regional Network, and local humanitarian organizations in beneficiary countries.

Mohammed Souhil Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Dar Al Ber Society, said: “The 100 Million Meals campaign embodies the UAE’s commitment to its core values of giving, especially during Ramadan, the month of goodness, righteousness, and charity. The UAE plays a significant humanitarian role globally, and the vision and directives of our leadership has paved the way for an effective and sustainable implementation of philanthropy.”

Al Muhairi stressed Dar Al Ber’s commitment to actively participate in humanitarian initiatives, national relief campaigns, and joint charity projects, and to rapidly respond to the country’s humanitarian efforts.

Massive donations continue to pour in from individuals, businessmen and companies inside and outside the UAE since the campaign launched on April 11. Every AED1 donated helps provide one meal for beneficiaries in targeted countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The campaign is part of UAE’s contribution to global efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition, exacerbated by the outbreak of COVID-19. Today, more than 52 million people in the MENA region are undernourished, and most of them women and children.

The objectives of the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign are intertwined with the pillars on which Dar Al Ber Society was founded, aiming to reach disadvantaged groups, carry out sustainable inclusive humanitarian work, and promote solidarity in the face of crises and challenges.

The 100 Million Meals campaign is open to donations from inside and outside the UAE. Donations to the 100 Million Meals campaign can be made in four simple ways. First, through the campaign’s website www.100millionmeals.ae; second, by making a transfer to the designated bank account through Dubai Islamic Bank (AE08 0240 0015 2097 7815 201); third, by sending “Meal” on SMS to the specified UAE numbers (Etisalat and Du) listed on the website.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte flies to Singapore

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio confirms that she flew to Singapore on Tuesday.

“Yes. I am on leave and I have a travel authority from DILG,” she told Inquirer.net in a text message.

The presidential daughter however refused to disclose the details of her Singapore trip.

Duterte-Carpio arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 from Davao on board a Philippine Airlines flight around 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

She later boarded a Singapore Airlines flight at 2PM together with one of her children, a nanny, and a member of the Presidential Security Group.

This is not the first time Duterte-Carpio went to Singapore. She went there last year for a medical treatment

Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve no longer holidays in PH this 2021

Filipinos should expect fewer non-working days this year as three dates that have long been traditional holidays are now “special working days” in order to help the economy recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a proclamation reducing the number of holidays this 2021..

In Proclamation 1107, the President made the following days as “special working days.”
• Nov. 2, 2021 – All Souls’ Day
• Dec. 24, 2021 – Christmas Eve
• Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve

The three dates were previously special non-working holidays.

“For the country to recover from the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to encourage economic productivity by, among others, minimizing work disruption and commemorating some special holidays as special (working) days instead,” Duterte said.

Duterte previously lamented that the Philippines is losing Php2 billion a day due to the restrictions imposed against COVID-19.

“According to the Secretary of Finance, araw araw ngayon hanggang matapos ‘tong COVID, araw araw we are losing P2 billion na pera para sana ‘yun sa mga tao,” Duterte said in a speech on Monday night.


Duterte said that the Filipinos could’ve started earning money but the economy itself prohibits them to do so.

“The workers, the Filipino workers would have earned that money kung ang ekonomiya natin gumagalaw,” he added.

The National Economic and Development Authority said that Filipinos lost Php1.4 trillion in 2020 due to quarantines.

“Lahat ng bayan ngayon ng buong mundo, bagsak. Talagang bagsak. Tayo, maganda na sana. No’ng hindi dumating ‘yung COVID we were doing fine. Hindi naman very good. We were doing good. Tapos dumating ‘yung COVID. Walang kita,” Duterte said.

The Philippines also recorded a -9.5% gross domestic product in 2020 — the worst economic statistic recorded in the history of the Philippines since 1947.

Apelyido Ng Ina Papayagan Na

Latest News

Paggamit ng apelyido ng ina, papayagan na para sa mga legitimate children—Korte Suprema.

Papayagan na ngayon ang mga legitimate children, o mga anak ng isang legal na mag-asawa, na dalhin ang apelyido ng kanilang mga ina.

Ito ay base sa isang bagong labas na desisyon ng Korte Suprema (SC) sa petisyon ng isang Pinoy sa kasong ‘Alanis vs. Court of Appeals’.

Bata pa lamang ay ginagamit na ni Anacleto Ballaho Alanis III ang apelyido ng kaniyang ina na si Jamilla Imelda Ballaho, ayon sa ulat ng GMA News.

Ayon sa kanya, 5-anyos pa lamang siya nang iwan sila ng kaniyang ama na si Mario Alanis. Kasal sina Mario and Jamilla.

Dahil dito, nais ni Anacleto na gawing legal ang paggamit nya sa apelyido ng kanyang ina bilang pagpapahalaga sa pagtataguyod nito sa kanilang magkakapatid mula ng abandonahin sila ng kanyang ama.

Kaya’t minabuti ni Anacleto na ipetisyon ito sa Branch 12 ng Regional Trial Court (RTC) sa Zamboanga City.

Bukod dito, nais din niyang palitan ang kaniyang pangalan bilang “Abdulhamid” mula sa kasalukuyang “Anacleto”.

Pero hindi ito pinayagan ng RTC at Court of Appeals hanggang umakyat ang petisyon sa Korte Suprema.

Sa 15-pahinang desisyon ni Justice Marvic Leonen sa kaso, tinukoy niya ang “fundamental equality” o pantay na pagtingin sa ilalim ng Saligang Batas sa mga karapatan ng kababaihan at kalakakihan.

Ayon sa mahistrado, hindi umano naging patas ang trial court sa pagbalanse sa karapatang ito sa pagitan ng isang ina at ama.

“…the provision [in the 1987 Constitution] states that legitimate children shall ‘principally’ use the surname of the father, but ‘principally’ does not mean ‘exclusively.’”

Dagdag pa nya, hindi na dapat magpatuloy pa ang patriyarka sa sistema ng batas o sa lipunan.

“The trial court’s reasoning further encoded patriarchy into our system. If a surname is significant for identifying a person’s ancestry, interpreting the laws to mean that a marital child’s surname must identify only the paternal line renders the mother and her family invisible. This, in turn, antiquated gender roles: the father, as dominant, in public; and the mother, as a supporter, in private,” sabi sa desisyon.

Bukod sa mga lehitimong anak, maaari ding gamitin ng illegitimate children ang apelyido ng kanilang ina na hindi sila ikokonsidera na “illegitimate”.

Spain wants to increase current AED26.8+ bn FDI in UAE: Spanish minister

Photo credit: WAM

The United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Spain has reached over €6 billion (AED26.8+), according to a senior Spanish official.

In an exclusive interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM), Xiana Méndez, Spanish Minister of State for Trade, also said Spanish FDI in the UAE is valued at around €3 billion (AED13.2+ bn).

The UAE’s investments in strategic sectors in Spain, such as renewable energy, mines and other industries are “impressive,” she added in an interview in Abu Dhabi during her first official visit to the UAE this week.

“I think that we can do more and better and also diversify the scope of the sectors receiving these investments [into Spain],” the Spanish minister emphasized.

“There is a lot that we can do in order to boost the Spanish investment here in Emirates. Even though these figures [€3 billion] are impressive and important, especially because they have increased in recent years; still we can do more. There’s a scope for improvement.”

Spanish investments in the UAE are mostly concentrated in some sectors related to agro-industry, she said.

The minister revealed that Spain has initiated talks on a bilateral investment protection agreement with the UAE and once it is concluded, it will further enhance the investment flow between both countries.

“I think there’s a lot of interest from both sides in having this institutional framework to boost foreign direct investment in both directions,” she explained.

A recent Reuters report quoting the Spanish Foreign Minister, Arancha González Laya, said Spain is in talks with sovereign wealth funds from several Gulf countries to co-invest in projects financed by European aid in order to leverage the initial investment. Spain is also seeking to increase Spanish companies’ investment in the Gulf countries, particularly in infrastructure development.

Asked about the report, Méndez said Spain’s plan of increased investments in the UAE’s infrastructure sector will have preference in sustainable mobility, renewable energy, water and waste treatment.

On the investments from the Gulf, she said even without the European aid, Spain is a very attractive destination for foreign direct investment. “Sovereign funds know that and that’s why they have been presenting huge projects to Spain during the last decade. But it is true that with the arrival of these European funds, we will have the chance to identify new projects that will transform our productive sector.”

In Abu Dhabi, she visited the International Defence Exhibition and the Naval Defence Exhibition (IDEX and NAVDEX) 2021. Many Spanish companies have been participating in IDEX for many years and “I was impressed by the quality of the products and services presented [at the event],” Méndez said.

In Dubai, the minister visited Gulfood 2021, a global event with the participation of 2,500 companies from 85 countries, including some of the most prominent brands in the food and beverage sector.

With the presence of 50 Spanish companies, the event is a great opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation in the food sector, she said.

Filipino, Proud United Arab Emirates Residents

Follow on Twitter

The burgeoning population of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE can be attributed to the safety of the country, according to a straw poll conducted by the Filipino Times—following the release of the results of the National Happiness and Wellbeing Survey. The year-long study of the Ministry of Community Development shows that 93 percent of residents said they are ‘proud to live in the UAE’ and 8 out of 10 residents said ‘they are living a meaningful life’ in the emirates. In terms of safety,  92 percent of the 10,000 respondents aged 15 and above said they feel safe walking alone at night.

Her Excellency Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister for Community Development and Chairwoman of the Wellbeing Council, said that the positive response of the residents in the latest National Happiness and Wellbeing Survey reflect the UAE’s vision in spearheading initiatives that contribute to the general welfare of everyone living in the country.

“These development ideas enhance the UAE’s pioneering aspirations to achieve the best wellbeing standards through qualitative projects and initiatives launched by the national task forces, bringing together various government authorities to make great efforts in promoting people’s wellbeing, especially in the exceptional circumstances surrounding the population this year,” said Buhumaid.

Philippine Consul General in Dubai Paul Raymund Cortes said that apart from securing the well-being and safety of all those who wish to come to the UAE, the host government has also been very strategic in terms of identifying networks and policies that would enable migrants of different professions to search for economic opportunities for them in this country.

“The reputation of the UAE as a safe haven for migrants who wish to fulfill their ambitions and reach for their goals is grounded on the host government’s warm welcome to the over 9 million expats in the country,” he said.

“The UAE has also been reputed to be a hotbed of innovation which allows business and entrepreneurial acumen to develop and further grow in this country, which will in turn allow more expats to come to the UAE to enjoy these innovations and developments and be an active contributor towards these goals as well,” he added.

Welcome to the safest country

Filipinos in the UAE salute Abu Dhabi after it was named the world’s safest city for the fifth consecutive year; it is joined by Sharjah and Dubai in the top 10 list compiled by the crowdsourced data website Numbeo. These rankings are beyond just numbers; to a great extent, they foretell not only a city’s or nation’s success, but also the residents’ future. This was shown by the National Happiness and Wellbeing Survey, wherein 84 percent of the UAE population is found to be generally optimistic in life.

The Philippine Consul General added that Filipinos, along with 200 other nationalities, become determined to play an equal role in this country’s development due to the security they provide.

“When people do not feel uncomfortable with the security provided—meaning that they have strong faith in the host government and their policy towards building a safe and stable society—people become more focused on building economic opportunities and strengthening techniques and expertise that would make the lives of everyone easier, more efficient, more effective, and more attuned to helping more people,” he said.

Fair treatment 

When Anabelle Fernandez first arrived in the UAE 15 years ago, she was filled with hope and optimism that this would be her key to helping her family as the new breadwinner.

The UAE did not disappoint her. Fernandez now treats the country as her second home as she fell in love with how the UAE society treats everyone fairly without looking at someone’s country of origin, line of work, etc.

“In UAE they treat all people equally – walang mahirap o mayaman. Ever since pa naman (way back 15 years ago), napakaganda na mamuhay dito sa UAE. All you just have to do is obey and follow the rules. And life is very convenient; you can reach out for help from authorities anywhere you are,” said Fernandez.

Haven for breadwinners

Perlita Malupeng, who has been working for over two decades as a household worker in the country, also told TFT her inspiring story and gratitude for the UAE.

“Malaki na ang naitulong sa akin ng UAE sa pamamalagi ko dito – unang una na doon ay napagtapos ko sa pag-aaral ang aking anak hanggang kolehiyo. Nagkaroon na din ako ng pampundar para makabili ng sariling bahay at lupa. Bukod dito, natulungan ko din makapunta at makapagtrabaho ang aking dalawang kapatid,” said Malupeng.

Meanwhile, Robbie Tirol, a hotel staff working for nearly 10 years in Abu Dhabi, said the UAE helped him transform his dreams into reality.

“Sa nine years ko po dito sa UAE, unti-unti pong natutupad ang aking mga pangarap. Nakabili po ako ng lupa at nakapag pundar din ako ng sarili kong bahay. Patuloy ko ding nasusuportahan ang aking pamilya financially sa pagpapadala sa kanila buwan-buwan. Syempre, marami na rin akong napuntahan at nakapag-tour na rin ako sa iba’t ibang bansa mula nung dumating ako dito sa UAE,” said Tirol.

Stamp of Safety

OFW Marissa Albano said that since she began working here in 1992, she has enjoyed the pleasures of feeling safe no matter where she goes at any time of the day – a testament to the UAE’s commitment to safety.

“I think we Filipinos find happiness in UAE from the high standard of security, and police patrolling anytime of the day. We can walk freely, we can do our shopping anytime without worries. Everything about this country is full of surprises and worth living for!” said Albano.

Blessed to be here

Overseas Filipinos living in the country express their gratefulness for the UAE’s leadership, whose vision is to ensure that everyone feels the convenience and safety that will make most expatriates treat it as their second home.

“Saludo po ako sa mga pinuno ng UAE at taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng kanilang pagsasa-ayos ng mga batas at pagpapatupad na naaayon sa kapakanan ng lahat. Dito sa UAE, panatag ka na kakampi mo ang batas ‘pag nasa tama ka,” said Malupeng.

They also underscored the importance of free COVID-19 vaccination, which is being provided by the UAE government for everyone, on an optional basis.

“Maraming salamat sa mga pinuno ng UAE at during this pandemic binigay niyo without cost yung vaccine laban sa COVID-19 at mga treatments para mabigyan nang pangalawang buhay ang ibang taong nawalan na nang pag-asang mabuhay. Patuloy niyo pong pinaparamdam sa amin na mas mahalaga ang buhay nang tao at salamat sa pagmamahal niyo sa amin,” said Fernandez.

United Arab Emirates National Agenda For Next 50 Years

UAE leaders approve creation of revitalized National Agenda for the next 50 years

The brainstorming retreat of the UAE government has resulted in the approval of a revitalized National Agenda, which will serve as the country’s framework for the next half-century.

The new set of national agenda will be based on the concept of balance development. With its details yet to be released, the framework will steer the country to a new direction and generate new strategic projects, which are aimed at boosting the competitiveness of vital sectors and sustaining economic stability within the next 50 years.

Most of these new initiatives will be anchored on digital transformation.

The two-day retreat, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, brought together ministers, government officials and dignitaries to lay out a strategic framework for the development vision for the country’s next phase.

The Vice President noted, “Over the past 50 years, we started from the desert of our land to the desert of Mars. Our dreams will be even bigger for the next 50 years.”

His Highness lauded the huge participation of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in the brainstorming retreat. “H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s participation in the retreat lays out a new and clear 50-year vision for the UAE,” the Vice President said.

For his part, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that the UAE government has the necessary capabilities, talents, and resources to draw the roadmap for the next 50 years.

“Our government teams in the next phase will only welcome people who will exert 10 times more efforts and energy to achieve greater successes. Our vision is to make the UAE an attractive destination for talents, ideas, and investment,” the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said.

His Highness added, “We will preserve H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s principle of always being number one. Our aim is to compete internationally.”

UAE Hospital Introduces New Treatment To Prevent Covid-19 Infection

A hospital in the UAE has introduced a new antibody treatment for coronavirus disease for mild patients and those with pre-existing conditions.

“If you’ve recently been diagnosed with mild COVID-19, you may have a new treatment option: bamlanivimab (bam-la-NIV-i-mab). This drug will prevent you from having severe COVID-19,” the RAK Hospital said in a statement on its website.

The hospital said the introduction of the medication was based on studies showing that the treatment may help limit the amount of virus in the body.

“This may help their symptoms improve sooner – and they may be less likely to get severe infection, which may need oxygenization or ventilation,” the hospital said.

The drug is also recommended to those who are 65 years old, diabetes, and those with high blood pressure and heart issues.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 3,102 new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, along with 3,814 recoveries and 19 deaths.
UAE health officials said that over 29.8 million tests have been conducted across the UAE.

Steven Seagal Grace Launch Of UAE’s First Fully Electric Tracker Vehicle At IDEX

Photo credit: Instagram/@streitgroup

Hollywood star Steven Seagal personally unveiled the first fully electric tracked vehicle manufactured in the UAE during the International Defence Exhibition or IDEX in Abu Dhabi.

The vehicle called Storm, is considered first-of-its-kind hybrid, tracked and amphibious vehicle for the military’s special operations, medical evacuations, and peacekeeping.

The vehicle also featured the latest technologies in ballistic, IED, and mine blast protection.

Seagal is the brand ambassador for STREIT, a defense company that makes sophisticated armored vehicles based in Ras Al Khaimah.

In a press conference, he likened the vehicle’s design as a “crossover between a Lamborghini and a stealth fighter”. He added that it “is one of the head-turners at IDEX.”

This is the first major public event in the emirate since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Three other vehicles were also launched, including Dhabi, a state-of-the-art mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle; Nisr, a mounted infantry troop carrier and ground support vehicle; and Condor, a cost-effective MRAP. 

Philippines Mayor Vico Sotto Named Anti-Corruption Champion By US State Department

Pasig City Mayor Victor “Vico” Sotto is among the individuals named by the US State Department as ‘International Anticorruption Champions’.

Sotto is among the 12 honorees under the International Anti-corruption Champion Award.

The other honorees include the following:
Ardian Dvorani (Albania)
Diana Salazar (Ecuador)
Sophia Petrick (Federated States of Micronesia)
Juan Francisco Sandoval Alfaro (Guatemala)
Ibrahima Kalil Gueye (Guinea)
Anjalli Bhardwaj (India)
Dhuna Mohammed (Iraq)
Bolot Temirov (Kyrgz Republic)
Mustafa Abdullah Sanalla (Libya)
Francis Ben Kaifala (Sierra Leone)
and Ruslan Ryaboshapka (Ukraine)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the accolade recognizes individuals who have “worked tirelessly, often in the face of adversity, to defend transparency, combat corruption, and ensure accountability in their own countries.”

Sotto was described by the US body as a “standard-bearer for a new generation of Philippine politicians who prioritize anti-corruption and transparency initiatives in their election campaigns and in office.”

The award also highlights Sotto’s legacy as a young city councilor who defended the freedom of information legislation, allowing city residents to request documents without having to provide a justification – the first such law in the Metro Manila area.

“Sotto has sought to solidify his reputation as a fresh voice with a new, more transparent approach to governance,” it said.

Apart from that, Sotto was also recognized as a young mayor who has mandated that the value of all city government contracts be reduced by at least 10 percent, a move intended to reduce bribery in the awarding of contracts.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has emphasized the country’s commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability “is a mission that we must live at home and exemplify abroad.”