News Briefs

After topping survey, Go says he might run

DAVAO CITY—Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go said there was now a 50-50 chance of him running for senator following the announcement that he topped a survey for senatorial candidates recently conducted by a university here. Go said his good showing in the survey by the University of Mindanao (UM) inspired him. In a survey by UM’s Institute of Popular Opinion, 7 out of 10 Davao residents of voting age said they would vote for Go if senatorial elections were held in August. While he had been adamant in saying he would not run, Go on Monday said there’s now an increased chance of him running. Last Friday, Go was among the more than 6,200 individuals who took oath as members of the regional political bloc Hugpong ng Pagbabago. During the event, President Duterte addressed his most trusted aide as “Senator Go.” —FRINSTON LIM

Koko says his faction recognized by Du30

President Duterte recognized the faction of Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III as legitimate members of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), according to Pimentel. Pimentel is president of PDP-Laban, but another faction, headed by Rogelio Garcia, also a supporter of Mr. Duterte, claimed to be the genuine party. Pimentel said there had never been any doubt that his faction was the real PDP-Laban. He said he did not intend to compromise with Garcia’s faction. He described members of the rival faction as “nonparty members, people with hidden agenda.” —LEILA B. SALAVERRIA

Du30 signs new work safety standard law

President Duterte has signed a law which aims to ensure strict compliance of employers with occupational safety and health standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Standards law requires employers to comply with provisions in the Labor Code, domestic laws and international standards on health and safety in the workplace. Republic Act 11058 was signed by the President on Aug. 17. The law covers all establishments, projects and work sites, including Philippine Economic Zone Authority establishments. —JULIE M. AURELIO

$10-K deposit for Kuwait recruiters suspended

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has suspended the implementation of a requirement for Kuwaiti agencies recruiting Filipino household workers to make a $10,000 escrow deposit first, for fear it would be discriminatory. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the implementation of the requirement had been “held in abeyance” pending the POEA’s release of another directive. —JOVIC YEE

Trip to Israel to help PH fight terrorism

DATU ABDULLAH SANGKI, MAGUINDANAO—President Duterte’s planned visit to Israel next month will help boost the Philippines’ counterterrorism capability, his special assistant Christopher “Bong” Go said on Monday. Go said the President, who has accepted an invitation to visit Israel, would also look into the plight of more than 20,000 overseas Filipino workers in Israel during his trip planned for Sept. 2-5. During the trip, Mr. Duterte will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss cooperation in trade, tourism, labor, agriculture, counterterrorism and law enforcement, Go said. —JEOFFREY MAITEM