News Briefs: Feb. 18, 2019

Duterte to appoint Bangsamoro transition officials

President Rodrigo Duterte will launch in Malacañang on Wednesday the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which would govern the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until elections were held for BARMM officials.

Mohagher Iqbal, peace panel chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and likely head of the BTA, said BTA officials would be sworn in by the President in ceremonies in Malacañang on Wednesday if there were no changes in the schedule. —Taher Solaiman

Senators: Funds are enough for universal health care

Senators have expressed confidence that the government could still bankroll the universal health care (UHC) law even without a new measure levying heavier taxes on tobacco.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, UHC author, said funds were already allotted for UHC in 2019’s P3.8-trillion national budget ratified by Congress.

Legislators had estimated that UHC would need at least P257 billion in the first year of its implementation.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said passing the sin tax bill was “not imperative” in implementing UHC.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said funds for UHC could come from an increase in taxes on sugar. —Marlon Ramos

Public urged to report use of gov’t resources by bets

The Department of the Interior and Local Government asked the public on Sunday to report to the agency or the Commission of Elections the use of government resources in campaigns for the May midterm elections.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had asked all local government units to remove all campaign materials from government facilities, property and vehicles. —Jeannette I. Andrade

CBCP to OFWs: Pick candidates with your qualities

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to vote for candidates who are really after their well-being.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, chair of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, said OFWs must look for their qualities in candidates—honest, hardworking and helpful to others.

OFWs, Santos said in a statement, should vote for candidates who “will help take care of your balikbayan boxes, create jobs here for you and help you promote your rights and dignity.” —Tina G. Santos