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BACK COVID-19 VACCINATION IN THE PHILIPPINES IS IT A CHOICE or AN OBLIGATION? BY ATTY. HERBERT B. HERNANE AND ATTY. DEO PAOLO MARCIANO V. HERMO T he Philippine government’s implementation of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program brings a plethora of legal considerations. Inevitably, not all Filipino citizens are onboard with the vaccination program due to fear of possible side effects, religious or personal beliefs, or other considerations. This becomes relevant as government restrictions are loosened, businesses begin to reopen, and the country begins acclimatizing toward the “new normal,” which largely depends on the success of the government’s vaccine program and the attainment of herd immunity among Filipino citizens. With these in mind, we shall discuss the current vaccination policy in the Philippines in relation to employment requirements. We shall also clarify if the failure or refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 could be a ground for arrest or criminal prosecution and if parents can refuse the vaccination of their minor children. Can employers require their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine? If yes, are there exemptions? No, employers cannot require employees to get inoculated against COVID-19. There is no law or issuance from the Philippine government on mandatory vaccination. However, Republic Act No. 11525, or the COVID-19 Vaccination states that vaccination is not a requirement for employment because it provides that vaccine cards, which are issued upon vaccination “shall not be considered as an additional mandatory requirement for educational, employment, and other similar government transaction purposes.” The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) adopted a similar rule for the private sector in Labor Advisory No. 03-2021. Under Article III thereof, a “no vaccine, no work policy” shall not be allowed, and an employer cannot discriminate against an employee for purposes of tenure, promotion, training, pay, and other benefits, on the ground that said employee refuses or fails to get vaccinated. Moreover, the employer cannot terminate an employee based on this ground. Otherwise, the employer may be charged with illegal termination. Can someone be arrested for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine? No, a person cannot be arrested for not being inoculated against COVID-19. An arrest is defined as “the taking of a person into custody in order that he may be bound to answer for the commission of an offense.” Hence, an arrest presupposes that there is probable cause that an offense or crime has been committed to justify the actual restraint of a person to be arrested, or his submission to the custody of the person making an arrest. Currently, the failure or refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is not a crime because there is no law which criminalizes it and provides a penalty for its commission. This is pursuant to the established legal principle that there is no crime where there is no law punishing it. Should there be a vaccine someday for children, do parents have the legal right to keep their children from being vaccinated against COVID-19? Yes, parents may refuse to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19, absent the determination of any compelling state interest. The mandatory vaccination of minors under the Philippine government’s COVID-19 national vaccination program involves the consideration of whether the government can override parental authority under its role as parens patriae (parent of the nation), as minors are generally considered under the law to be incapable of giving consent. Philippine legislation is replete with legal basis for the recognition of the primacy of the Filipino family and natural authority and duty of parents to their children and other family matters. The 1987 Constitution acknowledges the “sanctity of family life” and the duty of the State to “protect and strengthen the family as a basic economic social institution.” Further, the 1987 Constitution provides that parents have the natural and primary right and duty “in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character,” that the State has the duty to defend “the rights of spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood” and “the right of families or family associations to participate in the planning and implementation of policies and programs that affect them,” among other provisions. These provisions are a manifestation of the State recognition of “decisional privacy inherent in every family.” In turn, the Family Code provides that parental authority shall include “the caring for and rearing of such children for civic consciousness and efficiency and the development of their moral, mental and physical character and well-being.” Hence, parents have the duty “to enhance, protect, preserve and maintain their physical and mental health at all times.” Nevertheless, the concern and duty over the welfare of children is shared between the parents and the State. The primacy of family life and parental authority are not immune from State intervention, and the government is constitutionally authorized to regulate these matters when circumstances permit under the doctrine of parens patriae. The doctrine of parens patriae or “parent of the nation,” makes reference “to the inherent power and authority of the state to provide protection of the person and property of a person non sui juris (lacking the legal capacity to act on his or her own behalf),” and provides that “the state has the sovereign power of guardianship over persons under a disability. Thus, the state is considered the parens patriae of minors.” Hence, the State “shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and material wellbeing,” and shall defend “the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.” The demarcation between parental authority and the State as parens patriae is a complex concept which depends on the circumstances of each case. Notably, in the landmark case of Imbong vs. Ochoa, the Supreme Court held that “only a compelling state interest can justify a state substitution of their parental authority.” Hence, absent a compelling state interest, the State cannot override parental authority when it comes to the care of minor children. On a related note, the assent of minors to medical procedures is a developing concept in the field of medicine, and there is currently a scarcity of Philippine legislation regarding it. To implement the concept of the Evolving Capacities of the Child under Article 5 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Republic Act No. 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, the State has lowered the age of consent for voluntary HIV testing to 15 years old. However, no similar legislation has been passed with respect to vaccination. Afterword The Philippine government adopted the policy of encouraging Filipino citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as opposed to mandatory vaccination. As previously mentioned, current legislation prohibits mandatory vaccination, both in the public and private sectors. Nevertheless, governments of other countries have implemented mandatory vaccination to varying extents, particularly with respect to healthcare workers. In the United States of America, there may be legal basis to justify the imposition of mandatory vaccination by the government. In Jacobson v. Massachusetts (197 US. 11 [1905]), the US Supreme Court held that “it is within the police power of the state to enact a compulsory vaccination law” and the decision has been cited in justifying public health measures, such as wearing face masks in public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Theoretically, the Philippine government may adopt similar legislation pursuant to its police power. However, such legislation has not been drafted and shall be subject to legal challenges, taking into consideration modern developments in health, family, and other relevant legal principles. Atty. Herbert B. Hernane is a junior partner at the Gerodias Suchianco Estrella (GSE) Law Firm. His primary practice areas are civil, commercial, criminal, and labor litigation. He received his BS Economics degree from UST and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from San Beda College. Atty. Deo Paolo Marciano V. Hermo is a junior associate at the GSE Law Firm. His primary areas are corporate organization and restructuring, real estate transactions, and estate planning. He completed his BS Chemistry degree at UP Diliman

Middle East ISRAELI AMBASSADOR ILAN FLUSS GRASSROOTS APPROACH TO GLOBAL INNOVATION Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss highlights innovation as the key to developing each country, while further strengthening bilateral ties. INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR H.E. AGUS WIDJOJO A Visionary on a Mission Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo, a former military general, is instrumental in promoting ASEAN cooperation, economic growth, and peaceful resolution of regional disputes.

BACK ‘Fundamentally Positioned for Resilience’ Benjamin Diokno and the Central Bank’s role share its radical plans to keep the economy afloat BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA “THE PHILIPPINES ENTERED THE CRISIS IN A POSITION OF STRENGTH. IN THE YEARS LEADING TO THE PANDEMIC, THE PHILIPPINES HAS BEEN WIDELY RECOGNIZED AS AMONG THE MOST RESILIENT ECONOMIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.” Be bold, swift, and decisive. These were what Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno asked of his team—and himself—when the COVID-19 first tore through the Philippines in 2020. “We had to revisit our processes, and challenge our conventions to adapt to the changes the pandemic had brought upon us,” he says. “These are essential in carrying out various measures to keep the economy afloat.” The unabated spread of the coronavirus continues to test the governance fundamentals of all states, particularly the capacity of public health systems, effectiveness of local government units, and the resilience of economies. The good news is that the Philippines was already pillared on a sound economy even before the pandemic. “The Philippines entered the crisis in a position of strength,” explains Diokno, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte last March 2019. “In the years leading to the pandemic, the Philippines has been widely recognized as among the most resilient economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Learning from the Asian Financial Crisis, structural reforms were pursued and implemented in the past 20 years to strengthen our economic foundation and expand growth potential.” The governor attributes the country’s sustained rapid growth to prudent macroeconomic policy management and implementation of structural reforms. These have enabled social gains, he says, such as reduced poverty incidence and unemployment rate. QUARANTINE MEASURES The country-wide lockdown to curb the spread of the virus forced the temporary closure of businesses and resulted in the loss of jobs for many. The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP or the total monetary value of finished goods and services within its borders within a specific time period) contracted to 9.6% in 2020. But this state is momentary, according to the BSP Chief, who served as Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from 2016 to 2019, also under President Duterte. “Credit rating agencies have opined that the impact of the pandemic on the Philippines is temporary (i.e., cyclical and not structural) in view of our strong fundamentals going into the crisis. The government has set a GDP growth target of 6.5% to 7.5% for 2021 and 8% to 10% for 2022.” Diokno had also led the DBM during the administration of President Joseph Estrada from 1998 to 2011, and previously also served as a Department Undersecretary for Budget Operations when President Corazon Aquino was in office from 1986 to 1991. Some of the major reforms he was involved with include the 1986 Tax Reform Program to simplify income tax collection and introduced the 1991 Local Government Code of the Philippines, as well as the value-added tax (VAT). Diokno knew early on that the current crisis was an “opportunity to think out of the box as they work to protect the interest of the people.” His perspective was key as he led the pivoting of the BSP in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The BSP immediately communicated to its stakeholders that the Central Bank continues to look after the welfare of its personnel, while providing the needs of the financial system and the broader economy,” Diokno shares. “For instance, the BSP assured the public that the banking industry shall continue providing essential services to clients. We explained that as part of global risk management standards, banks have in place and have activated business continuity plans that aim to ensure deposit taking, ATM withdrawals, check clearing, and other banking activities. In rendering said services, we urged all banking personnel, especially frontliners, to carry out necessary protocols against COVID-19. These initiatives are part of the BSP’s efforts to support [nationwide] initiatives against the pandemic.” The institution has also encouraged the use of e-banking and digital payment services to enable the public to carry out needed financial transactions safely amid the pandemic. These measures are aligned to Diokno’s other goal: having a cash-light economy through digitization. The BSP Governor, who has also served as professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman for over four decades, says the transition will bring substantial benefits to the country. It will result in “increased economic activities through faster and more efficient payment systems, expand the market through the inclusion of the unbanked and underserved, and enhance risk management with improved transparency and audit trails.” Aligned with its mandate to promote “price stability, financial stability, and safe and efficient payment and settlement systems,” is its goal to continue “to foster financial inclusion especially through digitization,” adds Diokno, who also served as fiscal adviser to the Philippine Senate. According to him, “the enactment of Republic Act No. 11211, which amends the BSP Charter [and sees to] the promotion of financial stability, in close coordination with the national government, is explicitly included in the BSP’s mandate. In addition, the BSP is expressly mandated to oversee the payments and settlement systems in the Philippines.” This latter function, alongside the provisions of The National Payment Systems Act (Republic Act No. 11127), allows the central bank to promote cashless payments, which is considered of utmost importance in the country’s fight against COVID-19, explains Diokno. “The new BSP Charter also provides the Central Bank with an enhanced legal and regulatory framework in providing a steadying hand to the financial system, including during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The BSP Charter allows the granting of provisional advances to assist the national government through up to 20% of its average annual income in the last three years. It was able to do so during the onset of the current public health crisis the country faces. Through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Republic Act No. 11494), the BSP is allowed to also to grant additional provisional advances to the national government in an amount not exceeding 10% of its average annual income for the years 2017 to 2019. The Charter also allowed the Bank to “purchase of government securities in the secondary market, which helped boost market liquidity in the early part of 2020,” avers Diokno, who also previously served as Chairman of the Local Water Utilities Administration and Chairman and CEO of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). To encourage lending to the public and provide more liquidity to the financial system during the pandemic, a series of reductions in deposit reserve requirements was also allowed through the Charter and was approved by the Monetary Board. As a result, policy rates were reduced, along with the credit risk weight of certain micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) assets. Further, loans to MSMEs were allowed to become alternative compliance with reserve requirements, and regulations were eased on qualified credits for BSP discounting. Regulatory reliefs were also granted among BSPSupervised Financial Institutions. “(We) deferred the implementation of the revised risk-based capital framework applicable to stand-alone thrift banks (TBs), rural banks and cooperative banks (RCBs), and reduced the minimum liquidity ratio of stand-alone TBs and RCBs from 20% to 16% until end-December 2021,” explains Diokno. “These actions are intended to help their operations during the pandemic that may ensure continuous effective financial services to the public. ”STRONG POINTS “The Philippines stood out in 2020,” the BSP governor declares, and proffers proof of this in “three major internal crediting agencies (CRAs) that affirmed their credit ratings on the country amid a sea of downgrades globally.” American CRA Standard & Poor (S&P) provided the Philippines a BBB+/Stable rating and outlook. A BBB+ rating is given to an obligor who has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments and whose capacity can be weakened to meet these due to adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances. Second is Moody’s Investors Service’s Baa2/Stable rating that is based on the country’s strong fiscal position in previous years and limited vulnerability to external shocks. Fitch assigned a BBB/ Stable rating and outlook for the country. Aside from good credit quality, this means “expectations of default risk are currently low,” and “the capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate,” according to the group’s website. The BSP governor enumerates three key contributors to the favorable assessments for the country: strong pre-crisis fundamentals, robust medium-term growth prospects, and the firm commitment of fiscal authorities to return to a fiscal consolidation path post-COVID 19. “While the full recovery of the economy largely depends on the success of the vaccination rollout and the effective control of the spread of the virus, several measures have been implemented by the government to bring back jobs and income sources while continuing to manage the risks related to the virus,” says Diokno, who has also worked on advisory and consulting capacities for agencies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, the European Commission, and the United States Agency for Internal Development (USAID). Even before the vaccine rollout, the governor says “green shoots (had) begun to emerge in the second half of 2020. From a contraction of 16.9% in Q2 2020 at the height of the lockdown, the economy continued to improve in the third and fourth quarters. The rollout of the national vaccination plan is expected to accelerate the country’s return to pre-COVID economic growth levels. “The country’s macroeconomic fundamentals have remained broadly intact, even at the pandemic’s peak. These indicators include improving quarterly economic outturn, better business and consumer outlook, ample liquidity in the system, a sound and stable banking system, robust external payments position, and a manageable fiscal deficit,” he adds. He says that the 6.5% to 7.5% economic growth target for 2021 will be supported by spending for the implementation of recovery programs under Bayanihan 2, the 2021 national budget, and investments in shovel-ready projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program, such as health-related facilities, and digital infrastructure, among others. ON HIS WATCH Verily, it can be said that Diokno has witnessed the many shifts and challenges of the Philippine economy and its government through his years of public service. His interest in finance sparked early in life, and this was further bolstered when he took up Public Administration at UP Diliman and his master’s in both Public Administration and Economics from the same institution. “I think my early leanings to serve the people via this field of endeavor led me to the path of professorship in economics at the State University, and later on as a civil servant tasked to craft fiscal policy, and currently, monetary policy.” Diokno also holds a Master of Arts in Political Economy degree from the John Hopkins University in Maryland, United States and a doctorate in economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in Syracuse, New York. Diokno has taught various courses in the state university, including microeconomics, public sector economics, and development economics, along with an assortment of special topics on finance, public service reforms, and the like. His experience to date has armed him with holistic acumen and competence for his current role. “Serving from the fiscal side as Budget Secretary and from the monetary policy side as BSP Governor, there are indeed clear complementarities as both are aimed at enhancing the economic wellbeing of Filipinos,” he shares. “Working as a public servant in both capacities is especially helpful amid whole-of-nation efforts to address the adverse economic impact of the pandemic, as these require coordinated action between monetary policy and fiscal authorities.” When LEAGUE asked about his plans when his term ends in 2023 and if there was a possibility of him running for an elective post, he said the year “is still a bit far off” and that he has “never run for office or even applied for any position” throughout his career as a public servant. For now, Diokno reveals that he is focused on leading and building BSP to be a more agile institution. “Under our Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap 2020 to 2023, we are strengthening customer preference for digital payments by converting 50% of the total volume of retail payments into digital form and expanding the number of the financially included to 70% of Filipino adults. “These initiatives dovetail with the third, which is ‘Bringing the BSP Closer to People.’ It is important that BSP stakeholders understand what we are mandated to do. It is crucial that our stakeholders trust our integrity and our capability to carry out our mandate,” he ends.

LATEST ISSUE A MISSION FULFILLED DIPOLOG CITY MAYOR DAREL DEXTER UY By Camille F. Cabal Uy believes that the government’s role in ending poverty is to provide an environment that allows people to break the cycle themselves—to be self-reliant, not governmentdependent. Read article here.. CONVERGE CONVERGE 1/1 Housing Summit Cover OSHDP Org QR Code Housing Summit Cover 1/7 BUY MAGAZINE NOW GOOD GOVERNANCE DAVAO ORIENTAL CONGRESSMAN CHEENO ALMARIO By James Steven Batucan Despite being a new member of the House of Representatives, Congressman Cheeno Miguel Almario takes satisfaction in the work he has been performing. Read article here.. GOOD GOVERNANCE MASANTOL, PAMPANGA MAYOR TON TON BUSTOS By RYAN LAO Masantol, Pampanga Mayor Ton Ton Bustos is paving the way for a new generation of public servants in his hometown. Read article here.. LATEST UPDATES LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH STO. NIÑO “JB” BERNOS BULAKAN, BULACAN MAYOR VERGEL MENESES LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION CHIEF VICENTE HOMER REVIL GUMACA, QUEZON MAYOR WEBSTER LETARGO Features League is the number one magazine publisher for all the news you seek. No matter what you want to read about, our team of dedicated and experienced writers are here to provide you with instant coverage on a wide range of topics. Check out our most recent pieces of the week below. GENERAL ANDRES CENTINO BY EDWIN P. GALVEZ General Andres Centino became the AFP Chief of Staff on November 12, 2021, the 11th and last appointee in the six years of the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte. VIEW MORE BOARD MEMBER DANZEL FERNANDEZ BY ROBIN LUCAS Laguna Board Member Danzel Fernandez leads generational changing of the guards. VIEW MORE PANGASINAN FEATURES THE GAME CHANGER February - March 2018 View More DRIVER OF CHANGE December 2018 View More GAINING GROUND May - June 2019 View More PREVIOUS MAGAZINE ISSUES Get a glimpse of what's inside the issue! Read More CONTACT US Unit 303 One Corporate Centre, Julia Vargas Avenue, cor. Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605 info@league.ph

Driver of Change by Maielle Montayre Photos by Romeo Peralta, Jr. IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE After considering its limitations and building on its strengths as a convergence hub, Binalonan is transforming itself into a dynamic municipality, one that has built a niche economy as a university town under the leadership of Mayor Ramon V. Guico III. Marked as a crossroad for cultural and agricultural exchanges of Pangasinan, the Ilocos, and the Cordilleras, the town of Binalonan, a first-class municipality in the province of Pangasinan, has transformed from an uninhabited forested area to a lush agricultural community to a burgeoning rural town. Bordered by bustling municipalities and cities of eastern Pangasinan, Binalonan strives to make a name for itself. With growing infrastructures, developing services, and connecting roads and highways, the town is catching up to its vision of becoming a progressive university town. The current mayor of Binalonan, Ramon V. Guico III, answered the call to public service when he ran for Vice Mayor in 2007. He was elected later as Mayor in 2010, a position he holds until now. “It’s my hometown,” he simply says. “I wanted to give back to my roots and prove that when you have a clear vision of what you want to do, you can achieve it.” With a doctorate degree in Public Management from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), he set about the task of further improving his hometown. The current mayor of Binalonan, Ramon V. Guico III, answered the call to public service when he ran for Vice Mayor in 2007. He was elected later as Mayor in 2010, a position he holds until now. “It’s my hometown,” he simply says. “I wanted to give back to my roots and prove that when you have a clear vision of what you want to do, you can achieve it.” With a doctorate degree in Public Management from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), he set about the task of further improving his hometown. Founded in November 10, 1834, Binalonan consists of 24 barangays spread over its 8,400-hectare land area. Its name is derived from the Pangasinan term balon, in Tagalog baon, which means “packed lunch.” It is said that the workers of a Spanish land-owner would rest and have their lunch underneath the trees located at heart of the land where the municipality stands today. Binalonan is a term in Ilocano and Pangasinan signifying a place where people come to bring and eat their lunch. The town traces its roots to the Ilocano people who migrated due to the drastic effects of colonial policies involving taxes and to find greener pasture in the uncultivated lands of eastern Pangasinan. Since then, Binalonan has risen from a poor town to a promising agricultural municipality with rice crops as one of its main products. It continues to produce sugar cane, an ingredient used for basi (sugar cane wine), suka (vinegar), and muscovado (dark brown sugar), which are some of the town’s top products. It was in 1989 when the third-class municipality of Binalonan graduated into a first-class municipality, owing to its rising income and population. “But I told myself that we should not stop with just being a first-class municipality,” Mayor Guico says. SUBSCRIBE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.. BACK BUY MAGAZINE NOW FINAL SALE GET 30% OFF EVERYTHING. CONTACT US We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@league.ph 0915 239 8547

Events EMPOWERING LOCAL LEADERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The LMP General Assembly prioritizes community needs and grassroots connections to aid LGUs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. 2nd EARTQUAKE PREPAREDNESS SUMMIT 2025 Over 200 professionals and volunteers from different national government agencies, local government units in Metro Manila and broader Luzon, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and the academe came together for the 2nd Annual Earthquake Preparedness Summit led by the Office of Civil Defense. With the impending threat of the “Big One,” the summit emphasized turning disaster plans into action, strengthening coordination, and investing in resilience. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.

GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA TABLE OF CONTENTS DOWNLOAD FULL ISSUE HERE FOR FREE! FEATURES AGRICULTURE SECRETARY WILLIAM DAR By Helen Hernane Agriculture Secretary William Dar believes that the agricultural sector remains the strongest driving force of the Philippine economy, proving to be resilient and robust amid crisis. Read more FEATURES THE CHALLENGES OF GOING GREEN By Helen Hernane United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Deputy Executive Secretary Kaveh Zahedi gives a sober assessment of the Asia-Pacific Region’s environmental progress. Read more FEATURES USEC. RICARDO B. JALAD By Mariel Abanes Usec. Jalad of OCD and NDRRMC believes in the power of building a culture of preparedness. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE KAP. RAYMOND LISING By Edwin Galvez Inclusive, innovative, and compassionate leadership takes root in Brgy. San Antonio, Pasig City under Kap. Raymond Lising. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE TARLAC DISTRICT 1 REP. CHARLIE COJUANGCO Charlie Cojuangco may have been a hesitant candidate, but today, he is fully committed to serving the people. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE VICE PRESIDENT LENI LOBREDO With grit and grace, Vice President Leni Robredo is espousing a kind of leadership that many have been seeking from other public officials—leading with compassion, sensitivity, and a sense of urgency. Read more GOOD GOVERNANCE GOVERNOR GWEN GARCIA By Rhia Grana with Helen Hernane Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on taking the province of Cebu to higher ground by empowering the grassroots movement, building up tourism, and leading with no-nonsense politics. Read more REGULARS ROUND UP Moving forward to 2021, many organizations ramp up their efforts. Read more REGULARS BARANGAY CONNECTION By Shimico Dianne Nakamura Barangay officials tell LEAGUE about their environmental initiatives. Read more REGULARS SPOTLIGHT Bucket Shrimps stands out in the province of “sutokil”. Read more REGULARS THOUGHT LEADER By Herman Joseph Kraft Climate Change Politics in the Philippines. Read more REGULARS IN RETROSPECT Numerous laws have been implemented, but what matters most is its implementation Read more

Councilors PARAÑAQUE 2ND DISTRICT COUNCILOR JOSE ENRICO “RICO” GOLEZ Continued Dedication to Public Service With almost three decades of public service experience, this councilor remains committed to bettering the lives of his constituents in Parañaque. SAN JUAN CITY COUNCILOR JAMES YAP San Juan City’s MVP BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR JAMES YAP IS DOING WELL AS A ROOKIE IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC SERVICE. COUNCILOR LORENZO FRANCISCO “FRANCO” TAÑADA-YAM Emerging From Crisis With A Mission San Juan City’s youngest councilor in history enteredpolitics after seeing how public servants helped people during the COVID-19 pandemic. COUNCILOR JOHN VINCENT “JV” VITUG III Creating Waves Of Good Governance Swimming has been Vitug’s entire life, but now he has his eyes on another kind of prize—a better life for his fellow Bulaceños. COUNCILOR MERWYN LENNON “WIN” ABEL Creating A Bigger Impact Abel has found himself in random places—entertainment and healthcare— only to discover peace and fulfillment in public service. COUNCILOR ROBERTO “BOBBY” ESPIRITU II Success in Perseverance MORE THAN TWO DECADES SINCE A MEMBER OF THEIR FAMILY WAS LAST IN PUBLIC OFFICE, MANILA’S 5TH DISTRICT WELCOMES ANOTHER ESPIRITU. MANILA 3RD DISTRICT COUNCILOR TOL ZARCAL BEING TRUE TO HIS NAME Being a “Tol” means being someone people can depend on, a brother or a friend, and this guides Zarcal in performing his duties as a district councilor. CEBU CITY COUNCILOR DONDON HONTIVEROS FROM HARDCOURT STAR TO CITY COUNCIL STALWART Cebu City Councilor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros is one city councilor who can lay claim to being a household name all over the country COUNCILOR JAMELA “JAM” MENDOZA All The Way For Bocaue There was no hesitation for Mendoza when she left behind her cushy job to serve her community. CITY OF SAN FERNANDO COUNCILOR BRENZ GONZALES BUILDING THE FUTURE OF SAN FERNANDO Neophyte councilor Brenz Gonzales seeks to build a concrete foundation for the City of San Fernando’s progress. COUNCILOR GRACE SANTOS Serving Against All Odds Hands-on Pasay City Councilor Grace Santos is eager to leave a lasting legacy.

National Government Agency NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GENERAL JONATHAN E. MALAYA Helping Promote Peace and National Development The National Security Council deals not only with security concerns but development issues as well. SECRETARY ERNESTO V. PEREZ OF THE ANTI-RED TAPE AUTHORITY Leading the Charge Against Red Tape BY GODFREY T. DANCEL The nemesis of red tape has vowed a streamlined bureaucracy that effectively and efficiently delivers services to the people. DILG SECRETARY BENJAMIN ABALOS, JR Putting Local Governance at the Forefront BY GODFREY T. DANCEL His solid background in local governance as well as local and national legislation makes this leader the perfect head of a very important executive department. PRC CHAIRPERSON CHARITO ZAMORA Ensuring Harmony in Public Service BY RAGIE MAE TAÑO-ARELLANO This government agency head’s passion for harmony at the workplace is ultimately related to her passion for songwriting. DILG UNDERSECRETARY MARGARITA “MARGE” GUTIERREZ Bridging Vision and Public Service BY KAYDEE DELA BUENA Knowing that she was to take on a thankless and draining job did not stop this lawyer and model from joining public service. She now regards it as a privilege to help bring about meaningful change through the DILG. MTRCB CHAIRPERSON DIORELLA MARIA “LALA” SOTTO-ANTONIO Service Without Limits BY HELEN HERNANE-PALAPAG An experienced public servant, the MTRCB chairperson is undaunted as she faces the task of regulating the ever- changing digital media landscape. LTFRB CHAIRPERSON TEOFILO GUADIZ III For The Greatest Good BY EDWIN ALLAN C. DIAZ With the country moving towards modernizing public utility vehicles (PUV), it is now up to Guadiz to balance the needs of the public, PUV owners, and drivers. COMELEC CHAIRPERSON GEORGE M. GARCIA Helping Democracy Alive BY GODFREY T. DANCEL As we approach the anniversary of the 2022 elections, Garcia highlights the direction of the poll body and its importance in ensuring clean and honest elections. DPWH SEC. MARK VILLAR BY KRISTEL DACUMOS-LAGORZA DPWH Secretary Mark Villar ushers the nation into the Golden Age of Infrastructure DTI THE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE Shifting From Neutral to Drive The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) greases up the gears of doing business with a recently enacted law and a lofty goal for 2020 DOT SEC BERNA PUYAT BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA RADICAL CHANGE With her impressive track record, Berna Romulo-Puyat is bringing back order and instilling a renewed sense of trust and confidence as Chief of the Department of Tourism ASEC. KRIS ABLAN BY MARCO NICANOR An inside look at the Presidential Communications Operations Office and their implementation of the historic FOI program PAGASA BY GREG HUBO Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano shares his views on how the agency gives hope to the Filipino people. LAGUNA LAKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) General Manager Jaime Medina hits hard at illegal fish pen operators, restoring the balance and reviving the country's largest freshwater lake, Laguna Lake. Reskilling the Filipino BY MARCO NICANOR As the agency marks its 25th anniversary, TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña talks about his leadership mandate and strategies for developing a world-class workforce. Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Anatomy of an Earthquake BY MAIELLE MONTAYRE The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) sheds light regarding the ‘Big One’ and the importance of risk reduction and preparation in mitigating its impacts. DILG Culminates Orientation for Newly Elected Officials BY HELEN HERNANE DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año addressing the newly elected city mayors. AGRICULTURE SECRETARY WILLIAM DAR BY HELEN HERNANE Agriculture Secretary William Dar believes that the agricultural sector remains the strongest driving force of the Philippine economy, proving to be resilient and robust amid crisis. USEC. RICARDO B. JALAD BY Mariel Abanes Usec. Ricardo B. Jalad of OCD and NDRRMC believes in the power of preparing ahead—and cultivating the culture of disaster risk reduction in every single way IN MEMORIES BY THE LAW OFFICE OF FLORES & OFRIN On May 1, 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) promulgated the Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (“Interim Guidelines”) for the observance of businesses in their respective workplaces. EMPOWERING AND MOBILIZING THE YOUTH BY MARIDOL RANOA-BISMARK NYC Chair and CEO Ryan Enriquez bares his office’s plans to fulfill their herculean task of helping the country’s millions of youth. DEFENDER OF JUSTICE DBP EMMANUEL HERBOSA BY MARIDOL RANOA-BISMARK Department of Justice Undersecretary Em Aglipay-Villar talks about the agency’s fight to end human trafficking and to uplift the marginalized. DBP PCEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa tal ks about effective risk management and pandemic recovery plans. FDA DIRECTOR GENERAL DR. ERIC DOMINGO IPOPHL ATTY. ROWEL BARBA BY JAVIER P. FLORES BY LAKAMBINI BAUTISTA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Dr. Eric Domingo answers our most pressing questions about COVID-19 vaccines IPOPHL Director General Intellectual Property culture in the Philippines Fundamentally Positioned for Resilience Yes to free Higher Education BY MARIEL ABANES BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA Benjamin Diokno and the Central Bank’s role share its radical plans to keep the economy afloat CHED Chairman Popoy de Vera talks about the breakthroughs of the commission to achieve free education for the Filipino youth. A Smart Future BY MARIEL ABANES DHSUD SECRETARY EDUARDO DEL ROSARIO BY JOYCE REYES-AGUILA ALCU vice president Dr. Ellen Presnedi shares the benefits of the partnership with CHED and their future plans for building smart campuses for LUCs. With him at the helm, DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario is confident that every Filipino’s right to decent and affordable housing will be realized. PNP CHIEF GENERAL GUILLERMO ELEAZAR BY HELEN HERNANE CPNP Gen. Guillermo Eleazar’s leadership is anchored on three major concepts—clean offices, clean ranks, and clean communities. POC PRESIDENT REP. ABRAHAM “BAMBOL” TOLENTINO BY EDWIN GALVEZ Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino shares the struggles and successes of being POC President after the Philippines nabbed four Olympic medals from the recent Tokyo Olympics 2020. FIGHTING FIRE BY GRACE BAUTISTA As the country observes Fire Prevention Month, BFP Chief Puracan shares important figures, updates, and tips. NURTURING BIÑAN BY ELAINE FELICITAS Public service is not a job; it’s a purpose. One can quit a job but not a purpose for the latter keeps one going. AFP Chief of Staff BY EDWIN P. GALVEZ LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY IN DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT By James Steven Batucan General Andres Centino became the AFP Chief of Staff on November 12, 2021, the 11th and last appointee in the six years of the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte. Under Villanueva’s vigilant leadership, PDEA posted impressive numbers in the war on drugs. LAGUNA PROVINCE BY JOHN LEE P. CANDELARIA The “Resort Province of the Philippines” moves to protect its natural resources through an Environment Code, ensuring sustainable growth for its ecotourism industry