Manila Times
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Sunday, Jun 15, 2025
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Philippine Agencies Address Recent Incidents of Violence and Economic Pressures
Social welfare officials condemn violence against persons with disabilities; lawmakers push for wage increase amidst rising living costs.
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has strongly condemned recent incidents of violence against persons with disabilities (PWDs), following a viral social media video depicting an assault within a public bus on the EDSA busway.
Edwin Morata, the Director of the DSWD Crisis Intervention Program, emphasized that the actions of the assailants were inhumane and should face legal repercussions.
Morata stated that there is no justification for the brutal treatment of an individual clearly in need of compassion, noting that the victim was kicked, punched, and even subjected to electric shocks.
He highlighted the vulnerability of PWDs, calling for adequate protection and assistance to ensure their rights and welfare.
The DSWD is actively seeking to provide aid to the victim, offering support for physical injuries and psychological trauma.
In a related context, Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña announced intentions to reintroduce a proposed bill for a PHP 200 wage increase for minimum wage earners during the 20th Congress.
Cendaña expressed frustration over the lack of action from the Senate regarding the proposal, despite sufficient opportunities to adopt the House’s version aimed at expediting the process.
As living costs continue to rise, Cendaña underscored the necessity of this wage adjustment, asserting that it should have been prioritized by the Senate, particularly in light of the minimal PHP 100 hike proposed instead.
Amidst these legislative discussions, the Palace has assured the public of ongoing measures to address rising pork prices in the market.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported that the Department of Agriculture (DA) attributes the price increase to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).
To combat this issue, the DA is implementing a repopulation program and utilizing ASF vaccines to restore hog production in affected regions.
The department has allocated funds for the purchase of livestock and breeders while promoting vaccination efforts.
Currently, there are no price controls being mandated, as the government seeks to balance farmer interests with consumer protection.
The Palace remarked that they are examining the appropriate strategies to manage the market dynamics effectively.
Edwin Morata, the Director of the DSWD Crisis Intervention Program, emphasized that the actions of the assailants were inhumane and should face legal repercussions.
Morata stated that there is no justification for the brutal treatment of an individual clearly in need of compassion, noting that the victim was kicked, punched, and even subjected to electric shocks.
He highlighted the vulnerability of PWDs, calling for adequate protection and assistance to ensure their rights and welfare.
The DSWD is actively seeking to provide aid to the victim, offering support for physical injuries and psychological trauma.
In a related context, Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña announced intentions to reintroduce a proposed bill for a PHP 200 wage increase for minimum wage earners during the 20th Congress.
Cendaña expressed frustration over the lack of action from the Senate regarding the proposal, despite sufficient opportunities to adopt the House’s version aimed at expediting the process.
As living costs continue to rise, Cendaña underscored the necessity of this wage adjustment, asserting that it should have been prioritized by the Senate, particularly in light of the minimal PHP 100 hike proposed instead.
Amidst these legislative discussions, the Palace has assured the public of ongoing measures to address rising pork prices in the market.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported that the Department of Agriculture (DA) attributes the price increase to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).
To combat this issue, the DA is implementing a repopulation program and utilizing ASF vaccines to restore hog production in affected regions.
The department has allocated funds for the purchase of livestock and breeders while promoting vaccination efforts.
Currently, there are no price controls being mandated, as the government seeks to balance farmer interests with consumer protection.
The Palace remarked that they are examining the appropriate strategies to manage the market dynamics effectively.
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