Duterte calls for solidarity among Chinese, Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday called for solidarity as he acknowledged the contributions of Chinese-Filipinos to the Philippines’ culture and identity. 

In his message for the Chinese New Year, Duterte said the nation “shares a long and colorful history” with the Chinese.

“This enduring friendship has contributed to our rich culture, stimulated trade between our nations and fortified the foundation of our continuing quest for economic development,” the President said. 

“Let the joy of this occasion strengthen our sense of solidarity and goodwill as a single nation committed to the preservation of our unique and multi-faceted Filipino heritage,” he added.  

Duterte is optimistic that Chinese-Filipinos will “continue to play an important role in shaping our national identity and in upholding the beauty of diversity in our respective cultures.” 

He also expressed hopes that the Lunar New Year would bring more opportunities for growth and success. 

Duterte has a Chinese grandfather who hailed from Xiamen. The President has declared the Chinese New Year as a special non-working day.

Holiday pay for workers

Extra pay awaits employees who will opt to work today, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In an advisory, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said those who will report for work today are entitled to holiday pay.

Bello said during the special holiday, an employee shall receive a 30-percent additional pay for the first eight hours of work.

For work in excess of eight hours, Bello said the employee shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate.

Those who will work on a special holiday that falls on their rest day shall get an additional 50 percent of their daily rate for the first eight hours of work.

Services in excess of eight hours for those who are supposed to enjoy their day off, but are required to work shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate.

Bello, however, said the “no work, no pay” scheme shall apply to those who will choose not to report for work.

“If the employee did not work, the ‘no work, no pay’ principle shall apply unless there is favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement granting payment on a special day,” the labor chief said.

No number coding today

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has lifted the number coding scheme in Metro Manila today in celebration of the Chinese New Year. 

On its Twitter account @MMDA, the MMDA said that lifting of the number coding covers Makati City, but not Las Piñas City. 

The MMDA said it did not receive advice from Las Piñas City as far as lifting of the number coding scheme is concerned.  

Meanwhile, the MMDA said “medium to heavy” traffic was recorded in some areas in the metropolis caused by various vehicular accidents and stalled vehicles. But it said that it was resolved immediately. 

In Quezon City, a vehicular accident was reported in the westbound section of Quezon Avenue, which involved an elf truck and a sport utility vehicle, occupying one lane while another accident was reported in the southbound lane along EDSA Monte, involving a private vehicle and an SUV. 

A northbound bus stalled along EDSA-Camp Aguinaldo, occupying one lane of the road at past 8 a.m.

In a related development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is deploying soldiers nationwide in support of China’s gift-giving activities as the Chinese communities celebrate the lunar New Year today.

In partnership with the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) and GT Capital Holdings, soldiers will take part in the distribution of “Bags of Blessings (BOB)” Project 2018 which runs starting today until Feb. 23.  – Mayen Jaymalin, Robertzon Ramirez, Jaime Laude