QUEZON CITY — Periods of cooler than average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the equatorial Pacific Ocean that started in September 2024 continue to persist and further strengthened reaching La Niña conditions threshold in December 2024, as shown by the recent oceanic and atmospheric indicators. La Niña condition exist if a one-month sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) of -0.5°C or less is observed and an expectation that the 3-month SSTA (Oceanic Niño Index) of -0.5°C or less will be met (i.e., December-January- February (DJF), January-February-March (JFM)). It is likely that this La Niña condition will continue at least until JFM 2025 season as suggested by several climate models.

With this development, higher chances of above normal rainfall in January – February -March 2025 season is expected, which may cause floods, flashfloods and rain-induced landslides. Furthermore, increased chance of tropical cyclone activity within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the period is likely.

PAGASA will continue to monitor the country’s weather and climatic conditions. Meanwhile, the public and all concerned agencies are advised to monitor relevant PAGASA information regularly.

For more information, you may call at (02) 8284-0800 local 4801 (Weather Forecasting Section) and 4920/4921 (Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section) or email at [email protected] and pagasa.climps@ gmail.com. (DOST-PAGASA)

MANILA — Malacañang stood firm on Tuesday, Jan. 7, that neither martial law nor term extension is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda following the reorganization of the National Security Council (NSC).

The President earlier issued Executive Order 81 which reorganized the National Security Council (NSC). 

In a press briefing, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Marcos administration is focused on advancing the country’s economic prosperity, improving the health and welfare of the Filipino people, and completing his legacy projects. 

“What he has in mind is the economic prosperity of the country, the health and welfare of the people, especially those who are in the lower classes, and the prioritization of his legacy projects,” Bersamin said. 

“It’s not about martial law. It’s not about extending himself in power. No, he has no thinking about that. He does not even think in those terms,” he added. 

Bersamin made the remarks in response to critics questioning Executive Order 81 that reorganized the NSC.

He said the power falls within the President’s responsibility to ensure that “whoever advises him is within his fullest trust and confidence.” (PND)

MANILA — The Social Security System (SSS) is pushing for a new program to help finance its members’ contribution.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday,  SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Joseph M. de Claro even invited lawmakers for a discussion over what he called ‘Contribution Subsidy Program’ or CSP.

De Claro said the CSP needs to be disseminated for public information.

“So, actually, I take this opportunity sa ating mambababatas na gustong tumulong sa SSS. Kaysa ipasuspend natin itong increase na ito,  bakit hindi tayo umupo at pag-usapan kung papaano n’yo matutulungan  ang ating manggagawa by entering into an agreement with SSS on a contribution subsidy program, which is open to all,” De Claro said. 

Some lawmakers are opposed to the hike and called on SSS to suspend its implementation.

De Claro said through CSP,  funds from well-off private individuals can be solicited to  help low-income earning Filipino segments pay contribution for their social protection.

“Private individuals, ‘yung mga nakakaluwag sa buhay.  We encourage you also to work with SSS na baka may specific segments of our society na matutulungan natin,” De Claro said. 

“Kasi iyon yung aming programa na hindi  masyadong nadi-disseminate sa ating mga mas nakakaluwag sa buhay na puwede kayong tumulong for people that you wouldn’t know towards their social protection,” De Claro added.

Meanwhile, the SSS assured the 15 percent increase on mandatory contribution will be the last.

De Claro underscored that a contribution that is more than 15 percent is already irrational, considering the 25-30 percent income tax already deducted from workers’ regular salaries.  

“What I can assure the public is that the Social Security Commission and its management team is committed to working on that 15 percent as the last increase,” he said.

“Because it doesn’t also make sense when you have to pay more than 15 percent from your salary — considering that you have to pay your income tax which is around 25-30 percent and liliit talaga ‘yung take home,” De Claro said. (PND)

MANILA — The National Human Settlements Board (NHSB) has set a maximum of 2.3-percent increase in rental for residential units with monthly rate of P10,000 or less–down from last year’s four percent cap.

Based on NHSB Resolution No. 2024-001, the maximum increase in monthly rentals for subject residential units is effective Jan. 1, 2025 up to Dec. 31, 2025.

The NHSB, as the sole policy-making body responsible for providing overall policy directions and program development to various key shelter agencies, acting upon the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), passed the new resolution last December.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar is the chair of NHSB. Undersecretary Henry Yap, who represents the housing chief in the board, signed the resolution for DHSUD.

The rental cap is being implemented to safeguard housing tenants in lower-income brackets and other beneficiaries from excessive rent increases. The measure was enacted pursuant to Republic Act No. 9653, commonly known as the Rent Control Act of 2009.

The rental cap applies to residential units currently occupied by the same tenants as of 2024, who pay P10,000 or less per month, and who will continue to occupy or renew their lease in 2025. Units with rents exceeding P10,000 per month are exempted from this restriction.

Residential unit refers to “an apartment, house and/or land on which another’s dwelling is located and used for residential purposes and shall include not only buildings, part or units thereof used solely as dwelling places, boarding houses, dormitories, rooms and bedspaces offered for rent by their owners, except motels, motel rooms, hotels, hotel rooms, but also those users for home industries, retail stores or other business purposes if the owner thereof and his or her family actually live therein and use it principally for dwelling purposes.”

If the unit becomes vacant in 2025, the lessor may increase the rent of a new tenant beyond the set limit. This increase is permitted because the new tenant is not covered by the aforementioned resolution. However, in the case of boarding houses, dormitories, rooms, and bedspaces, only one rent adjustment is allowed within the 2025, even if the increase limit has not been reached.

New residential units built and/or leased out in 2025, on the other hand, may set their own rent.

A new limit of one percent shall apply to units occupied by the same tenants as of 2025, paying P10,000 or less per month, and who will continue to occupy/renew their lease in 2026. Residential units with rents above P10,000 per month in 2025 are excluded from the 2026 rental cap.

The tenant is encouraged to to seek alternative dispute resolution with his landlord or lessor through the Barangay Justice System’s mediation/amicable settlement process. Only if the same cannot be settled will it be adjudicated before the court.

Eventually, if the lessor is found guilty, he could face a fine of not less than P25,000 nor more than P50,000 or imprisonment of not less than one month and one day to not more than six month or both, depending on the court’s decision. (DHSUD)