QC Mayor Joy Belmonte- Alimurung gives a special message and reaction from the LGU at the ARTA- World Bank Group Forum

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte- Alimurung gives a special message and reaction from the LGU at the ARTA- World Bank Group Forum on New Insights on the Philippine Business Environment: Exploring the World Bank's Business Ready Report held at the QC MICE Center in Quezon City

https://youtu.be/OkY6C529yug?si=ZePVMGlG4btkLkkh

This is the first time I've learned that Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is married to Raymond Alimurung, the former CEO of Lazada Philippines.

As of February 2025, Raymond "Ray" Alimurung holds several prominent positions in the Philippine business sector:

General Partner at Kaya Founders: Ray manages the Zero to One Fund at Kaya Founders, an early-stage investment firm focusing on nurturing startups in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. 

Board Member:

STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc.: He serves on the board of this company, which is involved in providing educational services in the Philippines. 

Philippine Seven Corporation: Ray is a board member of the company that operates 7-Eleven convenience stores in the Philippines. 

PayMongo Philippines, Inc.: He holds a board position in this fintech company that offers online payment solutions for businesses. 

Advisor to Packworks: In July 2023, Ray joined the Board of Advisors for Packworks, a startup providing a business-to-business platform for sari-sari (neighborhood convenience) stores in the Philippines. 

Prior to these roles, Ray was the Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Philippines from 2018 to 2022, where he played a significant role in expanding the company's e-commerce presence across the country.

At the same event was another person with the same last name as her husband.

He was among the panelists at the Fireside Chat portion of the event together with Secretary Ernesto Perez, Director Norman Loayza, Vice President Raymund Jude Aguilar, Chair Ruy Moreno, and Dean Robert Galang.

Who is Michael Alimurung?

Michael Victor Nepomuceno Alimurung serves as the City Administrator of Quezon City. In this capacity, he acts as the principal advisor to the City Mayor, developing city plans and strategies, and overseeing city operations. He is also the chief architect of the city's e-governance initiatives and has spearheaded the expansion of social services, including the unified QCitizen ID. 

Before his role in the city government, Mr. Alimurung gained extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He has worked with the Office of the President, the Social Security System, CNN Philippines, Wellspring Consulting, Citibank, and Procter & Gamble. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Development Academy of the Philippines. 

In terms of education, he graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a double degree in Management Engineering and Computer Science. He obtained his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and is currently completing his PhD in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines – National College of Public Administration and Governance. 

Additionally, Mr. Alimurung is the founder of Jericho Systems Corp. and the Bukas Sarili Foundation. He has also served as a director at Union Bank of the Philippines and Philex Mining Corporation. 

In his role as City Administrator, he has emphasized the crucial role of leadership in effectively implementing the Freedom of Information (FOI) initiative at the local level. 

For more information or to contact Mr. Alimurung, you can reach out to the Office of the City Administrator at Quezon City Hall. 

quezoncity.gov.ph

Debate Heats Up Over Proposed ₱200 Minimum Wage Hike: Economic Lifeline or Business Nightmare?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A bold proposal to increase the daily minimum wage by ₱200 has sparked heated discussions across the Philippines. While workers and labor advocates hail it as a long-overdue relief from rising inflation, business groups warn of devastating consequences—from job losses to soaring prices that could burden consumers even more.

As the debate rages on, will this wage hike empower workers or cripple businesses? Here’s everything you need to know.

Business Groups Raise the Alarm: A Threat to Competitiveness?

Two of the country’s biggest business organizations—the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)—are ringing alarm bells over the proposed increase.

1. Higher Wages, Higher Prices?

Cecilio Pedro, president of FFCCCII, argues that while companies want to support workers, the sudden ₱200 hike could force businesses to pass on the extra cost to consumers—leading to price increases on essential goods and services.

“Wage hikes must be carefully studied because businesses will have no choice but to pass on the added costs to consumers.”

2. Layoffs and Hiring Freezes?

George Barcelon, chairman of PCCI, warns that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) might not survive the wage increase, forcing many to cut jobs or stop hiring altogether.

“If the wage increase is too high, businesses, especially small ones, might struggle to cope. This could lead to layoffs and discourage investors.”

For more details on their concerns, check:

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/934934/business-groups-concerned-over-proposed-p200-wage-hike/story/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

House Approves Wage Hike Bill: What’s Next?

Despite opposition from business groups, the House Committee on Labor and Employment has approved the wage hike proposal, citing soaring inflation and the declining purchasing power of workers.

Rizal Representative Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles, who heads the committee, defended the move:

“The cost of living has increased substantially, and our workers deserve better pay to keep up.”

Want to learn more? Read the full story here:

https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2025/01/30/650048/house-committee-approves-p200-daily-wage-increase/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

President Marcos: Wage Hike Needs More Study

Even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. acknowledges the need to support workers amid inflation, but he cautions that such a drastic wage hike could have unintended consequences for the economy.

“We need to balance helping our workers with maintaining a stable economy. A wage increase of this magnitude requires careful evaluation.”

For more on his statement, visit:

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/31/marcos-says-p200-across-the-board-wage-hike-needs-further-study-1713?utm_source=chatgpt.com

MSMEs at Risk: Can Small Businesses Survive?

The proposed wage increase poses the greatest risk to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99.5% of businesses in the Philippines. These businesses, which typically operate on razor-thin margins, may be forced to shut down or significantly cut jobs if they cannot absorb the higher labor costs.

A small business owner from Cebu expressed concern:

“Unlike big corporations, small businesses operate on thin profit margins. A ₱200 wage hike could make survival impossible for many.”

Find out more about how MSMEs might be affected:

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/p200-wage-hike-puts-msmes-at-risk?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Labor Groups: “Workers Deserve a Living Wage”

On the other hand, labor groups argue that a wage increase is not just justified—it’s necessary. They point to the rising cost of basic needs as proof that workers can no longer survive on the current minimum wage.

“Workers have been suffering from low wages for years. This increase is not just fair—it’s necessary.” – Sonny Matula, Labor Leader

To hear more from labor groups, visit:

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/934571/house-labor-panel-approves-p200-across-the-board-daily-wage-hike/story/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Finding Common Ground: What Comes Next?

The debate over the ₱200 daily minimum wage increase is far from over.

Workers demand fair pay to keep up with inflation.

Businesses fear economic collapse if labor costs rise too fast.

The government must find a middle ground to prevent both job losses and wage stagnation.

As the Senate deliberates on the bill, the question remains: Can the Philippines achieve economic growth while ensuring workers earn a decent living?

What’s your take on the ₱200 wage hike? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Abduction of Magsasaka Party-list Nominee Lejun Dela Cruz: A Dire Threat to Democracy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

"A shocking turn of events has unfolded for Lejun Dela Cruz, the Magsasaka Partylist 3rd Partylist nominee, who was found this afternoon in Manggahan, Pasig, after a harrowing pursuit. According to his legal counsel, Atty. General Du, Dela Cruz was relentlessly chased by men in civilian clothes who claimed to be police officers. The chilling ordeal unfolded around 4:30 p.m. today, February 2.

Earlier, Magsasaka Partylist revealed that Dela Cruz's vehicle was ambushed by unidentified gunmen in Cainta, Rizal, forcing him to flee for his life. He had been missing ever since, until he was finally located and rushed for medical care in a hospital in Marikina.

Stay tuned as more details unravel in this frightening saga of political violence and intrigue. "

In a harrowing incident that has shaken the political landscape, Lejun Dela Cruz, a nominee for the Magsasaka Party-list in the 2025 midterm elections, was abducted in Cainta, Rizal on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The abduction unfolded in broad daylight, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., as two men riding a motorcycle and others in a car forcibly took Dela Cruz from a public area. The Magsasaka Party-list immediately condemned the act, urging authorities and human rights groups to take swift action.

The shocking crime has left many questioning the safety of political candidates and activists in the country, especially those with a track record of fighting for marginalized groups. The Magsasaka Party-list has been unwavering in its condemnation of this brazen attack. In their statement, they emphasized that the abduction wasn’t just a physical threat to Dela Cruz but an assault on democracy itself. The statement read, “This is a direct attack on democracy and the constitutionally-protected right to political participation and free expression. Moreso, this not only endangers the life and safety of Lejun but also instills fear among those who seek to serve the people through legitimate and democratic means.”

The motives behind the abduction remain unclear, but Dela Cruz's past provides a possible insight into why he may have been targeted. Prior to his nomination as a candidate, Dela Cruz was once part of the communist group, the Alex Boncayao Brigade. However, he later renounced his past affiliations and reintegrated into society. He has since committed himself to advocating for farmers and workers—the very people he now hopes to represent through his candidacy in the Magsasaka Party-list. His journey from radical politics to advocating for peaceful solutions for rural communities may have made him a target, especially in a politically charged environment where tensions often run high.

This abduction serves as a chilling reminder of the ongoing risks faced by those involved in politics, particularly those in grassroots movements advocating for the marginalized. Political violence is not a new phenomenon in the Philippines, and it is particularly dangerous for individuals who challenge established power structures. For candidates like Dela Cruz, the risks are all too real as they navigate a political landscape rife with intimidation and fear tactics.

The Magsasaka Party-list has made an urgent call to both the national government and law enforcement agencies to prioritize locating and ensuring the safe return of Dela Cruz. Their statement stresses that this attack is not an isolated incident but a troubling manifestation of a broader pattern of political violence that continues to threaten democracy in the country.

As the search for Dela Cruz continues, solidarity has poured in from various political and human rights groups, echoing the call for justice. The abduction has ignited a larger conversation about the need for heightened protection for political figures and activists, particularly those representing vulnerable communities. The Magsasaka Party-list has reaffirmed its commitment to its mission, despite the dangers that come with advocating for farmers and workers. They are undeterred and continue to fight for the rights of the marginalized, even in the face of intimidation.

This shocking event underscores the fragile state of political discourse in the Philippines and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard the rights of all Filipinos, especially those who dedicate themselves to public service. It is a call to action for both the government and civil society to protect the democratic process and ensure that elections remain free, fair, and without the specter of violence.

In the wake of this abduction, it is crucial for the country to stand united in defending democracy and upholding the rights of those willing to challenge the status quo. As the search for Lejun Dela Cruz intensifies, the Magsasaka Party-list has made it clear that their fight for the Filipino people will not be silenced, no matter the cost. This tragic incident is not just an attack on one individual—it is an attack on the very foundation of democracy and political freedom in the Philippines.