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BIZ BUZZ: Rubio retires from Aboitiz, joins MVP Group’s MGen | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:08:00 PST | Perhaps power sector veteran Emmanuel Rubio just does not feel like taking a long vacation. At least, not yet.
This as right after officially retiring as president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Power Corp., he formally joined the MVP Group as head of Meralco PowerGen Corp., (MGen) the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest electricity distribution utility.
Rubio retired from the Aboitiz group after turning 60 last week and turned over the reins of the growing company to Danel Aboitiz, son of Aboitiz Equity Ventures chair Enrique Aboitiz and former director and chief commercial and stakeholder engagement officer at AboitizPower.
The younger Aboitiz officially takes over the top post today, July 1, the same day that Rubio—who was president of AboitizPower from January 2020 to June 30 this year—will also begin a new chapter at MGen, replacing Jaime Azurin.
The wholly owned subsidiary of Meralco aims to build a diversified power generation portfolio with 3,000 megawatts of total combined capacity, including 1,000 megawatts in renewable energy.
If there is anybody who can fulfill that objective, it is Rubio.
After all, he did leave AboitizPower stronger than when he found it. Thus he should be able to duplicate that feat in his new home. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao
It has been more than a month since aviation groups conveyed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) their vehement objection to the planned “gargantuan” increase in the fees and charges at the soon-to-be privatized Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), and they are still waiting with bated breath for the final word.
And as they count the hours before the Sept. 14 turnover to the San Miguel-led New Naia Infra Corp., more details of their strong position have been revealed to Biz Buzz.
The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines, Board of Airline Representatives and Airline Operators Council, for example, scored DOTr adviser Asian Development Bank for the “flaws” in its study that fed into formulating the proposed fees and charges, adding that some of the multilateral funding agency’s assumptions were “misleading.”
They also underscored that “the immediate rise in the proposed fees and charges are not reflective of the infrastructure developments as compared to our neighboring peers.”
“Making MNL the 2nd most expensive airport in the region will be detrimental to a majority of the Filipino traveling public at a time when costs throughout are rising,” the groups said in their May 21 letter to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
The groups emphasized that they do accept “that airport development must be paid for.”
However, consumers will only accept these higher travel fees and charges “if they are matched with tangible improvements in airport capacity and the user experience.”
The DOTr has stoutly defended the planned increases as necessary to complete the vital facility’s rehabilitation and capacity expansion. The exact numbers are not yet final, and will require Cabinet-level approval before they are finally implemented.
But what’s looking definite is that there will be an increase, it is just a question now of how much. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Grocery chain Dali Everyday Grocery, which has been recently branded a “deceptive” retailer by a consumer rights group, has even bigger problems to think about.
A recent financial filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission showed that Dali, which is known for its discount products that appear to be dupes of bigger brands, more than doubled its losses to P1.88 billion last year.
This is despite revenues swelling by 139 percent to P22.31 billion. The filing also showed that operating expenses more than tripled to P3 billion.
It now appears that Dali, which is aptly registered as Hard Discounts Philippines Inc., has much to catch up on to return to profitability.
For its part, Dali said its parent company, Switzerland-based Dali Discount AG, had committed to “provide the company with finance, or procure the provision of such finances, as may be necessary to enable the company to continue to trade.”
Dali’s losses are on top of a show-cause order issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) following 13 complaints filed by consumer rights group Malayang Konsyumer amid concerns over sanitary regulations and weighing scale issues at its stores.
The DTI is also now “actively investigating” the 82-store grocery chain for allegedly engaging in “deceptive” and “unfair” sales practices.
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Will Dali be able to clear these hurdles or are issues expected to mount further? —MEG J. ADONIS
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2 drown in Agos River in Quezon | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallrijrINQ | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:49:17 PST | FILE PHOTO: Residents of Sitio Paydas have to cross the Agos river using a small boat due to the river’s regular overflow. | PHOTO: Kathleen Lei Limayo
FILE PHOTO: Residents of Sitio Paydas have to cross the Agos river using a small boat due to the river’s regular overflow. | PHOTO: Kathleen Lei Limayo
LUCENA CITY — Two picnickers drowned Sunday in a river in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges in General Nakar town in Quezon province.
Quezon police said in a report on Monday, July 1, that “Ronald”, 32, and “Mark”, 34, both residents of Quezon City, were with some friends at a picnic along Agos River in Barangay Maigang on Sunday morning.
The report said the raging water swept the two while swimming in the river from the Sierra Madre to the Pacific Ocean.
The bodies of the two were found floating around 1 p.m. in another part of the river.
They were declared dead on arrival at a hospital in neighboring Infanta town.
Police are conducting further investigations.
For now, police have recorded the case as a “drowning incident.”
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Cebu Daily Newscast: Palma urges Catholics in Cebu to oppose divorce bill | dbongcac | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:43:34 PST | Listen to Cebu Daily Newscast and get the latest stories in and around Cebu.
Here’s what you need to know on Monday, July 1, 2024.
Archbishop Jose Palma presides the 6 p.m. Homily on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. | CDN Digital Photo Gerard Vincent Francisco
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has called on devotees here not to support the divorce bill that seeks to reinstate the absolute dissolution of marriage in the Philippines.
In a letter, Palma said divorce is not the solution to broken and irreparable marriages.
A 17-year-old Chinese player has died after collapsing on court during an international tournament in Indonesia, badminton officials said on Monday.
Zhang Zhijie was taken ill during a match late Sunday against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano at the Asian Junior Badminton Mixed Team Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Personnel of the Mandaue City Fire Office and Bantay Mandaue CDRRMO rescued “Blue Man” who was reportedly trapped in a drainage in Sitio Sudlon, in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue on Sunday morning, June 30.
CDRRMO Head Buddy Alain Ybanezz, said that they responded after they received a call from a concerned citizen.
A female senior citizen was arrested after she gatecrashed a mass wedding reception here, and then stealing the bag of one of the visitors.
The incident happened in Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City last Saturday, June 29.
ALSO READ
Divorce and annulment in the Philippines: An explainer
Why the Philippines needs divorce, according to Cebu lawyers
House-approved divorce bill transmitted to Senate – Lagman
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Marcos, Malaysian Foreign Minister meet in Malacañang | Zacarian Sarao | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:44:29 PST | Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan pays courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Monday, July 1. | Photo from PPA Pool
Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan pays courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Monday, July 1. | Photo from PPA Pool
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan in Malacañan Palace.
Hasan paid a courtesy call on Marcos over a year after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the Philippines in March 2023.
Marcos also recently made his state visit to Malaysia and had an audience with His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’yatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah who was then Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI [King] of Malaysia in July 2023.
READ: Bongbong Marcos seeks to bolster PH-Malaysia ties post-pandemic
“Welcome, welcome to the Philippines. Thank you for finding time to visit with us while you are traveling around Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). So, I hope you will have a productive visit,” Marcos told the Malaysian foreign minister.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the two highlighted during their talk the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia which started in 1959.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan pays courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Monday, July 1. | Photo from PPA Pool
The PCO also said Marcos acknowledged the significant role Malaysia has played in the development and peace process in Mindanao.
Marcos told Hasan that the Philippines is “looking forward to keeping itself in constant communication with Malaysia on current developments.”
The PCO said that in 2023, the Philippines’ total trade with Malaysia amounted to $8.1 billion — with exports to Malaysia at $2.18 billion and imports at $5.92 billion.
Malaysia ranked as the Philippines’ 9th major trading partner, 11th export market, 8th import supplier, and 16th among the Philippines’ top investment partners in 2023, with total approved investments amounting to US$13.17 million.
An estimated 950,043 Filipinos live in Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan) — 628,450 of which are estimated to be undocumented, and 321,593 are considered temporary migrants, including those on work and visit visas.
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Dennis Trillo’s TikTok hacked, ‘May ABS pa ba’ comment not his – agency | Hannah Mallorca | Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:35:49 PST | Dennis Trillo. Image: CENON AND MAV via Instagram/@aguilaartists
Dennis Trillo. Image: CENON AND MAV via Instagram/@aguilaartists
Dennis Trillo’s management, Aguila Entertainment, said Trillo’s TikTok page had been hacked and that a comment from his account making a subtle jab against ABS-CBN was not his.
Trillo caught the attention of netizens after he responded to a netizen on TikTok, who asked him if his wife Jennylyn Mercado would transfer to ABS-CBN since she was absent in GMA’s Station ID.
“May ABS pa ba (Does ABS still exist)?” the actor supposedly responded.
Image: Screengrab from TikTok/@dennistrilloph
Reacting to the now-viral comment, Aguila Entertainment said in an official statement on Monday, July 1, that the actor’s TikTok page was hacked and that the comment was made by someone using his account.
“We would like to inform the public that Dennis Trillo’s TikTok account has been hacked around noontime today, July 1, 2024. There were some comments made using his name and we assure everyone that it was not his doing,” Aguila’s statement read.
A post shared by Aguila Entertainment (@aguilaartists)
Trillo’s agency said the matter is being “fixed” and that it’s “unlikely” for the actor to “make such remarks” on social media.
“It is very unlikely of Dennis to make such remarks and he is a person who has nothing but kindness and respect in his heart. We are currently fixing the matter to avoid this incident from happening again. Thank you,” Aguila said.
Meanwhile, the agency’s general manager, Jan Enriquez, said on X (formerly Twitter) that the actor is busy filming the historical drama “Pulang Araw” and has “limited access” to his phone.
“We are investigating the situation but do know na hindi po si Dennis yun. He is currently taping for Pulang Araw and [has] limited access to his phone as per his PA. We advise the public not to jump [to] conclusions with regard to this incident,” he said.
We are investigating the situation but do know na hindi po si Dennis yun. He is currently taping for Pulang Araw and have limited access to his phone as per his PA. We advise the public not to jump into conclusions with regard to this incident.
— Sir Jan (@janenriquez_) July 1, 2024
Trillo himself has yet to address the incident as of this writing. Meanwhile, the comments section of his TikTok page is currently switched off.
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LPG prices rise by P6 per 11-kg tank in July | clorenciana | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:40:27 PST | Petron raises LPG price by P11 per 11-kg cylinder. File photo
Petron raises LPG price by P11 per 11-kg cylinder. File photo
Filipino households will face higher cooking gas prices this month as oil companies raise liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) costs.
Over the weekend, Solane and Petron announced that LPG prices will increase by 55 centavos per kilogram, or about P6 for an 11-kg cylinder.
READ: DOE, PNP heighten monitoring of LPG facilities
This adjustment takes effect on Monday, July 1.
“This reflects the international contract price of LPG for the month of July,” Petron said.
Data from the Department of Energy show that in January, retail prices of LPG in Metro Manila ranged from P920 to P1,100 per tank.
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Scientists warn WPS marine ecosystem at risk | Jane Bautista | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:50:31 PST | This map is not to scale and is for visual representation purposes only. —Graphics by: Samuel Yap/INQUIRER.net
This map is not to scale and is for visual representation purposes only. —Graphics by: Samuel Yap/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Scientists are expressing concern over the continuous environmental degradation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid the worsening dispute over territorial boundaries with China, according to oceanographer Deo Florence Onda.
Plastic pollution, climate change-induced coral bleaching, and overfishing, among others, are the main problems Onda identified, challenges that have now pushed the Philippine waters and the rest of the South China Sea to a “very critical point.”
READ: ‘Irreparable harm’: China intrusion’s impact on West Philippine Sea ecosystem
“The scientists are very worried because we talk about territories but degradation is continuously happening. The sad thing is that probably when we come to the point where we’ve already resolved our disputes, there’s nothing to protect anymore. So what’s the value of that?” Onda said in a recent dialogue organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs-Foreign Service Institute.
Onda, who also serves as an associate professor at the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, said there was an ongoing effort to encourage other countries to return to the “negotiation table” and tackle the environmental problems in the South China Sea.
“Science itself has been pushed as a nonaggressive approach or intervention for conflict resolution since the 1990s in the South China Sea,” he said.
For example, plastic pollution, Onda said, was a very “neutral, pervasive and prevalent” topic that could serve as a “jumping point” for discussions.
He said based on their studies that measured how much plastics go out on a system, Manila Bay was still the most polluted with 23.77 plastics per square meter, followed by Eastern Palawan (5.48) and Western Palawan (0.84).
Surprisingly, he said, Pag-asa, an island located far away in the middle of the South China Sea, recorded a pollution index of 1.71, higher than Western Palawan.
“The first time I went to Pag-asa I thought [it was] paradise but no, I spent two days cleaning up the coast, trying to collect those plastics,” Onda said.
It’s not an isolated case, he added, because even in Taiwan or Taipei, where he also went, isolated islands accumulated piles of trash and plastic, which usually come from other bodies of water connected to the sea.
In addition to analyzing the amount of plastics, Onda and his team also identified the usage of the plastics to determine what industry, organizations and sectors were contributing to the problem so the targeted policies and intervention could be developed.
In Palawan, he said the majority of the plastics were foamed fragments, fishing lines, ropes and strings, which meant that most of the waste came from the fishing and maritime industry.
In Manila Bay, the most common types of waste were thin plastic wraps, foamed fragments and straws, which came from the food and commercial industry.
The marine scientist said their team also identified the origin of the plastics found on Pag-asa Island and based on the results, during the northeast monsoon, 60 percent of the plastics were foreign.
During a southwest monsoon, 90 percent of the plastics come from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Taiwan and even Singapore.
“I always refer to this as the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) convention of trash,” Onda quipped, adding that it showed the transnational boundary nature of the problem.
Asked how the environmental problems in the South China Sea could be addressed, Onda noted that a “low-hanging fruit” would be data sharing in the region.
“Different studies have been done in the South China Sea but they are not available. One thing that we are pushing for is a low-politics scientific symposium … to talk about how we are going to approach the problem,” he said.
Onda emphasized the need for information as well as support for scientists who are in a “good position to push for confidence-building in the West Philippine Sea.”
“At the end of the day, we always ask the scientists, what’s the status of the South China Sea? [What’s the] status of the environment? We can’t do that if we don’t give them support, we can’t do that if they can’t go out to the sea because there’s no gasoline in their vessel,” he said.
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“Building capacity entails building a framework to also support the scientists in the Philippines,” he added.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
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Marcos renews ‘resolve to contribute to global peace’ at PAF event | Zacarian Sarao | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:38:02 PST | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech at the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in Pampanga on Monday, July 1, 2024. (PHOTO SCREENGRABBED FROM RTVM)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech at the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in Pampanga on Monday, July 1, 2024. (PHOTO SCREENGRABBED FROM RTVM)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthen the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as part of the country’s “resolve to contribute to global peace and security.”
Marcos made the pronouncement as he expressed gratitude to the PAF personnel during its 77th founding anniversary at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
The president said PAF has already increased its maritime domain awareness by regularly conducting maritime patrol missions and monitoring over 400 unknown tracks within the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone.
PAF, at the same time, also continued its internal security operations, which resulted in the surrender of over 250 members of local insurgency groups, he pointed out.
Furthermore, Marcos said the national government heightened its international defense and security engagement through talks with foreign military counterparts and multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises.
“This is a testament to our stern resolve to contribute to global peace and security,” said the commander-in-chief.
“In all of these, the selfless women and men of the Air Force have been nothing short of exemplary, especially in your efforts to provide prompt assistance by regularly conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations,” he recalled.
READ: Marcos wants a stronger PAF to defend PH sovereignty, territory
According to Marcos, the government is now in the process of acquiring additional air assets, enhancing cyber warfare communication systems, and pursuing base development programs for PAF.
These efforts, he said, have already resulted in the acquisition of additional aircraft, as well as advanced radar systems, “which have transformed our operational readiness and has enhanced our operational reach.”
Apart from PAF’s capability development, Marcos also vowed to prioritize the welfare of PAF personnel.
“As your commander-in-chief, I assure you of this administration’s support in prioritizing your welfare, ensuring that you are all well attended to in terms of overall health and wellness so you may perform your duties effectively and safely,” he said.
READ: B-52H bomber joins PH jets for WPS patrol, irks China
During the celebration, Marcos witnessed a live capability demonstration showing the PAF’s capabilities.
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These activities included retaking a territory supposedly seized by hostile forces; detecting, tracking and neutralizing enemy aircraft through air strikes; intelligence reconnaissance and surveillance of the area using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and troop insertion via ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters using fast-rope insertion and extraction systems.
The president also led the presentation of plaques and streamers to 17 awardees, recognizing their achievements in the service.
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Palace honors health workers with concert | Melvin Gascon | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday staged its fourth musical concert at the Palace grounds as a tribute to Filipino health-care workers in the country and all around the world.
The concert, dubbed “Konsierto sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), was part of a series of musical extravaganzas to celebrate important sectors [of] society. The first three concerts were held last year to honor the country’s soldiers, athletes and teachers.
In a statement, the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were scheduled to attend the concert but were not yet there at press time.
READ: Alliance of Health Workers says sector needs solution more than concert
One of the highlights of Sunday’s event was the recognition of three United Kingdom-based nurses, who were conferred the British Empire Medal (BEM) from the British monarchy: Xyza Macutay-Malloch, Charito Leonardo-Romano and Louie Horne.
The medal is usually given “in recognition of meritorious civil or military service by His Majesty the King,” according to the UK government website.
Macutay-Malloch, who hails from the city of Ilagan in Isabela province, received the BEM in 2021 for her “outstanding contributions to [British] society” during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCO said.
As part of their recognition, she and Leonardo-Romano were invited to witness His Royal Highness King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023.
Leonardo-Romano, on the other hand, received her BEM in 2021 for her commendable and courageous work in the UK during the pandemic.
She was also recognized by President Marcos during her courtesy call on the Chief Executive on August 1, 2023, for her work at Arbrook House, a facility providing specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses and vulnerable to COVID-19 in Surrey, Southeast England.
Formerly a native of Albay province, Horne received the BEM in 2023 for her contributions to nursing and advocacy for international staff within the National Health Service (NHS), the Palace said.
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She became the first Filipino Lamp Bearer at the 58th Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster.
Featured artists at the concert were Martin Nievera, the Douglas Nierras Powerdance dance group, The Clash Philippines’ finalist Garrett Bolden, singer and former child actor Brenan Espartinez; singer and music coach Justin Taller; singer Christel Galacan; and singer and theater artist Lara Maigue.
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INQToday: Wage hike of P35 for Metro Manila private sector workers approved – DOLE | INQUIRER.net | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:20:50 PST | Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
A China Coast Guard (CCG) ship conducting a “resupply cruise” to its outposts in the Spratly Islands also passed near five features of the West Philippine Sea.
West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell said that the 8,000-ton Sansha 2 Hao first passed off Pag-asa (Thitu) Island on Sunday morning. It was accompanied by the San Sha Zhi Fa 301.
A P35 daily wage hike was approved for private sector workers in Metro Manila by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the RTWPB’s order will take effect 15 days from its publication or on July 17.
Sen. Sonny Angara said he is “open” to being the next chief of the Department of Education (DepEd).
In an ambush interview on Monday, Angara was asked if he was willing to take the helm of DepEd after Vice President Sara Duterte quit the Cabinet post.
Will Vice President Sara Duterte and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos be seatmates again during the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.?
That’s for an interagency panel to decide, according to House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Another abandoned vehicle reportedly related to the case of the missing Pampanga beauty pageant candidate and her Israeli boyfriend was found by authorities on Sunday night.
“I don’t have many details yet about the abandoned vehicle found in Tarlac City. We will discuss the connection of the vehicle found last night to the case,” Capas police chief Lt. Col. Librado Maranang Jr. told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.
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LPG prices up by P6 per 11-kg tank in July | Lisbet K. Esmael @lisbetesmael | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:03:22 PST | FILE PHOTO: A worker unloads a delivery of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at a market in Quezon City on February 5, 2009. (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)
FILE PHOTO: A worker unloads a delivery of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at a market in Quezon City on February 5, 2009. (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)
Filipino households will see higher prices of cooking gas this month as oil companies announced an upward adjustment for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
In separate advisories over the weekend, Solane and Petron said LPG prices will go up by 55 centavos per kilogram or about P6 per 11-kg cylinder.
READ: DOE, PNP heighten monitoring of LPG facilities
This adjustment takes effect on Monday, July 1.
“This reflects the international contract price of LPG for the month of July,” Petron said.
Data from the Department of Energy shows that in January, retail prices of LPG in Metro Manila ranged from P920 to P1,100 per tank.
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5 Pinoy crewmen return after Houthi attack | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST | Inquirer file photo
Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Five of the 27 Filipino crew of MV Transworld Navigator, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, arrived in the country on Sunday afternoon, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
“This is the first batch of the 27 Filipino seafarers who were onboard the vessel that was attacked by the Houthi rebels last weekend as they passed through the Gulf of Aden,” the DMW said.
The agency also said the five seafarers received financial and other assistance from the national government.
READ: All 27 Filipino crew of MV Transworld Navigator unharmed, says DMW
Migrant chief Hans Leo Cacdac, Jerome Pampolina, assistant secretary for sea-based overseas Filipino worker concerns, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Honey Quin̈o welcomed the seafarers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
According to reports, one of the 27 Filipino crew sustained a minor injury due to shattered glass in the vessel. Before the incident, the Philippine government had barred Filipino seafarers from boarding vessels passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Cacdac said the DMW required manning agencies to submit an “affirmation letter” or written guarantee that cruise vessels with Filipino crew members would not traverse the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. —Faith Argosino
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Another vehicle linked to missing pageant candidate case found in Tarlac | Faith Argosino | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:55:28 PST | HAVE YOU SEEN THEM? Relatives of Geneva Lopez, a Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate, and her boyfriend, Yitchak Cohen, have continued to appeal for public help in finding them. They were last seen in Tarlac province on Friday after inspecting an agricultural land that they were intending to buy. —PHOTO FROM PRESY CARREON LOPEZ FACEBOOK
HAVE YOU SEEN THEM? Relatives of Geneva Lopez, a Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate, and her boyfriend, Yitchak Cohen, have continued to appeal for public help in finding them. They were last seen in Tarlac province on Friday after inspecting an agricultural land that they were intending to buy. —PHOTO FROM PRESY CARREON LOPEZ FACEBOOK
MANILA, Philippines — Another abandoned vehicle reportedly related to the case of the missing Pampanga beauty pageant candidate and her Israeli boyfriend was found by authorities on Sunday night.
“I don’t have many details yet about the abandoned vehicle found in Tarlac City. We will discuss the connection of the vehicle found last night to the case,” Capas police chief Lt. Col. Librado Maranang Jr. told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.
In a separate interview with reporters, the Capas police chief said operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group found the abandoned vehicle along Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City.
READ: Burned gadget found in vehicle used by missing beauty pageant candidate
He added that the Tarlac Police Provincial Office has already formed a committee on missing persons to expedite the investigation and determine the connection between the vehicles found and the case.
Based on previous reports, Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate Geneva Lopez and Yitchak Cohen met someone in Tarlac to check a 20.5-hectare agricultural land that they intended to buy.
Citing the middleman the couple met, police said they were last seen around 2 p.m. on June 21, while their gray Nissan Terra sport utility vehicle (SUV) was found burning along the Capas-San Jose Road in Cristo Rey village at 2:36 a.m. on June 22.
READ: Tarlac cops start retracing steps of missing couple
In an earlier radio interview, Maranang revealed that police are now examining what seemed like a burned “cellphone or tablet” found inside the SUV.
He also said they were still searching for witnesses to help them locate the two.
He appealed to anyone with vital information about the alleged disappearance of the couple to come forward and cooperate with authorities.
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PH designates land for dairy farming to increase milk sufficiency | Jordeene B. Lagare | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:04:00 PST | The National Dairy Authority (NDA) is allocating nearly half a billion for the development of four dairy livestock breeding farms in Luzon and Mindanao, which are scheduled for completion by 2025.
In a message to the Inquirer, the NDA said it earmarked a total of P498 million to establish four breeding farms designed to scale up local dairy production.
“They are being established this year and hopefully, it will be operational by next year,” it said.
The government set aside four properties to the NDA, a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA), for building these breeding farms.
In Department Order No. 11, the NDA was ordered to help develop government properties assigned to the agriculture sector for dairy farming and forage development: a 50-hectare property situated within the Peñaranda River Forest Reserve in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija; a 50-hectare land and a 15-hectare property in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; and a 35-hectare property in Carmen South Cotabato, Bukidnon. Each facility has a capacity for 150 heads.
The DA had vowed to support local milk production, noting the industry was “a low-hanging fruit” ready for the taking while also increasing the farm sector’s contribution to the economy.
“If we increase the number of cattle in the milking-line, then we can increase production. Immediate effects will be felt,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in February.
“Developments in this sector will not only benefit our farmers but also help address malnutrition in the provinces,” he added.
The NDA aims to increase the country’s milk sufficiency by 5 percent, targeting 80 million liters produced by 2028.
The Philippines produced just 29.1 million liters of milk in 2023, down by almost 4 percent a year prior, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The country imports 99 percent of its dairy requirements, mostly from the US and New Zealand. INQ
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Free admission: WinZir’s “Mano-a-Mano sa Sugbo” boxing event on July 20th | bfernandez | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:10:44 PST | Cebu is up for a thrilling evening as Winzir, in collaboration with Prime Stag Sport, celebrates its second anniversary with its “Mano-a-Mano sa Sugbo” boxing event, offering FREE admission to interested enthusiasts on July 20, 2024, at 4 PM.
As WinZir marks this special milestone, they continue to show their dedication to supporting the sports community and the entire local sports scene. Over the past two years, WinZir has made remarkable strides in the online gaming industry, and this celebration is a testament to their commitment.
As WinZir marks this special milestone, they continue to show their dedication to supporting the sports community and the entire local sports scene. Over the past two years, WinZir has made remarkable strides in the online gaming industry, and this celebration is a testament to their commitment.
The “Mano-a-Mano sa Sugbo” promises an exhilarating showcase of talent, featuring some of the finest boxers from Cebu under Prime Stag Sports. This event will highlight Cebu’s rich boxing culture and bring the community together for a memorable night of high-stakes bouts.
The exciting line-up for the evening includes:
As WinZir marks this special milestone, they continue to show their dedication to supporting the sports community and the entire local sports scene. Over the past two years, WinZir has made remarkable strides in the online gaming industry, and this celebration is a testament to their commitment.
Expect an evening packed with thrilling matches, celebrities, and captivating performances by local stars. There will be plenty of activities and exciting prize giveaways throughout the night, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for everyone.
Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and head over to the Sky Hall at SM Seaside on July 20th at 4 PM.
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Cebu Football Club’s the Gentle Giants Receives Continued Support from WinZir
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First Lady back from 3-day UAE visit | Melvin Gascon | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:33:27 PST | First Lady Lisa Marcos taking a group selfie after attending a lunch event with Filipino community in Kempinski Central Avenue, Dubai, UAE last June 29. —photo from Lisa Marcos Facebook
First Lady Lisa Marcos taking a group selfie after attending a lunch event with Filipino community in Kempinski Central Avenue, Dubai, UAE last June 29. —photo from Lisa Marcos Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — First Lady Liza Marcos on Sunday shared on social media her trip to the United Arab Emirates, where she is on a supposed three-day working visit to explore areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE.
In an instagram post, Mrs. Marcos said the Philippine delegation and the UAE government tackled areas where they could enhance cooperation, such as culture, arts and heritage.
“Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of His Highness the UAE President, welcomed (the first lady) who is on a working visit to the UAE,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a post.
READ: Marcos hopes to build deeper ties with UAE
She said the two sides “explored ways to enrich the cultural and artistic landscape in both nations, with particular focus on early childhood development and investment in human capital.
“The (first lady) commended the UAE’s broad cultural and developmental progress, expressing her admiration for Emirati women, who have successfully become key partners in the country’s development and nation-building process,” the PCO said.
Earlier this month, the first couple hosted UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the latter’s courtesy call in Malacañang.
The UAE official conveyed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. his country’s willingness to increase its investments in the Philippines amid the “growing relationship” between the two countries.
During her work visit, the first lady met with executives of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. and Emirates Airline and Group.
She also met with the Filipino community in UAE at the Kempinski Central Avenue in Dubai.
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Tarlac cops still have no leads on missing couple | Jun A. Malig | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:40:00 PST | CHARRED Police have preserved the charred Nissan Terra used by missing couple Geneva Lopez and Yitshak Cohen that was found burning along Cojuangco Road in Capas, Tarlac, on June 22, some 10 hours after they were last seen in the town. —photo courtesy of Capas Police
CHARRED Police have preserved the charred Nissan Terra used by missing couple Geneva Lopez and Yitshak Cohen that was found burning along Cojuangco Road in Capas, Tarlac, on June 22, some 10 hours after they were last seen in the town. —photo courtesy of Capas Police
MABALACAT CITY, PAMPANGA, Philippines — Police in Tarlac province continued reviewing footage from several security cameras in an effort to locate Kapampangan beauty pageant contestant Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen, who disappeared on June 21.
Police Lt. Col. Librado Manarang, police chief of Capas town in Tarlac, told the Inquirer on Sunday that their backtracking efforts involved examining the footage from video-surveillance cameras installed on residential buildings and business establishments around Cristo Rey village in Capas, where the couple was last seen.
He said they obtained footage that showed the gray Nissan Terra used by the couple while traversing a road leading to Armenia village in Tarlac City, where Lopez planned to buy 20.5 hectares of upland agricultural land.
READ: P250,000 reward offered for info on missing pageant bet, boyfriend
According to Manarang, the footage had been turned over to the “committee on missing persons” created on June 28 by the Tarlac provincial police.
But Manarang said a case of kidnapping was still unlikely because no ransom demand has been made.
“We have been coordinating with Ms Geneva’s family members to ask about information relevant to the missing persons case and if they have received any calls from anyone asking for ransom. They said they did not receive any,” he said.
Lopez, 27, a candidate of Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024, representing Sto. Tomas town, and Cohen, 37, left their residence in Malabanias, Angeles City, at 1:20 p.m. on June 21 to meet with a middleman for the sale of the two parcels of land.
In a sworn statement, the middleman said he met with the couple at 2 p.m. that day in front of a Petron gasoline station at the entrance of Cristo Rey village in Capas, then boarded their respective vehicles and drove to Armenia village for Geneva to inspect the properties she was buying.
By late afternoon that day, the couple could no longer be contacted by phone or via their respective social media accounts.
The middleman told the Capas police that he parted ways with the couple shortly after the ocular inspection of the two parcels of 12.5-ha and 8-ha farmlands.
By 2:36 a.m. on June 22 or some 10 hours after the couple was supposed to drive back to Angeles City via Capas, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) they drove was found ablaze along Cojuangco Road in Cristo Rey. The road connects Cristo Rey village in Capas and Armenia village in Tarlac City.
Investigators said the vehicle, which was reportedly pawned to the couple by its owner, who resides in Bulacan, was facing north as if traveling to Armenia village when it was found burning,
Manarang said the owner of the Nissan Terra was invited to the Capas police to explain why the missing couple was using his vehicle. He was supposed to show up on June 25 and on June 29.
“Up to now, he (SUV owner) did not show up. His lawyer told us that they would come here on Monday or Tuesday,” Manarang said on Sunday.
On June 29, the Capas police chief and the provincial police’s committee on missing persons conducted an ocular inspection at the area in Cojuangco Road, where the vehicle was abandoned and burned.
According to the police, there were no residential buildings or business establishments in the area. They also inspected the agricultural land Geneva intended to buy in Armenia village.
Manarang said a burned cell phone was found earlier in the back seat of the burned vehicle.
“The mobile gadget, a cell phone, was brought to the regional anticybercrime office in Camp Olivas (in San Fernando, Pampanga) for forensic investigation. But data could no longer be retrieved from the gadget because it was completely burned,” he said.
Manarang said they had received information that Lopez was able to buy agricultural land in Tarlac in the past and had requested the Tarlac Registry of Deeds office for a copy of the property’s title to find out its exact location and its land area.
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“Up to now, we have been aggressively looking and coordinating with the family and friends of the missing couple, and until now, we still could not find a lead about these two persons’ whereabouts,” he said.
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More expensive fuel prices set Tuesday, July 2 | Lisbet K. Esmael @lisbetesmael | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:55:43 PST | INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Motorists will continue to pay more for petroleum products this week, with oil firms implementing a new round of price increases starting Tuesday.
In separate advisories on Monday, Seaoil, Shell Pilipinas, and Petro Gazz said pump prices will jump by as much as 95 centavos, marking the third consecutive week of hikes.
READ: Fuel prices set to rise for 3rd straight week
The per-liter price of diesel will advance by 65 centavos, while kerosene prices are set to rise by 35 centavos a liter.
Gasoline, meanwhile, will increase by 95 centavos per liter.
Rodela Romero, director of the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, said crude oil prices continued to swell “as the global supply outlook remained threatened by the potential escalation of geopolitical unrest, due to the drone attack of Ukraine hitting Russian refineries, the production restriction of OPEC and the forecast for the peak summer season demand starting 3rd [quarter] of this year.”
Last week, fuel prices surged by as much as P1.75 per liter.
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MR.DIY brings on the fun with Bounce and Bingo Grand Finals at Waltermart North Edsa | INQUIRER.net BrandRoom | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:00:20 PST | In an adrenaline-filled display of teamwork and luck, leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY brought the fun and excitement with its Bounce and Bingo Grand Finals held Saturday, May 25.
BJ Geneses Arenas and Corazon Arenas from South Luzon emerged victorious versus 22 other teams from the National Capital Region (NCR), North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao–earning the coveted grand prize of P50,000 cash.
In the 1st elimination round, the 23 teams were divided into 6 groups and played against each other to determine the first 11 teams to form either a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal bingo pattern to advance to the next elimination round.
In the 2nd elimination round, the 11 teams went head to head to determine the final 3 teams to compete in the final round.
With much anticipation, Chester Espino and Tristan Pangilinan of North Luzon, Bj Geneses Arenas and Corazon Arenas of South Luzon, and Jovelyn Calatrava and Aldren Dayan Candelario of Visayas secured their spots in the finals.
After a nail-biting finish, the mother-and-son tandem Bj and Corazon emerged victorious and was declared the grand winner with a record time of 45 seconds, while aunt and nephew duo Jovelyn and Aldren, and pals Chester and Tristan from Pampanga were declared second and third placers, respectively.
As second placer, Jovelyn and Aldren brought home P30,000, while the third placer Chester and Tristan received P20,000 cash.
As the venue filled with joy and excitement, MR.DIY’s Bounce and Bingo Challenge brought together a diverse group of participants with unique stories and aspirations, each with heartwarming plans for their prize winnings.
Grand champion BJ Geneses and his mother, Corazon look forward to using their P50,000 prize to repair their house, while it’s surely a memorable birthday for second place winner Aldren, with his aunt Jovelyn, as they take home their prize back to Bacolod.
Meanwhile, third-placer pals Chester and Tristan plan to save their prize winnings for tuition fees for the upcoming school year.
Inspired by the eponymous viral game on TikTok, the Bounce and Bingo game has become wildly popular among MR.DIY customers–offering a unique blend of agility, strategy, and luck.
Started last April 17 and ran until May 17, participants had the opportunity to take on the MR.DIY Bounce and Bingo Challenge–with no minimum purchase required–across 50 participating MR.DIY stores nationwide, forming 2-person teams who can record the fastest time to complete horizontal, vertical, and diagonal bingo patterns on the bingo tray.
The MR.DIY Bounce and Bingo Challenge Grand Finals was made possible by Waltermart North Edsa as its official event venue, hosted by influencer Mary Grace Khu and featured invitational games for the mall audience, as well as a special performance from Tiktok choreographer Jerold and his dance group Legit Status PH.
Stay tuned for the latest updates and promos by visiting MR.DIY’s official website at www.mrdiy.com/ph and official social media accounts at Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by MR.DIY.
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Makati unveils new police, fire station in San Antonio village | John Eric Mendoza | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:33:49 PST | ‘MAKATIZEN’ NO. 1 Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay meets with Inquirer officers, editors andreporters at the paper’s new office on Jan. 25. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
‘MAKATIZEN’ NO. 1 Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay meets with Inquirer officers, editors andreporters at the paper’s new office on Jan. 25. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Makati on Monday unveiled its new police and fire stations in one of its commercial villages.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the ceremonial opening of Makati Central Police Station on Malugay Street and the Makati Central Fire Station on Buendia Avenue, both in Barangay San Antonio.
What’s notable about these new facilities are the installed solar panels in it, Binay said.
“We have made sure to include solar panels in the design of both buildings in line with Makati’s ongoing transition towards renewable energy,” she added.
Binay said the 3,249-square-meter, three-story police station contains a secure detention cell installed with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) and a fire detection and alarm system.
She also said the 1,778-square meter, three-story fire station could house up to four fire trucks in its parking bay and has a fire pole. It features the city fire marshal’s office, administration and district offices, and a conference room, among others.
“We are proud to provide our police and fire departments with the modern resources they need to serve our city effectively. This investment reflects our dedication to the well-being and safety of all residents and stakeholders of Makati,” Binay said.
“These new facilities symbolize our commitment to protecting our citizens and ensuring swift response in times of need,” she added.
These facilities will benefit 16,524 residents in San Antonio with a percentage share of 2.89 percent of Makati’s population with a density of 19 persons per 1,000 square meters, according to the 2015 Census of Population released by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
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“Predominant land use of Barangay San Antonio is commercial and can be seen through the wide array of business establishments,” the local government website stated.—with reports from Felice Marie Nafarrete, trainee
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Ace Cebuano junior chess player to compete in Malaysia | dbongcac | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:54:54 PST | John Dave Lavandero. | Photo from Cebu School of Chess
John Dave Lavandero. | Photo from Cebu School of Chess
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Rising Cebuano woodpusher John Dave Lavandero of the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters will don the country’s tri-colors as he competes in the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships 2024 scheduled from July 12 to 21 in Penang, Malaysia.
Lavandero, one of the top junior woodpushers in Cebu, is currently coached by International Master (IM) Kim Steven Yap who is also the head coach of the UC Webmasters’ chess team.
For Lavandero, he is thrilled for the rare opportunity to represent the Philippines in this major international chess tournament.
READ: Lavandero crowned One Central Eagles Region Chess tilt champion
” I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this event, which would have been out of reach for me without the help of God, and my coach IM Kim Steven Yap and the financial support of the University of Cebu and Sir Bogie Lim,” he said.
READ: UC Webmaster’s John Dave Lavandero tops CCSI Under-20 Chess Tourney
“This is my first time competing abroad, and if I do very well, I would be more motivated to compete in more international tournaments. For this tournament, I hope to play extremely well and grab a title! My preparation has involved consistent practice, solving puzzles, and making strategic opening preparations.”
READ: Lavandero tops Cebu School of Chess Scholastics tournament
For IM Yap, he is confident that his prized ward will perform well in Malaysia.
IM Yap said that it’s Lavandero’s chance to etch his name in the international scene if he wins the title in his division. He has been coaching Lavandero since 2019 as a varsity chess player of the University of Cebu.
“I also grabbed my 2nd IM norm in Malaysia where in I defeated GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, the number 1 player in the Philippines today. So, It’s his (Lavandero) chance to make a name for himself,” said IM Yap who is also a player of the vaunted Toledo-Xignex Trojans.
Lavandero has been one of the busiest local woodpushers in Cebu lately. He competed in various tournaments and won his first open title earlier this year at the One Central Eagles Region Annual Chess Tournament.
He also competed during the Cebu Chess Masters Invitational where he went against his own coach, IM Yap, and several notable Cebuano woodpushers.
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Shabu, marijuana worth P18M seized in Calabarzon in June; 875 busted | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:32:39 PST | INQUIRER FILES
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LUCENA CITY — Police in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon) seized more than P18 million worth of illegal drugs during their month-long operations in June.
The Police Regional Office 4A (PRO-4A) public information office (PIO) reported on Monday, July 1, that anti-narcotics operatives arrested 875 suspects during 675 anti-illegal drug operations across the region in June.
The law enforcers seized 2,616.53 grams of shabu (crystal meth) and 2,177.30 grams of marijuana with a total value of P18,053,680, the report said.
The arrested persons were detained and faced complaints for violating the country’s anti-drugs law.
The report also said the cops arrested 1,853 persons engaged in illegal cockfights, card games, toss coins, and board games such as bingo and mah-jong during 819 operations in June.
The police also held suspected bet collectors for the illegal operation of Small Town Lottery called “bookies.”
Authorities seized a total of P668,974 bet money from illegal gamblers.
At least 441 criminal cases have been filed in court against the arrested suspects.
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Sofitel hotel closes; Union to push fight | Russel Loreto | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:20:55 PST | LAST DAY? A vehicle enters the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City on Sunday, the last day of its current iteration. —photos by Grig C. Montegrande
LAST DAY? A vehicle enters the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City on Sunday, the last day of its current iteration. —photos by Grig C. Montegrande
MANILA, Philippines — The landmark Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila officially shuts down on Monday after 46 years amid safety concerns and an escalating labor dispute.
The hotel, last managed by the multinational tourism company Accor SA under its Sofitel brand, bid farewell on its Facebook, thanking guests for memories that “have left an indelible mark on our hearts.”
The property, owned by the Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS), was one of 12 hotels that were built in a rush in the early 1970s, as part of preparations for the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB), which was held in Manila in 1976.
READ: Hontiveros wants inquiry into Sofitel’s closure
After the IMF-WB meeting, management of the hotel was contracted to the global Starwood hotel chain and was known as the Westin Philippine Plaza until 2005. The following year, Accor SA acquired the management contract and renamed the hotel as Sofitel Philippine Plaza.
In May, however, Accor announced that the hotel would have to be permanently closed after 24 fire incidents affected the property’s structural integrity.
However, the National Union of Workers in Hotel, Restaurant and Allied Industries (Nuwhrain) released on Sunday a statement criticizing the closure process.
According to the union, Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. (PPHI), the hotel’s owner, “terminated over a thousand of the hotel’s employees due to the closure.” The union argued that this move is deceptive, noting that despite appearances, “PPHI still has plans for renovations within the premises.”
The statement claimed that the hotel management has extended their lease with the GSIS until 2041, with plans to potentially extend further to 2066. This extension, the union claimed, is to “earn back at least the P3 billion to P4 billion, possibly even more,” spent on renovations.
CLOSING WITHOUT CLOSURE Musicians play classical pieces at Sofitel’s iconic spiral stairway leading to its ground floor restaurant, where customers have lined up as the hotel operates on its last day on Sunday before it closes for renovation. Since the 1970s, the iconic hotel had been a popular “staycation” place for Metro Manila residents. But the landmark is also beset by labor issues, with workers protesting its shutdown.
“It is clear that the PPHI has plans for the hotel’s future, yet the workers themselves have been terminated, leaving them in the dark and unemployed,” the union statement read. The union characterized this as “nothing less than union busting at the cruel, greedy and heartless hands of PPHI.”
The union accused PPHI and Accor SA of violating labor standards, asserting that “PPHI has failed to work with the union meaningfully with regard to their plans for the hotel.”
“All the workers ever wanted was, if the hotel will reopen, to be guaranteed the retention of their jobs and the respect and recognition of their unions and collective bargaining agreement,” Nuwhrain said.
Despite the closure, the union said it would stage an “unrelenting campaign with international allies” to hold Accor accountable for what they see as complicity in PPHI’s actions.
The dispute has caught political attention, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros calling for an investigation of the “labor policy implications” of the hotel closure.
The union, for its part, has vowed to keep fighting until “the hotel workers themselves, during the eventual reopening, shall be the ones to cut the ribbon.”
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“So long as one of us remains standing, the fight is not yet over,” Nuwhrain said.
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Duterte boasting zero secret OVP funds? She shouldn’t have any – Castro | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:21:02 PST | The Office of the Vice President did not request confidential funds from the proposed P6.3-trillion national budget for 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte announced.| PHOTO: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte
The Office of the Vice President did not request confidential funds from the proposed P6.3-trillion national budget for 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte announced.| PHOTO: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged boasting of her office’s decision not to request confidential funds (CF) for 2025 is an “empty gesture,” as she should not have secret funds in the first place, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said on Monday.
In a statement, Castro said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is not mandated to have CFs as it does not have a surveillance function.
Her statement came after Duterte on Saturday said that her office did not propose any CF allocation for 2025.
“Why should she request for confidential funds when her office is not mandated to have such funds? Besides, she is just afraid that Congress will again take it away along with other civilian agencies that are not mandated for confidential funds,” the lawmaker said.
READ: OVP says it didn’t request confidential funds from 2025 national budget
Castro also pointed out that Duterte has not yet explained what happened to the CFs that the OVP got in 2022.
READ: Quimbo: OVP’s P125M secret fund in 2022 spent in just 11 days
“Also, up till now, she has not satisfactorily explained the P125-million confidential funds she illegally acquired and spent in 11 days in 2022. She also has to account [for] how she spent her confidential funds in 2023,” the lawmaker said.
During the deliberations in 2023 for the 2024 budget, Castro and other members of the Makabayan bloc proposed to remove the proposed CFs under the agencies handled by Duterte — P500 million for OVP and P150 million for the Department of Education (DepEd).
The House of Representatives decided to remove the CFs from the OVP. It reallocated it to agencies involved in securing the West Philippine Sea, like the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. DepEd’s CF was converted into items under its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, particularly assistance for teachers and students.
READ: How House removed, reduced the confidential funds of gov’t agencies
Castro is a staunch critic of Duterte. In May 2023, Castro said Duterte was diverting the public from real education issues after the lawmaker was accused of shifting attention from the communist rebel attacks in Masbate province.
ACT Teachers also urged DepEd to hire 30,000 teachers yearly to address gaps in the education sector, but Duterte said it was “unrealistic.”
READ: VP Duterte: Hiring 30,000 teachers yearly ‘unrealistic, impossible’
After Duterte resigned as Education secretary, Castro said the Vice President’s decision had been “long overdue,” adding that nothing was done to resolve the education crisis in her two years at the helm.
For Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, Duterte is not yet off the hook in terms of explaining DepEd’s budget utilization, even with her resignation.
READ: Sara Duterte’s resignation as DepEd chief ‘long overdue’ – Castro
“She shouldn’t brag about requesting confidential funds for the next budget. She is not off the hook yet,” the lawmaker said in Filipino.
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With reports from Moss Laygo, trainee
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Moderate earthquakes rock Mindanao | Frinston Lim | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:03:38 PST | Two moderate earthquakes hit Mindanao minutes apart on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The stronger magnitude 5.6 tectonic quake happened at around 8:23 a.m., with its epicenter estimated at 77 kilometers east of Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST)
Two moderate earthquakes hit Mindanao minutes apart on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The stronger magnitude 5.6 tectonic quake happened at around 8:23 a.m., with its epicenter estimated at 77 kilometers east of Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST)
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Two moderate earthquakes rocked Mindanao minutes apart on Thursday morning, state seismologists said.
The stronger magnitude 5.6 tectonic quake hit at around 8:23 a.m., with its epicenter estimated at 77 kilometers east of Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
The tremor had a depth of 10 km.
Ten minutes earlier, a magnitude 5.3 quake also struck off Cagwait, with its epicenter traced some 86 km to the east.
It had a depth of focus of 9 kilometers.
READ: Phivolcs: Magnitude 5.6 earthquake hits Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
Phivolcs said Intensity 5 was felt in Hinatuan town, Surigao del Sur. Intensity 4 was reportedly felt in the city of Bislig.
It was felt at Intensity 2 in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte provinces, disaster offices in the two provinces reported.
No damage or aftershocks are expected, Phivolcs said.
The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region bordering Asia and the Americas, where earthquakes and volcanic activities are common.
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Phivolcs: Magnitude 5.3 quake off Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur | Luisa Cabato | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:53:47 PST | The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says that a magnitude 5.3 quake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says that a magnitude 5.3 quake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)
(UPDATED: 3:25 p.m., February 29, 2024, to reflect the revised magnitude of the earthquake, from 5.6 to 5.3, and location, from Hinatuan to Cagwait, as well as to include reported and measured intensities/instrumental intensities, according to Phivolcs.)
MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
State seismologists earlier reported that the temblor was at magnitude 5.6 and that it occurred near the waters of Hinatuan municipality.
Phivolcs said Thursday morning’s quake was an aftershock to the magnitude 7.4 movement that swayed the province on December 2.
READ: Phivolcs: Surigao del Sur quake at 7.4-magnitude, aftershocks recorded
In a bulletin, Phivolcs said the earthquake happened 8:10 a.m. at 78 kilometers (km) east of Cagwait. It also said that the tectonic temblor had a depth of focus of 9 km.
Phivolcs likewise said that Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur experienced the quake at Intensity V; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, at Intensity IV, while its scales measured the shaking at Instrumental Intensity II in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
READ: Moderate earthquakes rock Mindanao
State seismologists previously explained that instrumental intensity is measured by an intensity meter or scale while intensity refers to the actual feel of the quake as reported by the affected population.
No aftershocks or damage to property were expected from this quake, according to Phivolcs.
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Significant increase in PH gov’t borrowings seen in 2024 — S&P | Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:36:07 PST | MANILA —The Philippine government is expected to incur larger borrowings this year, even as the country’s fiscal deficit is projected to narrow in the years to come, as the state looks for cash to pay old debts and fund its spending plans.
In a commentary sent to journalists on Wednesday, S&P Global Ratings said the Philippine government is projected to sell $40 billion (P2.3 trillion) in new, long-term commercial debts this year, bigger than the estimated $29.8 billion (P1.7 trillion) it issued in 2023.
Including short-term borrowings, the credit rating agency said the state’s total commercial debt stock would increase to $253.2 billion (P14.24 trillion) by the end of 2024, from the estimated $223.2 billion (P13 trillion) in 2023.
READ: Gov’t gross borrowings up 28.2% in Nov.
”Most other sovereigns will increase borrowing this year,” S&P said. “Thailand and the Philippines are also likely to see significant increases in borrowings.”
”Other major Asia-Pacific governments are also likely to borrow more in 2024. As a share of GDP (gross domestic product), however, we project their fiscal deficits to fall relative to 2023. Most economies in the region should still have healthy growth,” the global debt watcher added.
Data showed the Philippines’ debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 60.2 percent by the end of 2023, down from 60.9 percent in 2022.
READ: PH debt still manageable, says Finance chief
The ratio however stayed above the 60-percent threshold that credit rating agencies deemed manageable for developing economies like the Philippines. This, as the government capped 2023 with an outstanding debt amounting to P14.62 trillion, up by 8.92 percent year-on-year.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is a closely-watched indicator of the government’s ability to settle its obligations. Economists believe that debt would stay at manageable levels as long as the economy grows faster than state liabilities.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said the Marcos administration is planning to borrow a total of P2.46-trillion from creditors at home and abroad this year to plug a projected budget deficit of P1.4 trillion.
S&P estimates that governments in the Asia-Pacific region would use nearly 75 percent (or $2.9 trillion) of their gross long-term commercial borrowings in 2024 to refinance maturing long-term debt.
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”Projected issuance this year will raise the Asia-Pacific sovereign commercial debt stock to an equivalent of $20.6 trillion by the end of 2024, up by $1.68 trillion from 2023,” S&P said.
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Marcos returns to the Philippines after addressing Australian parliament | Jean Mangaluz | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:45:01 PST | President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay city, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. (File photo from INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay city, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. (File photo from INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines on Thursday after his two-day state visit in Australia.
The Presidential Communications Office said that the President’s plane landed in Manila at around 8:30 pm.
During his stay in Australia, Marcos addressed the Australian parliament.
He renewed his promise to defend Philippine sovereignty amid threats in the South China Sea.
“The closer cooperation in this field was fully emphasized in my speech to the esteemed Parliament of Australia—the first ever for a Filipino President. I similarly highlighted our steadfast support for regional peace and harmony, to which many of our forefathers paid the ultimate price in World War II,” said Marcos in his arrival statement.
“I conveyed to Australian legislators the important role of both our countries as proponents of the rules-based international order and its significance amidst the present complexities in global geopolitics,” he added.
The President also told Australia that developed countries must help countries disproportionately affected by climate change.
During his stay, Marcos also had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as well as other Australian lawmakers.
Marcos also witnessed the signing of three deals between Australia and the Philippines, with one pertaining to maritime cooperation.
The other deals tackle cyber technology and competition policies.
The President will return to Australia in four days for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Australia Summit.
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Passive income tax cuts not viable until 2028–BofA | Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 02:30:00 PST | MANILA, Philippines —Tax cuts on passive income—proposed to deepen local financial markets—may have to wait until the twilight of the Marcos administration in 2028 due to the current lack of fiscal space, analysts at BofA Global Research said.
In a commentary dated Feb. 26, the research unit of Bank of America (BofA) said any measures that would result in foregone revenues at this point could further erode the delicate government budget position.
BofA was referring to Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, which aims to harmonize and simplify varying tax structures on passive income and other financial tools.
READ: House panel OKs 4th package of tax reform program
When he took office in January, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto submitted a “refined” version of this legislation to lawmakers.
“There is less fiscal space in 2024 than there was prepandemic, when these tax cuts were first proposed,” BofA said.
“The proposed tax cuts on passive income and financial transactions would have eroded government revenue further,” it added.
Approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading on Nov. 14, 2022, the bill is currently being taken up by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Under Package 4, interest income tax will be set at 20 percent. Royalties will be maintained until 2027 but reduced to 15 percent in 2028. Similarly, dividend income tax—which varies depending on nationality of recipient—will remain unchanged until 2027 before being harmonized to 10 percent in 2028.
Package 4 also proposes a gradual reduction in the stock transaction tax to 0.1 percent by 2028 from the current 0.6 percent.
Existing taxes on financial transactions, sales agreements and transfer of unlisted shares will be removed in 2028.
Tax rates on bank checks, drafts, certificates of deposit not bearing interest and other instruments will remain unchanged along with that on life insurance policies.
READ: Sans new taxes, deficit spike feared
Meanwhile, rates on policies of insurance upon property, fidelity bonds and other insurance policies will gradually be decreased annually to 7.5 percent by 2028, from 12.5 percent.
While the Bureau of the Treasury has yet to release full-year 2023 numbers, latest data show that the budget position swung to a deficit of P1.1 trillion from January to November, well within the P1.5-trillion deficit cap for the year.
For 2024, the Marcos administration is projecting a smaller budget gap of P1.4 trillion, equivalent to 5.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). This assumed that revenues would hit P4.2 trillion while state spending would amount to P5.6 trillion this year.
To plug the budget hole, Recto plans to borrow a total of P2.46-trillion from government creditors. He ruled out new consumption taxes that may stoke inflation, instead calling for improved collection efficiency.
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”If any comfort, the government appears to be able to fund its deficit easily with a mix of domestic and foreign borrowing,” BofA said. “Given the lack of fiscal space, we see government spending lagging overall GDP growth in 2024, as in 2023.” INQ
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Marcos finds China actions in West Philippine Sea getting worrisome | Julie M. Aurelio | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:36:08 PST | SIGNAL BLOCKED China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel No. 3105 sails past BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Feb. 22, when the CCG allegedly blocked the Philippine vessel’s signal. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD
SIGNAL BLOCKED China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel No. 3105 sails past BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Feb. 22, when the CCG allegedly blocked the Philippine vessel’s signal. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed worry that the growing presence and assertiveness of China’s forces in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) might further stoke tensions between Manila and Beijing and escalate an already volatile situation in those waters.
“It’s really worrisome. Before, it’s just the China Coast Guard that’s making moves in our area. Now their Navy and fishing boats are joining them, so the situation is really changing,” Mr. Marcos said.
READ: PCG: China jamming tracking signal of PH ships in WPS
The President noted the recent sightings of warships of the People’s Liberation Army-Navy as well as China’s alleged jamming of the automatic identification signals of ships of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
But the Chief Executive said the Philippines would continue to defend its sovereign rights to ensure that Filipino fisherfolk can keep making a living in their traditional fishing grounds.
“We just want to enforce what everybody is doing. For us, we will continue, we will just really defend our maritime territory. We continue to support all our fisherfolk who make a living from these fishing grounds and we will continue to help them,” he said shortly before he flew to Australia’s capital of Canberra on Wednesday morning for a two-day state visit.
In an interview with reporters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Mr. Marcos assured Filipino fishers in the West Philippine Sea that the government would defend the country’s maritime territory in spite of the increased presence of Chinese vessels.
Mr. Marcos reiterated his position that the country would not budge an inch despite the unfriendly acts of Chinese vessels, which are known to shadow or block the Philippine government’s ships in the West Philippine Sea, or the waters within the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.
On the President’s orders, the PCG and BFAR began rotational deployments and patrols around Panatag Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc, a traditional fishing ground among Filipino fisherfolk.
Over the weekend, the PCG accused China of jamming the tracking signal of PCG and BFAR ships, preventing the vessels from transmitting their positions at sea.
“Despite whatever else happens, if they block us, if they shadow us, we will just continue doing what we are doing. That’s our job, to help fishermen who have been fishing there for generations,” Mr. Marcos said.
“That’s the basic principle there: The fishermen must be allowed to fish in their traditional fishing grounds which belong in the maritime territory of the Philippines,” the President said.
He made the remarks following the Philippine Navy’s allegation of an increase in interference on the electronic capabilities of Philippine ships deployed on rotation and resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea.
Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said such “electronic interference,” like the jamming of tracking and communication signals, had been going on for the past three to four years.
However, he could not directly say if China was behind the electronic interference.
The Philippines has filed diplomatic protests against China over a number of maritime incidents, including Chinese ships harassing or blocking Filipino fishers from reaching their fishing grounds, and launching water cannon attacks on Philippine resupply boats headed toward a remote military outpost in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
In 2016, an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, the Netherlands, voided China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea while upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights to fish and explore resources within its EEZ, a ruling Beijing does not recognize.
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Unlike his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who cultivated warm ties with China, Mr. Marcos has repeatedly invoked the 2016 Hague ruling.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
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Marcos looks forward to greater PH-Australia military cooperation | Jean Mangaluz | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:15:56 PST | FILE PHOTO: American and Australian warships have come together in the South China Sea for joint drills, as China continued to aggressively assert its claim of owning the entire area. The Philippines and Australia are expected to have greater military cooperation, says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. PHOTO FROM US NAVY
FILE PHOTO: American and Australian warships have come together in the South China Sea for joint drills, as China continued to aggressively assert its claim of owning the entire area. The Philippines and Australia are expected to have greater military cooperation, says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. PHOTO FROM US NAVY
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia could expect more joint defense activities, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday.
In a joint press conference after his address to the Australian parliament, Marcos said he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a fruitful discussion to strengthen the ties between the two nations, including on defense.
“Defense and security remain a key area of cooperation between the Philippines and Australia. We look forward to amplifying our joint activities and the capacity-building efforts in this regard,” he noted.
Marcos also said the Philippines and Australia are committed to a rules-based order.
Australia is the only nation other than the United States to have a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines. Last year, Manila and Melbourne held joint military exercises in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea, the area of the South China Sea that belongs to the Philippines.
READ: Marcos: Australia is PH’s ‘natural partner’ in keeping int’l order
The President also said he expects stronger trade and economic relations between the Philippines and Australia.
“On economic cooperation, we anticipate greater bilateral economic cooperation that will allow us to withstand shocks, to be resilient against economic coercion, and to provide an enabling environment for our respective businesses and labor markets to further flourish under the ambit of our Strategic Relationship and Partnership,” Marcos pointed out.
Marcos said Australia hosts the fifth-largest Filipino immigrant community, which has also contributed to the Philippine economy.
“Both the Philippines and Australia welcome future consultations and dialogues as we explore and map the uncharted waters that can bring in new opportunities for a closer and stronger relationship between our two countries,” he said.
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LIVE UPDATES: PVL All-Filipino Conference February 29 | INQUIRER.net | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:29:45 PST | 4 p.m. – Capital1 Solar Spikers vs Farm Fresh Foxies
6 p.m. – Creamline Cool Smashers vs Akari Chargers
FULL SCHEDULE HERE.
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Creamline Cool Smashers faced their former teammate Ced Domingo who now plays for the Akari Chargers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Tots Carlos carried Creamline’s offense on her back after erupting for a career-high 31 points in frustrating Akari, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Thursday night at PhilSports Arena.
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“‘Yung nilalaro ko ngayon, even me, ‘di ako makapaniwala,” Carlos said after Creamline improved to 2-0. “Dahil sa mga tulong ng mga coaches, ‘yung suporta ng mga teammates ko, na walang pressure, training lang lagi.
Defending champion Creamline (2-0) overcomes Akari (0-2), 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19 to extend its winning streak to 17 games. Photos: Marlo Cueto | INQUIRER.net
#PVL2024
Posted by Inquirer Sports on Thursday, February 29, 2024
Tots Carlos on her 31-point explosion. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/fJPkAhADSE
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, and Bea De Leon on their second win. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/XvIlUCO8C7
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— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
Tots Carlos with a new pro career-high 31 points (30/55) for the Cool Smashers.
2-0 start for Creamline! #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/aU9tEFaRAS
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024
FINAL: Defending champion Creamline (2-0) overcomes Akari in four sets to extend its winning streak to 17 games. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/aPMhlhUT8H
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024
END OF SET 3: Creamline 25, Akari 22
The Cool Smashers regain the lead, 2-1. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/OE447fAI7N
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
END OF SET 2: Akari 25, Creamline 21
The Chargers equalize the match to 1-1 apiece. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/fBU4ZTpC45
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
END OF SET 1: Creamline 25, Akari 22#PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/LSGyD4sj2l
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
Ced Domingo and the Akari Chargers warm up as the Volleyball Thailand League champion battles her former team, Creamline. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/tbpPlLHzAi
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
Louie Romero and Trisha Tubu after their first win. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/EROxrQOSrc
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024
Chinnie Arroyo on playing for Farm Fresh. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/sm4wosNRkp
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024
Trisha Tubu and the Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–After giving powerhouse Creamline a hard time in their season opener, Farm Fresh finally logged its first victory in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
Trisha Tubu and Chinnie Arroyo joined hands to easily lift the Foxies past league neophyte Capital 1, 25-16, 25-18, 25-16, on Thursday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
FINAL: Farm Fresh (1-1) enters the win column with a 25-16, 25-18, 25-16 victory over Capital1 (0-2). #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/GEghHdx0Ru
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024
END OF SET 2: Farm Fresh 25, Capital1 18
The Foxies near their first win. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Pt1JYf7YVF
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
END OF SET 1: Farm Fresh 25, Capital1 16
Both teams, who holds identical 0-1 records, clash for their first win. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Esob6Tfi66
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024
Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina against the Petro Gazz defense led by Brooke Van Sickle in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina had nothing but good things to say about Petro Gazz newcomer Brooke Van Sickle after their first of many PVL duels last Tuesday.
Rondina got the better of Van Sickle as she dropped 24 points and 22 excellent receptions to lift the Flying Titans past the gritty Angels, 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 24-26, 15-13, for their second straight win on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.
Capital1 Solar Spikers’ coach Roger Gorayeb in the PVL All-Filipino Conference; –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines —With only a short preparation heading into the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Capital 1 Roger Gorayeb wants his players to dig deep and show “the passion to win” after their debut loss.
Gorayeb received a harsh welcome in his PVL return as the Solar Spikers absorbed a 6-25, 15-25, 15-25 loss to Chery Tiggo on Tuesday last week at Philsports Arena.
Akari Chargers’ Grethcel Soltones in her PVL All-Filipino debut. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Despite a losing debut with the Akari Chargers, Grethcel Soltones remained optimistic about the progress of her new squad in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Soltones debuted in style for Akari with 14 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 12 digs but they started their campaign off the wrong foot, losing to Cignal, 25-21, 18-25, 12-25, 18-25, on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We talked after the first game. It’s not a bad game for us, we just fell short,” said the former PVL MVP in Filipino.
Mars Alba (No. 9) is slowly finding out how to pull the strings of an attack line that includes the ultrapowerful Sisi Rondina (No. 18) in the PVL. —MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Mars Alba has only spent a short amount of time with her new team Choco Mucho and yet she has already shown she is capable of leading the Flying Titans.
And coach Dante Alinsunurin, despite still yearning for a better outing from Choco Mucho two games into the All-Filipino Conference, knows how much they lucked out in getting the services of the former F2 Logistics playmaker.
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Marcos signs 3 deals with Australia on maritime environment, tech | Jean Mangaluz | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:55:09 PST | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs three deals with Australia on maritime environment protection, cyber technology, and effective competition laws and policies, the Palace announces on Thursday, February 29, 2024. INQUIRER FILES
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs three deals with Australia on maritime environment protection, cyber technology, and effective competition laws and policies, the Palace announces on Thursday, February 29, 2024. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday signed three agreements with Australia on maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and effective competition laws and policies.
“The three agreements exchanged today shall enhance information sharing, capability building, and interoperability between our relevant government agencies in the maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and competition law,” Marcos said in a statement released by Malacañang.
According to the Palace, the maritime agreement seeks to strengthen civil-military cooperation, enhance defense deals, and promote international law and rules-based international order. The Philippines and Australia also agreed to protect the marine environment.
READ: Marcos: Australia is PH’s ‘natural partner’ in keeping int’l order
The deal comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China continues to engage in aggressive actions such as firing water cannons at Philippine vessels.
Recently, cyanide fishing has been reported in the disputed waters, specifically in Bajo de Masinloc, with Chinese fishermen allegedly among foreign perpetrators.
As to the cyber technology agreement, Australia and the Philippines will share information on the field and promote digital economy.
The pact on competition laws and policies, meanwhile, is aimed to make the two countries share best practices on trade including merger regulations, and investigative techniques relevant to implementing competition laws, among others.
“The three agreements add to the more than 120 agreements that our two countries have signed through the decades,” Marcos said. “And these are in various fields, including defense cooperation, air services, education, research, scientific and cultural cooperation, amongst others.”
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Parts of NLEX to be closed in March due to construction | Adrian Parungao | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:21:04 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation said on Thursday that segments of the expressway will be closed for the construction of the Northern Access Link Expressway.
The lane closure will begin from the Libis Baesa Overpass up until the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park.
READ: NLEx operator allots P15B for 2024 to ease gridlocks
“To give way to the SMC’s Northern Access Link Expressway project near Balintawak Toll Plaza, a 450-meter lane closures on both northbound and southbound directions will be implemented,” NLEX said in its advisory.
READ: NLEX lane near Balintawak Toll Plaza to be closed for construction
Below are the lists of dates and times of the closures:
Feb. 29, 10:00 pm to Mar. 1, 4:00 am
Mar. 1, 10:00 pm to Mar. 2, 4:00 am; Mar. 2, 10:00 pm to Mar. 3, 4:00 am; Mar. 7, 10:00 pm to Mar. 8, 4:00 am
Mar. 3, 10:00 pm to Mar. 4, 4:00 am; Mar. 4, 10:00 pm to Mar. 5, 4:00 am; Mar. 5, 10:00 pm to Mar. 6, 4:00 am; Mar. 6, 10:00 pm to Mar. 7, 4:00 am
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MREIT 2023 income climbs 13% | Miguel R. Camus | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:36:40 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The real estate investment trust (REIT) arm of tycoon Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Corp. recorded higher earnings in the past year compared to 2022 levels after new assets injection and robust occupancy rates.
MREIT Inc. weathered industry challenges brought about by the work-from-home shift as it reported a 2023 distributable income of P2.8 billion—an increase of 13 percent.
Revenues also rose 14 percent to P4.2 billion “fueled by the full-year contribution of the additional four Grade-A office towers from January 2023″.
READ: Infusion of Megaworld malls to boost MREIT portfolio
“MREIT’s success in 2023 reflects the quality of our assets and our strong tenant relationships,” MREIT president and CEO Kevin L. Tan said in a statement on Thursday.
“Our approach to focus on top-tier properties within Megaworld townships was crucial to our unparalleled success, allowing us to maintain elevated occupancy rates and keeping our growth momentum through the year,” he added.
MREIT finished the year with a robust 96 percent occupancy rate, marking an improvement from the previous quarter. This also surpassed the average occupancy rate of 81-82 percent for the Metro Manila office industry, as reported by property consultants, the statement showed.
READ: Office REITs continue to face threats and opportunities
“As we look ahead, the focus on growth and quality will continue to be the pillars of our company. We are actively working on expanding our portfolio through the strategic asset acquisition announced last year, allowing MREIT to remain at the forefront of the industry in delivering sustained value to our stakeholders,” Tan said.
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Rep. Joey Salceda asks DFA to write Singapore over Taylor Swift tour | Krixia Subingsubing | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:56:00 PST | NOT THE ‘ASEAN WAY’ | US singer Taylor Swift performs during a concert as part of her “The Eras Tour” in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 23, 2024. In Manila, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda has aired displeasure and sought diplomatic action over reports concerning the deal behind the Singapore leg of the tour. (Photo from Agence France-Presse)
NOT THE ‘ASEAN WAY’ | US singer Taylor Swift performs during a concert as part of her “The Eras Tour” in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 23, 2024. In Manila, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda has aired displeasure and sought diplomatic action over reports concerning the deal behind the Singapore leg of the tour. (Photo from Agence France-Presse)
MANILA, Philippines — There must be “Bad Blood” brewing in Southeast Asia — and it’s over Taylor Swift.
Even a ranking member of the House of Representatives wants some answers.
The chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday to send a note verbale to the Singaporean Embassy in Manila to explain the reportedly exclusive deal between Singapore and the production company behind the American pop superstar’s worldwide tour.
READ: Salceda questions Singapore’s exclusivity of Taylor Swift’s concert
Specifically, Salceda is asking the embassy to explain the exclusivity terms in the grant given by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) to AEG Presents, which prevented Swift from taking her “The Eras Tour” elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
The global superstar is set to play six sold-out shows at Singapore’s National Stadium from March 2 to March 4 and from March 7 to March 9 in what would be her only stop in the region. More than 300,000 tickets were sold for all six shows, with many fans flying to the wealthy island city-state for the concerts.
The STB and the MCCY confirmed that the tour got a grant after estimating that Singapore’s tourism sector—the local hospitality, retail, travel, and dining industries — would benefit from the tour.
But having such terms, Salceda said, “isn’t what good neighbors do … [as it] was at the expense of neighboring countries, which could not attract their own foreign concertgoers and whose fans had to go to Singapore.”
The terms were first made public by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who said the Singaporean government offered at least $3 million in grants to AEG. Salceda acknowledged that the “policy worked,” citing figures that regional demand for Singaporean hotels and airlines rose up to 30 percent during the period.
An economist, the Albay congressman, said the exclusivity term apparently “caused an increase in industry revenues by $60 million. So, the grant produced 30 times more in economic activity.”
“I don’t think we should just let things like this pass. We should still officially register our opposition … It also runs contrary to the principle of consensus-based relations and solidarity on which the Asean was founded,” the lawmaker said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the 10-member regional bloc whose members include the Philippines and Singapore.
He added that the exclusivity terms could be discussed in a meeting among Asean members next time.
He also acknowledged that this should also remind the Philippines to step up its game to be able to host large-scale concerts.
Before Thavisin’s revelation, there was speculation that the Swift tour skipped the Philippines because there was no venue large enough for the production. Recent concerts staged at the largest performance venue in the country, the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena, have been marked by major logistical problems like the lack of transportation options in and out of the area.
Speaking to the Inquirer, Salceda said that had the Swift tour also included the Philippines, just a third of the tourists that Singapore attracted “would have spent some P1.44 billion in Philippine businesses,” including hotel, food, airfare, and local transport.
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Assuming that the Philippines also matched the subsidy given by Singapore, he added, “even the full cost would have returned 10 times more in economic activity.”
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Fire hits gun shop in Marikina | Faith Argosino | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:35:35 PST | MANILA, Philippines — A fire broke out at the Armscor Shooting Center Inc.’s branch in Marikina City on Thursday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
BFP said it received a report about an ongoing blaze at the gun shop in Barangay Fortune around 1:55 p.m.
The agency’s report revealed that the fire reached the second alarm around 4:04 p.m. shortly after responders arrived at the scene at 4 p.m.
READ: Fire hits t-shirt printing business in Tandang Sora, QC; 15 people die
It added that the blaze was placed under control around 4:45 p.m. and was extinguished at 5:20 p.m.
READ: Keeping our homes safe from fire this month
The agency said it deployed around 10 trucks in the area, but there are no reports yet on the number of residents who got injured or died.
BFP said that it has yet to determine the cause of the fire.
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Poe on bed bugs at NAIA: ‘That’s an issue in other countries as well’ | Charie Abarca | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:27:00 PST | Senator Grace Poe (File photo from Joseph Vidal / Senate Social Media Unit)
Senator Grace Poe (File photo from Joseph Vidal / Senate Social Media Unit)
MANILA, Philippines — The bed bug or ‘surot’ infestation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) is an issue that is plaguing foreign countries too.
Senator Grace Poe expressed this view in a text message on Thursday.
“That’s an issue [in] other countries as well. In France, train stations and some hotel rooms are affected. There is an increasing infestation problem,” said Poe.
The senator heads the Senate panel on public services.
While she noted that this is not an isolated incident, Poe still urged the management of NAIA “to make it a practice to regularly check disinfect and thoroughly clean facilities.”
She made the same call to all maintenance units of private and public offices.
“Cleaning and disinfecting should be a standard operating procedure, not just during a virus outbreak or infestation,” she emphasized.
NAIA earlier drew flak after two Facebook posts alleging that the terminals’ steel and rattan chairs harbored bed bugs went viral.
Manila International Airport has apologized for the incident.
It likewise ordered the implementation of better sanitation measures at the airport’s facilities.
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PCSO admits minor glitch in 3-digit game draw; Senate sets probe | Charie Abarca | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:14:46 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo said on Thursday evening that the Senate will investigate the glitch in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) three-digit game draw on February 27.
“We will conduct a hearing to investigate the glitch. The public needs to know whether or not this is really a glitch or is it another suspicious action by the PCSO. It is bad timing for PCSO because the result of the investigation of the E-Lotto system is not yet finished, and yet this happened again,” said Tulfo in English and Filipino.
In a separate statement issued Thursday, PCSO confirmed that a “minor glitch” occurred during its three-digit game draw on February 27 after one of its draw machines failed to capture one of the drawn balls.
“It’s not the first time that this happen[ed] and we want to assure the public that we are prepared for this kind of unexpected incident with our established ISO-approved protocols,” said PCSO General Manager Mel Robles.
Robles said a similar glitch transpired in one of PCSO’s games in 2008. He noted that it is not an isolated incident as such cases also happened in the United States when lottery machines malfunctioned.
“In the past 25 years, this was only the second time that a minor glitch had happened at PCSO while conducting an official draw,” said Robles.
“For this thing to happen is very remote. But we are prepared and we assure the public that our commitment to a transparent, fair and authentic lottery games will never waver, and is as strong as ever,” he added.
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Bongbong Marcos says he remains firm in defending PH sovereignty | Reuters | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:23:58 PST | Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, February 29, 2024. REUTERS/Kirsty Needham
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, February 29, 2024. REUTERS/Kirsty Needham
Updated on February 29, 2024 at 11:59 a.m.
SYDNEY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the Australian parliament on Thursday he would not allow any foreign power to take “one square inch” of the country’s territory, and that Manila was firm in defending its sovereignty.
Australia and the Philippines began their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea in November, aimed at countering an increasingly assertive China, which claims the entire sea as its own.
READ: Marcos finds China actions in West Philippine Sea getting worrisome
“I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory,” Marcos said in the address.
The South China Sea is a conduit for more than $3 trillion worth of ship-borne commerce each year, and is a major source of tension between the Philippines and neighbour China.
Manila accuses Beijing of committing aggressive acts inside its exclusive economic zone (EEZ); an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said in 2016 that China’s claims inside the Philippines’ EEZ had no legal basis – a decision Beijing has rejected. China has chided the Philippines for encroaching on what it says is its territory.
Protecting the area is important to global stability, Marcos said on Thursday.
“The protection of the South China Sea as a vital, critical global artery is crucial to the preservation of regional peace and, I dare say, of global peace,” he said. “We have an abiding interest in keeping our seas free and open, and in ensuring unimpeded passage and freedom of navigation.”
Marcos is in Australia on an official visit, before he attends a special summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Melbourne next week.
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Australian senator stages ‘protest’ during Marcos’ speech | Luisa Cabato | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:18:59 PST | Australian senator Janet Rice, during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s address to the Australian Parliament on Thursday, pulls up a placard urging the president to “stop the human rights abuses.” | PHOTO: Janet Rice ‘X’ account
Australian senator Janet Rice, during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s address to the Australian Parliament on Thursday, pulls up a placard urging the president to “stop the human rights abuses.” | PHOTO: Janet Rice ‘X’ account
MANILA, Philippines — An Australian senator pulled out a placard that read “stop the human rights abuses,” during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s address to the Australian Parliament on Thursday.
During Marcos’ speech, Greens senator Janet Rice held up the sign urging the president to end such abuses.
READ: Marcos arrives in Australia for state visit, talks on defense and trade
“Under President Marcos Jr, corruption in the Philippines is getting worse. There are hundreds of political prisoners, and ‘anti-terrorism’ laws are used as legal cover for extrajudicial killings,” Rice said in a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
“Yet the Australian Government invited him to address the Parliament today. Shame,” she added.
READ: Marcos: Australia is PH’s ‘natural partner’ in keeping int’l order
Rice was escorted out of the House of Representatives as Marcos continued his speech, a report from news.com.au said.
Marcos arrived in Canberra, Australia, on Wednesday for a state visit.
He is expected to sign three agreements on cooperation during the trip and discuss matters of defense and trade with Australian leaders.
The president is also set to return to the country on Thursday
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Pagasa: Expect light rains in Luzon as amihan weakens on Thursday | Luisa Cabato | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:41:31 PST | The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says that the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, weakens and will only have a minimal effect on Luzon’s weather conditions on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Pagasa)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says that the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, weakens and will only have a minimal effect on Luzon’s weather conditions on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Pagasa)
MANILA, Philippines — The northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, has weakened and will only bring light rains to Luzon on Thursday, the state weather bureau said.
Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) morning advisory, Aurora province may expect cloudy skies with light rains due to amihan.
READ: Caraga and Davao region to have scattered rain showers, thunderstorms
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, on the other hand, will have generally fair weather with slight chances of partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains in the afternoon also due to the same weather conditions.
“Maaaring over the weekend mas kakaunti na lamang na lugar dito sa northern and central Luzon ang maaapektuhan [ng amihan],” said Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja.
(Over the weekend, fewer areas here in northern and central Luzon may be affected [by amihan].)
READ: Pagasa: February tropical cyclone chance low for PH
Pagasa said that no significant impact is expected in areas affected by amihan.
Meanwhile, overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will persist over the Davao Region due to the trough or extension of low-pressure areas outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
The state weather bureau warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to, at times, heavy rains.
“Base sa ating analysis ay mababa pa rin po ang tiyansa na may mabuong bagyo na papasok sa ating PAR hanggang sa mga unang araw ng Marso,” Estareja said.
(Based on our analysis, the chance of a typhoon forming and entering our PAR remains low until the first few days of March.)
For the rest of the country, Pagasa said that slightly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail due to easterlies and localized thunderstorms.
It added that this may result in flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
No gale warning alert is raised in any parts of the archipelago’s seaboard.
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However, Pagasa warned that waves measuring up to 2.8 meters are expected along the country’s eastern and northern seaboards due to amihan.
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Bayan-Australia holds protest during Marcos’ state visit | Faith Argosino | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:46:46 PST | President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. Marcos will address the Australian Parliament during his two-day visit. He will return to the country on Thursday. (INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. Marcos will address the Australian Parliament during his two-day visit. He will return to the country on Thursday. (INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Australia and other groups from Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland staged a protest at the Australian Parliament Hill building during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s address.
In a statement, Bayan said Greens Senator Janet Rice likewise raised a protest placard saying “Stop the human rights abuses” during Marcos’ speech inside the building and was escorted out of Parliament.
The group said Rice joined them outside the building and was later accompanied by other Greens members, Senator Jordon-Steele John and Senator David Shoebridge, who also “denounced Canberra and Manila’s foreign relations policies in lockstep with US imperialist interests.”
The senators also said that the Philippines must develop its independent foreign policy and urged other Australian Parliament members to oppose the AUKUS alliance and joint military drills in the Asia-Pacific area.
Bayan-Australia commended their act for speaking up for the truth about the US-Marcos regime. It likewise denounced the current administration’s Charter change agenda — which it claimed may only “worsen the economic crisis being experienced by the majority of Filipinos today under the US-Marcos regime.”
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Sta. Lucia Land sustains growth as it fuels the fringe | INQUIRER.net BrandRoom | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:00:31 PST | The growth of trusted builder Sta. Lucia Land Inc. over the recent years has allowed it to be part of the Philippines Growth Champions 2024.
The list—compiled by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Germany-based Statista, the world’s leading data and business intelligence portal—identified 30 Philippine companies that saw the highest percentage growth in revenues between 2019 and 2022.
Sta. Lucia Land registered a 26.5 percent growth in revenues to P9.9 billion in 2022 from P7.8 billion in 2019, delivering a compounded annual growth rate of 8.16 percent. It is also one of only two real estate companies that made it to the ranking.
Breadth of portfolio
Sta. Lucia is popular for the impressive depth and breadth of its portfolio: more than 300 projects on over 10,000 ha of land in 70 cities and municipalities across 10 regions and 15 provinces. The company’s developments range from townships, condotels, and golf courses to offices, commercial spaces, and housing units.
On record, the Cainta-based company was founded in 2007. Its parent firm’s beginnings, however, go back to 1971, when members of the Robles and Santos families decided to build residential subdivisions and communities for the middle class of Rizal province. At the time, that location east of the National Capital Region was slowly seeing spillover development.
The Sta. Lucia Group has further fueled growth in the east by building in the 90s the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, now an anchor of the eponymous Sta. Lucia City in Cainta, where it also has residential condominiums and office spaces. It is, in fact, a development that reflects the very growth of Rizal.
Economic vibrancy
Today, it is a virtual extension of the Philippine capital, enjoying similar economic vibrancy and access to opportunities.
This is what it has also done in many areas across the country, where it was fittingly the first mover—the first national developer to believe in the potential of the so-called fringe areas. The Sta. Lucia Group’s expansive portfolio, which continues to expand even after more than 50 years in the business, has long been helping fuel growth in the fringes.
Where the company did build, it also enjoyed great returns. With the government focusing on spreading out development from the capitals to the countryside, big-ticket infrastructure and other initiatives have facilitated progress in and around dozens of Sta. Lucia projects.
Positive impact
Sta. Lucia also made positive impacts akin to those it actualized for its pioneering projects in Rizal. It ignited a wave of development and raised property values, gave individuals a viable investment option, met the demands of discerning clients, and raised the standards of living for many more, among others.
The ability to make it to Philippines Growth Champions 2024 means that the proposition remains profitable after decades. It also encourages the company to redouble its efforts to introduce a Sta. Lucia products to more places across the archipelago.
ADVT.
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Man allegedly abducted in Batangas surrendered to military, police say | Faith Argosino | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:39:16 PST | MANILA, Philippines — A police official said on Thursday that the 27-year-old man seen in a video allegedly being abducted in Batangas surrendered to the military in Sorsogon last February 23.
In a phone interview with INQUIRER.net, Santo Tomas police chief Lieutenant Colonel Rodel Ban-o identified the alleged kidnapping victim as Jose Marie Estiller.
Ban-o said they received a report about the purported abduction from the owner of the apartment Estiller and his sister were renting along Barangay San Pedro.
CCTV footage showed Estiller walking towards their unit when five armed men in civillian clothes suddenly took him, which also matched the apartment owner’s report.
Ban-o said they invited Estiller’s sister, Jean, to file a formal complaint at the Santo Tomas City Police Station.
“When we were about to get her statement, Jean asked for permission to eat out and promised to return, but she did not return. We contacted her at first, but she is no longer answering our next calls,” the police officer said.
“Our personnel visited their home, but no one was there. We visited again the next day, but she was not there,” he added.
Further investigation showed that the siblings had just transferred to the area two months ago, and upon cross-checking with their military counterparts in the Bicol Region, Ban-o said their team learned that Estiller reportedly surrendered to the 903rd Infantry Brigade in Bicol.
“They are claiming that the person surrendered before their members and the local government of Sorsogon around 4 p.m. on February 23, shortly after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 5 served the arrest warrants against him for various cases of murder within the region,” Ban-o said.
He added that Estiller is currently under military custody in Bicol, and their record showed that he was an alleged former New People’s Army member with over 20 arrest warrants for a series of murder cases in the Bicol Region.
He said they asked Estiller’s sister about this, but she claimed to have no knowledge about it.
READ: Chinese man abducted in Pasay found in Batangas City
When asked if they identified the men who took Estiller, Ban-o said their investigation is still ongoing.
“We are going to continue our investigation, but based on our findings, it seems this is a purely military operation. They did not coordinate this with us,” he said.
Meanwhile, the League of Filipino Students condemned the alleged abduction of Estiller, whom they described as the elder sibling of Jean, a former political prisoner and activist from the National Federation of Peasant Women (Amihan).
“Two days before the commemoration of the EDSA People Power movement, this incident is a stark reminder of why the task of resistance is just and necessary. Although the Bill of Rights is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, human rights are still violated with impunity, giving a glimpse of what will come when Marcos Jr. succeeds with Charter Change,” the group said.
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“We demand the immediate and safe release of Jose Marie Estiller. We call on all relevant government agencies to conduct a swift investigation into this issue in order to unmask the orchestrator of this crime,” it added.
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LTO chief wants e-trikes and e-bikes registered | Luisa Cabato | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:20:46 PST | This file photo shows an e-tricycle. Land Transportation Office (LTO) head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II on Thursday, February 29, 2024, proposed that electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) must be registered and that drivers of such vehicles must be licensed. INQUIRER FILES
This file photo shows an e-tricycle. Land Transportation Office (LTO) head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II on Thursday, February 29, 2024, proposed that electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) must be registered and that drivers of such vehicles must be licensed. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is proposing the registration of electric bicycles and tricycles as well as the issuance of licenses to their drivers.
LTO head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II presented the proposal during a consultation meeting with representatives from various transport organizations and government agencies on Thursday.
“Our proposal is very simple as far as LTO is concerned: All light electric vehicles used in public highways, which means […] any roads funded and maintained by the government whether it’s local government or national government, that vehicle must be registered with LTO,” Mendoza said.
“The driver of the vehicle must be licensed, which means to say at least 17 years old [with a] valid license that passes through all the process,” he added.
READ: Transport agencies tackle rules for electric vehicles
Mendoza’s recommendation came a day after the Metro Manila Council (MMC) passed a resolution banning e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The MMDA and MMC said in a press conference on Wednesday that starting in April, e-bikes and e-trikes should not be allowed on the following roads:
Violators will be apprehended and fined P2,500, as their units will also be impounded if they fail to present a valid driver’s license.
Both MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes and LTO chief Mendoza stressed that drivers and passengers’ safety concerns were the main reason for the ban.
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Metro Cebu will have generally fair weather until weekend — Pagasa Mactan | noliverio | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:07:58 PST | High-rise buildings over Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
High-rise buildings over Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Metro Cebu will experience “generally fair weather” until Monday, March 4, according to a weather specialist in Mactan.
Jhomer Eclarino, weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Mactan, confirmed this to CDN Digital on Thursday, February 29.
Eclarino said that the temperature will range from 25 to 32 degrees celsius.
READ: Pagasa: February tropical cyclone chance low for PH
Moreover, the public can also experience a longer time without rain, but there will be isolated rain showers any time of the day.
“Taas ang time nga nindot ang panahon until this Monday,” Eclarino told CDN Digital.
(It will be a long time that the weather will be fine until Monday.)
Meanwhile, the wind conditions will be moderate today and tomorrow, February 29 to March 1, while on the weekend it will be light to moderate.
In the weather update of Eclarino earlier this morning, the forecasted heat index for the Visayas region ranges between 34 and 38 degrees celsius which falls under extreme caution category.
The weather bureau cautions the public for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
READ: Fair, cool weather in Visayas on Tuesday
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, has weakened and will only bring light rains to Luzon.
The state weather bureau said this on Thursday, February 29.
Based on Pagasa’s morning advisory, Aurora province may expect cloudy skies with light rains due to amihan.
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, on the other hand, will have generally fair weather with slight chances of partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains in the afternoon also due to the same weather conditions.
READ: Caraga and Davao region to have scattered rain showers, thunderstorms
“Maaaring over the weekend mas kakaunti na lamang na lugar dito sa northern and central Luzon ang maaapektuhan [ng amihan],” said Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja.
(Over the weekend, fewer areas here in northern and central Luzon may be affected [by amihan].)
Meanwhile, overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will persist over the Davao Region due to the trough or extension of low-pressure areas outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).
The state weather bureau warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to, at times, heavy rains.
For the rest of the country, Pagasa said that slightly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail due to easterlies and localized thunderstorms. | With Inquirer.net report
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Phivolcs logs increased sulfur dioxide emission on Taal Volcano | Adrian Parungao | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:43:03 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday that it has detected an increased sulfur dioxide emission from the Taal Volcano.
“A total of 14,558 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured today, 29 February 2024,” Phivolcs said in its advisory.
The agency said that the number is the second-highest recorded flux for 2024.
On average, the Taal Volcano emitted 9,450 tonnes per day of sulfur for February, the Phivolcs said.
READ: Taal ashfall paralyzes financial markets, businesses
No volcanic smog or vog was observed, and three volcanic earthquakes were recorded for the month of February, it added.
Currently, Alert Level 1 is raised on the volcano, which means that it is in a “low level of volcanic unrest.” Under the present level, minor eruptions, earthquakes, and ashfalls may occur.
READ: Phivolcs detects increased Taal Volcano sulfuric gas emission
Phivolcs also told local authorities to take necessary precautions against any possible effects of sulfur dioxide in their communities.
“Local government units are advised to continuously monitor and assess volcanic SO2 exposure of, and potential impacts on, their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate these hazards,” it said.
“DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders,” it added.
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PCG fully retakes hacked Facebook account | Luisa Cabato | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:35:16 PST | Philippine Coast Guard logo. (Photo from PCG/Facebook)
Philippine Coast Guard logo. (Photo from PCG/Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regained full access to its official Facebook account on Thursday, the agency said in a statement.
The hacking, which was reported on Monday, was the third cyberattack against the agency this year.
The PCG’s social media page even started uploading and sharing clips of various foreign movies and television series on Wednesday.
READ: Hacked PCG Facebook page sharing, uploading movie clips
“As of 5:45AM today, 29 February 2024, the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service (CGPAS) has recovered full access to its official Facebook Page,” the PCG said.
According to PCG Spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, the combined efforts of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) under the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the PCG led to the removal of three hackers with Facebook names: Fatima Hasan, Murat Kansu, and Vicky Bates.
“The CICC confirmed that the hackers utilized malware to breach the Facebook page’s security on 26 February 2024,” the PCG noted.
READ: Hackers attack PH Coast Guard Facebook page; third this year
The agency said that a “comprehensive hardware check” is scheduled on March 1 for all office laptops and computers being used by personnel from its public affairs service.
This is to remove remaining traces of malware, if any, and strengthen the overall cybersecurity against potential breaches of its social media accounts, the PCG added.
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Cebu Daily Newscast: Tommy Osmeña to run for Cebu City Vice Mayor in 2025 elections | jngojo | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:56:56 PST | Listen to Cebu Daily Newscast and get the latest stories in and around Cebu.
Here’s what you need to know on Thursday, February 29.
Former Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña speaks in a press conference on Friday, February 29, 2024, in Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Pia Piquero
Former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced his plans to run for Vice Mayor in the 2025 midterm elections if his preferred mayoral candidate accepts his endorsement.
Osmeña made the announcement in a press conference held on Friday, February 29, 2024.
Osmeña expressed his intention to run alongside City Councilor Nestor Archival, whom he endorsed as a mayoral candidate for the 2025 elections.
“If I were to choose, I would choose [Nestor] Archival [to become] the mayor. He can make a good mayor. I will make him a good candidate… I will be his Vice Mayor,” he said.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has had enough.
The mayor hit Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on her orders to stop the construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in province-owned lots along Osmeña Boulevard.
He also swiped at Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who gave a privileged speech last Wednesday, Feb. 28, backing the governor’s move.
In a livestream episode from the Public Information Office, Rama reminded Garcia that he is the mayor of a highly urbanized city, and dared her to face him squarely.
Rama also listed down the times the governor interfered in matters involving the Cebu city government, the latest of which was this year’s Sinulog festival when routes for the solemn foot procession were changed after Garcia opposed plans to close N. Bacalso avenue.
The mayor also lashed at Vice Mayor Garcia and some city council members for supporting the capitol’s memorandum over the BRT, accusing them of treachery for siding with the provincial government.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is set to hold an elite combine in Talisay City on March 8 and 9 with bemedaled coach norman black leading the activities.
The event, announced by newly appointed Regional Director Popoy Navarro, is aimed to enhance the skill of Cebuano ballers.
Black, who heads SBP’s grassroots and talent identification, is considered one of the most prominent basketball figures in the Philippines.
He is an 11-time PBA champion coach with teams including San Miguel, Talk ’n Text, and Santa Lucia.
He is also known in collegiate basketball, having steered the Ateneo Blue Eagles to win five straight UAAP titles from 2008 to 2012.
When it comes to relationships, a question often gets to the young generation, specifically those who belong to Generation (Gen) Z: Do you believe in love?
In an interview with CDN Digital, Maria Lourdes Garilyos, a Population Program Officer of the Commission on Population and Development in Central Visayas, expressed her sadness about the kind of relationships Gen Zs face these days.
She adds that most younger people choose personal happiness over staying in a relationship and that technology has blurred the traditional forms of expressing love.
These may cause a lack of effort, communication, and commitment in a relationship
Garilyos added that these elements may explain why some people choose to be single or refuse to commit altogether.
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Bongbong Marcos to visit Australia from Feb 28 to 29 | Luisa Cabato | Sat, 24 Feb 2024 10:07:00 PST | Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Malacañang to hold a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 8. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Malacañang to hold a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 8. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will visit Australia as a Guest of the Australian Government from February 28 to 29, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Saturday.
Marcos is set to address and discuss with the Australian Parliament the vision for the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Australia signed last year.
READ: Marcos leaves for Germany on March 12
“The President will have separate meetings with Australian senior officials where he is anticipated to have constructive discussions on defense and security, trade, investments, people-to-people exchanges, multilateral cooperation, and regional issues,” the PCO said in a Facebook post.
There would also be the signing of new agreements “in areas of common interest” between the Philippines and Australia during Marcos’ stay in the foreign country.
The PCO said that two countries will celebrate their 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations in November this year.
READ: Marcos’ foreign visits yield P427-B investments, says DTI official
As of 2022, it said that there are 408,000 Filipinos and Australians with Filipino descent who live in the land down under, which makes them the fifth largest migrant community in the country.
Australia remains one of the two countries with which the Philippines has a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, it added.
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Task force: El Niño seen to spare only 2 provinces | Melvin Gascon | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:06:00 PST | WAITING FOR A DROP | Farms, like ricefields in Bulacan province, are starting to dry up due to the absence of heavy rains and a shortage of irrigation water. A government task force says 80 of the country’s 82 provinces will feel the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon in varying degrees until June. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
WAITING FOR A DROP | Farms, like ricefields in Bulacan province, are starting to dry up due to the absence of heavy rains and a shortage of irrigation water. A government task force says 80 of the country’s 82 provinces will feel the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon in varying degrees until June. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The effects of strong El Niño will impact up to 80 of the country’s 82 provinces which may persist until June, an official of the multiagency task force said on Wednesday.
Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, spokesperson for Task Force El Niño, said the impact of water shortage had begun to be felt in two more regions this week, with farmers reporting damage to their dried-up farmlands.
“The last time I [presented a report], I mentioned 41 provinces were already affected. As of Feb. 25, this number has gone up to 51, and it is projected to further increase to 73, then up to 80 provinces, before it will again go down to just over 50,” he said.
Villarama announced this just as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the prolonged dry spell had damaged an estimated P810 million worth of crops in the country.
He did not identify the only two provinces that will not be impacted by El Niño, but a chart provided by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) showed that only the island province of Batanes and coastal Sarangani province will be spared its effects.
“Last week, we received reports of crop damage in Regions 6 (Western Visayas) and 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula); this week, the damage is being reported in Regions 1 (Ilocos) and 4-B or Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan),” he said.
UPLAND BLAZE | Traces of a grass fire are still visible at Villa Verde Trail along the San Nicolas (Pangasinan)-Santa Fe (Nueva Vizcaya) Road in this photo taken on Feb. 18, 2024. Forest fires have been reported in northern Luzon’s mountains since January amid dry conditions accompanying El Niño. (File. photo by WILLIE LOMIBAO / Inquirer Northern Luzon)
While crop damage has been reported in Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, these are still considered insignificant, Villarama said.
“The projection of NIA is about 275,000 hectares (ha) nationwide will be damaged by El Niño, but at the moment, it is still at 6,600 ha,” he said over the government television program “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”
“But we are not discounting the fact that this will not cause any impact on our harvest because we are still in the early stages of the dry harvest season,” Villarama added.
According to projections of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the worst effect of El Niño will be felt in the country in April, with a total of 80 provinces seen to experience “drought,” “dry spell,” and “dry condition.”
Of these, 41 provinces will experience drought, 31 will be under a dry spell, and eight will have dry conditions, according to the DA.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) says an area is experiencing drought if rainfall conditions are “way below normal” (more than 60 percent reduction from the average) for three consecutive months or are “below normal” (21 percent to 60 percent reduction from the average) for five consecutive months.
Pagasa says a dry spell is characterized by three consecutive months of below normal or two consecutive months of way below normal rainfall conditions while dry condition occurs during two consecutive months of below normal rainfall.
By May, 40 provinces will still be experiencing drought, consisting of 17 provinces in Luzon, 14 in the Visayas and nine in Mindanao, the DA said.
Nineteen provinces will be under a dry spell, according to the agency’s projections: eight in Luzon, two in the Visayas and nine in Mindanao.
READ: Pagasa: Drought may hit 24 provinces due to El Niño
The effects of El Niño will continue to wane in June, with only 10 provinces still experiencing drought and only one—La Union—having dry conditions, data from the DA showed.
The DA, Villarama said, is calling on local governments in drought-stricken areas to declare their localities under a state of calamity to trigger mechanisms that would allow the government to assist affected farmers.
A declaration of a state of calamity will authorize the national government to tap the quick response fund, he said, which is supposedly used to provide added funds of up to P5,000 for farm inputs, or fuel subsidy.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Assistance to Indigents in Crisis Situations program, and the Department of Labor and Employment, through its cash-for-work program, may also come to the aid of farmers whose main concern is their daily sustenance, Villarama said.
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Such calamity state declaration may also allow the local government to provide cash aid from local funding, he said.
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DA probes sale of NFA rice stocks at low prices | Jordeene B. Lagare | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:50:00 PST | PROBE UNDERWAY | An investigation is underway into claims that National Food Authority officials sold tons of rice stocks without the usual bidding and at a loss to the government. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
PROBE UNDERWAY | An investigation is underway into claims that National Food Authority officials sold tons of rice stocks without the usual bidding and at a loss to the government. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has started an investigation into claims that officials of the National Food Authority (NFA) sold thousands of tons of rice to certain traders at a “disadvantageous” price to the government.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has created a panel to review documents and hold interviews to establish the facts on the supposed sale of NFA rice stocks to unidentified traders without the usual bidding process.
According to the agriculture department, the rice stocks were sold at P25 per kilo when purchased as palay, at P23 per kilogram.
READ: Return of NFA rice for the poor eyed, but seen as tariffication failure
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa did not provide more information about the transactions nor identify the officials investigating the claim, but he clarified that Tiu Laurel wanted to establish the facts and determine whether there were really irregularities or the claims were spawned by bureaucratic intrigue.
“[The secretary] wants the truth to come out as soon as possible, what really happened. For all we know, this could only have stemmed from internal squabbles,” De Mesa said.
“Actually, there’s been a lot of finger-pointing inside and outside the NFA, so the secretary himself announced the investigation to bring out the truth,” he added.
On Tuesday, Tiu Laurel said the DA does not “brush aside reports of impropriety” against its officials, and any government agency is welcome “to conduct their own probe to ferret out the truth.”
He also warned that the “harshest penalty under the law” would be meted out to those who profit at the expense of farmers, fishers and consumers.
“We are custodians of government funds — monies to be spent for the benefit of Filipinos, especially farmers and fisherfolk. Taxpayers’ money shouldn’t be squandered to line anybody’s pockets,” he said.
NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, however, explained that the agency was allowed to dispose of aging stocks up to 10 percent lower than the mandated price (floor price of P22.50 per kg up to the maximum mandated ceiling price of P25 per kg) as well as damaged stocks for at least P6.50 per kg.
“The current NFA management was able to responsibly dispose [of] its rice stocks to government accounts by stretching to maximum shelf-life, minimizing the sale of residual volume to other accounts by implementing stricter guidelines and safeguards,” Bioco said in a statement posted on the People’s Television Network’s website on Wednesday.
He added that the NFA Council had been asked to raise the mandated maximum selling price for their old rice stocks because palay prices were much higher than their maximum price, making it difficult for the agency to increase or replace its buffer stock.
The NFA said the prevailing prices of clean and dry varieties ranged from P25 to P30 per kg as opposed to its buying price of P23 a kilo.
The agency is mandated to maintain an optimal rice inventory and dispose of it in case of emergencies and calamities under the Rice Tariffication Law. It can source palay only directly from local producers.
The NFA said it must keep and release 99.9 percent of its stocks in “good and consumable condition.”
As for the rice stocks sold, Bioco explained that while these were sold for P25 per kg, they still need to be remilled before they can be released to consumers.
Moving forward, the NFA plans to implement a contract-growing scheme to require farmers who received seeds and fertilizer from the DA to sell 10 percent of their crop, up to 10 bags per hectare per year, at P23 per kg on a clean and dry basis.
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The food agency is coordinating with the DA’s National Rice Program and the National Irrigation Administration to implement the program, which can generate at least 500,000 metric tons of palay for the NFA.
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Health workers seek government action on unpaid COVID-19 benefits | Dexter Cabalza | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:48:00 PST | In this June 2020 photo, health workers are on standby to help COVID-19 patients at a quarantine facility set up at the Philippine Arena complex in Bocaue, Bulacan. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
In this June 2020 photo, health workers are on standby to help COVID-19 patients at a quarantine facility set up at the Philippine Arena complex in Bocaue, Bulacan. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — Health workers have called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intercede in the payment of their long-delayed health emergency allowance (HEA) as their demands for its release have apparently fallen on deaf ears.
In a letter dated Feb. 27, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) said that since the lifting of the state of health emergency on July 21, 2023, the allowance has yet to be released to all health workers in public and private hospitals who placed their lives at risk by serving at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We respectfully request for a dialogue with you, President, to discuss this matter and seek your intervention in ensuring that the HEA is promptly given to us health workers by the Department of Health [DOH] and [Department of Budget and Management],” the AHW said.
The letter was personally delivered by AHW national vice president Jose Espanillo, along with officials of hospital unions, to Malacañang and the DOH main office in Manila on Tuesday.
READ: COVID-19 allowances to be fully paid by 2026 – DOH
“These allowances are crucial for our well-being and morale as front-line health workers who have been tirelessly working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and provide essential health-care services to our fellow Filipinos. Despite the sacrifices and risks we faced, it is demoralizing to see that the HEA has not been provided to us,” the group said.
According to the AHW, the DOH is currently withholding the HEA funds totaling P316.6 million covering the period between July 2021 and July 2023 despite the issuance of guidelines and memorandums of agreement (MOA). The allowance is intended for government-owned and controlled corporation hospitals, such as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the Philippine Heart Center, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
In December, the DOH released Department Order No. 2023-0638, stating the guidelines on the disbursement of HEA payments to health workers in these specialty hospitals.
On Feb. 8, the DOH issued a MOA to the respective heads of the hospitals, which immediately returned the signed agreements to the DOH.
“But until now, the benefits [owed by the government to us] are not yet provided. The DOH has been using the Commission on Audit as a reason for not releasing the benefits that we are entitled to,” the AHW said.
“More so, there is no full provision of HEA to private hospitals and [local government unit] hospitals from 2021 until now,” it added
Under the 2024 national budget, P18.96 billion has been allocated to cover the payment of HEA claims from public and private health workers.
Under Republic Act No. 11712 or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act which was enacted on April 27, 2022, health-care workers are entitled to the allowance for every month of service while the country is under a state of public health emergency.
It sets an allowance of P3,000 for those deployed to low-risk areas, P6,000 for those in medium-risk areas, and P9,000 for those in high-risk areas.
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In December last year, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa projected that it would take until 2026 for the government to pay in full its obligations to all eligible health workers amounting to P62.9 billion.
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Marcos: Developed nations must do more, act now on climate change | Melvin Gascon | Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:48:53 PST | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Australia, on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Photo from RTV Malacañang
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Australia, on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Photo from RTV Malacañang
President Marcos urged developed countries on Thursday to “do more” to address the threats posed by climate change, as he called an “injustice” the fact that the Philippines has been at the receiving end of its negative effects.
Speaking before the Australian Parliament in Canberra, the President affirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to achieve “carbon neutrality,” but reiterated that this effort would need the cooperation of other countries to work.
According to Marcos, the Philippines has the potential to be a net carbon sink—absorbing more carbon dioxide than it emits—but ranks first in the 2023 World Risk Index (WRI) on the most climate-vulnerable countries among the United Nations’ 193 members.
“This glaring disproportion between our share of responsibility and our vulnerability reflects an injustice that must be corrected. Developed countries must do more. And they must do it now,” he said.
President Marcos was in Australia for a two-day state visit as a guest of the Australian government at the invitation of Governor-General David Hurley, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral ties.
The WRI published by the Ruhr University Bochum-Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict ranked countries according to “exposure to natural disasters;” “susceptibility based on socioeconomic development;” “lack of coping capacities against social shocks, political stability, health care, infrastructure and material security” and “lack of adaptive capacities on education and research, investments and disaster preparedness.”
According to the study, the Philippines ranked first, followed by Indonesia and India. Australia was ranked 22nd.
In his speech, Marcos called on Australia and the rest of the global community to work together to address climate change, which, he said was today’s “most pressing vulnerability” that “threatens the very survival of our peoples [and] our very future.”
“My country accepts its part in our collective responsibility. My administration is committed to accelerating our just, affordable, sustainable and inclusive energy transition towards carbon neutrality,” he said.
As one of the supposed proof of the two countries’ long-standing “strategic partnership,” the President cited the help extended by Australia, which he likened to Filipinos’ “bayanihan” or “mateship” for Australians, when it provided help to survivors of supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas in 2013.
He reiterated his commitment during Thursday’s state luncheon hosted by Hurley, expressing confidence in Australia’s influence on helping advance the Philippines’ position in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Marcos said that climate change and the rapid advancement of technologies compound the challenges posed by the “prevailing dynamic security environment” in the Indo-Pacific region, affecting all states and the individual lives of citizens.
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“Still, I remain confident and optimistic knowing that we have a like-minded and responsible partner in Australia that shares our positive outlook and is willing, as history has shown, to exert its influence for the benefit of our region and of our peoples,” he added.
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Marcos, Duterte advise Quiboloy: Face the music | Germelina Lacorte, Melvin Gascon | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:34:00 PST | Apollo Quiboloy (Photo from the official website of Sen. Christopher Go)
Apollo Quiboloy (Photo from the official website of Sen. Christopher Go)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, gave similar advice to embattled televangelist Apollo Quiboloy: It’s time to face the music.
The president on Wednesday urged the controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder to attend the respective inquiries of the Senate and the House of Representatives for the chance to air his side with respect to the allegations against him and his Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
“I would just advise him that if he has to say something, he has an opportunity in the hearings both in the House and in the Senate to say his side of the story. Now if he is saying all of those accusations are not true, then he should declare it [in those forums],” Marcos said.
Speaking with journalists before he departed for a two-day state visit to Australia, the president expressed concern over Quiboloy’s continued refusal to appear at the congressional hearings, saying it might make matters worse for him.
“If this situation goes on that he does not appear, he may be cited in contempt, which could get worse. [He] could end up in even greater trouble,” he said.
READ: PNP offering help to serve subpoenas on Quiboloy
“If he appears and answers all the questions, then that would be the end of it,” Mr. Marcos said.
As for Duterte, the former president said his friend and spiritual adviser should just “get arrested” if he wished to defy the summons from the Senate and the House, whose leaders had threatened to arrest and detain him if he failed to appear at the next hearings.
“This is a free country. If you don’t want to go there, then get arrested,” Duterte said at a press conference in Davao City late Tuesday night.
Asked whether he would advise the pastor to attend the hearings, Duterte said his friend had a free choice in the matter.
He noted, however, that Quiboloy, who was facing multiple charges in the United States, including for child sex trafficking, was at least not facing any such case in the Philippines; hence, he was free to move around.
“Extradition takes a long process,” Duterte said.
The Senate Committee on Women and Children is looking into allegations that Quiboloy and his sect are involved in the sexual abuse and trafficking of women and children and other forms of harassment committed against former church workers and followers.
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises, on the other hand, is investigating alleged violations of the franchise granted to SMNI, Quiboloy’s media network, such as threatening a lawmaker and spreading disinformation.
Quiboloy has snubbed the invitations from the two panels, prompting the issuance of subpoenas by the Senate and House leadership.
The next Senate hearing is on March 5, while that of the House is on March 12.
In a voice recording posted on YouTube earlier this month, Quiboloy said he was in hiding because of a supposed conspiracy between the United States and the Philippine government to have him killed.
The KJC leader is wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for a string of criminal charges, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.
On Wednesday, Marcos publicly responded to Quiboloy’s claims for the first time and laughed off his allegation that he and wife Liza Araneta-Marcos were conniving with the Americans to have him assassinated.
“No one wants to have him assassinated. Why would anyone do that? Why would anyone want him dead? Maybe, he’s just very, very… I can no longer understand what he is saying,” the president said.
“The cases against him in the US were filed before I became president. So, I guess he’s very worried,” he added.
The President assured Quiboloy that the subpoenas issued against him were meant to accord him due process.
Duterte also laughed off the allegations that cropped up during the Senate hearing that he and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte were receiving bags full of firearms from Quiboloy.
“Pastor Quiboloy supplying us with firearms? That’s a stupid proposition,” he said.
“We could deliver cannons or machine guns to him tomorrow if he wants. Why does it have to be the pastor who should give me guns?” he asked.
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“He should get guns from me, I’ll give him one. As I told you earlier, I am a gun collector. I have a stash of 500 guns, all registered in my name.”
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Thailand Week 2024 brings the best of Thai products to Glorietta, Makati | INQUIRER.net BrandRoom | Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:16:23 PST | Exciting news for all enthusiasts of Thai products! The highly anticipated Thailand Week is set to showcase the best of Thai merchandise at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from February 29 to March 3, 2024. Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce in Thailand, through the Thai Trade Center in Manila, this annual event is the biggest trade show of Thai products in the Philippines and has consistently brought high-quality Thai products to the forefront for over a decade.
Thailand Week 2024 marks a significant shift as it takes place at the Glorietta shopping mall for the first time, providing enhanced accessibility and convenience for consumers. Under the theme “Discover Excellence, Trade with Thailand,” the fair continues its tradition of highlighting the superior quality of Thai products.
Over 80 companies, including Thai exporters and Philippine importers with Thai products, will participate in Thailand Week 2024. The showcase will span various categories, featuring food and beverages, health and beauty products, household items, as well as fashion and lifestyle products.
Attendees will not only have the opportunity to explore and purchase high-quality and affordable products but also to delve into the rich tapestry of Thai culture. The event will host cooking demonstrations by renowned Thai SELECT restaurants, accredited by DITP, offering a tantalizing taste of authentic Thai cuisine. There will be also colorful Thai cultural performances during the event for you to witness the culture from the land of smiles.
For businesses seeking new opportunities, Thailand Week 2024 is an ideal platform to explore trade relationships and connect with potential agents or distributors. Whether you are a business professional, a discerning consumer, or someone with a love for Thailand and its culture, this fair promises an unparalleled experience.
Most importantly, admission to Thailand Week 2024 is free, making it an inclusive event for everyone. Save the dates, February 29 to March 3, and make your way to the Glorietta Activity Center for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Thailand.
For more information, please contact the Thai Trade Center in Manila at the following contact details: Tel. Nos. 88940406, 88940403, Email: [email protected], Fax: 88160698.
ADVT.
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DOE orders LPG price freeze in Oriental Mindoro town | Adrian Parungao | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:29:46 PST | INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) ordered a price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene products in the municipality of Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro due to a state of calamity.
According to the DOE on Thursday, the municipality was placed under a state of calamity on Monday due to an extreme drought.
READ: Bulalacao, Or. Mindoro under state of calamity due to El Niño
“A State of Calamity (SOC) was raised in the Municipality of Bulalacao, Province of Oriental Mindoro, due to severe and prolonged drought,” the DOE said.
A price freeze will be effective for LPG in cylinders 11 kilograms and below and other kerosene products until March 11.
“Thus, a price freeze for household Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in cylinders (11 Kg and below) and kerosene products is now in effect and will remain valid for 15 days upon the declaration of the SOC,” it added.
READ: Drought may hit 30 areas in March due to El Niño – Pagasa
Under the price freeze, price increases are strictly prohibited, but rollbacks will be implemented.
“During the price freeze, the price implemented is that used before the implementation of the State of Calamity (SOC). Any rollback of prices, however, shall be implemented while price increases are strictly prohibited within the 15-day period counted from the day of SOC implementation,” the DOE added.
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Tommy Osmeña to run for Cebu City Vice Mayor in 2025 elections | bochoa | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:38:40 PST | Former Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña speaks in a press conference on Friday, February 29, 2024, in Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Pia Piquero
Former Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña speaks in a press conference on Friday, February 29, 2024, in Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Pia Piquero
CEBU CITY, Philippines — (UPDATED) Former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced his plans to run for Vice Mayor in the 2025 midterm elections if his preferred mayoral candidate accepts his endorsement.
Osmeña made the announcement in a press conference held on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Osmeña expressed his intention to run alongside City Councilor Nestor Archival, whom he endorsed as a mayoral candidate for the 2025 elections.
“If I were to choose, I would choose [Nestor] Archival [to become] the mayor. He can make a good mayor. I will make him a good candidate… I will be his Vice Mayor,” he said.
Osmeña disclosed that he has been talking to Archival to consider running for mayor, as he believes Archival has the potential to be a “good” leader for Cebu City.
“If Archival runs, I will run. That’s how far I am willing to go. If he’s not running, I don’t care. Why would I waste my time with someone else,” he remarked.
READ MORE: Daluz and Tumulak potential tandem for 2025 midterm election
Osmeña noted the importance of letting the position seek the individual rather than actively seeking a position.
He also voiced his desire to give Cebu back to its people
“I want to give Cebu back to the Cebuanos,” he said.
Osmena shared that what he appreciates about Archival is his concern for the youth. According to Osmeña, Archival has dedicated his whole salary for the last two decades to scholarships.
“He’s putting his money where his mouth is, and that is what is missing today – not sports, not Sinulog – but taking care of the next generation. We are not taking care of our youth,” he said.
Osmeña stated that he could assist Archival as his vice mayor by concentrating on the areas where he needs help, particularly in “project management.”
“The key to running the city is fundamentally wrong. We don’t think long-term. Our leaders think only about things that will make them win the next election. But if we want to see a community develop, we have to think ahead, just like children’s education. That’s not two or three years; our leaders do not have that kind of patience,” Osmeña stressed.
Moreover, Osmeña shared that many of his friends have been asking him to play an “active” role in politics.
However, he mentioned that he cannot realistically serve as mayor since his body is only 50 percent but his mind is 97 percent.
He said that if he wanted to play an active role, he would start by addressing the issues preventing Cebu City from moving forward.
“What is good for Cebu City, not what’s good for BOPK, what’s good for Tommy Osmeña. I’m taking into consideration what are the major obstacles preventing Cebu City from moving ahead,” he stressed.
Osmeña stated that he has spent 30 years building Cebu, and what he considered the “biggest” obstacle is the attitude of the people in general.
“It would be better off if it’s the people who will choose the mayor, not the mayor choosing himself,” he added.
Osmeña also commented on Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s vision for Cebu City to be Singapore-like with a touch of Melbourne.
“Does Basak San Nicholas really look like Singapore? He’s been mayor for so long. Look at Basak San Nicholas. Does it look like Singapore? Then he goes to Melbourne, then with a touch of Melbourne. You know what my nightmare is? If he might visit Disneyland, then all our barangay officials will be behaving like Donald Duck,” Osmeña said.
Meanwhile, when asked about Rama endorsing Cutie del Mar, Osmena bluntly said, “I don’t like Cutie.”
Previously, Rama announced that he will still have his nephew, Rep. Eduardo “Edu” Rama Jr., for south district congressman while Rep. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar will be joining them for north district representative.
Del Mar, daughter of the late congressman Raul del Mar, was Rama’s ally when he was still with the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) of Osmeña.
“She thinks she can buy things off. I respect the father. Raul Del Mar is not Cutie. There’s a huge difference,” he said.
Osmeña also revealed his inclination towards City Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos as a potential candidate for congress in the North District. However, he has not yet finalized his choice for the South District.
The tandem of Archival and Osmeña marks the third ‘potential’ political partnership to announce their candidacy for the 2025 polls. The first two are those of Jose Daluz III and Dave Tumulak and Mayor Mike Rama and Raymond Alvin Garcia.
Osmeña, 75, last served as mayor of Cebu City from 2016 to 2019.
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Quiboloy still undecided about attending congressional probe – lawyer | Zacarian Sarao | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:50:46 PST | FILE PHOTO: Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the subpoenas, his legal counsel says on Thursday, February 29, 2024. | PHOTO: Official website of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
FILE PHOTO: Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the subpoenas, his legal counsel says on Thursday, February 29, 2024. | PHOTO: Official website of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
MANILA, Philippines — Televangelist and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the subpoenas, his legal counsel said Thursday.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, however, said the legal options he offered are already being “considered seriously” by his client.
“Wala pa naman pong pagpapasya si Pastor Quiboloy sapagka’t kaming mga abogado po ay maaari lang kaming maglahad ng legal options … ‘yung kliyente naman namin ang nagdedesisyon,” Topacio said in an interview over Radyo 630.
(Pastor Quiboloy has not decided yet because we lawyers can only present legal options… it is our client who decides.)
READ: Marcos presses Quiboloy to face House, Senate over allegations
“All pieces of advice are being considered seriously by Pastor Quiboloy, and we shall expect a decision shortly regarding dito sa bagay na ito (this matter),” he added.
Nevertheless, Topacio said that Quiboloy’s camp is already coordinating with the Senate and House of Representatives regarding their respective summons for the self-declared “Appointed Son of God” to attend congressional public hearings.
The Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality has been holding inquiries into the alleged crimes of Quiboloy and his sect Kingdom of Jesus Chrsit (KJC). The House committee on legislative franchises, on other hand, has been probing the alleged violations of the Quoboloy-linked Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
“All lines of communications are open,” Topacio added.
Aside from the congressional investigations, Quiboloy is also facing several criminal charges in the United States, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud; coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash Smuggling.
He has been on the “most wanted” list of the FBI.
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The sect leader earlier claimed he was in hiding because there was allegedly a plot to kill him.
The Philippine National Police, however, already said it had not intercepted any information indicating threats to the life of Quiboloy.
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Metro Manila halts amusement tax for local films from 2025-2028 | Luisa Cabato | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:40:00 PST | POPCORN TO FOLLOW After being shuttered for months due to the pandemic, one of the movie theaters at Power Plant Mall in Makati City gets its first few viewers on Wednesday. Cinemas in Metro Manila are finally allowed to operate under alert level 2. —RICHARD A. REYES
POPCORN TO FOLLOW After being shuttered for months due to the pandemic, one of the movie theaters at Power Plant Mall in Makati City gets its first few viewers on Wednesday. Cinemas in Metro Manila are finally allowed to operate under alert level 2. —RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines — The collection of amusement taxes for the screening of local films will be suspended in Metro Manila from 2025 to 2028.
In a resolution approved on Wednesday, February 28, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) explained its action saying the levy “adds a financial burden to local film producers, potentially affecting the sustainability of the Filipino film industry.”
During the MMC meeting held on the same day, director Jose Javier Reyes of the Film Development Council of the Philippines noted the significant decline of the Philippine film industry due to costly taxes and content piracy.
“A producer needs to pay three types of taxes for each film including 10% amusement taxes together with other taxes such as Value Added Tax and Income Tax, making us the most heavily-taxed movie industry in the world,” Reyes pointed out.
MMDA Acting Chairman and Metro Manila Film Festival Overall head Don Artes expressed support for the MMC resolution.
READ: Senate panel to tackle bills on PH movie industry
“In support of the resolution, they will amend their respective local revenue codes to waive the amusement tax for Filipino movies exhibited in Metro Manila from January 8 to December 24 of every year for the next three years,” Artes said in a statement on Thursday.
The MMDA noted that the suspension of amusement taxes excludes the period of the Metro Manila Film Festival, which is from December 25 of every year until January 7 of the following year.
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Philex Mining raises $70M more for Silangan project | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:15:44 PST | MANILA, Philippines —Pangilinan-led Philex Mining Corp. has secured the entire $170 million financing it needed to develop the Silangan mine project in Surigao del Norte province.
In a disclosure on Wednesday, Philex Mining said its subsidiary Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. Inc. signed a deed of accession with local banks for an additional $70 million credit facility for the copper-gold project.
Executives of Philex Mining and Silangan Mindanao Mining signed the deed with lenders Philippine National Bank (PNB), Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM) and Security Bank.
SB Capital Investment Corp. served as the mandated lead arranger while PNB and PBCOM acted as joint lead arrangers.
Before this, Philex Mining signed last November an omnibus loan and security agreement for a $100-million syndicated debt facility with Union Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank and Bank of the Philippine Islands. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. was mandated as lead arranger.
READ: Philex borrows $100M for Silangan project
The latest transaction completed the $170-million loan funding requirement of Philex Mining following its stock rights offering last year and the capital infusion from Philex Mining’s cash reserves
Philex Mining managed to raise P2.6 billion from its stock rights offer in 2022, which it used to jump-start the first phase of the Silangan project covering the Boyongan Ore deposit.
READ: Pricey power, higher input costs eat into Philex Mining profits
The company intends to start commercial operations of the Silangan project, touted as one of the big three mining projects in the Philippines, by the first quarter of 2025.
“Development works continue in the Silangan project with the ongoing underground decline development now midway to the Boyongan ore body,” the firm said. INQ
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PhilHealth premium hike may still be suspended – Marcos | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:10:26 PST | PhilHealth employees at work in Quezon City. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
PhilHealth employees at work in Quezon City. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains open to suspending the 5-percent increase in monthly premiums implemented by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) this year, saying he wants to make sure any hike in contributions will lead to improved insurance coverage and benefits.
READ: PhilHealth to give higher benefit packages effective Feb. 14
“What we are trying to determine is that if we are going to increase the contribution from 4 percent to 5 percent, what do we get in exchange? It’s really a cost-benefit analysis,” Marcos said on Wednesday in an interview with reporters before departing for a two-day state visit to Canberra, Australia.
He noted that the state health insurer has been expanding its healthcare services, including raising the number of covered dialysis sessions and improving coverage for cancer patients.
“If there are additional benefits, if we can justify the increase, then we’ll do it. But if we cannot, then we won’t. It’s as simple as that,” Marcos said, adding that his office would “come to a conclusion very, very soon.”
The push to suspend this year’s higher PhilHealth premium rates, as Health Secretary Ted Herbosa suggested, has been pending before the Office of the President since January.
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Bigger goods discount for seniors, PWDs set | Krixia Subingsubing | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:44:00 PST | ADDITIONAL BENEFITS | From P65 a week, the special discount on basic goods for seniors and persons with disabilities will go up to P125 starting next month, as soon as the agencies concerned issue an interagency circular. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS | From P65 a week, the special discount on basic goods for seniors and persons with disabilities will go up to P125 starting next month, as soon as the agencies concerned issue an interagency circular. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The almost 100 percent increase in the special weekly discount on basic goods and other prime commodities granted to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will take effect starting next month, according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
He said in a statement on Wednesday that the implementation of the higher discount for the elderly and PWDs in March was agreed upon during a discussion with officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Citing a conversation with Trade Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez, Romualdez said the DTI was currently working on an interagency circular “so that the usual P65 per week discount for senior citizens and PWDs may be increased to P125.”
This would bring the monthly discount from P260 to P500.
Sanchez said that while consultations were still ongoing, they expect the circular reflecting the over 92 percent increase to be released in time for March. The circular would be issued by the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy.
The hike in the weekly special discount on groceries and other prime commodities for seniors and PWDs was prompted by a request from a joint House committee led by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on Feb. 18.
As ordered by Romualdez, the House panels on ways and means, and senior citizens is currently conducting a motu proprio investigation into the implementation of laws regarding benefits enjoyed by the two groups.5-percent discount
During the Feb. 18 hearing, Salceda asked representatives from the DTI and DA to consider raising the weekly discount cap from P65 to P125—for a total of P500 per month.
At present, seniors and PWDs are entitled to a special 5-percent discount on the regular retail prices — without exemption from the value-added tax — of basic necessities under DTI-DA Administrative Order No. 10-02, as part of Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. The total value of goods they can avail themselves of once a week is capped at P1,300, entitling them to a discount of P65 or 5 percent.
READ: Romualdez seeks probe into cases of denied discounts for seniors, PWDs
Sanchez clarified that the discounts apply only to basic goods and prime commodities, or typical items consumed daily such as rice, corn, bread, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cooking oil, sugar, vegetables, fruits, onions, garlic, as well as fresh and processed milk, except medical grade milk.
Also covered are manufactured goods such as processed meat, sardines, and even corned beef, although the premium brands are not.
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Premium items, including nonessential food, such as cakes and pastries, are also exempted from the additional discount, according to Sanchez.
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Megaworld finished 2023 with record income | Miguel R. Camus | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 02:22:00 PST | MANILA, Philippines —Tycoon Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Corp. beat prepandemic earnings in 2023 to end the year with a record net income of P19.4 billion, fueled by residential sales and earnings from malls and hotels.
Megaworld, one of the country’s biggest developers, said profits in the past year grew by an annual 26 percent. The historic-high finish also breached its 2019 profit of P19.3 billion.
“2023 marked a pivotal moment for Megaworld as our financial milestones showcased our strategic agility and innovations in our product offerings,” Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin L. Tan said. “This proves our ability to adapt and thrive in changing times to reach new heights,” he added.
In the filing, Megaworld said net income attributable to the parent company’s shareholders jumped by 29 percent to P17.3 billion. Total revenues expanded by 17 percent to P69.7 billion. Its real estate sales climbed by 16 percent to an unprecedented P42.7 billion while reservation revenues, a future indicator of earnings, grew 17 percent to P139 billion, beating its target of P130 billion.
Megaworld also rolled out new projects worth P72.6 billion, an increase of 61 percent over 2022. Meanwhile, Megaworld’s leasing revenues climbed 14 percent to P17.9 billion, also a record for the developer.
READ: Megaworld to build its tallest hotel to date
The surge in mall revenues, which jumped by 54 percent to P5.3 billion, was primarily due to the rebound in retail operations and tenant sales.
Megaworld’s office leasing revenues saw a modest growth of 3 percent, totaling P12.6 billion, as the work-from-home trend weighed on the segment.
Lastly, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts witnessed a 46-percent surge in revenues to P3.8 billion.
This growth was bolstered by a spike in local travel and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice).
READ: Megaworld to spend P350B on township developments
“The company’s well-positioned hotel offerings successfully captured the increased local travel and Mice activities, improving overall occupancy and room rates, especially in Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila and Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay,” Megaworld said.
The builder, a pioneer in the urban township concept when it launched the 18.5-hectare Eastwood City in Quezon City in the mid 1990s, finished the year with 31 master-planned estates.
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These include the Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); and Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares).
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PUP launches research program establishing ethics in AI-use | Zacarian Sarao | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:46:49 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) launched a research program which aims to develop ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI), addressing the need for responsible use of AI.
“As AI technology continues to transform how we Filipinos live our lives, it is important that we ensure its responsible use and development,” said PUP president Manuel Muhi in a statement on Wednesday.
“It is also crucial that higher education institutions like PUP should be at the forefront of promoting a culturally grounded AI governance,” he added.
READ: AI propaganda as effective as the real thing – study
According to Muhi, the program will utilize the knowledge of experts and scholars from various fields to develop guidelines and frameworks for AI governance that are aligned with the country’s values, culture, and priorities.
It will also cover various topics related to AI ethics and governance, such as: privacy and data protection, fair treatment, transparency and accountability, and societal impact assessment — while exploring the role of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, and transportation.
READ: AI will be everywhere in 2024
With the program, a research-based book entitled “AI Ethics Primer for Filipinos” will be made accessible to the public for free in May 2024.
The said book, a result of collaborative endeavors involving scholars from PUP, University of San Carlos, Philosophical Association of the Philippines, and De La Salle University-Manila, would stand as one of the achievements of the program, said PUP.
Other target outputs include research works on Filipinos’ attitude, awareness and behavior on Artificial intelligence, and how Philippine media news outfits depict AI.
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Inayawan cops train barangay tanods to elevate community safety | rgabuya | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:59:42 PST | Inayawan Police launched a comprehensive training on Thursday, February 29, 2024, for barangay tanods in order to elevate community safety. |Photo by Mark Bandolon
Inayawan Police launched a comprehensive training on Thursday, February 29, 2024, for barangay tanods in order to elevate community safety. |Photo by Mark Bandolon
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Inayawan police station launched a training initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of barangay peace and safety officers.
Entitled “Capacity Building and Professionalizing of Barangay Tanods” the training was conducted on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024, in Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City.
The activity is aligned with the police’s commitment to the Barangay Ayaw sa Droga (BAD) initiative, aimed at eradicating drug-related issues in the barangay level.
The program aims to equip Barangay Public Security Officers (BPSO) with the necessary skills to effectively combat drug-related incidents.
Barangay chairpersons and BPSO personnel representing Barangay Bulacao, Cogon Pardo, Basak Pardo, Inayawan, Kinasang-an, and Poblacion Pardo, participated in the event.
Police Major Jeciree S. Basitao, chief of Inayawan Police Station, said that the event marks the beginning of a comprehensive series of initiatives.
Basitao highlighted the significance of prioritizing barangay tanods because they are the first responders and force multipliers of untoward incidents.
The program’s future activities will be tailored to participants, including seminars and self-defense training for women, focusing on Eliminating Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC).
Additionally, youth-focused seminars on drug prevention will be provided, recognizing the vulnerability of this sector to substance abuse.
Basitao revealed that self-defense training will include training on arnis and martial arts under the guidance of an expert.
This ensures a sustainable program that extends beyond a one-time event.
The morning session of the inaugural training featured lectures on Katarungang Pambarangay, and other law issuances.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session featured hand cuffing training and basic self-defense techniques, emphasizing practical skills that are crucial for community safety.
Guests include Police Colonel Leoncio Baliguat, Regional Chief of the Police Community Affairs and Development Unit – 7 (PCAD-7); Police Colonel Albert Reevs Quilotorio, Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CCADU); Police Lieutenant Colonel Luis Ramos, Chief of the CPPU; and Police Lieutenant Colonel Jomar Medil, Chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Unit (IDMU) of the Cebu City Police Office.
Dave Tumulak, the barangay captain of Basak Pardo said the program greatly helps the physical and mental preparedness of the BPSO.
He said in an interview that the program will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the laws and ordinances governing their respective barangays.
“Ang atong mga barangay tanod mafully equipped na sila with knowledge not only on mental but also physical… Basically makahibaw sad sila sa mga laws and ordinances nga giimplement sa mga tagsa-tagsa nga barangay,” Tumulak said.
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Lorraine Badoy is guilty of indirect contempt for red tagging judge – SC | Tetch Torres-Tupas | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:12:15 PST | FILE PHOTO: Lorraine Badoy during the House inquiry on the alleged fake news peddling and franchise violations of the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), November 30, 2023. The Supreme Court has found Badoy, former spokesperson of the government’s anti-insurgency task force, guilty of indirect contempt for red-tagging a Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge.| PHOTO FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
FILE PHOTO: Lorraine Badoy during the House inquiry on the alleged fake news peddling and franchise violations of the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), November 30, 2023. The Supreme Court has found Badoy, former spokesperson of the government’s anti-insurgency task force, guilty of indirect contempt for red-tagging a Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge.| PHOTO FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has found Lorraine Badoy-Partosa, former spokesperson of the government’s anti-insurgency task force, guilty of indirect contempt for red-tagging a Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge.
In a 51-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Badoy was ordered to pay a fine of P30,000 and warned against repeating the same or similar acts in the future, or she would be meted a more severe punishment.
The former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson hurled scathing remarks against Manila RTC Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar on social media in September 2022.
READ: Judge attacked online for junking terror tag on CPP-NPA
Her attacks came after Magdoza-Malagar dismissed the government’s proscription case that sought to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, as terrorist organizations.
Badoy called Magdoza-Malagar an “idiot judge” who lawyered for the CPP-NPA. She even made a hypothetical situation about her “killing” the judge – but she can beg the judge for leniency because she did it out of her political beliefs. The post was later deleted and denied.
READ: Badoy, co-host sued for red-tagging on SMNI program
In another post, Badoy asked why Magdoza-Malagar was “so well-versed” about the constitution of the CPP-NPA that only members know. She also mentioned human rights lawyers Edre Olalia, Maria Sol Taule, and Rachel Pastores, asking if they were the ones who wrote the judge’s decision.
“For her vitriolic statements and outright threats against Judge Magdoza-Malagar and the Judiciary, respondent is found guilty of indirect contempt and is fined P 30,000.00 with a warning that repeating the same or similar acts will lead to a more severe penalty,” the SC said in its ruling released on Thursday.
READ: Ombudsman finds ex-NTF-Elcac execs Parlade, Badoy guilty of red-tagging
This SC decision granted the petition filed by legal experts that include former Philippine Bar Association president Rico Domingo; Ateneo Human Rights Center executive director Ray Paolo Santiago; former Ateneo law dean Antonio “Tony” La Viña; Soledad Deriquito-Mawis of the College of Law of Lyceum University; Anna Maria Abad, of Adamson University College of Law; and Rodel Taton, of the Graduate School of Law of San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
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2 ex-justices air views on 100-percent foreign ownership | Jeannette I. Andrade, Krixia Subingsubing | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:32:00 PST | Former Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio (INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS)
Former Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio (INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS)
MANILA, Philippines _There is no constitutional problem in allowing 100-percent foreign ownership in certain industries in the country, but there should be “reciprocity clauses” when amending economic provisions that limit foreign ownership in those sectors, two former justices said during the House of Representatives hearing on Resolution of Both Houses No. 7, which seeks to ease foreign ownership limits in public utilities, educational institutions, and advertising.
Constitutional framer and former Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna said such amendments were “constitutional as long as there is no showing that the effective control of Filipinos of the entire economy has been negated.”
READ: Carpio cites PH laws on foreign ownership of businesses
“If doing so (allowing full foreign ownership in certain economic sectors) would deprive Filipinos of effective control of the economy, then the legislation would be unconstitutional,” he added.
Azcuna’s comments were in response to ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro’s question about whether proposals to allow full foreign ownership in certain sectors would negate Article 2, Section 19, of the current Charter, which mandates the state to “develop a self-reliant and independent national economy efficiently controlled by Filipinos.”
There have been some propositions to simply delete this provision on self-reliance to avoid getting entangled in future legal challenges once proposals to amend the economic provisions pass.
However, Azcuna said the country “should still have an economy effectively maintained by Filipinos while allowing foreign investments to come in in certain areas.”
During the continuation of the House hearing on Wednesday, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio told lawmakers that if the country would allow 100-percent foreign ownership of public utilities and other services, then Filipinos “must likewise be able to own 100 percent of the same businesses in the countries of these investors.”
“This is fair and equitable to Filipinos and foreign investors alike,” he said.
Such a clause, he said, was not new as this was already included in the amendment to the Public Service Act, which prevents foreign nationals from owning more than 50 percent of capital in critical infrastructure unless their respective countries accorded reciprocity to Philippine nationals.
He suggested that, when opening up these provisions, to insert the clause “unless otherwise provided by law, subject to reciprocity and two-thirds vote of both the House and the Senate.”
Azcuna, now 85, has twice been part of the process to amend the Constitution—first as a member of the 1971 Constitutional Convention and as member of the Presidential Constitutional Commission in 1986. He later served as Corazon Aquino’s legal counsel, press secretary and spokesperson.
In 2002, he was appointed associate justice by former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Azcuna noted that the framers of the 1987 Constitution intended its economic provisions, particularly the three being considered for amendment through RBH 7, to be in effect only for five years and not for nearly fourwq decades.
Azcuna maintained that his peers expunged the phrase “unless otherwise provided by Congress” from the section pertaining to the ownership of educational institutions with the intention of possibly changing the provision after five years.
Azcuna said: “Why didn’t we put it originally? The reason was because we did not want Congress to change it then, precisely for at least five years. We wanted no change by initiative. There’s a five-year period, we wanted the economic framework to work for at least five years.”
“We did not expect it to be unamended for 37 years so the time frame, in our minds, is five years then it could be amended after. But we did not have any amendment, even on the economic provisions for 37 years,” he added.
“[E]conomic policies should not be frozen in time for a long period. It’s now 37 years from that time and the situation has changed. The strictly nationalistic approach has to be modified to be able to meet current trends in the world economy while still trying to maintain… an economy effectively controlled by Filipinos,” he said.
Still, the former associate justice appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III was not too keen on Charter change.
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Carpio argued that what was discouraging foreign investors were bureaucratic gaps and the absence of the rule of law in the country.
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3 men guilty of slaughtering dog ordered to pay P6,000 each | Jun A. Malig | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:57:31 PST | Angeles City, Pampanga. INQUIRER FILES
Angeles City, Pampanga. INQUIRER FILES
MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — The court has fined three men who slaughtered and cooked a dog as “pulutan” (snacks accompanying drinks) in nearby Angeles City a year ago.
In a two-page judgment issued on February 13 by Judge Victor Soriao of the Angeles City Municipal Trial Court Branch, Amorsolo Guevarra, Renato Halili, and Jerry Mari were found guilty of accusations filed against them and were ordered to pay P6,000 each for violating Republic Act 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
READ: 300000 dogs killed for meat in Philippines every year
The city government of Angeles filed the case against the three men on February 9 last year, five days after the trio were caught killing and cooking a dog in Lourdes Sur village.
In a statement on Thursday, February 29, the Angeles City government said this is the first time in the history of the local government to win a filed criminal case of this nature.
Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. considers the conviction of the three men as a victory for the cause of animal welfare.
“Angeles City is a refuge for stray canines and felines rescued by the City Veterinary Office, and I hope that this victory will serve as a deterrent to those who would commit similar acts of cruelty,” the statement quoted the mayor as saying.
READ: ‘Oro’ sued over dog slaughter scene
The officer-in-charge of the Angeles City veterinary office Dr. Christian Xyric Arcilla, who witnessed the animal cruelty done by the trio, led the filing of charges against them on the directive of Lazatin. He filed the case along with city legal officer lawyer Ralph Macalino.
The city government said that it was Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicenta Vega-Cabigting who informed Lazatin’s office about the slaughtering and cooking of the dog after receiving a report from concerned citizens in Lourdes Sur village on Feb. 4, 2023.
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Farmer shot dead by stepson in Quezon province | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:27:20 PST | Quezon province. INQUIRER FILES
Quezon province. INQUIRER FILES
LUCENA CITY — A 58-year-old farmer was shot and killed by his stepson on Wednesday, Feb. 28, in Lopez town in Quezon province, police said.
Quezon police, in a report Thursday, Feb. 29, said Rogelio Arganda was on the balcony of his house in Barangay (village) Sumalang around 8:30 p.m. when his stepson, “Louielito” arrived armed with a handgun which he used to repeatedly shoot Arganda.
The gunman fled after the shooting and left his target dead on the spot.
READ: Farmer who allegedly beheaded another farmer shot dead in Davao de Oro
According to the police, sometime on March 2022, Arganda raped Louielito’s daughter but no charges were filed.
The police are conducting a manhunt operation to arrest the killer.
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Imee Marcos: There’s no forever in politics | Maila Ager | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:34:31 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Take it from Senator Imee Marcos: No one stays in power forever.
“Walang forever sa pulitika,” Marcos said during the regular Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday.
Her father, late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. ruled the country for 21 years until he was toppled by a power revolt led by the late President Corazon Aquino in 1986. This sent Marcos and his family to flee to Hawaii where he died in 1989.
READ: A twist in history: The rise and fall and rise of Marcos
“Sabi ng nanay ko, ang buhay daw namin e parang tsubibo — asa taas, pinakatuktok o ‘di kaya sa ibaba. Kaya ngayon pa lang, matuto nang yumuko at hold on. ‘Yun ang nanay ko,” the senator continued.
(My mother said our life is like a carousel — sometimes we’re up, or at the peak, or down below. So this early on, we should learn to bend and hold on. That’s my mother.)
“Kaya dapat konting pakumbaba, konting hinay-hinay at maghawak-kamay sa mga kasamahan imbes na away-awayin,” she added.
(So we should learn to be a little humble, take things slowly, and hold hands with our companions instead of fighting).
READ: Marcos admits people’s initiative for Charter change politicized
According to the senator, her message was not directed at anyone in particular.
In the past weeks, though, she traded barbs with some members of the House of Representatives over proposals to change the 1987 Constitution through a people’s initiative.
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Eumir Marcial not losing sight on golden goal in Paris Olympics | Mark Giongco | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:35:42 PST | FILE–The Philippines’ Eumir Felix Marcial at right reacts after defeating Syria’s Ahmad Ghousoon in the Boxing Men’s 71-80Kg Semifinal bout for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
FILE–The Philippines’ Eumir Felix Marcial at right reacts after defeating Syria’s Ahmad Ghousoon in the Boxing Men’s 71-80Kg Semifinal bout for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
MANILA, Philippines–Eumir Marcial assured he remains focused on fulfilling his ultimate goal of winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Marcial is set for a homecoming fight on March 23 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, where the Filipino boxing prospect aims to put on a dazzling performance and show how far he’s come in his Paris buildup.
“I am looking forward to this homecoming fight because the last time I fought in the country was during the 2019 SEA Games,” Marcial said. “And I intend to put on a great show for those who will watch and see me live. I believe that I will be more than ready by the time I get to Paris in July.”
“Even though I am fighting in March, my focus and concentration is on the Paris Olympics,” he added.
The 28-year-old Marcial, who will be competing in a stacked light heavyweight class, faces a steep climb in his bid for a historic boxing gold for the Philippines in the Summer Games with some familiar names standing in his way.
“The competition there is very tough since the Cuban super champion Arlen Lopez is there as well as the Chinese who beat me in Hangzhou. The Ukrainian who beat me in the semis of the Tokyo Olympics—Oleksandr Khyzhniak—is there so it’s a star-studded cast,” added Marcial, referring to Chinese-Kazakh Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke, who beat him by unanimous decision in the gold medal match of last year’s Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Arlen Lopez is a two-time Olympic champion while Oleksandr Khyzhniak outlasted Marcial in a semifinal slugfest at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Marcial (4-0, 2KOs), who is fighting Thai journeyman Thoedsak Sinam (23-13, 19KOs) in his first bout on home soil since winning the gold at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, has been holed up training in Las Vegas since the third week of January but will move to Tagaytay for the final stretch of his preparations beginning March 11.
Marcial is currently training under the guidance of American coach Kay Koroma and former Filipino amateur boxing standout Mario Fernandez, who was sent by the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) to lend a hand in the preparations.
The Zamboanga City native’s last pro fight was in February 2023 when he stopped a much experienced Ricardo Villalba of Argentina in just two rounds in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Marcial turned pro back in December 2020.
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Mindoro folk, on oil spill anniv, vow to hold polluters accountable | Madonna T. Virola | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:02:00 PST | REMINDER | PHOTO: Fishers and residents in Pola, Oriental Mindoro, together with their supporters, unveil on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, a mural painted by the community reminding them of the importance of protecting the Verde Island Passage (VIP).. (Photo from the Facebook account of PROTECT VIP)
REMINDER | PHOTO: Fishers and residents in Pola, Oriental Mindoro, together with their supporters, unveil on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, a mural painted by the community reminding them of the importance of protecting the Verde Island Passage (VIP).. (Photo from the Facebook account of PROTECT VIP)
CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines — Residents of coastal communities in Oriental Mindoro whose livelihood was disrupted by the oil spill from a vessel that sank off Naujan town last year vowed to continue the search for justice as they marked the first anniversary of the environmental tragedy on Wednesday.
Groups supporting local fisherfolk started the program in Pola town, considered the “ground zero” of the marine disaster, with a Mass at the Pola Community College celebrated by Oriental Mindoro Bishop Moises Cuevas.
M/T Princess Empress, carrying 900,000 liters of industrial oil, sank off the coast of Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28 last year. The site is within the Verde Island Passage (VIP), an area between mainland Luzon and Mindoro island considered the “center of global shorefish biodiversity” due to the high density of marine resources there.
Fisherfolk, local officials, and representatives of environmental, youth, and religious groups called attention to the slow progress on compensation and recovery in the widespread oil spill that followed the tanker’s sinking.
READ: Mindoro oil spill ruins nearly P1 billion in livelihood sources
“Today, we gather in prayer and unity to commemorate the day that changed the course of the lives of the people of Oriental Mindoro. Pope Francis in his Laudate Deum (Praise God) reminds us that the most effective solutions will not come from individual efforts alone but, above all, from major political decisions,” Fr. Edwin Gariguez, lead convener of Protect VIP, said in a statement emailed to the Inquirer on Wednesday. Protect VIP is a coalition of different organizations advocating for the protection of the Verde Island Passage.
“Our fight does not end today and we will not cease to fight until we see a clear path towards … recovery, which would only be possible if justice is served, polluters are held accountable and communities are properly compensated,” said Gariguez.
“The marine life and the people who depend on the Verde Island Passage deserve nothing less than P41.2 billion, which is the estimated damage caused by the oil spill,” said the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), a think tank which earlier released a valuation report on oil spill damage, as assessed by experts.
“We hope that this number serves as a guidepost for the government and the agencies for tougher policies in protecting our waters and ensuring that no polluter walks free from their accountability,” said Gerry Arances, co-convener of Protect VIP and executive director of the CEED.
Arances underscored the need for decisive actions from policymakers to prioritize the urgent protection of Verde Island Passage.
A symbolic march to Pola Bridge showcasing a mural designed by artist AG Sano, in collaboration with local communities and youth groups, was also held Wednesday. A design for a commemorative marker that will be put up in Pola as a symbol of the courage and determination of the community was also unveiled.
“The mural and marker will memorialize the unwavering spirit of the people of Mindoro in the face of the oil spill. This will be a permanent reminder of what the polluters owe to the communities and what the government must do in protecting Verde Island Passage,” Gariguez said.
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In a telephone interview on Tuesday, Aldrin Villanueva, leader of the fisherfolk group Lapian ng Mangingisda sa Batuhan, said only 627 of the more than 4,000 claimants from Pola town, who lost their livelihood due to the fishing ban imposed last year, had received compensation as of Feb. 16.
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Mom of slain teen Jemboy Baltazar blames PNP for unfair court ruling | Jacob Lazaro, Marlon Ramos | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:42:00 PST | Rodaliza Baltazar weeps as she testifies before the Senate on the death of her son Jemboy on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. (INQUIRER PHOTO)
Rodaliza Baltazar weeps as she testifies before the Senate on the death of her son Jemboy on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. (INQUIRER PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The mother of slain 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar on Wednesday blamed the Philippine National Police for the lighter sentences and acquittal handed down by a court against the six policemen involved in the teenager’s fatal shooting in August 2023.
“It’s as if they killed my son all over again because of the decision of the court regarding the six policemen,” Rodaliza Baltazar said in a press briefing at the Senate.
“This is just too painful for our family. It’s really difficult to get justice when you are poor,” the grieving mother said in between sobs.
Rodaliza and her husband, Jessie Baltazar, met with Sen. Risa Hontiveros a day after the Navotas City Regional Trial Court Branch 286 gave its verdict.
Hontiveros had pushed the Senate inquiry into the botched police operation near a river in Navotas on Aug. 2, 2023, that resulted in the killing of Jemboy.
During one of the hearings, the victim’s friend, witness Sonny Boy Augustilo, said the police officers had wanted him to issue an affidavit claiming that Jemboy, who was unarmed, was carrying a gun and illegal drugs purportedly to show that he had engaged them in a shootout.
The opposition senator said while the court ruling should be respected, it only mirrored the worsening culture of impunity in the country, which had allowed abusive law enforcers to get away with their crimes literally.
“Five of the six policemen will be freed while the other one will be jailed for only four years. On the other hand, (Jemboy) had lost his life and his dreams,” Hontiveros lamented.
According to Baltazar, they could have secured the conviction of all the six accused had the police officers who initially investigated the case done their job without prejudice.
For one, she pointed out, the police investigators did not thoroughly search the boat where Jemboy was shot and killed.
Had they inspected the boat, the policemen could have recovered a bullet slug that would have bolstered the allegation that the six accused directly shot the victim and Augustilo, contrary to their claim that they only fired into the water.
“From the start, the (killing of my son) was not investigated properly,” Baltazar said.
The victim’s family sued the six Navotas policemen for murder, but the court instead found Police Staff Sgt. Gerry Maliban guilty of homicide for shooting Jemboy, whom they had mistaken for another suspect they were supposedly pursuing at the time.
READ: One of six Navotas cops guilty of homicide in Jemboy’s death – court
Maliban was sentenced to up to six years in prison and also ordered to pay P50,000 in moral and civil damages.
One of the accused, Police Staff Sgt. Antonio Balcita Bugayong was acquitted due to the failure of the prosecution to prove that he had fired his gun during the operation.
Four other PNP officers — Police Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso Balais Jr., Police Staff Sgt. Nikko Pines Corollo Esquilon, Police Cpl. Edmard Jake Blanco and Patrolman Benedict Danao Mangada — were found guilty of the lesser offense of illegal discharge of firearms.
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They were sentenced to a maximum of four months and one day in prison.
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BARMM to give lifetime aid to ex-revolutionaries | Sheila Mae Dela Cruz, Taher Solaiman | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:04:00 PST | BARMM headquarters. (File photo from the BARMM website)
BARMM headquarters. (File photo from the BARMM website)
COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Parliament has approved a measure to provide financial aid to men and women revolutionaries of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who are seniors or those who have disabilities.
At least 41 of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority present during the session on Monday, approved Bill No. 44 which would establish the Office of the Bangsamoro Mujahideen Under Special Circumstance, to oversee the implementation of the program. No one abstained or opposed during the deliberation presided by Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema.
Under the measure, former MILF and MNLF combatants who are senior citizens or those with permanent, partial, or total disabilities will be entitled to a minimum monthly aid of P7,000.
Sema said the measure was a way to “reciprocate” mujahideen for the sacrifices they made for the Bangsamoro.
“The measure is a legacy legislation intended to provide for the former combatants of the MILF and the MNLF from legal and available resources of the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) government, for them to know that their leaders are doing all they could to reciprocate in any way, big or small, their sacrifices for the Bangsamoro,” said Sema.
For the first year of implementation, recipients will receive a lump sum of P84,000, followed by quarterly allowances in subsequent years.
READ: Opening up of BARMM to investments cheered
Funding for the initiative will come from a total of P500 million that will be appropriated and integrated into the annual budget of the Office of the Chief Minister.
The eligibility criteria outlined in the bill include mujahideen who participated for a minimum of 20 years in the struggle for the right to self-determination of the Bangsamoro people between 1969 and 2014. They must also belong to the “underprivileged” sector.
Member of Parliament Aida Silongan, chair of its committee on social services and development, said 1969 was the reckoning point as it was the start of clashes between Moro revolutionaries who tried to defend Moro-controlled lands and communities against government-backed militias, months after the MNLF was formally organized on March 18, 1968.
Also, 2014, or exactly March 27, 2014, is when the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed between the government and the MILF, Silongan explained.
The approved bill, which is awaiting the signature of Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, also covers those who have permanent and total disabilities due to injuries or diseases causing complete, irreversible, and permanent incapacity that renders a member unable to work or engage in any gainful occupation, resulting in a loss of income.
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Silongan said it was important to reciprocate the sacrifices of the mujahideen by recognizing what they have done, respecting them, and allocating necessary financial support.
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Fire razes 5 classrooms in Zamboanga del Sur town | Leah Agonoy | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:43:23 PST | Bureau of Fire Protection personnel try to extinguish that fire that hit classrooms of the Parasan National High School in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. | PHOTO: BFP Molave Fire Station
Bureau of Fire Protection personnel try to extinguish that fire that hit classrooms of the Parasan National High School in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. | PHOTO: BFP Molave Fire Station
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities have estimated that some P3.7 million in infrastructure was damaged by a fire in a school in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday.
Fire Senior Inspector Robert Soyum, chief of the Molave station of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), said the main damage that they have accounted, so far, is the five classrooms of Parasan National High School that were razed to the ground.
READ: 16 families left homeless after fire in Zamboanga del Sur town
Fire hits classrooms of the Parasan National High School in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. | PHOTO: BFP Molave Fire Station
A BFP investigation showed that the fire broke out at around 1:42 a.m. on February 28 and was eventually put off at around 3:15 a.m.
The BFP has yet to account the facilities and equipment that were lost to the blaze.
As of Thursday, authorities were still conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
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Zamora fires back at Ejercito, rejects ‘vindictive’ tag | Charie Abarca | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:37:46 PST | San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (Photo from Mayor Francis Zamora FB page)
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (Photo from Mayor Francis Zamora FB page)
MANILA, Philippines — San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora countered on Thursday allegations that his leadership is “vindictive,” maintaining that he embraced all the people that the Estrada clan left behind when they were no longer in power.
Zamora’s remarks came after Senator JV Ejercito’s allegation that some San Juan City residents were being “terrorized” by Zamora’s “vindictive” leadership.
Ejercito was a former mayor of San Juan City. So were his brother, Senator Jinggoy Estrada; his father, former President Joseph Estrada; and his mother, Guia Gomez.
“I have no idea what he’s talking about regarding vindictiveness kasi niyakap ko yung mga tao nila. Marami sa mga leaders and supporters nila na pinabayaan nila, especially when they both lost in the Senate in 2019, when his mother was not a mayor anymore and when they both lost in the Senate — noong pinabayaan nila ang leaders nila, namamatay, nagkakasakit, kanino sila lumalapit? Sa akin,” Zamora told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.
(I have no idea what he’s talking about regarding vindictiveness because I embraced their people. Many of the leaders and supporters they abandoned, especially when they both lost in the Senate in 2019, when his mother was not a mayor anymore and when they both lost in the Senate — when they abandoned their leaders, dying, getting sick, who did they approach? It was me.)
“If I am terrorizing San Juan, then how come we won 15-0 in 2022. All positions from mayor, vice mayor, congresswoman and 12 councilors?” he added.
Zamora then stressed that every single city hall employee in San Juan in 2019 was an Estrada employee since the clan was in power from 1969 to 2019.
“Most of my department heads now are former Estrada department heads. I and these Estrada appointees [or] Estrada elected officials have been working hard with each other. In fact, San Juan has won so many awards because of our harmonious working relationship,” said Zamora.
To prove his point, Zamora even named some of these supposed Estrada elected officials:
Zamora specifically noted that Silvano eventually resigned to work for Ejercito but later on regretted his decision when he realized that his “salary was much lower.”
“I know how to work with people. There’s no truth to namumulitika, ‘pag supporter nila ay kinakawawa – anong proof nila?” he added, emphasizing that being vindictive is different from being accountable.
(I know how to work with people. There’s no truth that I am politicking, and to the allegation that I oppress their supporters – what proof do they have?)
Ejercito, in a separate forum on Thursday, likewise claimed that to date, some retired San Juan City workers have yet to receive their terminal pay.
Zamora, however, stressed that the city government – under his leadership – He added that even the terminal pay of former Mayor Gomez and former Vice Mayor Janella Estrada were immediately released. has released millions of local funds to pay qualified retired workers. He added that even the terminal pay of former Mayor Gomez and former Vice Mayor Janella Estrada were immediately released.
“Now, there are some that we really cannot [pay] terminal leaves yet because of pending investigation or those with uncomplied requirements, there’s clearance – so there’s a process that they have to go through for us to release the terminal leave,” Zamora explained.
But the mayor maintained that he was unaware of what Ejercito was talking about when the senator said that “11 out of 30” have yet to receive their terminal pay.
Despite this, Zamora has committed to immediately release the terminal pay of those 11 should they be cleared without any issues.
“If I get to see the names of the 11, I’ll be in a better position to know if indeed meron bang pending investigation, meron bang clearance na dapat tapusin, then pag wala namang nakikitang problema I would gladly and immediately release the terminal leave,” he noted.
(If I get to see the names of the 1, I’ll be in a better position to know if there is a pending investigation, if there is a clearance that must be completed, and then if there is no visible problem, I would gladly release the terminal leave.)
Zamora then challenged Ejercito’s allegation of corruption in San Juan City’s social aid programs.
In his privilege speech delivered during the Senate’s plenary session, Ejercito said the scheme was made through an “ayuda scam” concerning the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and other social assistance initiatives.
Ejercito then presented two videos supposedly revealing some local officials in San Juan City “who exploited the system.”
But according to Zamora, his sources pointed out that the videos that Ejercito presented in the Senate were taken more than two years ago.
“The lady talking is already dead. Why didn’t he mention this? They are trying to make it appear as if it is of the present,” said Zamora.
The San Juan City mayor then questioned Ejercito for “moving away” from the TUPAD issue, further prodding the lawmaker what his evidence was in order to prove that San Juan is, indeed, involved in corruption.
Zamora said he would be willing to appear before the Senate should investigation on the alleged aid scam pushes through.
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The Estradas and Zamoras have long been political rivals in San Juan City. Zamora ended the 50-year grip of the Estrada clan over San Juan when he was elected city mayor in 2019.
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San Juan people are being ‘terrorized’ by the mayor, claims Sen. JV Ejercito | Charie Abarca | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:53:01 PST | Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito (File photo from Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito (File photo from Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Victor “JV” Ejercito on Thursday claimed some San Juan City residents are being “terrorized” by Mayor Francis Zamora’s “vindictive” leadership.
Speaking at a Kapihan sa Senado forum, Ejercito accused the mayor of presenting two sides of his character — one that appears to be “soft-spoken” and one that is vengeful.
It was Zamora who ended the 50-year grip of the Estrada clan over San Juan when he was elected city mayor in 2019.
The political rift between the camps was only ignited by Ejercito’s recent exposé surrounding an alleged corruption in the city’s social aid programs.
“People are being terrorized, lalo na ‘yung super political. Kasi malayong malayo. Very deceiving kasi,” said Ejercito.
(People are being terrorized, especially those who are super political. It’s too far. It’s very deceiving.)
“Si Mayor Zamora, kapag nagsalita, soft spoken [at] akala mo napakabait,” the senator observed.
(Mayor Zamora, when he speaks, he seems to be soft-spoken [and] you’ll think that he is very kind.)
“Para itong pelikula lang eh. Kapag nasa on cam… Kaya lang, off cam, naaawa ako doon sa mga tao,” he went on.
(It’s just like a movie. When it’s on cam… However, off-cam, I feel sorry for the people there.)
“Ang sabi ko nga sa kanya, tayo na lang ang mag away [at] kawawa naman ‘yung mga tao,” he added.
(I told him, let us just fight between us, and the people are suffering.)
According to the senator, he was very hesitant to expose the alleged corruption in San Juan at first, knowing that “people get oppressed” every time he speaks.
He said he only exposed it because of the gravity of the situation.
“I think I also brought up the issue of City employees or Department heads that after 3 years, their terminal leave is still not being given, which is money that is theirs,” Ejercito recalled.
“As we are speaking right now, there are about 11 more out of the 30 plus who have yet to receive it,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
“So you can see the pattern of his vindictiveness,” Ejercito added.
In the same forum, Zamora was likewise urged by Ejercito to spare the people from their families’ political rift.
“Magandang magkaharap harap tayo. Ang apila ko lang, sana kami na lang ang magbangayan sa politika,” the senator said.
(It will be good if we confront each other face to face. My only appeal is that I wish we would just spare the people from politics.)
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INQUIRER.net has sought Zamora’s comment on Ejercito’s remarks and allegations, but he has yet to respond as of press time.
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DOE: Economic cha-cha to create more jobs in renewable energy | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 18:38:16 PST | MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Department of Energy (DOE) believes that 1.5 million jobs may be created in the renewable energy sector if amendments to the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions push through.
At the hearing of the House committee of the whole on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said 1.5 million new jobs are possible since an additional 357,459 individuals were employed in the renewable energy sector in 2022 when the government allowed 100 percent foreign ownership in the industry.
With this as a guide, Garin said there may be 10 direct jobs and 30 indirect jobs generated per megawatt (MW).
“[The] estimated direct and indirect job generation for 2023 new contracts based on potential capacity is at least 1.5 million positions,” Garin said during the committee of the whole hearing on Wednesday.
“Other than investments in the development of [renewable energy], other components that will come in because of the trillions of investment from foreign investors is port development. We will need at least 10 new ports in order to cater to offshore wind projects,” she added.
Additionally, there may be more jobs stemming from foreign investments in ports and mining of rare earth metals like vanadium, a critical component of steel alloys that are used in creating space vehicles, nuclear reactors, aircraft carriers, and various other applications.
“In mining, the battery components include rare earth metals from our indigenous resources, including Vanadium and Scandium […] The additional transmission lines, including a newly proposed smart green grid, will require more copper,” she noted.
However, former lawmaker and current Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares expressed concerns over opening the economy further, noting that ideally, the government should be in control of key utilities to ensure that operations are driven by service, not profit.
Colmenares was also present in the hearing as a resource person.
“In my opinion, it will have implications […] what are public utilities? These are important industries to a country — water, electricity, transportation, communication, that we hope are operated by the government. That should not be for private companies, because the moment it is privatized, of course, service is just an afterthought, and profit is the main motivation,” Colmenares said.
“The problem here is that it is not only privatized, it will also be foreign-owned. Public service to the Filipino people becomes service to foreign stockholders,” he added.
Colmenares also highlighted that having foreigners operate key industries presents a national security issue, citing a possibility that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) can be controlled by Chinese investors who can manipulate the country’s electric supply when tensions rise on the West Philippine Sea.
READ: NGCP: China ownership is not a national security threat
“The second is, of course, national security implications. Are we not afraid that when a foreign country handles our electric grid, water supply, even transportation and communications, we will have a huge problem because this is the lifeblood of society, Mr. Chair?” he said.
“So if we open restrictions, can China increase from 40 percent to 80 (percent) or 90 percent in NGCP? Can other countries enter? When China handles, for example, Mr. Chair, our big generation or distribution utilities, then there is a dispute in the West Philippine Sea, they can just put Luzon on a blackout and we will have no choice but to kneel to China. Is that something we anticipate, Mr. Chair?” he asked.
This is not the first time people have been concerned over China’s involvement in NGCP. Last May 2023, Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez questioned whether or not NGCP can be held accountable for the power outage that hit the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last January 1, 2023.
NGCP then “categorically denied” accusations of being behind the power issues, insisting that their system cannot be controlled remotely. NGCP officials also noted that they are a Filipino corporation and that they remain committed to providing electricity to the country.
Both the House and the Senate are hearing proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions: the committee of the whole started discussing RBH No. 7 last Monday, while the Senate started deliberating RBH No. 6 in early February.
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Both proposals seek to amend Article XII, Article XIV, and Article XVI of the Constitution by inserting the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law” — allowing Congress to legislate laws that would dictate the percentage of foreign ownership in public utilities, basic education, and advertising.
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Marcos appoints Rogelio Quevedo as new PCGG commissioner | Jean Mangaluz | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:54:01 PST | Rogelio Quevedo was part of the Government Corporate Counsel, which acts as the lawyers of government corporations and financial institutions, such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.| PHOTO: Official facebook page of OGCC-EU
Rogelio Quevedo was part of the Government Corporate Counsel, which acts as the lawyers of government corporations and financial institutions, such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.| PHOTO: Official facebook page of OGCC-EU
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Rogelio V. Quevedo as a new Commissioner for the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), said the Palace on Thursday.
The PCGG is a body created to recover the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family while they were in power during the time of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s father, the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
“Itinalaga si G. Rogelio V. Quevedo bilang Commissioner ng Presidential Commission on Good Government sa ilalim ng Department of Justice,” said the Presidential Communications Office in a Facebook post.
(Mr. Rogelio V. Quevedo has been named Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government under the Department of Justice.)
READ: Marcos names new PCGG commissioner, 3 other execs
Quevedo was part of the Government Corporate Counsel, representing government corporations and financial institutions, such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
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Accusations hounding Quiboloy sadden Imee Marcos: ‘He has been kind to us’ | Maila Ager | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:39:30 PST | Sen. Imee Marcos (File photo from the Senate Social Media Unit)
Sen. Imee Marcos (File photo from the Senate Social Media Unit)
MANILA, Philippines — While recognizing the power of Congress to issue a subpoena, Sen. Imee Marcos reminded her colleagues about giving due process and respecting one’s right against self-incrimination.
At the regular Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday, Marcos was asked about the call of her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, for pastor Apollo Quiboloy to face the congressional probes.
“We are aware that it is indeed the power of the Congress and the Senate to issue subpoenas, and that is a fundamental power,” the senator said, partly in Filipino. “But let us remember that substantive and procedural due process must be given, along with the right against self-incrimination.”
“What I mean is, I am deeply saddened by the events surrounding SMNI [Sonshine Media Network International] and Pastor Quiboloy,” she added. “He has been kind to us, and above all, he has truly helped many people. So, it saddens me that it has come to this. I hope that this can be resolved in a peaceful and quiet manner.”
The self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” is now the focus of separate investigations by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In the Senate, Quiboloy is being investigated for alleged sexual abuse, forced labor, and other offenses within his church.
On the other hand, the House focuses its probe on the supposed violations of the SMNI franchise.
Pastor, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, also reportedly owns SMNI.
He is now being compelled by the two chambers to attend their hearings.
“For now, it’s there. We are in a legal situation. That will just be followed through because that’s where we are now,” Senator Marcos said. “But even then, I hope it can be resolved as soon as possible. And then, those who are talking about extradition, there’s no extradition request. So why the rush? It’s too much.”
Quiboloy has been on the wanted list of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for alleged “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; bulk cash smuggling.”
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Janella Salvador, Win Metawin’s movie to premiere at Asian Film Awards | Anne Pasajol | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:23:56 PST | Thai actor Win Metawin and Janella Salvador. Image: screengrab from YouTube/28 Squared Studios
Thai actor Win Metawin and Janella Salvador. Image: screengrab from YouTube/28 Squared Studios
“Under Parallel Skies,” which stars Janella Salvador and Thai actor Win Metawin, is the first Philippine cross-country film to have its world premiere as part of the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong.
This was announced by film director Sigrid Bernardo through her Instagram page on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
“‘Under Parallel Skies’ becomes the first Philippine cross-country film to have its world premiere in Hong Kong as one of the special events of the prestigious 17th Asian Film Awards (AFA),” she said.
“The gala will happen on March 11 at APM in Kwun Tong. Following the gala, the film will have its Hong Kong premiere at the B+ cinema,” she added.
Aside from Bernardo, Salvador and Metawin, executive producers from production company 28 Squared Studios, members of the AFA committee, the film’s partners and select guests of honor will also be in attendance at the Hong Kong event.
A post shared by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo (@sigridandreapbernardo)
Salvador also shared the announcement on her Instagram page, adding: “Hope you’re ready to meet Iris and Parin!”
A post shared by Janella Salvador (@superjanella)
“Under Parallel Skies,” which is set in Hong Kong, tells the story of a man struggling with a painful past and a woman who has a significant role in the story of his life.
Rumors of Salvador and Metawin, who gained a following in the Philippines after his hit boy love series “2gether: The Series,” joining together in a project first sparked in June 2023. The production company confirmed the project a month later.
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SC slaps PAO chief Persida Acosta with P180,000 fine | Jane Bautista | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:50:00 PST | FILE PHOTO: Supreme Court and PAO chief Persida Acosta. INQUIRER FILES
FILE PHOTO: Supreme Court and PAO chief Persida Acosta. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has ordered Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta to pay fines totaling P180,000 for her adverse remarks against the new code of conduct for lawyers, or the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).
Acosta was fined P30,000 for indirect contempt of court and an additional P150,000 for grossly undignified conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The penalty came with a stern warning that “a repetition of the same or similar offenses shall be dealt with more severely.”
According to the high tribunal, Acosta’s remarks and “innuendos” on her Facebook page about the CPRA provision allowing public lawyers to represent opposing parties in court cases “attributed ill intent and malice to the court.”
“Atty. Acosta’s actions violated Sections 2 and 14, Canon II of the CPRA, which enjoin lawyers to respect the courts, to submit grievances against court officers only through the appropriate remedy and before the proper authorities, and to refrain from making unfounded statements insinuating improper motive on the part of court officers,” the court’s Public Information Office said in a statement on Tuesday.
READ: SC cites PAO chief for indirect contempt over remarks on CPRA
The justices also ruled that Acosta violated her duty to observe and maintain due respect for the court and to promote respect for laws and legal processes when she issued an office order that “instigated disobedience” to the new conflict of interest rule for the PAO.
In addition, the court said the PAO chief attempted to “sway public opinion to pressure the court into yielding to her position” when she launched a public campaign against the new provision using public attorneys and PAO staff and clients and when she publicized the contents of the PAO’s letters to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo requesting the deletion of the same rule.
The Inquirer sought Acosta’s comment on the matter, but she had yet to respond as of this writing.
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QC prosecutor OKs filing of raps vs mall guard who tossed puppy to death | Tetch Torres-Tupas | Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:37:46 PST | This file photo taken in July 2023 shows mall security guard Jojo Malecdem following an incident involving a puppy being thrown from a footbridge near the mall. | PHOTO: Janine Santos
This file photo taken in July 2023 shows mall security guard Jojo Malecdem following an incident involving a puppy being thrown from a footbridge near the mall. | PHOTO: Janine Santos
MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Prosecutors Office has approved the filing of a criminal case against a mall security guard for throwing a puppy from an elevated footbridge in Quezon City, causing its death.
Facing a case for violating Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act is Jojo Malicdem.
Section 9 of the law punishes any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect by either imprisonment, fine, or both.
In his defense, Malicdem denied tossing the puppy named Brownie. The incident happened in July 2023.
READ: PAWS files criminal complaint vs. mall guard for throwing puppy to death
He said one of the puppy’s owners shoved it in front of his face when he confronted them because vendors and beggars are not allowed to stay on the bridge.
Malicdem said he tried to push the puppy away from his face when he felt something sharp touching his skin. Thinking that he was bitten, he forcefully pushed away the hand of the teenager holding the puppy, causing the puppy to be thrown off the railing.
But the prosecutor said the complainant, Janine Santos, who witnessed the incident, clearly narrated and submitted proof of the incident. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) joined Santos as a complainant.
Santos said Malicdem grabbed the “object” and threw it outside the footbridge railing. She said she learned that the “object” thrown outside the railing was actually a puppy when a concerned pedestrian picked it up.
The prosecutor said Malicdem’s defense was evidentiary and “should be presented, proven, and subject to the court’s determination.”
A P12,000 bail was recommended for Malicdem’s temporary liberty.
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The resolution was recommended by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Diovie Macaraig-Calderon and approved by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Chief Division V Jaime Villanueva.
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T-bond yields fall on rate cut bets | Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:01:54 PST | MANILA, Philippines —The government was able to borrow as planned during Tuesday’s auction of Treasury bonds (T-bonds) after rates sought by local creditors fell amid expectations of monetary policy easing at home and in the US.
The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised its target amount of P30 billion from the sale of T-bonds, with demand exceeding the original size of the offering by over three times to P91.4 billion.
The healthy appetite for the long-term debt securities, which are payable in 20 years, helped push down borrowing costs for the state.
Auction results showed the 20-year T-bonds fetched an average rate of 6.209 percent, lower than the 6.631 percent recorded in the previous auction of the comparable bonds last March 21, 2023.
The yield was also lower than the 6.405 percent quoted for the same tenor in the secondary market as of Feb. 27, 2024.
Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said expectations of a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also helped the government borrow at a lower cost.
“Average auction yield [was] much lower… amid the easing inflation trend already within the BSP’s inflation target of 2 to 4 percent that could support local policy rate cuts later this year, especially if the Fed starts cutting rates,” Ricafort said.
The BSP is widely expected to match the timing of Fed’s easing moves to avoid pressuring the peso, which may upset the inflation outlook at home by pushing up import costs.
READ: BSP keeps policy rate unchanged, as expected
At its first meeting this year, the central bank’s Monetary Board kept its key rate unchanged at 6.5 percent, the tightest in over 16 years, as it waits for a more convincing downtrend of inflation before deciding on loosening its monetary policy settings.
Data showed inflation softened to 2.8 percent in January, the lowest reading in over three years. That was the second consecutive month that price growth moderated to within the BSP’s 2 to 4 percent target after hovering above that range for 20 months.
READ: Gov’t unveils P585-B local borrowing plan for Q1 2024
The Marcos administration is planning to borrow P1.85 trillion onshore in 2024. Of that amount, P51 billion will be raised via Treasury bills while P1.8 trillion will come from weekly auctions of T-bonds.
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Those borrowings are needed to help plug a projected budget hole of P1.39 trillion this year, which is equivalent to 5.1 percent of gross domestic product.
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Top American CEOs to join PH trade mission in March | Miguel R. Camus | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 02:07:00 PST | FILE PHOTO: Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez (Photo by Andrew Harnik / POOL / AFP)
FILE PHOTO: Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez (Photo by Andrew Harnik / POOL / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines -The Fortune 500 cavalry is coming.
At least 30 top American CEOs from major corporations are joining US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in a landmark presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines from March 11 to March 12 this year.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Monday the country was witnessing an uptick in investment interest under the Marcos administration, which has embraced closer economic and defense ties with the United States.
READ: Biden to send top-level trade mission to PH in March
This was a marked shift from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s pivot toward US global competitor China.
“I cannot overemphasize the fact that our relationship with the United States is at its best right now. This is the time we have to take advantage of this relationship because the interest is so high,” Romualdez said during a media briefing on Monday that was organized by the nonprofit US-Philippines Society.
READ: How US courted PH to thwart China
Romualdez, who said the final list of CEOs and corporations had yet to be finalized, claimed interest was so high from American businessmen that they had to pare down the list of delegates.
“Secretary Raimondo told us she wanted this to be very focused, she wanted to make sure something will come out of this delegation,” he recounted.
“This is a big deal for the United States. The White House has never organized something like this,” he added.
The US-Philippines Society meeting was also called to welcome the organization’s new co-chair, tycoon Jamie Augusto Zobel de Ayala. Romualdez was also joined in Tuesday’s discussion by Ambassadors John Negroponte, a co-chair at the US-Philippines Society and Thomas Hubbard. INQ
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SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup | INQUIRER.net | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:59:26 PST | The 2024 PBA Philippine Cup, the second conference of the league’s 48th season, opens on February 28, Wednesday.
The PBA doubleheaders are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 4:30 pm and 7:30pm on weekdays and 3pm and 6pm on weekends.
Aside from the usual venues of Smart Araneta Coliseum, Philsports Arena, Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig and Ynares Center in Antipolo, the PBA will also hold games at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila and Caloon Sports Complex.
Out-of-town games highlight several Saturdays of the Philippine Cup with the league holding games in Candon, Ilocos Sur; Tiaong, Quezon; Cagayan de Oro and Batangas.
PBA games are now airing on the free-to-air channel RPTV in an arrangement started in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.
RPTV is on Channel 9 Analog in Manila, Cebu and Davao; Channel 5 in Zamboanga; Channel 12 in Baguio; and Channel 8 in Bacolod. It is also available via pay TV at Cignal TV (Channel 10), SatLite (Channel 9). GSat (Channel 8) and over 300 cable and satellite providers across the country.
Games are also live on PBA Rush on Cignal TV (Channel 260 HD, Channel 90 SD).
The games will also be streamed on the Pilipinas Live app, live and on-demand.
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Marcos: Presence of Chinese warships in West Philippine Sea ‘worrisome’ | Jean Mangaluz | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:55:09 PST | FILE PHOTO: The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea says the water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Saturday, December 9, 2023, caused “significant damage” to the Datu Bankaw (left). It condemned the CCG’s action as “not as only illegal but also inhumane” for it was directed at a humanitarian mission. —Screen grab from Philippine Coast Guard video
FILE PHOTO: The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea says the water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Saturday, December 9, 2023, caused “significant damage” to the Datu Bankaw (left). It condemned the CCG’s action as “not as only illegal but also inhumane” for it was directed at a humanitarian mission. —Screen grab from Philippine Coast Guard video
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, on Wednesday called the presence of Chinese warships in the West Philippine Sea worrisome, but the government will continue to defend maritime security.
The signal of Philippine vessels was allegedly jammed by China when they traveled in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Jay Tarriela also reported the presence of a Chinese aircraft in Bajo de Masinloc.
“We just defend our maritime territory. We continue to support all of our fisherfolk who make their living from these fishing grounds,” said Marcos in an ambush interview before his flight to Australia.
Marcos said that the government will continue doing its job to help the fisherfolk.
“It’s worrisome because there are two elements to that. One, dati Coast Guard lang ng China ang gumagalaw doon sa area natin, ngayon may Navy na, sumama pa mga fishing boat. So nagbabago ang sitwasyon,” said Marcos.
(It’s worrisome because there are two elements to that. One, before it was just the Chinese Coast Guard moving in our area, now it is the Navy with the fishing boats. So the situation is changing.)
“That’s the basic principle there is that the fishers must be allowed to fish in their traditional fishing grounds which belong in the maritime territory of the Philippines,” said Marcos.
Beijing’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea increased during the time of Marcos, with Philippine vessels being rammed by Chinese boats and the PCG being hit with a water cannon.
Filipino fisherfolk have also accused China of poisoning Bajo de Masinloc with cyanide.
Marcos earlier vowed not to surrender a single inch of territory to foreign forces.
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Marcos visits Australia twice in span of week for parliament talk, summit | Dona Z. Pazzibugan | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:25:58 PST | Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —PPA POOL
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —PPA POOL
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will visit Australia twice within a week for a state visit and a special summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Australia.
He will leave today for Canberra for a two-day visit from Feb. 28 to Feb. 29 upon the invitation of Governor General David Hurley.
As “guest of the government,” Mr. Marcos’ visit is akin to that of a state visit.
He will address the Australian Parliament, the first Philippine leader to do so, to discuss the two countries’ strategic partnership.
“The President’s visit and official activities in Canberra shall further strengthen existing bonds of cooperation and shall enable discussions for new avenues of collaboration,” said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza at a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.
Mr. Marcos will return to the country on Thursday then will leave again this time for Melbourne to attend the Asean-Australia Special Summit from March 4 to March 6.
His visit to Melbourne is upon the invitation of Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Asean-Australia relations.
During the special summit on March 6, Mr. Marcos will tackle the South China Sea dispute where the Philippines has been grappling mainly with China despite the country’s arbitration win under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) that invalidated China’s sweeping claims.
“For the leaders plenary, the President may take the opportunity to thank Australia for its unwavering support for the rule of law and for the 1982 Unclos and the 2016 arbitral award,” said Foreign Assistant Secretary for Asean Affairs Daniel Espiritu.
“The President may also highlight Asean-Australia cooperation on maritime issues, climate and clean energy track, people-to-people exchange and economic cooperation,” he added.
READ: South China Sea issue part of Marcos’ agenda in Australia visits – DFA
“As the leaders retreat, the President may encourage Australia to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes and to maintain respect for the rules-based international order and multilateralism which is currently very much under challenge,” Espiritu said.
Prior to the special summit, President Marcos will speak before the Lowy Institute and meet with the Filipino community on March 4.
On March 5, he will promote the Philippine Business Forum organized by the Department of Trade and Industry.
He will deliver a speech at the Victoria International Container Terminal, a subsidiary of the Philippine International Container Terminal Services Inc.
Mr. Marcos will also hold bilateral meetings with Cambodia and New Zealand.
According to the DFA, there are about 408,000 Filipinos in Australia, constituting the fifth largest immigrant community. Most are crafts and related trade workers; professional service and sales workers; skilled agriculture, forestry and fishery workers; technicians; associate professionals; and managers.
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In 2022, there were around 17,825 Filipino students in Australia’s universities, government records showed. INQ
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DOJ to review decision on Navotas teen’s slay | Jane Bautista | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:55:00 PST | WAITING FOR JUSTICE Relatives and supporters of the family of Jemboy Baltazar, 17, who was mistaken for a murder suspect and killed by policemen last year, gather in front of the Navotas Hall of Justice on Tuesday to wait for the court’s decision on the case. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
WAITING FOR JUSTICE Relatives and supporters of the family of Jemboy Baltazar, 17, who was mistaken for a murder suspect and killed by policemen last year, gather in front of the Navotas Hall of Justice on Tuesday to wait for the court’s decision on the case. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
“Is that the only value of my son’s life?”
These were the words of Rodaliza Baltazar, mother of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar, after five of the six policemen involved in his “mistaken identity” killing were ordered released by a Navotas court.
“I feel so much pain, it’s like nothing happened to my son… Only one was convicted and the other four [were sentenced to] only four months [in jail],” Rodaliza told reporters following Tuesday’s decision by the Navotas Regional Trial Court Branch 286.
The victim’s family also objected to the lighter charge of homicide for the convicted cop and the acquittal of another accused who was also ordered released.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) assured the family that it would exhaust all legal remedies as it reviews the ruling by Presiding Judge Pedro Dabu Jr.
The Baltazars originally filed murder charges against six Navotas policemen for shooting Jemboy in his boat after he was mistaken for another suspect they were chasing during a police operation on Aug. 2, 2023, at Barangay North Bay Boulevard South Kaunlaran in Navotas City.
But the court instead found Police Staff Sgt. Gerry Maliban was guilty of homicide. His sentence was four to six years in prison, and he was also ordered to pay P50,000 in moral and civil damages.
READ: One of six Navotas cops guilty of homicide in Jemboy’s death – court
According to the judge, Maliban “did not commit murder” since he “cannot be said to have employed means, methods, or forms in the execution of the crime.”
“There is no doubt PSSgt. Maliban was performing his duty during that fatal incident,” the judge said.
Released
The four other officers—Police Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso Balais Jr., Police Staff Sgt. Nikko Pines Corollo Esquilon, Police Cpl. Edmard Jake Blanco and Patrolman Benedict Danao Mangada—were found guilty of illegal discharge of firearms and sentenced to a maximum of four months and one day in prison.
But since they had already served that sentence during their preventive detention at the Metro Manila District Jail in Taguig City, the court ordered their release.
Another officer, Police Staff Sgt. Antonio Balcita Bugayong was acquitted after the court said there was “doubt” as to whether he fired his gun during the operation.
The court noted the conflicting testimonies between the accused, who claimed that Bugayong fired his gun, and the witness, Jemboy’s friend, Sonny Boy Agustillo, who said he didn’t see the officer fire his weapon.
Bugayong also tested negative for gunpowder residue.
Appeal
In a briefing by the DOJ, Rodaliza said, “My family and I are feeling a lot of pain right now because we expected six of them to be convicted but the opposite happened—five of them were released and only one was convicted.”
“My son is dead, he will be gone forever, [while Maliban] will only suffer for four years for killing my son,” she said on the verge of tears, with her face masked to protect her identity while she wore a bulletproof vest.
Jemboy’s father, Jessie Baltazar, said: “It hurts that we lost our son—my partner in our livelihood.”
Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had ordered him to review the facts and arguments in the case to see what they could appeal.
Clavano said the DOJ plans to elevate the case to the Court of Appeals (CA), with the Office of the Solicitor General serving as counsel for the Baltazar family.
He said that based on the DOJ’s initial assessment, there were several arguments in the decision that could still be challenged, including conspiracy, intent to kill, and “reasonableness of the action taken by the police and the reaction that the police had when Jemboy ran away.”
ACCUSED Wearing prison shirts and in handcuffs, the police officers accused of shooting and killing Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in August last year arrive at Navotas City Regional Trial Court on Tuesday. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
“At the end of it all, justice must be served, the decision today is not enough, in our opinion, because there are policemen who will be freed but the Baltazar family lost someone,” Clavano said.
‘Changed view’
The DOJ official said the Baltazars will remain under the government’s witness protection program for their security.
“Because it is dangerous when [the convicted are released] and, of course, the peace and security of the Baltazar family will also be at risk,” he said.
The Marcos administration, he pointed out, has a “changed view” regarding cases of extrajudicial killings like what happened to Jemboy.
“Before, during the past administration, the police were empowered, still, to do their mandate to protect and serve the country. But now, with the new administration, we think more benevolently,” he said, adding that law enforcers should perform their duties with self-restraint.
“This is a fight against a culture that has been hounding our society for a very long time, this culture of impunity… So we are taking this case very seriously so that the police treat the citizens differently,” Clavano said.
But rights group Karapatan said: “This lamentable outcome [of] Jemboy’s case shows how the Philippine justice system continues to fail the victims of police killings and brutality in the country in pursuing full accountability of perpetrators.”
“As in the case of the killings under the Duterte regime, victims, especially the poor, are still unable to obtain justice,” the group added.
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Meanwhile, Police Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, said the case should remind police officers “to adhere to their existing police operational procedures.” —WITH REPORTS FROM NESTOR CORRALES AND JACOB LAZARO INQ
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Cartoon art museum celebrates Pinoy comic book artists | Nimfa U. Rueda | 2024-02-29T02:22:28+00:00 | This painting by Alex Niño is featured at the Cartoon Art Museum. “Pinoy Power!” shines the spotlight on Filipino comic book artists. Photo from the Cartoon Art Museum
This painting by Alex Niño is featured at the Cartoon Art Museum. “Pinoy Power!” shines the spotlight on Filipino comic book artists. Photo from the Cartoon Art Museum
SAN FRANCISCO – The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco is featuring “Pinoy Power! A Celebration of Filipino Komiks from the Archipelago to the Bay,” a two-gallery exhibition of original artwork spanning six decades of Filipino heritage and history.
The first component of the exhibition looks back at the first wave of comic book artists who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s as American publishers actively recruited the brilliant, hard-working and underpaid artists who were seeking more opportunities and a wider audience outside of their native Philippines.
The second half of the exhibition, co-curated by graphic novelist Rina Ayuyang, celebrates contemporary Filipino voices. Photo from the Cartoon Art Museum
“Pinoy Power!” shines the spotlight on several of these artists, including Alex Niño, Alfredo Alcala and Nestor Redondo, whose detailed and electrifying storytelling made them into household names on both sides of the Pacific.
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By the middle of the 1970s, many of the top Filipino comic book artists were dazzling readers in the pages of DC’s horror and mystery anthology titles including “House of Secrets” and “Weird War Tales,” as well as sword-and-sorcery comics and lavishly-illustrated tales inspired by the Bible and the legend of King Arthur and Camelot.
Cartoon Art Museum Executive Director Summerlea Kashar (left) accompanied Consulate representatives, including Vice Consul Adrian Baccay, during the guided tour of the “Pinoy Power!” exhibit. Photo from San Francisco PCG
The majority of the artwork on display in this installment of the exhibition comes from the collection of Manuel Auad, a San Francisco-based publisher who specializes in monographs celebrating the best in 20th century illustration.
Auad, a much beloved and celebrated comics historian, was instrumental in bringing many of these featured artists to the United States in the 1970s, and continues to preserve and celebrate the legacy of those artists today.
Rina Ayuyang, bus shelter comics funded by SFAC
The second half of the exhibition, co-curated by graphic novelist Rina Ayuyang, celebrates contemporary Filipino voices, including Donna Almendrala, Lynda Barry, Martin Cendreda, Trinidad Escobar, Tintin Pantoja and Bong Redila.
“The Philippines has always been shaped by the actions of revolutionaries, so it’s not surprising that a similar kind of drive and passionate spirit can be felt in the work made by Filipino comic artists through the years,” says Ayuyang.
“Whether injecting gorgeously detailed craftsmanship in portrayals of iconic American superheroes, or breaking new ground in the indie alternative comics scene, the Filipino comic artists included in this important and exciting exhibition all embrace the importance of change with a deep appreciation for what came before.
“Their work celebrates being Filipino, the power of representation, and the huge impact that Filipinos have made to American art and culture. I am so honored and full of Pinoy Pride to be involved in this exhibition, and grateful to the Cartoon Art Museum for putting Filipino voices and stories under the spotlight and center stage.”
The Cartoon Art Museum will host a series of panel discussions throughout the run of the exhibition, both onsite at the Cartoon Art Museum and online to allow artists from the Bay Area to Manila Bay to participate in the museum’s public programming.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, represented by Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and Cultural Officer Cristine Clasara-Steylaerts, toured the groundbreaking exhibit last week.
Cartoon Art Museum Executive Director Summerlea Kashar accompanied consulate representatives during the guided tour of the “Pinoy Power” exhibit.
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PH okays WTO’s accord on subsidies to help disaster-hit fisherfolks | Adrian Parungao | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 17:56:02 PST | These fishermen are seen catching blue crabs along Sugar beach in Sipalay city, Negros Occidental. (From RONNIE BALDONADO / CONTRIBUTOR)
These fishermen are seen catching blue crabs along Sugar beach in Sipalay city, Negros Occidental. (From RONNIE BALDONADO / CONTRIBUTOR)
MANILA, Philippines — Philippines, through Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (FSA) of World Trade Organization (WTO).
According to DTI, Trade Secretary Fred Pascual has submitted Philippines’ instrument of ratification to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on February 27.
“The Agreement allows Members to grant subsidies for disaster relief under certain conditions to support fisherfolks impacted by natural disasters,” Pascual said.
“This is vital to the Philippines, being a climate-vulnerable country, especially since small-scale and artisanal fisherfolks are heavily impacted by strong typhoons and the increasing sea temperatures exacerbated by climate change,” he added.
The FSA, which was adopted in 2022, aims to promote marine protection by prohibiting subsidies that allow illegal and unregulated fishing.
“The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) on 17 June 2022, marks a major step forward for ocean sustainability by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks,” WTO had said.
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Marcos revamps flagship infra list | Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 02:08:00 PST | Arsenio Balisacan
Arsenio Balisacan
MANILA, Philippines -The Marcos administration added 23 new items to its list of infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) while removing 36 projects following a “rationalization” meant to ensure faster implementation of priority undertakings.
The update brought the total number of IFPs to 185 from 198 previously, with a new total value of P9.14 trillion, according to a statement released on Tuesday following a meeting of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) board, which is chaired by President Marcos.
But Neda clarified that certain projects deleted from the list “will still proceed as planned” as they were already part of the regular government programs.
“By rationalizing the list, we ensure the implementation of as many important infrastructure projects of high significance as possible,” Neda Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.
The Marcos administration is hoping to supercharge infrastructure spending to 5 to 6 percent of gross domestic product. Past administrations had tried to bridge the Philippines’ wide infrastructure gap in a bid to attract more investments, especially in the countryside.
READ: Marcos bares 23 newly-approved infra flagship projects
Based on the old list of IFPs, 74 projects were ongoing as of fourth quarter of 2023, while 10 were awaiting government approval. Meanwhile, 30 had been approved for implementation and 83 were undergoing either project or pre-project preparation.
Among the 74 ongoing projects, 19 are scheduled to be completed this year.
Apart from revising the list of IFPs, the Neda board on Tuesday also approved changes in the scope of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, which increased the needed financing to P70.8 billion after the pandemic hampered the project’s implementation.
READ: Marcos launches P46.8-billion road project in Davao City
The board likewise confirmed the Integrated Water Resources Master Plan that will serve as the comprehensive national policy for managing water resources in the country.
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“We will closely monitor our infrastructure flagship projects to ensure they are completed and delivered on time,” Balisacan said. INQ
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Filinvest Land net income up 30% to P3.8B in 2023 | Miguel R. Camus | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:22:48 PST | MANILA, Philippines —Gotianun-led Filinvest Land experienced a banner year in 2023 as net income jumped 30 percent to P3.77 billion on the back of “solid” contributions of its residential and mall leasing segments.
Total revenues and other income also hit P22.55 billion last year, a gain of 13 percent, a stock exchange filing on Wednesday showed.
“We are very pleased to report Filinvest Land’s financial results in 2023 which were driven by the consistent and robust performance of our residential business segment,” Tristan Las Marias, president and CEO of Filinvest Land, said in the filing.
“This was driven by increasing sales to our overseas Filipino workers, alongside the strategic expansion and regionalization of our sales network,” he added.
READ: OFWs seen keeping local property market hot despite steep loan rates
During the past year, the residential segment saw a 13-percent increase in revenue to about P14.5 billion, attributed to rapid construction progress of its housing and medium-rise condominium projects.
For malls, revenues expanded by 32 percent to P2.2 billion, driven by greater mall occupancy, a rise in shopper footfall, and stable rental rates, particularly in its key shopping centers like Festival Mall in Alabang and IL Corso in Cebu.
READ: Filinvest Land raises P11.4B from bond sale
The office segment experienced a modest 2 percent revenue growth to P4.7 billion. This was due to higher occupancy rates and strategic partnerships, like the joint venture with KMC Community, Inc., boosting the company’s presence in the co-working space market.
“We are also excited about the strong performance of our leasing businesses, including malls, offices, industrial spaces, co-living, and co-working spaces,” Las Marias said.
“We anticipate further expansion opportunities for [Filinvest Land] in the coming year,” he added.
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Only 627 of 4,000 fishers compensated for Mindoro oil spill | Madonna T. Virola | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:40:00 PST | BACK TO FISHING Fishermen in Barangay Lazareto in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, take theirboat to shore after another day of fishing on Tuesday, now that the almost six-month fishingban is over. They, however, could not forget how the oil spill from the Princess Empress gavethem sleepless nights after it disrupted their livelihood. Photo at right, taken in March last year,shows Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel collecting water samples from the site wherethe tanker sank off Naujan town. —MADONNA T. VIROLA/PCG PHOTO
BACK TO FISHING Fishermen in Barangay Lazareto in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, take theirboat to shore after another day of fishing on Tuesday, now that the almost six-month fishingban is over. They, however, could not forget how the oil spill from the Princess Empress gavethem sleepless nights after it disrupted their livelihood. Photo at right, taken in March last year,shows Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel collecting water samples from the site wherethe tanker sank off Naujan town. —MADONNA T. VIROLA/PCG PHOTO
CITY OF CALAPAN—Local fisherman Aldrin Villanueva, 54, of Pola town in Oriental Mindoro province, expressed frustration at the delayed restitution for coastal villages that bore the brunt of the massive oil spill from MT Princess Empress in 2023.
It has been a year since the fuel tanker sank in the waters off neighboring Naujan town. Yet, Villanueva and other Pola fisherfolk who rely on the sea for their livelihood still await total and proper compensation.
The town of Pola was considered “ground zero” of the oil spill, which has caused P41.2 billion in environmental and economic losses, according to a Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) report.
Interviewed by phone on Tuesday, Villanueva, president of the Pola Municipal Fisheries Aquatic Resources Management Council and head of fisherfolk group Lapian ng Mangingisda sa Batuhan, said several affected fishers told him they had not received full payment, including aid from the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds.
The IOPC Funds, financed by contributions paid by entities that receive certain types of oil by sea transport, “provide compensation for oil pollution damage resulting from spills of persistent oil from tankers,” according to its website.
Of more than 4,000 claimants from Pola, only 627 received initial payment on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16, according to Villanueva, a resident of Batuan village.
The fisherman said he received only P14,000 of the P54,000 in compensation to which he was entitled.
The total amount was supposed to represent lost income “when fishing for two months during peak season” before the oil spill resulting in a five-month fishing ban.
Princess Empress, departing from Bataan en route to Iloilo with 20 crew members on board, began sinking on Feb. 28 last year because of an overheated motor tanker and rough sea conditions.
Remove sunken tanker
By March 1, the tanker had been submerged off Naujan town. In 10 days, the slick had spread to Antique and Palawan provinces.
Aside from the yet-to-be-received compensation, the fisherfolk are worried about further ecological damage due to the underwater tanker, threatening the Verde Island Passage (VIP).
The VIP, known as the “center of global shorefish biodiversity,” spans 1.14 million hectares and is home to 60 percent of all known shorefish species, over 300 coral species, and thriving reef formations along the coastlines of Batangas, Romblon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro provinces.
Villanueva said the fishers were concerned that the sunken vessel might release the remaining oil, believed to still be inside it, over time. Holes in the main body or hull of the vessel had been sealed to keep the remainder of the 900,000 liters of industrial fuel from spilling out.
There is a long-standing appeal among Pola officials and residents to have the sunken tanker removed, Villanueva said.
‘Felt for generations’
A commemoration program will be conducted in Pola today, the anniversary of the disaster, to remind the public of the first marine environmental crisis under the Marcos administration.
The CEED report, released on Feb. 26, estimated that the oil spill caused P40.1 billion in environmental damage and P1.1 billion in socioeconomic losses.
On Tuesday, the Protect Verde Island Passage group called on San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to compensate all those affected by the oil spill.
The tanker owned by RDC Reield Marine Services had been chartered to carry industrial oil by SMC subsidiary SL Harbor Bulk Terminal Corp.
READ: Group estimates 2023 Mindoro oil spill damage at P41.2B
“The effects of the oil spill will be felt for generations. It will take a long time for the environment to recover truly and for fishermen to get back the income, equipment, and ways of life they lost due to the oil spill,” said Fr. Edwin Gariguez, lead convener of Protect VIP.
In a legal opinion dated Feb. 15, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was mandated to facilitate the preparation of claims for compensation for the damage due to the oil spill.
Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez cited Republic Act No. 9483 or the Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 2007, which laid down the role of the PCG in filing compensation claims.
“It is understood that if the shipowner’s insurer is willing to pay the claims, no such action in court need be filed, as the claims can be directly filed with the insurer,” Vasquez said.
Last week, the DOJ recommended filing falsification charges against the owners and corporate officers of RDC, two crew members of Princess Empress, a member of the Maritime Industry Authority and a private individual.
No charges for the environmental damage have yet been filed.
A year after the oil spill, fishing activities are back to normal in Oriental Mindoro. But the “catch has dwindled to about five to seven kilos from about 20 kilos caught using nets,” said Villanueva.
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This meager catch is still to be “distributed among two to three fishers in a small boat,” he said. —WITH REPORTS FROM JANE BAUTISTA AND INQUIRER RESEARCH INQ
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ACEN, too, wants to recover losses from Meralco | Meg J. Adonis | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 02:03:00 PST | MANILA, Philippines -Ayala-led ACEN Corp. wants to recover more than P2.5 billion in losses related to power supply deals with distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), incurred due to a surge in global coal prices back in 2022.
This developed two years after two power generation subsidiaries of San Miguel Corp. filed for rate increases for their own supply contracts with Meralco.
ACEN’s concern refers to two power supply agreements (PSAs) with Meralco that the supplier won in 2019.
The PSAs provided that ACEN was to provide Meralco electricity sourced from the 246-megawatt (MW) South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) coal power plant in Batangas province.
In its “change in circumstance” notice sent to Meralco last Feb. 1, ACEN reported at least P2.23 billion in additional costs under its PSA with Meralco, and another P329.65 million under a separate PSA.
Of ACEN’s total claim, the company said that P1.85 billion accounted for purchases from third-party generators and from the spot market as replacement supply.
READ: ACEN eyes P20-B loan for renewable energy expansion plans
The remaining P706.24 million was used to shoulder additional costs for the SLTEC plant.
Jose Ronald Valles, head of regulatory management at Meralco, told reporters on Monday that ACEN was only entitled to recover the P706.24 million it spent to draw power from SLTEC.
Valles said recovering the amount would mean a rate increase of around 4 centavos per kilowatt-hour in the monthly bills of Meralco customers for six months.
He added that if ACEN disagreed, then the Ayala unit would have the option to end the PSAs. INQ
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Bulalacao, Or. Mindoro under state of calamity due to El Niño | Zeus Legaspi | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:20:17 PST | Farmlands in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro are drying up due to a prolonged dry spell triggered by the El Niño phenomenon as seen on this photo from the Bulalacao local government posted on Facebook on February 28, 2024.
MANILA, Philippines — The municipality of Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro was placed under s state of calamity due to the effects of the El Niño climate phenomenon, the municipal government said on Wednesday.
Farmlands in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro are drying up due to a prolonged dry spell triggered by the El Niño phenomenon as seen on this photo from the Bulalacao local government posted on Facebook on February 28, 2024.
An El Niño report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued at 8 a.m. on Wednesday identified the town of Bulalacao as the first municipality this year which declared a state of calamity due to the climate phenomenon.
According to the Bulalacao Public Information Office, the local government unit (LGU) declared a state of calamity on Feb. 26 due to a prolonged drought which severely affected farmers.
In a post on Facebook, the LGU said that so far, the dry spell has affected around 1,148 onion and rice farmers tilling some 1,059 hectares of farmland.
“Due to the lack of water supply, the quality and quantity of rice, onions, and other staple crops were affected,” the post read.
It added that the local government is already in talks with the Department of Agriculture regarding the aid that they will provide to the town’s farmers.
In the same report, the NDRRMC further said that so far, the dry spell has resulted in agricultural losses of up to P865,161,689 across the Ilocos, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its latest El Niño advisory on Feb. 6 that a strong El Niño is ongoing and is expected to continue throughout this month.
It will, however, transition to El Niño Southern Oscillation(Enso)-neutral conditions in April to June this year.
Enso-neutral refers to meteorological conditions that are neither El Niño nor La Niña.
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Hontiveros: Quiboloy can’t skip Senate inquiry | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 04:45:00 PST | Senator Risa Hontiveros answers queries from members of the media during the Kapihan sa Senado forum at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net
Senator Risa Hontiveros answers queries from members of the media during the Kapihan sa Senado forum at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net
Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday put her foot down as she insisted that televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ sect, should attend the Senate inquiry into allegations that he raped some of his former followers.
“In the past, Cabinet officials, lawmakers, an incumbent Senate president and even a former president have submitted to Senate subpoenas and appeared as witnesses,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“His constitutional rights, like all witnesses, [will be] respected. But he is not higher than the president, the Senate and the law,” she stressed.
Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, issued the statement after Quiboloy again challenged the panel’s authority to investigate him.
READ: Quiboloy: Not attending ‘bogus hearing’
He has also disregarded previous invitations to attend the inquiry, prompting the Senate to subpoena him for the next hearing on March 5.
“The Senate is open to hear your side. We are waiting for you,” Hontiveros said. —MARLON RAMOS
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Why Ebitda is not a good measure of profitability | Henry Ong | Wed, 28 Feb 2024 02:01:00 PST | Since the 1990s, the use of Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) as a measure of profitability has gained popularity, being regarded by analysts and investors alike as a simple and straightforward metric for evaluating the operating profitability of a company.
The purpose of Ebitda is to offer a clearer view of the ability of a company to generate cash from its primary business activities.
While Ebitda highlights the core earnings, failure to account for these expenses results in an incomplete depiction of true cost structure and profitability. This limitation could potentially lead to misguided investment decisions.
For instance, interest expenses represent the cost of borrowed capital, and excluding them can distort the actual profitability, especially for highly leveraged companies.
Similarly, depreciation and amortization expenses reflect the gradual wear and tear of tangible and intangible assets, respectively. Failing to consider them can result in an inflated sense of profitability.
Take the case of Philweb. In its financial report for the first nine months of 2023, its Ebitda was P50.9 million, representing 8 percent of its total revenues. However, upon deducting its depreciation, interest, and income taxes, the bottom line results in a net loss of P13.6 million.
Ebitda is also often mistaken as a measure of cash flow because it ignores the cash flows associated with changes in working capital, which are important for assessing a company’s liquidity and long-term sustainability.
Changes in working capital, such as inventory levels, accounts receivable and accounts payable, impact a company’s cash flow and its ability to meet short-term obligations. By neglecting these factors, Ebitda fails to capture the cash flow dynamics that underpin financial stability.
For example, if we examine the financial report of Cebu Landmasters as of September 2023, its Ebitda stood at P4.7 billion, accounting for 36.5 percent of its total revenues. However, when we factor in the changes in its working capital, we find its operating cash flows for the period declining to negative P808 million.
READ: Using Ebitda multiple to buy stocks
Moreover, Ebitda is often used to see how easily a company can pay the interest of its outstanding debt in the form of Ebitda-to-interest coverage ratio. In reality, when a company has significant capital expenditures, it means that it needs to allocate a substantial amount of its cash flow toward these investments.
This allocation of cash reduces the available funds that the company can use for other purposes, such as debt service, which involves making interest payments on outstanding debt.
Even if the Ebitda-to-interest expense multiple of a company appears favorable, indicating that it generates enough earnings to cover its interest costs, neglecting the impact of capital expenditures can be misleading. The company may have limited cash available for debt service after accounting for the necessary investments in its operations.
Investors rely on financial metrics like Ebitda to assess the attractiveness of a company for investment. When Ebitda fails to account for depreciation and interest expenses, investors may get the wrong impression that the company is more profitable than it actually is.
For example, PLDT has an enterprise value (EV) to Ebitda multiple of 5.1 times, which is lower than the market average of 7.9 times, indicating that it is relatively underpriced. But when we factor in the interest expenses and depreciation, PLDT appears overpriced compared with the market, with a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.9 times, nearly double the market average of 13 times.
Capital-intensive companies often require substantial investments in infrastructure, equipment and technology to maintain operations and propel growth.
READ: Why investors should not use P/E ratio as a valuation tool
By ignoring depreciation, Ebitda fails to account for the ongoing capital requirements necessary to replace aging assets. As a result, investors may underestimate the future capital needs of the company, leading to underinvestment and potential operational challenges down the line.
Despite its flaws, Ebitda is still widely used and accepted in financial analysis because it’s easy to understand and calculate. It may seem like a simple and helpful metric for assessing performance, but it has significant limitations that make it unreliable. It is therefore important to be cautious and not rely solely on Ebitda when evaluating a company.
Investors and analysts should approach Ebitda with skepticism and consider other important factors like debt levels, tax exposures and asset depreciation to get a better understanding of the financial situation of a company. By understanding the limitations of Ebitda and considering a broader range of financial factors, investors can make more informed judgments and avoid being deceived by its apparent simplicity. INQ
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Henry Ong is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. Stock data and tools were provided by First Metro Securities. To learn more about investment planning, attend the 106th RFP program this March 2024. To register, email [email protected] or text 0917-6248110.
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