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Food | culture | heritage | the arts | education | halal | null | dive | cruise | farm and eco-tourism | even sports | have now become potent subjects and products of a nation’s tourism. |
This is an imperative and that we must elevate and expand our understanding of the “one town | one product” | or OTOP | concept. It must not inhibit | but rather | it must inspire. We must not rest content to have just “one”. Rather | null | which at the same time showcase our community’s distinctive history | traditions | and talents. | null | null |
Filipino creativity and ingenuity will enliven and unlock the as yet untapped potential of these new facets of Philippine tourism. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Sa ating mga OFWs | ayon sa datos ng Bangko Sentral | mahigit tatlumpu’t pitong bilyong dolyar ang naipasok sa bansa ng ating mga OFWs noong nakalipas na taon. [applause and cheers] Sadyang napakalaking tulong nito sa ating bumabangon na ekonomiya. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Kaya hindi lamang pasasalamat | kundi parangal ang ating ipinapaabot sa lahat ng ating mga OFWs. [applause] Sana ay napapanood nila ito. Ramdam na ramdam hanggang dito sa ating bansa ang inyong sakripisyo. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Through vital partnerships with like-minded states | we have been able to promote our mutual interests | resulting not only in investments here and our strengthened national security | but also in quality jobs for our nationals seeking foreign employment. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Through intense Philippine lobbying | the United Nations has adopted the resolution on “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers.” This will ensure their safe and decent living and working conditions at sea — a human rights imperative. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Patuloy ang ating pagtulong sa mga OFWs. Hindi ito natatapos sa kanilang paglisan sa bansa. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Karagdagang mga ispesyal na pasilidad at serbisyo ang ating binuksan para sa kanila | tulad ng OFW Lounge sa NAIA at Seafarer’s Hub sa Maynila. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Ang mga OFWs natin na naapektuhan ng sari-saring mga kaguluhan — tulad sa Israel | sa Gaza | sa Sudan | Lebanon | at Yemen — ay natulungan natin at naiuwi nang ligtas sa bansa. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Gayundin ang naging pagtulong natin sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng kalamidad at krisis | tulad sa Taiwan at sa New Zealand. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Hanggang sa kanilang pag-uwi | buong-puso ang ating pagtanggap at paglingap. Ang nagbabalik-bayang mga OFWs | kasama ng kanilang pamilya | ay sinusuportahan nating mabuti upang maging maayos ang kanilang bagong simula dito sa bansa — para makakuha ng magandang trabaho o di kaya’y makapagtayo ng negosyo. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Kaugnay sa aking naiulat noong isang taon | sinimulan na ng Saudi Arabia ang pamimigay ng cheke sa ating mga trabahanteng nawalan ng trabaho doon. [applause] Unti-unti | ang ating mga naapektuhang OFWs ay nababayaran na. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
For this | we convey our sincerest gratitude to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Lessons from history and current events teach us that peace and order is an essential ingredient of genuine prosperity and social development. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
This is the path that we choose to take. Despite difficulties | despite our diversity and differences as a people | we are joined together by a unique history | and have constantly invested our energies and resources in strengthening the pillars of peace. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Our police | military | and coast guard undergo continuous capacity-building and asset-upgrading | so that they are better able to preserve the peace and defend our territory. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We have noted an overall decrease in crime rate and an improvement in crime solution efficiency. [applause] But this is not enough. Our law enforcers need to continue to earn the trust of our people. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The strong pillars of our criminal justice system | especially in light of the new rules on criminal investigation | and our independent Judiciary | function in unison. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
In tandem with the justice system | COA’s audit mechanism works in harmony with our transparency | streamlining | and open government initiatives. All in all | these successfully foster a culture of accountability that curbs corruption in government. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
With the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12009 that I signed just last Saturday | government procurement will be modern and innovative | more streamlined and efficient | and truly at par with global best practices. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We sincerely thank Congress for its timely and decisive action in amending the twenty-year old law. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We have come a long way in our quest for a lasting and inclusive peace. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
No guerilla fronts remain active across our country today. Only seven weakened groups remain to be dismantled | and they are the subject of focused operations. But along with the assertion of government might | we also offer peace | community development | and reintegration programs for those who have returned to the fold of the law. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Through a comprehensive and transformative approach | we have rebuilt not only lives | but also conflict-affected communities. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The implementation of peace agreements is now in its concluding phase. Former combatants now live peaceful and productive lives in their respective communities. Some of our former rebels are now absorbed into the AFP | serving in the defense of the Republic; while others are now part of the PNP BARMM. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Government will honor and fully comply with its remaining deliverables and commitments under these agreements. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
In November last year | we signed proclamations granting amnesty to former rebels. A month later | and then in June of this year | the House of Representatives and the Senate issued their respective resolutions concurring with these amnesty proclamations. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
That Congress is one with us | is a testament to the whole nation’s sincere desire for peace. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
In such a short period | the BARMM has impressively established the strong foundation for its progressive autonomous social development. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Investments continue to pour into the BARMM. Last year | investments in the region increased by one hundred forty percent year-on-year. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The improved peace and order situation | good governance — not to mention high hopes and confidence amongst its people — all contribute to the reasons why BARMM’s poverty index has significantly decreased since 2018. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
In Marawi | the rehabilitation and rebuilding continue — under the supervision now of the Office of the President. [applause] Our focus remains on restoring energy | water | and livable communities. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
As of today | all seven inter-governmental mechanisms of the BARMM | as mandated under the Organic Law | have been organized and activated. These will guarantee effective and constant consultation between the Bangsamoro and the National Governments in the fundamental aspects of governance. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Five out of the seven essential laws for the BARMM have already been enacted by the BTA Parliament. [applause] Now | it has its own Administrative Code | it has its own Local Government Code | its own Election Code | and those for Education and the Civil Service as well. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
So with these inspiring developments | the BARMM appears primed and ready for its regular elections | the first ones that they will have in the coming year. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
On the fight against dangerous drugs | our bloodless war on dangerous drugs adheres | and will continue to adhere | to the established “8 Es” of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy. Extermination was never one of them. [applause and cheers] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
And yet | in more than seventy-one thousand five hundred operations | it has resulted in the seizure of more than forty-four billion pesos worth of illegal drugs | and the arrest of more than ninety-seven thousand drug personalities. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
More than six thousand of those arrested were high-value targets. Four hundred forty of them were government employees | of whom forty-two were uniformed personnel. Seventy-seven were elected officials. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
So to further paralyze their operations | dirty money and assets worth more than five hundred million pesos have been frozen and preserved. With strong case build-up and efficient prosecution | the drug conviction rate is at a high of seventy-nine percent. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Together with this | we welcome the report that the number of drug-affected barangays in our country has been reduced by thirty-two percent. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
In our international relations | we have faced challenges to our territorial sovereignty | and we will assert our rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that we have always done. [applause] Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Peace and community-building will always be our clarion call | especially when the country serves as chair and the host of the ASEAN Summit in 2026. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts | without compromising our position and our principles. I know that our neighbors too are doing their best to make this work. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver. [applause and cheers] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We are now more conscious as a people | and strategic in heightening our aerial and maritime domain awareness. We are continuing to strengthen our defensive posture | both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. [applause and cheers] At ito ay mananatiling atin hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating minamahal na bansang Pilipinas. [applause and cheers] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Pagtitibayin at palalaguin natin ang kamalayan at kaalaman ng buong bansa | at titiyakin na maipapasa natin ito sa kabataan at ating susunod na mga salinlahi. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Laws on our Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sea Lanes will make sure that this intergenerational mandate — this duty — will firmly take root in the hearts and minds of all our people. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Sa buong Sandatahang Lakas | sa Coast Guard | at sa ating mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea: Tanggapin po ninyo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng buong bansa dahil sa inyong ginagawang pagmamatyag at sakripisyo. [applause and cheers] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Let us now turn to our economic status and our prospects | in spite of the headwinds that we have faced | we have stayed the course. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The country exhibits healthy signs of post-pandemic resilience comparable to strong economies in our region. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Our poverty rate has significantly dropped to 15.5% | down from 18% in 2021. [applause] This present figure is even lower than the pre-pandemic level of 16.7% in 2018. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Ang katumbas nito ay halos dalawa’t kalahating milyong Pilipino ang naiangat natin mula sa kahirapan. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Kasabay nito | nabawasan nang lagpas isang milyon at pitong daang libo ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong walang sapat na pambili ng pagkain. Patuloy nating pagsisikapan na marami pa tayong maiaahon mula sa kahirapan. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
To sustain the country’s economic gains | we are promoting investment-led growth. We have set in motion policies and programs to create an environment conducive for businesses to thrive | like reforms in the capital markets | and implementation of “green lanes”. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
As a result | we have “green-lane certified” around a hundred projects with a total investment of about three trillion pesos across the sectors of renewable energy | digital infrastructure | food security | and manufacturing. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The Philippine financial system remains robust and resilient. Tax and non-tax revenue collection has also become more efficient | in pace with our rejuvenated economy. Notably | for the past two years | our GOCCs have remitted dividends to the National Government with a combined tally exceeding their contributions in 2022. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
To build on these | and guided by strong fiscal discipline | our proposed government budget for this year was crafted with utmost care | diligence | and meticulous attention. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We look to the cooperation of our colleagues in the Legislature | not only that our proposed National Budget be approved in your usual timely manner | but it be adhered to as closely as possible. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
We expect all agencies to ensure that every centavo allocated will be judiciously spent for our urgent priorities and socially impactful programs. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Mga kababayan: sa lahat ng ginagawa nating ito at mga gagawin pa | mataas ang aking kumpiyansa na malalampasan din natin ang hamon na ating pinagdadaanan. Dahil ito ang pangunahing hinaing ng taumbayan | hindi tayo titigil sa paglalaban sa kahirapan | at sa paghahanap ng lunas upang maibalik sa normal ang presyo ng bilihin — lalo na ang bigas. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
At ngayon po | naririnig po namin ang malakas na sigaw ng taumbayan laban sa mga POGO. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Disguising as legitimate entities | their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming such as financial scamming | money laundering | prostitution | human trafficking | kidnapping | null | even murder. | null | null | null | null |
The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa. [cheers and applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Effective today | all POGOs are banned. [cheers and applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
[Crowd: BBM! BBM! BBM!] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year. [cheers and applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
The DOLE | in coordination with our economic managers | shall use the time between now and then to find new jobs for our countrymen who will be displaced. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
This will solve many of the problems that we are encountering. It will solve many of the problems that we have been encountering | but it will not solve all of them. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
To solve all the problems that we have been suffering under | all officials | law enforcers | workers in government | and most of all the citizenry | must always be vigilant | null | null | null | null | null | null |
So | ladies and gentlemen | let me end by recalling the words of a great man: Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part | and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends | than that good men should look on and do nothing. [cheers and applause] He is not a good man who | without a protest | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Mga minamahal kong kababayan | lagi po nating labanan ang mali at ang masama. Lagi po natin ipaglaban ang tama at ang mabuti. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Lagi po nating mahalin ang Pilipinas. Lagi po nating mahalin ang Pilipino. [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Mabuhay po kayo at mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas! [applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Subscribe to our daily newsletter | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Maraming | maraming salamat po. [cheers and applause] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
[Crowd: BBM! BBM! BBM! ] | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Subscribe to our daily newsletter | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy." | Inquirer | https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963936/transcript-3rd-sona-of-president-ferdinand-marcos-jr?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3FCPCDymtp_c043b2baNoGSmDJ-2ELfUjOorXSPGwqQQNVfeWwnU4Bwmw_aem_yOUeKZZUvhuDKYWSo16PNg | 1 | null | null | null | null | null | null | null | null |
I hope they find way to ban Pogo without affecting IGLs – Salceda | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:11:43 PST | Albay Rep. Joey Salceda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, who has previously called for calm regarding talks on Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo), said that he hopes the government finds a way to ban the games without affecting the new internet gaming licenses (IGLs).
Salceda in an interview on Monday — right after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced in his 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) a total ban on all Pogos — said that Pogos only play a small part of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) revenues on IGLs.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
“It’s an executive discretion. The key there is that Pogo is just part, small part of a bigger pie called IGL, which is the internet gaming licenses, that’s 43 percent of Pagcor. P1 2 billion lang ang Pogo, so ang ibig sabihin n’yan, I hope they find a way of banning Pogo without having to affect the IGLs,” Salceda told reporters.
READ: Highlights: Sona 2024
“I’ll show you an IGL, here, anybody can play this. This is an IGL — internet gaming, it’s everywhere,” he added, while trying to show an online game on his mobile phone.
When asked if he is now against Pogos, Salceda said he is not, clarifying that he only hopes that the government can differentiate IGLs from Pogos.
“No, I said — well of course, IGLs are legitimate, so I just hope that they will find a technical way of differentiating Pogos and IGLs — ‘di na nga nila nagawa na ma-differentiate ‘yong illegal at saka legal Pogo, ‘yon pa kayang legitimate IGL at saka the entire Pogo system, some of which are very legitimate,” Salceda said.
“Well, at least China’s happy,” he added.
Salceda has been adamant about the government needing only to focus on illicit Pogos to eradicate the illegal activities linked to the games, instead of a full ban that would affect the whole industry — even if the operations are above-board.
Last July 17, Salceda said that Marcos can address the Pogo issue in his Sona by only asking law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) to strictly implement rules on Pogos.
“It’s simple: Implement the law. Follow the law. Enforce the law. If you enforce the law, naturally, you will catch violators,” Salceda said last Friday.
READ: Will Marcos mention Pogos in Sona? Tell PNP to ‘enforce the law’ – Salceda
Salceda also shares a similar sentiment with House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who initially said that he was for a strict enforcement of laws to avoid erring Pogos.
READ: Romualdez: Ban illegal Pogos only; total ban may lead to underground ops
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Romualdez feared that a total ban on Pogos might only force gaming operators to go underground — which means the government can no longer regulate them.
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Taguig City announces road closure for river festival | INQUIRER.net | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:51:23 PST | Taguig. INQUIRER FILES
Taguig. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The Taguig government on Monday announced the closure of one of the city’s roads from Wednesday night until Thursday evening for the Taguig River Festival.
According to its traffic advisory, the portion of General Luna Street from Global Oil to Mr. DIY in Barangay Tuktukan will be closed from 11:00 p.m. on July 24 to 11:00 p.m. on July 25.
Motorists were advised to take the following alternate routes:
The Taguig River Festival is a three-day annual event held by the city to celebrate its patron, Saint Anne.
This year’s celebration will be held from July 24 to 26. It will feature activities, including Pagpupugay kay Lola, the Regatta or boat race, Indakan sa Daan, and Pagoda sa Ilog. — Felice Nafarrete, INQUIRER.net intern
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By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. | Inquirer | https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963930/taguig-city-announces-road-closure-for-river-festival?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1EqjrSX8Nyttq0PU262AgVtRT4eHyoJA2QDa1ypfoV_SrQIGaZoR7Zndc_aem_l4rWNGcKsfpJmgsjg9uAOw | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Imee Marcos steals show with Moro-inspired outfit for Sona 2024 | Evangeline Valderrama | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:41:58 PST | Highlights: Sona 2024
Senator Imee Marcos. Images from her Instagram.
Senator Imee Marcos stole the red carpet limelight from her brother, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. with her choice of outfit for his 3rd State of the Nation Address (Sona 2024).
The presidential sister was a standout as she walked the red carpet alongside her sons, Borgy and Michael Manotoc. The legislator, however, ditched the traditional Filipiniana terno worn by most of the female attendees, and opted for a Moro-inspired olive green sleeveless dress with brass accents and matching tiara and bangle.
When asked by the media what her garb symbolizes, she said she took inspiration from the “Moro armor,” adding that “Marami kasing mapupusok, kaya kailangan naka-armor na.” (So many people are becoming impulsive, so one should wear an armor.)
A post shared by Imee Marcos (@officialimeemarcos)
While there were those who complimented Marcos for her choice of gown for her brother’s Sona, there were those who couldn’t help but notice that her outfit was reminiscent of the hit fantasy television series, “Game of Thrones.”
Another user claimed Marcos looked more like she’s going to the kingdom of fairies in the hit local show “Encantadia.”
Screenshots from Sen. Imee Marcos’ Instagram
Manang Imee, aattend ka ng SONA, hindi bibisita sa kaharian ng Encantadia. 😂
— Patrick Sevilla (@jpsevi) July 22, 2024
A netizen, meanwhile, claimed Marcos’ look was reminiscent of a character in the “Game of Thrones” prequel, “House of the Dragon.”
Screenshot from X / @karlatootle
Earlier at the Senate for the opening of the session, Marcos also wore another green dress, a Filipiniana with butterfly sleeves with an image of the famous Amorsolo painting called “Planting Rice,” which depicted famers toiling in the rice field.
A post shared by Imee Marcos (@officialimeemarcos)
Marcos said her Amorsolo gown was her tribute to rice farmers.
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By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. | Inquirer | https://entertainment.inquirer.net/567619/imee-marcos-steals-show-with-moro-inspired-outfit-for-sona-2024?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0VYwfP40sqpF5TaGXPSC5spVjM5ButDA_87Ex7G9TMfO0ViIQpKRMPd2c_aem_1CKEoKYKy84uY4EAmQ2hCg | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Heavy rains hound 7,500 demonstrators during Marcos’ Sona | John Eric Mendoza | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:13:02 PST | Protesters gather along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino
Protesters gather along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino
MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains and strong winds hounded the demonstration of over 7,500 pro and anti-government demonstrators during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said a total of 7,510 individuals protested along the streets of Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City.
NCRPO said about 4,500 pro-government forces staged demonstrations along Commonwealth Avenue near Sandiganbayan and Commission on Audit headquarters.
Due to heavy rains and strong winds, the LED screen on the stage of pro-Marcos supporters collapsed, according to an ABS-CBN News report.
READ: Live Updates: SONA 2024
On the other hand, about 3,010 members of militant groups staged protests along Tandang Sora Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
Earlier, protesters led by the Bagong Alyansa Makabayan concluded its program by burning an effigy in front of Diliman Doctors Hospital at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
READ: Sona 2024: Police to enforce law on effigy burning but no arrests so far
Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police will file charges against those who participated in the burning of effigy.
Fajardo said the protestors from both sectors dispersed before Marcos’ Sona due to heavy rains.
She also noted that the activities during Sona are generally peaceful.
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Bong Go skips Sona, says Marcos should prioritize programs for the poor | John Eric Mendoza | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:33:29 PST | DUPING THE PUBLIC: Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go says the people behind the alleged pay-offs and misrepresentations in the signature campaign for People’s Initiative (PI) should be held accountable for duping the public and taking advantage of poor Filipinos by telling them they were signing up for government assistance programs. During the 2nd public hearing of the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation held in Davao City on Friday, February 2, 2024, Go said any proposals to change the Constitution should benefit the Filipino people, particularly the less privileged. “Do not exploit the weakness of the poor and deceive them to get their signatures for PI. The problem here is that most people did not really understand what they were asked to sign. They did not even explain the content of what was being signed,” Go said in Filipino. He urged the public to withdraw their signatures if they had been deceived into signing the People’s Initiative. Go explained that a People’s Initiative would render the Senate voiceless and remove its ability to guard the interest of the people by not having checks and balances in the government. (Office of Sen. Bong Go/Senate PRIB)
DUPING THE PUBLIC: Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go says the people behind the alleged pay-offs and misrepresentations in the signature campaign for People’s Initiative (PI) should be held accountable for duping the public and taking advantage of poor Filipinos by telling them they were signing up for government assistance programs. During the 2nd public hearing of the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation held in Davao City on Friday, February 2, 2024, Go said any proposals to change the Constitution should benefit the Filipino people, particularly the less privileged. “Do not exploit the weakness of the poor and deceive them to get their signatures for PI. The problem here is that most people did not really understand what they were asked to sign. They did not even explain the content of what was being signed,” Go said in Filipino. He urged the public to withdraw their signatures if they had been deceived into signing the People’s Initiative. Go explained that a People’s Initiative would render the Senate voiceless and remove its ability to guard the interest of the people by not having checks and balances in the government. (Office of Sen. Bong Go/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bong Go on Monday said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should prioritize programs for the poor.
Go, who served as former President Rodrigo Duterte’s aide, said he supports the government’s programs but he wants to see the results.
“I hope and pray that the administration will give priority to programs that will directly benefit and uplift the lives of the poor, particularly in strengthening our healthcare system as well as reducing inflation,” said Go, head of the Senate Committee on Health.
READ: VP Duterte won’t be watching Marcos’ 3rd Sona – OVP
The lawmaker said he did not attend Marcos’ third Sona as he needed to undergo a stress echo, which tests heart function under physical stress.
In a video posted on Facebook, Go was seen walking on a treadmill while wearing a blood pressure cuff and watching the Sona on his phone.
“Ayoko na makipagsiksikan doon, puno na sila,” Go said while running on a treadmill.
(I don’t want to huddle, the venue is full.)
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LOOK: Guests take simple, elegant, lowkey route to Sona 2024 fashion | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:22:36 PST | Sen. Imee Marcos, Lani Mercado, and Isabelle Daza on the Sona 2024 red carpet | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Sen. Imee Marcos, Lani Mercado, and Isabelle Daza on the Sona 2024 red carpet | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Politics meets fashion once more at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s State of the Nation Address (Sona 2024), as legislators, government officials and other guests proudly showcase their outfits made by Filipino designers.
Unlike the previous years, the best-dressed list is more lowkey, with attendees opting for more simple designs. The guests served elegant looks in their Filipiniana ternos and barong Tagalog. But there are those who surprised everyone on the red carpet by exhibiting their unique style and take to the theme of the day.
Check out this list of personalities who brought glitz and glam to the red carpet this year.
Undoubtedly the most anticipated personality in every red carpet, Heart Evangelista looked absolutely divine in her all white modern Filipiniana designed by Michael Leyva. Prior to her elegant look at the Batasan red carpet, Evangelista graced the opening of the 19th congress at the Senate, donning a white terno top and skirt, with a modern twist.
Heart Evangelista | Image: Instagram/michaelleyva
The presidential sister and lady senator walked the Sona red carpet, donning a Moro-inspired gown that gives off a seeming “Game of Thrones” kind of vibe.
Sen. Imee Marcos | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Hand-in-hand with her husband, Sen. Bong Revilla, the Cavite 2nd district representative wore a ethnic textile outfit made by Rajo Laurel.
Cavite 2nd district representative Lani Mercado | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
The Cavite representative said he is wearing a barong Tagalog showcasing the church of the Mary Magdalene Parish in Kawit which is celebrating its 400th year of Catholic evangelization. His wife, beauty queen Angelica Alita-Revilla wore a pleated modern Filipiniana gown in pink.
Cavite Rep. Jolo Revilla with wife Angel Alita-Revilla. Image from Instagram
Civil Service Commission chair Karlo Nograles and his wife, Tourism Board COO Marga Nograles both wore creations of Puey Quinones. The lady executive’s gown is a steel blue Filipiniana, adorned with fan-like accents on her skirt and butterfly sleeves.
Karlo Nograles and wife Marga Nograles. Image from Puey Quinones / Instagram
Isabelle Daza | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Daza arrived at the red carpet, donning her simple floral modern Filipiniana. The actress said that she wanted to give her attire a “fun and colorful” vibes.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Bianca Manalo | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Fresh from her GMA Gala appearance, beauty queen-actress Bianca Manalo is a beautiful plus-one to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on the Sona red carpet with her modern take of the Filipiniana terno in chartreuse, and which has a floor-length train of the same color. Both were donning creations of Jo Rubio.
Brian Poe-Llamanzares in a “Llamanzares Barong” from Lumban, Laguna
The lady senator wore a tasseled black Mia Urquico Filipiniana, which she highlighted with a pearl choker and matching earrings.
Sen. Pia Cayetano | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s better half looked absolutely regal in a “chrysalis” terno designed by Rajo Laurel. ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Tulfo accessorized with large diamond earrings and a serpenti necklace from a luxury fashion brand.
Jocelyn Tulfo | Image: Instagram/@rajolaurel
The Manila city mayor looked radiant in a Jo Rubio black terno with an asymmetrical neckline. The terno sleeves are embellished with intricate hand-beading details of gold filigrees, pearls, and other gems. It also featured a thigh-high slit in one side.
Lacuna said the gown pays homage to the Filipino-Chinese merchants in Ongpin whose pioneering steered Manila into becoming the flourishing city and center of commerce that it is today.
A post shared by Jo Rubio (@jorubio_)
The wife of Education Secretary Sonny Angara donned a modern pink Filipiniana gown with gem-encrusted butterfly sleeves by Mark Bumgarner.
A post shared by 🧿 Carell Garcia 🧿 (@carellgarcia_)
Wife of Senator Mark Villar wore an elegant royal blue Filipiniana by Mark Bumgarner and silver jewelry.
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A post shared by Emmeline Aglipay Villar (@emaglipayvillar)
The actress-turned-politician stunned in a lavender see-through dress by Lulu Tan-Gan, as seen in the video posted on Instagram by her husband, Rep. Richard Gomez.
A post shared by Richard Gomez 🇵🇭 (@richardgomezph)
For her last Sona, the lady senator showed off a creation by Randy Ortiz, the same designer who worked on her outfit when she was elected in 2013.
A post shared by randyortizfilipinodesigner (@randyortizfilipinodesigner)
Marikina’s congresswoman sported a traditional white Filipiniana with a honeycomb design for the skirt, also by Michael Leyva.
A post shared by Michael Leyva (@michaelleyva_)
The Filipino content creator and YouTuber made an unexpected appearance at the Sona red carpet, sporting his embroidered Barong Tagalog with a Chinese collar.
Boss Toyo in Barong | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
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9 takeaways from SONA 2024 | No author found | 2024-07-22T11:06:59+00:00 | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. just delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22.
Amid a peculiar “split” with Vice President Sara Duterte, the ongoing hunt for the runaway Alice Guo, the growing clamor for a nationwide crackdown on POGOs, and several other issues many were expecting to be discussed—here are some of our takeaways from SONA 2024.
READ: Sona 2024: A quick look at main issues
“I hereby instruct PAGCOR to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year. The DOLE, in coordination with our economic managers, shall use the time between now and then to find new jobs for our countrymen who will be displaced.”
Against the ongoing battle for the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos assures that the present administration will continue to assert its legitimate claim over the disputed waters.
“Ang West Philippine Sea ay hindi kathang-isip natin lamang. Ito ay atin. At ito ay mananatiling atin, hangga’t nag-aalab ang diwa ng ating minamahal na bansang Pilipinas.”
READ: SONA look back: A decade of Heart Evangelista’s iconic white outfits
Statistics and numbers remain the focus of the SONA 2024. Yet, these “improvements” typically remain unfelt by the general public—a sentiment the president shares.
“The hard lesson of this last year has made it very clear that whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the best-performing in Asia, means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at P45 to P65 per kilo.”
The Philippines remains one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Acknowledging the impact of natural calamities, the president maintains the country’s position in advocating for climate responsibility on the international stage.
He announced that the Philippines will host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund, which was established to help vulnerable countries in the event of such climate disasters.
Locally, he also reported several national disaster risk reduction projects, including the building of almost a hundred evacuation centers in the past year and the newly-built Disaster Response Command Center.
According to President Marcos in his SONA 2024 speech, around 10 million unique user devices have benefited from the administration’s Free Wi-Fi program. He also reported that phase one of their National Fiber Backbone has been completed and that phases two and three will be completed by 2026.
The present administration is on a mission to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure at all levels—from jeepney modernization to railway and expressway expansion.
“We have provided the budget to upgrade 367 bridges and almost 1,600 kilometers of road along our country’s longest thoroughfare—the Maharlika Highway—from Luzon all the way to Mindanao.” President Marcos added, “The C-LEX, NLEX-SLEX Connector, and the Plaridel Bypass will be fully completed by the end of this year. CALAX and the C5 South Link will be fully operational by next year.”
He also mentioned that the 20-kilometer Airport-New Clark City Access Road will soon be inaugurated.
READ: Bongbong Marcos checks construction of Clark airport access road
Several other bridges scattered throughout the country are also being built. The president reported that two of them will open this year: Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao, and Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay.
President Marcos also believes that the country is in the middle of a “railway renaissance” and lauded the progress of the ongoing Metro Manila Subway and the LRT 1 Extension projects.
“Through intense Philippine lobbying, the United Nations has adopted the resolution on ‘Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers.’ This will ensure their safe and decent living and working conditions at sea—a human rights imperative.”
President Marcos reported in his SONA 2024 address that his war on drugs will not only continue to be bloodless but has also encountered massive success. According to him, 71,500 drug bust operations have resulted in the seizure of over P44 billion worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of more than 97,000 drug personalities—6,000 of which were high-value targets.
However, he also included that 440 of those were government employees, while 42 were uniformed personnel and 77 were elected officials.
“To further paralyze their operations, dirty money and assets worth more than P500,000,000 have been frozen and preserved. With strong case buildup and efficient prosecution, the drug conviction rate is at a high of 79 percent.”
He added, “Together with this, we welcome the report that the number of drug-affected barangays in our country has been reduced by 32 percent.”
“Our poverty rate has significantly dropped to 15.5 percent, down from 18 percent in 2021. This present figure is even lower than the pre-pandemic level of 16.7 percent in 2018.”
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Marcos ends 3rd Sona with a reminder: Be vigilant, fight evil | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:48:35 PST | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024. (Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address on July 22, 2024. (Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ended his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday with a reminder to Filipinos: remain vigilant and fight evil in society.
The President quoted English philosopher John Stuart Mill’s speech about individuals who remain silent despite knowing all the wrongs in society.
“To solve all the problems that we have been suffering under, all officials, law enforcers, workers in government, and most of all, the citizenry must always be vigilant, principled, and think of the health of the nation,” he said.
“Let me end by recalling the words of a great man: Let not anyone pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends than that good man shall look on. He is not a good man, he is not a good man who without a protest allows wrong to be committed in his name,” he added.
According to Marcos, Filipinos must always rise against evil.
“We should always fight for what is right and good. We should always love the Philippines and the Filipinos,” he added in Filipino.
Marcos’ closing remarks came just after he announced a ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country due to the social cost these bring.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
“Effective today, all Pogos are banned,” Marcos said. “I hereby instruct Pagcor (Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation) to wind down and seize the operations of Pogos by the end of the year,” he added.
The President also touched on the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea, noting that the disputed region will always belong to the Filipinos.
READ: Marcos: West Philippine Sea not an imagination, it will always be ours
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Carina intensifies into typhoon; Signal no. 1 up in 4 Luzon areas | John Eric Mendoza | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:09:24 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Carina intensified into a typhoon on Monday afternoon, state meteorologists said as it hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 in four areas in Luzon.
Carina intensified into a typhoon as of 2:00 p.m., according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) latest update.
Pagasa said the typhoon was last spotted 420 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
TCWS No. 1 was hoisted in Batanes, the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Lal-Lo, Gonzaga) including the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Camiguin Is., Babuyan Is.), and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon).
Areas under TCWS No. 1 are expected to experience 39 to 61 kph wind speed, which causes minimal to minor threat to life and property.
Carina will remain far from the country’s landmass and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday evening or Thursday early morning.
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Marcos: No public teacher will retire as ‘Teacher 1’ | Dianne Sampang | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:34:03 PST | LESSON FOR THE DAY A teacher at General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City prepares her students for the day’s lessons in this photo taken in February 2024. President Bongbong Marcos said no teachers will retire as Teacher 1 rank with a new system in place. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
LESSON FOR THE DAY A teacher at General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City prepares her students for the day’s lessons in this photo taken in February 2024. President Bongbong Marcos said no teachers will retire as Teacher 1 rank with a new system in place. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — No teacher will retire as “Teacher 1” rank under the expanded career progression system for the public school teachers, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).
“With this system in place, we will accelerate the career growth of teachers. Sa sistemang ito, wala nang public school teacher ang magre-retire na Teacher I lamang,” said Marcos.
(With this system in place, we will accelerate the career growth of teachers. No public school teacher will retire as ‘Teacher I’ only in this system.)
Marcos also mentioned that funds have been allocated to implement the program to “promote professional development and career advancement within their ranks.”
READ: Approval of teacher career progression bill deferred due to budget errors
The expanded system consists of two major career paths for teachers: teaching and school administrative tracks.
Teacher I rank is the entry-level rank of teachers in public schools.
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Marcos touts minimum wage increase as one of gov’t accomplishments | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:23:22 PST | Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. listed the increase of minimum wages across the country as an accomplishment, saying that these were able to help several workers’ families.
Marcos, in the middle part of his 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) speech on Monday, said that the wage levels have been increased across all regions including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“Sa lahat ng mga ginagawa nating ito, katuwang natin palagi ang pribadong sektor lalo na sa mahahalagang bagay ng trabaho at pasahod. With tripartite consensus, minimum wage levels have been increased in various sectors, in all regions including the BARMM, for workers in private establishments,” Marcos said.
(With everything we do, we always have the private sector as our partner, especially in crucial matters of employment and wages. With tripartite consensus, minimum wage levels have been increased in various sectors, across all regions including the BARMM, for workers in private establishments)
“Makakapag-dulot ito ng ginahawa sa mahigit apat na milyong mga kababayan natin at sa kanilang mga pamilya,” he added.
(This can bring relief to over four million of our fellow citizens and their families.)
Last July 2, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board approved a P35 increase in the daily minimum wage for workers in the National Capital Region (NCR).
READ: P35 wage hike approved; labor groups furious
This comes after the board also raised the daily minimum pay by P40 in June 2023 or a year before.
READ: P40 minimum wage increase approved in Metro Manila
Marcos also said that salary increases await government employees, adding that it will be delivered in four tranches.
“Para naman sa ating mga kawani ng gobyerno, meron silang maaasahan na medical allowance bilang karagdagang benepisyo sa susunod na taon,” he said. “At hindi lamang ‘yon, meron ding napipintong umento sa sweldo na makukuha nila sa apat na tranche, naglaan na po tayo ng pondo para dito simula sa taong ito at sa mga susunod na taon.”
(For our government employees, they can expect a medical allowance as an additional benefit next year. And not only that, there is also an impending salary increase they will receive in four tranches. We have allocated funds for this starting this year and in the coming years.)
“Furthermore, we have extended the services of our job order and contract of service personnel working in government. This will also afford them ample opportunity to work on their civil service eligibilities while gaining additional relevant experience and training to upgrade their employment qualifications,” he added.
Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc already predicted Marcos’ citation of the wage hike as an achievement.
Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas last July 4 said she expects Marcos’ Sona to be full of flowery words — adding that reporting on the P35 wage increase will insult workers.
“So for our expectation po, this will be just another Sona. We think that flowery words will be used and we would hear empty promises again regarding a significant salary increase. That’s what we are talking about. If they will report about the meager P35 wage increase, it is an insult to workers,” she said.
“Second, we give the President failing grades because he cannot be proud of anything in his Sona when he has done nothing significant. The government was unable to address rising prices of goods and food, in fact, not only basic commodities saw price increase, even non-food items saw a 5.7 percent inflation. So this means they were not able to address the people’s needs,” she added.
When asked if there is a chance for their perception of the administration to change, given that some of the policies have been attuned to the principles of the Makabayan bloc, Brosas said that it is hard to give good grades when significant changes have not happened.
“It’s hard to give a better grade because we are looking for basic things, like currently, we are asking that we would not be dragged into a war between America and China. That’s a crucial issue, if you ask Filipinos what their stakes are in this conflict, people say they do not want war,” she said.
“Second, if we are talking about improving the grades given, a crucial topic is the economy. If the economy does not improve, where do we base our position for a better score given to the administration, if they cannot address basic needs?” she asked.
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NOTE: Most of the English translations in the article were AI-generated.
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Marcos: Cagayan River flood control project to protect 60,000 residents | Dianne Sampang | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:21:58 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The flood risk management project in the Cagayan River is among the flood control projects that the administration is implementing to mitigate the effects of floods, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (Sona).
Noting the effects of La Niña on many communities, he said that more than 5,500 flood projects have been completed.
“Marami pang iba ang kasalukuyang ginagawa sa buong bansa. Isa na rito ay ang flood risk management project sa Cagayan De Oro River na magbibigay ng pangmatagalang proteksyon sa 600 hektaryo ng lupa at 60,000 mamamayan,” he added.
(There are still more ongoing flood control projects throughout the country. One of them is the flood risk management project in Cagayan De Oro River that will provide long-term protection to 600 hectares of land and 60,000 citizens.)
READ: Government allots over P225 billion for 2024 flood control projects – DBM
The project also aims to strengthen the communities along the Cagayan de Oro River against the effects of climate change.
In May 2023, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and local government leaders of Cagayan de Oro City inaugurated the major component worth P8.549 billion of the Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan de Oro River (FRIMP CDOR) in Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao.
The flood control project is under the “Build, Better, More” initiative of President Marcos Jr. FRIMP CDOR is seen as an output “to build disaster resilient structures in calamity prone areas.”
READ: 71 flagship infra projects underway — Neda
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Marcos tells Congress to review if Epira needs to be amended | Zacarian Sarao | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:58:40 PST | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) during his 2024 State of the Nation Address speech on Monday, July 22, 2024. |Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) during his 2024 State of the Nation Address speech on Monday, July 22, 2024. |Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday told Congress to determine if the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) needs to be amended.
Marcos made the pronouncement during his third State of the Nation Address, where he pointed out the power supply issues in several parts of the country.
READ: Live Updates: Sona 2024
“Binabalikan at binubusisi natin muli ang Epira upang malaman kung angkop pa ba ito sa ating kasalukuyang sitwasyon o napapanahon na ito ay amyendahan,” said Marcos speech.
(We are going back and re-examining the Epira to find out if it is still suitable for our current situation or if it is time for it to be amended.)
“Hinihiling ko sa Kongreso na pagtutulungan na natin ito alang-alang sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino. Sa taas ng presyo ng bansa, nahihirapan hindi lamang ang mga negosyante kundi [pati] na ang taong bayan.”
(I ask the Congress that we work together to consider it for the sake of the Filipinos, at the high price of the country, not only the businessmen are struggling but also the people.)
The Epira was enacted in 2021 during the time of Former President Gloria Arroyo. It aimed to ensure competitive electricity rates in the country.
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Struggles of ‘People’s Artist’: The enduring passion of Paul Sena | No author found | 2024-07-22T09:00:00+00:00 | You would think that 74-year-old painter Paul Sena, who has had a decorated career of over five decades during which he has been compared to Fernando Amorsolo and celebrated by peers as a People’s Artist, has seen the last of his days as a struggling artist, hundreds if not thousands of canvases ago. The struggle continues to be real for him, though. In fact, his latest exhibit, “Ani at Huli,” was partly born of the need to raise rent money for the place he calls home—and not just for one month but for three months.
“Labing-limang beses na akong palipat-lipat ng bahay dahil hindi na ako makabayad ng upa (I’ve already transferred homes 15 times because I couldn’t pay the rent),” Sena intones in the short video that played at the exhibit launch in early July. “Ito ang totoong buhay ng artist sa Pilipinas (This is the real life of an artist in the Philippines).”
Not that he feels unaccomplished. Far from it. “Malayong-malayo na ang narating ko (I’ve come a long long way),” he says, beaming.
Don’t take that literally. He still lives in Tondo where he was born, in 1950, to a couple who had relocated in Manila. His father was a fisherman from Marinduque and his mother a farmer from La Union.
The elder Senas barely made ends meet for their seven children, from washing and ironing clothes in the community, forcing the brood to start helping out early on. For young Paul it meant waking up at 3 a.m. every day, four hours before school started, to sell komiks.
This proved providential in more ways than one: Aside from earning baon money for himself, it led him to discover his talent for art when he started copying the artworks in the stuff he was selling.
In fact, Sena became so well known on campus for his illustrations that when he reached high school, his teachers excused him from attending the flag ceremony. “Inaabangan na nila ako sa gate para mag-drawing ng mga visual aid para sa klase (They would wait for me by the gate to ask me to illustrate their visual aids for class),” he recalls bemusedly. He adds, “Hindi na nga nila ako pinagre-recitation eh (They’d even excuse me from recitation).”
His art continued to serve him well in college, helping him achieve a landslide victory over his rival, who got only eight votes, for PRO in the student council elections in his freshman year. Sena also participated in poster-making contests and won several gold medals. Later on he bagged top prizes in the Shell Art Competition and Metrobank Art Competition and joined group art exhibits like in Northern Motor Gallery and Little Gallery with his contemporaries Antipas Delotavo and Nemesio Miranda, to name a few.
Sena is self-taught but he considers an old Chinese painter in Tondo as some sort of mentor, or at least an inspiration. “Sunod ako ng sunod sa kanya, tinitingnan ko paano siya magpinta (I kept on following him around, observing how he painted),” he recalls. “Nakulitan siguro sa akin kaya binigyan ako ng libro, collection ng watercolor paintings niya (He got fed up and gave me a book of his watercolor paintings).” The elder painter then told Sena to copy his works, all 20 of them. “Mahirap pero natapos ko (It was difficult but I finished it).”
It was only a matter of time before he started having his own art shows of watercolor paintings at the National Library. And it’s this set of sepia-toned social realist artworks of common folk—vendors, tellers, workers—that brought out Sena’s emotions.
“Yung climate ng emotions ko napapalabas ko sa watercolor (I’m able to showcase the climate of my emotions through watercolor),” he notes. Little did he know then that it would lead to comparisons with a Filipino visual arts titan.
“Pareho kayo ng climate ng watercolor ni Amorsolo,” Sena recalls a publisher from Atlas, a popular publishing house in the Philippines in the ’70s to the ’80s, telling him in one of his first watercolor exhibits. He was, if memory serves him right, only in his early 20s.
In the five decades since, he has dabbled in other subjects including nature, other art styles including cubism and other mediums including his own invention that’s at least a decade old—a water-mixable oil paint that’s water-proof, opaque, dust-free, odorless and long-lasting.
These particular elements in his oeuvre are fully, brilliantly showcased in “Ani at Huli (Harvest and Catch),” Sena’s eighth solo show that, according to the exhibit notes, “celebrates nature’s bounty and honors the hard work that comes with reaping the harvest, and gently reminds us of the value of safeguarding the nation’s resources because our people’s livelihood depends on it.”
For Sena, his family’s future rests on how much “Ani at Huli” will be able to sell. In particular, it will determine whether they can stay put or have to move to another place for the nth time. But regardless, what’s most important to him is the joy his works give to people.
“Hindi ko kailangang sumikat (I don’t need to be famous),” he notes. “Ang kailangan ko sumikat ang mga obra ko para mapasaya ang mga tao (What I need is for my works to be popular and thus bring joy to people).”
People’s Artist indeed. —CONTRIBUTED INQ
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Only 7 weakened NPA guerrilla fronts remain, says Marcos | John Eric Mendoza | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:55:13 PST | Highlights: Sona 2024
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the State of the Nation Address 2024. Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — There are only seven weakened communist New People’s Army guerrilla fronts in the country.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. bared this during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).
“No guerilla front remains active in our country today, only seven weak fronts to be dismantled, and they are the subject of focused operations,” Marcos said in his Sona.
READ: ‘There are no more active guerilla fronts,’ declares AFP
A weakened guerrilla front means it can no longer implement its programs like recruitment and generating resources for the armed struggle as opposed to active guerrilla fronts, according to the AFP.
The NPA, which wages the world’s longest Maoist insurgency, was established on March 29, 1969.
As of December 2023, the NPA is now down to about 1,200 fighters, far from its peak of around 25,000 in 1987, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
READ: Almost 500 former NPA rebels seek amnesty
There is now an ongoing amnesty program for former NPA rebels. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), whose armed wing is the NPA, previously rejected the government’s amnesty offer.
However, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines— the CPP’s political arm — and the government also agreed in November 2023 to come up with a framework to restart the peace talks.
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Historic Caysasay Church restored to former glory | No author found | 2024-07-22T09:07:00+00:00 | On June 20, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled the historical and cultural markers of the newly restored Caysasay Church, also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangas.
In the same event, the marker of the decree of its dedication as an archdiocesan shrine was also unveiled, after which a eucharistic celebration with the solemn dedication of the church and the altar was presided over by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera.
NMP had declared the church, and the nearby Santa Lucia well and Hagdan-hagdan collectively, as National Cultural Treasure in 2020, while the NHCP declared the church a National Historical Landmark in 2024.
It was damaged by the Taal Volcano eruption on Jan. 12, 2020, and the following year, the NMP initiated its restoration and rehabilitation, which also included the Santa Lucia well.
The restoration of the church was concluded this year, with interior paintings by Guy Custodio’s team and stations of the cross donated by the Villavicencio family.
Raul Martinez, director of the shrine, said during the program that they’re “in high spirits for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” which he said is “one for the record in the entirety of this shrine’s history.”
NMP director general Jeremy Barns said also during the program that his agency and other stakeholders involved in the project take in great pride the the fruit of their labors.
“The National Museum took up the task of leading the government response toward the urgent repair and restoration of this heritage site that, as a National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark, is outstanding for cultural, historical, and of course, religious reasons,” he said.
He explained that so far, this is the best restoration done by his agency, and it is an “exemplary model of restoration of a Filipino heritage church that we can be proud of” and which could inspire other restoration projects.
He said this is the best in terms of art, architecture and modern safety standards which were applied to the church.
NHCP executive director Carminda Arevalo, meanwhile, described the church as “one of the celebrated religious sites in the Philippines,” and her agency is proud to present the historical marker.
She said the church’s restoration “symbolizes our continued cooperation to protect, preserve sites and structures of historical and cultural significance.”
One of the church’s significant features is the beautiful bas relief on its façade, which was discovered while the portico, which was added in the 19th century, was being removed.
Featuring floral designs with the Augustinian seal at the center, the style, according to Barns, could date back to the 17th century, perhaps in 1639, when the stone church was erected to replace the one built from light materials in 1611.
The central portion of the façade is also identical to the design of the Santa Lucia well.
In his lecture in March last year at the “Binalot Talks “of the University of the Philippines–School of Archeology, church historian Regalado Trota Jose said the church, made from coral stone and adobe, floated the idea that the church was built at an ancient sacred site.
He said that it cut through an adobe mound, or perhaps a cave used by ancient residents of the area as a hallowed ground.He said that bulk of the church was built in the first decade of the 18th century, and that by 1719, the church and convent were already up.
In 1754, its roof and portions of the wall collapsed as a result of Taal’s most famous eruption.
Forty-six years later, the transept, dome and two towers were added to the church, but the latter fell during the 1852 earthquake and was subsequently rebuilt.
As for the Santa Lucia well, this might also have been built in the first quarter of the 18th century, while the steps connecting Caysasay to Taal población above was built in the 19th century.
The church houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Caysasay, which was fished out of the lake in 1603.
While the church’s restoration and rehabilitation were ongoing, a well was discovered in front of the façade as well as small canals around the church.
The purpose and the reason for the placement of the former remains a mystery.
Apart from these, the wooden trusses, believed to have been installed in the 19th century, the previously known date for the construction of the church, were also discovered to be older.
Barns said these were the trusses built after the roof collapsed during Taal Volcano’s 1754 eruption.
Also discovered were carved stone bases for saints and remnants of what used to be a Holy Family image.
Barns explained that the restoration of the church boosts the nomination of the Taal geographic area to the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
The Historic Towns and Landscape of Taal Volcano and its Caldera Lake are now among seven new natural and cultural properties added to the country’s World Heritage Tentative List.
In the Unesco dossier, it notes that the towns “demonstrate the blending of different cultures as a result of colonization in architecture and urban planning.” —CONTRIBUTED INQ
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3rd Sona: Marcos vows more computers, solar power for education | Zacarian Sarao | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:30:42 PST | Highlights: Sona 2024
INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed on Tuesday to close the digital gap in the education sector.
“We are working towards the day when all students will be equipped with computers, smart TVs, essential programs, digital books, and access to reliable power and the internet,” Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).
According to Marcos, digitalization and solar-powered electricity should “become the standard feature in our schools and our classrooms.”
READ: Officials expect Marcos to tackle key issues in 3rd Sona
MORE SONA STORIES: Live Updates: Sona 2024
“Simply put, this is educational reform through technology,” he said.
However, Marcos did not provide a specific timeline for this goal.
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Sona 2024: Marcos vows to improve PH airports, docks | Charie Abarca | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:20:46 PST | Highlights: Sona 2024
Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to improve the country’s airports and docks during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
Marcos said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will soon be able to accommodate 48 flights per hour and cater to more than 62 million passengers every year.
“More than 70 airports and seaport development projects across the country have now been completed and another 350 ongoing projects are set to be completed by the year 2028,” he added.
READ: Live Updates: Sona 2024
The President also said the capacities of the General Santos Airport and the Bicol International Airport were expanded by 300 and 500 percent, respectively.
The General Santos Airport and the Bicol International Airport now cater to 2,000 and 1,600 passengers, respectively.
Meanwhile, the Batangas Port Terminal — a popular gateway to Mimaropa, Visayas, and Mindanao — can now accommodate 8,000 travelers at any given time, the President said.
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