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Marcos: Nat’l broadband program gains ground, ‘common towers’ pushed
John Eric Mendoza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:48:59 PST
Highlights: SONA 2024 MANILA, Philippines — The National Fiber Backbone program has gained ground, while the common tower policy will be further pushed to provide wider internet access to Filipinos. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. touted this progress during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. Marcos said the first Phase of the National Fiber Backbone program has been “completed and operationalized.”
READ: Nat’l Fiber Backbone launched, starting with Laoag-QC phase The Phase two and three of the program began this year and is expected to be completed in 2026. “This fiber backbone will give us efficient  capacity  in terms of bandwidth,” Marcos said. As of 2022, only 77 percent or 20.6 million households are connected to the internet, according to Marcos.
“This is much too low,” Marcos said of the data. “Together with our private sector partners, we will efficiently harness the concept of common towers to provide connectivity to Filipino who are at the far end of the last mile,” he said.
“Expect full government support to ensure the successful completion of this critical project including policy reforms and streamlined processes,” he added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our technology news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
Inquirer
https://technology.inquirer.net/135972/marcos-natl-broadband-program-gains-ground-common-towers-pushed-for-wider-internet-access?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1qVM9teFyCoaGw_BmwAGMk000WdTayHNlJmD6l83h-fRz7lu9Yt6I2vwA_aem_eExQC58rccR7GoDPbhyt_A
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Marcos stresses PH vulnerability to climate change in 3rd Sona
Charie Abarca
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:37:50 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. starts his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasan plenary hall on Monday, July 22m, 2024. —Screenshot from an RTVM livestream **MANILA, Philippines** — The Philippines, due to its location, is twice as vulnerable as neighboring countries to the effects of climate change, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. “As we can see in all the world, weather events are — as have been predicted — getting more extreme such as torrential rains that instantly shift to scorching heat waves or vice versa,” Marcos said. He said this is the reason the Philippines has become a “proactive advocate for heightened climate responsibility and justice on the global stage.” READ: Officials expect Marcos to tackle key issues in 3rd Sona MORE SONA STORIES: Live Updates: Sona 2024 “To this end, we have secured a seat on the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), and further, the Philippines has been selected as the host country for that fund,” Marcos said. “This will require an enabling law from Congress to confer the legal personality and capacity to the board. This welcome development shall complement all our climate adaptation and mitigation measures and give us a voice to access the needed financial assistance for climate change initiatives and impacts,” he said. The LDF Board is a financing facility created by the United Nations to help vulnerable countries cope with the increasingly costly and damaging impact of climate disasters. Marcos also announced that the Philippines had been elected to host the LDF Board, beating out seven other contenders. Other countries considered to lead the LDF Board were Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Barbados, the Bahamas, Togo, Kenya, and Eswatini. In May, rising temperatures forced the government to shut down tens of thousands of schools, while increased demand stressed the country’s already strained power supply. The widespread El Niño drought that began early this year ruined at least P5.9 billion worth of farm produce. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963811/marcos-stresses-ph-vulnerability-to-climate-change-in-3rd-sona?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3X24EmRDaV_YbwBcyt7-L2IRoJoI2gPcuvS-KUBd9QuT__uX8Dt_peXzI_aem_eEOkXSR1YG4j960M3YRE6A
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Sona 2024: Marcos admits economic gains mean little with high prices
Gabriel Pabico Lalu
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:23:06 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. started his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday by admitting that the country’s economic gains mean little if the prices of commodities are high. “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 the Filipino who is confronted by the price of rice at P45 to P65 per kilo,” the President said. “While the statistics are good, it means nothing to our countrymen who face the reality of high prices of food, particularly rice,” he added in Filipino. Marcos said his administration understands the people’s concerns, assuring the public that the government is doing everything to address the problem. “Sa kabila ng mga hamong ating kinakaharap, nasaksihan natin ang pinaka-mataas na ani ng palay sa bansa nitong nakalipas na taon. Pumalo ito sa lagpas 20 milyong tonelada, ang pinaka-mataas na ani mula no’ng 1987,” he added. (Despite the challenges, we saw the country’s highest palay harvest last year. It was more than 20 million tons, the highest since 1987.) However, Marcos said last year’s harvest was still short of the government’s target of 16 million tons of rice annually. Lowering rice prices to P20 to P30 per kilogram was Marcos’ campaign promise when he ran for president in 2022. Two years into his term, a Pulse Asia survey showed that controlling inflation remains the top concern of Filipinos. A report from Pulse Asia released last July 12 showed that 72 percent of Filipinos believed that controlling inflation should be immediately addressed by the Marcos administration. It was followed by increasing the pay of workers (44 percent), reducing the poverty of Filipinos (32 percent), creating more jobs (30 percent), and fighting graft and corruption in the government (22 percent). READ: Controlling inflation still the top concern for Filipinos – Pulse Asia Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Only 4 percent of Filipinos said in the same survey that the administration was able to lower rice prices. READ: Only 4% of Filipinos think Marcos able to lower rice prices – Pulse Asia Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963791/sona-marcos-admits-economic-gains-mean-little-with-high-prices?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0DrfR0zf-QVaCowUmLW4MW61VWW9KOPZWCYMQin8d0Zqh7FYgbE2lKDCs_aem_7bNh6XN_H7i3zB9Hc6By_g
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Duterte admin must be held liable for ‘compromising’ West PH Sea – group
Dianne Sampang
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:40:41 PST
Former President Rodrigo Duterte (right) and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (left). | PHOTOS: Official Facebook pages of Bongbong Marcos and Rody Duterte Former President Rodrigo Duterte (right) and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (left). | PHOTOS: Official Facebook pages of Bongbong Marcos and Rody Duterte MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration should be made accountable for allegedly compromising the country’s “territorial integrity [and] security in the West Philippine Sea.” The Atin Ito Coalition, a civilian-led supply mission in the West Philippine Sea, issued this appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 22. Group co-convenor Rafaela David said Marcos should discuss this matter in his Sona. “We want to make sure na itong Sona, na dahil we are recognizing na mangyayari ito first time after the collapse ng Uniteam, mapasigurado ring mapanagot ‘yong nakaraang administrasyon in compromising ‘yong ating territorial integrity, security in the West Philippine Sea,” David said in an interview with Teleradyo. (We want to make sure that in this Sona, since we are recognizing that this will happen for the first time after the collapse of Uniteam, it would be ascertained that the previous administration will be held accountable for compromising our territorial integrity, and security in the West Philippine Sea.) READ: A sordid, spurious deal Uniteam is the name of the Marcos-Duterte alliance in the 2022 elections. But the partnership seemed broken now as Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from her Cabinet posts in the Marcos administration last June. In late March this year, reports revealed that Marcos’ predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, allegedly forged a “gentleman’s agreement’ with Chinese President Xi Jinping “to maintain the status quo” at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. According to ex-President Duterte’s former spokesperson Harry Roque, the verbal agreement is “non-binding” and cannot be applied to the term of President Marcos Jr. In April, Marcos asked Duterte to explain the “secret deal” with China which coast guard continued to show hostile behaviors toward Filipino troops and vessels in the West Philippine Sea. READ: Marcos to Duterte: Explain agreement with China on West Philippine Sea During his term, Duterte regarded the July 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines’ case against China over the West Philippine Sea as “meaningless.” Although he remarked in May 2021 that the Philippines would not withdraw its assets from the disputed waters, he stressed that he did not want to fight China over the matter due to “debt of gratitude.” West Philippine Sea: International solidarity, support critical In the same interview on Monday, the Atin Ito Coalition leader emphasized the importance of international solidarity and support to the Philippines’ efforts to defend its territorial waters. David hoped Marcos will underscore this point in his third Sona. “Isang audience natin ay ‘yung buong mundo na hopefully his Sona rallies international community around our victory,” she said. (Our audience is the whole world, hopefully his Sona rallies international community around our victory.) Various countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia have previously expressed their support to the Philippines amid the maritime row. They also recognized the Philippines’ arbitral case triumph. David then called on the government to support their initiatives to defend the west Philippine Sea. “‘Yong gusto nating makitang suporta ay ‘yong suporta ng gobyerno in efforts to civilianize the West Philippine Sea katulad ng ginawa natin sa Atin Ito kung saan ordinaryong mamamayan ang nasa forefront in claiming our rights lalo na po ang ating mangingisda na naninigurado na tayo ang nakaka-enjoy sa ating sovereign rights in the area,” she pointed out. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. (What we want to see is the support of the government in efforts to civilianize the West Philippine Sea like what we did in Atin Ito where ordinary citizens were at the forefront to claim our rights, especially our fishermen who wants to be sure that we would enjoy our sovereign rights in the area.) For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
Inquirer
https://www.inquirer.net/409457/duterte-admin-must-be-held-liable-for-compromising-west-philippine-sea/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR32fhHIIoW2Vqsi6b9RlhvqiAZZocGnD5Ryx1w3_qg2c3GhPXnktaC0n0Y_aem_2Va9AI8QTrrj1NYB5tW0Gw
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Marcos admin expanding free trade deals
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:33:21 PST
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA – The Marcos administration continues to diversify its trade partners by forging free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for International Trade Group Allan Gepty said in a recent interview that the country remains on track to meet its timeline in terms of FTA negotiations. READ: PH says ‘significant progress’ made in latest UAE FTA talks Gepty said the Philippines and the European Union (EU) will resume formal negotiations by October. “This coming October, 14 or 18 if I’m not mistaken, we’ll now start the next round of negotiation,” he said. Gepty said the elements and chapters that will be discussed in the next round of talks will be more comprehensive. DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual and European Commission (EC) executive vice president Valdis Dombrovskis jointly announced on March 18 the resumption of negotiations of the Philippines-EU FTA after talks were put on hold in 2017. The parties had two formal negotiations in Brussels, Belgium in 2016 and in Cebu province in 2017. Gepty also reported that the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates recently concluded the second round of negotiations. “This is another milestone in our international trade relations because this will be the first time, if ever, that we will have an FTA with a Middle Eastern country. And that would be a good takeoff point also for us to access GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries,” he said. Gepty said the Philippines is also keen to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the multilateral FTA of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. He said the country targets to apply within this year. “Once we become part of the CPTPP, our value add here would be, of course, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Canada. Now that UK (United Kingdom) is there, we have more reason to join (the trade pact),” he added. “The President during his last SONA (State of the Nation Address), he made this directive towards more international economic partnerships. And in line with that, you will note that, you will note that under our Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, specifically, the direction is to expand our FTA network,” Gepty said. READ: Free trade talks with EU resume; $6.5-B hike in flow of goods seen He said the DTI also aims to pursue bilateral FTAs with Chile and other Latin American countries, as well as exploring trade deals with African countries in the medium term. Currently, the Philippines has two bilateral FTAs, with Japan and South Korea, and multilateral trade deals such as ASEAN FTA; individual trade deals with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. The two latest FTAs that the country secured were during the first year of the Marcos administration in 2022. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “In parallel with forging this international trade agreement and economic relationships with various trading partners, it is also important that we engage with the private sector by intensifying the utilization of our FTAs,” Gepty said. (PNA) Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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122,000 sign Cebu Catholic church campaign vs divorce
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:20:29 PST
| PHOTO: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu | PHOTO: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu CEBU CITY — The Archdiocese of Cebu has so far gathered 122,000 signatures from those opposed to the passage of the divorce bill. In a press conference on Saturday, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the Roman Catholic Church in this city was elated to learn that more people are affixing their signatures to the “Yes I Do To Marriage, Yes To Family, No Divorce” signature campaign in 170 parish churches in the province. “Many other countries admire the Philippines [where] love is reciprocated with love and that Filipinos commit to a relationship for life,” the prelate said. Msgr. Raul Go, head of the Cebu Archdiocesan Matrimonial Tribunal, echoed Palma’s statement, saying Filipinos “still hold on to what marriage is designed for.” Go urged politicians espousing divorce to be proud that the Philippines continues to hold the record as the only nation outside the Vatican that has no divorce law. “It is something to be proud of and not to be ashamed of,” Go said, citing anecdotes from foreigners wanting to have Filipino wives because they stick to marriage until death. Priest activist Carmelo Diola said the archdiocese expected only 100,000 to sign the manifesto but a thousand more came to churches to sign. Cebu has more than four million Catholics and 170 Catholic churches. Palma also invited Cebuanos to join the prayer rally in the afternoon of July 26, beginning with a testimonial walk from Fuente Osmeña Rotunda to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. Talks and prayers will be held before a Holy Mass for the Filipino family. The House of Representatives approved on May 22 House Bill 9349 or the proposed Absolute Divorce Act with 131 affirmative votes, 109 negative votes, and 20 abstentions. The bill is pending in the Senate. Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, author of the House bill, said the passage signifies a significant shift in societal attitudes towards marriage and relationships. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. By legalizing divorce, Lagman said the Philippines acknowledges the need to provide options for individuals trapped in “unhappy and irreparable marriages.” (PNA) Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963715/122000-sign-cebu-catholic-church-campaign-vs-divorce-2?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR34yyBg4389JQNcm6iL8wo5j0upmXJOSnSp0N4gg_-pHXplishblLAhR8Q_aem_jDF7zXOAsf5hRA4CUKYfng
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Gov’t raises P20-B from T-bills auction
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:25:17 PST
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA – The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P20 billion from the Treasury bills (T-bills) auction on Monday. The 91-, 182-, and 364-day T-bills fetched average rates of 5.743 percent, 5.991 percent and 6.081 percent, higher than last week’s average auction yield. Last week, the average rate of the 91-, 182-, and 364-day T-bills settled at 5.717 percent, 5.978 percent and 6.072 percent, respectively. READ: Gov’t upsizes T-bills sale, but pays more for shorter tenors The comparative PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service rates, meanwhile, was at 5.736 percent for the three-month tenor, 6.022 percent for the six-month tenor and 6.105 percent for the one-year tenor. “Investors lock in longer-term tenors ahead of possible 0.25 [basis points] local policy rate cut as early as August 2024 and another 0.25 local rate cut by fourth quarter 2024 as signaled recently by local monetary authorities,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said. The auction was 2.4 times oversubscribed, attracting P47.4 billion in total tenders. With its decision, the BTr raised the full program of P20 billion for the auction. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Philippine bet earns medals in Man of the World 2024 events
Armin P. Adina
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:24:14 PST
Man of the World Philippines Kenneth Cabungcal / ARMIN P. ADINA Man of the World Philippines Kenneth Cabungcal / ARMIN P. ADINA The Philippines is off to a good start at the sixth Man of the World pageant with Filipino contender Kenneth Cabungcal clinching medals in preliminary events. The Negrense lad finished second in the Beach Wear category at a competition held at Villa Elisa in Botolan, Zambales, on Sunday, July 21. Puerto Rico’s Fernando Padin topped the category, with Brazil’s Cassio Miguel Leles De Souza finishing third. The Brazilian hunk also got the gold medal in the physique category, followed by Vietnam’s Doan Con Vinh, and Kazim Keskin from the United Kingdom. In the swimsuit category, heavy favorite Sergio Azuaga from Venezuela won the gold, with France’s Gwen Jegouzo and India’s Lavesh Moran Bharambe settling for the silver and bronze medals, respectively. During the press presentation and national costume competition held at the Winford Manila Hotel and Casino on Friday, July 19, Cabungcal and Azuaga amassed the most votes in the “Press Favorites” poll, both getting gold medals. Ecuador’s Sebastian Mora collected the second highest votes to earn silver, while Jegouzo got the bronze medal. Cabungcal also snagged the silver medal in the national costume competition, with Bharambe topping the contest. Mora and Singapore’s Joyner Samson tied for third place. Jegouzo collected the gold medal in the “Best in Arrival Costume” category, with De Souza and Rostislav Prochazka from the Czech Republic getting silver and bronze, respectively. Cabungcal will try to score the Philippines’ first victory in the Manila-based tilt. The highest placement for a Filipino contender was the first runner-up finish posted by Clint Karklins Peralta in 2018. The 2024 Man of the World pageant will hold its coronation show at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater at Circuit Makati on Friday, July 26. Twenty-three delegates are competing this year. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our entertainment news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://entertainment.inquirer.net/567593/philippine-bet-earns-medals-in-man-of-the-world-2024-events?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0ov9LxUPO-OO1AWya5dJnWzq5s416yQXzaw1HRoZOnQRvCgqJfM1XJxjM_aem_ZqP5WlMzlyg9oq0QMUFhlA
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Officials expect Marcos to tackle key issues in 3rd Sona
Luisa Cabato
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:10:12 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrives at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22, 2024. —Screenshot from an RTVM livestream MANILA, Philippines — Key government officials believe President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. should report on key sectors of the country such as infrastructure, education, and agriculture in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday afternoon. In an interview on the red carpet at the Batasang Pambansa, where the Sona will be held, Sen. Loren Legarda said the Marcos administration had already done a lot in the past two years. READ: Live Updates: Sona 2024 But she said she would want to hear Marcos discuss reforms in agriculture and education in his speech. “We want to see how the inflation can be curbed so commodity prices can be managed. Second, we want to see support for agriculture so that we no longer import food, especially rice. Third, we want to see how we can strengthen support for the youth through quality education,” Legarda told reporters in Filipinos. Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. said in Filipino: “We expect more [to hear about] other infrastructure projects will he do, [how he will] alleviate our traffic problem, [how he will tackle] peace and order and the fight against drugs.) Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said she would want to hear Marcos talk about climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction. Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said she was hopeful that things would get better for the country in the coming years. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Boss Toyo attends Marcos’ 3rd Sona
Luisa Cabato
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:22:09 PST
Online personality “Boss Toyo” arrives at the Batasang Pambansa ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Courtesy of Luisa Cabato) Online personality “Boss Toyo” arrives at the Batasang Pambansa ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Courtesy of Luisa Cabato) MANILA, Philippines — Content creator Boss Toyo graced the red carpet at the Batasang Pambansa ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. The online personality was seen wearing an embroidered Barong Tagalog. Boss Toyo, or Jayson Luzadas in real life, is known for his online show “Pinoy Pawnstars.” He buys collectibles and memorabilia items from celebrities. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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VP Duterte won’t be watching Marcos’ 3rd Sona – OVP
Zacarian Sarao
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:53:22 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official Facebook apge of Inday Sara Duterte MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte won’t be watching President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at all, said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Monday. According to the OVP, Marcos is currently in Bohol to empathize with residents after the death of Vice Governor Dionisio Balit on Wednesday, July 17, at the age of 52. “The Vice President will not watch the Sona on TV or gadgets,” the OVP announced in a statement. “She is currently in Bohol to empathize with the Boholanos for the death of their Vice Governor, as well as to uplift the general mood of the people brought about by the suspension of their duly-elected local officials,” it added. Furthermore, the OVP said Duterte’s presence in Bohol also coincides with the province’s celebration of Bohol Day. Duterte earlier said that she would be watching the President’s Sona in Manila, after announcing that she won’t be attending Marcos’ third Sona. The Vice President then appointed herself as the “designated survivor,” a term that refers to an official, in the presidential line of succession, intentionally kept away from gatherings to ensure a replacement for the President in the event of a mass casualty incident. While Duterte’s comment drew the ire of some lawmakers and the public alike, she defended it and accused critics of “missing the point.” READ: VP Duterte on her ‘designated survivor’ remark: ‘Not a joke’ She, however, refused to explain further what she meant by the “designated survivor” tag. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963746/vp-duterte-wont-be-watching-marcos-3rd-sona-ovp?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1JJElv6Hah-H7zE3PrRXILK7fbvssYopcEJTIePbuONnA0EQcjH7oaREc_aem_OMZPfwUWFSupmoG_3b3u8A
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Ilocos Norte braces for tropical storm Carina
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:26:26 PST
COASTAL MONITORING. Personnel of Laoag City Police Station conduct coastal monitoring on July 22, 2024. Fishers are advised not to risk their lives during the typhoon. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Laoag City’s Police Station COASTAL MONITORING. Personnel of Laoag City Police Station conduct coastal monitoring on July 22, 2024. Fishers are advised not to risk their lives during the typhoon. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Laoag City’s Police Station LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte residents have been bracing all day for the effects of Tropical Storm ‘Carina’ (Gaemi) as the weather disturbance continues to bring light to moderate rains in this part of Luzon. Marcell Tabije, Ilocos Norte local disaster risk reduction and management officer, on Monday, urged residents living in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and prepare for the bad weather. “Let us make sure that we have mechanisms in place just in case the weather situation will escalate. We need to be prepared for any eventuality,” he said. Tabije also reminded local governments to implement provincial government typhoon-related measures such as activation of all Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee and enjoining all residents to participate in community flood mitigation activities; assigning of Barangay Health Workers to regularly monitor the health condition of vulnerable groups; ensuring the functionality of equipment such as dump trucks, rubber boats, and ambulances; activating local rescue teams and other emergency resources for immediate deployment; and facilitate the preparation and regular submission of timely and accurate situation report, among others. In a flood advisory issued on Monday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that people living on mountain slopes and in the low-lying areas of rivers and tributaries of Bulu, Banban, Bacarra, Vintar, Laoag, and Quiaoit in Ilocos Norte as well as in lower Abra, Silay-Sta. Maria, Buaya, and Amburayan are likely to be affected by 12-hour moderate to heavy rains. “Please exercise caution and evacuate immediately if threatened,” Tabije said. Due to heavy rains, a rockslide was reported along the Nueva Era-Pinili Road on Monday while the Pancian, Pagudpud road has been on and off to traffic due to road clearing operations. Rochelle Gajes, Ilocos Norte Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) officer-in-charge, told the Philippine News Agency that around 7,000 food packs had been prepositioned at satellite warehouses of the PSWDO in the towns of Solsona, Pasuquin, Banna, and Pagudpud. These include non-food items such as blankets, towels, sleepers, coffee mugs, and clothes. Evacuation centers are also equipped with adequate supplies and facilities. To beef up the disaster preparedness of the province, the provincial government on Friday received at least four rigid hull inflatable boats with outboard motor trailers from the Office of the Civil Defense in Region 1. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Ilocos Norte also has a new boom/man lift truck and 4×4 rescue vehicles ready for dispatch. (PNA) Support Typhoon Carina Victims The Inquirer is extending its relief and fund drive to help families affected by Typhoon Carina. Donate to Inquirer Foundation Corp. at BDO Current Account No: 007960018860. For inquiries, email [email protected]. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Marcos arrives at Batasang Pambansa for his 3rd Sona
Zacarian Sarao
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:34:19 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (Sona). Despite the rainy weather, Marcos arrived by presidential chopper at 3:33 p.m. Marcos was welcomed with military honors and was greeted by the country’s highest government officials, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis Escudero. The President was donning a barong made by artisans from Lucban, Quezon, Taal, Batangas, and Aklan. READ: LOOK: Marcos readies for his 3rd Sona While no information has been released yet regarding the exact content of his speech, the President on Friday said there was “a lot he wanted to talk about.” This year’s Sona will be directed by state-owned Radio Television Malacañang. The budget is P20 million. World Championships of Performing Arts 2024 Gold Medalist Blessie Abagat will sing the national anthem for the Sona. The House of Representatives, meanwhile, has banned Sona outfits with derogatory words or political messages. READ: What happens on Sona Day besides the President’s speech? Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Iloilo City conducts preemptive evacuation in coastal barangays
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:19:56 PST
EVACUATION. Strong winds and waves destroy houses in coastal barangays in Iloilo City on Sunday (July 21, 2024). The city government has ordered the preemptive evacuation of families living in high-risk areas. (Photo courtesy of CDRRMO) EVACUATION. Strong winds and waves destroy houses in coastal barangays in Iloilo City on Sunday (July 21, 2024). The city government has ordered the preemptive evacuation of families living in high-risk areas. (Photo courtesy of CDRRMO) ILOILO CITY — The city government here has enforced preemptive evacuation of communities residing in high risk and those with high exposure to the impact of Tropical Storm Carina. “During our inspection yesterday, we are expecting more than a thousand houses that will be possibly affected once the northeast monsoon and the peak of the high tide will meet,” Darwin Joemil Papa, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer IV, said in a press conference on Monday. READ: Carina to intensify into typhoon within 12 hours – Pagasa Executive Order No.107 signed by Mayor Jerry Treñas on Sunday evening identified communities in barangays Boulevard, San Juan, and Calumpang in Molo district; Sto. Niño Norte, Sto. Niño Sur and Calaparan in Arevalo; and Ortiz, General Hughes, Maria Clara, and Rizal Ibarra in City Proper, for the preemptive evacuation. Data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) showed that as of 9:45 a.m. Monday, at least 15 houses were destroyed by strong winds and 16 others were partially damaged, displacing 38 families of 138 individuals. The most affected families came from Barangay Boulevard, where 90 individuals were evacuated at the Baluarte Elementary School. Twelve individuals from Barangay Ortiz and one in Sto. Niño Norte were catered to in their respective barangay halls. CSDWO head Teresa Gelogo said they have provided food commodities and non-food items to families in evacuation centers. The community kitchen was also activated. Further, they are preparing the documents to extend financial assistance of P10,000 to families with destroyed houses and P7,000 for partially damaged homes. (PNA) Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Angara: No plans to change ‘Matatag’ curriculum
Dianne Sampang
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:24:57 PST
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara said on Monday that he has no plans to change the “Matatag” curriculum to achieve stability in the schools’ lesson plans. “Gusto talaga natin na may curriculum stability tayo, that’s why sabi nila bagong secretary, bagong curriculum. Ako wala akong balak magbago ng curriculum,” Angara said in an ambush interview. (We want to have curriculum stability, that’s why they said that new secretary, new curriculum. I don’t have plans to change the curriculum.) The Matatag curriculum, which was crafted during the stint of Vice President and former DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, aims to “produce competent, job-ready, active, responsible and patriotic citizens.” READ: DepEd starts training teachers on ‘Matatag’ curriculum Originally from seven subjects, the curriculum focuses on five core subjects for students from Kindergarten to Grade 10, namely: language, reading and literacy, mathematics, makabansa, and good manners and right conduct. The first phase of the curriculum is set to pilot for the school year 2024-2025 for Kinder 1, Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 7. Angara mentioned that the second phase will push through for Grades 2, 5, and 8 in the school year 2025-2026. READ: ‘Matatag’ curriculum is Marcos’ legacy in basic education, says VP Sara Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Glitz and wits at Senate: ‘Next year ibang Binay na rarampa dito’
Maila Ager
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:36:19 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Senator Nancy Binay walks on the red carpet at the Senate on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines — Not just the fashion, but the witty remarks of some senators added color to an otherwise regular opening of session in the Senate. All 23 senators were present when the Senate opened on Monday, July 22, its third and final session of the 19th Congress. But before attending the session at 10 a.m., the senators walked the red carpet and posed for the camera. Strutting a Randy Ortiz gown, Sen. Nancy Binay quipped about having another Binay to walk the Senate red carpet next year. “Uy next year ibang Binay na rarampa dito,” Binay told reporters while showing off her dress. She was accompanied by her husband, Pepito Angeles. (Next year, a different Binay will walk the ramp here.) READ: IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The ladies to watch out for at Sona 2024 It was just last week when Binay reportedly said she would campaign for her sister, incumbent Makati Mayor Abby Binay, in case the local chief executive decides to run for senator in May 2025. Senator Grace Poe and her husband Neil Llamanzares pose for a photo on the Senate red carpet on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER FILES Before leaving the red carpet, Sen. Binay asked the media in jest: “Nakuha ninyo ba ‘yung mga tanong (Did you get the questions)?” – an apparent reference to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s previous allegations that she was feeding  questions to the media regarding the controversial New Senate Building (NSB) in Taguig City. On July 3, Cayetano and Binay engaged in a heated debate when the Senate committee on accounts headed by Cayetano started its review of the funding for the construction of NSB. READ: ‘Nabuang ka na ‘day’: Heated debate, walkout mar Senate building inquiry Back at the Senate red carpet, 12 of 23 senators went solo on the trail. “Yung asawa ko kasi ayaw ma-involve sa pulitika,” Senator  Robin Padilla explained when the media asked about his wife, actress-host Mariel Rodriguez. (My wife doesn’t want to get involve in politics.) Senator Juan Miguel  Zubiri poses briefly for a photo on the Senate red carpet on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER FILES Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Juan Miguel  Zubiri,  Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, Imee Marcos, Christopher “Bong” Go, Cynthia Villar, and Francis Tolentino also walked the red carpet unaccompanied. Other legislators who came with their spouses or partners were: Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero,  Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Senators Grace Poe, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa,  Raffy Tulfo, Mark Villar, Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, Binay and Cayetano. Senator Lito Lapid, meanwhile, came with his son, Mark. “Pasensya na kayo medyo luma ang barong ko,” Lapid told the media. (Sorry, my barong is a bit old.) “Halata bang luma na?” Pimentel also said. (Is my barong obviously old?) Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Zubiri explained the absence of his wife, Aubrey, noting that she could not accompany him because she was not feeling well. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Albay suspends outdoor, water activities due to heavy rains
Ma. April Mier-Manjares
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:35:43 PST
INQUIRER FILES INQUIRER FILES LEGAZPI CITY — Albay Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman on Monday suspended all outdoor and water activities due to heavy rains and the effects of the southwest monsoon in the province. In an advisory, Lagman advised the public to avoid crossing the river and low-lying areas due to expected river swelling and flooding. Fishermen using small sea crafts were also asked to avoid venturing into the sea. He said local officials could implement localized evacuations, especially in areas prone to lahar, floods, and landslides. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Southern Luzon issued a yellow rainfall warning in Albay around 11 a.m., which means heavy rains could trigger flooding in low-lying areas. Pagasa said moderate rains were also expected in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Marinduque in the next few hours. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Diesel, kerosene prices down; gasoline up
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:37:05 PST
Fuel pumps. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO Fuel pumps. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA – Oil firms announced mixed price adjustments starting Tuesday morning. In separate advisories, Caltex, Cleanfuel, Petro Gazz, Seaoil, and Shell said they would increase gasoline prices by 10 centavos per liter while decreasing diesel prices by 40 centavos per liter. READ: Gas prices to rise again this week, but diesel to go down Caltex, Seaoil, and Shell will also slash kerosene prices by 70 centavos per liter. Last week, oil companies implemented price rollback of as much as P1.15 per liter for kerosene products. Department of Energy data showed that since the start of the year, gasoline prices had a net increase of P10.25 per liter for gasoline, P8.15 per liter for diesel, and P1.20 per liter for kerosene. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Angara suspends DepEd teachers’ performance review
Dianne Sampang
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:28:06 PST
| PHOTOS: Official Facebook page of DepEd and Senate PRIB | PHOTOS: Official Facebook page of DepEd and Senate PRIB MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday said he ordered the suspension of the Results-based Performance Monitoring System (RBPMS) for public school teachers for at least a month amid concerns raised by educators. “Well we’ve issued one already, or we’ll issue today. Ito ‘yong suspension ng RPMS, ‘yan ‘yong teacher’s reports, ito ‘yong nire-review nila ‘yong performance nitong nakaraang school year,” he said in an ambush interview. (This is the suspension of RBPMS, the teachers’ reports, the review of their performance last school year.) “Ang reklamo ng mga teachers is nagkakasabay siya sa bukasan ng pasukan so ang daming kailangan na documentation etc. tapos kasabay ‘yung Brigada Eskwela,” he said. (Teachers complain that the submission of many documents coincides with the opening of classes and Brigada Eskwela.) Last June, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 61, suspending the RBPMS and the Performance-Based Incentive System to streamline, overhaul, improve, and simplify the government performance management and incentives systems. READ: Teachers protest DepEd’s implementation of suspended RBPMS On July 10, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers staged a protest to condemn the Department of Education’s implementation of the suspended RBPMS and raised concerns over the submission of non-mandated documents among teachers. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Marcos thanks Biden for supporting PH after withdrawal from US polls
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:25:30 PST
United States President Joe Biden (right) and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) at the White House on April 11, 2024. Gabriel P. Lalu/ INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO United States President Joe Biden (right) and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) at the White House on April 11, 2024. Gabriel P. Lalu/ INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thanked United States (US) President Joe Biden on Monday for his support to the Philippines in “a delicate and difficult time” after the American leader withdrew from the race for the US presidency. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos hailed Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid, calling it a “demonstration of genuine statesmanship.” “We thank him for his constant and unwavering support for the Philippines in a delicate and difficult time. We wish him well for the rest of his presidency and for all his future endeavors,” the President said. READ: Biden ends his reelection bid, endorses Kamala Harris Biden withdrew from the US presidential race and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, as the nominee of the Democratic Party. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden said in a statement posted on X. READ: Kamala Harris, trailblazer eying America’s last glass ceiling Biden offered his “full support and endorsement” for Harris to replace him as presidential candidate in the November 5 elections. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat [Donald] Trump. Let’s do this,” he added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Senate won’t prioritize divorce, death penalty bills – Escudero
Charie Abarca
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:22:37 PST
Senate President Francis Joseph Escudero answers a query from the members of the media during a press conference on July 19, 2024, in the Senate office in Pasay City. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net Senate President Francis Joseph Escudero answers a query from the members of the media during a press conference on July 19, 2024, in the Senate office in Pasay City. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will not prioritize the divorce and death penalty bills. Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed this after the upper chamber opened the third regular session of the 19th Congress on Monday ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona). “No, it will not, but it does not necessarily mean that it will not be tackled,” Escudero said when asked if the death penalty and divorce bills would be prioritized. He cited his experience when he was the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, recalling that even though he disagreed with the controversial Reserve Officers’ Training Corps bill, he still assigned it to another senator. “All 23 of us now have their own respective principles and beliefs and will vote according to what they believe is right — regardless of the branding media or anyone else would like to make,” he added. The House of Representatives approved the divorce bill before adjourning its second regular session last May 22. Initially, the lower chamber’s records indicated that 126 lawmakers voted in favor of the divorce bill. A day after the measure was greenlighted, the House said the number of affirmative votes was 131. Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada conducted a survey that showed a tight fight for and against the divorce bill in the upper chamber. READ: Estrada’s survey shows tight tally on divorce bill at Senate A quick look on the Senate website would also show that all bills on the death penalty for large-scale illegal drug trafficking are still pending at the committee level. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Romualdez tells House: Don’t be complacent, Filipinos deserve more
Gabriel Pabico Lalu
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:44:56 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urges his fellow lawmakers to avoid complacency as Filipinos deserve much more from the government. Romualdez made this appeal at the opening of the third and final session of the House of Representatives under the 19th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22, 2024. SCREENSHOT FROM RTVM/LIVE MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged his fellow lawmakers to avoid complacency, as Filipinos deserve much more from the government. Romualdez appealed for more work from legislators at the opening of the third and final session of the House of Representatives under the 19th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22. In his speech, the House’s top leader touted the accomplishments of the lower chamber under his leadership. He also reminded legislators that the House still needs to approve crucial bills such as the proposed 2025 national budget and other priority measures of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), which is chaired by his cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Today, I emphasize our commitment to pass the remaining priority bills before the end of the third regular session […] For this purpose, I expect no less than your usual cooperation and swift action,” Romualdez said. READ: Sona 2024: House opens 19th Congress’ final regular session “Rest not on our laurels, my dear colleagues.  Our goal is to conclude the nineteenth Congress by upholding the principles of democracy, ushering in prosperity, and guiding a fair society.  Let us give the Filipino people what they deserve, and they deserve more,” he added. According to Romualdez, the House was able to approve on the third and final reading the bills mentioned by President Marcos Jr. in his 2023 State of the Nation Address, including these five enacted proposals: However, Romualdez said work continues as three more Ledac-priority bills are pending. These are: READ: House assures to pass 3 remaining Ledac bills before 19th Congress ends “We have done our homework. We addressed concerns on food security, climate change, social protection, tourism, public health, public order and safety, among others.  Our accomplishments reflect our proactive stance in catering to the needs of the people by passing these much-needed legislation that are attuned to the Philippine development plan and the eight-point socio-economic agenda,” Romualdez said. “We have to continue building roads, highways, ports, school buildings, and climate change-proof structures to maintain and expand economic growth. Progress has to reach the remotest communities […] Tulad ng ginawa natin noong first at second regular session, ibu-buhos natin ang lahat ng lakas at panahon para maipasa ang mga batas na kailangan ng bansa,” he added. (Like what we did during the first and second regular sessions, we would pour our best efforts and strength into passing the bills that the country needs.) Romualdez previously said the House will prioritize approving the 2024 national budget. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The House opened its third and final regular session at 10:00 a.m. on Monday with a quorum of 262 lawmakers in attendance Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Senate focuses on easing burden of overworked, underpaid Filipinos
Maila Ager
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:10:47 PST
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will now place Charter change on the “backburner” to focus on more important laws that would ease the burden of overworked and underpaid Filipinos, according to its new chief. In his speech at the opening of the third and final session of the 19th Congress, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the upper chamber would set aside issues that would only “dissipate” its energy and divide the public. READ: ‘Charter change not in Senate priorities’ “For this same reason, pending bills on Charter change will be placed in the backburner, and will follow the ordinary and regular process of legislation, if at all,” he said. “In its stead, bills which can effect the same result— but without the needless political noise and bickering — will be prioritized. This will allow us to focus our energy on measures [that] the people truly need,” he added. READ: 87% of Filipinos report work-related Mental Health issues In particular, the Senate chief wants Congress to pass laws that would make life easier for the people. “Our people are overworked, underpaid, and overburdened. A comfortable life has eluded them for generations,” Escudero lamented. “I say that it is time to reframe our work — and pivot to laws that make life easier for our people,” he then said. Although Congress has already passed a “raft of laws that ease the burden on big business,” Escudero questioned the absence of legislation that helps other sectors. “Bakit walang (Why is there no) ease of commuting and connecting? Ease of finishing school and finding work? Ease of healthcare for the sick? Ease of acquiring justice? Ease of growing food and feeding our families?” he asked. “Let us do the heavy work, and make hard decisions, to unburden the nation and uplift every Filipino. This is our unchanging mandate,” the Senate leader said. READ: Philippines is among world’s worst countries for workers again Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. But crafting laws is not the only duty of the Senate; it also has the duty to right wrong policies, according to Escudero. “To this end, irregularities will be probed. Relief will be provided, and justice will be pursued without letup,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963654/senate-shifts-focus-on-easing-burden-of-overworked-underpaid-filipinos?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2RNT0NVEqBgWlApTH9iauuZX1c2Hg51rMhf_bpSbGP9kWr0qeoBKYIUkM_aem_8_z--je660QryhH-6D6M2A
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WATCH: Senate opens 3rd regular session of 19th Congress
INQUIRER.net
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:41:20 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 The third regular session of the 19th Congress officially opens Monday, July 22, 2024, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero banged the gavel a few minutes past 10 a.m., ceremoniously marking the opening of the session. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963621/watch-senate-opens-3rd-regular-session-of-19th-congress?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR35nJwjURd_3aMenzPedKwHcrZC86FENonhIR20c3Z3u5TNhG1panfJYFA_aem_54lLMrREoj5WtZBU5U6yXA
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WATCH: House opens 19th Congress’ final regular session
INQUIRER.net
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:30:30 PST
The House of Representatives opened its third and final regular session on Monday ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona). The House’s session started at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned after it sent and received invitations for a joint session during Marcos’ third Sona. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
Inquirer
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2 men drown in Cavite after drinking spree
Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:20:17 PST
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO LUCENA CITY — Two picnickers drowned on Sunday, July 21, after big waves swept them away while they swam in the waters off Tanza town in Cavite province. The Region 4A police reported on Monday that Danilo Barquio, 50; Henry Barquio, 55; and Jemboy Perez, 25, went for a swim after a drinking spree in a beach resort in Barangay Capipisa around 9:30 a.m. While swimming, the three, all residents of Muntinlupa City, were swept away by strong currents and dragged to the deeper portion of the sea. READ: Man drowns in Cavite during grandchild’s birthday party They were rescued and rushed to a hospital. Danilo and Henry were declared dead on arrival. Perez remained confined for further treatment. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963610/2-men-drown-in-cavite-after-drinking-spree?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2v82NdJNfjnfJZd3feB4JHDg_5qMy8B3dFfxquaaixWNeQP9artc7Ozbc_aem_nVv8sKF1f_o8Z7XuoJEyQA
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LIST: Water interruptions in NCR, Cavite areas from August 5 to 6
Dianne Sampang
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:10:40 PST
MANILA, Philippines — Maynilad Water Services Inc. announced on Monday that some areas in Muntinlupa, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Imus and Bacoor in Cavite will have scheduled water service interruptions for a specific number of times beginning August 5 until August 6. In its advisory, the West Zone concessionaire said this was “to allow for the insertion of a valve at the main discharge line of the Putatan Pumping Station, among other maintenance activities.” The following areas will be affected by the water service interruption: Las Piñas From August 5, 4 a.m. to August 6, 6 a.m. From August 5, 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. From August 5, 12:01 a.m. to August 6, 6 a.m. From August 5, 12:01 a.m. to August 6, 5 a.m. Muntinlupa City From August 5, 12:01 a.m. to August 6, 11 a.m. From August 5, 12:01 a.m. to August 6, 6 a.m. Parañaque City From August 5, 12:01 a.m. to August 6, 11 a.m. From August 5, 2 p.m. to August 6, 6 a.m. Pasay City From August 5, 2 p.m. to August 6, 6 a.m. Bacoor City From August 5, 4 a.m. to August 6, 6 a.m. Imus City From August 5, 4 a.m. to August 6, 6 a.m. “Affected consumers are advised to store enough water when supply is available. Upon resumption of the water service, please let the water flow out briefly until it clears,” the advisory said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. READ: Water service interruptions set in NCR, Rizal from July 18-24 Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963611/list-water-interruptions-in-ncr-cavite-areas-from-august-5-to-6?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0g_FhgxOwFfxLFxFjLegGwnpZd78hivA-lSMNIgNX00h7xD8Ae2hfMpvg_aem_ByG1bfu6chbJc9iJUWPLcg
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Carina to intensify into typhoon within 12 hours – Pagasa
John Eric Mendoza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:58:09 PST
Track of Tropical Storm Carina, which “is forecast to reach typhoon category within 12 hours” or by Monday night, July 22, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa). Photo from PAGASA/Facebook Track of Tropical Storm Carina, which “is forecast to reach typhoon category within 12 hours” or by Monday night, July 22, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa). Photo from PAGASA/Facebook MANILA, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Carina is seen to strengthen into a typhoon by Monday night, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) said. Based on the state weather agency’s 11 a.m. weather bulletin, Carina’s center was last spotted 340 kilometers east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. “It is forecast to reach typhoon category within 12 hours,” Pagasa said. READ: Carina now a severe tropical storm; Signal No. 1 up in Northeast Cagayan However, the state meteorologist noted Carina will remain far from the country’s landmass and leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Wednesday evening or Thursday early morning. READ: Parts of Cagayan, Isabela under Signal No. 1 due to Carina Pagasa also sustained Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over 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 Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may experience 39 to 61 kph wind speeds that pose minimal to minor threats to life and property, according to Pagasa. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Support Typhoon Carina Victims The Inquirer is extending its relief and fund drive to help families affected by Typhoon Carina. Donate to Inquirer Foundation Corp. at BDO Current Account No: 007960018860. For inquiries, email [email protected]. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Escudero: Senate ‘unanimous, unbending’ in defending West Philippine Sea
Maila Ager
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:00:26 PST
FILE PHOTO: Sente President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. SENATE SMU FILE PHOTO: Sente President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. SENATE SMU MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday  declared the Senate’s  “unanimous and unbending” stand in defending the country’s independence  and sovereignty in the face of rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. In his speech at the opening of the third and final regular session of the 19th Congress,  Escudero initially talked about the independence of the Senate, which he said  is “self-evident. “Daily, our independence is livestreamed and blasted to all media platforms, where you see senators who can only be won over to a cause if you debate them, and not dictate upon them,” he said. READ: PH-China agreement reached on Ayungin “It conveys one unchanging truth: that senators are subjects of the people, and subsidiary of no other branch, party, person, or interest,” the Senate leader said. This is the same  independence, which he said Filipinos desire for the country. “Make no mistake about it, this Senate is unanimous and unbending in defending our country’s independence and sovereignty,” Escudero said. READ: West Philippine Sea: DFA disputes China’s claims on Ayungin resupply deal “Tayo’y makikipag-kaibigan pero hindi tayo pasisiil. Tayo’y makikipag usap, pero hindi tayo magpapa-api,” he stressed. To strengthen the  country’s territorial  claims, Escudero said the Senate will prioritize the  passage of  laws  such as the Maritime Zone and Sea Lanes Act. The measure has already passed the bicameral conference committee and is now pending signature by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Escudero also underscored the importance of strengthening the military to secure peace, not to provoke conflict. “We will strengthen our military, not to ignite any conflict, but in order to secure our peace,” he said. “We will take peaceful measures to defend our people’s right to sail in our seas and fish in our waters— as what our ancestors had done, and what our children and our grandchildren shall do.” “Indeed, we must work towards bridging these troubled waters,” he further said. Escudero expressed confidence that the country could overcome whatever disagreements it may have with other countries, given its “centuries-old amicable relations with them.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. It was the first  time that Escudero presided over the opening of session in Congress since he assumed the Senate presidency last May 20 after  ousting  then Senate President  Juan Miguel Zubiri. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
Inquirer
https://www.inquirer.net/409421/escudero-senate-is-unanimous-unbending-in-defending-west-philippine-sea/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0n5IF3MnHUFzBnoQ9e82DpfVV9fvQxsI-UeDRbhKnanGnEPLAI6REe3Js_aem_iOVPewEh3x94BW1_0ysGiw
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Sona 2024: QC suspends private schools classes on Monday
Dianne Sampang
Sat, 20 Jul 2024 17:04:21 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 MANILA, Philippines — Classes in all levels in Quezon City private schools are suspended on Monday as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasang Pambansa, the city government announced on Saturday. “Layon nitong hikayatin ang lahat na makinig sa State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at maiwasang maipit ang publiko sa trapiko,” the city government said. (This is to encourage everyone to listen to the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to keep the public away from traffic congestion.) ‘Brigada Eskwela’ in public schools are also suspended on Monday. The Philippine National Police will likewise enforce a gun ban in Metro Manila starting on 12:01 a.m. on July 20 (Saturday) until 12:01 a.m. on July 23 (Tuesday). Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1962978/qc-suspends-classes-in-all-levels-on-monday?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR33xo_MEgi5iW59L4dgUMczZFCSq4z2ezU9wl7_k3O-frYigmN0gjd45DI_aem_h_dQRYrrwWMvXSUZ391Fcg#ixzz8ggHcz0va
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Amendment to Iloilo City animal welfare ordinance pushed
Ruchelle Denice Demaisip @inquirervisayas
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:43:41 PST
INQUIRER FILES INQUIRER FILES ILOILO CITY — An animal rights advocate is seeking an amendment to the recently approved animal welfare ordinance by the local council in this city by issuing citations or fines to negligent pet owners instead of impounding stray or loose animals. Norman Marquez, founder of the League of Animal Welfare Organizations of the Philippines (LAW Org Ph), Marquez wants the “no impounding citation system (NICS)”  to be integrated into the ordinance. He emphasized that this approach would enhance responsible pet ownership and community involvement while avoiding euthanasia as a population control method. “The system intends to eliminate the necessity for pounds to take custody of pets, thus eradicating the risk of publicly-deplored euthanasia to impounded animals, regardless of age and health conditions,” Marquez said. The ordinance, initiated by the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCV), includes several measures to improve animal welfare. READ: Iloilo mayor orders probe of ‘mercy killing’ of stray dogs These measures involve regulating the keeping of domestic animals, rescuing and rehabilitating stray animals, establishing disease investigation and surveillance systems, and conducting free spay and neuter programs. The ordinance also designates October each year as “Animal Welfare Month” in Iloilo City to raise awareness and promote animal welfare initiatives. Despite the enactment of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, cases of animal cruelty, exploitation, and neglect continue to plague Iloilo City. The new ordinance seeks to address these issues with more comprehensive and robust animal welfare measures. It explicitly prohibits the torture, maltreatment, or neglect of animals, with violators facing penalties under the Animal Welfare Act. The Iloilo City Pound and Animal Shelter, managed by the OCV, plays a crucial role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for stray animals. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. This comprehensive approach aims to raise the standard of animal welfare and ensure the well-being of pets and stray animals in Iloilo City. Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963596/amendment-to-iloilo-city-animal-welfare-ordinance-pushed?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1xh1AV1NOc4EPCKoIXrVB6KYY2Ak6QaSxKlweqHd-OUVQ7GJ78VWtgTU8_aem_cPEZFuFS9D37Artg3XAllw
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Negros power distributor to grant amnesty to illegal connectors
Carla P. Gomez @carlagomezINQ
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:35:41 PST
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO BACOLOD CITY — A power firm will grant amnesty to more than 6,000 persons in Central Negros with illegal electricity connections. Roel Castro, president, and chief executive officer of the Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC), said it would set a one-month amnesty period where all those with illegal power connections could come forward and avail themselves of legal connections once the company takes over the distribution services of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco). “There will be no back billing and penalties for those who come forward,” said Castro at an NEPC Power 101 and Rate Setting seminar for the media in Bacolod City on July 18. “The drive is to make them legal and regular,” he added. However, if they fail to avail themselves of the amnesty offer within the allotted time, Castro said NEPC would go after them for their illegal connections. NEPC has 30,000 new meters available for additional power consumers. READ: Negros power watch group joins calls to revoke NGCP franchise Castro said NEPC is ready to take over the power distribution services of Ceneco in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Silay, and Talisay, and the towns of Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia by August 1 if it gets its franchise. A bill granting NEPC a franchise to operate in Central Negros is pending at the Office of the President. Castro said if not signed or vetoed by the president, it would lapse into law by the last week of July. NEPC has also applied for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Energy Regulation Commission, which can only be granted when the franchise becomes law. Castro assured the public that there would be no long-scheduled power outages when NEPC takes over. “NEPC for about a month has already been conducting joint rehabilitation work on CENECO’s distribution lines,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. NEPC will have a five-year development plan for its power distribution services in Central Negros. Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963568/negros-power-distributor-to-grant-amnesty-to-illegal-connectors?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3lesqNUKF7-NMsq7OWlTK2jSm8NSPnLYsLl04O3b3ovWPP1TnO9Ie_wis_aem_iNCaGslle2mnWHXjdNB5lQ
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West Philippine Sea: DFA disputes China’s claims on Ayungin resupply deal
Zacarian Sarao
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:32:53 PST
This file photo taken on April 23, 2023 shows the grounded Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre, where marines are stationed to assert Manila’s territorial claims at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Manila’s resupply missions to troops on a disputed South China Sea atoll will remain purely Philippine operations, the National Security Council said July 21, 2024, after Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse This file photo taken on April 23, 2023 shows the grounded Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre, where marines are stationed to assert Manila’s territorial claims at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Manila’s resupply missions to troops on a disputed South China Sea atoll will remain purely Philippine operations, the National Security Council said July 21, 2024, after Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday disputed its Chinese counterpart’s claim that the Philippines agreed to prior notification and on-site confirmation for their agreed “temporary arrangement” for the rotation and resupply (Rore) missions of daily necessities to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. In a statement, the DFA labeled Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian’s pronouncement as “inaccurate.” “The principles and approaches laid out in the agreement were reached through a series of careful and meticulous consultations between both sides that paved the way for a convergence of ideas without compromising national positions,” the DFA said. “The spokesperson’s statement regarding prior notification and on-site confirmation is therefore inaccurate,” it added. READ: PH-China agreement reached on Ayungin Lin earlier stated that China had agreed to allow the Philippines to conduct its Rore missions, provided the Philippines informs them “in advance and after on-site verification is conducted.” He also added that China will monitor the entire resupply process, and even threatened to “resolutely stop” such missions if it included “large amount[s] of construction materials to the warship and attempt to build fixed facilities or permanent outpost[s].” He then accused the Philippines of violating China’s sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, especially Article 5, which says the parties should refrain from action of inhabiting the uninhabited islands and reefs. READ: West PH Sea: No Ayungin resupply since violent June 17 encounter “We continue to demand that the Philippines tow away the warship and restore Ren’ai Jiao’s state of hosting no personnel or facilities,” he said. But the DFA insisted that the agreement “was concluded with the clear understanding by both sides that it will not prejudice our respective national positions.” It maintained that the Philippines would continue to assert its rights and jurisdiction in its maritime zones, including Ayungin Shoal, which is well within the country’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Despite the disagreement, both sides reiterated that they agreed to jointly manage maritime differences in an effort to de-escalate tensions between the two countries. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “We emphasize that the agreement was done in good faith and the Philippines remains ready to implement it. We urge China to do the same,” the DFA said. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
Inquirer
https://www.inquirer.net/409413/west-philippine-sea-dfa-disputes-chinas-claims-on-ayungin-resupply-deal/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3FVzYWy0SDRqkeiRoZdbIV7ItQRsMSaZXw52npo2JDkUNdgCVo0w6DeKc_aem_gUeskS77KT8I0AHitjmcLw
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Sona 2024: Police to enforce law on effigy burning but no arrests so far
John Eric Mendoza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:28:43 PST
Protestors burn the effigy depicting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on their podiums, while also behind them were the faces of American President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, respectively. INQUIRER.net/Faith Argosino Protestors burn the effigy depicting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on their podiums, while also behind them were the faces of American President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, respectively. INQUIRER.net/Faith Argosino MANILA, Philippines — The police will continue to enforce the law on those involved in the burning of effigies, in light of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s assurance that there will be no arrests over the activity, according to Metro Manila police chief Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Protesters led by the Bagong Alyansa Makabayan concluded its program Monday morning by burning an effigy in front of Diliman Doctors Hospital at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. held his State of the Nation address (Sona). The effigy depicts Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on their podiums, and behind them were the faces of American President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, respectively. According to news reports over the weekend, Belmonte said no one will be arrested over the burning of effigies for Marcos’ Sona. “We will enforce it. What’s important is we documented it, [and] at the same time, we have evidence,” Nartatez told reporters in an ambush interview at Quezon City police district in response to Belmonte’s pronouncement. “We will refer the case, and it will be a test case,” he also said, adding that no arrests have been made so far. When asked to clarify if the “test case” he was alluding to meant that the police would still charge effigy burners, Nartatez did not give a categorical answer, only saying: “We will impose the law.” Belmonte noted that the Public Assembly Act of 1985 stated that only “malicious burning” of any object in the streets is prohibited 100 meters from the area of public assembly. The act defines public assembly as “any rally, demonstration, march, parade, procession or any other form of mass or concerted action held in a public place for the purpose of presenting a lawful cause.” The Quezon City mayor’s remarks were contrary to the previous pronouncement of Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, who said that effigy burning will not be allowed during the Sona. READ: Security preparations for Sona ‘in place’ amid expected protests – PNP In August last year, the Quezon City Police District filed a complaint against Bayan artist Max Santiago and “three John Does” over the burning of an effigy that “greatly caused air pollution.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. A Quezon City prosecutor dismissed the case against them in January. Subscribe to our daily newsletter 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/1963530/sona-2024-police-to-enforce-law-on-effigy-burning-but-no-arrests-so-far?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0dA3wuAWpGoQHXH2RH3wpY_Ujo5uWRYBbRUjCtnGeVBRT-uCtglJFGu2g_aem__9sXRf7Qb18PZsUjx6ajUQ
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Taal Volcano logs 3 earthquakes, 1 tremor in 24 hours
Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:15:33 PST
CALMNESS This view of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay City on Jan. 4 is one of serenity despite the high volume of sulfur dioxide emission recorded in previous weeks. —TAGAYTAY CITY TOURISM OFFICE PHOTO CALMNESS This view of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay City on Jan. 4 is one of serenity despite the high volume of sulfur dioxide emission recorded in previous weeks. —TAGAYTAY CITY TOURISM OFFICE PHOTO LUCENA CITY — Three volcanic earthquakes in Taal Volcano were detected over the last 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Monday morning, July 22. The earthquakes on Sunday were accompanied by a volcanic tremor that lasted from three to four minutes, Phivolcs said in its bulletin. Volcanic earthquakes come from an active volcano and are distinguished by their “mode of arrivals, periods, amplitudes, etc.,” the state seismologist defined. Volcanic tremors, on the other hand, are “continuous seismic signals with regular or irregular sine wave appearance and low frequencies.” READ: Taal Volcano’s gas emission level drops In its latest update, Phivolcs recorded the emission of 4,950 metric tons (MT) of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from Taal’s main crater, which rose 1,800 meters high before drifting in an east-northeast direction. The Phivolcs reported the absence of “vog,” or volcanic smog, during the latest observation period. Vog is composed of SO2 gas and could irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. People with respiratory conditions and pregnant women are at greater risk. Taal Volcano is still under alert level 1 (low level of volcanic unrest), Phivolcs said. The agency reminded the public that Taal Volcano remained in an “abnormal condition” and “should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.” INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Sea travel suspended for small vessels in north Quezon
Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:57:49 PST
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO LUCENA CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel on Monday, July 22, for small vessels in the northern part of Quezon province due to rough sea conditions. In an advisory, the PCG in northern Quezon cited the 8 a.m. forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that “moderate to rough seas are expected to affect the eastern seaboards of northern Quezon, particularly in Patnanungan and Jomalig islands, due to Severe Tropical Storm Carina and the southwest monsoon.” READ: Storm Carina keeps strength, enhances southwest monsoon This meant that all trips by vessels with a gross tonnage of 250 or less, like motorized passenger or fishing boats in the northern Quezon part of the Pacific Ocean, were suspended. The suspension order would be lifted, and sea travel for small seacraft may be resumed when weather/sea conditions permit, as may be declared by Pagasa, the PCG said. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963526/sea-travel-suspended-for-small-vessels-in-north-quezon?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2uJFWwZ5oTZm8WJP-1z5v3X56mHw6dkv-tiw2kzPFdFrGhYVSwutDvDZ4_aem_fxwFHCx9kh66fAFIoHFz4g
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DOH warns public vs fake hospital chief soliciting donations
INQUIRER.net
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:17:52 PST
The Department of Health warns the public against individuals posing as hospital chiefs asking for donations. INQUIRER.net file photo The Department of Health warns the public against individuals posing as hospital chiefs asking for donations. INQUIRER.net file photo MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against individuals posing as a hospital chief asking for donations. According to the DOH, scammers are impersonating Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMHMC) Medical Center Chief, Dr. Maria Lourdes K. Otayza, using the mobile number (0977) 622 4963. “The DOH clarifies that this mobile number is not, in any way, associated with the MMMHMC Medical Center Chief or her staff,” the health agency said in an advisory. READ: DOH warns against fake health officials soliciting donations The DOH said the public should not entertain calls or texts from the mobile number (0977) 622 4963. It said that any transactions done through the number are illegal. It reminded the public that all information concerning the DOH will only be posted on their official platforms and other legitimate sources. Last July 10, the health department also issued an advisory regarding the requests of Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Directors Lorra Sayson-Garcia and Rodney Carza for donations through mobile phones. — Felice Nafarrete, intern Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963553/doh-warns-public-vs-fake-hospital-chief-soliciting-donations?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2qgyq_LgJgriEMimVmL6I7QUHUiLy2-mMu5pST6JD3rm-Wtv9TnToOhlo_aem_uIm7YZuJNej5ht5xIJk_jA
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AFP hopes Marcos Sona to tout national defense initiatives
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:18:52 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. disembarks from one of the two Israeli-made fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) platforms during the ships’ formal commissioning at the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on May 26. 2023.  (PNA) MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hoped President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would mention efforts to bolster national security and defense efforts in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. “We are anticipating that he will give updates on ongoing initiatives on our current national priorities, and it is reasonable to anticipate many key themes, and we are anticipating that it includes efforts to bolster national security and enhance defense capabilities,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in the vernacular in a radio interview Sunday. Padilla, however, acknowledged the President’s support of the military’s efforts. She added that the AFP also expects the President to mention progress made in the ongoing military modernization program and the military’s shift towards territorial defense operations. Padilla also clarified that this shift was to foil a possible invasion and focus on challenges inside the country. She was referring to the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which calls for the AFP to defend the country’s vast territories from all threats. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963560/afp-hopes-marcos-sona-to-tout-natl-defense-initiatives?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3uSgMHKGCRCla7XC4mKwKhJq3jKmtceueI5ufNZ77exruMJfxuEGH9Zkk_aem_QSc1XIcwCiHLqvxGniN10Q
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PH poverty rate falls to 15.5% in 2023 – PSA
Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo @CatilogoIrish
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 11:10:36 PST
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO Updated on July 23, 2024 at 9:11 a.m. The country’s poverty rate declined to 15.5 percent in 2023 from 18.1 percent in 2021 as the average income of a Filipino increased, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Monday. Preliminary data from the PSA showed that the poor population declined to 17.54 million from 19.99 million in 2023. For the latest survey, the PSA set the annual poverty threshold – or the estimated budget that a family of five would need to meet their basic needs – at P33,296, up from the P28,871 two years ago. This translated to a 15.3 percent increase from 11.8 percent in 2021. READ: SWS: 58 percent of Filipino families rate themselves poor in Q2 survey The average income of a Filipino also went up by 17.9 percent to P85,290 in 2023, this was faster compared to the 15.3 percent poverty threshold recorded a year ago. The statistics agency said that the poverty situation in the country has returned to its pre-pandemic level. “High inflation during the first half of 2023 likely partially offset the positive effects of income growth on poverty reduction. The decline in poverty could have been sharper had inflation been more moderate,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement. This placed the latest data significantly below the Marcos administration’s target poverty incidence of 16 to 16.4 percent as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Meanwhile, 4.84 million Filipinos said their income was not enough to buy basic food needs, lower than the 6.55 million in 2021. This translates to a subsistence incidence of 4.3 percent from 5.9 percent. The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) chief said that average income of the poorest Filipinos also accelerated. “But what is perhaps most encouraging to see is that mean per capita incomes for the poorest Filipinos—those belonging to the bottom deciles—grew quite fast, faster than those in the top decile classes and faster than the rate at which the poverty threshold grew. In other words, economic growth was progressive,” he said. READ: SWS: 46% of Filipino families felt poor in March 2024 Average income of a Filipino from the first (the poorest), second, and third decile classes also recorded significant increases at 25.3 percent, 22.9 percent, and 22.2 percent, respectively. Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp. attributed the poverty reduction from growth seen in employment, government aid programs and stable inflation particularly in food staples. “While this is positive, the unbanked population may not have yet fully benefited. Increased per capita income, possibly due to economic growth or rising wages, is encouraging. This could have implications for the banking sector, potentially prompting a focus on financial inclusion initiatives to bring more Filipinos into the formal financial system,” Roces said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. According to PSA, the release is one year earlier than its scheduled release of two years after the reference year based on Designated Statistics. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Sona 2024: NCRPO says Metro Manila clear of security threats
John Eric Mendoza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:54:21 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Philippine National Police Chief General Rommel Marbil (left) and National Capital Region Police Office chief Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. monitor the traffic situation at the Sona multiagency command center in Camp Karingal, the headquarters of the Quezon City Police District, on Monday, July 22, 2024. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his third State of the Nation Address or Sona at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday afternoon. INQUIRER.net/John Eric Mendoza MANILA, Philippines — Hours ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 22, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. cleared Metro Manila of any security threat. “As of now, we have not monitored any threat that will affect our activity,” Nartatez told reporters in an ambush interview at Camp Karingal, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters. Nartatez and Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Marbil monitored the situation on the ground at the multiagency command center for Sona in Camp Karingal. READ: Live Updates: SONA 2024 The NCRPO has been on full alert since Sunday for the Sona, with the PNP even imposing a gun ban in Metro Manila until Monday midnight. Nartatez also said the total number of police and government security personnel deployed to secure this year’s Sona remains at 23,000. The Philippine President is mandated to deliver the Sona every last Monday of July to report the government’s achievements under his or her administration, unveil its agenda, and ask Congress to pass priority measures. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963494/sona-2024-ncrpo-says-metro-manila-clear-of-security-threats?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1xjOw-LL_sa4Dz28gQYB4-GxHhBa67PV1-dN6yH_K3F9NgYRmytQwB5JQ_aem_JWZBmNQIxAVCQp_ckWhuDw
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Sona 2024: PNP Calabarzon on full alert
Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:26:21 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 INQUIRER FILES LUCENA CITY — The Philippine National Police in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region has been placed under full alert to maintain peace and order during the State of the Nation Address (Sona) today of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The Police Region Office 4A (PRO-4A) – Public Information Office (PIO) said the event was expected to draw various community sectors who would conduct simultaneous protest actions nationwide. To address this, police personnel from PRO 4A have been deployed as additional reinforcement for the event. READ: Marcos ‘fine tuning’ Sona 2024 speech “While we respect the right of our fellow citizens to express themselves, we call on them to conduct it in an orderly and peaceful manner for the safety of everyone—from our protesters to our community to our police force,” Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, PRO-4A police chief, said in a statement. He assured the protesters that the law enforcers would observe and exercise maximum tolerance. “Red teams have been assigned to monitor and supervise police activities in the field,” Lucas emphasized. Lucas said more policemen would be visible on the streets and various places, working alongside other government agencies to ensure public safety during the Sona. “Personnel from the PNP 4A, the Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and other units have been deployed within border control points and strategic security control points across the region to meticulously inspect vehicles entering and leaving the region, ensuring the safety and security of all,” Lucas said. READ: Metro Manila police on full alert for Sona 2024 On Monday afternoon, President Marcos will deliver his third Sona before a joint session of Congress in Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Lucas appealed to those without essential business today to stay home to avoid inconvenience and ensure their safety “as numerous checkpoints will be encountered along national roads.” INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Rodrigo Duterte to skip Marcos Jr.’s Sona again
Charie Abarca
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:32:21 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Former President Rodrigo Duterte will not attend the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22, 2024. (FILE PHOTO FROM BONG GO FACEBOOK PAGE) MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte will not attend the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Sen. Bong Go confirmed this information on Monday, hours before Duterte’s successor delivered his Sona at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. “Nasa Davao eh (He’s in Davao),” Go told reporters in an ambush interview when asked if the former chief executive would attend the event. READ: Live Updates: SONA 2024 In 2023, Duterte also skipped Marcos’ Sona for the same reason. “I’m not sure. I think he came from China. He’s kind of tired. He’s in Davao,” Go told reporters minutes before the Senate opened the second regular session of the 19th Congress last year. READ: A first: Sara to skip Marcos’ Sona, names self ‘designated survivor’ Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, will also miss this year’s Sona of her 2022 running mate. She did not detail why she decided to skip Marcos’ Sona for the first time since they won the national elections. Instead, she boldly announced that she was designating herself as the “designated survivor.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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LIST: Canceled flights for July 22 due to stormy weather
Dianne Sampang
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:57:28 PST
CANCELED FLIGHTS: The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) says some flights were canceled as of 9 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, due to bad weather, INQUIRER FILES CANCELED FLIGHTS: The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) says some flights were canceled as of 9 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, due to bad weather, INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines (Updated)— Some flights were canceled since Monday morning due to inclement weather, the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) announced. Due to “unfavorable weather conditions,” Miaa said in an advisory that the following flights were called off as of 12:45 p.m. on July 22: Philippine Airline (PAL) Express (2P) Cebu Pacific (5J) 5J 506/507 Manila-Tuguegarao-Manila CebGo (DG) READ: Parts of Cagayan, Isabela under Signal No. 1 due to Carina The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s forecast for July 22 indicated that parts of Cagayan and Isabela are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 due to Severe Tropical Storm Carina (international name: Gaemi). The state weather agency also said Carina is expected to reach the typhoon category by early Tuesday morning and “is forecast to steadily intensify over the next four days due to a favorable environment.” Combined movements of Carina and enhanced southwest monsoon are expected to bring rainfall over many parts of the country for the next two to three days. READ: Microsoft outage continues to disrupt, cancels 46 flights in PH Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963500/canceled-flights-for-july-22-due-to-bad-weather?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3N3rT_WTvvdRmoKvp3-YJS3AkjzZyUyeWWD5uA61IVEPoUoObtGpYvpTY_aem_AARag9PtSJ7Q_T6LFKao3A
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Sona 2024: House opens 19th Congress’ final regular session
Gabriel Pabico Lalu
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:06:47 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 House of Representatives. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives opened its third and final regular session on Monday ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona). The House’s session started at 10:00 a.m. with a quorum of 262 lawmakers in attendance. It was adjourned at 11:08 a.m. after the leadership adopted resolutions indicating that the House has entered into its functions and is ready to hear Marcos’ third Sona in a joint session. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez presided over the session. The following resolutions were adopted at the opening of the House session on Monday: The House also received messages from the Senate regarding the presence of a quorum. Additionally, the following lawmakers were named part of a committee tasked to notify the President that Congress is ready to convene for his Sona: Despite completing most of the priority bills set by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), the House resumes its session with several important bills awaiting action. READ: Romualdez: Politics won’t affect House’s work despite 2025 polls Last June 25, Romualdez said they would act on the three remaining Ledac bills that the House has not passed on the third reading. These are: Romualdez also previously said the House will prioritize approving the 2024 national budget. READ: House to pass 3 remaining Ledac bills before 19th Congress ends Earlier Monday, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives released videos of Romualdez saying the lower chamber is 100 percent ready for the Sona this Monday afternoon. President Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his Sona at the Batasang Pambansa. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “We are 100 percent complete. All systems go. We have set [the] grand stage for another historic presidential address. We are ready to hear and appreciate the accomplishments of the Marcos administration,” Romualdez said. “It fills me with immense pride to recognize the significant role that the House of Representatives has played in crafting legislation and policies that promote the welfare of all Filipinos. We are excited for the President’s Sona because we know he has many positive developments to share with the nation,” he added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963461/sona-2024-house-opens-19th-congress-final-regular-session?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR261uXicK_MiqOHNg2dp_rTtq9yjOCmG8QYdG6X2roiGR9ea9XW30QoOTU_aem_9WcQcxNN-SV_i6EUd6NCSw
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Sona 2024: Senate opens 3rd regular session of 19th Congress
Charie Abarca
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:05:12 PST
FILE PHOTO: The third regular session of the 19th Congress officially opens Monday, July 22, 2024, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasang Pambansa. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero banged the gavel a few minutes past 10 a.m., ceremoniously marking the opening of the session. (Mark Pimentel/Senate PRIB) FILE PHOTO: The third regular session of the 19th Congress officially opens Monday, July 22, 2024, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasang Pambansa. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero banged the gavel a few minutes past 10 a.m., ceremoniously marking the opening of the session. (Mark Pimentel/Senate PRIB) MANILA, Philippines — The third regular session of the 19th Congress officially opened on Monday hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona). At the upper chamber’s plenary hall, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero banged the gavel a few minutes past 10 a.m., ceremoniously marking the session’s opening. All 23 senators were present at the hall when the session was officially opened. To recall, Sonny Angara has formally resigned from his post as a senator to be the country’s education secretary. Later in the afternoon, the senators and their counterparts in the House of Representatives will convene in a joint session at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City to hear Marcos deliver his Sona. Earlier, Escudero said the chamber would focus on passing priority measures to address the country’s economic woes. “We will focus on what was agreed upon during the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting under the Common Legislative Agenda,” Escudero previously said in a statement. READ: ‘Charter change not in Senate priorities’ Among these bills include amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act; Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy or CREATE More bill; and Amendments to the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act. Earlier, the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council chaired by the President enumerated priority bills for passage by June 2025, as follows: READ: Pimentel’s wish for Escudero: Peace on his ‘very short tenure; no surprises’ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. According to Escudero, the Senate will hold legislative sessions on Thursdays to boost the number of senators’ working days and hasten the passage of measures. “We will set aside an extra day, Thursday, to discuss these measures, approve these as far as we can because we only have about 70 days left before this Congress ends. 70 session days absent any typhoons, calamities that might cause us to declare suspension of session or work,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963452/sona-2024-senate-opens-3rd-regular-session-of-19th-congress?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1CfH7EEtuz4FskUfZVvT0Lhgd1o_Zqs68nWxTVDSTMVKXl040ETkc998Y_aem_tswl1bMZqMVOgL2Xo_pz5w
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DTI approves P2.7-T investment projects under Marcos admin
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:43:07 PST
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA – Investment promotion agencies (IPAs) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) logged over P2.73 trillion worth of projects between July 2022 to May 2024. The pledges came from 1,090 projects that registered with DTI-attached IPAs Board of Investments (BOI) and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual recently told reporters. Of these investment approvals, 658 projects worth P2.4 trillion were registered with the BOI and 432 projects worth P331 billion were approved by PEZA. READ: BOI raises 2024 investment approval target to P1.6T Pascual said the investment commitments will generate around 182,000 jobs, of which, 102,000 will come from projects registered with the BOI and 80,000 from PEZA-registered projects. The Trade chief noted that the policy reform of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. within the first six months of his administration that allows 100-percent foreign ownership in renewable energy (RE) projects boosted the investment approvals of DTI-attached IPAs in the past two years. In 2023 alone, BOI registered P986.14 billion worth of RE investments, with the biggest share coming from offshore wind projects. In line with President Marcos’ priority of ensuring food security, BOI noted a surge in agribusiness investments at P29.15 billion last year, 342 percent higher than the P6.6 billion pledges in this sector in 2022. Pascual said the foreign trips of the Chief Executive and the investment missions that the DTI participated in the past two years helped in promoting the Philippines as an investment destination. He said the Cabinet secretaries who were part of these overseas missions listened to the concerns of foreign investors and addressed the barriers to make the country more investor-friendly. READ: Japan’s Taiheiyo Cement inaugurates P12.8B Cebu plant “The CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy) is really addressing those weaknesses in the CREATE law… That’s an important policy,” the DTI chief said. The CREATE MORE bill aims to streamline the process for tax refund and to further reduce corporate income tax to 20 percent from the current 25 percent. “The green lane is an important reform that really attracting investors,” Pascual added. President Marcos signed Executive Order 18 in February 2023, creating the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI) at BOI that will fast-track the processing of permits and licenses of strategic investments, or those with high economic impact, in concerned national government agencies and local government units. Pascual also reported that since the creation of the green lane in BOI, the OSAC-SI facilitated 83 strategic projects with investments amounting to PHP2.45 trillion. “These projects span crucial sectors such as RE, digital infrastructure, food security, and manufacturing,” he added. As of June 2024, there are 231 investment leads in DTI, including public-private partnership projects. The investments in the pipeline have total value of US$76.6 billion. Pascual said that as of July 19, there are 20 projects already operating in the country amounting to US$1.26 billion. The investments came from the foreign investors’ commitment to the Chief Executive during his presidential visits the past two years. The latest is the P12.8-billion cement production facility of Japanese cement manufacturer Taiheiyo Cement Corp. in San Fernando, Cebu which was inaugurated on July 18. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “[These] our progress in the implementation of the investment leads from the Presidential visits. What we have developed is a pipeline of projects. These projects will be realized over time,” Pascual said. (PNA) Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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LOOK: Protesters end People’s Sona by setting Marcos-Duterte effigy ablaze
Faith Argosino
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:05:32 PST
Bagong Alyansa Makabayan Southern Tagalog members burn the effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Durterte along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino Bagong Alyansa Makabayan Southern Tagalog members burn the effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Durterte along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino MANILA, Philippines — Protesters burned an effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Durterte to mark the conclusion of their “People’s Sona” held at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Demonstrators from the Bagong Alyansa Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Tagalog (ST) and other organizations gathered early along Commonwealth Avenue, hours before Marcos delivered his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 22. Bayan ST leaders raised issues concerning Southern Tagalog and assessed the status of the country’s economy, agriculture, and labor sectors, among others, in their People’s Sona. “Hanggang ngayon ay nananalaytay sa ating mga bansa ang mga sakit ng lipunan tulad ng imperyalismo, pyudalismo, at burukrata-kapitalismo. Taliwas ito sa mga huwad na pangako ni Marcos Jr. magmula ng mailuklok siya sa pwesto dalawang taon na ang nakararaan. Malinaw ang pagsandig ni Marcos Jr. sa paksyon ng US habang bahag naman ang buntot nito sa Tsina,” Bayan ST spokesperson Kyle Salgado said in a statement sent to the media after the protest. (Until now, social ills such as imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat-capitalism have plagued our country. This contradicts Marcos Jr.’s false promises since his inauguration two years ago. Marcos Jr. is clearly leaning on the US faction while scared of China.) Bagong Alyansa Makabayan Southern Tagalog members are set to burn the effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Durterte along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino Bagong Alyansa Makabayan Southern Tagalog members burn the effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Durterte along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino READ: LOOK: Protesters gather along Commonwealth ahead of Marcos’ 3rd Sona Bayan ST burned Marcos and Duterte’s effigy, which it called “Pilas ng Pagniningas” (A Tear of Rage), symbolizing “the struggle of the Filipino people against the cycle of oppression and the culture of impunity,” among others, to emphasize their demands. “The effigy employs a visceral depiction of the relations of US Imperialism, Marcos-Duterte Administration, and the coercive forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police,” Bayan ST explained in a statement. Bayan ST is expected to join the rally of other organizations under Bayan around 1 p.m. at the University of the Philippines. Bagong Alyansa Makabayan Southern Tagalog members burn the effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Durterte along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, July 22, 2024. INQUIRER.net/ Faith Argosino Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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2 of 10 Aurora eco zone projects left undone near completion
Philippine News Agency
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:23:03 PST
Photo from Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO)/Facebook Photo from Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO)/Facebook MANILA — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) will inaugurate this month two of 10 projects that were not finished by the past administration. Apeco president and chief executive officer Gil Taway IV told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that it will soon finish construction of the P27-million Fire Station Project and the P28-million Sewage Treatment Plant Project Phase 1. The P60-million Central Water Project Phase 1 will be finished next as the project is around 60 to 70 percent complete, the Apeco chief said. READ: Apeco rebidding stalled projects worth nearly P800M “This is very timely after the visit of President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos (Jr.) in Aurora,” Taway said in a recent interview. “We are fast-tracking all of these projects.” Earlier, Taway shared to PNA that there are 10 projects in Apeco amounting to P796 million that were left unfinished by the past administration. He said some of the contracts of these projects were terminated and offered for rebidding. During his visit to Baler last July 12, Marcos vowed to continue the unfinished projects. “One of the issues we are finding a solution for is the abandoned Apeco projects worth about P800 million,” Marcos said. “This has been a huge waste which could have been benefiting the people of Aurora by now,” he added. (PNA) Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Wilcon Depot expands presence in Capiz, opens 96th big store
INQUIRER.net BrandRoom
Sat, 20 Jul 2024 08:00:47 PST
Wilcon Depot is on a roll. Bolstered by its mission to respond to the evolving needs of the Filipinos in home construction and improvement, Wilcon opened its 96th store on July 19, 2024. The successful opening increased its footprint and accessibility nationwide, in sync with its mandate to provide excellence, promote sustainability, maintain innovation and enhance the customer experience. The “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” is the home of the newly established store located at Sitio Tres-Arcangels, Brgy. Lawaan, Roxas City, Capiz. It is the first ever Wilcon store in the entire province, an auspicious sign of good things to come. On hand to mark this milestone were Wilcon Depot executives, and local government officials of Roxas, Capiz. They were joined by Wilcon’s industry partners, suppliers and media friends. (L-R) Wilcon Depot AVP for Sales and Operations Ramiro Mesa, Formosa Ceramic Tiles Mfg. Corp. Sales Manager John Chen, HCG Philippines Distributorship Manager Paul Wu, Founding Partners and Principal Architects of BAAD Studio Architect Benjamin Mendoza and Architect An Bermejo-Mendoza, Wilcon Depot SEVP – COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Capiz Province Vice Governor Hon. James “Mitang” O. Magbanua, Board Member 1st District of Capiz Thea Faith Reyes, Roxas City Councilor Hon. Herbert “Koks” Chu, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) – Head Caroline Dadivas, Wilcon Depot SVP for Human Resources Grace Tiong, VP for Global Sourcing Michael Tiong. The opening of Wilcon Depot is a welcome development for the province of Capiz. It is a recognition of the fast-paced growth in the area and the increased demand for home and building needs by locals and investors. All these moving elements were taken into account by Wilcon Depot as they earmarked the location of the 96th store. Wilcon Depot is well on track in achieving a most important milestone in its nearly 50-year journey of providing the best in construction and home improvement to Filipinos and other building enthusiasts. The company is eyeing to open its 100th store within the year, months before its previously pegged target of 2025. It is clear that there is no stopping the juggernaut of growth and service that Wilcon Depot has embraced. As a strong household name in the home and construction supply industry for 47 years, Wilcon has committed itself to improving Filipino homes for a sustainable and comfortable life. It maintains its positive outlook to serve Filipinos the best of services. Wilcon Depot has always been one step ahead in bringing something special to their valued customers and industry partners not only by providing the most extensive and high-grade building products but also by offering exclusive services to its loyal customers. Wilcon started as a 60-square meter shop along Quezon Avenue. It launched its first big-box format depot store in Las Pinas, with a complete selection of products and unsurpassed services.  Over the years, it continues to expand and provide home-building solutions by directly offering in-house brands and renowned international and local brands to Filipino homeowners and builders. The continued success made Wilcon established a Wilcon Home Essentials, now a DO IT WILCON store, a  mall-based format retails store, which caters  the needs of DIYers. It  offers the customers with homes must-haves in an organized, clutter-free manner store. (L-R) Wilcon Depot Roxas, Capiz Operations Manager Jay Abanes, AVP for Sales and Operations Ramiro Mesa, SEVP-COO Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, Roxas City Mayor Hon. Ronnie T. Dadivas, Wilcon Depot SVP for Human Resources Grace Tiong, VP for Global Sourcing Michael Tiong, Wilcon Depot Roxas, Capiz Sales Manager Elden Dadivas. Ms. Rosemarie Bosch-Ong, indefatigable SEVP and COO of Wilcon proudly asserts “Expansion is not just about opening new stores– it’s about deepening our relationships with the communities we serve. We believe in being an integral part of these communities by contributing to local development, providing employment opportunities, and supporting community initiatives. We are proud to bring the Wilcon experience to Capiz, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with all of you.” But building relationships is a skill and expertise that Wilcon has almost made into a science. The company is always on the lookout for places where growth is ripe, potential is great and local support is strong. They don’t just build in places just for the sake of racking up store count. They carefully select store locations making sure that its products and services will be accessible to the greatest number. One such area is Capis. Capiz is an industrial heartland with the presence of major industries, as well as bustling tourism anchored on its natural resources and majestic tourist spots and historical sites. Wilcon tapped into this opportunity helping the thriving province to reshape and achieve their desired socio-economic development goals. In an exclusive interview, Roxas City Mayor Hon. Ronnie T. Dadivas expressed his pride in welcoming Wilcon to the city. He emphasized the significance of this addition, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the local economy and community. “Having Wilcon here in Roxas City is a source of pride,” he stated, underscoring the benefits of increased job opportunities and improved services for residents. Roxas City is a growing city as the esteemed Mayor described. “We are business friendly. We welcome investors with open arms,” This commitment to encourage a thriving business ecosystem is evident in their dedication to fast and effective services. It ensures that investors will find a supportive and conducive environment for growth and innovation in the city. Looking ahead, Roxas City is hopeful for future partnerships with Wilcon that align with its vision of innovation and sustainability. The Roxas City Mayor aims to drive forward projects that not only spur economic development but also contribute to the city’s sustainable growth and long-term success. The newly-launched home retail destination for Capizenos has a total area of over 10,000 square meters, accommodating the most extensive product selection of trusted local, international, and proud in-house brands with high-grade features and superior quality ranging from tiles, sanitary wares, plumbing, furniture, home interior, building materials, hardware, electrical, appliances, and other DIY items. Wilcon’s product line has always anchored to innovation and sustainability.  Its exclusive and in-house products include  Pozzi for trusted bathroom solutions; Hamden Kitchen Appliances, an ideal partner for your kitchen needs; Alphalux, an energy-efficient lighting solutions brand; Kaze, an appliance brand that will help you live a healthy space; Hills, a trusted brand for construction and electrical power tools; P.Tech, your partner for reliable building materials; Rocersa, Emigres, STN Ceramica, Stylish Spanish Tiles with a contemporary interpretation of a classic style; Arte Ceramiche, Verona Tiles, and Saigres, Asian tiles for a more sophisticated home; Energie Ker, Gardenia Orchide, and Novabell, Sophisticated Italian Tiles; Grohe and Kohler for bathroom and plumbing solutions; Franke, convenient kitchen solutions; and Rubi a partner when it comes to tile cutting necessities; and among many other brands, are made accessible in the new Wilcon Depot Roxas, Capiz. Start building big ideas with Wilcon Depot and shop daily at its newest store from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Visit Wilcon Depot Capiz located at Sitio Tres- Arcangeles, Brgy. Lawaan, Roxas City, Capiz. Valued customers can also shop online at Wilcon by visiting shop.wilcon.com.ph/. For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries. ADVT. This article is brought to you by Wilcon Depot. Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Romualdez: Politics won’t derail House’s work despite 2025 polls
Gabriel Pabico Lalu
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:12:15 PST
FILE PHOTO: House Speaker Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the House of Representatives of the Philippines FILE PHOTO: House Speaker Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the House of Representatives of the Philippines MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assured the public that politics won’t affect legislative work at the House of Representatives. Romualdez, in a video statement released by his office on Monday, said the lower chamber will remain focused on approving critical bills that will ensure continued progress for the country despite the upcoming midterm elections in May 2025. The House is set to resume its session on Monday, July 22, before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona). This session is the third and final regular session of the 19th Congress. “We are committed to maintaining legislative momentum despite the approaching national elections in 2025,” Romualdez said. “Our priority is to ensure that critical bills are passed and that the legislative process continues to serve the people’s needs effectively. We will navigate the political landscape with a focus on stability and progress,” he added. READ: House to pass 3 remaining Ledac bills before 19th Congress ends Romualdez said the House’s current top priority is the passage of the 2025 national budget. It is followed by the three remaining Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) priority bills. “On the part of the House of Representatives, the passage of the 2025 P6.352-trillion national budget before the October break is our top priority,” he said. “Regarding LEDAC, the House already approved 25 out of 28 measures. The House of Representatives will approve the remaining three of the 28 LEDAC bills before the end of the 19th Congress,” he added. The three remaining Ledac bills are the following: Romualdez also said House legislators anticipate a “strong collaborative” relation with the upper chamber, with Senate President Francis “Chiz”  Escudero at the helm. READ: House backs ‘unity agenda’ “We anticipate a strong collaborative relationship with the new Senate leadership under Senate President Chiz Escudero. This partnership is crucial for the smooth passage of pending legislation. We are confident that our cooperative efforts will lead to the successful enactment of key legislative measures,” the House leader said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Romualdez is not running for the Senate in 2025, as he revealed last June 26 that he will seek reelection as Leyte’s 3rd District representative. However, the Speaker and other political party leaders in the House are expected to become busy in the months to come as they field their Senate slates. Last May 8, Romualdez’s Lakas-CMD and President Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) signed an alliance agreement for the 2025 midterm election. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Sky Cable beefing up operations with Converge network
Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @TyronePiad
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 08:44:47 PST
Sky Cable Corp. is set to scale up its business with the help of Converge ICT Solutions Inc.’s fiber network that stretches 700,000 kilometers across the country and reaches 16 million homes. On Monday, the ABS-CBN Corp. subsidiary and the broadband service provider led by Pampanga-based businessman Dennis Uy announced they had inked a commercial agreement that is expected to mutually benefit both parties. READ: Surprise twist: Sky Cable sale to PLDT aborted “Through the arrangement with Converge, we expect Sky and its subscribers to benefit from the world-class fiber network that Converge has built over the last few years,” Sky president and chief operations officer Claudia Suarez said. “This will be a revenue boost for Converge consistent with similar arrangements with other players as we are able to continue to monetize further our excess network capacity,” Converge president and co-founder Maria Grace Uy added. Earlier this year, Sky was about to sell its broadband business and related assets to PLDT Inc. under a P6.75-billion deal. But both parties decided to terminate the contract without providing specific reasons. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Romualdez rates Marcos performance a ‘solid 10’ ahead of 3rd Sona
Gabriel Pabico Lalu
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:34:09 PST
House Speaker Martin Romualdez | Photo from the official Facebook page of the House of Representatives House Speaker Martin Romualdez | Photo from the official Facebook page of the House of Representatives MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deserves a “solid 10 out of 10” for his performance in his second year in office, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez aid on Sunday. In videos released by his office ahead of the president’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), Romualdez said Marcos showed strong leadership despite having some room for improvement. “I would grade the president’s performance at a solid 10 out of 10. Over the past year, he has demonstrated strong leadership and made significant strides in delivering on his promises from the last Sona,” Romualdez said. “While there is always room for improvement, his dedication and achievements thus far are truly noteworthy,” he added. According to Romualdez, he expects to hear Marcos highlight again how unity can lead to national progress. “Furthermore, I anticipate a focus on the continued and immediate delivery of essential social services to ensure that the needs of the people are met promptly and effectively,” he said. “The president will likely propose new laws aimed at simplifying and improving the daily lives of our citizens, addressing issues such as economic development, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.  These initiatives will be crucial in driving our country forward and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Filipinos,” he added. READ: Marcos’ 2nd Sona to highlight ‘significant progress’ Despite Romualdez’s high regard for Marcos’ performance, several sectors have called out the president for being unable to address different issues — like the rising prices of goods, worsening tensions over the West Philippine Sea, and the inability to provide higher wages to workers. Last July 4, Makabayan bloc lawmakers gave Marcos failing grades as changes needed by the country to improve the economy, territorial security, labor conditions, and other sectors had not materialized. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said that, while there were small wins gained under Marcos, many of the policies implemented by former president Rodrigo Duterte’s administration were still in place. Castro said that Makabayan would try to look at Marcos’ performance in a holistic manner, indicating that the unsolved problems  outweighed whatever gains were considered by the bloc. Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said she was expecting Marcos’ upcoming Sona to be just full of flowery words. Marcos’ approval and trust ratings, according to a Pulse Asia survey released last July 17, also suffered a slight dip, from 55 percent in March 2024 to 53 percent in June 2024. The president’s trust ratings meanwhile dropped from 57 percent to 52 percent in the same period. Another Pulse Asia survey also showed that controlling inflation remains the top concern for Filipinos, with 72 percent of the survey respondents feeling that rising prices of goods should be immediately addressed. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Only 4 percent of Filipinos also believe that Marcos was able to fulfill a key promise made during the 2022 election campaign season — bringing down prices of rice. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Slower inflation, election spending seen as key to growth this year
Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:02:00 PST
Philippine economic output may grow by 7.1 percent in the second quarter driven by easing inflation and election spending for the mid-term, according to the lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). This is higher compared to the government’s growth target for the year, which is 6 percent to 7 percent. “Slower inflation should improve consumer confidence, household spending, and together with election spending, it’s good for growth this year and next year,” Emilio Neri Jr., said during the annual meeting of the Chamber of Thrift Banks held last Friday. Household spending, which accounts for more than 70 percent of the Philippine economic output, slowed down by 4.6 percent in the first quarter this year from 5.3-percent growth in the preceding quarter. Neri attributed the slower growth in private consumption to rising prices of rice, a staple food in the region. He said, however, that this would go lower following the government’s move in reducing the tariff on rice imports as well as the end of the El Niño climate phenomenon which took a toll on the agriculture sector. “If rice did not move at all from its price last year because its contribution [of 2 percent] out of the 3.7-percent inflation would have only been 1.7 percent,” the economist said. “That’s how big an impact it has had, especially to the ordinary Filipino. So, if that starts to disappear as we move along the rest of the year and early part of next year, we should see inflation really go down significantly,” he added. Neri expects inflation year-on-year in September to “hit 3 percent or even lower,” pulled down by high base effects from last year. He said election-related spending may boost the country’s growth until April next year. “Election spending is already starting. You can see it. For those of you who traveled from faraway places, you know the campaign material is already up. The roads are being destroyed so that they can be rebuilt,” Neri added. He also noted the growth in the Filipinos’ consumer confidence, a positive indicator for economic expansion.INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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7-Eleven PH earmarks P4.5B for old, new stores
Erica Ann C. Villasorda, Meg J. Adonis
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:01:00 PST
The local operator of 7-Eleven plans to spend P4.5 billion this year to refurbish old stores while rolling out new ones as it seeks to breach a 4,000-branch mark. Listed Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) told reporters last week it had planned to open a total of 450 new convenience stores this year, 170 of which have already been set up. 7-Eleven, whose first store in the Philippines opened in 1984, is now nearer its goal with 3,938 stores currently. Lawrence de Leon, PSC head of finance and investor relations, said 60 percent, or 270 stores, of the 450-store target would be franchises, while the remaining 40 percent, or 180 stores, would be company-owned. “We’re also allotting budget out of the P4.5 billion to remodel older stores as we renew the contracts for existing stores,” De Leon said during a press briefing. Luzon currently serves as 7-Eleven’s largest market with nearly 3,000 stores. The Visayas and Mindanao have 552 and 410 stores, respectively. While logistical challenges slowed down growth outside Luzon, PSC president and CEO Jose Victor Paterno said they were now seeing heightened investor interest in the Visayas and Mindanao due to shifting consumer behavior. “There’s a lot of demand because all of a sudden people have more [money] to spend, but there are not enough convenience stores to provide that,” Paterno said. “We’ve accredited more contractors in the Visayas and sent business development staff … everybody’s expanding so we want to move fast,” the CEO added. PSC saw its bottom line in the first quarter grow by 21 percent to P639.25 million on higher sales. System-wide sales jumped by 19.7 percent to P22 billion. A shift in consumer behavior due to the pandemic also pushed PSC to offer other services, such as housing automated teller machines (ATMs). According to PSC, it had 3,087 ATMs covering 80 percent of its store network as of March. PSC in 2021 partnered with Pito AXM Platform Inc., the local subsidiary of Japan-based Seven Bank Ltd., to install ATMs in branches, a service that has long been available in international counterparts. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “We understood that the pandemic had fundamentally altered consumer behavior,” Paterno said in a separate statement. “By adapting our strategies to meet these new demands, we were able to not only survive but thrive in a challenging environment.” INQ Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Parts of Cagayan, Isabela under Signal No. 1 due to Carina
John Eric Mendoza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:22:56 PST
Image from Pagasa Image from Pagasa MANILA, Philippines — Parts of Cagayan and Isabela are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 on Monday due to Severe Tropical Storm Carina (international name: Gaemi), state meteorologists said. Under Signal No. 1 are the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Lal-Lo, Gonzaga) and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon). These areas will have winds running at 39 to 61 kilometers per hour (kph), which may cause minimal to minor threat to life and property, are expected, according to the 4 a.m. update of the  Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa). READ: Carina now a severe tropical storm; Signal No. 1 up in Northeast Cagayan Pagasa said Carina was last spotted 420 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kph near the center, with gustiness of up to 125 kph. Carina is expected to reach the typhoon category by early Tuesday morning. “Carina is forecast to steadily intensify over the next four days due to a favorable environment,” Pagasa said. “Rapid intensification within the forecast period is likely.” This severe tropical cyclone is forecast to move generally north-northwest to north until Wednesday while gradually accelerating before turning northwestward for the remainder of the forecast period. However, it will remain far from the country’s landmass and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday evening or early morning of Thursday. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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PH, Vietnam coast guards ready first joint drills
Frances Mangosing
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:50:13 PST
REGIONAL ALLIES President Marcos arrives in Vietnam on Jan. 29 for a two-day state visit. He discussed with then Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong a range of issues, including maritime cooperation. —PPA pool REGIONAL ALLIES President Marcos arrives in Vietnam on Jan. 29 for a two-day state visit. He discussed with then Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong a range of issues, including maritime cooperation. —PPA pool MANILA, Philippines — The coast guards of the Philippines and Vietnam are in talks on holding their first joint exercises in August as the two Southeast Asian nations explore ways to settle their overlapping claims while grappling with China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea. A 2,400-ton vessel of the Vietnam Coast Guard will be in Manila for a goodwill visit from Aug. 5 to 9 amid a series of engagements with their Philippine counterparts, a diplomatic source told the Inquirer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to speak to the press. Part of the visit is the proposed holding of a joint exercise on search and rescue and fire and explosion prevention that will be finalized during the Vietnamese coast guard’s visit, the source added. READ: PH open to Vietnam talks on overlapping sea claims The planned exercises follow the two memoranda of understanding covering “incident prevention in the South China Sea” and “maritime cooperation among coast guards” signed during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Vietnam in January. Defense officials from the Philippines and Vietnam will hold regular meetings in Manila this week to discuss “closer defense cooperation.” Both the Philippines and Vietnam are among the claimants in the South China Sea, along with Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan. China, however, claims nearly the entire strategic waterway. Both Manila and Hanoi have endured incidents with Beijing in the South China Sea. A 2016 ruling by an arbitration tribunal in The Hague rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing refuses to acknowledge the decision. Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was also ready to hold talks with Vietnam to settle their overlapping claims after Hanoi filed a claim to an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea before the United Nations last July 17. “We acknowledge Vietnam’s right as a coastal state like the Philippines to submit information to establish the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the relevant and lawful baselines from which its territorial sea is measured, as provided for under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos),” the DFA said. “We are ready to engage Vietnam on possible ways forward that would help achieve a mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues, in accordance with international law, particularly Unclos,” the department said. It added that it is ready to engage with Vietnam on possible ways to achieve a “mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues.” Manila made a similar move a month earlier, when it made a claim for an extended continental shelf in the West Palawan region of the South China Sea that could overlap with Vietnam’s and Malaysia’s claims. On June 18, a day after the Philippine filing, Beijing submitted its opposition to the Philippines’ claim before the UN’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The Philippines and Vietnam have long been cooperating at sea. On July 10, the Vietnam People’s Navy hosted the Philippine Navy at Southwest Cay (Pugad) Island in the West Philippine Sea for a series of engagements as part of a regular friendship exchange. “The regular conduct of this personnel interaction provides an avenue to foster and sustain the good relationship between the two navies, building lasting friendships and cooperative efforts in addressing mutual maritime concerns,” the Philippine Navy said. In September 2023, units from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) held their first-ever joint military drills in Indonesia’s South Natuna Sea. The September 18-25 non-combat operation was aimed at developing military skills, including maritime security and patrols, and the distribution of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the Indonesian military said in a statement. All 10 countries of the Asean joined the exercise, including prospective member East Timor. The drills were relocated to the South Natuna Sea in Indonesian waters instead of the initial plans for them to take place in the southernmost waters of the South China Sea, which were also claimed by China. Also in the same month, it was reported that the Philippine Navy held weeklong maritime exercises with the Royal Malaysian Navy in Davao City to enhance combined planning, tactical and operational level training, and level up interoperability. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The drills, which took place on September 4-8, involved sailors and naval special operations forces from the Philippines and Malaysia operating jointly on land, air, and sea. —with Inquirer Research 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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LOOK: Protesters gather along Commonwealth ahead of Marcos’ 3rd Sona
Faith Argosino
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 07:45:24 PST
Live Updates: SONA 2024 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 — Protesters have started converging along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday afternoon. As of 7 a.m., approximately 800 members of Bagong Alyansa Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Tagalog (ST) from Calabarzon staged a protest and displayed Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte’s effigy near Diliman Doctors Hospital, along Commonwealth Avenue. According to the group’s leaders, they will join the protest of other organizations under Bayan around 1 p.m. at the University of the Philippines. Incumbent presidents address the nation every fourth Monday of July to report the government’s achievements, unveil their agenda, and ask Congress to pass priority measures. 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 READ: Kabataan party-list prepares ‘protest barong’ for Marcos’ Sona To ensure public safety during this year’s Sona, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy 23,000 personnel to Metro Manila. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City is a no-rally zone, but protesters are allowed until Tandang Sora. Fajardo likewise reminded that burning of effigies will not be allowed, and they will arrest those who violate the existing laws. Under Section 13 of Batas Pambansa 880, “malicious” burning of objects on the streets is prohibited. 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 Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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BIZ BUZZ: All ears on Sona: Pogo ban coming?
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:06:00 PST
In his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, President Marcos is widely expected to devote some time talking about how his administration would deal with Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos)—an industry that boomed overnight during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte but has also raised a lot of red flags. Although already tempered by force majeure that was COVID-19 and the tighter licensing rules issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. last year, illegal Pogos continued to flourish underground. The buzz is that Mr. Marcos is likely to heed snowballing calls from the business community, economists and other stakeholders and announce a total ban on these Pogos, which mostly cater to clients from mainland China and employ a big number of Chinese-speaking foreign workers. Note that China itself doesn’t condone gambling and has itself been raising concerns about money laundering and human trafficking since 2019. Most recently, the Senate hearings on illegal Pogos/scam farms and the exposés about enigmatic Mayor Alice Guo have further tainted the image of the industry. What was previously hailed as the goose that laid golden eggs—accounting for as much as 10 to 15 percent of major office landlords’ prepandemic portfolio and also brought in workers that took up residences and contributed to consumer spending sprees—is now viewed more as a Pandora’s box. As to whether the Philippines will finally end its chapter on Pogos, reversing the open-arms policy of his predecessor-turned-staunch-critic Mr. Duterte, we hope to hear straight from the horse’s mouth today. —Doris Dumlao-Abadilla Call it serendipity: In the same year that Ayala Corp. chair emeritus Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala celebrates his 90th birth date, the country’s oldest and most storied conglomerate also marks its 190th anniversary. Ayala executives, employees and retirees, along with key business partners and numerous movers and shakers, congregated at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater at Circuit Makati on July 18, Don Jaime’s exact 90th birthday, to celebrate Ayala’s anniversary and pay tribute to the Zobel patriach. Seventh-generation Zobel leaders Jaime Augusto and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, along with their siblings, spouses and children, led the celebration on a night filled with music, dance and the arts. Some of the country’s leading artists, including Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Kuh Ledesma, Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Mitch Valdez, Celeste Legaspi, Apo Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Bituin Escalante, accompanied by Manila Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, added their star power to the special occasion. The show titled “Authentically Ayala”— a musical honoring the history and legacy of Ayala from the time the business house was founded by Antonio de Ayala and Domingo Roxas in 1834— was conceptualized by the late playwright Floy Quintos, who unfortunately didn’t live to see the actual performance. His family, however, was there to see its successful execution. (There was another performance on Friday night.) Most importantly, the musical underscored the values that have allowed Ayala to survive and thrive throughout two World Wars, political upheavals and boom-bust economic cycles. This is the avowed north star: “to imagine it better, to inspire excellence, to do what’s right and to create value together.” “Very few institutions have reached this point while staying true to their vision and purpose. For this we have a great deal to be proud about,” Don Jaime said in a handwritten note for the Ayala family, a copy of which had been circulated to employees via email blast.. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “My colleagues, working with you remains my greatest honor. Together, we can do more for our country’s varied communities.” – Doris Dumlao-Abadilla Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Baguio activists call out Marcos over ‘broken promises’
Rey Anthony Ostria, Vincent Cabreza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:35:00 PST
WHERE’S THE CHEAP RICE? Baguio City activists stage a rally at Session Road on the eve of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, as they call out the President for breaking his election campaign promises like reduced rice prices. The ralliers also expressed their opposition to the public utility vehicle modernization program. —Vincent Cabreza WHERE’S THE CHEAP RICE? Baguio City activists stage a rally at Session Road on the eve of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, as they call out the President for breaking his election campaign promises like reduced rice prices. The ralliers also expressed their opposition to the public utility vehicle modernization program. —Vincent Cabreza BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Activists in this city took President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to task on Sunday, ahead of his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, for what they described as his “broken promises,” citing his support for the phase out of the public utility jeeps after declaring he was against it during the last presidential campaign and for failing to reduce rice prices. Around 30 members of Tongtongan ti Umili (People’s Forum) or TTU marched down the city’s Session Road, which is turned every Sunday into an exclusive pedestrian zone. READ: Marcos ‘fine tuning’ Sona 2024 speech They waded through the crowded street filled with trade booths while wielding banners advocating multiple concerns, like “people over profit, Baguio for the people,” which addresses a perceived “corporatization” of the Summer Capital; “China out of our seas” due to Chinese maritime intrusions in the West Philippine Sea; and “sahod itaas, presyo ibaba (Raise wages, lower prices).” But TTU pushed the jeepney modernization at the forefront of their grievances against Marcos, with banners that mock the president: “Election 2022: BBM tutol sa jeepney phaseout! Ngayon: BBM yes to jeepney phaseout!” “We are not here to demonize anyone,” said Daisy Bagni, who heads an urban poor organization affiliated with the militant Cordillera Peoples Alliance. “But nothing is resolved if we remain silent,” she said at the rally’s opening salvo. “For as long as laws crafted do not benefit people, people will continue to be defiant,” she added in Filipino. In the Bicol Region, various progressive groups will stage protests in Albay and in Naga City in Camarines Sur on Monday during the Sona. Jen Nagrampa, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bicol chairperson, on Sunday said that they were expecting 500 participants in each of these protests. In Albay, the protest will start with a caravan from Daraga town to end with a program at Guinobatan Park. In Naga City, the protesters will march from Sabang village to Oragon Park, she said. In a statement Sunday, Nagrampa said they would be protesting Marcos’ “Bagong Pilipinas” that has made the Philippines into a “US-forward military base” against China, putting the country at risk of war; and the rise of human rights abuses in the country. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “In the Bicol Region, from July 22 to November 2023, 155 human rights violation incidents were recorded, totaling to 510 human rights violation cases, 10 of which were extrajudicial killing victims while 24 were political detainees,” she stated. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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PH-China agreement reached on Ayungin
Jane Bautista
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:55:36 PST
The BRP Sierra Madre, a Navy warship that now serves as military outpost, keeps watch over Ayungin (Second Thomas), located within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Nearby are Chinese coast guard and militia vessels in this shot taken on February 21, 2023, during an aerial surveillance by the Philippine Coast Guard. —Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta The BRP Sierra Madre, a Navy warship that now serves as military outpost, keeps watch over Ayungin (Second Thomas), located within the country’s exclusive economic zone. Nearby are Chinese coast guard and militia vessels in this shot taken on February 21, 2023, during an aerial surveillance by the Philippine Coast Guard. —Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday said the Philippines and China have reached an “understanding” on the “temporary arrangement” for the rotation and resupply (Rore) missions of daily necessities to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. The DFA, however, did not elaborate on the specifics of the supposed deal. BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Navy ship deliberately grounded on the shoal in 1999, is home to a small contingent of Filipino troops and serves as an outpost securing the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea. READ: West Philippine Sea: Ayungin resupply missions to remain PH operation – NSC “Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the DFA said in a statement. The agreement was reached after a series of consultations following the “frank and constructive discussions” between the two countries during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on July 2, the DFA added. The department earlier disclosed that Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro represented the country during the meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong. “In her comments, Undersecretary Lazaro underscored to her counterpart that the Philippines will be relentless in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” it said. Ayungin Shoal lies about 200 kilometers from the western island of Palawan and more than 1,000 km from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan island. It has been a focus of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to the South China Sea. Filipino soldiers stationed at the crumbling BRP Sierra Madre require frequent resupplies for food, water and other necessities as well as transport for personnel rotations. However, China deploys coast guard and other boats to patrol the waters around the shoal to prevent Philippine resupply operations, and has also turned several reefs in the area into artificial militarized islands. A Filipino sailor lost a thumb during the latest June 17 clash when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an ax foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply its troops. Beijing’s aggressiveness in the South China Sea began to escalate last year after the Philippines cozied up to the United States, including the grant to Washington of greater access to four more military bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. In February 2023, Manila accused China’s coast guard of directing a “military-grade laser” at one of its ships supporting a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, prompting President Marcos to summon China’s ambassador. In August, China’s coast guard blocked and fired a water cannon against a supply boat transporting food for troops there. In March this year, the government again called out China for the “reckless and illegal” actions of its coast guard which led to a collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels, damaging the latter and injuring some of its crew. Also on Sunday, the National Security Council (NSC) said Manila’s resupply missions to troops on the disputed South China Sea atoll will remain purely Philippine operations, after Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them. “As far as the [Rore] is concerned, we’re keeping it as a purely Philippine operation utilizing Philippine ships, personnel and leadership,” NSC spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told Agence France-Presse (AFP). “That may change depending on the guidance from top management but that’s the direction or policy at present,” he said. Malaya’s remarks came after White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States “will do what is necessary” to ensure the Philippines can continue to resupply its troops on the contested atoll. “We will continue to support the Philippines and stand behind them as they take steps to be able to ensure that,” Sullivan said during the Aspen Security Forum conference in Colorado. Malaya said the NSC appreciated the US offer and the Philippines would continue consultations as treaty allies. Manila has a mutual defense pact with the United States which requires both parties to come to the other’s defense in case of an “armed attack” against vessels, aircraft, military and coast guard anywhere in the Pacific theater, which Washington says includes the South China Sea. Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, brushing aside competing claims from several Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. In 2016 an international tribunal based in The Hague ruled that China’s massive claims had no legal basis, but Beijing continues to ignore the decision. —with reports from Agence France-Presse and Inquirer Research For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Keep promise on rights, press freedom, Marcos urged
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:35:00 PST
Inquirer file photo Inquirer file photo MANILA, Philippines — Conveners of the 1st Philippine Media Safety Summit called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take concrete steps to support a critical press, noting that he once said this “best serves national interest.” As he delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) today, various media groups urge the President to prioritize legislative measures to decriminalize libel and enact a Freedom of Information (FOI) law. “The President himself said it in April: ‘The principal role of the press is not to applaud those who govern, but [to] hold us accountable, without holding back in giving praise to those who deserve it. Along with that stance is our collective goal of protecting the welfare and lives of journalists,’” the conveners representing various media groups said. READ: ‘Freedom of info’ under more Palace restrictions “Now is the time for Marcos to keep his promise and include efforts to ensure a ‘truly free and safe environment for all journalists’ in his Sona legislative priority,” they added. The conveners also urged the President to make a clear stand on Red-tagging, after the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in May declaring it a threat to people’s life, liberty and security. The media groups also pushed for the removal of a provision in the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 that includes journalists as possible witnesses in drug cases. “For as long as this provision is not removed, journalists are at risk of being cited for contempt or subjected to arrest warrants for not showing up in courts as witnesses in drug cases,” the groups said. Several measures have been filed before Congress seeking to decriminalize libel, which has been weaponized against journalists and used as tool to shield public officials against criticisms and defamatory utterances. While the previous administration of Rodrigo Duterte had issued an executive order on FOI, the directive only covered departments and offices under the executive branch. The media groups said a legislated FOI will promote transparency in government, adding that this also has the support of business groups. Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has acknowledged the commitment of the Philippine National Police to uphold the right to peaceful assembly during the President’s address today. “The Sona serves as a significant event for the government to state its accomplishments and plans, demonstrating its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of the nation,” the CHR said in a statement on Sunday, adding that the annual presidential address is “a vital platform for various groups and individuals to express their views … on critical national issues which are integral to a vibrant and thriving democracy.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The CHR expressed its appreciation for the PNP’s pledge to adhere to Batas Pambansa No. 880, which ensures the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. —with a report from Russel Loreto News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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ADB bets on H2 rate cut by BSP
Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:07:00 PST
Photo courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page Photo courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to start cutting interest rates in the second half of 2024 once inflation settles more comfortably within the central bank’s 2 to 4 percent target range, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said. This, as there are still some “upside risks” to the inflation outlook, including higher transportation charges and world oil prices, as well as disruptive impacts of La Niña and other severe weather events on food prices, ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran said in a message to reporters. “The BSP is expected to ease its monetary stance in the second half of this year when inflation stabilizes,” Ramachandran said. The ADB official said the possibility of a higher-than-expected inflation was already factored into the Manila-based multilateral lender’s updated growth outlook on the Philippines, which was retained at 6 and 6.2 percent for this year and next. The ADB said softer price increases and upcoming rate cuts by the BSP would help support consumer spending, which historically accounts for over 70 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Other risks to growth, Ramachandran said, include heightened geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as weaker growth in major advanced economies like the United States, Japan and European nations. With inflation expected to cool down following the government’s decision to reduce import duties on rice, BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said the central bank might start its easing cycle in August, likely ahead of the US Federal Reserve. But there are some market watchers who pointed out that the BSP cannot ease ahead of the Fed. This is because the peso may come under pressure if local yields become less attractive to foreign investments seeking high returns while interest rates are still high elsewhere, especially in the United States, which is considered a safe haven by investors. A sharp currency slump could risk fanning inflation by making imports more expensive. It can also bloat the peso value of foreign debts held by the government and Philippine companies. In its new report, the ADB left its inflation forecasts for the Philippines untouched at 3.8 and 3.4 percent for this year and next, respectively. If realized, price growth would settle within the BSP’s 2- to 4-percent target range. “Private consumption, which accounts for three-fourths of the economy, is expected to remain the main growth driver this year and in 2025, supported by low unemployment rate and resilient remittances from overseas workers,” Ramachandran said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Moderating inflation and expected monetary easing are likely to benefit both household spending and capital expenditures,” he added. INQ Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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BI nabs Korean-American wanted for telco fraud
Jane Bautista
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:25:18 PST
INQUIRER file photo/Alexis Corpuz INQUIRER file photo/Alexis Corpuz MANILA, Philippines — A Korean-American wanted by authorities in Seoul for involvement in telecommunications fraud was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday. According to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco, 37-year-old Jason Han Hsu was about to board a flight to Osaka, Japan, on July 17 when he was intercepted and stopped from leaving by immigration inspectors at Naia Terminal 3. The foreign national was the subject of a red notice from Interpol that flashed on the computer screen of the BI officer at the immigration departure counter, where Hsu presented his passport and other credentials. Based on the Interpol website, red notices are “issued for fugitives wanted either for prosecution or to serve a sentence in relation to serious ordinary law crimes such as murder, rape and fraud.” READ: Bureau of Immigration blocks entry of 25 foreigners at Naia “Upon confirming that the passenger and the subject of the Interpol notice are one and the same, the immigration supervisors on duty decided to put Hsu under arrest,” Tansingco said. Hsu, a US passport holder, was later committed to the BI custodial facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending deportation proceedings. Authorities alleged that from May 2018 to November 2019, he worked for a voice phishing syndicate that operated in China, from where it made calls to its victims in South Korea. The victims were reportedly told they could borrow large amounts of money with low interest if they sent the amount of money they intended to loan to designated bank accounts owned by Hsu and his cohorts. The BI said an estimated $1.06 million (P61.9 million) in profits were amassed by the syndicate through the scheme. As a result of his impending deportation, Hsu will be placed on the BI blacklist of undesirable aliens and banned from re-entering the Philippines, the bureau added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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DPWH mulls another technique to stabilize sinking Iloilo flyover
INQUIRER.net
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 21:53:00 PST
Aganan Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo Aganan Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is considering applying another method to stabilize the soil under the unfinished P802-million flyover in Barangay Aganan, Pavia town, Iloilo. Sanny Boy Oropel, DPWH Western Visayas regional director, said they might recommend a jet grouting method for the 436.90-meter Aganan flyover if geotechnical study would confirm stability problems similar to those of the controversial Ungka flyover in Iloilo. The P680-million Ungka flyover, a separate project with its own set of challenges, was opened to the public in June 2022 but was closed in September of the same year after it started sinking. While the Ungka flyover has been partially opened since late last year, the Aganan flyover is yet to be finished. READ: Before Iloilo flyover work resumes, DPWH-6 wants 3rd-party probe According to Oropel, jet grouting is a ground improvement technique that involves injecting high-pressure jets of grout into the soil to create columns of solidified material. This method enhances the soil’s load-bearing capacity, reduces permeability, and mitigates hazards associated with unstable ground. “We need a [third-party]consultant to really determine the status of the Aganan [flyover]. A consultant will help referee and provide an unbiased perspective,” Oropel said. Work on the Aganan flyover was halted in December 2022 due to concerns about soil stability. The DPWH-Western Visayas have requested its central office for additional funding of between P10 million and P15 million for a third-party investigation into the Aganan flyover’s structural issues. The regional office had previously conducted confirmatory and seismic testing of the flyover area’s soil which revealed that the necessary depth to reach stable soil was actually 43.50 meters, deeper than the 28.50 m provided in the architectural design by the United Technologies Consolidated Partnership, the firm contracted by the DPWH Bureau of Design for the Aganan flyover. Oropel said the use of jet grouting is currently underway at the Ungka flyover, which has suffered vertical displacement due to the soft soil it stands on. He said similar measures might be necessary for the Aganan flyover if the geotechnical study reveals comparable soil conditions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Aware of the issues with the Ungka flyover, Oropel expected that the Aganan flyover might face similar challenges due to their proximity and alignment. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Carina now a severe tropical storm; Signal No. 1 up in Northeast Cagayan
Faith Argosino
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 03:07:50 PST
Photo courtesy of Pagasa Photo courtesy of Pagasa MANILA, Philippines — Tropical storm Carina (international name: Gaemi) developed into a severe tropical storm off of east Casiguran on Sunday evening, according to the state weather bureau. In its evening update, the  Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Carina was last monitored 385 kilometers East of Casiguran, Aurora. READ: Storm Carina keeps strength, enhances southwest monsoon The severe tropical storm is almost stationary, carrying maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center, with gustiness of up to 115 km/h. Following this development, Pagasa raised  Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 in the northeastern Cagayan (Sta Ana) portion. “Minimal to minor impacts due to strong winds may be experienced within any of the localities where Wind Signal No. 1 is hoisted,” the state weather service said. Moreover, Carina is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat. It is expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Northern Samar, and the northern portion of Samar (province). “Over the Philippine Sea, Carina is forecast to move generally north-northwestward to northward until Tuesday (23 July) while gradually accelerating before turning northwestward on Wednesday (24 July) for the remainder of the forecast period,” Pagasa said. “On the track forecast, Carina will remain far from the Philippine landmass and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday evening or Thursday early morning (25 July) while moving near or over the islands in the Ryukyu archipelago,” it added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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BSP tightens merchant payment rules
Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 02:03:00 PST
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (File photo / Philippine Daily Inquirer) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (File photo / Philippine Daily Inquirer) The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved a “stringent” regulatory framework covering payments to merchants to ensure that sellers can smoothly and safely receive the funds sent by their customers for the sale of goods and services. Circular No. 1198 dated July 19 set the minimum standards that operators of payment systems (OPS) must follow if they want to engage in the business of accepting and processing payment transactions on behalf of their partner sellers. Some examples of OPS are banks, e-wallets and remittance centers. The “stringent” rules are also meant to help digital payments thrive in the country and facilitate “the smooth flow of funds in the economy,” according to the 12-page circular. The BSP had wanted to convert half of retail payment transactions in the country into digital by 2023 and onboard 70 percent of Filipino adults into the formal financial system. The central bank said the regulations were designed to effectively manage the risks that typically come with merchant payment acceptance activities, particularly risks related to settlement, operations, IT, antimoney laundering and protection of merchants. Apart from licensing and registration requirements, the BSP said OPS players must also comply with regulations on payments to merchants and pricing mechanism. They were also told to follow reportorial requirements, including submissions of their annual audited financial statements. The circular said each OPS shall maintain designated deposit accounts where the payments collected on behalf of the sellers are held separate from its own funds. It must ensure timely and complete funds settlement with the merchants. The OPS must also have in place a dispute resolution framework containing details such as the transaction life cycle and explanation of the types of disputes and the process of dealing with them. It must also explain the responsibilities of all parties, as well as the procedure and turnaround time for addressing the grievance. The OPS must also make sure that the transaction fees are “reasonable, transparent, market-based and proportional to the cost of the services.” At the same time, OPS were reminded to obey the law on antimoney laundering and prevention of terrorism financing. “The regulatory framework … ensures that OPS [players] that engage in merchant payments acceptance activities adopt commensurate governance structures and appropriate measures to effectively manage risks attendant to their business model,” the BSP said. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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What’s the plan to tame price hikes, Mr. President?
Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:55:55 PST
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. MANILA, Philippines — Making ends meet had not been easy in the past 12 months for Bianca Briones, a 23-year-old virtual assistant. She blames inflation. “I’m lucky enough to have someone help me pay the bills because we all know how high the prices of necessities can be these days,” Briones said. Briones is just one of the millions of Filipinos who will listen to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deliver his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) today. They’ll hear the President speak of his accomplishments for sure. But amid the rising cost of living, perhaps the public would be more interested to know how he will soothe the Filipinos’ economic pain. READ: Marcos ‘fine tuning’ Sona 2024 speech Long hurting from the consequences of high food prices on their overall living conditions, many of them find the government measures to address the problem still sorely wanting. According to the 2024 Pulse Asia survey conducted last June, 76 percent of Filipinos disapprove of how the administration is addressing inflation, while another poll conducted by the Social Weather Stations in the same month shows that 58 percent or nearly 16 million Filipino families rate themselves as poor. Even the latest report from the National Nutrition Council says that one in three households still experience food insecurity, or the fear of having nothing to eat. In the past 12 months, Marcos had to tackle serious economic issues that damaged his popularity. Inflation hovered above the government’s 2- to 4-percent target band for most part of the second half of 2023, before finally easing back to that range by the end of last year. But a flare-up is seen again this year due to high energy prices and the El Niñ0 onslaught, although price growth had remained within the state’s target range. In the first six months of 2024, inflation averaged 3.5 percent. To tame inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas hiked interest rates to bring demand in line with limited supply. However, high borrowing costs hit Filipino consumers and businesses. Consumption alone historically accounts for more than 70 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). MARKET SENTIMENT The price of rice has become an unofficial barometer of the Marcos administration’s economic performance. —Grig C. Montegrande The tight financial conditions, in turn, held back economic growth to 5.7 percent in the first quarter, below market expectations and falling short of the Marcos administration’s 6 to 7 percent growth target. At the same time, the President will have to address the inflation woes while dealing with a tight fiscal space that’s forcing the government to control its spending on much-needed programs, and keep on borrowing from domestic and foreign creditors. This year, economic managers are projecting a budget deficit that is equivalent to 5.6 percent of GDP, or still above the prepandemic level. That said, Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank, believes that tackling inflation should be Marcos’ top priority in the next 12 months. “This is typically a critical issue for any administration as it directly affects citizens’ daily lives, especially those at the margins, and overall economic stability,” Roces points out. For Leonardo Lanzona, economist at Ateneo de Manila University, the President’s plan to create quality jobs that pay enough amid hard times will be something that Filipinos would want to hear at his Sona. “The government has been able to finally bounce back from the pandemic in terms of employment and economic growth. In fact, new jobs have been created recently. The problem, however, is the question of quality,” Lanzona notes. “Most of the jobs created are mostly in the nature of self-employment and mostly short-term or contractual in nature,” he adds. With legislators from both houses of Congress set to gather today, Anthony Lawrence Borja, political science professor at De La Salle University, says Mr. Marcos’ economic message must include a convincing call to lawmakers to pass his legislative wish list, including measures meant to boost growth and reduce poverty. Such a call, Borja says, must be clear enough to reach aspiring lawmakers in the 2025 midterm elections. “This is an opportunity for him to lay down a wish list that prospective members of his administration’s slate could appeal to in their respective campaigns,” he emphasizes. —with a report from Czasshaine Mai T. Abella ——————————————————————————- 58 – Percentage of Filipino families who rate themselves as poor, according to the Social Weather Stations survey conducted from June 23 to July 1, 2024, an increase from the recorded 46 percent in March 2024. It’s the highest self-poverty rate since the 59 percent recorded in June 2008. 1,174,699 – Number of beneficiaries who received financial aid and farm inputs amounting to P9.23 billion from the government to mitigate the effects of El Niño on the agriculture sector, as of June 2024 P9.8 billion – Estimated worth of the farm damage or losses from El Niño as of June 2024 434 – Number of cities and municipalities placed under a state of calamity due to El Niño 183,455 – Farmers and fisherfolk whose livelihood were affected by El Niño in 13 regions as of June 2024 P29 – Price per kilo of rice sold by the Department of Agriculture through certain Kadiwa centers in Metro Manila in May 2024 2 million – Estimated number of households in the country that still live without electricity as of March 2024 P72 billion – Estimated budget needed to energize these remaining households before the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028 2.11 million – Jobless Filipinos as of May 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 4.1 percent – Unemployment rate in the Philippines as of May 2024, according to the PSA 190,000 – Shortage of health-care workers in the country, according to the Department of Health, as of May 2024 300,000 – Beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Food Stamp Program once it goes into full implementation. Under the program, a beneficiary will receive an electronic benefit transfer card loaded with P3,000 worth of food credits every month that can be used to purchase certain commodities from DSWD-accredited retailers. 200,000 – Jobs expected to be generated from the investments as a result of the President Marcos’ foreign trips, according to the Department of Labor and Employment in July 2024 1 million – Target number of housing units to be built by the government every year until Marcos ends his term in 2028. In June 2024, according to Speaker Martin Romualdez, the national government remained on track to meet the target closing a housing backlog of 6.5 million units. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Sources: Inquirer Archives, sws.org.ph, pna.gov.ph, pco.gov.ph News that matters By providing an email address. 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Highlights: Sona 2024
INQUIRER.net
2024-07-19T05:22:13+00:00
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will deliver his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, even as Severe Tropical Storm Carina (international name: Gaemi) threatens some parts of Luzon. This is the “biggest Sona” in Philippine history based on the number of confirmed attendees. Wrapping up his second year in office, Marcos is expected to address major issues, including asserting sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, exploring natural gas sources, increasing agricultural productivity, alleviating poverty, controlling inflation, improving the education system, and building more infrastructure. WATCH: Sona look back HIGHLIGHTS: Here are key points in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), which he delivered in nearly an hour and a half. Addressing high prices of basic commodities, upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, and banning Pogos were the key soundbites in Marcos’ third Sona. Will his administration overcome odds as he enters his midterm? Stay tuned to INQUIRER.net to track his promises. ALL POGOS BANNED. JUST IN: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declares that all Pogos are banned in the country starting today. #SONA2024 •⁠ ⁠Visit https://t.co/bia5RR6Nsy to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories.•⁠ ⁠Watch our live coverage here:… pic.twitter.com/rmlECy0rqF — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the country's education system must be fine-tuned to produce students who are critical thinkers and problem solvers. •⁠ ⁠Visit https://t.co/bia5RR6Nsy to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories.•⁠ ⁠Watch our live… pic.twitter.com/MqO8Wfz3yA — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 'IT WILL SOON BE A WORLD-CLASS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. holds high hopes for the rehabilitation of the NAIA, the country's main international airport, with a recently signed public-private partnership agreement. •⁠ ⁠Visit https://t.co/bia5RR6Nsy… pic.twitter.com/cdvHPvVvvt — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touts his administration's efforts to combat the issue of rice smuggling. •⁠ ⁠Visit https://t.co/bia5RR6fD0 to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories.•⁠ ⁠Watch our live coverage here: https://t.co/oZNcKtWPw2 pic.twitter.com/ac5tpMynzm — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enters the Batasang Pambansa for his third State of the Nation Address. #SONA2024 | 📸: RTVM •⁠ ⁠Visit https://t.co/bia5RR6Nsy to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories.•⁠ ⁠Watch our live coverage here:… pic.twitter.com/vXeuk06EdH — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are now in the holding room at the Batasang Pambansa ahead of the former’s third State of the Nation Address. #SONA2024 | 📸: RTVM •⁠ ⁠Visit https://t.co/bia5RR6Nsy to stay updated with the latest… pic.twitter.com/g4Fgafbbaa — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: Presidential sister and Sen. Imee Marcos arrives in what appears to be a warrior-inspired outfit, says she expects her brother President Marcos Jr. to discuss solutions to "bigas at kapayapaan." "Kaya ako nakaarmor ngayon, masyadong maraming mapusok," she says. |… pic.twitter.com/wugbZSYvV4 — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: Scenes from the pro-government rally for #SONA2024. | @RusselLoretoINQ /PDI Visit https://t.co/v8eGBN7rsU to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories. Watch our live coverage here: https://t.co/QNNA7KzmCq pic.twitter.com/I37K9DNiFf — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 NOW HAPPENING: Scenes from the 'People's SONA': A large protest involving various sectors of society, held to coincide with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address. Visit https://t.co/v8eGBN7rsU to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and… pic.twitter.com/l0DGqFpRZN — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: Human rights group Amnesty International Philippines Group gives President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a “fail” grade “for not prioritizing human rights during his first two years in office.” | @RusselLoretoINQ /PDI pic.twitter.com/wP24vNj9Hh — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 WATCH: Former President Rodrigo Duterte is skipping President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s third Sona. “Nasa Davao eh,” Sen. Bong Go told reporters in an ambush interview when he was asked if the former chief exexutive will attend the event. | @charieabarcaINQ pic.twitter.com/iYd30oN2ux — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is wearing an “old recycled Tesoros Barong.” #SONA2024 | @charieabarcaINQ Visit https://t.co/v8eGBN7rsU to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories. pic.twitter.com/PSoADFXRBq — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: Protesters end People’s Sona by burning Marcos-Duterte effigy https://t.co/ENNO2T92YM — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros is wearing a sleek interpretation of the Baro’t Saya made of Piña designed by Joel Acebuche. | @charieabarcaINQ Visit https://t.co/v8eGBN7rsU to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories. pic.twitter.com/eTj3ctjIM2 — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: SP Francis Escudero with wife, actress Heart Evangelista, first to arrive at Senate for opening of the 3rd regular session of 19th Congress. #SONA2024 | @MAgerINQ Visit https://t.co/v8eGBN7rsU to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories. pic.twitter.com/f3eO4VS7DR — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 22, 2024 LOOK: Protesters start to gather along Commonwealth Ave. QC, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's third State of the Nation Address. According to Bayan Southern Tagalog, the crowd estimate here reached 700 as of 6:40 a.m. #SONA2024 | @FArgosinoINQ Visit… pic.twitter.com/NqvC6bNSib — Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 21, 2024 August 8 , 2024 - 04:39 PM August 1 , 2024 - 01:14 AM July 26 , 2024 - 07:11 PM July 25 , 2024 - 10:36 PM July 25 , 2024 - 01:34 PM
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Bangsamoro democratic transition in full steam
Ryan D. Rosauro
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:40:00 PST
STANDING GUARD In this undated photo, members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces who are set for decommissioning stand guard along a road leading to Camp Abubakar, headquarters of erstwhile rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front. —Bangsamoro Transition Authority STANDING GUARD In this undated photo, members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces who are set for decommissioning stand guard along a road leading to Camp Abubakar, headquarters of erstwhile rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front. —Bangsamoro Transition Authority ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — Since joining the Moro revolution, Badrudin Dalid, now in his late 50s, never cared about having a birth certificate, hence, he and his family had difficulty accessing services and availing of social development programs of the government. He had to hide his identity from authorities through many aliases he used in public as, he said, what was important was “winning the fight for the Bangsamoro homeland.” With the rebellion over and peace beginning to take hold through the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro inked by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in March 2014, Badrudin and other former fighters revealed their true identities so they could be listed into the country’s civil registry. READ: BARMM parliamentary polls highly anticipated, preparations underway With this, the decommissioned combatants and their eligible family members have also become registered voters, now having a say, through the ballot, on the future of their respective community and the region. Many of them will troop to the polls for the first time in May 2025 for the first-ever parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) where 16 regional parties will vie for seats in the 80-member regional legislature through a system of voting unique from the usual election process for national and local elective officials. READ: BARMM groups count on Marcos’ vow for fair, peaceful 2025 polls President Marcos, who faces the people on Monday for his third State of the Nation Address, is credited with guiding the MILF, which holds the BARMM’s interim leadership with Murad Ebrahim as Chief Minister, into preparing the region’s path to democratic transition. When he assumed office two years ago, the institutional life of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the BARMM’s interim government created in 2019, had just been extended by another three years. He used this as an opportunity to reorganize the BTA such that its membership, all presidential appointees, give importance to the voices of all Moro revolutionary factions as well as other stakeholders like the Christian settlers and non-Moro indigenous peoples. Hence, when Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spoke during the inaugural of the second BTA on Sept. 15, 2022, the leaders of the Moro revolution were brought under one house, that is, the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front factions led by Muslimin Sema and Nur Misuari. In a twist of fate, the son and namesake of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose government they fought against in the 1970s, ushered them into the common cause of building the democratic moorings of Bangsamoro autonomy. On the same occasion, the President gave a firm instruction for the BTA to ensure that the regional elections will proceed in 2025 so that the BARMM, which encapsulates the self-governance dream of the Moro people, attains public legitimacy. To his credit, Ebrahim was able to rally his Cabinet, and the parliament, led by Speaker Pangalian Balindong, to firm up the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) and the measure creating parliamentary districts, which completed the preparations for the highly awaited conduct of the regional polls next year. Apart from providing for a system of voting, the BEC also included provisions that attempts to curtail the growth of political dynasties as well as provides for the growth and development of principled political parties such as penalizing “turncoatism” and ensuring greater political participation of women. Amid this rosy political picture, major security challenges confront the region, especially in the run-up to the historic elections in 2025. The conflict watchdog Council for Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) noted rising incidence of violence in the region in May compared to that of the first five months of this year. Skirmishes related to clan feuding, infighting among MILF members, and the military’s hunt against extremist groups have led to displacement of people from their homes and communities, especially around the Ligawasan Marsh in Maguindanao, the CCAA noted. “Shooting incidents were also a cause for concern in the Bangsamoro region, with at least 31 occurring during the month, leaving at least 25 dead and five injured. More cadavers were found dumped in various locations, a growing feature in violent incidents in BARMM. Many of the shooting victims appeared to have been summarily executed,” the group said, citing the incidents captured through its Critical Events Monitoring System. CCAA also noted the increase in volume of illicit drugs traded in the region. From at least P64.7 million worth of illegal drugs seized from February to April, the amount of meth seized in May was worth P185.5 million, it said, noting that at least one suspect was found to have links to the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “A year ahead of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in May 2025 has seen a remarkable rise in deadly violence. The conflict-to-peace transition has not alleviated the fears of communities in the Bangsamoro … Will the Bangsamoro Transition Authority be able to provide its people with security as it prepares to hand over the reins of government to the region’s first elected Parliament?” CCAA asked. —with reports from Edwin O. Fernandez News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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66 percent of Pinoys want warning label on unhealthy food
Dexter Cabalza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:05:00 PST
INQUIRER.net stock images INQUIRER.net stock images MANILA, Philippines — The majority of Filipinos support a proposal to put warning labels in front of food packages that are unhealthy or high in sodium, salt and fats to prevent the rising cases of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the country, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The findings of the survey, released in time for National Nutrition Month this July and commissioned by civil society coalition Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), showed that 66 percent of Filipinos favor the implementation of a food warning label policy for prepackaged and ultraprocessed food (UPF) and beverage products. “The SWS survey demonstrates that adopting a food warning labeling policy can effectively protect consumers against unhealthy food and drinks. More importantly, the Alliance appreciates that the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council have similarly identified front-of-package labeling as a priority policy initiative for the prevention of NCDs and we express full support to move this forward,” said Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, former DOH chief and HPA convener. READ: Belmonte OKs ordinance on food calorie labeling in QC restaurants Based on the survey, 62 percent of respondents across all demographics, areas, and socioeconomic and educational status said that food warning labels—or the black octagonal warning labels scheme currently being implemented in Latin America—are the most effective at communicating health risks compared with other labeling schemes, specifically the Nutri-Score, Health Star Rating and Traffic Light. “There is mounting evidence that food warning labels are a powerful tool to influence consumer attitudes to avoid unhealthy food and to develop a preference for natural and minimally processed foods to protect health. It has encouraged the reformulation of food and beverage products that will lessen the amounts of sugar, sodium and fats. This has helped improve the unbalanced food environment for people, especially children,” Galvez Tan said. “Other countries have taken action to protect their people from ultraprocessed foods. Unfortunately, the Philippines has lagged behind in this area. So, it is high time that the DOH takes the lead in pushing for food warning labels as a strategy to arrest the rising cases of diet-related NCDs in the country,” he added. Food warning labels were pioneered by Chile in 2016, with other Latin American countries like Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay and Venezuela following suit. The UPF refers to cheap, convenient, easily accessible, ubiquitous and aggressively marketed food products that are also highly palatable and made of low-quality ingredients. By design, these are made with various excessive nutrients, including sugar, saturated fat and sodium, according to the HPA. An unhealthy diet and improper nutrition due to high consumption of UPF or junk food are risk factors for developing NCDs which have become the leading cause of death in the Philippines. In 2019, cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic kidney disease accounted for 511,000 out of 733,000 deaths. The Philippines currently implements a mandatory back of pack label on prepackaged food products, including a complete list of ingredients, allergen information and a nutrition facts table in compliance with DOH Administrative Order No. 2014-030. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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House backs ‘unity agenda’
Jeannette I. Andrade
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:20:00 PST
Inquirer file photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta Inquirer file photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will likely highlight in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) today the importance of collective effort toward national progress and the urgent delivery of essential social services, as well as building on the successes of various administration programs, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday. “I expect the President to emphasize the importance of unity among all Filipinos, highlighting how collective efforts can lead to national progress,” said the head of the 316-member chamber. “Furthermore, I anticipate a focus on the continued and immediate delivery of essential social services to ensure that the needs of the people are met promptly and effectively.” READ: Marcos ‘fine tuning’ Sona 2024 speech “We’re also looking forward to another year of follow-up on the successes and further build-ups on what we still have to continue in many programs of the Marcos administration, specifically ones that cover social amelioration benefits,” he said. The Speaker assured the public that the House is ready to receive and act on the legislative agenda outlined in the Sona, including policies the President would incorporate in the 2025 national budget. “The President is expected to propose new laws aimed at simplifying and improving the daily lives of our citizens, addressing issues such as economic development, healthcare, education and infrastructure,” Romualdez said. “These initiatives will be crucial in driving our country forward and enhancing the overall quality of life for all Filipinos.” He assured the public that members of the House were prepared to receive and act on the legislative agenda laid out in the Sona. “The President’s Sona will provide a clear roadmap, and the House is prepared to translate this vision into tangible legislative outcomes.” “We are prepared to hit the ground running and deliver on our promises to the public. The Sona will set the tone for our legislative agenda, and we are more than ready to take the necessary actions to achieve our shared vision for a better Philippines,” he added. Romualdez further reminded House members that it was their duty to work together, “transcending political differences,” to enact laws that uplifting Filipinos’ lives. Apart from placing priority on measures outlined in the Sona, the Speaker assured the public that the House would prioritize the passage of the P6.352-trillion proposed national budget for 2025 and the remaining three of 28 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority bills. The three remaining urgent measures include amendments to Republic Act No. 7652, or the Foreign Investor’s Long-Term Lease Act; Republic Act No. 6657, or the Agrarian Reform Law; and Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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PBA: Staying close to game helping Jong Uichico adjust in return
Denison Rey A. Dalupang
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:30:00 PST
FILE–Coach Jong Uichico and NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES FILE–Coach Jong Uichico and NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES It has been nearly a decade since Jong Uichico coached in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). And he admits a lot has changed since then. “The game is really different now,” the former TNT coach told the Inquirer in a candid chat recently. “It’s unlike when I was [a] head [coach] some years back.” “In terms of systems, the game today shows more ball movement, with emphasis on … three-point shooting—to the point that has become excessive,” he added with a chuckle. Almost eight years removed from coaching, Uichico will now call the shots for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA’s 49th season. The 62-year-old mentor was officially given the keys to the Road Warriors squad back in June and even with what he feels are major shifts in the way the game is being played, he feels that he is pretty much caught up with modern hoops. After all, he has been within close proximity to the game. A winner of nine PBA crowns, Uichico is a frequent call-up to the national team coaching staff, serving as assistant to Gilas Pilipinas head coaches Tim Cone and Chot Reyes. He was also a deputy for Frankie Lim at NLEX before being appointed to the top post. He also supervises the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas’ nationwide coaching clinics. “I may not have been [a head coach for some time], but I was never really away from the game of basketball,” Uichico said. “For some coaches, [when they’re out], they were truly out. But I’m blessed to stay in a basketball environment, to be where the actual action is.” For Uichico learning—and in his case, relearning—won’t be difficult, just different. “[N]ow … I’m now going to have the final say on decisions,” he said. “But other than that, and in terms of training and game planning, I haven’t been away from that kind of position anyway.” With his pedigree, Uichico is expected to bring NLEX to greater heights. The Road Warriors were only able to crack the playoffs once in the previous season, getting into the quarterfinals of the last Philippine Cup. The farthest the franchise reached was the final four of the all-Filipino showcase back in the summer of 2018. This edition of the Road Warriors will be led by Robert Bolick, and later in the season—and barring any hiccups in his recovery—Kevin Alas. The club has also tapped former Memphis Grizzlies swingman Myke Henry for the upcoming Governors’ Cup. Uichico knows he has his work cut out for himself. But he is up for the challenge with his first steps anchored in the picks they’ve made during the Rookie Draft held last week. “We’ve got draft picks, and we’ll soon see whether they’re able to fit right away. The first-round pick (Jonnel Policarpio) won’t be much of a problem. But the lower picks, that’s the question,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Aside from Policarpio, who was selected 6th overall, NLEX also drafted Filipino-Canadian big man Brandon Ramirez, guards Xyrus Torres and Denzel Wong, and forward Adrian Partosa during the annual selection. INQ Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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More friends – with security benefits
Frances Mangosing
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST
MUTUAL INTERESTS From being wartime foes eight decades ago, the Philippines and Japan deepen their bilateral relations with a historic troop access agreement signed on July 8. —Marianne Bermudez MUTUAL INTERESTS From being wartime foes eight decades ago, the Philippines and Japan deepen their bilateral relations with a historic troop access agreement signed on July 8. —Marianne Bermudez MANILA, Philippines — Foreign policy and national security did not take much space compared to other national concerns in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) last year. These topics, after all, are not top-of-mind for most Filipinos who, based on surveys, are more interested in gut issues such inflation, unemployment and poverty. And yet in the months that followed, some of the most major decisions of his administration were seen as responses to Beijing’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea. Almost all were geared toward gaining wider international support for Manila’s assertion of its sovereign rights in waters being claimed by China. In his first Sona delivered in 2022, Marcos’ declarations related to the maritime dispute—that the country will be “friend to all and enemy to none” while allowing no foreign power to “take even one square inch of our sovereign territory”—set the tone of how his administration would handle the issue. READ: PH, Japan ink defense pact amid China aggression In the 2023 Sona, he updated this phrasing: “Our independent foreign policy—a friend to all and enemy of none—has proven effective. We have formed strategic alliances with our traditional and newfound partners in the international community.” READ: Marcos: PH won’t yield West Philippine Sea; to defend it at all cost “We have embarked on foreign trips to promote the interests of the country, for peace-building and for mutually beneficial purposes,” he added. Indeed, in the past two years since Marcos assumed office, the Philippines has not only pivoted back to its longtime security ally, the United States, but also entered into new security agreements with other countries. The most recent and historic was a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan that took only about eight months to negotiate and was signed early this month. The RAA, similar in many respects to the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States and Australia, allows the entry of Philippine and Japanese military forces into each other’s jurisdiction for joint exercises and disaster response. There are now talks to have similar deals with Canada and France. This year alone, Marcos traveled to eight countries, including Australia where he delivered a rare address before the Australian Parliament, and Singapore where he gave a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a high-level security conference. On both occasions, he spoke of the importance of upholding the rule of law amid regional tensions with China. “We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity, in defense of a rules-based international order,” Marcos said in his second Sona speech. “With our national interest paramount, we will always pursue constant dialogue and diplomatic approaches to the resolution of any issue that may arise.” With the reversal of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s leanings toward China, Marcos turned to the world audience to assert the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated Beijing’s sweeping maritime claims, a legal victory that Duterte set aside. Marcos allowed Washington greater access to Philippine bases last year. And this year, the Philippines entered into agreements with Brunei, Canada, United Kingdom and a memorandum of understanding on incident management with Vietnam in the South China Sea. Later this month, the Philippines is expected to sign a defense cooperation agreement with Singapore. A new triad also emerged under Marcos last April, where the leaders of the Philippines, United States and Japan met for the first time for a trilateral summit in Washington DC, and discussed their shared interests to maintain a peaceful and stable region amid China’s increasing assertiveness. The Philippines has largely turned to its security partners to modernize its ill-equipped military. While President Marcos approved the military’s updated wish list for its modernization late last year, major deals have yet to be signed. This, despite his repeated vows to support the military modernization in his camp visits. As to internal security, Marcos’ plan mentioned in his second Sona to enhance the amnesty program for former communist and Moro separatist rebels has gained momentum. Later in November that year, he issued a series of proclamations to this effect as part of peace initiatives for members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front. As of July this year, the National Amnesty Commission had received a total of 578 amnesty applications, of which 497 are from the ranks of the NPA. In the 2023 Sona, Marcos also reported new developments firming up the government structure of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—a topic not touched in his 2022 speech. “We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken… Former adversaries are now partners in peace. Its functions have been defined and its basic laws are being written,” he then said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. While the mention of the BARMM in 2023 was welcome, observers agreed there was still much to be done in the Mindanao peace process. Still, having a stable Bangsamoro region would allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines to fully shift its focus on territorial defense and leave domestic peace-and-order tasks to the police. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Paris Olympics: EJ Obiena rues less-than-perfect preparations
June Navarro
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:25:00 PST
EJ Obiena is looking to hurdle physical problems as he seeks glory in the Paris Olympics 2024. –AFP EJ Obiena is looking to hurdle physical problems as he seeks glory in the Paris Olympics 2024. –AFP Injury problems stalk EJ Obiena’s run to the Paris Olympics 2024, but he remains optimistic that he will be perfectly ready for the gold hunt even as gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxer Eumir Marcial, both medal favorites, kick off Team Philippines’ bid in the Summer Games along with rower Joanie Delgaco. “It has been what can only be termed a bumpy road this season. Despite my best efforts at conditioning, fitness and discipline, I have been battling with various physical problems since April,’’ Obiena wrote on his social media account. The world No. 2 pole vaulter missed the podium in his final pre-Olympic test, finishing fourth in the Meeting de Paris—the top-caliber Diamond League leg where defending Olympic champion Armand Duplantis of Sweden expectedly triumphed. Duplantis, who also goes by the nickname “Mondo,” is favored to rule men’s pole vault as he has been over the past few years where he has been virtually untouchable. To score a golden upset in the French capital, Obiena would have needed to be perfect in Paris and hope that Duplantis is caught in an off-day. So the timing of the Filipino’s current health problems couldn’t be any worse. “I know and fully understand this can happen to athletes training at such intensity and no complaints. But why now? This has meant constant stops and stitching training and competition together with my team as well as we could,’’ Obiena wrote. “If you had asked me a year ago how I would envision the perfect Olympic preparation, well it certainly wouldn’t be what has transpired,’’ he added. The qualification round for men’s pole vault is on Aug. 3, and Obiena is a cinch to hurdle that and advance to the final, where he is hoping to finally be in perfect condition. “I have undergone in the past months, weeks and days a variety of medical procedures, to hopefully give myself the best shot at the Olympic Games,’’ Obiena posted. “Am I feeling confident with my preparation? Well, definitely not as much as I would like. Am I doing the best I can each day? Yes and most definitely yes.’’Obiena, the Asian champion and record holder of 6 meters, will face the world’s best in the final on Aug. 6 at the 81,000-seater Stade de France. Yulo, a two-time world champion on his second Olympic tour of duty, sees action in the qualification phase of the individual all-around on July 27—a day after a unique opening ceremony of the global sports showpiece held on the Seine River. The 23-year-old Yulo finished fourth in men’s vault back in Tokyo 2021 and will enter the field of play beginning at 9:30 p.m. (Manila time) prior to the finals scheduled July 31. Marcial, aspiring for nothing less than a gold medal this time after capturing a bronze in Tokyo, will start his bid on the same day, also at 9:30 p.m. “We’re looking forward to Caloy, Eumir and Joanie giving the country that strong start in Paris,’’ said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino. Delgaco, the first woman rower from the Philippines to the Games, attempts to go past the heats in the women’s single sculls at 3 p.m. Tolentino had earlier projected a successful campaign for the 22-athlete delegation to the French capital. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “I believe this team is the most prepared in Philippine Olympic history,’’ said Tolentino, who expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission for the unrelenting support in their preparation capped by the nation’s first-ever, pre-Olympic training camp in Metz, France. INQ Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Figures of (that) speech: Some SONA trivia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:45:37 PST
IN THE SAME BOAT Then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo highlighted her 2001 Sona with the “Bangkang Papel Boys.” —Inquirer file photos IN THE SAME BOAT Then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo highlighted her 2001 Sona with the “Bangkang Papel Boys.” —Inquirer file photos MANILA, Philippines — The State of the Nation Address (Sona), the annual presidential speech delivered before a joint session of Congress, one accorded much historic weight and post-event parsing, had what may be considered its earliest versions even before the birth of the republic itself, or when the “N” in Sona was still being conceived. The paramount leaders of the Philippine revolution against Spain—Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo—made speeches of about the same aspirational mold, offering a vision of the nascent nation’s course. READ: Marcos ‘fine tuning’ Sona 2024 speech On March 22, 1897, Bonifacio, as the Supremo of the Katipunan secret society, delivered his “State of the Katipunan Address.” A year later, on Sept. 15, 1898, Aguinaldo, as the country’s first President, gave a congratulatory message before the Malolos Congress that was convened three months after he declared Philippine independence. But the first Sona under a Philippine Constitution was delivered by then President Manuel L. Quezon on Nov. 25, 1935, at the Legislative Building in Manila (now the National Museum of Fine Arts). The speech became a yearly tradition from then on, with gaps occurring only during World War II and in 1986. Today, under the 1987 Constitution, the Sona is scheduled every fourth Monday of July. Certain features—how the speech is structured according to theme, thrust or tone—have become a constant: it primarily serves as the President’s report on the government’s key achievements in the past year or since his or her assumption of office; a fresh round of goal-setting in terms of priority legislation or programs; an acknowledgment of old and new challenges (or threats); and ultimately an assurance that everything remains on course. Filipinos have long been used to Sonas lasting more than an hour. In the post-Edsa period, the record for the longest speech currently belongs to Rodrigo Duterte whose last Sona, in 2021, started at 4:13 p.m. and ended at 6:58 p.m. That year, the President known for meandering late-night press briefings and foul-mouthed digressions on national TV took two hours and 45 minutes to finish his piece. (In the evening news and the next day’s newspapers, however, Duterte’s swan song was eclipsed in the headlines by Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. Such a downgrade was a rarity, if not a first, in Sona history.) In terms of word count, the longest was in the pre-Edsa era and delivered by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1969, consisting of 29,335 words. The shortest was by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose 1,556-word Sona in 2005 was over in 25 minutes and 55 seconds. (This was about a month after she said “I am sorry” to the Filipino people over the “Hello Garci” scandal.) In 2001, Arroyo made her first Sona stand out by having three urban poor boys stand next to her on the dais as she spoke. They were the “Bangkang Papel” youths from the Payatas dump in Quezon City, so called because they caught the government’s attention after they wrote wishes on paper boats and “sent” them to Malacañang via the Pasig River. NATIVE SPEAKER Then President Benigno Aquino III delivered his Sona in Filipino, breaking a tradition. Fidel V. Ramos’ first Sona, delivered in 1992, went as far as making a fast-forward to the last year of his term. He already mentioned the preparations needed for the celebration of the Philippine Centennial in 1998. Before being held traditionally at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, the Sona had different venues in the decades prior. Sergio Osmeña and Manuel Roxas addressed the nation from what was then the temporary home of Congress on Lepanto (now SH Loyola) Street in Manila. Like Quezon before them, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal gave their speeches at the old Legislative Building. Marcos Sr. used five locations: Malacañang Palace, the Legislative Building, Quirino Grandstand, the Philippine International Convention Center, and Batasan. On Jan. 23, 1950, Elpidio Quirino delivered his second Sona from his hospital room at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. His Filipino audience back home heard him live on radio. Since the Cory Aquino presidency, all Sonas have been delivered at Batasan. The speeches have mostly been in English, with just a sprinkling of Filipino. Joseph Estrada’s 1998 Sona, his first, was made to mirror the “masa” or commonfolk image he sought to project by being mostly in Filipino. In 2010, Benigno Aquino III, Cory’s only son, became the first to do a Sona entirely in the national language—a style he would keep till his last address. Naturally, having ruled for 20 years, Marcos Sr. also had the most Sonas. Osmeña had the least—just one—on June 9, 1945, when the country had just been liberated from Japanese occupation. There were no Sonas from 1942 to 1944. The wartime president, Jose P. Laurel, spoke before a special session of the National Assembly on Oct. 18, 1943, but the address was not considered a Sona since the 1943 Constitution did not provide for a presidential report to the legislature. Swept into power by the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship, Cory Aquino did not deliver a Sona that year but marked her first 100 days in office on June 4, 1986, with a speech from Malacañang and a panel discussion with her Cabinet members. The country’s first female President delivered her first official Sona in 1987. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Because of restrictions on mass gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic, Duterte’s Sona in 2020 and 2021 were described as “hybrid” affairs in terms of audience attendance. For his last Sona, only 350 people were allowed inside the Batasan plenary hall to witness it in person. Other VIPs, like then Vice President Leni Robredo, attended virtually. —compiled by Inquirer Research/Sources: Inquirer archives, pco.gov.ph, facebook.com/pcogovph, facebook.com/pia.gov.ph, officialgazette.gov.ph, facebook.com/govph News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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2 PH clubs book AFC berths
Jonas Terrado
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:10:00 PST
Kaya-Iloilo’s Jarvey Gayoso. –KAYA FUTBOL FACEBOOK Kaya-Iloilo’s Jarvey Gayoso. –KAYA FUTBOL FACEBOOK Kaya-Iloilo’s men’s and women’s teams and Dynamic Herb Cebu will represent the Philippines in club competitions the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are set to hold later in the year. After going unbeaten on its way to capturing the Philippines Football League for the second straight season, Kaya is set to participate in the AFC Champions League 2 that is set to start in September. Cebu will join Kaya in the newly established competition after placing second in the PFL season. The Gentle Giants got in since the other slot given to the champion of the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara was also won by Kaya. Kaya and Cebu, which held off Stallion-Laguna for the other ACL 2 slot, will start play in September with the draw set next month. The Champions League 2 was launched after the AFC decided to revise the format of its club competitions beginning with the 2024-2025 season, with the Champions League Elite as the top-tier and the Challenge League being a third-tier competition. The Philippines previously sent teams under the old Champions League and AFC Cup formats. Meanwhile, Kaya was recently drawn in Group B of the newly formed Women’s Champions League which will see some of the top women’s football clubs from the region. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Malixi spikes huge win with a little history–and a ticket to a major
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:05:00 PST
Rianne Malixi —USGA PHOTO Rianne Malixi —USGA PHOTO When Rianne Malixi ruled the 75th US Girls’ Junior golf championship, the asterisks in her triumph weren’t only in her opponent’s name. There was one to denote the largest championship rout in tournament history. And then there was another one to denote that the victory had earned her an exemption to the US Women’s Open next year. “It’s huge I know,” Malixi told reporters on Sunday (Manila time) after an 8 and 7 victory over Asterisk Talley at El Caballero Country Club in California. “It’s hard for me to comprehend right now because everything just came in so quickly. I know being USGA champion means a lot. Being able to do that is a huge honor for me and I’m very grateful.” The victory of the 17-year-old Filipino ace was branded a redemption win by US media outlets after Malixi lost last year’s final to Kiara Romero, 1-up, in Colorado. “It was such a heartbreak last year because I was so close,” Malixi said. “After that US trip I just practiced a lot. I spent a lot of hours training in Manila. I sacrificed a lot of my social time, school time.” “Not only me, but my dad (Roy) also sacrificed a lot of time for me just to accompany me. My family had their share [of sacrifices],” she added. Malixi was on fire in the final, which was scheduled for 36 holes. But she ended it in 29 after collecting 14 birdies in a flawless display.“I tried to turn it around in the [second 18], but I was too far away, and I couldn’t reach her,” Talley said. When Malixi tees off in the US Women’s Open next year at Erin Hills in Hartford, Wisconsin, she will see a familiar face. Yuka Saso, the Filipino-Japanese star, is the golf major’s defending champion. —INQUIRER SPORTS STAFF INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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‘Charter change not in Senate priorities’
Melvin Gascon
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:15:00 PST
BICAMERAL COOPERATION Senate President Francis Escudero (left) and Speaker Martin Romualdez watch President Marcos sign a new law on Friday. —Niño Jesus Orbeta BICAMERAL COOPERATION Senate President Francis Escudero (left) and Speaker Martin Romualdez watch President Marcos sign a new law on Friday. —Niño Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is not keen on speeding up the proposed changes in the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution when sessions resumed in the 19th Congress because Charter change (Cha-cha) is not among the priority measures being pushed by the Marcos administration, Senate President Francis Escudero said on Sunday. Escudero clarified he would still allow hearings on the proposed economic Cha-cha though these will be done through the “ordinary” course under the auspices of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments chaired by Sen. Robinhood Padilla. “My intention is to toss the matter back to the committee based on the ordinary, regular procedures and according to the rules of the Senate, but it will not be a priority in this [third regular session of the 19th Congress] by creating a special committee for such purpose,” he said. READ: Lawmakers find new opportunity for Cha-cha push In a radio interview, Escudero pointed out that the sub-committee tasked with handling the proposed economic Cha-cha is now without a chairperson after former Sen. Sonny Angara officially resigned on July 18 to serve as education secretary in the Marcos cabinet. Angara used to chair the sub-committee created under former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, which unburdened Padilla’s committee of the task of hearing the proposed economic Cha-cha. Escudero said the Senate would most likely dissolve Angara’s subcommittee, and he was leaving it to Padilla on how to go about the deliberations on the proposed measure. The Senate President said he is wary of the “noise” that may be created by any discussion to amend the Constitution that could divert the public’s attention to other, more pressing matters. “The 19th Congress has barely 70 session days left, so why do we still have to give ourselves a headache when we have other important measures to work on? Besides, the [proposed economic Cha-cha] was never in any of our discussions in the Ledac (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council),” he said. “Many other more important matters are taken for granted because of the noise and chaos created by this very divisive issue,” Escudero added. He said neither Malacañang nor Speaker Martin Romualdez suggested that the Senate tackle the economic Cha-cha proposal. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Escudero laid down 10 priority measures approved by the Ledac that the Senate would work on when sessions resume on Monday. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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PBA leaves door open for four-point shot
Musong R. Castillo
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:20:00 PST
Members of the board (from left) Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix, Ricky Vargas of TNT, Alfrancis Chua of Barangay Ginebra, Ronald Dulatre (standing) of NLEX and commissioner Willie Marcial begin planning talks.—MUSONG R. CASTILLO Members of the board (from left) Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix, Ricky Vargas of TNT, Alfrancis Chua of Barangay Ginebra, Ronald Dulatre (standing) of NLEX and commissioner Willie Marcial begin planning talks.—MUSONG R. CASTILLO OSAKA—The leadership of the PBA has admitted to having “a problem” and is dead set in coming up with solutions to reel the fans back to its venues, including the implementation of changes in the product—the game—itself. “Yes, we have a problem. And we want to go back home with solutions to this,” chair Ricky Vargas said on Sunday during a break in the board’s annual planning session at Swissotel here. Vargas talked that way even if Nielsen figures showed that the league still lords it over any other sports brand in the country for the first half of the year. “The statistics, though impressive, still doesn’t take us away from the issue that there is still a problem with regards to (live) attendance,” Vargas said as the board allowed the media to observe. “Those numbers clearly belie the impression that the PBA is a dying league.” Two big adjustments in the game that are likely to get the board’s nod is the implementation of the four-point shot and the return of two imports per team in one of the three conferences for the coming season. Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua believes that the four-point shot could make the game more exciting since it will probably rule out the defense playing zone, hence, making the game faster. “That’s just one of the things that have been suggested early,” Chua said. “From a basketball standpoint, I think that rule has a lot of promise since it will make the games faster, and the endgames more exciting.” There was a lot of excitement during the last All-Star Game, held in Bacolod, where the four-point shot was experimented on. Robert Bolick even completed a five-point play. The first conference of the 49th Season will be the Governors’ Cup next month where teams can field imports of no more than 6-foot-6 in height. And for the second import-spiced event where there will be a guest team in Hong Kong Eastern, the board is open to the idea of having each team field two imports of unlimited height. “That will all depend on what the final discussion will be with the guest team,” Chua said. “If it happens that they have two imports, we are open to playing with two for each of our teams. It’s still all on the table.” INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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MMDA closes wheelchair ramp for improvements
Dexter Cabalza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:10:00 PST
The EDSA Busway Philam Station ramp, now covered with tarpaulin, will be closed for two months to give way for necessary improvements. —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande The EDSA Busway Philam Station ramp, now covered with tarpaulin, will be closed for two months to give way for necessary improvements. —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande MANILA, Philippines — Less than a week after it was opened to the public, the overly steep wheelchair ramp at the Edsa Busway Philam station in Quezon City has been temporarily shut down for “improvements,” after it gained notoriety for being not accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs). Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes said the contractor of the ramp has pledged to install either a wheelchair platform or a vertical lift to move PWD passengers from the footbridge to the busway platform. READ: Drawing flak for steep Edsa ramp, MMDA personnel to assist PWDs “We will also improve the wheelchair ramp by pouring cement to reduce the slope. From the [13-millimeter] slope, it would go down to 11 mm, which is very [close] to the recommended 10 mm,” Artes said during a news forum on Saturday. The MMDA chair noted that the improvements would be at no cost to the government, and would all be shouldered by the private contractor. READ: Unfriendly to PWDs The ramp will be reopened to the public when the overall improvements are finished, which would take one to two months. The MMDA blamed “height and space limitations” of Metro Rail Transit Line 3, which is connected to the Edsa Busway, which prevented the contractor from building a less steep wheelchair ramp. “It’s a hard decision between putting that ramp or building none at all,” Artes said. “It was not a perfect design, especially for those using wheelchairs, but it will still help senior citizens, pregnant women, and other persons with disability instead of taking the stairs.” “But it’s good that we are criticized, so we can address the issue,” he added. Installing a lift was also not part of the budget of the project, with the MMDA noting that “based on our observations, almost none of the passengers of the Edsa carousel are wheelchair users.” Artes said they would also deploy personnel to assist disabled persons who might struggle using the ramp, which “would not be too steep” for those who walk on it. The controversial ramp at Philam was part of the two new stations of the Edsa Busway (the other being Kamuning station) opened to the public on July 15. The MMDA and the Department of Transportation even touted the Philam station to “provide accessibility and convenience to passengers, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. But commuters, especially PWDs and architects, noted that the wheelchair ramp was too steep and violated the laws on PWD accessibility. Ironically, the controversy was stirred just during the observance of National Disability Rights Week from July 17 to 23. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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‘Habagat’ displaces more than 600,000 even as ‘Carina’ stays offshore
Faith Argosino
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:30:00 PST
Photo courtesy of Pagasa Photo courtesy of Pagasa MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm “Carina” (international name: Gaemi) intensified slightly on Sunday as the national disaster office reported that more than 600,000 people have so far been affected by the southwest monsoon, locally called “habagat.” The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has not raised any wind signal in any part of the country as the storm was still 490 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, on Sunday. “Carina is forecast to steadily intensify over the next four days due to a favorable environment,” Pagasa reported. READ: 2 cyclones to boost monsoon strength, says Pagasa “It is forecast to become a severe tropical storm by tomorrow and reach typhoon category on Tuesday. Rapid intensification within the forecast period is possible,” the weather bureau added. Also on Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that people displaced by monsoon rains have reached 384,966—22,388 went to evacuation centers, while 362,578 took shelter elsewhere. In its latest report, the NDRRMC said 636,110 individuals or 131,388 families, residing in 521 barangays nationwide were impacted by the habagat. The number of flooded areas has reached 295. Floods were reported in the regions of Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Bangsamoro. The habagat has also caused at least P8 million in damage to crops, the NDRRMC reported. The weather conditions have also adversely affected at least 264 farmers and fisherfolk. According to the state weather bureau’s report, habagat has been bringing moderate to heavy and heavy to intense rain over the western sections of southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao since last week. Carina itself has not hit land anywhere and neither did Tropical Storm “Butchoy” (international name: 04W), which left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday morning. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. But Carina is expected to further intensify in the Philippines Sea as it continues its west-northwesterly track, off the country’s eastern seaboard, until it intensifies into a typhoon on Tuesday, before exiting the PAR on Wednesday. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Court admits digital evidence in abuse case
Jane Bautista
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:45:00 PST
INQUIRER.net stock images INQUIRER.net stock images MANILA, Philippines — A 32-year-old woman from Iligan City has been convicted of facilitating the online sexual exploitation of children, following a “groundbreaking” trial that made use of digital evidence and in-depth video interviews to protect the victims’ identities, officials said on Sunday. A regional trial court in Iligan City found the woman, identified by the authorities only as “ZZZ,” guilty of multiple violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the antichild pornography law, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The landmark case was reported on Sunday by the National Coordination Center (NCC) against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, chaired by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. Details about the woman’s prison sentence and other penalties were still unclear at press time, as no copy of the decision was immediately made available to reporters. According to the center’s statement, the woman was arrested in 2019 after law enforcement discovered she was offering children to foreign perpetrators for sexual exploitation through online platforms. The prosecution, led by Assistant Iligan City Prosecutor Jasmin Guiuo-Diaz, a member of the regional antitrafficking task force in Northern Mindanao, “achieved a groundbreaking success” by protecting the child victims from court appearances, the NCC said. Instead, they maximized the use of digital evidence and video-in-depth interviews during the hearings. Northern Mindanao Regional State Prosecutor Merlynn Barola-Uy said the ruling underscored the significance of proper case build-up in child trafficking cases. “Most importantly, this case proves we can effectively use the VIDI mechanism as a child protection strategy, which the [Northern Mindanao regional task force] actively advocates for,” Uy added. The Department of Justice earlier identified Iligan City as one of the hotbeds for online child sexual abuse, along with the cities of Taguig and Cagayan de Oro. During a Palace briefing on April 25, Margarita Magsaysay, executive director of the DOJ Center for Anti-Online Child Sexual Abuse, explained that children residing in the “poorer side of the country,” or rural areas, were “easy targets” of exploitation. “[Online sexual abuse of children] is [a] financially lucrative activity, the victims take the bait for around P300, P200 for just showing … nude pictures,” Magsaysay said. According to NCC, the landmark conviction underscores the judiciary’s commitment to combating crime and highlights its focus on child protection through modern tools. Remulla, for his part, commended the prosecutors who handled the case for successfully securing the court’s conviction as he warned the perpetrators of online sexual abuse of children. “For those who cleverly try to use technology to their advantage in abusing the weak by using online platforms to proliferate their criminal acts and exploit the purity of our children, let this be a final warning to you,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “This government will never waver in its commitment to pursuing those who sexually exploit and abuse the most vulnerable sectors of society,” Remulla added. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Sona 2024: Marcos notes significant uptick of college, Tesda enrollments
John Eric Mendoza
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:08:33 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 MANILA, Philippines — There has been a significant uptick in the enrollment rate in colleges as well as in programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. cited this development during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. “We witnessed this past school year, a significant rise in enrollment rate in higher education both in public and private institutions,” Marcos said. “The same upward trend is noted in technical technical-vocational education and training or TVET,” he also said. Marcos, however, did not provide specific numbers about this development. The Chief Executive then noted that eight out of 10 TVET graduates “ultimately land decent jobs.” “With this high employability rate, TVET will definitely be instrumental in capacitating our people and maintaining our employment rate at consistently high levels,” Marcos said. READ: DepEd, Tesda sign agreement TVET in SHS In line with this, Marcos said the Tesda, Department of Education, along with other agencies, joined forces to incorporate TVET programs in senior high school curriculum. READ: Tesda’s impossible mission Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Sona 2024: Lawmakers want to see more action from Marcos
Faith Argosino
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:47:25 PST
Highlights: Sona 2024 Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Monday said they wanted to see more action from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In an ambush interview on the red carpet for Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (Sona), Senator Robin Padilla said that although he liked to hear more from the President, he also wanted to feel the results of his promises. READ: Live Updates: Sona 2024 “Our fellow citizens must also feel what he promised from the past two Sonas,” he said in Filipino. “This includes food security; secondly, what is the plan for the Constitution? Is there a chance for us to have a constitutional convention? I’ve been asking for that for a long time; are we leaning towards constitutional amendment or revision?” he added. Padilla agreed that discussions on Charter change might not be a priority, but he pointed out that it is still open for debate, citing Senate President Francis Escudero’s statement on the matter. READ: Officials expect Marcos to tackle key issues in 3rd Sona Meanwhile, Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said he has “low expectations” from Marcos’ third Sona. He also compared the chief executive to “a confident student who failed to accomplish his assignments.” “Hindi naman talaga ginawa ang kanyang mga assignment. Ang dami na natin pinresent beforehand — papagparami ng classrooms, pagtaas ng sahod ng ating manggagawa,” he said in an ambush interview. (He really did not do his assignments even though we already presented a lot beforehand — increasing the number of classrooms and the wages of our workers.) As Manuel sported his protest barong for the Sona, he emphasized the need to answer the demands of the youth, such as the passage of the Students Rights bill, which seeks to protect them from harassment, among others. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Marcos pushes for more aid to pregnant women under 4Ps
Gabriel Pabico Lalu
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:08:39 PST
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said extra assistance should be allocated to pregnant women who are already beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said extra assistance should be allocated to pregnant women who are already beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The extra assistance allocated to pregnant women who are already beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program will secure the health of both the mother and the unborn child, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. Marcos’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) speech on Monday said that his administration considers proper nutrition for the first 1,000 years of a child’s life a key strategy in addressing malnutrition in the country. To ensure a mother and an unborn child’s well-being, the President said they have decided to include in the proposed 2025 national budget an additional grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). “An important of our strategy to address malnutrition shall be the program for the first 1,000 days or the first two years of a child’s life.  To ensure the health and nutrition of children zero to two years old from the poorest families, we have proposed in the 2025 budget a new grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program for this purpose,” Marcos said. “Sa pamamagitan nito, ang isang buntis o ang isang ina na benepisyaryo ng 4Ps ay mabibigyan ng karagdagang tulong pinansyal na laan para sa kanya at sa kanyang anak,” he added.  “Ang tulong na ito ay upang matiyak na siya at ang sanggol na (nasa) kanyang sinapupunan o batang anak ay maasikaso ng doktor, mababakunahan, at mabibigyan ng sapat na nutrisyon.” READ: Live Updates: SONA 2024 Marcos first announced an additional aid for pregnant women last June 11 through the Presidential Communications Office, which said that the directive was based on the proposal of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The DSWD said adjustments to the 4Ps would ensure that parents could seek health services to address the health needs of their children in their first 1000 days, improving compliance with program conditions that would prevent malnutrition and stunting. READ: Marcos orders 4Ps expansion to include pregnant, lactating women The assistance would be an incentive worth P400 for pregnant or lactating women and mothers with children up to 2 years old who are enrolled in the 4Ps program. READ: DSWD proposes P400 in pre-to postnatal aid under 4Ps According to Marcos, another component of his administration’s program against malnutrition is to tap the expertise of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to develop nutritious food and drinks that can be provided to poor Filipinos. Mental health, the President said, is also being attended to. “Closely related to this, the DOST has been continuously undertaking scientific research to develop nutritious food and drinks, which can be integrated into the government’s feeding program,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Government is aware of the pressing yet delicate social issues of the day, such as the mental well being of our people, the DOH has launched its comprehensive mental health plan and ensured sufficient supply of medication.  PhilHealth has also released this year its mental health benefit package for all its members,” he added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Strong Group wins Jones Cup title, escapes Chinese Taipei-A in OT
Rommel Fuertes Jr.
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 22:51:24 PST
Strong Group Athletics at the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan.–SGA PHOTO Strong Group Athletics at the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan.–SGA PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—Strong Group Athletics ruled the 43rd William Jones Cup but not after surviving Chinese Taipei-A, 83-79, in overtime on Sunday night at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan. The Philippine side reclaimed the title it last won in 2019 when it was represented by Mighty Sports. SGA, which also overcame the absence of its main man Chris McCullough, who fouled out with still two minutes left in OT, got its first real test in the tournament after blowing past the competition in its past seven games. Tajuan Agee led Strong Group with 21 points and nine rebounds before fouling out as well with 14.4 remaining. McCullough had his worst game of the Jones Cup as he was limited to just 12 points and five rebounds. Taipei had a chance to force a second OT but Jian Hao Ma, who drew Agee’s last foul, split his charities before Jordan Heading made a pair of freebies that gave Strong Group an 82-79 cushion. Strong Group was on the brink of a stunning defeat after staring at a 71-64 hole with only 1:03 to go in regulation before responding with nine unanswered points capped by a Kiefer Ravena triple off a steal for a 73-71 edge with 13.2 seconds left. But Chinese Taipei was determined to score an upset, knotting the count at 73 on a Brandon Gilbeck basket to extend the game. RJ Abarrientos led Strong Group locals with 14 points while Ravena added nine points. He Bo finished with 16 points for the hosts, who absorbed their only defeat of the tournament. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Trending now: Honest, no-fuss short hairstyles for women
No author found
2024-06-13T07:00:48+00:00
Short hairstyles for women represent a sense of independence, style, and bravery to break the feminine stereotype of a woman having long, flowing locks of hair I adore hair. In grade school, I never got my work put on the “special cork board” that showed off exceptional work by students. But one day, we had an activity to draw and write about what you like most about yourself. My fellow classmates chose, “my intelligence” “my hardworking ethic” “my generosity”—stuff like that. I illustrated, “my hair!” And lo and behold, seemingly shallow as it was, it was placed on the corkboard, probably to the amusement of teachers. READ: All the products I’ve tried to make my skin look alive again As someone with a lot of emotional affection for her hair, I don’t do coloring or styling, opting for the easiest no-treatment wash-and-wear routine. I’ve gone through it all except for a shaved head; I’ve been through the pixie cut, and I’ve even cut it a bit too short and spiky, which was hellish to grow back. I’ve done the pixie cut with bangs and, for most of my life, had a chin-length bob. Only now am I growing it out for my wedding. Short hairstyles are definitely on an upward trend, and cuts are looking shaggier and wilder this year. Curtain bangs are still in, but they’re taking on a wilder look. Let’s explore some of the top short hairstyles for women in 2024. I’ve gotten a pixie cut twice. Pixie cuts can frame a face well, making a woman’s face look sharper and more elegant and sophisticated. Think Audrey Hepburn. Right now, shaggier pixie cuts are giving an extra edge rather than Hepburn’s sleeker look. To avoid making your face look rounder, I recommend a side fringe to highlight the cheekbones and long face shape as well as add layers of softness. Be forewarned, as someone who has had three pixie cuts before—you can’t just leave the house in a T-shirt, slippers, and shorts if you want to look presentable. Or you could, but you still need to do a bit of styling unless your wardrobe is just that good. With pixie cuts, every outfit must be well-planned. Expect to get tons of compliments and genuine admiration from other women, but unless you’re made of steel, you may occasionally feel moments of insecurity. You can go uber short and spiky (like Zoe Kravitz) or take it slow and build your way up to a really short pixie cut. The “kitty cut” is a new hairstyle inspired by the shag haircuts of the 1970s, where hair was cut raw with a razor for a super-textured wolf cut look. This isn’t as rough but more polished, aiming to frame the face with layers. It’s been predicted that this short hairstyle is set to be the biggest trend for women this year. Each person has a different hair type but typically, the kitty cut has layers that frame the face with a curtain fringe and looks fabulous when cut at the collarbone. Mind you, this might need a little bit of styling to add volume. Who doesn’t love a good bob? We’ve definitely seen more bobs lately, as it just makes an outfit look effortlessly stylish. We’re talking shaggy bobs for wavy hair with a full set of bangs. A chin-length bob looks excellent with straight hair too. It’s giving fresh, youthful, “I-woke-up-like-this” supremacy. As mentioned earlier, wild, unkempt tresses are in. I’ve noticed that contemporaries my age have just totally stopped brushing their hair. A grungy bob can be low-maintenance if you have naturally wavy hair, but it requires a bit more styling and volumizing the texture if you have straight hair. There’s something about this fun look that doesn’t quite encapsulate a pixie cut or a bob but falls somewhere in between. Ma cherie, que bella! I love this look, especially for formal occasions. Although my mother once commented on an editorial, joking that she was confused about the model’s hair being wet and that I could now leave the house with wet hair since it was in fashion. For those with straight hair and an existing bob, this is an easy look for ultra-elegance. Going beyond the styled slicked-back bun, it features short hair secured firmly in place with an extra-strong hair gel and a fine-toothed or detangling comb. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Forget the disposable hairnet: 5 chic ways to wrap your helmet head on a motorcycle ride
No author found
2024-07-15T08:13:44+00:00
All motorcycle riders know the struggle of, one, fumbling with putting on a helmet (those pesky locks seem to always be missing!), and, two, dealing with smelly helmets. Some drivers—not all—offer disposable hairnets, which, turns out, can also be tricky for first-time riders (see: woman putting a hairnet on her face). Years and years of riding motorcycles have equipped me with hacks on how to navigate helmets—short of investing in my very own unit just to save me from having to deal with the issues that come with it. But I really can’t imagine myself lugging it around in my tote bag. Fortunately, there are plenty of other workarounds that are not as embarrassing, inconvenient, or downright hideous. Consider this as another opportunity to accessorize. Wrap your precious mane with a silk scarf not only to create a layer between the interior of the helmet and your hair but also to make sure your hair doesn’t get blown around by the wind. Just make sure to fasten your scarf at the chin or on your neck. Or you can also pull a Sydney from “The Bear” with printed bandannas if that’s more your style. A post shared by Sabrina Carpenter (@sabrinacarpenter) Everyone’s wearing caps now and maybe for good reason. While protecting your head from the sun, you can also use it as a protective gear when putting on a helmet. But double-check before handing the helmet back to your rider, your cap may have stuck inside it. Remember during the late 2000s until mid-2010s when Lookbook.nu and beanies were all the range? Maybe it‘s time to unearth those knitted head accessories just in time for the wetter and cooler season. Just be mindful about snagging them inside the helmet’s mesh material. A post shared by troye sivan (@troyesivan) If you want double protection against helmet odor and air pollution, balaclavas are the way to go. It’s giving secret agent ninja realness and I fear not everyone is ready but hey, normalizing work has to begin somewhere. A post shared by Charli (@charli_xcx) Philippine weather most of the time includes punishingly scorching daytime heat. Best to wear long sleeves if you are in for a long ride. Hooded jackets are great riding garments because they can also shield your head from coming in contact with the interior of a helmet. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Losing hair? This new science uses your own body to regenerate your roots
No author found
2024-07-17T08:33:01+00:00
Have you been losing hair? Be it from stress, hormones, genetics, or just age, fear not, because there’s a new technology in town that is taking hair regeneration to the next level. And it’s not a chemical-loaded shampoo nor a pill. Neither is it a hair transplant or an invasive procedure. It’s a natural, regenerative solution called Regenera Activa. Regenerative medicine is so exciting for the future because it utilizes the latent power of your own body to stimulate healing on its own—and in this case, it’s with hair growth. The Regenera Activa treatment stimulates your hair to grow on its own, combining growth factors and progenitor cells to promote longer, thicker hair growth while simultaneously halting hair loss. So, how does it work? The procedure is fairly simple and can be completed in just one 30-minute session, done annually or every six months. First, micro-grafts (skin strips with just a few pieces of hair), are taken from a healthy area of the scalp, usually at the back of the head, where there is more hair. Afterward, the Regenera machine uses these to extract the regenerative cells that exist in your body. These extracted cells are then applied to the areas losing hair through a microinjection. The healing science is behind a stimulating factor, specifically progenitor cells or stem cells as we know them. These early descendants of stem cells can differentiate into specific cell types that contribute to tissue growth, repair, and regeneration. The treatment is different from hair transplants, too, as it doesn’t move or remove hair follicles, where there’s the risk of actually running out of hair. Instead, it stimulates existing ones. It’s basically “personalized regeneration.” Dr. Halah Taha, a Dubai-based doctor known for her holistic approach to beauty, says, “We are not taking the hair, we are taking the growth factor… The regenerative medicine is using our own body, our healthy cells, to regenerate and to heal the unhealthy or damaged area.” There are no chemicals and no side effects. It can be for both men and women. It’s safe even for pregnant women, though still not possible for those 18 years old and below, unless with parental consent. It’s quick, too, and can be finished in just one session with minimal downtime, while effective for various types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia. The results are long-lasting, with visible improvements after 3 to 6 months, lasting 12 to 15 months. Who can benefit? Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing hair loss but still have active hair follicles, so it’s not possible for those who are bald. What’s really exciting is that the potential of this regenerative technology extends far beyond hair restoration. Regenera Activa has applications in treating stretch marks, joint problems, and even wound healing. Dritan, an expert in the field with Regenera Activa, notes, “We are in the early stages of regenerative medicine. Tomorrow will be something that today we don’t even imagine.” At present, Regenera Activa is available in more than 60 countries and has been used for over 250,000 procedures. The treatment is FDA-, FMA-, ICIM SpA-, and HSA-approved. For those in the Philippines interested in exploring this cutting-edge treatment, DMark Beauty, the market leader behind renowned brands like Bioderma and Heliocare, has introduced Regenera Activa to the country. READ: Navigating the beauty industry with Nikki Tang Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Lawmakers laud Marcos admin’s achievements
Faith Argosino
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 21:40:09 PST
MANILA, Philippines — Even before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, several lawmakers, led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, had already expressed their satisfaction with the government’s achievements over the past year. In a statement on Sunday, Romualdez said the Marcos administration has established a strong position for the country regarding economic growth. READ: Marcos expected to follow up in feats on 3rd Sona – Romualdez “Under President Marcos’ leadership, our economy is thriving. We are seeing the highest growth rates in decades, which means more jobs and better opportunities for every Filipino,” his statement read. He noted that the economy posted a 7.6 percent growth rate in 2022 and a 6.4 percent growth rate in the first quarter of 2023. This was affirmed by Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, who said that the government secured significant investments through international economic missions and strengthened diplomatic ties with major economies. “Our proactive approach in international relations is paying off. The investments we are attracting are creating jobs and driving economic growth, securing a better future for our nation,” he added. Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. cited the impact of the Build Better More program on the nation’s infrastructure development. He said the Luzon Spine Expressway Network will reduce travel time from Ilocos to Bicol from 20 hours to 9 hours, and the construction of mega-bridges will enhance national connectivity and efficiency. “Our infrastructure projects are transforming the landscape of our nation. They are not just roads and bridges; they are pathways to a brighter future for all Filipinos,” the representative of Pampanga’s third district said. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez commended the initiatives on sustainable energy. “The shift to renewable energy is a testament to our commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future. We are not just meeting today’s needs but also protecting the environment for future generations,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe added that the administration ensures “no Filipino is left behind” by reviving the Kadiwa stores. “The Marcos administration is making sure no Filipino is left behind. From affordable housing to accessible food supplies, we are making tangible improvements in the lives of our people,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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West PH Sea: ‘No formal offer’ of help from US for Ayungin missions – NSC
Faith Argosino
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 20:13:24 PST
The BRP Sierra Madre is seen docked at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10, 2023. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / Agence France-Presse) The BRP Sierra Madre is seen docked at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10, 2023. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / Agence France-Presse) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has not received any “formal offer” of help from the United States for the resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the National Security Council (NSC) said on Sunday. In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the US government only assured the Philippines of its “continuing support” as “a treaty ally and partner.” READ: West Philippine Sea: Ayungin resupply missions to remain PH operation – NSC “No formal offer. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s statement is about the US Government’s assurance of continuing support to the Philippines as a treaty ally and partner, including its concern in ensuring a peaceful and orderly rotation and resupply to our soldiers manning the BRP Sierra Madre,” Año explained. “But we appreciate the US support in all aspects being our main ally and its assurance of ironclad commitment to the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty). There is no need at this time for any direct involvement of US forces in the RoRe (rotation and resupply) mission,” he added. According to Año, the RoRe missions will remain “to be a pure Philippine operation.” Last June 17, a Philippine Navy sailor lost a finger after the Chinese Coast Guard rammed the Philippine Navy’s rigid hull inflatable boat during the resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. The WPS is a portion of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. However, China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia. In 1999, the BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal to assert the Philippines’ claims to the area. In 2016, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and said China’s claims have no legal basis. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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PVL: Depleted Creamline ready to step up, says Michele Gumabao
Lance Agcaoili
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 21:00:39 PST
Creamline’s Michele Gumabao during the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net Creamline’s Michele Gumabao during the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — Michele Gumabao stressed Creamline is ready to step up when it matters most despite the Cool Smashers missing three-time MVPs Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos at the start the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference. Gumabao dropped 21 points to support Erica Staunton’s 26-point explosion and lead Creamline to a bounce back 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16 win over Farm Fresh and enter the win column in Pool A on Saturday at Philsports Arena. The veteran opposite spiker stepped up for the Cool Smashers as they missed Carlos and Valdez due to undisclosed injuries with coach Sherwin Meneses not rushing the on-court return of the hard-hitting pair. Creamline is also missing All-Filipino Finals MVP Jema Galanza and eight-time Best Setter Jia De Guzman due to their Alas Pilipinas commitments. “Nagsa-start kami sa practice. Pare-pareho naman kami ng role and lagi din naman nire-remind samin ni coach na leader din kami lahat on and off the court so whether you’re playing or not, you always have a big contribution to the team,” said Gumabao. “Kapag nakakuha ng set, kailangan paluin, so just really doing my job inside and really trying to contribute in any area that I can.” Michele Gumabao and Erica Staunton on stepping up for Creamline. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Kb6zZSjW97 — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 20, 2024 Gumabao credited their much-needed win to all the players, who stepped up as Bernadeth Pons had another all-around game of nine points, 12 digs, and 19 excellent receptions. Pangs Panaga chipped in 12 points including two blocks, while setter Kyle Negrito had 20 excellent sets on top of four points. “Creamline naman isn’t just one player, so it’s really the whole team. We’re really one big family and pare-pareho naman kami ginagawa everyday. We all have the same program, we all have the same training, our coaches treat us all the same, so whenever we step into the court, we all have to perform in the same way also,” said the veteran Gumabao. “Kahit naman sa mga coaches namin, hindi nila hinahanap ‘yung mga wala, so kailangan sa sarili namin, once we’re inside, we have to really take this opportunity, especially kami na hindi rin part ng first six before, so we really need to step up para sa inaantay namin bumalik.” The former La Salle star also put a premium on their end-game composure, which they lacked when they fell short to PLDT in five sets last Tuesday, and their connection, especially with first-time overseas player Staunton from the United stats. “That gel, that chemistry, that alam na namin ‘yung galaw ng isa’t isa, I think that’s what we’re really looking and building on right now. Slowly and surely naman nakukuha namin in practice and masaya din kami na nakikita namin nag-iimprove talaga sa game,” said Gumabao. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “No way but up for us and each and every game, we just want to perform better, especially with Erica, she’s very young. Being here in the Philippines na na-expose siya sa malaking venue, such a big crowd, so it’s also fun na she also has a lot of input for us and big contribution talaga siya sa amin.” With Valdez and Carlos’ on-court return still uncertain, Gumabao and the rest of the Cool Smashers vow to continue helping each other to fill in the big void as they take on the Nxled Chameleons on Thursday before wrapping up their first round against Chery Tiggo and Galeries Tower. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Fiba U18 Asia Cup-bound Gilas Boys sweep Seaba qualifiers
Rommel Fuertes Jr.
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 20:51:57 PST
Gilas Pilipinas Boys’ Andy Gemao during a game against Indonesia in the Seaba qualifiers in Malaysia.–Photo from Malaysia Basketball Association Gilas Pilipinas Boys’ Andy Gemao during a game against Indonesia in the Seaba qualifiers in Malaysia.–Photo from Malaysia Basketball Association MANILA, Philippines—Even with a spot in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup already secured, Gilas Pilipinas Boys never let up to sweep the Seaba Qualifiers on Sunday. Gilas completed an undefeated campaign after trouncing Indonesia, 87-64, at MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The young Nationals booked a spot in the continental meet on Saturday after Indonesia beat Malaysia. Andy Gemao capped his stellar play with a near-triple-double effort of 29 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Cabs Cabonilas, John Earl Medina and Charles Esteban also hit double-digits for Gilas. Cabonilas and Medina combined for 30 points while Esteban added 10 for Gilas, which was coming off an unforgettable stint in the Fiba U17 World Cup. Cliffton Wijaya paced Indonesia, which also claimed a slot in the Asia Cup after finishing second in the qualifiers, with 12 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Fiba U18 Asia Cup is set from September 2-7 in Amman, Jordan. The Philippines joined Japan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, China, New Zealand, Lebanon, Australia and Jordan and reigning champion South Korea in the tournament. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Alex Eala also wins singles title at W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz
Lance Agcaoili
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 20:27:07 PST
Alex Eala at the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain.–Photo from Rafael Academy Alex Eala at the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain.–Photo from Rafael Academy MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala pulled off a twin title campaign in the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz after earning her fifth International Tennis Federation (ITF) singles crown on Sunday evening (Manila time) in Spain. Just a day after ruling the doubles tournament, Eala added another one following a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 win over Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva of Andorra in the singles final. Celebrating a pair of championships in one ITF event marks the first time in Eala’s career. Her hectic schedule didn’t stop the Filipino tennis from making history as she captured her first $100,000 tournament triumph by staving off Kasinteva in a thrilling one-hour and 34-minute match. The 19-year-old star blew a 5-1 lead in the first set as her younger opponent, 18, pulled within a game. But Eala was quick to restore order. The Andorran forced a toe-to-toe duel in the second set, keeping the Filipino tied at 4-4 but Eala won a break point en route to her historic victory. It was Eala’s first ITF singles title since August 2023 when she ruled the W25 Roehampton and her fifth championship in eight final appearances. Less than 24 hours ago, Eala and her French partner Estelle Cascino withstood a tough challenge from Lia Karatancheva of Bulgaria and Diana Marcinkevica of Latvia, 6-3, 2-6, 10-4, to rule the Vitoria-Gasteiz doubles. Eala and Cascino won their second championship together since ruling the W75 Croissy-Beaubourg in France last March. The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate, who earned her career-high Women’s Tennis Association of No. 155, has four doubles titles in the ITF. Eala’s first singles title this year started with a 6-4. 6-2 win over Lian Tran and a 7-5, 7-5 conquest over Lucia Cortez Llorca,  before eliminating Ukraine’s Yulia Starodubtsewa in the quarterfinal with a 7-6(5), 6-4 victory. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Moments before her doubles championship game, Eala dominated Mexico’s Maria Jose Portillo Ramirez in the singles semifinal, 6-2, 6-1. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Marcos’ Sona barong made by artisans from Calabarzon, Visayas – PCO
Faith Argosino
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:56:32 PST
FILE PHOTO President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Photo from Presidential Communications Office) FILE PHOTO President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Photo from Presidential Communications Office) MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will wear a barong made by artisans from Calabarzon and Western Visayas for his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Sunday. “[President Marcos’] Sona barong is a collaborative work of artisans from Lucban, Quezon, Taal, Batangas, and Aklan,” the PCO said in a Viber message to reporters. No other details were provided as to the chief executive’s outfit. READ: Sona outfit: Nancy Binay to wear all-piña terno by Randy Ortiz Aside from Marcos, Senator Nancy Binay and Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel also shared details of their outfit for the Sona. Although guests for the event are barred from wearing outfits with political messages, Manuel revealed that he would be wearing a “protest barong” featuring a mural that “symbolizes the hope of the new generation.” Meanwhile, Binay will wear an all-piña terno designed by Randy Ortiz. She said it was “meticulously handloom-woven by the master artisans of Aklan.” The president delivers the Sona every fourth Monday of July to report the government’s achievements, unveil its agenda, and ask Congress to pass priority measures. To ensure public safety during the Sona, the Philippine National Police will deploy 23,000 personnel to Metro Manila. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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LOOK: Marcos readies for his 3rd Sona
Faith Argosino
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:52:27 PST
Live Updates: SONA 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is practicing his speech for his third State of the Nation Address. (Photos courtesy of the Office of the President.) MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is gearing up for his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. He was seen practicing his speech in a few photos shared by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Sunday afternoon. Photos courtesy of the Office of the President. Photos courtesy of the Office of the President. Photos courtesy of the Office of the President. Marcos also shared a video of his preparations on his official Instagram account. In the video, the chief executive was seen in casual clothing, reviewing his speech, and standing at the podium. A post shared by Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) Marcos earlier said he wanted to tackle many issues during his third Sona, fine-tuning his speech until Sunday. The event will be directed by state-owned Radio Television Malacañang, according to the PCO. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Paris Olympics: EJ Obiena vows 100% despite ‘physical problems’
Rommel Fuertes Jr.
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:39:08 PST
Athletics – World Athletics Indoor Championships – Commonwealth Arena, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – March 3, 2024 Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena in action during the men’s pole vault final REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch Athletics – World Athletics Indoor Championships – Commonwealth Arena, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – March 3, 2024 Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena in action during the men’s pole vault final REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch MANILA, Philippines—Already facing a tall order, EJ Obiena will be dealing with added adversity in his bid for gold in the upcoming Paris Olympics. In a lengthy post on Instagram, Obiena revealed he has been battling “various physical problems” for the past several months and it doesn’t look like he will be in his desired form facing his biggest challenge yet. “If you had asked me a year ago, how I would envision the ‘perfect’ Olympic preparation, well it certainly wouldn’t be what has transpired! It has been what can only be termed a bumpy road for me this season,” wrote Obiena on Saturday. “Despite my best efforts at conditioning, fitness and discipline, I have been battling with various physical problems since April. I know and fully understand this can happen to athletes training at such intensity and no complaints…but why now?” f The 28-year-old Obiena did not specifically say the injuries he’s been dealing with less than a week before the opening ceremony of the Games. But that certainly played a factor in his fourth-place finish at the Meeting de Paris, a Diamond League leg, earlier this month which served as his final warmup prior to the Olympics. The setback, however, doesn’t seem to faze the world No. 2 pole vaulter. “Am I feeling confident with my preparation? Well, definitely not as much as I would like! Am I doing the best I can each day? Yes and most definitely, yes!” said Obiena, who finished 11th in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. “I am a proud Filipino and that means I am resilient and have weathered far worse situations. I promise you all [that] I will give not 99% but all 100%!” His fitness level may be lacking at this point but not the support. “Kaya mo yan EJ. Ilang araw nalang competition mo na. Kaya mo yan,” said Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz in reply to Obiena’s post. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. (You can do it, EJ. Only a few days left before your competition, you can do it.) Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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LOOK: Stylish couples at the GMA Gala 2024
Evangeline Valderrama
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:08:22 PST
Stylish couples at the GMA Gala Night 2024. Front left: Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Heart Evangelista, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos. Images from Instagram / Nice Print Stylish couples at the GMA Gala Night 2024. Front left: Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Heart Evangelista, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos. Images from Instagram / Nice Print As the GMA Gala 2024 red carpet rolled out on Saturday, celebrities and guests served looks that’s nothing short of phenomenal. They came in colors of mostly black and white, as was the theme of the black-tie event, but their star factor shone bright with every click of the camera trained on them. And then there were these couples who took the cake, whose mere presence commanded the attention of everyone at the Marriott Grand Hyatt Manila ballroom. Check out this list and find out who among them is this year’s best dressed. Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes once again proved that they are GMA royalty, in more ways than one. From her custom velvet black column gown by the Taiwan-based Nicole Felicia couture house, which featured a sweetheart neckline lined with beaded silver flower design, down to her matching black platform heels, Rivera oozed with charisma and allure. Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. Screengrab from Instagram / Marian Rivera Not to be outdone was Dantes in a Stefano Ricci suit. Hours after the gala night, the Dantes couple released a video which they called “Rendezvous” in which they played the role of lovers meeting in secret, dressed in their gala ensembles. The video was viewed in reverse and was conceptualized by director Sid Maderazo, only Rivera was wearing long velvet gloves as props. Senator Win Gatchalian and Bianca Manalo. Image from Instagram Beauty queen-actress Bianca Manalo went for an all-black asymmetrical ballgown and a statement necklace and matching earrings and cuff bracelet, as she sashayed down the GMA gala red carpet with her favorite arm candy, Sen. Win Gatchalian. Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos. Image from Instagram / Nice Print Photo The actress was undeniably an “It” girl as she went for a gray avant-garde, heavily sequined number by American designer Rick Owens. Her gown featured a cape-like piece that covered one shoulder, as her gown emphasized her slim figure. She kept her hair in a tight bun while she looked stunning with her smokey eyes. She accessorized with drop earrings and bracelet from Bulagri. On the other hand, Ramos looked dapper in a black suit and pants by Viktor Manila. GMA sweethearts Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto were princess and prince personified as they served old-world charm and romance. While they did not walk the red carpet together for two years now, Forteza and Roberto did not lack for sweetness and made the occasion their “date night,” as shown in a video posted on the actress’ Instagram post. Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto. Screengrab from her Instagram For this year’s gala, Forteza wore a custom Mak Tumang ballgown with a deep V for a neckline, embroidered with what looked like sakura flowers at the hem. She accessorized with a NeilFelipp clutch. Her boyfriend, actor Jak Roberto looked dapper in a white tuxedo by Jhobes Estrella, with a large flower brooch. Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz. Image from Instagram / Nice Print Photo Singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose worked the red carpet in a slinky white gown with a low-cut neckline and feather-lined hem by Michael Cinco, showing off the “Maria Clara at Ibarra” actress’ figure in all the right places. Her boyfriend Rayver Cruz, meanwhile, rocked a black-and-white tuxedo designed with a buckle in the middle. The list will not be complete without Heart Evangelista in it. She and husband, Senate President Chiz Escudero spelled power as soon as they stepped out and walked the red carpet together. Evangelista was resplendent in her cream colored mermaid-cut gown by the famous Italian designer Giambattista Valli, with a halter neckline adorned with white floral accents, and bodice dotted with tiny pearls. She appeared to have commissioned and fitted the gown while she was in Paris for the fashion week. Image from Instagram: Heart Evangelista, Sen. Chiz Escudero The fashion icon had her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, and the look was completed by large diamond earrings and diamond and ruby cuff bracelets Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Meanwhile, Escudero wore a creation by Michael Leyva featuring a brocade silk jacket and matching black pants. Subscribe to our entertainment news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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West Philippine Sea: PH, China reach understanding on Ayungin missions – DFA
Faith Argosino
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:23:24 PST
(FILES) This file photo taken on April 23, 2023 shows the grounded Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre, where marines are stationed to assert Manila’s territorial claims at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Manila’s resupply missions to troops on a disputed South China Sea atoll will remain purely Philippine operations, the National Security Council said July 21, 2024, after Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP) (FILES) This file photo taken on April 23, 2023 shows the grounded Philippine navy ship BRP Sierra Madre, where marines are stationed to assert Manila’s territorial claims at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Manila’s resupply missions to troops on a disputed South China Sea atoll will remain purely Philippine operations, the National Security Council said July 21, 2024, after Washington vowed to “do what is necessary” to support them. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP) MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines and China have reached “an understanding” on provisional arrangement for the rotation and resupply missions (RoRe) to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Sunday afternoon. The DFA did not provide details but said the understanding was reached after consultations between the two countries during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Manila last July 2. READ: DFA: PH, China committed to easing tensions in West Philippine Sea “Both sides continue to recognize the need to de-escalate the situation in the South China Sea and manage differences through dialogue and consultation and agree that the agreement will not prejudice each other’s positions in the South China Sea,” the DFA said in a statement. Earlier, the DFA said the Philippines and China resolved to de-escalate tensions in the region “without prejudice to their respective positions” during the BCM. It added that Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong had “frank and constructive discussions” during the meeting. “Noting recent incidents in the South China Sea, both sides recognized that there is a need to restore trust, rebuild confidence, and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interaction,” the DFA said on July 2. “The two sides discussed their respective positions on Ayungin Shoal and affirmed their commitment to de-escalate tensions without prejudice to their respective positions,” it added. The WPS is a portion of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. However, China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia. The BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to assert the Philippines’ claims to the area. In 2016, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and said China’s claims have no legal basis. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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Paris Olympics: Carlos Yulo, PH gymnasts arrive at Olympic Village
Rommel Fuertes Jr.
Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:01:01 PST
Filipino gymnasts and Paris Olympians Carlos Yulo, center, Aleah Finnegan, right, and Emma Malabuyo at the Olympic Village in France. Photo from Aleah Finnegan’s Instagram Filipino gymnasts and Paris Olympians Carlos Yulo, center, Aleah Finnegan, right, and Emma Malabuyo at the Olympic Village in France. Photo from Aleah Finnegan’s Instagram MANILA, Philippines—Filipino gymnasts, led by two-time Olympian Carlos Yulo, have arrived at the Olympic Village in France ahead of the Paris Summer Games, which officially opens on Friday (Saturday in Manila). The Olympic Village is expected to house more than 14,000 athletes. Yulo, Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo posted about their arrival on social media on Saturday. The 24-year-old Yulo is among the first Filipino athletes who will first plunge into action in the Paris Games along with boxer Eumir Marcial and rower Joanie Delgaco. The Philippines has 22 bets competing in nine sports in Paris. Levi Jung-Ruivivar rounds out the Philippine gymnastics Olympic team. Yulo, a world champion in floor exercise in 2019 and vault in 2021, hopes to redeem himself on the Olympic stage after failing to live up to expectations at the Tokyo Games three years ago. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.
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