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Inquirer warns vs bogus ‘Notice to the Public’ emails

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 05:32:00 PST

The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) and Inquirer.net disclaim any connection to the fraudulent messages sent via e-mail telling individuals and companies that they will supposedly appear in a “Notice to the Public” ad. The messages went as far as to use the names of Inquirer executives, giving false email and office addresses. The company would like to emphasize that these messages are not legitimate and that its advertising transactions, including payments, are done only through official channels by authorized representatives. Threatening anyone with negative publicity also runs counter to its values and culture. The Inquirer warns the public against activities that misrepresent the company and has taken steps to alert authorities about this matter. READ: PCC warns public vs email scam It joins the call for heightened vigilance against scams and for added caution and thorough verification when encountering online material that makes any claim, offer, or threat. Suspicious messages claiming to be from PDI or Inquirer.net may be reported to [email protected]. READ: DOJ warns vs fake email address of justice chief, solicitation scam 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.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960633/inquirer-warns-vs-bogus-notice-to-the-public-emails

Death toll in Mindanao flash floods rises to 5

Bobby E. Lagsa, Edwin O. Fernandez

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 05:06:00 PST

GRIM TASK The grim task of finding and retrieving the remains of this week’s flash flood victims, like this child in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, has been given to a search and rescue team from the local government. —PHOTO COURTESY OF BARMM READI GRIM TASK The grim task of finding and retrieving the remains of this week’s flash flood victims, like this child in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, has been given to a search and rescue team from the local government. —PHOTO COURTESY OF BARMM READI COTABATO CITY — Search and rescue teams retrieved the remains of three children who went missing amid flash floods on Tuesday night in Matanog town, Maguindanao del Norte, bringing the number of fatalities from the disaster in the Bangsamoro region to five, with seven still missing. Mubarak Dumato, Maguindanao del Norte information officer, told the Inquirer that government teams retrieved on Thursday morning the remains of Norhaina Butil, 11, and her sister Norhaine, 2. On Friday morning, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) reported that another drowning victim, a girl, was retrieved at Sitio Campo Uno in Barangay Bugasan Norte, Matanog. The province’s search and rescue team, Dumato said, has continued searching for two more children, a boy and a girl. READi also accounted for a 16-year-old boy who was found dead among the debris at Barangay Igabay in Balabagan town, Lanao del Sur province, on Wednesday morning. Also on Wednesday, Baby Nor Raba, 18 (not 14 as earlier reported), was found dead in Kapatagan town, in the aftermath of the floods, said Jennie Tamano, Lanao del Sur information officer. In Lanao del Sur, Tamano said rescuers continued their search for Norshaila Cabana Malumpil, 3, and Abdul Major Cabana Malumpil, 2, of Barangay Molimoc, Balabagan town, and Junaid Mindalano, of Kapatagan town. The Lanao del Sur provincial disaster risk reduction and management office said its responders were also scouring Barangay Molimoc and nearby areas for Sheila and Ela Abdullah, who were reported missing amid the flash floods. The READi on Friday said that in Matanog, 19 people, mostly children, were injured and 942 families or 4,710 people had been affected, many lost their homes to the rampaging waters that struck their communities suddenly on Tuesday night. The BARMM Ministry of Social Services and Development has set up tents as temporary shelters for the displaced families in Matanog and distributed food and nonfood aid to all those affected in different towns in Lanao del Sur. As of Friday, Lanao del Sur authorities counted some 4,990 families affected by the floods, of which 665 reported that their homes were damaged. Units of the police, Army, Marines, and coast guard in Maguindanao del Norte continue to be on alert to assist rescue workers of READi and the provincial engineering office for search and clearing operations. “Disaster workers are still on alert three days after the calamity because the weather condition in Matanog and nearby areas continues to bring threats to local residents,” Dumato said. He said the Narciso Ramos Highway connecting Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur had been reopened, allowing for the faster deployment of humanitarian aid. On Tuesday night, cascading waters and mud swept through Matanog and adjoining towns of Kapatagan, Balabagan and Malabang in Lanao del Sur due to heavy rains brought by a low pressure area. According to initial reports gathered by humanitarian group Care Philippines, over 700 families are currently staying in evacuation centers as a result of Tuesday’s floods. Reiza Dejito, Care Philippines country director, said they were particularly concerned about the disaster’s “severe impact on women and girls and other vulnerable individuals, including persons with disabilities, older persons and children.” “In crises like this, women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing heightened risks to their safety, health and access to essential services. This disaster has increased these vulnerabilities, making it crucial that our response prioritizes their specific needs,” Dejito 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: Bodies of 2 girls buried in Baguio landslide retrieved News that matters 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/1960576/death-toll-in-mindanao-flash-floods-rises-to-5

Senate: Arrest Alice Guo, others

dsingson

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 14:13:32 PST

Arrest orders against Alice Guo, the suspended mayor of Bamban town in Tarlac province, and seven others have been issued by the Senate after they all skipped the July 10, 2024, hearing of the committee on women probing into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES Arrest orders against Alice Guo, the suspended mayor of Bamban town in Tarlac province, and seven others have been issued by the Senate after they all skipped the July 10, 2024, hearing of the committee on women probing into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES MANILA, Philippines — An arrest order has been issued by the Senate against Tarlac town Mayor Alice Guo and seven others after they skipped the July 10 hearing – despite due notices – of the committee on women probing into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). The arrest orders of the Guo and the seven others had been signed by Panel head Senator Risa Hontiveros and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. The arrest orders issued were for Guo, her family members Sheila Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, Jian Zhong Guo, and Seimen Guo, her suspected mother Wen Yi Lin, her accountant Nancy Gamo, and alleged authorized representative of Pogos Dennis Cunanan. READ MORE: Alice Guo and 7 others cited for contempt, ordered arrested Alice Guo says she’s ‘receiving death threats’: ‘I am afraid’ Copies of the official arrest orders were shared with the media by Hontiveros’ office on Saturday, July 13. According to Hontiveros’ office, the arrest orders were signed late Friday afternoon. Based on the arrest order for Guo, her refusal to appear before the Senate “delayed, impeded, and obstructed” the inquiry into the reported violation of human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and physical abuse and torture in the premises of an internet gaming licensee of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation. Hontiveros explained that “the issuance of the arrest order is only the first step to making Mayor Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping accountable to our laws.” “Sa dami ng kasinungalingan at posibleng krimen ni Mayor Alice at ng lahat ng sangkot sa Pogo, this is not merely procedural. This arrest order upholds the mandate of the Senate to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos,” she said in a statement later Saturday. (Of all the lies and possible crimes of Mayor Alice and all involved in Pogo, this is not merely procedural. This arrest order upholds the mandate of the Senate to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos.) READ MORE: Hontiveros: Arrest order vs Alice Guo, others for protection of Filipinos PRO-7: No Pogo hubs monitored in Central Visayas “Patuloy naming hinihintay sa Senado ang kanyang pagdalo sa susunod na hearing, kasama na ang lahat ng taong nasa listahan na cited in contempt,” Hontiveros also said. (We continuously wait in Senate for her to attend the next hearing, together with all others in the list who were cited for contempt.) “Magpakita na kayo. Hindi mabubura ng inyong pagtatago ang katotohanan,” she added. READ: Hontiveros: Arrest order vs Alice Guo, others for protection of Filipinos “Patuloy naming hinihintay sa Senado ang kanyang pagdalo sa susunod na hearing, kasama na ang lahat ng taong nasa listahan na cited in contempt,” Hontiveros also said. (We continuously wait in Senate for her to attend the next hearing, together with all others in the list who were cited for contempt.) “Magpakita na kayo. Hindi mabubura ng inyong pagtatago ang katotohanan,” she added. (Show up already. Your hiding will not conceal the truth.) 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584312/senate-arrest-alice-guo-others

Hontiveros: Arrest order vs Alice Guo, others for protection of Filipinos

Dianne Sampang

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 12:58:46 PST

FILE PHOTO: Senator Risa Hontiveros answers queries from PDI officers and staff during a round table interview at PDI office, March 3,2020. INQUIRER file photo / JOAN BONDOC FILE PHOTO: Senator Risa Hontiveros answers queries from PDI officers and staff during a round table interview at PDI office, March 3,2020. INQUIRER file photo / JOAN BONDOC MANILA, Philippines —Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the issuance of the arrest order against suspended Tarlac town Mayor Alice Guo and seven others “upholds the mandate of the Senate to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos.” In a statement, Hontiveros explained that “the issuance of the arrest order is only the first step to making Mayor Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping accountable to our laws.” “Sa dami ng kasinungalingan at posibleng krimen ni Mayor Alice at ng lahat ng sangkot sa Pogo, this is not merely procedural. This arrest order upholds the mandate of the Senate to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos,” she said in a statement Saturday. (Of all the lies and possible crimes of Mayor Alice and all involved in Pogo, this is not merely procedural. This arrest order upholds the mandate of the Senate to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos.) Earlier on Saturday, Hontiveros’ office shared copies of the arrest orders with members of the media. READ: Arrest Alice Guo, others – Senate Based on the arrest order for Guo, her refusal to appear before the Senate “delayed, impeded, and obstructed” the investigation of reported human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and physical abuse and torture in the premises of an internet gaming licensee of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation. The Senate committee on women chaired by Hontiveros has been probing into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). During the inquiries, Guo’s name has been linked to a raided Pogo in Bamban town where she is the local chief executive. Hontiveros and Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero signed the eight arrest orders for Guo, her family members Sheila Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, Jian Zhong Guo, and Seimen Guo, her suspected mother Wen Yi Lin, her accountant Nancy Gamo, and alleged authorized representative of Pogos Dennis Cunanan. READ: Gatchalian: 36 Alice Guo accounts financed illegal Pogo “Patuloy naming hinihintay sa Senado ang kanyang pagdalo sa susunod na hearing, kasama na ang lahat ng taong nasa listahan na cited in contempt,” the senator said. (We continuously wait in Senate for her to attend the next hearing, together with all others in the list who were cited for contempt.) “Magpakita na kayo. Hindi mabubura ng inyong pagtatago ang katotohanan,” she added. (Show up already. Your hiding will not conceal the truth.) 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. Guo and others did not attend the July 10 hearing – despite due notices – of the Senate committee on women. Guo’s lawyer, Atty. Stephen David, said his client was “traumatized” after facing scrutiny on her alleged ties to Zun Yuan Technology Inc., the raided Pogo in Bamban, Tarlac. 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.

Inquirer

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242452/hontiveros-arrest-order-vs-alice-guo-others-for-protection-of-filipinos

Gatchalian: 36 Alice Guo accounts financed illegal Pogo

Marlon Ramos

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 05:30:02 PST

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (left) and Bamban Mayor Alice Guo | PHOTOS: Senate PRIB and INQUIRER.net Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (left) and Bamban Mayor Alice Guo | PHOTOS: Senate PRIB and INQUIRER.net Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Friday said several billions of pesos had flowed into the 36 bank accounts of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who allegedly served as a conduit in financing the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) in her town. “These are huge amounts. We are talking about billions (of pesos) in a span of three years that entered Alice Guo’s (bank) accounts,” Gatchalian said at a media briefing. “If you read the income statements of the Guo-related family corporations, they either reported losses or their profits were just P100,000 or P200,000. On its face value, this is a red flag. It’s really puzzling where their money is coming from,” he said. READ: Pogo probe: CA freezes accounts of Alice Guo, others According to the senator, Guo’s bank accounts were among those covered by the freeze order that the Court of Appeals (CA) issued on Wednesday, two days after the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) filed an ex parte petition. The appellate court also included the mayor’s helicopter, 12 vehicles, and 12 real estate properties in the freeze order. The court order covered a total of 90 bank accounts in 14 financial institutions, 27 land titles, and other high-value personal properties of Guo and six other individuals, and six companies. “They could not justify the source of the money that came from outside the country. That’s a classic case of money laundering,” Gatchalian said. “They used that money for their criminal activities and to bribe people. That’s why it’s important for us to detect the flow of money so that it will not be used for criminal operations in our country,” he added. Gatchalian said that the senators had actually been pressuring the AMLC to pursue appropriate legal actions as part of the government crackdown on Pogo companies and their service providers. “They (finally) filed a money laundering case (against Guo). And then the next step is to file a petition in the CA to freeze the assets because the source was illegal,” he said. In the case of Guo, Gatchalian said that the bulk of the funds were deposited to her bank accounts between 2019 and 2022. The fund transfers, he said, continued until her supposed role in the operations of Zun Yuan Technology Inc. came to light when the Pogo complex in Bamban was raided by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission on March 13. Guo had vehemently denied that she was involved with Zun Yuan, saying that she had already divested from the real estate company that leased the 7.9-hectare property to the Pogo company. But Gatchalian said the financial investigation conducted by the AMLC showed Guo’s direct connections with Zun Yuan and its predecessor, Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. He noted that she had received big amounts of money at the time when the Pogo complex, which was then under Hongsheng’s management, was being built. The senator had earlier estimated that the sprawling online gaming hub, which had 36 multistory buildings, luxury villas, a swimming pool, and underground tunnels, cost at least P6.1 billion to build. The AMLC, he said, had provided him with a “very detailed” report on its investigation of the financial transactions of Guo, her family, and their business associates. “A big portion of the money came from China and was sent to different individuals and corporations here in the Philippines,” Gatchalian said. The funds originated from the accounts of numerous individuals and companies, according to him. “For me, money laundering is one of the biggest crimes (related to Pogos). We have become a money laundering hub because it’s easy to bring (dirty) money here,” the senator lamented. “What happened in Bamban is again an eye-opener … because we’re looking into the shortcomings of the government agencies and other stakeholders in implementing our processes against money laundering,” he said. Gatchalian suspected that some unscrupulous officials of private commercial banks had conspired with Guo and her alleged accomplices in facilitating the questionable entry of funds from China. He pointed out that the AMLC received reports about Guo’s suspicious bank transactions only recently after the Pogo scandal broke out. “If you look at the timeline, this started way back in 2019. I was looking at the transactions, billions of pesos entered her accounts in a span of three years, but the banks did not report it,” Gatchalian said. “Somebody from the branches of the banks could have connived with them that’s why these were not immediately reported (to the AMLC). I also suspect that the banks themselves were part of the conspiracy,” he said. Gatchalian pointed to a similar incident when a branch manager at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in Makati City was found guilty of money laundering for facilitating the transfer of $81 million that hackers stole from Bangladesh’s central bank in 2016. AMLC officials could not be reached for comment. AMLC’s statement on Thursday disclosing the freeze order did not say how much in total assets had been frozen or whether the banks holding the accounts under investigation were in Tarlac or other provinces, or in Manila. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, head of the Financial Supervision Sector, which is mainly responsible for the regulation of banks, said it was premature to comment on the liability of the banks concerned as the investigation was still ongoing. But if certain banks are found to have committed violations, these banks would “definitely” be required to explain “as a matter of due process,” she told the Inquirer. 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 BSP continuously examines and reviews banks’ compliance and adherence to the Anti-Money Laundering Act,” Fonacier said. —WITH A REPORT FROM IAN NICOLAS CIGARAL 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.

Inquirer

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242429/gatchalian-36-alice-guo-accounts-financed-illegal-pogo

More lawmakers air concern over Sara Duterte’s ‘designated survivor’ remark

Dianne Sampang

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 20:18:11 PST

Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte MANILA, Philippines — Two more lawmakers expressed disappointment and concern over Vice President Sara Duterte’s self-appointment as “designated survivor” when asked if she would attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 3rd State of the Nation Address (Sona). In a statement released Saturday, Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Representative David Suarez did not expect that such a remark would come from the holder of the second highest post in the country. “Ang kanyang pahayag ay nagpapakita ng kakulangan ng maturity na dapat ay taglay niya bilang isang mataas na opisyal ng gobyerno,” Suarez said. (Her statement showed the lack of maturity that she is supposed to have as a high government official.) READ: Lawmakers slam VP Sara Duterte as ‘no longer trustworthy’ Duterte said on Thursday that she would be skipping the Sona on July 22 and appointed herself as the “designated survivor.” The constitutional line of succession suggests that Duterte is Marcos’ successor, followed by the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House. The deputy speaker also aired his concern on the potential implication of Duterte’s remark on the safety of the President saying that “her remark is a reminder of the importance of ensuring the security and safety of the President and other officials in the line of succession.” House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Representative Manuel Jose Dalipe said that Duterte’s statement could reflect badly on her as a lawyer and member of the Bar. READ: Lacson says Designated Survivor Bill a constitutional mandate “To begin with, nowhere in our 1987 Constitution is it stated that the Vice President has the authority or power to appoint herself, or anyone else, for that matter. Furthermore, the term ‘Designated Survivor’ is not found in any of our statutes,” he added. Former Senator Panfilo Lacson in 2019 filed Senate Bill No. 982, or the ‘Designated Survivor’ Bill, to “provide an exhaustive line/order of presidential succession in the event of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the Acting President to ensure that the office of the President is never vacated even in exceptional circumstances.” 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/1960797/more-lawmakers-air-concern-over-sara-dutertes-designated-survivor-remark

BSP: Bank lending growth surged to 14-month high in May

Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 02:28:00 PST

Bank lending surged to a 14-month high in May driven by sustained growth of consumer loans despite elevated borrowing costs, as Filipino households turned to loans to help meet their basic needs amid high inflation. Excluding their lending to each other, outstanding loans of big banks grew by 10.1 percent year-on-year to P12 trillion in May, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Friday. Data sh owed the May uptick was the fastest loan growth recorded since March 2023. It was also brisker than the 9.6 percent increase registered in April. READ: Philippines’ bank lending growth hit 12-month high in April Notably, bank lending to consumers managed to sustain a robust growth after soaring by 25.6 percent to P1.4 trillion in May, almost double the prepandemic level. Figures showed credit card loans jumped by 29.4 percent to P776 billion while motor vehicle loans picked up by 21.3 percent to P415.3 billion. Ruben Carlo Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, said the growth in consumer loans was a “good sign” as it showed that Filipinos still tried to spend despite high interest rates, boding well for the consumption-reliant Philippine economy. But Asuncion believed that most of the consumer credit was likely spent on basic necessities amid rising costs of living and expensive borrowing rates. “We need to look closer if these are spent on basics or nonbasics. My initial assessment is that most are spent on basics because of still high interest rates,” he said. “This may indicate that the spending outlook may not be a concern even amid persistently high interest rates,” he added. Overall, the strength of the latest lending growth data defied tight financial conditions. Even credit to businesses to bankroll various production activities jumped by 8.4 percent to P10.1 trillion in May, better than the 7.8 percent uptick in April. At its last policy meeting in June, the BSP’s Monetary Board kept the benchmark rate that banks typically use as a guide when charging interest on loans at 6.5 percent, an over 17-year high. But BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. struck a dovish tone and gave clearer signals of a possible rate cut in August as inflation is expected to ease in the next months. But until that rate reduction comes, Leonardo Lanzona, economist at Ateneo de Manila University, said consumers would have to endure persistently high borrowing costs. 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. “Since the interest rates have been elevated, these consumers do not expect them to fall drastically in the short to medium term,” Lanzona said. 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.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468403/bsp-bank-lending-growth-surged-to-14-mo-high-in-may

Palarong Pambansa 2024: Negrense archer, tennis duo secure 4 golds on Day 3 for CV

dbongcac

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 21:13:18 PST

Central Visayas’ Naina Dominique Tagle during her Palarong Pambansa gold medal campaign. | Palarong Pambansa 2024 – Cebu City photo Central Visayas’ Naina Dominique Tagle during her Palarong Pambansa gold medal campaign. | Palarong Pambansa 2024 – Cebu City photo CEBU CITY, Philippines – Athletes from Negros Oriental brought crucial gold medals to the host delegation, Central Visayas (Region 7), as the third day of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 concluded on Saturday, July 13. The formidable archer from Dumaguete, Naina Dominique Tagle, and the lawn tennis duo of Rousey Drew Paliwag and Mariet Marie Bolongaita from the Municipality of Valencia clinched four gold medals. These victories elevated Central Visayas’ medal tally to 19 golds, 28 silvers, and 12 bronzes to remain at fourth place as of 8 p.m. on Saturday. READ: Palarong Pambansa 2024: LIVE UPDATES The reigning champions, the National Capital Region (NCR), lead the medal standings by a wide gap of 43 golds, 30 silvers, and 43 bronzes. Calabarzon (Region 4-A) follows in second with a 33-23-31 count, while Western Visayas (Region 6) holds third place with a 30-23-23 tally. READ: Palarong Pambansa 2024: So far, so good – Organizers In the secondary girls’ archery events held at the South Road Properties (SRP), Tagle showcased her precision by winning the 60-meter distance, 1440 round, and 70-meter distance events. She outperformed NCR’s Cassandra Enecio, who took silver in the 1440 round and 60-meter distance, and Denelyn Villagracia of the Bicol Region (Region 5) and Ginafe Fabrero of SOCKSARGEN (Region 12), who claimed bronzes in the 1440 round and 60-meter distance, respectively. READ: PALARONG PAMBANSA 2024: Bicolano tanker resets 3 meet records, snags 4 golds Tagle also bested Emy Angela Peredo of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in the 70-meter distance, with Yzabella Fajardo of Bicol Region earning the bronze. In elementary lawn tennis, Paliwag from Valencia Central Elementary School and Bolongaita from ABC Learning Center won Central Visayas’ only gold medal in the elementary division at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club’s indoor tennis court. READ: Palarong Pambansa boxing: 2 Cebuano pugs punch tickets to semis They defeated Central Luzon (Region 3) in the gold medal match, with Cagayan Valley (Region 2) settling for bronze. Besides gold medals, Central Visayas secured numerous silver and bronze medals on the third day. Etha Nadine Seno and Claudwin Seven Toñacao of Bogo City each earned bronze in the elementary girls’ and boys’ lawn tennis singles, respectively. In basketball, the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers dominated Cagayan Valley, 114-73, at the USC Main Campus gymnasium, finishing the elimination round with a 3-0 record and advancing to the secondary boys’ basketball quarterfinals on Sunday, July 14. Meanwhile, Abellana National School (ANS) overwhelmed Region 1, 103-45, at the USC-NC gymnasium, also progressing unbeaten to the girls’ secondary basketball quarterfinals. In baseball, Central Visayas bounced back from an early defeat against Eastern Visayas (Region 8), 4-6, by defeating Region 5, 8-2. The USJ-R Lady Jaguars wrapped up the volleyball elimination round with a perfect 3-0 record after defeating Davao Region, 25-16, 25-16, at their home turf in the USJ-R Basak Campus. Sunday, July 14, will be pivotal for Central Visayas as many of its teams in ball games and individual events such as wrestling, taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, and rhythmic gymnastics will compete in the semifinals. 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 PALARONG PAMBANSA 2024: A CDN DIGITAL SPECIAL ONLINE COVERAGE is in partnership with: Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584392/palarong-pambansa-2024-negrense-archer-tennis-duo-secure-4-golds-on-day-3-for-cv

Abalos: PH growing smaller for Quiboloy

Nestor Corrales

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 05:38:00 PST

Department of the Interior and Local Government Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr. answers questions from the media in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo Department of the Interior and Local Government Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr. answers questions from the media in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. INQUIRER.net/Ryan Leagogo Fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy is still in the Philippines, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Friday, a day after one of his co-accused was arrested in Davao City. Quiboloy is charged before the courts with child abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, exploitation, and discrimination. “There is always the possibility that they are already in other parts of the world, but from what what we can see for now, they are just here. He is just here in the Philippines,” Abalos said at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. “We will assure you this: The Philippines is getting smaller for them. With how the police and the military operate, where are you going to hide now?” he said. He renewed his call for Quiboloy to surrender. “Just surrender,” he said, adding that if he believes he is innocent, “this is the time to present your evidence and your lawyers.” “We have procedures in court. If ever, you can appeal,” he further told Quiboloy. Abalos also told one of Quiboloy’s legal counsels, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, as well as former presidential spokespersons Harry Roque and Salvador Panelo, to advise Quiboloy to surrender instead of questioning the bounty from the private sector. Paulene Canada, one of his co-accused, was arrested at a Davao City subdivision on Thursday following the announcement of a P1 million bounty for her. Canada was arrested in her home in Buhangin district at around 1 p.m. on Thursday, according to Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy’s legal counsel. READ: Cops in Quiboloy arrest try relieved from posts Abalos said the P1 million reward for Canada helped in her arrest. 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 March this year, the Philippine National Police revoked Quiboloy’s license to own and possess firearms based on Section 4 (g) of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act or Republic Act No. 10591. News that matters 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/1960634/abalos-ph-growing-smaller-for-quiboloy

The burgeoning preference for opulence

Joey Roi Bondoc

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:19:00 PST

Aside from being well-maintained, these high end properties are preferred by business executives looking for hotel-like amenities and services. (https://www.shangproperties.com) Aside from being well-maintained, these high end properties are preferred by business executives looking for hotel-like amenities and services. (https://www.shangproperties.com) Amid rising vacancies in the Metro Manila secondary condominium market and tepid take-up in the pre-selling market, Colliers sees the take-up for luxury and ultra luxury units remaining stable. Demand for these segments is primarily driven by a consumer base awash with cash, as well as investors banking on these units’ capital appreciation potential. Astute investors also utilize these properties as hedges against inflation. The return of more expatriates should also partly lift demand for luxury units. Colliers has observed that the expat leasing market has picked up since 2022 as more foreign employees return to the Philippines and to the traditional office setup. We have seen Fort Bonifacio, Makati CBD, Ortigas Center, and Rockwell Center as the most preferred locations of expats due to the condominium units’ large cuts and the projects’ proximity to offices, schools, hospitals, and retail establishments. In terms of age, some of the residential buildings have been in the market for more than 20 years but still enjoy high occupancies and command premium rents. Aside from being well-maintained, these high end properties are preferred by business executives looking for hotel-like amenities and services. These prime units are a cut above the rest and are the primary choices of top MNC officials and diplomats. An example would be Rockwell properties in Makati City. Besides sustaining occupancy rates at about 90 percent to 95 percent, these developments also continue to command high rents due to the “convenience, accessibility, and exclusivity” they provide to tenants. Expatriate families are particularly attracted to Rockwell’s “community vibe”. Residents of this masterplanned community enjoy exclusive access to weekly club activities, where expatriates and their children get to interact with other Rockwell residents. Prime residential buildings in Makati CBD also continue to attract consular officials as well as high-ranking executives of MNCs and top Filipino companies holding offices along Ayala Avenue. Note that Makati CBD enjoys a relatively lower office vacancy rate of 10.2 percent as of Q1 2024. While other business hubs in Metro Manila are recording vacancies of between 20 percent and 30 percent, Makati CBD continues to enjoy sustained take-up from local and foreign traditional and outsourcing firms. This helps fuel the demand for prime residential units in the country’s primary financial district. Meanwhile, some upscale to ultra luxury condos in Fort Bonifacio continue to enjoy high occupancies as they complement the surge of multinational knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) firms in this bustling business hub. Major KPO firms such as Google, Towers Watson, JPMorgan, Bytedance, Ubisoft Entertainment Philippines, PWC, and Deutsche Knowledge Services have established operations in Fort Bonifacio, while the transfer of the Philippine Stock Exchange should entice more multinational finance companies to open shop in the area. The influx of these foreign companies should bring in more expats and hence raise the demand for luxury condominium units. Expatriates are also drawn to the business district due to the presence of international schools, translating to a live-work-play-shop-learn environment. Colliers is seeing a more pronounced launch of premium residential units outside the capital region. (https://rockwellcenternepoangeles.com) There’s no question that luxury and ultra luxury pre-selling projects continue to be offered in Makati CBD and Fort Bonifacio. These business hubs continue to be the most desired addresses of top local and foreign firms operating in Metro Manila. As I stressed previously, these established business districts offer high quality and sustainable office towers, luxury and ultra luxury residential projects, as well as upscale malls that serve as the go-to establishments of local professionals as well as foreign employees and their growing families. Overall, these premium residential units entice both end-users and investors due to their proximity to the bustling business districts of Ortigas, Makati, Rockwell, and Fort Bonifacio. Aside from providing tight, round-the-clock security, these properties also offer well-equipped gyms, resort-like pools, ample parking space, quality interiors, among others. These high end residences are also a stone’s throw away from major shopping hubs in the metro including Greenbelt, Glorietta, SM Makati, Power Plant, Uptown Mall, Shangri- La Plaza mall, The Podium, and SM Aura—establishments that house a mix of local and global retail brands that mainly cater to the affluent residents’ discerning preferences. Premium residential units entice both end-users and investors with their proximity to the bustling business districts. (https://www.ayalaland.com.ph) Colliers data show that the demand for luxury and ultra luxury residential projects is not confined within Metro Manila. Outside the capital region, we are seeing a more pronounced launch of premium residential units. Developers with projects catering to the upscale to luxury markets outside of Metro Manila include Megaworld, Robinsons Land, Vista Land, Rockwell Land, Ayala Land, Filinvest Land, Arthaland, and AppleOne Properties. 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 are also among the most expensive condominium projects outside Metro Manila and are enjoying good take-up rates ranging from 30 percent to 100 percent. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/467441/the-burgeoning-preference-for-opulence

Public warned vs AI-aided crypto scams using Remolona

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 02:24:00 PST

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has urged the public to be more vigilant against scams using artificial intelligence (AI) to create or manipulate fake videos and audios amid the proliferation of fraudulent social media posts targeting Governor Eli Remolona Jr. The BSP issued the warning on Friday as it sought to clarify that Remolona does not endorse the so-called “Tesler Code” cryptocurrency project or any other crypto investment, as “misrepresented” by some AI-manipulated content on social media. The central bank said it came to its attention that the fraudsters posted AI-manipulated content to spread false information about organizations, officials and persons, including the BSP and its personnel. READ: How to avoid AI voice scams Earlier this week, Ayala Corp. also issued a statement warning the public against fraudulent social media posts claiming that tycoon Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, the conglomerate’s chairperson, was promoting Tesler Code. “The act of misrepresenting the BSP or any of its officers or units is punishable under the law,” the central bank said. “To guard against this scam and other similar schemes, the BSP urges the public to remain vigilant and to refrain from providing personal information to unverified or suspicious entities,” it added. Multiple reports said there had been a rise in AI-generated deepfake videos, voices and audios that were meant to make scams more believable to their potential victims. READ: Booking.com sounds alarm on AI-enabled travel scams Personalities like billionaire Elon Musk and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong were among those used by fraudsters to scam people through deepfakes promoting crypto investments. Apart from the crypto market, there are also deepfake political contents spreading online, which are widely seen as a major threat to countries that are about to hold their elections, including the United States. Amid the proliferation of such dangerous social media content, the BSP encouraged the public to verify the authenticity of messages from supposed BSP officers or representatives, and to report suspicious activities to the central bank. —IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468401/public-warned-vs-ai-aided-crypto-scams-using-remolona

Maynilad ready to go public in early 2025

Jordeene B. Lagare

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 02:18:00 PST

Officials of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on Friday celebrate the listing of the first ever blue bonds offered in the Philippines. The west zone concessionaire earlier raised P15 billion from the sale of the thematic bonds, which are issued to secure financing for water and wastewater projects. —Jordeene B. Lagare Officials of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on Friday celebrate the listing of the first ever blue bonds offered in the Philippines. The west zone concessionaire earlier raised P15 billion from the sale of the thematic bonds, which are issued to secure financing for water and wastewater projects. —Jordeene B. Lagare West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. plans to stage its stock market debut in early 2025 as it is exploring options to raise up to P35 billion for next year’s capital spending. Maynilad president and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez said Maynilad was considering going public sometime after the 2025 elections or early 2026, taking into account various political, social and economic factors. “But the timing will be the strategic move that we have to choose because [launching the initial public offering, or IPO, will depend] on market conditions,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the firm’s blue bond listing on Friday. READ: Maynilad preps for mandated IPO slated after 2025 polls Maynilad, the largest private concessionaire in terms of customer base, is mandated by its concession agreement with the government through the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to conduct its IPO on or before January 2027. The water company holds a 25-year legislative franchise, per Republic Act No. 11600, to establish, operate and maintain a waterworks system and sewerage and sanitation services in the west zone service area of Metro Manila and the province of Cavite. It is mandated to offer at least 30 percent of its outstanding capital stock to the public within five years from the effectivity of the law, which was signed in December 2021. Fernandez did not disclose the initial size of the IPO, but a Bloomberg report in September last year said this would allow them to generate between $750 million and $1 billion. The Maynilad executive said their P15-billion maiden blue bond offering, the first of its kind in the country and for the company, “is a precursor to an even larger goal” and “lays the groundwork for our future IPO.” READ: Maynilad to raise an additional P6B later this year Blue bonds are thematic bonds whose proceeds will be used exclusively to finance or refinance new or existing projects on water and wastewater management, ocean protection, among others. Maynilad’s issuance was more than two times oversubscribed which, according to Fernandez, was “a testament to the confidence” of the investing community in the company. The debt papers were issued in two tranches: Series A, or the five-year fixed rate bonds with an interest rate of 6.7092 percent due in 2029; and Series B, or the 10-year fixed rate bonds carrying an interest rate of 7.0931 percent due in 2034. BPI Capital Corp. acted as the sole issue manager for the sale. Together with BDO Capital & Investment Corp., First Metro Investment Corp. and East West Banking Corp., it is also underwriter and bookrunner. Fernandez said proceeds would be used for several pipe laying projects in Muntinlupa and in Cavite province, a new pumping station and reservoir in Valenzuela City and a water reclamation facility in Central 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. Maynilad is looking into other fundraising activities to raise between P25 billion and P35 billion in 2025 through a combination of bilateral loans, internally generated funds and other instruments for its capital expenditure (Capex) next year. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468408/maynilad-ready-to-go-public-in-early-2025

PH IPOs few and far between in an anemic stock market

Meg J. Adonis

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 02:20:00 PST

Even with five months still left in the year and three companies so far launching their initial public offerings (IPOs), the Philippine stock market may fail to achieve its goal of six listings for a total equity deal of P40 billion, according to analysts. Francis Ferdinand Subido, senior research analyst at AP Securities Inc., told the Inquirer on Friday prospective IPO issuers were likely still waiting on the sidelines for catalysts that could jolt tepid trading in the market. READ: SEC issues new rules covering large IPO investors “Likely, we will fall short of the PSE’s (Philippine Stock Exchange) target,” Subido said, pointing out that the much-awaited listings of major firms—Sy family-led SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s real estate investment trust, Razon-led Prime Infrastructure, and Ayala-backed e-wallet platform GCash—that were originally scheduled this year have been deferred due to market conditions. According to Subido, these companies were waiting for interest rate cuts while also gauging market liquidity. High interest rates have crimped the spending power of investors, with local equities suffering amid lackluster trading. The local stock market is now up 1.43 percent from the start of the year. Still, average market value turnover stood at P4.96 billion, down by 18.55 percent from the full-year 2023 value of P6.09 billion, data from trading platform Philstocks Financial Inc. showed. READ: Go public to expand your business “If liquidity remains low, then major issuers will not list since there won’t be enough money going around to handle the size of their offers,” he added. Astro del Castillo, managing director at First Grade Holdings, also noted that reaching the bourse’s target “will be challenging.” “Market conditions and investor sentiment will dictate the pace,” Del Castillo said in a Viber message. “Factors like lower interest rates, a less volatile geopolitical climate, and a delayed La Niña event could contribute to a more upbeat market, potentially leading to more successful IPOs.” Such observations emerged after NexGen Energy Corp., the third company to launch an IPO this year, failed to reach its target of raising P580 million. In a statement on Friday, the renewable energy firm led by businessman Dexter Tiu said it had raised P529 million from the sale of 315 million shares at P1.68 each. This is 8.8 percent below the company’s target. According to NexGen, which will list on the small, medium and emerging board of the local bourse under the ticker “XG” on Tuesday, July 16, the total already included an additional 15 million shares from its over-allotment option. NexGen had originally allotted 45 million secondary shares in case of excess demand. Analysts said general market conditions and weak investor sentiment resulted in the below-target turnout. April Lynn Tan, COL Financial Group chief equity strategist, explained that high interest rates remained a deterrent despite the anticipated rate cut next month, along with the “lackluster performance of the market.” At the same time, investors were also cautious of the company’s earnings growth, according to Subido. “None of the 17 projects in [NexGen’s] pipeline are expected to come online until 2026, which means that significant earnings growth is still quite far off,” he said. The solar and wind power-focused firm also noted that its offer period—July 1 to 8—was “relatively short due to time constraints and the approaching ghost month (August).” In a statement, NexGen president and CEO Eric Peter Roxas said: “We are grateful to all who supported the IPO because it demonstrates the confidence in XG’s management team to develop and manage the company’s long-term growth prospects. Funds raised would go to its renewable energy projects in the provinces of Zambales, Cavite and “other parts of 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. NexGen is the third company to brave an anemic stock market, following Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.’s P5.3-billion IPO in June and OceanaGold Philippines’ P6.08-billion IPO in May. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468402/ph-ipos-few-and-far-between-in-an-anemic-stock-market

Is there hope for a Philippine 15-minute city?

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:35:00 PST

By encouraging cycling, Glasgow is another place that aims to become a 15-minute city. By encouraging cycling, Glasgow is another place that aims to become a 15-minute city. How far can you go in a span of 15 minutes? For many of us who live in congested cities, our answers may be quite limited. In 15 minutes, some of us may find ourselves still squeezed in a jampacked elevator or stuck in traffic. Would you believe, however, that in some cities some people would have already traveled to the grocery, finished their shopping, and returned home—all in 15 minutes? This scenario of easy accessibility is the ideal life for everyone, according to the Colombian urbanist Carlos Moreno. A professor at IAE- Paris Sorbonne, he introduced the concept of the “15-minute city” at the Paris United Nations Climate Change Conference. The idea is exactly what its name suggests: everything we need to live should be within a 15-minute walk or cycle. As simple as it may sound, however, this concept is quite difficult to apply in our existing cities. Still, there is hope, as many cities in the world are starting to work toward this ideal living. The concept found fans among city mayors globally. By improving accessibility across neighborhoods, the concept also promotes sustainable living and decentralization of urban areas. It lessens the need for vehicles and paves the way for less roads and more parks. In such a city, offices, schools, and other institutions would be situated just a few minutes away from your home. You can easily bring your kids to school on your way to work, or even go home together for lunch. The 15-minute city is a place where essentials and amenities can be reached by walking or cycling in 15 minutes. Beyond proximity, however, the 15-minute city also relies on other factors to ensure its success. First, it requires the right density of inhabitants, just enough to sustain businesses without overpopulating the city. Second, it also pushes for diversity, with mixed-use buildings catering to numerous needs. Besides these, the city also benefits from digitalization of activities to speed up daily tasks. Human scale design must be taken into consideration. Cities must be built for people, not for cars. Another factor is flexibility, as spaces should cater to various activities throughout the day. Lastly, connectivity is important, ensuring that cities are easily reachable through efficient public transportation. The 15-minute city concept ensures that the daily needs of everyone, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities, are met. It helps lower housing costs by supporting numerous neighborhoods; promote homegrown businesses; reduce transportation costs; and save the environment by cutting the need for vehicular travel while promoting cycling and walking. Realistically, it is difficult to redesign existing cities, especially ones that already feature a multitude of urban problems. By starting small, however, many cities have already demonstrated that the 15-minute city can be a reality that any place could strive to achieve. The 15-minute city takes into account the needs of all citizens, including seniors and PWDs. Paris, for example, is making numerous strides toward this ideal concept of living. Through the initiative of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, urban farms are being cultivated across the city in existing rooftops, walls and facades. Approximately one third of these cater to edible plants, providing citizens new sources of their daily nutrition. Sheep are also being re-introduced in the city to enhance biodiversity and improve soil quality. Lastly, the La REcyclerie was established in an abandoned train station. Relying on volunteers, this place offers free appliance repairs, seed swaps and other community activities. Glasgow, Scotland is another place that is making the effort to become a 15-minute city. “Parklets” are being built across the metropolis, with corners of car parks and pavements being turned into mini grasslands. Pop-up cycling lanes are being introduced to encourage more people to bike on a daily basis. In Asia, one city supporting the 15-minute initiative is Busan in South Korea. Known as the “San Francisco of North Korea,” this city is known for being the technology and communication hub of the country. Mayor Park Hyung-joon has rolled out the “Happy Challenge” which aims to follow the principle of the 15-minute concept. Infrastructure was improved in various neighborhoods to improve walkability and public spaces. Diverse districts were selected to try out new systems of local management. Private and public partnerships were encouraged to develop an independent local government that promoted community involvement at the same time. Paris is making active changes to transform itself into a 15-minute city. By actively encouraging all citizens to participate in the initiative, the city aims to identify neglected issues and meet the daily needs of all citizens over time. Despite the challenges, you’ll be pleased to know that some Philippine cities are starting to explore the 15-minute initiative. Quezon City, for example, has started mapping barangays to determine urgent community needs and develop walkable areas. Pasay City is also developing the “Pasay 360 Project” which aims to follow the principles of Carlos Moreno in an upcoming, 360-hectare development. Overall, the 15-minute city is a simple concept that offers numerous benefits to us, the economy and the environment. Let us do our part in chasing this ideal setup for the benefit of future generations. Sources: 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. Sonny Vermeer, Shvets Anna, Ahshea1 Media and Wendy Wei via pexels.com; https://unfccc.int; https://sustainableurbandelta.com; https://nextcity.org; https://quezoncity.gov.ph; https://thecityrat.com; “Is 15 Minute City the Future of Urban Living?” Urban Design Lab via Youtube.com. Uploaded 31 July 2023. Accessed 04 July 2024. https://youtu.be/a1tUy8uqlOE?si=iMxwcja9o4qAdEGB Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/467395/is-there-hope-for-a-philippine-15-minute-city

Nudged by cooling US inflation, PSEi moves closer to 6,700

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 02:10:00 PST

The benchmark index’s march toward 6,700 continued on the last trading day of the week as cooling inflation in the United States energized investors at home. By the closing bell, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) added 0.59 percent, or 38.99 points, to end at 6,648.23. Meanwhile, the broader All Shares Index climbed by 0.58 percent, or 20.54 points, to 3,576.22. Still, trading volume was thin as investors stayed on the sidelines, with market value turnover hitting just P3.92 billion, lower than the P4.96-billion year-to-date average, according to trading platform Philstocks Financial Inc. READ: US consumer inflation eases to 3.0% in June — gov’t Foreigners made net purchases worth P257.15 million to help lift the bourse. Luis Limlingan, head of sales at stock brokerage house Regina Capital Development Corp., said traders got “more reassurance” that the Federal Reserve would likely cut interest rates after US inflation cooled to 3 percent in June from 3.3 percent in May. Investors have been closely eyeing inflation and monetary policies abroad since these typically influence the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ rate stance. Service-focused firms led the gainers with a 1.64-percent increase, buoyed by Razon-led International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) and Manuel V. Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. READ: Stocks up on US rate hopes, yen holds gains amid intervention talk BDO Unibank Inc., the banking arm of the SM Group, was the top-traded stock as it went down by 0.07 percent to P143.70 each. It was followed by ICTSI, up 2.22 percent to P368; Aboitiz Equity Ventures, down 2.03 percent to P36.20; Ayala Land Inc., up 0.34 percent to P29.60; and PLDT, up 2.15 percent to P1,565 per share. Other actively traded stocks were SM Investments Corp., up 1.15 percent to P880; SM Prime Holdings Inc., up 1.03 percent to P29.30; Robinsons Land Corp., up 0.14 percent to P14.26; Bank of the Philippine Islands, up 0.66 percent to P122.70; and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., up 2.18 percent to P67.90. —MEG J. ADONIS 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.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468398/nudged-by-cooling-us-inflation-psei-moves-closer-to-6700

The healing power of greenery

Ar. John Ian Lee Fulgar

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 10:55:00 PST

Living in spaces surrounded by nature is a powerful antidote to stress. Living in spaces surrounded by nature is a powerful antidote to stress. Exposure to natural environments significantly reduces stress levels. Living in spaces surrounded by nature—whether the majestic mountains, the tranquil sea, or lush gardens and forests—is a powerful antidote to stress. Nature’s restorative qualities help combat mental fatigue. Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments significantly reduces stress levels and profoundly impacts our mental well-being. For instance, people living near green spaces report lower stress levels and decreased cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to improved overall health and a more robust immune system. The natural scenery fosters calm and tranquility, a crucial element often missing in urban environments. The cognitive benefits of living close to nature are equally compelling. Research indicates that natural surroundings enhance cognitive functions, such as attention and memory. Nature’s restorative qualities help combat mental fatigue, promoting clearer thinking and better decision-making. Lower density communities offer an attractive alternative to the bustling urban centers. (http://www.bernbaguiocity.com) This observation is truly beneficial for children and adolescents, as it can significantly enhance their academic performance and alleviate symptoms of depression. Communities nestled in natural settings often enjoy stronger social ties. Green spaces encourage outdoor activities and social interactions, fostering a sense of community. People in these environments report higher trust, cooperation, and civility levels. Exposure to natural environments signifi- cantly reduces stress levels. Community activities like gardening projects, environmental conservation efforts, and outdoor festivals can center around nature. Natural environments encourage a strong sense of community and solidarity. Scenic spaces serve as communal areas where neighbors can interact, share experiences, and support each other. These interactions build trust and cooperation, essential components of a cohesive community. Living in a close-knit community where nature is a shared asset fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect among residents. Nature also promotes physical health by encouraging outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, and walking in scenic areas provide excellent opportunities for exercise, which is essential for cardiovascular health. The clean air and reduced pollution in these areas further enhance respiratory health. Additionally, exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep patterns, contributing to better overall health.​ Green spaces encourage outdoor activities and social interactions, fostering a sense of community. Lower density communities offer an attractive alternative to the crowded, bustling urban centers. These areas often prioritize landscaping–integrating natural elements into their design to create an environment that feels more open and less congested. The spaciousness allows for larger plots of land, gardens, yards, and recreational areas, making it ideal for families looking for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Nature can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Nature improves physical health and enhances emotional well-being by fostering a sense of closeness and happiness among individuals and families. Living in a natural environment allows for more family time outdoors, engaging in activities such as hiking or exploring the surroundings. This shared time in nature strengthens family bonds, creating lasting memories and deeper connections. Living in a close-knit community where nature is a shared asset fosters a sense of belonging. Moreover, the peacefulness of natural settings promotes emotional stability and contentment. The calming effect of nature reduces anxiety and improves patience, contributing to a more positive outlook on life. This emotional well-being is contagious, spreading happiness within the home, the family, and the community. 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 author (at www.ianfulgar.com) is a leading architect with an impressive portfolio of local and international clients. His team elevates hotels and resorts, condominiums, residences, and commercial and mixed-use township development projects with innovative, cutting-edge design and business solutions that have garnered industry recognition, making him the go-to expert for clients seeking to transform their real estate ventures Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468670/the-healing-power-of-greenery

Academe-industry linkages for project dev’t innovations

Prof. Grace C. Ramos PhD

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 11:19:00 PST

Students of Environmental Landscapes courses presented design proposals to the local government of Gumaca. (Zenaida Galingan) Students of Environmental Landscapes courses presented design proposals to the local government of Gumaca. (Zenaida Galingan) Educational institutions are more than just foundational arenas that train and churn out graduates. The increasing complexity of issues shared by the global community calls for the assertion of an expanded role by academia in shaping our world. Given the spatial implications of issues such as global warming, urbanization, disasters, and social inequity, institutions that are running academic programs in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and related fields have much to offer toward realizing the desired quality of our built environment. The pro-active stance underlying the undergraduate and graduate programs of the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Architecture is based on the integration of classroom activities with knowledge generation and institutional networking. Bachelor of Landscape Architecture student presenting a thesis on Blue Zoning (Zenaida Galingan) Such integration is operationalized through seven studio laboratories: Architectural Communication, Building Science, Urban Design, History, Theory and Criticism, Environmental Architecture, Environmental Landscapes, and Practice and Governance. The Architectural Design courses serve as the hub that allows the melding of trans-disciplinary knowledge coming from these seven sub-disciplines. History, Theory and Criticism students visiting the Rizal Memorial Coliseum construction site for their HTC topic on Heritage Conservation (Gerard Lico) The classroom becomes a venue for learning, while seeking new knowledge and reaching out to communities, local government units, non-government organizations, and industry and international partners. Class outcomes are guided by research and extension agenda that are updated each school year to ensure their relevance to current issues. These sub-units form the foundation of the college faculty, student, and staff organization that is based on research interests and specializations. Architecture Communication. Architecture is not just about drawing lines and composing forms and colors. Buildings and landscapes communicate solutions, intents, values, and meanings. Beyond learning the techniques for visually representing concepts, students are equipped with the ability to express, convince, challenge, and collaborate. The growing presence of technology in the design fields provides opportunities for expanding digital applications to cover design exploration, iteration, testing, and validation. Building Science. The function dimension of architecture entails integrating innovations in building materials, construction systems, and utility systems into the form-finding process. How building systems can be form-givers necessitates knowledge-seeking in the science side of architecture. Building safety, comfort, and efficiency are goals that may be achieved through design iterations. Research agenda includes healthy spaces, disaster-resilient structures, sustainable energy systems, technology integration. Master’s students understanding the concept of “Tensegrity” through 3-D models (Ron Balane) Urban Design. Buildings are designed not as isolated structures but as part of a multi-dimensional context. Architecture has social, economic, and institutional dimensions that need to be processed together with the physical dimension for products to perform as expected. Urban design relates the building and its interior spaces with the site, public realm, and the city. Architecture can stimulate activities, catalyze development, and foster neighborhood sense. Buildings can, however, also create social divides, initiate place gentrification, and become disaster risk factors. The students are testing tower models made out of paper straws for their Structural courses. (KAMILLE KATAGUE AND UP COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE) History, Theory, and Criticism. More than just about timelines and events, this studio laboratory tackles history in a thematic manner. Themes on leadership and political systems, economic cycles, social roles, gender issues are explored in relation to architectural features, spatial organizations, and urban forms. Evolving schools of thought, values, and concepts serve as backdrops for the understanding and evaluation of architectural products. Heritage appreciation, through historically and culturally significant buildings and sites, is recognized as key to promoting heritage conservation advocacies. The students are testing tower models made out of paper straws for their Structural courses. (Kamille Katague and UP College of Architecture) Environmental Landscapes. The outdoor spaces experienced through the natural environment and designed elements impact people’s health, safety, and well-being. Parks and open spaces enable interaction, recreation, and cultural convergence. Circulation systems that include roads, promenades, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes facilitate mobility that support daily socioeconomic pursuits. Utilities such as street lighting, seating areas, signages, and other wayfinding elements all account for the level of enjoyment of outdoor spaces. Designing the spaces in between buildings, plantscaping, and other landscape design interventions can significantly add value to properties. Research topics in this field include forest management, native trees, urban heat island effects. Environmental Architecture. Designing in context involves analyzing wind flow, sun paths, micro-climates, seasonal cycles, and environmental risk factors in relation to building elements. A good fit between the site and the building entails iterations in the building envelope, massing, and orientation. Physical geography and culture both figure in the context-responsiveness of buildings. Designing for the Philippine context means considering the country’s tropical setting and local behavioral systems. Research agenda include tropical design, risk management, use of local materials, vernacular architecture, and indigenous systems. Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning students presenting to the provincial government of Albay the metro-matrix plans and catalyst urban design projects for the province (Richelle Baria) Practice and Governance. This studio laboratory delves into the legal and institutional frameworks where architecture and landscape architecture practice are situated. Building and development laws, business models, and management systems determine the professional’s room for maneuver and strategy setting. Work organizations, project teams, partnership set-ups determine work outputs that affect end-user satisfaction. Research pursuits may include innovative collaborations, building laws review, professional ethics, and institutional linkages. 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 author is a Professor at the University of the Philippines College of Architecture, an architect and urban planner 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468594/academe-industry-linkages-for-project-devt-innovations

Pagasa raises La Niña Alert, warns of above normal rainfall

dbongcac

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 15:44:51 PST

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raises the La Niña Alert on Friday, July 12, 2024, noting that 70 percent of the weather phenomenon will form starting August. | INQUIRER.net stock images The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raises the La Niña Alert on Friday, July 12, 2024, noting that 70 percent of the weather phenomenon will form starting August. | INQUIRER.net stock images MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raised the La Niña Alert, noting that 70 percent of the weather phenomenon will form starting August. According to the state weather agency, the anticipated occurrence of La Niña is seen to last until the first quarter of 2025. In a bulletin Friday, July 12, Pagasa said its recent climate monitoring shows “further cooling of the sea surface temperature across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.” READ: Cebu City Council warns vs price manipulation amid La Niña threat “Most climate models combined with expert judgments suggest a 70% chance of La Niña forming in August-September-October (ASO) 2024 season and is likely to persist until the first quarter of 2025. With this development, the DOST-PAGASA ENSO Alert and Warning System is now raised to La Niña Alert,” the Pagasa notice states. READ: La Niña Watch issued, El Niño weakened, says Pagasa According to Pagasa, the weather condition is characterized by unusually cooler-than-average sea surface temperature at the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. READ: Cebu City: Water crisis eases as La Niña brings rain Pagasa then issued a warning that possible effects of tropical cyclones and rainfall, such as floods and landslides, on vulnerable areas of the country have a higher probability with the prevalence of La Niña. “The country may experience a higher chance of increased convective activity and tropical cyclone occurrence which may bring above normal rainfall over some parts of the country in the coming months,” the state weather bureau said. Pagasa assured the public of its continued monitoring of the La Niña phenomenon. “All concerned government agencies and the general public are encouraged to monitor and take precautionary measures against impending climate impacts,” 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584342/pagasa-raises-la-nina-alert-warns-of-above-normal-rainfall

Illegally imported PH food products subject to USDA public health alert

Alden M. Monzon, Luisa Cabato

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:32:52 PST

Philippine products subject to the USDA public health alert | PHOTOS: SDC Global Food Choice, Official Facebook page of Purefoods corned beef, ShopMetro, and Lady’s Choice website Philippine products subject to the USDA public health alert | PHOTOS: SDC Global Food Choice, Official Facebook page of Purefoods corned beef, ShopMetro, and Lady’s Choice website Updated @ 7:33 p.m., July 12, 2024 MANILA, Philippines — A public health alert for illegally imported Filipino ready-to-eat food products was issued by the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Thursday (Manila time). FSIS, in an announcement posted on its website dated July 10, 2024, said there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consuming these products. However, the warning was only issued as the products do not bear any producing establishment information. “The Philippines is a country not eligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country,” the department said in its alert. The products subject to the public health alert include: The FSIS found these illegally imported products during routine surveillance activities at a retailer where these items were being sold. These were discovered to be shipped to restaurants and retail locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. “FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ and restaurants’ pantries and on retailers’ shelves. Retailers who have purchased the products are urged not to sell them,” the FSIS said. It also said that “consumers and restaurants who have purchased these products are urged not to consume or serve them.” They were also advised to “double bag the product when discarding it to reduce the possibility of animals accessing the product because USDA cannot confirm whether the products were properly heated to control pathogens of concern to domestic livestock and poultry.” In the Philippines, these products have been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration. READ: Ground beef sold at Walmart recalled over possible E.coli contamination Last May, the FSIS also recalled over 16,000 pounds of raw ground beef possibly contaminated by the E-coli bacteria being sold at Walmart. The bacteria is said to cause dehydration, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and possibly kidney failure, according to the FSIS. Sought for comment, the head of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) said that the Philippines did not have market access for meat in the United States. “These are likely parallel or gray market imports,” DTI-EMB director Bianca Sykimte said in a message sent to the Inquirer. Sykimte also mentioned that there were separate rules on the importation of meat in US for personal consumption, referring, for example, to those brought in by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). According to FSIS rules, the entry of small quantities of meat, poultry, and egg products for personal consumption is permitted subject to its regulatory requirements. Among others, this includes personal consumption consignments not exceeding 50 pounds for meat, poultry, or egg products, and having these limited to personal use cannot be sold or distributed. For its part, Century Pacific Food Inc., which owns the mentioned Argentina products, confirmed the importation restrictions on its products in some countries. “Certain markets, such as the USA, restricts the importation of meat and poultry products from several countries, including the Philippines,” the multinational food company said in a statement. 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. “As such, we source well-loved Argentina canned meat products from countries qualified by the USDA, such as Brazil and Australia and within the United States,” the company added. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468352/illegally-imported-filipino-food-products-subject-to-usda-public-health-alert

LIST: Delayed flights to and from Naia on Friday, July 12

Luisa Cabato

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:05:33 PST

NAIA file photo by Marianne Bermudez, Philippine Daily Inquirer NAIA file photo by Marianne Bermudez, Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, Philippines — Several arriving and departing flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) were delayed on Friday after an aircraft figured in a taxiway incident, according to the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa). Arrival: Departure: A Cebu Pacific aircraft A-321 got caught onto the grassy portion of the taxiway of Naia Terminal 3 on Friday morning. The airline clarified that it only got stuck during a repositioning activity. “It didn’t veer off or swerve. It wasn’t landing or taking off. The aircraft was not operating a flight, was not landing or taking off. During repositioning or parking procedure, it got stuck on the ground. That’s why it has no flight number, no passengers, [and] no flight crew,” Cebu Pacific explained in a message sent to the Inquirer. Meanwhile, in an official advisory, Cebu Pacific said that its team is already removing the disabled aircraft from the taxiway. It added that their team is “actively working to resolve this issue promptly.” 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/1960460/magnitude-3-4-earthquake-felt-in-camarines-surhttps://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960437/list-delayed-flights-to-and-from-naia-on-friday-july-12

Magnitude 3.4 earthquake felt in Camarines Sur

Rey Anthony Ostria

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:25:25 PST

phivolcs.dost.gov.ph phivolcs.dost.gov.ph LEGAZPI CITY — A 3.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Camarines Sur province at 12:34 p.m. on Friday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The earthquake epicenter was three kilometers east of Pamplona town in Camarines Sur, the state seismologists said. Intensity II was felt in Naga City and the towns of Tinambac and Pasacao, and Intensity I in Iriga City. READ: Magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolts Sultan Kudarat Phivolcs is not expecting any damage or aftershocks, according to the Phivolcs’ earthquake information posted on their website. 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/1960460/magnitude-3-4-earthquake-felt-in-camarines-sur

PH marks 8th anniversary of arbitral ruling on West Philippine Sea

Charie Abarca

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:16:10 PST

Graphics by Samuel Yap / INQUIRER.net Graphics by Samuel Yap / INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines marked on Friday the eighth anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s  2016 ruling that the nation has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (in the South China Sea) and that China’s “nine-dash line” is invalid. “Over the years, the Philippines has continued to demonstrate this commitment to peace even in the face of the unlawful actions which have caused serious incidents in the South China Sea, without ever diminishing our resolve to protect and promote our people’s interest and the full and responsible enjoyment of our legally settled maritime entitlements and its accompanying rights and jurisdictions,” the DFA said in a statement. “The Award is a reaffirmation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and protects our rights as a coastal state and a seafaring people. Every effort to secure our legitimate interests in our maritime domain is a testament to the determination and courage of the Filipino people, while showcasing the Philippines’ vision of peace and stability that inspires and resonates beyond the waters of the South China Sea,” it added. China’s aggression is borne out of its sweeping claim over most of the South China Sea. In 2016, however, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China’s nine-dash — now ten-dash line —  claims. According to DFA, the Philippines’ stand has only been strengthened by “the broadening affirmation of the legal value of the Award as a positive and legitimate source of international law.” The support aired by other states, including the G7 – only confirms that the arbitral tribunal’s 2016 ruling is final and binding, the DFA added. “With our national interest and sovereign rights in mind, the Philippines will move forward to chart a course anchored on peace, security and prosperity in our region,” DFA concluded. 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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https://www.inquirer.net/408666/ph-marks-8th-anniversary-of-arbitral-ruling-on-south-china-sea/

Declare arbitral award anniversary as ‘West Philippine Sea Day’, gov’t urged

John Eric Mendoza

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:11:39 PST

Atin Ito calls for declaration of July 12 every year as  “West Philippine Sea Day” at the in Boy Scouts Circle in Quezon City on Friday. (PHOTO FROM ATIN ITO) Atin Ito calls for declaration of July 12 every year as  “West Philippine Sea Day” at the in Boy Scouts Circle in Quezon City on Friday. (PHOTO FROM ATIN ITO) MANILA, Philippines — As the country marked on Friday the eighth anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling regarding the maritime dispute, advocates renewed their call to declare July 12 as “West Philippine Sea Day.” Atin Ito leaders made the suggestion as it joined initiatives and expressions of support to uphold Manila’s landmark legal victory against Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. Rafaela David, co-convenor of Atin Ito, said more than 200 advocates trooped to Boy Scouts Circle in Quezon City to raise their proposal. “By declaring July 12 of every year as ‘West Philippine Sea Day,’ we strengthen the collective memory of our fellow Filipinos and remind one another that the stakes are very real,” David, who is also the president of Akbayan, said in a statement. READ: Philippines wins arbitration case over South China Sea David echoed the similar proposal of Senator Risa Hontiveros, who filed a Senate resolution aiming to declare July 12 of each year as “National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.” “We should celebrate West Philippine Sea Victory Day every year, not just to remember our 2016 win, but also as a way to assert our just and rightful ownership of the West Philippine Sea,” Hontiveros said in another statement. “Celebrating West Philippine Sea Victory Day is another way to exhibit the Filipino people’s ability to fight and push back with pride and dignity, not with harassment and disrespect,” she added. Hontiveros likewise said the country’s legal victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration shows that “a small country like the Philippines can legally, peacefully, and diplomatically stand up to a big, autocratic country like China.” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who attended the biggest ever West Philippine Sea conference this year, compared the landmark case to a “David versus Goliath” situation. “It was an overwhelming victory for Filipinos and we should all be proud,” he said in his speech during a forum to mark the ruling held in Makati joined by military officials, diplomats and key defense thinkers. READ: ‘What is ours will remain ours’: Navy vows no repeat of Scarborough fiasco Año said the government placed the arbitral award “at the core of the Philippine foreign and security policy.” (PHOTO FROM ATIN ITO) Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by the 2016 arbitral award which it continues to reject. The landmark ruling stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, or a year after its tense standoff with Beijing over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, whose lagoon the latter now has an effective control of. The June 17, 2024 incident near the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) grounded in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal—one of the flashpoints of tensions in the West Philippine Sea—saw the most violent actions of China Coast Guard personnel so far, leading to what the Philippine military deem as “looting” of its disassembled high-powered guns and even caused the thumb amputation of one of its naval personnel. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the resolve of the troops in the naval outpost shows that they really take the arbitral award seriously. “This award is being taken to heart by every member of the Department of National Defense, and also the troops in the LS-57,” Teodoro said in a video speech posted on Facebook. 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. Beijing conducts such maneuvers inside the western section of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, where Manila is entitled to the use of natural resources and other economic activities. “Their activities ensure that the natural resources in the West Philippine Sea will be for Filipinos, that could be used by this generation and the next, to enrich and strengthen our country,” Teodoro said of the troops in BRP Sierra Madre. 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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https://www.inquirer.net/408686/fwd-govt-urged-to-declare-2016-arbitral-award-anniversary-as-west-philippine-sea-day/

MMDA: Some Metro Manila roads closed from July 12-15 due to repairs

INQUIRER.net

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:37:56 PST

FILE PHOTO: Workers repair a portion of a road in Metro Manila. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said some roads in Metro Manila will be closed from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, up to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024, to allow the Department of Public Works and Highways to do reblocking and repairs. INQUIRER FILES FILE PHOTO: Workers repair a portion of a road in Metro Manila. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said some roads in Metro Manila will be closed from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, up to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024, to allow the Department of Public Works and Highways to do reblocking and repairs. INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said some roads in Metro Manila will be closed from Friday night until Monday morning to allow reblocking and repairs. In an advisory, the MMDA said the job of the Department of Public Works and Highways will start from 11:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, up to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, and will affect the following: Parañaque City San Juan City Makati City READ: MMDA Advisory: Weekend road repairs set in parts of QC, Parañaque Quezon City The MMDA urged motorists to take alternate routes throughout DPWH’s road repair and reblocking activities. — 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/1960479/mmda-metro-manila-roads-closed-from-july-12-15-due-to-repairs

Pagasa: Cloudy, rainy Friday; Watch out for floods and landslides

Charie Abarca

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 07:34:25 PST

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau on Friday warned of possible floods and landslides in some parts of the country due to southwest monsoon-induced rains. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio, in an early morning bulletin, said the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” is forecast to affect Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, and Mindanao. Partly cloudy skies with isolated rain showers in the afternoon or evening due to localized thunderstorms are expected in the rest of Visayas and Luzon, including Metro Manila “Itong southwest monsoon ay naaapektuhan po ang kanlurang bahagi po ng Southern Luzon hanggang sa Mindanao. Itong epekto ng southwest monsoon ay magpapatuloy bukas,” said Aurelio. (The southwest monsoon is affecting the western portion of Southern Luzon up to Mindanao. The effects of the southwest monsoon will continue until tomorrow.) “Kaya paalala po sa mga kababayan natin sa mga nabanggit na lugar [ay] mag ingat po tayo dahil may inaasahan po tayong paminsan-minsang malalakas na pag ulan na posibleng magdulot ng pagbaha o pagguho ng lupa,” he added. (The public must be vigilant. Occasional heavy rains that may cause flooding or landslides are expected.) Aurelio also reported that Pagasa is monitoring cloud clusters outside the Philippine area of responsibility. “Binabantayan po namin yan [kung] posible pong may mabuong low pressure area,” he said. (We are monitoring if it will develop into a low-pressure area.) 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/1960375/pagasa-cloudy-rainy-friday-watch-out-for-floods-and-landslides

Offshore magnitude 7.1 quake felt in Sultan Kudarat town

Russel Loreto

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:38:00 PST

A magnitude of 7.1 earthquake hits Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, July 11, 2024. | PHOTO: Earthquake Information No. 2/Phivolcs A magnitude of 7.1 earthquake hits Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, July 11, 2024. | PHOTO: Earthquake Information No. 2/Phivolcs A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck deep in the Celebes Sea off the southern part of the country on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued and no damage was expected due to the tremor’s depth, state seismologists said. The offshore quake hit at 10:13 a.m. and was centered 133 kilometers southwest of Palimbang town in Sultan Kudarat province, with a depth of 722 km, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Phivolcs said it was expecting aftershocks but no damage from the quake. The agency did not issue a tsunami warning. The earthquake was felt across a wide area of the southern Philippines, with varying intensities reported in different locations. The strongest shaking, at Intensity IV on the Phivolcs scale, was recorded in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. Intensity III shaking was reported in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, and Glan, Sarangani. Several areas experienced Intensity II, including parts of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and General Santos City. The weakest reported shaking, at Intensity I, was felt in Davao City, parts of South Cotabato, and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat. Instrumental readings also detected varying levels of ground movement. Intensity III was recorded in Don Marcelino and Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, as well as Glan and Malungon in Sarangani. Intensity II was measured in Tagum City, Davao del Norte; Digos City, Davao del Sur; Matalam, Cotabato; and Cotabato City. The weakest instrumental readings, at Intensity I, were detected in several areas, including Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Davao City; Kidapawan City, Cotabato; parts of Sarangani and South Cotabato; multiple municipalities in Sultan Kudarat; and Bislig City in Surigao del Sur. The Philippines, which lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, being located in one of the world’s most seismically active zones. READ: Magnitude 7.1 quake strikes near Mati in Davao Oriental 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960298/offshore-magnitude-7-1-quake-felt-in-sultan-kudarat-town

India seen easing rice import curbs; PH to win big – Nomura

Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:30:00 PST

Rice prices in the Philippines are expected to fall further as India is looking to ease restrictions on its rice exports thus bringing down global prices of the key staple, according to a report by Nomura. “We expect the Philippines to be the biggest winner in Asia, given the high share of rice in its consumer price index basket, its dependence on rice imports and recent rice import tariff reductions. Easing inflation would further support our view that BSP will start its easing cycle by October, although the risk of an earlier rate cut in August is rising,” the report added. READ: Gov’t slashes tariff on rice imports to help cut local prices Rice inflation in June slowed for the third straight month to 22.5 percent, from 23 percent in the previous month. Rice also contributed 45.2 percent of overall inflation, equivalent to 1.7 percentage points. “If implemented, this should help cool global rice prices, since India accounted for 35 percent of global rice exports before its export restrictions were implemented. Asia will benefit too, since rice is a staple food in the region, especially in emerging Asian economies,” Nomura said. India, the world’s biggest rice exporter, has imposed restrictions on rice exports since late 2022 amid adverse weather conditions that hit domestic rice production and pushed up local rice prices. A fall in Indian rice prices will benefit consumers in Asia as it is the largest producer and consumer of rice. According to Nomura, the Philippines depends on imports for 28 percent of its rice needs. Also, the weight of rice in the Philippines’ inflation basket stood at 8.9 percent, the highest among its peers in the region. This was higher than India’s 4.7 percent, Indonesia with 3.4 percent, and Thailand with 3 percent. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468218/india-seen-easing-rice-import-curbs-ph-to-win-big

Plane gets stuck on grassy part of Naia taxiway, may affect flights

Luisa Cabato

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:49:03 PST

The Manila International Airport Authority says a Cebu Pacific Air A-321 aircraft got stuck on the grassy portion of the taxiway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 on Friday morning, July 12, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Miaa) The Manila International Airport Authority says a Cebu Pacific Air A-321 aircraft got stuck on the grassy portion of the taxiway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 on Friday morning, July 12, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Miaa) MANILA, Philippines —  A Cebu Pacific aircraft got stuck on the grassy portion of the taxiway at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Friday morning. In a message sent to the Inquirer, the airline said that the A-321 aircraft did not veer off or swerve and only got stuck during a repositioning activity at the Naia Terminal 3 taxiway, contrary to earlier reports. “It didn’t veer off or swerve. It wasn’t landing or taking off. The aircraft was not operating a flight, [and] was not landing or taking off. During repositioning or parking procedure, it got stuck on the ground. That’s why it has no flight number, no passengers, [and] no flight crew,” Cebu Pacific explained. Meanwhile, in its official advisory, the airline said that its team is already removing the disabled aircraft from the taxiway, delaying some flights. “This situation is causing ramp congestion and subsequent delays in our operations. Our team is actively working to resolve this issue promptly,” Cebu Pacific said. The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) earlier reported that the airplane “slightly swerved” from the taxiway while repositioning from Bay 111 to Bay 122A of  Terminal 3. “Due to the incident, Bays 110-112 are temporarily unavailable, leaving three parking bays for wide-body aircraft,” Miaa said. “Miaa seeks the understanding of all passengers whose flights may be affected by expected delays in flight schedules. They are advised to wait for airline announcements regarding revised timings,” Miaa 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960384/plane-stuck-on-grassy-part-of-naia-taxiway-may-affect-flights

Teodoro asks business leaders: Help finance AFP upgrade

Nestor Corrales

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:32:00 PST

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro—Senate PRIB Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro—Senate PRIB Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has sought the help of business leaders in crafting “creative financing solutions” to ease the financial burden on the government in implementing the military’s modernization program. Speaking before members of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) in Taguig City on Wednesday, Teodoro highlighted the significant resources needed to fund the continuing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that must be balanced with the government’s mandate to spend for infrastructure, social services, education, and many other priorities. “We need to find off-budget, nontraditional financing sources for modernization but not [based] on the model of the old BCDA (Bases Conversion and Development Authority), where land was traded for modernization,” he said. READ: Zubiri: Modernizing AFP, Coast Guard ‘imperative’ amid tension on WPS “Therefore, I ask your help for creative financing for us where we can spread out the terms of whatever financial arrangements we can make to limit the size of amortizations that the national government will make to make it more palatable,” he noted. President Marcos already approved an updated acquisition plan for the Re-Horizon 3, the last stage in the modernization program of the AFP, which is expected to cost about P2 trillion. READ: Marcos OKs military’s P2-trillion wish list for weapons, equipment A list of equipment under the updated acquisition plan was not readily available but multirole fighters, radars, frigates, missile systems, and rescue helicopters were included in the original Horizon 3. According to Teodoro, the Re-Horizon 3 was anchored on a “comprehensive archipelagic defense concept” to allow the Philippines “to project power into areas where we must, by constitutional fiat and duty, protect and preserve our resources.” During his visit to Batanes in February this year, Teodoro said the operational tempo for the AFP would be “higher” in the face of growing maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. But on Wednesday, he dismissed “malicious insinuations” that the increase in the tempo of the AFP’s bilateral and multilateral training with other allied countries was a preparation for war or provoking conflict. “No, that is not true. That is scaring our people,” he said. The defense chief emphasized the need to build up the country’s defense posture in the face of “geopolitical problems worldwide,” including the heightening tension in the West Philippine Sea that has “affected the business cycles in the Philippines” and “caused some lack of confidence in the geopolitical stability of the region.” He told the executives that the military has implemented the new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which would “project our defensive capabilities to secure not only the land base of the Philippines but its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and other areas where we have jurisdiction.” “We will project our strategic basing outwards to the baselines, which [are] the foundation of the measurement of our [EEZ], and try to protect these as best as we can from intrusion, and from illegal changing of narratives that these belong to anyone else but the Philippines,” he said. Teodoro also stressed the importance of the support of the private sector in the quest to develop a self-reliant defense posture “in order to deter—in order to prevent—those that would poach or appropriate the resources that rightly belong to future generations of Filipinos, not only us.” 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 will need your support in the future because this is a continuing struggle for our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights amid significant challenges to try not only to make our EEZ and other areas where we have jurisdiction smaller, to constrict it, but also weaken our resolve to stand up and resist attempts to change the narrative of what international law is and what belongs to the Filipinos,” he told the MAP members. 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960274/gibo-asks-biz-leaders-help-finance-afp-upgrade

Lenders snap up Megawide’s P5-B bond offering

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:06:00 PST

Megawide Construction Corp. | FILE PHOTO Megawide Construction Corp. | FILE PHOTO Megawide Construction Corp. has raised P5 billion from the debt market to fund new projects in the pipeline as lenders took advantage of potentially big yields ahead of a projected interest rate cut. In a stock exchange filing on Thursday, the infrastructure firm led by tycoon Edgar Saavedra said its fixed-rate bond offering was 1.6 times oversubscribed from the base amount of P5 billion. The offer, which ran from June 28 to July 4, consisted of Series C bonds due in three years, Series D bonds due in five years, and Series E bonds due in seven years, with an average rate of 7.86 percent, according to Megawide. READ: Tycoons team up to build biggest hotel in Quezon City RCBC Capital Corp., SB Capital Investment Corp., and PNB Capital and Investment Corp. were the joint issue managers, lead underwriters and bookrunners for the issuance. “The successful outcome of the bond offering is a vote of confidence in our ability to get back on our feet and sustain our growth momentum as we deliver on our existing and upcoming projects,” Jez dela Cruz, Megawide chief financial officer, said in a statement. At the same time, Juan Paolo Colet, managing director at investment bank China Bank Capital Corp., explained that the high demand was due to “fixed-income investors trying to lock in generous yield amid growing expectations of monetary policy easing in the coming months.” “As interest rates decline, future bond issuances are likely to have lower coupons, so recent high-yielding bonds have seen a lot of demand,” Colet said in a Viber message. READ: Megawide group lists third company on PSE The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has been giving hints of an interest rate cut in August due to easing inflation. Earlier, Megawide said it planned to spend up to P3 billion this year to fund expansion plans and beef up the portfolio of its growing property arm. A total of P1 billion will be used for the expansion of “transit-centric developments,” including transport terminals that will connect commuters to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange. The remaining P2 billion, meanwhile, will be used for pipeline projects of PH1 Developers Inc., Megawide’s real estate arm, and the ongoing redevelopment of subsidiary Cebu2World Development Inc.’s facility in Cebu 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. Megawide reversed its losses in the first quarter, netting P183.4 million as revenues rose by 19 percent to P5.2 billion. —Meg J. Adonis 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468225/lenders-snap-up-megawides-p6-4-b-bond-offering

PNP backs Marcos veto of restructuring bill

John Eric Mendoza

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:45:50 PST

FILE PHOTO: This photo taken January 24, 2024, shows Philippine National Police (PNP) officers gathering for the pre-launching of Bangon Pilipinas Kick-off Rally held outside the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON FILE PHOTO: This photo taken January 24, 2024, shows Philippine National Police (PNP) officers gathering for the pre-launching of Bangon Pilipinas Kick-off Rally held outside the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is supporting the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the bill for the institution’s reorganization. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the police force “understands the President’s concerns about maintaining fairness and equality in compensation for all officers, as well as avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy and potential security risks.” “The Philippine National Police supports the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the proposed PNP reform bill,” she said in a statement Friday. In vetoing the bill, Marcos cited potential distortion in pay due to a provision that would substantially raise the salary of Philippine National Police Academy cadets to the point of exceeding that of a police lieutenant. READ: Marcos vetoes PNP restructuring bill He also noted that the proposed law goes against the government’s rightsizing program as there may be different offices performing the same functions. Fajardo said they will work with Congress to make sure that future proposals will not result in unfavorable effects on existing policies. “We assure the public and the administration that the PNP will carefully consider the President’s observations,” Fajardo said. “The PNP is committed to working closely with the administration and Congress to develop better legislation that strengthens the police force without any unintended drawbacks,” he added. Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, sponsored the Senate version of the vetoed bill. He said he was “disheartened” that Marcos did not approve his 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. 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/1960569/pnp-backs-marcos-veto-of-restructuring-bill

HPG-7 catches overcharging taxi driver in Cebu City

rgabuya

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:34:40 PST

A taxi driver was turned over to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) on Friday morning, July 12, for overcharging a passenger. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares A taxi driver was turned over to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) on Friday morning, July 12, for overcharging a passenger. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares CEBU CITY, Philippines – A taxi driver in Cebu City was brought to the police station after he allegedly overcharged a passenger on Friday morning, July 12. To the driver’s surprise, his ‘passenger’ turned out to be a police officer who was conducting surveillance of taxi drivers in the metro amid reports that some of them are overcharging and have been victimizing mostly Palarong Pambansa delegates.. The surveillance was effected after authorities received reports that some taxi drivers have been asking for higher fare from commuters, particularly visitors for the Palarong Pambansa event. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla, chief of the Highway Patrol Group in Central Visayas (HPG-7), said that this was the instruction by the regional director of the Police Regional Office 7 Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin. HPG-7 conducted surveillance on Friday and caught a driver who goes by the alias “Bebot,” 52. Bebot is from Lapu-Lapu City and has been working as a taxi driver for over 20 years. Parilla said that one of their agents boarded Bebot’s taxi at the Pier 1 and asked to be driven to the Cebu City Sports Center. Instead of the estimated fare of P75, the pasenger/policeman was asked to pay P200. The agent alerted his colleagues on standby who then flagged down Bebot’s taxi. Bebot was made aware of his violation and brought to the HPG-7 headquarters for documentation, together with his taxi. Parilla said that they will be sending a report of Bebot’s offense to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the imposition of a possible administrative fine against him. In addition, they will be sending a separate report to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the appropriate sanctions for the operator. In an interview with local media, Bebot said that he was just trying to match the fare for habal-habal services. He stated that he turned on the meter but agreed when the passenger offered to pay P200 instead. Bebot claimed that this was the first time that he charged more from a passenger. He also apologized for his actions and assured that he has learned his lesson. For his fellow taxi drivers, he advised them to use the meter as they should and to refrain from overcharging. Parilla, for his part, warned other taxi drivers not to take advantage of commuters, especially the visitors for Palarong Pambansa 2024. 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 PALARONG PAMBANSA 2024: A CDN DIGITAL SPECIAL ONLINE COVERAGE is in partnership with: Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584165/hpg-7-catches-overcharging-taxi-driver-in-cebu-city

SMC set to start building TPLEx extension in 2025

Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:04:00 PST

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) chair and president Ramon Ang present the TPLEx extension concession agreement to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the DPWH Head Office in Port Area, Manila. (Photo from DPWH) DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) chair and president Ramon Ang present the TPLEx extension concession agreement to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the DPWH Head Office in Port Area, Manila. (Photo from DPWH) The construction of the P23.36-billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) extension—a project helmed by San Miguel Holdings Corp.—is targeted to start by July next year, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said in a statement on Thursday that San Miguel and the government agency could now proceed with the detailed engineering design and right-of-way acquisition after signing the contract for the 59.4-kilometer tollway project. READ: TPLEx extension to start construction next year — DPWH The road extension project will start from TPLEx in Rosario, La Union and will terminate at San Juan, La Union. It aims to provide additional routes linking the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Metro Manila. The tollway project is designed to reduce travel time from Rosario to San Juan to 40 minutes from the current one hour and 30 minutes. The TPLEx extension is divided into three segments, with the first one eyed to be finished by 2028. READ: Marcos: TPLEx extension to boost economic activity in Luzon The first segment covers the route from Rosario to Tubao while the second segment will link Tubao to Naguilian. The last segment connects Naguilian to San Juan. Earlier this year, the conglomerate led by tycoon Ramon Ang held a ground-breaking ceremony for the 76.8-km Pangasinan Link Expressway. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468229/smc-set-to-start-building-tplex-extension-in-25

US airs deep concern over China aggression in West Philippine Sea

Charie Abarca

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:29:30 PST

This frame grab from handout video footage taken on June 17, 2024 and released on June 25 by the Armed Forces of the Philippines shows Chinese Coast Guard personnel aboard rigid hull inflatable boats (in black) during a confrontation with Philippine Navy personnel on their respective vessels (in gray) near the Second Thomas Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The Philippines on June 24 denounced Beijing’s “aggressive and illegal use of force” during last week’s South China Sea clash between its navy and the Chinese coast guard. Beijing insisted its coast guard behaved in a “professional and restrained” way and blamed Manila for the clash. (Photo by Handout / ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES / AFP) This frame grab from handout video footage taken on June 17, 2024 and released on June 25 by the Armed Forces of the Philippines shows Chinese Coast Guard personnel aboard rigid hull inflatable boats (in black) during a confrontation with Philippine Navy personnel on their respective vessels (in gray) near the Second Thomas Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The Philippines on June 24 denounced Beijing’s “aggressive and illegal use of force” during last week’s South China Sea clash between its navy and the Chinese coast guard. Beijing insisted its coast guard behaved in a “professional and restrained” way and blamed Manila for the clash. (Photo by Handout / ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES / AFP) MANILA, Philippines — On the eighth anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s  2016 ruling that the nation has exclusive sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, the United States (US) said it remains “deeply concerned” over China’s assertion of territorial sovereignty over areas within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. “The US remains deeply concerned about [China’s] assertion of territorial sovereignty over vast areas that are clearly within the maritime jurisdiction of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, and where high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply under international law,” US Secretary of  State Antony Blinken, in a statement on Friday. “Upholding the international law of the sea, as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, is in the interest of the entire international community and remains vital to the peace, security, and prosperity of all nations,” he emphasized. Blinken called on China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling and stop its “dangerous and destabilizing” actions in the South China Sea. “In its ruling, the tribunal firmly rejected any [of China’s] territorial or maritime claim to areas determined by the tribunal to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.  As provided under the Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on [China] and the Philippines,” he said. Blinken pointed out that despite the ruling, China continued to assert aggression, particularly pointing out its use of water cannons, “dangerous maneuvers, and destructive tactics” – including ramming, forcible towing, and boarding that has resulted in damage to Philippine vessels and injury to Filipinos. According to the US official, China’s actions “routinely interfered” with the lawful exercise of high seas freedoms in the areas that the tribunal already declared that China has no lawful territorial claims. In a separate statement, the European Union (EU) aired the same sentiments as the US, emphasizing that it views the 2016 arbitral award as legally binding upon the parties to the proceedings. “All parties involved must respect and honor the award. Upholding the freedom, rights, and duties established in UNCLOS, in particular the freedom of navigation and overflight, is of paramount importance for reducing tensions in the region. It is also essential for maintaining, strengthening, and deepening peace and security while ensuring safe, free, and open sea supply routes worldwide,” it said. The EU then aired its support for the continuous efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as China in terms of finalizing “an effective and substantive Code of Conduct” in the South China Sea. The EU believes this would help resolve tensions in the waters. 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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https://www.inquirer.net/408668/fwd-us-on-scs-ruling/

Lightning strike kills 2 bikers in Cavite

Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:42:55 PST

INQUIRER FILES INQUIRER FILES LUCENA CITY — A lightning strike Thursday killed two bicycle riders in General Trias City, Cavite, authorities said. The Region 4A police said “Gerald” and “Renzo” were cycling amid heavy rains and thunderstorms when lightning struck them around 3:30 p.m. in Barangay Tapia. Rescuers rushed the victims to the hospital, but they were declared dead on arrival from severe burns. 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/1960428/lightning-strike-kills-2-bikers-in-cavite

Marcos admin urged to keep its medium-term fiscal consolidation

Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo @CatilogoIrish

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:39:07 PST

Department of Finance | INQUIRER.net file photo Department of Finance | INQUIRER.net file photo The national government needs to sustain its medium-term fiscal consolidation plan to minimize the need for borrowing as the public debt continues to increase, albeit, at a decelerating rate, GlobalSource Partners said on Thursday. “This is one big challenge to the Philippine government. If this is not accomplished, the encouraging trend in public debt may be unsustainable over the medium term,” the report said. Fiscal consolidation describes the government policies which aim to reduce deficits and accumulation of debt. The government’s outstanding debt rose to a fresh high of P15.35 trillion as of end-May, increasing by 2.2 percent from P15.02 trillion as of end-April. READ: Gov’t debt inches up to P15.35T in May Compared to last year, public debt climbed by 8.4 percent from P14.15 trillion last year. The report highlighted the growth of public debt at a slower rate of 8.9 percent in 2023 as the economy reopens after the coronavirus pandemic. This was slower compared to 26.7 percent in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Earlier this week, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said that the government is eyeing to borrow $5 billion this year, of which $2 billion was raised from the issuance of global bonds last May. Meanwhile, domestic borrowing for the third quarter increased by 7.7 percent to P630 billion from the P585 billion borrowings in the previous quarter as the country’s economic managers committed to invest more in infrastructure projects. The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help subsidize its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.48 trillion or 5.6 percent of gross domestic product for this year. READ: Marcos admin to borrow P585B from local creditors in Q2 The government’s target of 75:25 ratio in favor of domestic borrowing aimed at reducing dependence of funding on external borrowings, thus lowering the exposure of the public sector to foreign exchange risk. The increase of government debt was mainly due to the impact of local currency depreciation on the valuation of foreign currency-denominated debt. “With the attainment of the government’s borrowing mix favoring the larger holdings of domestic debt, vulnerabilities associated with exchange rate risks are expected to be reduced,” the report 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. GlobalSource Partners further noted that fiscal and debt sustainability can only be achieved if government revenues are maximized through an appropriate taxation system while public spending is rationalized consistent with the government’s priorities on education, health, and infrastructure projects. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468303/marcos-admin-urged-to-keep-its-medium-term-fiscal-consolidation

PCSO lotto draw: 2 lucky bettors are new millionaires

dsingson

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:56:30 PST

The winning numbers and list of winners for the 9 p.m. draw of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PCSO) The winning numbers and list of winners for the 9 p.m. draw of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PCSO) Two lucky bettors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) became new millionaires after they guessed the right combination for the lotto draws on Thursday evening. A lucky bettor hit the P27,450,306 jackpot prize for Lotto 6/42. This is based on the agency’s draw at 9 p.m. on July 11. READ MORE: Super Lotto 6/49 prize of P89.5 million won by 2 bettors – PCSO Lone bettor wins Super Lotto P51.9M prize Lone bettor wins 6/58 lotto jackpot worth P103.4M The winning combination was 41-36-08-07-11-23. READ MORE: Lotto bettor nga 20 ka higayon nakadaug sa usa ka buwan gi-buking ni Tulfo Meanwhile, another player won P3,340,303 in PCSO’s 6D Lotto with the lucky numbers 7-1-7-2-2-7. Super Lotto 6/49, on the other hand, did not yield a jackpot winner. Its winning numbers were 28-03-19-41-02-13 for a pot worth P131,924,972. 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584034/pcso-lotto-draw-2-lucky-bettors-are-new-millionaires

‘Grounded in reality,’ sales decisions should be

Josiah Go

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:12:00 PST

Cheri Moran —Contributed photo Cheri Moran —Contributed photo Cheri Moran serves as vice president of sales at Universal Robina Corporation (URC), making her the first female to hold this position. Previously, she made history as the first female sales director at Coca-Cola Philippines. Moran is part of the inaugural batch of winners of the Mansmith Sales Masters Awards, the marketing industry’s first sales awards. In this interview, Moran shares insights into how strategic decisions and initiatives have directly influenced sales growth and market positioning at URC. Question: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, you successfully reversed a three-year decline in URC’s key account business, achieving record-breaking numbers despite going through a pandemic. How did you navigate these obstacles to achieve such impressive results? Answer: There is power in being grounded in reality and having the courage to pivot. Nobody knew what we were going to be up against in those years of lockdown. But in a time when we were forced to be disconnected from each other, we at URC went for intentional connection—with our people, with our teams and more importantly, with our customers and partners. All of them were facing similar yet varying degree of challenges, and we had to understand deeply so we could face our joint realities, accept the brutal facts and pivot our way to recovery and ultimately growth. 1. Showing up (it’s half the battle): Many of us, given our nature to fix things, prefer to engage when we already have a solution at hand. But the pandemic is something nobody had a playbook for; therefore to understand the unique customer needs, we increased our level of engagement internally and externally to be overt in sending the message that we can figure things out together. We chose to be there. We chose to be present. READ: How to achieve sales excellence in good times or bad 2. Clarity of business challenge: Being very clear and pointed on what business challenge we were trying to solve was critical to address one obstacle at a time. We understood that we could not solve the world’s problem, but we could look at pockets of opportunities and see if it would work. If it did, we would scale. If it didn’t, then we would pivot and try again until we get it right. 3. Learning to unlearn and re-learn: Every playbook we had on strategy and execution was put to test and we had to make tough choices to not do the things we’ve always done if we want a result that is relevant to the times. We had to activate our learning muscles at an accelerated manner to keep up with the changing marketing dynamics—again with a purpose of being grounded in reality. Q: Your efforts in revitalizing URC’s trade servicing competencies earned the company prestigious Industry Best-In-Class recognition. Can you elaborate on the skills and strategies you implemented to substantially improve URC’s ‘Preferred Partner’ status in the Retail Advantage Survey, especially considering the leap from 13th place to consistently rank among the top 5? A: Before we take the lens of skills and strategies, I would start with our belief in URC that there is always something we can do to be better. Even when we were progressing, we would take a win or a loss from a place of humility, being rooted in the thinking that we always have something to learn and from there we can define our new level of best. Yes, we would celebrate small and big wins together as team then we would say, let’s take this win with us, be inspired with it and go out there yet again. 1. Putting people first: Cared-for people will care for others and care for the business. Therefore, our team’s overall health is always a priority. While we are expected to deliver a set key performance metrics, we do not see members of teams as mere numbers who deliver numbers; we see them as human beings who have immense value on and off work. We see ourselves to be in a business of people who, in turn, build our business. Ensuring we have a positive, nontoxic environment is not something we put on paper but we live by everyday. And that’s why even though our work arrangement is hybrid, you would see that our office spaces are full with lots of engagement because we like being with each other. On Sunday evenings, we are excited to go to work on a Monday. READ: How to build an effective sales team 2. Ruthless fundamentals: Complex problems become digestible when simplified. We employed the discipline of being clear on driving brilliant basics to fix things and be consistent at it. We believe that by keeping our fundamentals in check everyday every time, we will have the capability to solve complex problems and execute at a higher level. We constantly revisited our cadences and the way we tracked our performance to ensure we are able to catch anything we needed to adjust. By doing so, we get to connect how far or close we are to the goal, our realities to the vision we have, then we calibrate. 3. The mindset of what’s next: After a win or a loss, we would have the mindset of being constructively discontent. As we celebrate wins, we digest what are the things we did right so we can have repeatable success and as we take our losses, we assess what we could have done better, define tangible steps to take and not commit the same mistake. Q: You’ve spearheaded a significant expansion of URC’s business-to-consumer e-commerce sector. What were the key initiatives you implemented to achieve such rapid growth, and how do you plan to sustain this momentum? A: We aimed to serve consumers via digital means—using technology and latching on to the ever-developing habits of the Filipinos. The digital route to market was redefined, via new partners, enhanced ways of working, new channels, new programs, new services to develop closer relationships with the Filipino consumer. We stepped up our digital commerce landscape by being intentional in driving the consumer side via the main platforms and quick commerce partnering and also developing a digital loyalty program for our sari-sari stores community. We employed measures to drive traffic, visitors and conversion in the sites we were present. To sustain this, we will continue to be clear on the role of this channel for us in our whole consumer push objectives and distribution play relative to the categories we are in. Q: Your Beverage Solution Center initiative, previously at Coke, has been recognized globally for effectiveness, placing in the top 1 percent in Asia and top 5 percent worldwide. Can you walk us through the genesis of this initiative and the specific impact it has had on category incidence, foot traffic and immediate consumption? A: There was only one job to be done ingrained in all of us in Coca-Cola—a Coke in every hand. The insight during the inception of the beverage solution center was that this category is not usually on the shopping list of a supermarket shopper. They would put essentials in the list and buy a Coke on impulse when the shopper sees it. We realized that it’s not a destination category but rather an impulse category. Because of this insight, we were able to provide a category story to our partners to transfer the carbonated soft drinks aisle from its current location at the back of the store to the front to increase visibility from the moment shoppers enter the store and be reminded before they check out. This move, combined with consumption and occasion-based on-shelf shopper communications with the right activation levers, allowed us to increase category incidence by driving foot traffic into the category. Q: Being the first female sales director at Coca-Cola Philippines and now the first female head of sales at URC, you have shattered barriers in a male-dominated industry. How have your experiences shaped your approach to leadership, and what advice do you have for other women aspiring to reach similar heights? A: My story is a classic one: of starting from humble beginnings, then grinding it out to climb up the ladder. I will give credit to my humble beginnings as an executive assistant, as that role taught me to not be afraid of rolling up my sleeves to do the hard work, choosing to do the right thing even when it’s hard and selflessly serving others by understanding their needs. This role built my muscle to find my voice even when there are louder voices in the room. Because I rose through the ranks, I know the importance of building genuine connections because nobody gets to where they are alone. We all need the right people around us to be our mirror so we could always be better. That’s my first advice: never live in a bubble because not only is that lonely, it is extremely difficult to achieve bigger things on your own. If a dream can be delivered by one person, then a dream is not big enough. Second is lead yourself and others with authenticity. To be an anchored leader, it requires modeling your authentic self, whether in posture, gesture, or words, to communicate calm and grounded optimism. I believe that even at this juncture, I continue to be work in progress. There is power, as well as freedom, in owning your mistakes, voicing your ideas and staying true to your individuality and integrity that resonates with people. One thing that will set you apart is your authenticity; you have to recognize yourself and like who you see in the mirror to stay true to your identity. Third, never speak negatively about yourself. You can only go as far as your mind can go. The power of visualization is true. When I was little, I would imagine myself presenting in a board room with top executives and being in a big arena talking about some directions. I didn’t know what that job would be, but I thought to myself: I like to be that. Over the years, God opened doors where I could be in those situations and even when it was terrifying, I would prepare, visualize scenarios and go for it. Miracles comes in CANs (do it), not in cant’s. Lastly, help others along the way. There is joy in achieving much but there’s a bigger fulfillment in bringing others with you, seeing them become better versions of themselves and watching them achieve their own dreams. Be happy for their success and celebrate with them. I genuinely find joy in creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard, and that I have the privilege of playing a part in their future. —CONTRIBUTED 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. Josiah Go is the chair and chief innovation strategist of Mansmith and Fielders Inc. The awarding ceremony of the 1st Mansmith Sales Masters Awards will be on Aug. 2, 6 to 8 pm at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. It is open to sales professionals, subject to preregistration at https://bit.ly/MansmithSalesMastersAwardsreg 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468232/grounded-in-reality-sales-decisions-should-be

Pagasa raises La Niña Alert

INQUIRER.net

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 12:42:59 PST

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raises the La Niña Alert on Friday, July 12, 2024, noting that 70 percent of the weather phenomenon will form starting August. INQUIRER.net stock images The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raises the La Niña Alert on Friday, July 12, 2024, noting that 70 percent of the weather phenomenon will form starting August. INQUIRER.net stock images MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raised the La Niña Alert, noting that 70 percent of the weather phenomenon will form starting August. According to the state weather agency, the anticipated occurrence of La Niña is seen to last until the first quarter of 2025. In a bulletin Friday, July 12, Pagasa said its recent climate monitoring shows “further cooling of the sea surface temperature across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.” “Most climate models combined with expert judgments suggest a 70% chance of La Niña forming in August-September-October (ASO) 2024 season and is likely to persist until the first quarter of 2025. With this development, the DOST-PAGASA ENSO Alert and Warning System is now raised to La Niña Alert,” the Pagasa notice states. READ: Pagasa raises La Niña Watch as forecasts show early onset According to Pagasa, La Niña is characterized by unusually cooler-than-average sea surface temperature at the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Pagasa then issued a warning that possible effects of tropical cyclones and rainfall, such as floods and landslides, on vulnerable areas of the country have a higher probability with the prevalence of La Niña. READ: Pagasa declares end of El Niño “The country may experience a higher chance of increased convective activity and tropical cyclone occurrence which may bring above normal rainfall over some parts of the country in the coming months,” the state weather bureau said. Pagasa assured the public of its continued monitoring of the La Niña phenomenon. “All concerned government agencies and the general public are encouraged to monitor and take precautionary measures against impending climate impacts,” 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960748/pagasa-raises-la-nina-alert-2

Sara Duterte told to stop spending too much time on Netflix

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:35:26 PST

FILE PHOTO: Vice President Sara Duterte. SCREENGRAB FROM DEPED PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE FILE PHOTO: Vice President Sara Duterte. SCREENGRAB FROM DEPED PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte is drawing more criticisms over her self-appointment as a “designated survivor,” with lawmakers advising her to refrain from watching too much Netflix. In the House of Representatives, legislators reminded her that having a designated survivor is not sanctioned under the Constitution. Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. sounded the alarm on Duterte’s behavior. “There’s no such thing as ‘Designated Survivor; in the Philippines! Is she spending too much time watching Netflix? She better read our Constitution. It’s as clear as sunlight,” Gonzales said in a statement Friday. “She should be more circumspect and responsible in her utterances, owing to her title and the high office that she represents,” he added. READ: Sara to skip Marcos’ Sona, names self ‘designated survivor’ Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, meanwhile, said Duterte should be careful because a Netflix series would not be a good basis for her actions. “Vice President Sara Duterte should be more cautious with what she says. After all, she is still a public official, and Netflix is not a good basis for her actions or inactions,” Romualdo said. “Does she have a premonition of the things to come? She should refrain from watching too much Netflix. Her joke could have been better handled given that all high-ranking officials of the land would be there,” he added. According to Gonzales, Duterte’s alleged joke was made in bad taste because the government has been trying to secure President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against unfortunate incidents. “It’s a very bad joke. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth, especially coming from a very popular VP who garnered a resounding 32 million votes in the last presidential elections. It’s the highest vote for an elected official, in our history books,” he said. “Matagal na tayong nagpe-prepare sa Big One, iyung earthquake, lalo sa Sona na nandito sa Batasan ang matataas na mga lider ng bansa, tapos ngayon may designated survivor pala na pang-Netflix si VP,” he added. (We have been preparing for so long for the Big One, the earthquake, especially during the Sona where high-ranking leaders of the country are here in the Batasang Pambansa, then VP Sara has a Netflix-style designated survivor in her mind.) READ: Sara Duterte as ‘designated survivor’? She must be ‘delulu’ – group Romualdo, for his part, noted that no one has boasted of being a designated survivor in the past State of the Nation Address (Sona) and used this as a reason to skip the event – even stressing that none of Duterte’s predecessors ever did that. “In the decades worth of SONAs that we’ve had, nobody has ever flaunted being the ‘designated survivor’ and used it as the excuse to skip the important event. Proper decorum and tradition say that the Vice President should be there in plenary at Batasan to hear the good President’s report to the nation,” Romualdo noted. “This is among the political instances that take a backseat to transparency and unbridled communication with the public. Vice President Duterte’s predecessors did this with no issue while in office. One would think that she would also strive to achieve that standard,” he added. Duterte’s designated survivor remark in Davao City on Wednesday, July 10, came after she announced that she will not attend the third Sona of President Marcos on July 22. Critics said the Vice President’s statements were a veiled threat because it seemed to be an implication that something wrong might happen to the country’s leaders, who would attend the Sona. Gonzales emphasized that Duterte’s remark was unnecessary. “This is unnecessary and uncalled for – to say the least. The VP is creating or wreaking havoc to the general public. She’s alarming the people. The SONA is a yearly official and formal event that needs respect, most especially from elected officials like her,” 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. Gonzales also asked if the people can still trust Duterte given her varying statements — like her previous announcement that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, will run for the Senate, but the older Duterte disputed this eventually. “Is she really serious? […] “I mean: which is which really? We don’t even know if we can still trust her now. Whatever happened to some decency or at least being forthright in public service? A career in government is not something anybody can play with. We’re dealing with people’s money and public resources,” Gonzales 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/1960455/sara-duterte-told-to-stop-spending-too-much-time-on-netflix

DENR signs deal with MAP to boost climate actions

Dianne Sampang

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:38:02 PST

FILE PHOTO: A small portion of a dried rice field in Pulilan, Bulacan is waiting to be irrigated on Monday, February 26, 2024.  INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE FILE PHOTO: A small portion of a dried rice field in Pulilan, Bulacan is waiting to be irrigated on Monday, February 26, 2024.  INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) entered into a pact with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) to boost the country’s climate actions and hosting of the 2024 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two offices on Friday, July 12, is expected to support the Philippines’ submission of international and national policies by highlighting the DENR’s programs on “clean air, carbon emission inventory, solid waste management, and the National Greening Program.” “The MOU we signed today is an affirmation of our shared commitment to pursuing the agenda of building a resilient Philippines and Asia Pacific Region,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga. READ: DENR targets 1 million hectares of reforestation during Marcos admin Under the deal, MAP, an association of top-level industry leaders of local and multinational companies in the country, will hold communication programs among its members to pursue the advocacies of DENR’s main programs. Meetings on environmental issues aim to provide MAP members an avenue to address environmental challenges. READ: UN official to launch disaster risk reduction meet in Manila The 2024 APMCDRR would happen on October 14 to 17, where around 3,000 global leaders are expected to convene and review implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 at the regional level. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Administrative Order No. 92, which calls for the creation of an inter-agency committee led by secretaries of DENR and Department of National Defense to prepare for the ministerial conference. 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/1960532/denr-signs-deal-with-map-to-boost-climate-actions

Filipino priest elected as Missionary Society of St. Columban leader

Luisa Cabato

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:59:01 PST

A Filipino priest from La Union has been elected as the new international leader of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, the Catholic BIshops’ Conference of the Philippines announces in a news article on Friday, July 12, 2024 (Photo courtesy of CBCP) A Filipino priest from La Union has been elected as the new international leader of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, the Catholic BIshops’ Conference of the Philippines announces in a news article on Friday, July 12, 2024 (Photo courtesy of CBCP) MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino priest from La Union has been elected as the new international leader of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, a 106-year-old congregation that ministers to people of various cultures worldwide. According to a news article from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website on Friday,  Fr. Andrei Paz has been named to be the first Filipino superior general of the society. “While I consider it a great honor, I also feel a great sense of responsibility to respond to the trust that has been placed in me,” Paz said, as quoted in the article. “Please pray in a special way… that we will ensure that the joy of the Gospel continues to be shared with people around the world,” he also said. READ: CBCP says it’s still against divorce in PH but ‘won’t impose’ stance Paz, 52, will succeed Irish priest, Fr. Tim Mulroy, who has led the Missionary Society of St. Columban since 2018. The CBCP said Paz will be joined by newly elected Australian Fr. Peter O’Neill as society vicar, Fr. Kim Young-In as second councilor, and Fr. Salustino Villalobos as third councilor of the group. Paz first joined the Missionary Society of St. Columban as a seminarian in 1998 before being ordained as a priest in 2009, according to the CBCP. READ: CBCP names 2 more national shrines Some of his notable assignments included serving as a Columban parish priest in the remote mountains of Taiwan and as a vocations coordinator in mainland China in 2012. Paz studied occupational therapy at Creighton University in the United States three years later, then returned to China to work in a rehabilitation center for children 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. He returned to the Philippines in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and served at Malate Church in 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.

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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960574/filipino-priest-elected-as-missionary-society-of-st-columban-leader

Pogo probe: CA freezes accounts of Alice Guo, others

Tina G. Santos

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:30:26 PST

Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo—INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo—INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ The Court of Appeals (CA) has ordered freezing the assets of suspended Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac, and several other individuals and companies allegedly involved in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said on Thursday. According to a statement from the AMLC shared by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian with reporters late Thursday, the July 10 freeze order encompasses a wide range of assets, including 90 bank accounts across 14 financial institutions, several real properties, and high-value personal properties, such as luxury vehicles and a helicopter. “The Court of Appeals has approved the AMLC’s ex parte petition for the issuance of a freeze order, effectively freezing the assets of individuals and entities allegedly involved in these illegal activities,” the AMLC said. “This decisive action aims to prevent the dissipation of assets while the investigation and legal proceedings continue,” it said. It said that it filed a petition for the freeze order on July 8. The amount of bank accounts and assets ordered frozen was not disclosed by the AMLC, whose officials could not immediately be reached for comment and other details. In a Viber message to reporters, Gatchalian disclosed that Guo has 36 bank accounts under her name. Apart from Guo’s, also included in the AMLC’s petition are the assets of Zhiyang Huang, and Baoying Lin, who are “suspected of orchestrating human trafficking and fraudulent activities through entities such as Zun Yuan Technology Inc., Baofu Land Development Inc., and Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc.” The Baofu Land property, which was partly owned by the Bamban mayor, was the site of the Zun Yuan Pogo operation that was raided last March by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) for suspected human trafficking, among other criminal activities it was allegedly engaged in. The AMLC said the premises of Baofu Land housed numerous workers, including trafficked individuals, who were forced to participate in fraudulent online activities. Guo and several other people were accused of qualified human trafficking in a complaint filed in the Department of Justice by the PAOCC last month. The AMLC did not identify other people or companies whose assets were frozen, but those who were named respondents in the qualified human trafficking case were former government official and pork barrel scam convict Dennis Cunanan, Zhang Ruijin, Baoying Lin, Rachelle Joan Carreon, Huang Zhiyang, Thelma Laranan, Rowena Evangelista, Rita Yturralde, Merlie Joy Castro, Yu Zheng Can, Jaimielyn Cruz, Roderick Paul Pujante and Juan Miguel Alpas. The Ombudsman suspended Guo late in May based on a graft complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. “The investigation uncovered significant financial transactions and assets amassed by these individuals, raising suspicions of their involvement in money laundering, human trafficking, and other illicit operations,” the AMLC said. “The illicit activities linked to these individuals and entities include the operation of an unauthorized Pogo at Zun Yuan Technology Inc.,” it said. The freeze order comes in the wake of a Senate inquiry into Pogo activities, which Guo has stopped participating in after appearing in a few hearings. Guo faces Senate arrest after she twice refused to attend hearings called by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality headed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros. The suspended mayor requested to be excused from the hearings, claiming worsening mental health and physical condition. She also appealed to the Supreme Court to stop the Senate summons, saying that Hontiveros and her committee violated her constitutional rights and her right to due process and privacy. READ: Mayor Alice Guo is also Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping – NBI Hontiveros said Guo had the right to seek legal remedy from the Supreme Court, “even if she is not a Filipino.” The senator last month said Guo was not a Filipino but a Chinese whose fingerprints matched that of a Chinese girl who entered the country more than 20 years ago. Both Guo’s and the child’s fingerprints matched, according to the National Bureau of Investigation. READ: Alice Guo’s brother is Chinese national Guo Xiang Dian – Gatchalian Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III on Thursday repeated his call to shut down all Pogos to end all the crimes and other social problems this industry had created after it boomed during the Duterte administration. “There is really a shortcut to all these problems with the Pogos,” he said in a statement. “President Bongbong Marcos should simply order Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) and other government agencies to stop Pogo operation here in the Philippines.” The Pogo industry has been linked to murders, kidnappings, online scams, human trafficking, torture, money laundering, and other serious crimes, mostly involving Chinese nationals as both perpetrators and victims. “Stop giving licenses and permits. Give the legal ones one month to wind down their operations,” he said. “Say goodbye to Pogo.” Pagcor is still pushing for legal Pogo operations for the revenue they generate. As early as September last year, the Senate committee on ways and means, which includes Pimentel, recommended a permanent Pogo ban. Sen. Joel Villanueva praised the Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority for also recommending the shutdown of all Pogo operations. “It’s about time,” he said in a statement. He added that the position of economic managers regarding Pogos should be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting with President Marcos. 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. “There is no amount equivalent to the rampant crimes being linked to the Pogo operations. We owe it to the people as public servants to prioritize their welfare and safety over any danger,” he said. —WITH A REPORT FROM INQUIRER RESEARCH 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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https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242349/pogo-probe-ca-freezes-accounts-of-guo-others

SCHEDULE: Strong Group Athletics at Jones Cup 2024

Celest Flores-Colina

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 21:59:27 PST

The Strong Group Athletics team is set to present the Philippines in the William Jones Cup 2024 basketball tournament in Taiwan from July 13 to 21. This year, the Philippines, Japan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Australia and host Taiwan are sending representatives to the annual tournament. ADVERTISEMENT The nine teams–which include two teams from Taiwan–will compete in a single-round robin format with the best-performing team winning the title. READ: Charles Tiu sees ‘great balance’ in Jones Cup-bound Strong GroupFEATURED STORIES SPORTS POC says all athletes invited after PH gymnasts miss Heroes parade SPORTS Alas Pilipinas men ‘still very far’ from high level, admits new coach SPORTS EJ Obiena relishes ‘special’ homecoming after Olympics stint Strong Group Athletics, coached by Charles Tiu, is bannered by overseas players like Kiefer Ravena and Rhenz Abando. Earlier this year, Strong Group Athletics–led by former NBA superstar Dwight Howard–also represented the Philippines in the  Dubai International Basketball Championship where it lost to Al Riyadi of Lebanon in the final. The last time a Philippine team won the Jones Cup was in 2019 when Mighty Sports ruled the tournament. July 13, Saturday July 14, Sunday July 15, Monday ADVERTISEMENT July 17, Wednesday July 18, Thursday July 19, Friday July 20, Saturday July 21, Sunday List of the players who will carry the Philippines-Strong Group Athletics’ campaign in the 43rd William Jones Cup 2024. 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 INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000. 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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https://sports.inquirer.net/574034/schedule-strong-group-athletics-at-jones-cup-2024

‘Let’s hear what dead PDLs are saying’

Jane Bautista

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:46:00 PST

Even in death, prison inmates or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) can reveal much about how they lived inside the national penitentiary, particularly the medical issues that led to their demise, through forensic pathology. With this in mind, the Department of Justice (DOJ) signed a declaration of cooperation on Thursday with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), designating the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila as the facility where deceased PDLs can undergo autopsies and death investigations of “a high standard.” Dr. Raquel Fortun, the forensic pathologist spearheading the project, said it may also help in the development of a better healthcare system for PDLs. For Fortun, the act of giving them a proper autopsy in itself makes the project laudable. “Not just because you’re a prisoner, society forgets about you. There must be dignity in death,” she said. Under the partnership, the UNODC will provide the equipment, expertise, and procedures in keeping with international standards to ensure the integrity of the forensic evidence gathered and its chain of custody, in case such findings are needed in judicial proceedings. READ: Murders, autopsies, and death certificates The DOJ is tasked with ensuring the immediate transport of the PDLs’ remains from the prisons run by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to the designated facilities of UP Manila’s College of Medicine. The partnership covers not only New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City but also the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong. According to Fortun,  the body must be brought first to the autopsy table and not to funeral parlors for embalming. This allows her UP Manila team to conduct a thorough toxicology analysis that checks for poisoning or drug intake. But this protocol is largely not being followed, she said, as the College of Medicine typically receives cadavers already embalmed. Fortun said they had received about a hundred referrals from the DOJ since October 2022. It began with her being asked to do an autopsy of Jun Villamor, an NBP inmate implicated in the murder of journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa earlier that month who was later killed by fellow inmates. “The 100 cases were dissected by (UP Manila) residents. This is important pathology residency training and they’re very good at it. They are taught how to document; so just like any forensic case, these are well documented,” Fortun said. Based on BuCor records, a total of 4,636 PDLs have died in prison since 2020. “The most important outcome of this [project] is: how do we improve health care in the prisons?… Any death in these places requires forensic investigation. It’s a health concern,” Fortun said. The marching order she got from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is to “look for foul play,” she said. “But we’re not just looking for foul play here. Were there preventable deaths among these (cases)?” Citing an example, Fortun said they had monitored tuberculosis (TB) as a leading cause of death among PDLs. “That’s very telling. If there’s TB among the PDLs, your (BuCor) workers are just as exposed. These people were never diagnosed, much less treated. You can imagine the pain they experienced before they died,” she said. They have also encountered cases where the cause declared in the PDL’s death certificate was “so far out” from the results of their forensic analysis. “This is a way to get answers. Let’s learn from these deaths. Let’s hear what the dead PDLs are saying and prevent these deaths,” Fortun 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: Autopsy on ‘bloody Sunday’ victims reveals 9 activists ‘really shot to be killed’ 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960286/lets-hear-what-dead-pdls-are-saying

BIZ BUZZ: Pogos are staying put

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:26:00 PST

Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos)—or, at least, their offices—seem unfazed by all the commotion going on in Congress. Leechiu Property Consultants Inc. found in its latest property market report that these large office occupiers are actually staying. In the first half of the year, there were no contractions, or office lease terminations, coming from Pogos, which accounted for 10.9 percent of the total 685,000-square-meter office leasing demand. READ: Pogo hubs will no longer be allowed, says Pagcor chief In fact, Leechiu attributed the 42-percent drop in total office lease terminations to the “absence of contractions caused by the Pogo industry.” So while the Pogos involved in the case of embattled—and suspended—Bamban Mayor Alice Guo seem shaken, others may not be. Looking at the industry as a whole, many of Pogos “have already left and left behind offices and residential apartments,” according to Leechiu commercial leasing director Mikko Barranda. “There are still a number [of Pogos] that are here, and we have witnessed a few of them that are expanding,” he said during a press briefing on Thursday. “Clearly, at least in the last few years, and even for this quarter, we didn’t see any terminations happen from their end,” Barranda added. So are they here to stay? More importantly, why are they staying? Abangan! —Meg J. Adonis Some were surprised to see a Jeremy Gohkongwei on TV recently promoting his company, World Food Chain. We got curious and checked the guy out. SEC records of another of his companies, Metafarm Phils, Inc., indicate his name as Jeremy Goh Huang Koon. In others, it’s just Jeremy Goh. But from what we’ve heard, he’s not closely related to the family behind the Gokongwei Group. Speaking of the Gokongwei Group, there is a scam proliferating online using the name of JG Summit President and CEO Lance Gokongwei, encouraging the public to invest in cryptocurrency projects such as the so-called “Momentum Capital” program. In an advisory, the Gokongwei Group warned the public that they and Lance Gokongwei are in no way involved in these projects. The group is taking appropriate measures to mitigate the proliferation of these false advertisements. They also strongly urge everyone to be vigilant, and not to engage with suspicious platforms and to properly scrutinize web pages and links at all times to avoid being duped. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao Harried airline passengers waiting for their connecting flight may now relax inside the new transit lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) joined forces to put up the facility, which was launched earlier this week. READ: CHR: OFW lounge in Naia a ‘gesture of gratitude for modern-day heroes’ MIAA is the lounge operator while PAL provided the seats, shower facilities and amenities such as charging stations.Travelers transiting through Naia Terminal 1 to connect to another flight may use the transit lounge that is open to passengers of all carriers, not just PAL. “We trust that travelers will find the facility a welcome respite while enroute to their final destinations,” MIAA general manager Eric Ines said. “This transit lounge ensures the comfort and convenience of passengers traveling through the Manila gateway,” PAL president and chief operating officer Stanley Ng added. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad Motorists who have gotten used to filling up their gas tanks at the Shell Magallanes and McKinley stations may soon have to go somewhere else. For Magallanes, word is that the property owner now wants to build something else and take advantage of its prime location. Indeed, why make do with a gasoline station when you can develop a high-rise property on the same piece of valuable real estate? That seems to be the same thinking behind the possible shuttering of the prized McKinley corner Edsa station. A sign there says the station would be permanently closed by the end of the month as the lease had not been renewed by property giant Ayala Land Inc. Closure, however, remains just a distinct possibility and not yet a done deal as last ditch negotiations for a possible renewal are ongoing. Time will tell soon enough if the Shell stations will stay, or will just have to go. 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. And if they will go, will other Shell stations follow? —Tina Arceo-Dumlao Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468219/biz-buzz-pogos-are-staying-put

Groups helping political detainees wary of newly built Metro jail cells

Russel Loreto

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:48:00 PST

A newly constructed jail in Metro Manila has come under scrutiny after an inspection conducted by a group of lawmakers revealed rows of small cells apparently designed for solitary confinement, which they say raises a legal issue under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009. Members of the Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives, along with Kapatid, a support group for political prisoners, inspected the Metro Manila District Jail-Main in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, on Wednesday. The visit confirmed the existence of what the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) called “high-risk cells.” READ: New Camp Bagong Diwa jail has ‘solitary isolation cells’ Finding the new facility to be “disturbing,” ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said, “The issue is not whether a small cell can accommodate more than one person but the inhumane practice of punishing inmates by isolating them for whatever reasons.” BJMP chief Ruel Rivera assured the group that the cells were not intended for political prisoners. However, Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim expressed concerns over Philippine jails being used for an initiative called the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (Icitap), where the US Department of Justice works with foreign law enforcement agencies in the fight against transnational crime, terrorism and corruption. Wednesday’s inspection was a result of the dialogue on March 4 between the lawmakers and the BJMP regarding these concerns. Lim cited reports of “rising Icitap involvement in Philippine jails and its program against ‘violent extremism,’ not unlike the NTF-Elcac’s objective of political persecution.” NTF-Elcac stands for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, an anti-insurgency body created by the Duterte administration that remains in operation today. Makabayan and other critics, including political opposition leaders, have been calling for its abolition for endangering the lives of persons or groups it had linked to the communist movement with little or no proof, a practice now known as Red-tagging. Lim said “political prisoners are not terrorists or criminals, that they should be moved into isolation like the US Guantanamo prison camp that has proven to be a failure.” Kapatid and its Makabayan allies, she said, are counting on Rivera “to be true to his word; they won’t be transferred to isolation cells.” In a statement, Kapatid said the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 categorizes secret detention facilities or those intended for solitary confinement as places where “mental or psychological torture” can be carried out with impunity, in violation of the law. 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960301/groups-helping-political-detainees-wary-of-newly-built-metro-jail-cells

Controlling inflation still the top concern for Filipinos – Pulse Asia

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:50:06 PST

Inflation graphics. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO Inflation graphics. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — Controlling inflation remains the top concern for Filipinos, a polling firm Pulse Asia survey showed, a month before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona). A report from Pulse Asia released on Friday showed that 72 percent of Filipinos feel controlling inflation should be immediately addressed by the administration, which is 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: More Filipinos worry about inflation, says Pulse Asia Controlling inflation was also the top concern across all locales and financial classes — 67 percent of National Capital Region (NCR) residents considered it as a top issue, along with 74 percent of respondents from Balance Luzon, 66 percent from Visayas, and 77 percent from Mindanao. For Class ABC, 64 percent said inflation was the most pressing issue, while 73 percent of Class D and 74 percent of Class E aired the same sentiments. “For most Filipino adults (72%), controlling the spiraling prices of basic commodities is the issue that should be immediately addressed by the national administration. This is the only issue, out of 17, that is considered as an urgent national concern by the majority of the country’s adult population,” Pulse Asia said. “The second urgent national concern is increasing the pay of workers (44%) while sharing the third spot are reducing poverty (32%) and creating more jobs (30%). Fighting corruption in government (22%) and addressing the problem of involuntary hunger (20%) comprise a fourth set of national issues that the present dispensation should immediately deal with,” it added. Controlling inflation has been a major concern for Pulse Asia respondents since June 2023, when a similar survey showed 63 percent of Filipinos marking it a pressing issue. The numbers jumped to 74 percent in September 2023, and it has remained at the 70 percent-mark ever since — 72 percent in December 2023, 70 percent in March 2024, and the 72 percent mark this June. READ: 7 of 10 Pinoys unhappy with government handling of inflation – Pulse Asia Most respondents also gave a negative score in terms of the administration’s efforts in managing the prices of goods and other commodities. In the same survey, the net approval rating of the Marcos administration for controlling inflation was at -71. The second-worst score was with reducing poverty (-34), followed by fighting graft and corruption (-15), increasing the pay of workers (-15), and addressing the problem of involuntary hunger (-9). On the other hand, there were nine issues where the administration got a positive net approval rating: “The present national administration scores majority approval ratings on only two (2) national issues (out of 14); public assessment of the administration’s handling of five (5) issues changes significantly from March 2024 to June 2024,” Pulse Asia said. “Most Filipino adults are appreciative of the incumbent administration’s efforts to protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (70%) and to respond to the needs of calamity-hit areas (64%). Approval is the plurality sentiment toward the latter’s handling of six (6) issues. These are defending national territorial integrity (48%), promoting peace (47%), fighting criminality (47%), protecting the environment (46%), helping farmers (46%), and enforcing the rule of law (43%),” 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. According to Pulse Asia, the interviews for the survey were conducted from June 17 to 24, 2024 — a month before the Sona — using face-to-face interviews of Filipino adults aged 18 years and above. Pulse Asia maintains a ± 2% error margin at the 95% confidence level, while subnational estimates for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have a ± 4% error margin, also at 95% confidence level. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468350/controlling-inflation-still-the-top-concern-for-filipinos-pulse-asia

Makabayan eyes full Senate slate for 2025

Dempsey Reyes, Rey Anthony Ostria

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:40:00 PST

Atty. Neri Colmenares, former Bayan Muna Partylist representative. | PHOTO: Joseph Vidal/ Senate PRIB Atty. Neri Colmenares, former Bayan Muna Partylist representative. | PHOTO: Joseph Vidal/ Senate PRIB The Makabayan coalition will be fielding a full senatorial slate for next year’s midterm elections. Former Makabayan lawmakers Neri Colmenares, Satur Ocampo, Liza Maza, and Antonio Tinio said on Thursday their 12 candidates would come mostly from their ranks, although they were also open to talks with other prospects who share their platforms. So far, the only candidate that has been confirmed on their ticket is incumbent ACT Teachers party list Rep. France Castro, who earlier declared her intention to run for the Senate in 2025. Colmenares said that while they intend to prioritize candidates coming from the Makabayan coalition, they are also willing to talk with other individuals who share their political views. READ: No opportunity to talk with Robredo — Makabayan “We are open to nominations or suggestions for other candidates who agree with us on certain issues,” the former Bayan Muna representative told reporters at a press conference in Quezon City. Maza, for her part, said the coalition has already started the process of nominating individuals who would fill the slots on their slate. She added that the coalition has already approved Castro’s nomination and their deliberations in the coming weeks will reveal who else will be fielded for next year’s elections. Among opposition figures, only human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, and former Senators Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino have so far confirmed their candidacies for the Senate next year. Tinio said there were no formal talks yet with any of the three about forming a coalition. Ocampo and Maza ran for the Senate in 2010 as guest candidates under the Nacionalista Party but lost. The Makabayan coalition is composed of eight parties, including Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, ACT Teachers, and Kabataan. Maza admitted that next year’s elections would be an “uphill battle” for them as they would be facing off with candidates to be fielded by the parties of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte. Pangilinan, meanwhile, said that while he was inclined to run for the Senate, he had yet to finalize his plans as he was still weighing his chances of winning. The Liberal Party president was in Legazpi City to speak at the graduation rites of the Bicol University College of Medicine and Malilipot town’s San Jose Community College. He was also filming an Albay episode for the second season of his “Hello Pagkain” program on One PH. Pangilinan told the Inquirer on Wednesday that agriculture-related bills would still be his priority if his numbers turn out to be good. “Clearly, since we stepped down, the food problem has worsened. Prices have gone up so food insecurity is really a challenge,” he said. At the same time, Pangilinan said that the party respects former Vice President Leni Robredo’s decision to run for Naga City mayor instead of a national post. In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Robredo said she felt that her capacities were not aligned with the skill sets of a senator, an assessment that Pangilinan described as “truthful” and “honest. Her late husband, former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, also served as Naga mayor for a total of six terms. The city is a stronghold of the Liberal Party. “I can understand completely because she says [she needs to preserve and protect] the legacy of Jesse,” Pangilinan said. The two were teammates in the 2022 presidential and vice presidential elections. 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: Comelec to release guidelines on digital voter’s ID for OFWs 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960299/makabayan-eyes-full-senate-slate-for-2025

PH eyeing bigger slice of US, Japan, South Korean MICE markets

Alden M. Monzon @AldenMonzonINQ

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:30:33 PST

The Department of Tourism (DOT), with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), opened the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition) Conference this year on July 11 at the SMX COnvention Center inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.| PHOTO: Official Facebook page of DOT Philippines The Department of Tourism (DOT), with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), opened the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition) Conference this year on July 11 at the SMX COnvention Center inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.| PHOTO: Official Facebook page of DOT Philippines The Philippines is looking to get a bigger share of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) markets of South Korea, Japan, and the United States, with the government eyeing to forge strategic partnerships to promote the growth of the industry. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Thursday identified these countries that they are planning to forge an agreement to promote the growth of the industry. “We foresee the expansion of the existing partnerships with countries like South Korea, Japan and, of course, the United States which makes up our top source markets,” she said during the press conference on the sidelines of the MICE Conference 2024 at the SMC Convention Center inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. READ: Tourism revenue hits P282B in first half of 2024 Frasco said the Philippines also has the full tourism experience to offer MICE travelers while they are in the country. “The Philippines is not only able to host conventions, it is also able to offer pre and post tours that you will find nowhere one else in the world. And so, there is a very complimentary climate for MICE in the Philippines,” she said. Further, the tourism secretary said that the government is continuously stepping up its policies and programs to ensure the safety of these MICE travelers. “Overall, the safety and security of tourism in the Philippines is a priority agenda of the Marcos administration. This is evidenced by our continued collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government in terms of the training of our tourist police,” she said. According to Frasco, over 7,800 of these specialized police personnel have been trained. “We have since expanded this program to not only include our uniformed personnel in tourist destinations, but as well as our police auxiliary forces in our local government units,” said Frasco. Further, she said that the government has also established 10 facilities designated as “tourist rest areas” to ensure that the journey of these travelers in the country is made as convenient as possible. Moreover, Frasco said that they are constructing at least 22 more of these tourist rest areas across the country. The DOT’s Tourism Promotions Board on Thursday opened the MICE Conference 2024, a three-day affair touted as the biggest gathering of MICE professionals 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. This year’s conference is focusing on technology, inclusion and diversity as key factors in shaping the future of the country’s MICE industry. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468306/ph-eyeing-bigger-slice-of-us-japan-south-korean-mice-markets

Taxi driver brings drunk passenger to Cebu City motel, nabbed

eares

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:54:36 PST

A taxi driver from Cebu City was jailed for allegedly taking a drunk female passenger to a motel while she was asleep in the vehicle on Wednesday, July 10. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares A taxi driver from Cebu City was jailed for allegedly taking a drunk female passenger to a motel while she was asleep in the vehicle on Wednesday, July 10. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares CEBU CITY, Philippines —  A taxi driver landed in jail after he allegedly brought a drunk female passenger to a motel while she was sleeping inside the vehicle in Cebu City on Wednesday, July 10. The suspect, however, denied assaulting the woman and claimed that he only brought her to the motel because she did not told him her destination. READ MORE: Taxi drivers warned by Cebu City mayor: Don’t deceive visitors Policeman in Cebu accused of rape by his 14-year-old daughter nabbed Rape charges filed against Chappy cab driver for allegedly assaulting girl in Carcar The arrested person was identified as Gellan Bigcas Teves, 44, a resident of Brgy. Bulacao, Pardo, Cebu City. Police, in a report, said that the incident happened at around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The complainant was a 26-year-old woman from Brgy. Duljo Fatima, Cebu City. The victim told police that she was drunk when she boarded the suspect’s taxi at a restobar along the Pelaez Street in Cebu City and she fell asleep inside the taxi cab. Howver, when she woke up two hours later, she found herself inside a room in a motel along the North Reclamation Area with a man that she recognized as the taxi driver. READ MORE: CHR condemns surge in rape cases that happen at home Man arrested for alleged rape of minor in Batangas Moreover, she was no longer wearing her dress and underwear, which she found placed beside her on the bed. When she asked Teves what happened, he allegedly replied by saying, “yaw kabalaka, wala nako gipasulod.” (Don’t worry, I did not let it enter.) Less than 20 minutes later, both of them went out of the motel together and the suspect took the victim home on his taxi. At around 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the victim reported the incident to personnel of the Mabolo Police Station. Law enforcers then conducted an investigation and coordinated with the motel for the record of the suspect’s room reservation. Teves was arrested at their company’s garage at around 11:30 a.m. on the same day. As of this writing, he is detained at the custodial facility of the Mabolo Police Station pending for the filing of a charge of rape against him. The suspect, however, denied the victim’s allegations against him. In an interview with CDN Digital, Teves said that he had no bad intentions in bringing the girl to the motel. Teves said that he did so because the drunk woman failed to tell him her address. He added that the woman’s friend, who hailed the cab for her, also did not tell him her address. Teves said that he thought that if he brought the woman to the police station, he would be questioned on why he allowed a drunk passenger in his cab. According to him, he did not undress the victim as he found her in that state after he went back to his taxi for a short while. Teves also denied that he told the victim “yaw kabalaka, wala nako gipasulod.” (Don’t worry, I did not allow it to enter.) He further claimed that the woman was calm when he told her what happened and both of them left the motel together. To his surprise, police officers came to arrest him a few hours later. Teves has been working as a taxi driver for a long time. He has five young children and is separated from his wife who is in her hometown in Dumanjug. | with Marielle Surigao, CTU 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584040/taxi-driver-brings-drunk-passenger-to-cebu-city-motel-nabbed

Only 4% of Filipinos think Marcos able to lower rice prices – Pulse Asia

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:05:47 PST

PRICEWATCH Rice prices in this stall at the Marikina City public market on Feb. 15 range from P45 a kilo, the cheapest variety of well-milled rice, to P70 a kilo for the “fancy” red rice. Keeping food, especially rice, affordable to ordinary wage earners is among the major challenges faced by the Marcos administration. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE PRICEWATCH Rice prices in this stall at the Marikina City public market on Feb. 15 range from P45 a kilo, the cheapest variety of well-milled rice, to P70 a kilo for the “fancy” red rice. Keeping food, especially rice, affordable to ordinary wage earners is among the major challenges faced by the Marcos administration. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE MANILA, Philippines — Only 4 percent of Filipinos believe that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration was able to fulfill a key promise made during the 2022 election campaign season — bringing down prices of rice. Polling firm Pulse Asia said in its report released on Friday — less than two weeks before Marcos delivers his third State of the Nation Address — that they asked 2,400 Filipino adults if the administration’s promises have already been fulfilled. READ: Bongbong Marcos vows to bring down price of rice With regards to the goal of bringing down rice prices to just P20 per kilogram, only four percent of respondents said the administration succeeded. On the other side, 32 percent of respondents said the Marcos administration was able to strengthen tourism; 26 percent said that the infrastructure program was sustained; 24 percent said that the country’s sovereignty was defended; 21 percent said food production increased; and 19 percent said various renewable sources of energy were built. “According to 32% of Filipino adults, the current dispensation has succeeded in fulfilling its promise to strengthen tourism in the country. Around a quarter of adults identify either improving the country’s infrastructure (26%) or defending national sovereignty (24%) as one of the promises the administration has accomplished,” Pulse Asia said in their survey report. “Only 4% of Filipinos are of the view that the national administration has achieved its goal of reducing the price of rice to P20 per kilo,” it added. READ: Bongbong Marcos says P20/kilo rice possible: ‘May chance lagi yan’ In April 2022, then-candidate Marcos vowed to bring down the price of rice if he wins the elections, noting that there have been plans to bring down the price of rice by P20 to P30 per kilogram, by recommending a price cap on the staple. But instead of a price decrease, Marcos’ first year in office was met with high market prices of basic goods like vegetables and onion, which some lawmakers attributed to hoarding, which created an artificial shortage. READ: Quimbo says connivance, cartel behind recent skyrocketing prices of onions Despite these, the administration has not given up on the goal of bringing rice to P20 per kilogram, with key allies like House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez trying to find ways to lower prices. Last April 30, Romualdez said rice prices could go down by as much as P15 per kilogram — placing it on the P30 per kilogram mark — if Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) amendments are passed by Congress and signed into law. The House approved the proposed amendments, but a counterpart bill in the Senate did not get past the committee level. However, Romualdez believes amending the RTL would not be a sole solution to the high rice prices, as other measures — like the lowering of tariff on imported rice — can be implemented. Aside from promises made by the administration, Pulse Asia also asked respondents if they were aware that Marcos will deliver his third Sona on July 22. According to the firm’s report, 69 percent said they were aware, while 31 percent said they were not. Over half of the respondents — 57 percent — want Marcos to discuss in his Sona the government’s methods to control inflation. “Just as inflation is the only majority urgent national concern, it is also the only one cited by most Filipinos (57%) as the issue they would like the President to discuss or mention in his next Sona,  This view is shared by bare to considerable majorities in all geographic areas (51% to 63%) as well as Classes D and E (58% to 66%),” Pulse Asia said. “Those in Class ABC would most like the President to talk about measures to control inflation (43%), the state of the national economy and how to improve it (41%), actions to be taken by the Philippines to stop the incursion of other countries into Philippine national territory in the West Philippine Sea (35%), and job creation initiatives (34%),” it added. READ: More Filipinos worry about inflation, says Pulse Asia Pulse Asia said in the earlier part of their report that controlling inflation remains the top concern for Filipinos, with 72 percent of Filipinos feeling that it should be immediately addressed by the administration. Controlling inflation was also the top concern across all locals and financial classes — 67 percent of National Capital Region (NCR) residents considered it as a top issue, along with 74 percent of respondents from Balance Luzon, 66 percent from Visayas, and 77 percent from Mindanao. Controlling inflation has been a major concern for Pulse Asia respondents since June 2023, when a similar survey showed 63 percent of Filipinos marking it a pressing issue. The numbers jumped to 74 percent in September 2023, and it has remained at the 70 percent-mark ever since — 72 percent in December 2023, 70 percent in March 2024, and the 72 percent mark this June. According to Pulse Asia, the interviews for the survey were conducted from June 17 to 24, 2024 — a month before the Sona — using face-to-face interviews of Filipino adults aged 18 years and above. 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. Pulse Asia maintains a ± 2% error margin at the 95% confidence level, while subnational estimates for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have a ± 4% error margin, also at 95% confidence level. 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.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468380/only-4-of-filipinos-think-marcos-able-to-lower-rice-prices-pulse-asia

Comelec chief urged to clarify, address alleged bribery

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:34:47 PST

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe has urged Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia to immediately clarify issues against him, to protect the integrity of the elections. Dalipe, in a statement on Friday, said that the House of Representatives has not yet received any formal resolution asking for an investigation into allegations that P1 billion were transferred to a Comelec official’s offshore accounts when the poll body was looking for a new automated election system (AES) supplier. Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta made the allegation but declined to divulge the identity of the Comelec official. Garcia, however, he was the one being referred to but maintained that he has no offshore accounts. “Given the serious nature of the allegations made by Congressman Marcoleta against Chairman George Garcia, it is imperative that all the issues being raised against him and the reasons why these are being raised must be addressed, especially as we are now entering the election season,” Dalipe said. Dalipe also said that Garcia’s decision to waive his bank secrecy laws and ask the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to probe the issue is a good move as it can “remove all doubts” with Comelec. Garcia has repeatedly denied having any offshore bank accounts, sending the media a copy of his letter dated July 10 to AMLC requesting an investigation. “Personally, I think that Chairman Garcia did a good job in signing an absolute waiver for the AMLC to investigate his alleged offshore accounts, but we still need to get to the bottom of this issue to remove all doubts about the Comelec,” Dalipe said. “This investigation will provide Chairman Garcia the opportunity to answer all accusations, thereby removing any doubts about his credibility and integrity,” he added. Marcoleta last Tuesday said that at least P1 billion worth of funds were transferred from different foreign banks, including those based in South Korea, to 49 offshore accounts supposedly linked to a Comelec official. While Marcoleta said that the findings are still being verified, he said the fund transfers coincided with developments in Comelec’s AES procurement. 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/1960421/comelec-chief-urged-to-clarify-address-alleged-bribery

Naia Terminal 3 operations now back to normal, says Miaa

Luisa Cabato

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:30:11 PST

NAIA Terminal 3 resumed normal operations on Friday afternoon (July 12, 2024) after the stranded aircraft of Cebu Pacific was towed from the taxiway. NAIA–INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES NAIA Terminal 3 resumed normal operations on Friday afternoon (July 12, 2024) after the stranded aircraft of Cebu Pacific was towed from the taxiway. NAIA–INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES MANILA, Philippines — The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 resumed normal operations on Friday afternoon after the stranded aircraft of Cebu Pacific was towed from the taxiway, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said. The Cebu Pacific A-321 aircraft, which got stuck on a grassy portion of the Naia Terminal 3 taxiway on Friday morning, was removed at 1:55 p.m. READ: Plane gets stuck on grassy part of Naia taxiway, may affect flights Miaa confirmed to INQUIRER.net that operations are back to normal, and no additional flights have been added to the list of delayed trips at Naia. In an earlier advisory, Miaa reported that the following flights were halted: Arrival: UA 189 San Francisco-Manila TR 396 Singapore-Manila EK 336 Dubai-Manila 5J 050 Melbourne-Manila 5J 309 Guangzhou-Manila 3K 763 Singapore-Manila Departure: 5J 110 Manila-Hongkong NH 820 Manila-Narita CX 912 Manila-Hongkong 3K 763 Manila-Kansai EK 337 Manila-Dubai TR 397 Manila-Singapore UA 190 Manila-San Francisco Meanwhile, contrary to an initial report from Miaa that the aircraft “slightly swerved,” Cebu Pacific clarified that it only got stuck during a repositioning activity. “It didn’t veer off or swerve. It wasn’t landing or taking off. The aircraft was not operating a flight, was not landing or taking off,” the airline explained in a message sent to Inquirer. 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. “During repositioning or parking procedure, it got stuck on the ground. That’s why it has no flight number, no passengers, no flight crew,” 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.

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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960543/naia-terminal-3-operations-now-back-to-normal-says-miaa

Biden says he’s going to ‘complete the job’ despite calls to bow out

Associated Press

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:22:16 PST

President Joe Biden speaks at a news conference following the NATO Summit in Washington, Thursday, July 11, 2024. (AP Photo) President Joe Biden speaks at a news conference following the NATO Summit in Washington, Thursday, July 11, 2024. (AP Photo) WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden used his highly anticipated news conference Thursday to deliver a forceful defense of his foreign and domestic policies, and batted away questions about his ability to serve another four years even as he flubbed a reference to Donald Trump in one of his first answers. “I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started,” Biden said as he insisted his support among the electorate was strong and he would stay in the race and would win. Fumbles notwithstanding, the president pushed back at every suggestion that was slowing down or showing noticeable signs of decline, or that he was not in command of the job. But he was facing a growing chorus of calls from lawmakers, celebrities and other prominent Democrats to step aside from the 2024 race. “My schedule has been full bore,” he declared. “So if I slow down and I cant get the job done, that’s a sign that I shouldn’t be doing it. But there’s no indication of that yet — none.” Democrats are facing an intractable problem. Top donors, supporters and key lawmakers are doubtful of Biden’s abilities to carry on his reelection bid after his disastrous June 27 debate performance, but the hard-fighting 81-year-old president refuses to give up as he prepares to take on Trump in a rematch. “I’m determined on running but I think it’s important that I allay fears — let them see me out there,” he said. The first questioner of Biden’s press conference asked about him losing support among many of his fellow Democrats and unionists, and asked about Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden was at first defiant, saying the “UAW endorsed me, but go ahead,” meaning the United Auto Workers. But then he mixed up Harris and Trump, saying, “I wouldn’t have picked Vice President Trump to be Vice President if she wasn’t qualified.” Trump weighed in live on Biden’s news conference with a post on his social media network of a video clip of the president saying “Vice President Trump.” Trump added sarcastically, “Great job, Joe!” Most of the hourlong press conference was vintage Biden: He gave long answers on foreign policy and told well-worn anecdotes. He used teleprompters for his opening remarks on NATO, which ran about eight minutes. Then the teleprompters lowered and he took a wide range of questions from 10 journalists about his mental acuity, foreign and domestic policy and — mostly — the future of his campaign. “I believe I’m the best qualified to govern. I believe I’m the best qualitied to win,” Biden said, adding that he will stay in the race until his staff says, “There’s no way you can win.” “No one’s saying that,” he said. “No poll says that.” Earlier, Biden’s campaign laid out what it sees as its path to keeping the White House in a new memo, saying that winning the “blue wall” states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan is the “clearest pathway” to victory. And it declared no other Democrat would do better against Trump. “There is also no indication that anyone else would outperform the president vs. Trump,” said the memo from campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon and campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez that was obtained by The Associated Press. The memo sought to brush back “hypothetical polling of alternative nominees ” as unreliable and it said such surveys “do not take into account the negative media environment that any Democratic nominee will encounter.” Meanwhile, the campaign has been quietly surveying voters on Harris to determine how she’s viewed among the electorate, according to two people with knowledge of the campaign who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity to talk about internal matters. The people said the polling was not necessarily to show that she could be the nominee in Biden’s place, but rather to better understand how she’s viewed. The research came after Trump stepped up his attacks against Harris following the debate, according to another person familiar with the effort. The survey was first reported by The New York Times. While Biden has expressed confidence in his chances, his campaign on Thursday acknowledged he is behind, and a growing number of the president’s aides in the White House and the campaign privately harbor doubts that he can turn things around. But they’re taking their cues from Biden, expressing that he is in 100% unless and until he isn’t, and there appears to be no organized internal effort to persuade the president to step aside. His allies were well aware heading into the week there would be more calls for him to step down, and they were prepared for it. But in announcing a compact that would bring together NATO countries to support Ukraine, Biden referred to the nation’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” to audible gasps in the room. He quickly returned to the microphone: “President Putin — he’s going to beat President Putin … President Zelensky,” Biden said. Then he said, “I’m so focused on beating Putin,” in an effort to explain the gaffe. “I’m better,” Zelensky replied. “You’re a hell of a lot better,” Biden said back. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer invited Biden’s team to meet with senators privately at the lunch hour to discuss concerns and the path forward, but some senators groused they would prefer to hear from the president himself. In the Senate, only Peter Welch of Vermont has so far called for Biden to step out of the race. The 90-minute conversation with the president’s team, which one person said included no new data, polling or game plan on how Biden would beat Trump, did not appear to change senators’ minds. The person was granted anonymity to discuss the closed door session. The meeting was frank, angry at times and also somewhat painful, since many in the room know and love Biden, said one senator who requested anonymity to discuss the private briefing. Senators confronted the advisers over Biden’s performance at the debate and the effect on Senate races this year One Democrat, Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, said afterward, “My belief is that the president can win, but he’s got to be able to go out and answer voters’ concerns. He’s got to be able to talk to voters directly over the next few day.” At the same time, influential senators are standing strongly with Biden, leaving the party at an impasse. 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. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, told the AP he thinks Biden “is going to win this election. I think he has a chance to win it big.” Sanders said he has been publicly critical of the campaign, and said Biden needs to talk more about the future and his plans for the country. “As we come closer to Election Day, the choices are very clear,” he said. 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.

Inquirer

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242375/biden-says-hes-going-to-complete-the-job-despite-calls-to-bow-out

Good cop, bad cop: Tiktok gears up to police, support creators

Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:10:00 PST

TikTok outreach and partnerships manager KahnJi Weerachaising | Photo by Tyrone Piad TikTok outreach and partnerships manager KahnJi Weerachaising | Photo by Tyrone Piad SINGAPORE — Filipino content creators on popular social media platform TikTok have a lot to say—and show—to their audience across the globe. Abi Marquez, fondly known as the “Lumpia Queen,” shares her love for Filipino food, especially those wrapped in lumpia and fried in hot oil, in her cooking channel on TikTok, where she has more than 3 million followers. Licensed pharmacist Arshie Larga has risen to popularity for producing funny and engaging content about safe medicine use. Niana Guerrero draws in her over 43 million followers through entertaining dance covers, which also feature her equally talented siblings. READ: DTI, TikTok study setup of PH content creator academy They are just some of the most followed TikTok personalities dominating the daily feeds of users. “Every market is unique. From the Philippine side, it is quite diverse in terms of authenticity and also creativity in the community,” says KahnJi Weerachaising, TikTok outreach and partnerships manager. But not all content makes it through the ‘For You’ pages of TikTok users as the social media giant removes videos that are against community guidelines. It is TikTok’s way of making the platform safe for users of all ages. In the first quarter, TikTok took down 4.26 million videos in the Philippines because they were not in accordance with its policy. About 99.7 percent of these posts were removed proactively. This means the inappropriate content had already been flagged even before a user reported it, Weerachaising explains. Some 95.4 percent of them were also taken down within 24 hours. READ: Beyond gags, dances: TikTok is serious biz, Filipinos find According to TikTok’s First Quarter 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, these posts had issues relating to misinformation, harassment and bullying, hate speech and hateful behavior, sexual exploitation and gender-based violence and animal abuse, among others. But the social media giant asserts that the figure only represents a small portion of the content being produced by the creators. On a daily basis, it estimates that 200 million videos are being posted across the globe. Still, TikTok assures that the videos are being moderated using an automated technology that monitors the flow of content creation. For example, its tools can detect if the video contains dangerous tools like knives, guns or even alcohol. These posts, in addition, are also being vetted by over 40,000 human moderators. Weerachaising says they regularly update their community guidelines in coordination with subject matter experts and even content creators themselves. “We take a holistic approach when crafting our policy and also community guidelines,” she says. “Every year, we find many recommendations from the focus groups we engage with.” Just last May, TikTok published a new creator code of conduct, which everyone is expected to adhere to in order to keep the platform a welcoming and safe environment. Apart from taking down videos, the accounts of creators who are in violation of the terms of service may be suspended or permanently deleted. The code prohibits behaviors that pose harm to others, including bullying and harassment. Creators should not promote harmful or dangerous activities that may put people or animals in danger, as TikTok does not allow violence on its platform. TikTok also warned against “participating in activities involving spam, fake engagement or continuous solicitation of engagement or gifts, misinformation, false representations or violations of intellectual property rights.” “We publish the new updated community guidelines to enhance the clarity, especially on the part of hate speech and health misinformation,” Weerachaising adds. Apart from enforcing the platform policies, TikTok is making efforts to help creators understand the community guidelines in order to encourage further content creation. For newbie creators, Weerachaising says they will be given first violation warning strike should they post inappropriate videos to flag them immediately. This is to notify them if they are not aware of the mistakes they made. This feature also points out which specific community guidelines were violated by the content creators so they can learn from them, she notes. The platform has also enabled the Account Check feature to “enable creators to quickly audit their account and their last 30 posts and see at a glance whether they are in good standing on TikTok.” 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 want to help our creators understand our rules more. We dedicated time to develop some features [to] make sure our creators better understand the [rules],” she says. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468235/good-cop-bad-cop-tiktok-gears-up-to-police-support-creators

Task force to probe slays of 2 Australians, Filipina in Tagaytay City

Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:20:19 PST

FILE PHOTO: Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Police Regional Office 4A FILE PHOTO: Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Police Regional Office 4A LUCENA CITY — The police formed a special body to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two Australian nationals and a Filipina in a hotel in Tagaytay City, Cavite on July 10. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-A said the Special Investigation Task Group “SITG DAVID FISK” was created to investigate the killings of “David,” 57; “Lucita, 55, both Australian citizens; and “Mary,” 30. The bodies of the victims were found at 1:35 p.m. with their hands and feet tied and their mouths covered with packaging tape inside one of the hotel rooms, the police report said. “For now, we are conducting a thorough investigation based on the evidence that we have collected in our initial investigation,” Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, PRO-4A commander, said in a statement on Friday. The investigators were back-tracking video footage from closed-circuit television cameras in the hotel and its premises for the identification of the killers. “Rest assured that we will provide updates on any new information that comes to light on this case. We will make sure that those responsible for the heinous killings will be punished,” Lucas 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.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960424/task-force-to-probe-slays-of-2-australians-filipina-in-tagaytay-city

Central Visayas shows 0.8 % rise of inflation rate in June 2024

noliverio

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:55:13 PST

| Inquirer.net graphics | Inquirer.net graphics CEBU CITY, Philippines — From 4.0 percent, the inflation report for Central Visayas shows another 0.8 rise in June 2024. In a data dissemination forum on Friday, July 12 in Cebu City, Philippine Statistic Authority Central Visayas (PSA-7) Director, Engineer  Ariel Florendo, reported that the overall inflation for Central Visayas increased to 4.8 percent in June 2024 from 4.0 percent in May 2024. The regional director said that the top three main contributors to the regional inflation were food and non-alcoholic beverages at 62.2 percent, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 13.7 percent, and restaurants and accommodation services at 7.8 percent. READ MORE: Mandaue City’s inflation highest in Cebu for 5th month Central Visayas inflation rate rises from 3.2 to 4.0% in May 2024 PH economy seen to accelerate in 2024 but faces high inflation, El Niño-driven risks The increased trend in the inflation rate was due to the fast increase of food and non-alcoholic beverages as well as the index of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels. Among the contributors, the main drivers for the upward trend were food and non-alcoholic beverages with 7.6 percent, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels with 2.7 percent. Inflation refers to the rate of price increase over a specific period of time which is also equivalent to a decline in the purchasing power of the peso, according to the PSA. Moreover, Florendo also reported an acceleration in the food inflation rate for the region, which rose to 8.0 percent in June 2024 compared to 6.7 percent in May 2024. The top three drivers to the upward trend in the region’s food inflation were reported to be cereals and cereal products at 16.5 percent in June 2024 compared to 12.3 percent in May 2024, vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses at 17.0 percent in June 2024 to the 11.4 percent in May 2024, and meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals at 7.3 percent in June 2024 compared to the 6.8 percent in May 2024. According to PSA-7, the main contributors to the food inflation during the month were cereals and cereal products at 75.6 percent share, meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals with 13.9 percent, and vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses at 13.6 percent share. READ MORE: Inflation rate in Cebu: Your P1 is now worth 83 centavos Controlling inflation still the top concern for Filipinos – Pulse Asia Florendo said that the increase in food inflation, especially with vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses. According to an official from the Department of Agriculture here (DA-7), they can still attribute the inflation of prices of the crops to the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, a factor that was also considered for the increase of prices of some goods and commodities in the previous month. The El Niño phenomenon has caused the prices of the crops to go high since the extreme heat affected the crop production. This meant that the demand was high and the supply almost could not reach this demand, said Elvin Milleza of DA-7. In the economics’ view, the increasing inflation rate is good for the business sector, said Melchor Bautista, PSA Cebu’s chief statistical specialist in a previous interview. However, it would be unfortunate for the consumers because it would mean that they would have to pay more than the amount of the items they would usually buy. 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584087/central-visayas-shows-a-0-8-rise-of-inflation-rate-in-june-2024

Koronadal City cops nab 4 heavily armed men

Edwin O. Fernandez

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 22:06:54 PST

COTABATO CITY — Police in Koronadal City, South Cotabato province arrested on Thursday four heavily armed men and seized from them high-powered firearms and pistols. Lt. Col. Hoover Antonio, Koronadal City police director, said the suspects came from Columbio town, Sultan Kudarat province, on board a white Toyota Fortuner. They were flagged down at a police checkpoint in Barangay Namnama at about 11 a.m. on July 11. During plain view inspection, police officers found rifles and handguns inside the vehicle. “When asked to present documents to prove they can legally possess firearms, the four could not produce any,” Antonio said in a radio interview on Friday. “So, we took custody of them.” READ: Armed men gave death rulings in Duterte’s drug war, not courts Police confiscated from the suspects two M16 rifles, four caliber .45 pistols, 17 magazines, cartridge cases, two bandoliers, and their mobile phones. Antonio said the suspects were heading to Banga town in South Cotabato, which is next to Koronadal City. Charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition are being prepared against the suspects. 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/1960587/koronadal-city-cops-nab-4-heavily-armed-men

Creation of village in South Cotabato protected area stirs concerns

Bong Sarmiento

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 16:18:19 PST

Mt. Matutum, the landmark peak of South Cotabato, beckons from a vantage point in highland Barangay Assumption in Koronadal City in this photo taken on February 16, 2021. PHOTO BY BONG S. SARMIENTO Mt. Matutum, the landmark peak of South Cotabato, beckons from a vantage point in highland Barangay Assumption in Koronadal City in this photo taken on February 16, 2021. PHOTO BY BONG S. SARMIENTO GENERAL SANTOS CITY —  Voters in Tupi town of South Cotabato will vote tomorrow, July 13, in a plebiscite to create a new village amid concerns by environmentalists that the proposed village would be within the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MPPL). Named after the grandfather of South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo will be formed from Linan, Miasong, and Cebuano villages of Tupi. Once ratified, it will be the 16th barangay of the 70-year-old town. The proposed barangay, according to the environmentalists, is within the 15,600-hectare MPPL. READ: New orchid species boosts forest protection drive in South Cotabato The Save Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (SMMPL) expressed fears that a new village would attract people or investors, which could further deteriorate the area’s natural protected landscape. On May 21, Tupi Mayor Romeo Tamayo, uncle of the governor, informed Linan chairperson Reynaldo Alburo Jr. of the conduct of a plebiscite through a letter with an attached copy of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 10993, which sets the campaign period, including the holding of barangay assemblies and pulong pulong from June 22 to July 11, and the plebiscite period and a gun ban from June 13 to July 20. Bren Tamayo, secretary to the mayor and designated Tupi tourism officer, said the creation of Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo, had been pushed in this city since the current governor was the municipal mayor. Governor Tamayo served as Tupi mayor for three terms from 2010 to 2019. He also said the proposed village had been populated mostly by the indigenous B’laan. STMMPL expressed concern over “the massive and continuing selling of forest lands, the proliferation of business establishments, development of a millionaire’s village and illegal constructions of buildings and houses despite the notice of violations and stoppage orders issued by Mt. Matutum Protected Area Management Board” in the area. The protected landscape is covered by Republic Act 11038 or the Enhanced Integrated Protected Area System Act (E-NIPAS), designed to enhance biological diversity and is protected against human exploitation. The group urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation “to arrest the continuing destruction and seemingly deliberate alteration of the natural beauty of Mt. Matutum.” Inquirer sought Efren C. Hibaler, protected area superintendent (Pasu) of the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) for comments on Thursday, but he did not return calls. Richel Castor, Comelec-Tupi election assistant officer 2, said in a separate phone interview that the proposed Barangay Juan-Loreto Tamayo would have a land area of 2,304.58 hectares. Of that size, at least 1,489.78 would be taken from Barangay Miasong, 292.25 hectares from Barangay Cebuano and 522.55 hectares from Barangay Linan, she added. The three villages have at least 9,765 registered voters, Castro 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. She said the creation of the new village would be ratified if more than 50 percent of the votes favor the measure. 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/1960474/creation-of-village-in-south-cotabato-protected-area-stirs-concerns

Team Secret falls short against Talon Esports for Champions slot

XC Enriquez

12/07/2024

“Adobo Gang” Team Secret clashed against Thai team Talon Esports in tonight’s VCT Pacific Stage 2 Knockout Round match. For this series, Talon Esports debuted rookie Papaphat “primmie” Sriprapha instead of Thanachart “Surf” Rungapajaratkul. Talon Esports built their lead on their map pick, Lotus. Their 7-5 half quickly grew to 10-5 in the second half. Team Secret hit back and attempted a comeback, but Talon denied their hopes and closed out the map 13-11. Where did this kid come from?! 😱Another pistol clutch and 4K from Primmie!#VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/V8d3Tb7Zfb Team Secret surprised many with the Abyss pick – the first professional game on VALORANT’s newest map. The Filipino squad could not find a lead in the first half, which ended 6-6. Talon ended this map with a similar 13-11 score despite Secret’s efforts.FEATURED STORIES History for @TALON_VALORANT 🪽#VALORANTChampions Seoul, here they come!#VCTPacific pic.twitter.com/TdmXenmkOx This win qualifies Talon Esports for the upcoming VCT Champions Seoul later this year. They take the last Pacific spot and join DRX, Paper Rex, and Gen.G Esports in representing the region. Team Secret bows out of the competition as this loss ends their competitive year and will return. Reflecting on the loss, Team Secret coach Tim “dummy” Olson says that on Defense, he “wouldn’t change a thing.” He pointed out the team’s mistakes, saying, “We were shaky on attack… on Abyss, our post-plants became disjointed. There was a lack of cohesion on the post-plants that normally never happens.” READ: Details you need to know for VCT Pacific Ascension 2023 Both dummy and Jessie “JessieVash” Cuyco talked about the Abyss pick. “We were confident on [Abyss]. I still believe we’re good on that map,” says dummy. “We prepared a lot [for Abyss] and we had good scrim results on the map,” adds JessieVash. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

Inquirer

https://esports.inquirer.net/35514/team-secret-falls-short-against-talon-esports-for-champions-slot

11 family members dead in Cagayan road accident

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:04:00 PST

At least 11 people died, five were seriously injured, and 20 had minor injuries when a wayward air-conditioned bus and a pickup collided with each other at the junction in Ayaga, Abulug, Cagayan, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. | PHOTO COURTESY OF CAGAYAN PPO / IAN TANIECA At least 11 people died, five were seriously injured, and 20 had minor injuries when a wayward air-conditioned bus and a pickup collided with each other at the junction in Ayaga, Abulug, Cagayan, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. | PHOTO COURTESY OF CAGAYAN PPO / IAN TANIECA TUGUEGARAO CITY — Eleven relatives aboard a pickup truck died instantly after their vehicle collided with a passenger bus at a road junction in Abulug town, Cagayan province, early morning on Thursday, police said. Reports from the Abulug police identified the fatalities as belonging to the Time family, among them father and son Rodolfo Sr. and Rodolfo Jr.; sisters Evelyn and Christina Jane; and relatives Mary Jane, Lovely, Crishia, Shane, Kimberly, Rodelyn, and Angel. Investigators said the pickup truck driver, Nestor Mangupag, a resident of Gattaran town and a relative of the deceased, was injured. Maj. Antonio Palattao, Abulug police chief, said the pickup truck’s passengers came from a wake in Flora town in Apayao province. They were on their way home to Barangay Dana-Ili in Allacapan town at 12:05 a.m. when their vehicle hit a Florida Bus bound for Santa Ana town in Cagayan. Investigators reported that the pickup truck was speeding and came from a provincial road at Barangay Ayaga when it hit the bus cruising on the national highway. The strong impact caused the drivers of both vehicles to lose control of the wheel, spinning the pickup truck and crashing into a stall in the public market, and the bus into a wall and mound of earth. READ: What you need to know about road safety in the Philippines An unidentified passenger in the pickup truck was taken to the hospital. Bus driver Jay-jet Andrada, a resident of Lal-lo, Cagayan, had a broken leg, while five passengers were seriously injured. At least 20 others aboard the bus had minor injuries. —VILLAMOR VISAYA JR. READ: 3 dead in pickup–truck collision in Quezon 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.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960242/11-family-members-dead-in-cagayan-road-accident

Quiboloy still in PH but it’s ‘getting smaller’ for him – Abalos

John Eric Mendoza

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:58:56 PST

Apollo Quiboloy is still in the Philippines but the country is “getting smaller ” for him, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (photo) says in a press conference on Friday, July 12, 2024. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE Apollo Quiboloy is still in the Philippines but the country is “getting smaller ” for him, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (photo) says in a press conference on Friday, July 12, 2024. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy is still in the Philippines but the country is “getting smaller ” for him, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said Friday. Abalos’ remark came amid reports that the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ already fled to China. “There’s always that possibility,” Abalos said in a press conference. “Pero sa nakikita namin ngayon, nandyan lang ‘yan, nandito lang yan sa Pilipinas.” (But based on what we see, he’s only somewhere here, he’s only here in the Philippines.) “Lumiliit na ang Pilipinas para sa kanila,” the chief of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) added. (The Philippines is getting smaller for them.) READ: Quiboloy now a wanted fugitive in PH – police Quiboloy and a few of his subordinates were subjects of a Davao City court-issued warrants of arrest over human trafficking and sexual abuse charges. Quiboloy has a P10-million bounty while each of his co-accused has a P1-million bounty on their heads. One of the fugitives, Paulene Canada, was arrested Thursday, July 11. Abalos presented her to the media during the press conference on Friday. READ: P1-M bounty helped in arrest of Quiboloy’s co-accused – DILG 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. Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, said he could not confirm if Quiboloy is already in China, according to a Philippine Star report. The whereabouts of Quiboloy’s other co-accused – Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Cemañes, and Jackielyn Roy – were still unknown. 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/1960452/quiboloy-still-in-ph-but-its-getting-smaller-for-him-abalos

BOC and agri stakeholders finally unite

Ernesto M. Ordoñez

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:14:00 PST

The Bureau of Customs will contribute to agriculture development by providing the necessary support at our borders and through close collaboration with farmers, fisherfolk and agribusiness. This was the commitment made by Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio last July 9 during a meeting with the public-private Philippine Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Anti-Smuggling Committee (PCAF-ASC). READ: How to unmask the smugglers This is no surprise. Rubio is known not only in the Philippines, but also throughout Southeast Asia, as a champion of private sector participation in customs administration. In a recent meeting among Asean heads of national customs bodies, Rubio highlighted his establishment of the Customs Industry and Advisory Council (CICAC), which institutionalizes private sector involvement. Several national heads thereafter expressed their desire to do something similar in their own countries. Consistent with his approach, Rubio met with the PCAF-ASC. Here are three highlights during the meeting. A key smuggling indicator using United Nations Comtrade data showed that the difference between what exporting countries reported they gave us, compared to what we reported we received ballooned from P500 million in 2019 to P1.2 trillion in 2021. Much of this was due to undervaluation. READ: New approaches needed Rubio encouraged the PCA-ASC to report undervaluation cases and submit invoices with the correct value. Using these invoices would help BOC reject many undervalued “transaction values” that many importers submit. Some importers claim that this is the only valuation basis allowed by the World Trade Organization (WTO). There are actually six other WTO methods, which the private sector with added expertise can help implement. Rodolfo Tamayo, president of the Agriculture Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association, Inc. (AMMDA), reported the nonimplementation of this regulation has caused devastating damage to agriculture amid the proliferation of substandard and defective agriculture machineries. This is largely because the required importer accreditation by the Department Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering has been grossly ignored when, in fact, this was given emphasis in Republic Act 10501, or “An Act Promoting Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Development in the Country.” Tamayo has been highlighting this critical issue for a long time, but no action was ever taken. Rubio committed there will be one very soon. In addition, Tamayo offered the free services of PCAF mechanization committee members in conducting orientation sessions for BOC personnel to better evaluate agriculture machinery imports. In the 1980s, former AMMDA president and now Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis led this initiative with impressive results, but this was unfortunately terminated. The BOC had previously recognized and accredited private sector industry technical experts (ITEs), but none for agriculture. These ITEs have access to BOC data and help review import documents. They then submit written recommendations to the BOC Commissioner, who responds to each one. A similar arrangement for agriculture was recommended, which Rubio welcomed. During CICAC’s fifth meeting last July 5, agriculture was represented by less than 5 percent of the participants. With Rubio’s support, more agriculture representation is expected in the future. The BOC and ASC have agreed to have bimonthly meetings for the key issues raised. For each issue, there will be one identified person each from the BOC and PCAF to facilitate accountability. With this continuing relationship, the BOC and agriculture stakeholders can now work synergistically together for progressive agriculture development. 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 author is Agriwatch chair, former secretary of presidential flagship programs and projects, and former undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry. Contact is [email protected] Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468227/boc-and-agri-stakeholders-finally-unite

Rate cut prospects in the US power PSEi past 6,600

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:16:00 PST

PSEi. INQUIRER FILES PSEi. INQUIRER FILES Strong gains in US markets spilled over to the local bourse on Thursday, with energized investors carrying the benchmark index above the 6,600 level. By the closing bell, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) made a strong comeback as it rallied by 1.85 percent, or 119.89 points, to 6,609.24. Likewise, the broader All Shares Index gained by 1.30 percent, or 45.64 points, to 3,555.68. A total of 427.66 million shares worth P6.8 billion changed hands as foreigners made net purchases worth P68.47 million, stock exchange data showed. READ: S&P 500 tops 5,600 as Wall Street’s record-breaking rally keeps rolling This came after major US markets—Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq—all ended green overnight, “fueled by bets that US June inflation data will reinforce expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts starting in September,” according to Juan Paolo Colet, managing director at investment bank China Bank Capital Corp. The “broadening consensus” that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would start monetary policy easing by August also hyped up investors, Colet said. All sectors gained, with holding firms posting a steep 2.35-percent climb. BDO Unibank Inc., the banking arm of the SM Group, was the top-traded stock as it rose by 1.99 percent to P143.80. It was followed by Globe Telecom Inc., up 2.38 percent to P2,150; Robinsons Land Corp., up 0.42 percent to P14.24; Ayala Land Inc., up 1.55 percent to P29.50; and SM Investments Corp., up 2.78 percent to P870. International Container Terminal Services Inc. was up 1.01 percent to P360; Ayala Corp., up 1.22 percent to P580; PLDT Inc., up 2.82 percent to P1,532; SM Prime Holdings Inc., up 2.11 percent to P29; and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., up 1.68 percent to P66.45 each. Gainers edged out losers, 117 to 68, while 60 companies closed unchanged. —Meg J. Adonis 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468220/rate-cut-prospects-in-the-us-power-psei-past-6600

All you need to know about the Ajinomoto Konbini experience: Soup & Go® is finally here in the Philippines

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:20:43 PST

Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It sets the mood for how you start your mornings and essentially becomes your fuel to kickstart your tasks, may it be in school, at the office, at home, or anywhere you’re meant to be for the day. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), considers this as a vital part of one’s twenty-four hour period, especially here in the Philippines, as it launches its first easy-to-make breakfast that takes less than a minute to prepare! This is the perfect companion for those on-the-go, and also for those who want a hassle free quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutritional value and that savory flavor. (L-R) Kazuki Kyoya, Category Manager, Marketing, Koichi Ozaki, APC President, Mika Makino, APC Director for Sales, Marketing and Public Relations For the first time ever, a live demonstration on how to prepare the Ajinomoto Soup & Go® was celebrated at the Konbini. (A Japanese term for convenience store) Located in Market Market Taguig, the pop-up store is a site to see in the middle of the mall’s open space near the terminals, that mimics a real life convenience store which sells Ajinomoto products. This will surely catch everyone’s attention and excite you to explore what is in its glass walls. Graced by APC President Mr. Koichi Ozaki, Mr. Koichi himself demonstrates how easy it is to prepare the tasty breakfast soup. All that is needed is to have your own cup, pour in the contents of the Soup & Go® sachet, add hot water and stir. After following these easy steps, all that’s left is to wait for 1 minute to finally have that first serving of the delicious soup. “We are very excited for the Philippines because we know how the Filipino people love breakfast. With Soup & Go®, our aim is to make their mornings brighter through a convenient dish that’s flavorful and nutritious made with carefully selected ingredients from Japan like corn from the Hokkaido farms (just for corn flavor), and authentic milk from Japan  (for all flavors),” says Mr. Koichi Ozaki when asked about what the company aims to achieve with Soup & Go®. Soup & Go® comes in three flavors, including Corn, Potato, and Pumpkin, packaged with three single-serve sachets in each box and is available at only Php85. Currently available exclusively in 7-11 branches for the first three months. Soon, Soup & Go® will be available nationwide. “We in Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation are committed to championing a lifestyle that indeed echoes our slogan, Eat Well, Live Well. Through our newest product, Soup & Go®, we are optimistic that it will not only make the mornings of our Filipino customers more convenient, but will also equip them with the necessary nutrients and boost their mood by starting their day with a healthier and flavorful breakfast.” ends Mr. Koichi Ozaki. Soup & Go® is Ajinomoto’s first instant soup product introduced to the Philippine market. APC believes that through these easy-to-prepare meals, their customers are given wider options when it comes to choosing a healthy and flavorful meal that is sure to sustain their nutritional needs for the morning without compromising their daily budget and quality of food. For APC, quality and taste has always been paramount when it comes to their products, and the Soup & Go® is testament to the continued innovation and commitment of the company to improving the quality of life of the Filipino people through nutrition and everyday ingredients that elevates every meal. The Soup & Go® official brand video was also shown during the event held at the Konbini & Go, you may enjoy the video here: ADVT. This article is brought to you by Ajinomoto through the Prixm Agency. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468941/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-ajinomoto-konbini-experience-soup-go-is-finally-here-in-the-philippines

Tourist revenues from January to June 2024 hit P282 billion

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:10:12 PST

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO Revenues from the country’s tourism industry reached an estimated P282.17 billion for the first half of the year, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The amount collected from Jan. 1 to June 30 was 32.81 percent higher than the P212.47 billion collected during the same period in 2023. READ: Marcos: Going ‘green’ good for PH tourism “This 32.81-percent rise from last year’s figures not only showcases the growing appeal of the Philippines as a premier travel destination but also underscores the tangible benefits that tourism brings to our economy and our people,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said. Based on the DOT report, as of July 10, about 3.2 million visitors had entered the country, with 92.55 percent or 2,937,293 of these foreigners while 7.45 percent or 236,401 were overseas Filipinos. South Korea was the country’s top source of foreign visitors, accounting for 824,798 or 25.99 percent of the total, followed by the US with 522,667 (16.47 percent), China, 199,939 (6.30 percent); Japan, 188,805 (5.95 percent); and Australia, 137,391 (4.33 percent). —JACOB LAZARO READ: PH tourism slowest to recover in Asia-Pacific region 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960330/january-june-tourist-revenues-hit-p282b

For Sona day, Sara Duterte appoints self ‘designated survivor’

Dempsey Reyes

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 05:36:00 PST

Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official Facebook apge of Inday Sara Duterte Vice President Sara Duterte | PHOTO: Official Facebook apge of Inday Sara Duterte She’s not taking any chances. Vice President Sara Duterte said on Thursday she would be skipping President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 22, declaring in jest that she would be the “designated survivor” should catastrophe befall the annual event attended by the country’s top officials. “No, I will not attend the Sona,” Duterte told reporters in a chance interview in Davao City. “I am appointing myself as the ‘designated survivor,’” she added. Duterte made the off-the-cuff comment weeks after quitting her posts as education secretary and as vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, effective July 19. READ: Sona outfits with derogatory words, political messages banned – House In the United States, a designated survivor is a government official in the presidential line of succession who is kept distant from others during a gathering, such as the State of the Union Address, to ensure that someone can take over the presidency in a mass casualty event. It is the premise of the hit 2016 drama series and political thriller, “Designated Survivor,” which follows the story of the US housing secretary played by Kiefer Sutherland who becomes president after a devastating explosion at the US Capitol on the night of the State of the Union Address. As the Vice President, Duterte is Marcos’ direct successor in the constitutional line of succession, followed by the Senate President and the House Speaker. There is currently no Philippine law on designated survivors. In 2019, then Sen. Panfilo Lacson filed a bill centered on this successor to ensure “continuity and stability” in government operations in case of a terrorist attack, major disaster, or other circumstances that would render the sitting President and all other successors incapacitated Under Lacson’s proposal, the most senior senator, the most senior House representative, and a Cabinet member chosen by the President will succeed the Chief Executive in case of his or her death or permanent disability. Some House members were not amused by Duterte’s “joke.” “Given current political tensions, such a joke is not in good taste because the security of the President of the Philippines is not a joking or laughing matter. Great care is taken to ensure the security of the President, especially during the Sona,” said Manila Rep. Joel Chua. READ: Imee defends Bongbong Marcos over ‘non-mention of nat’l sovereignty in WPS’ in 2nd Sona “With her statement, it seems VP Duterte wants to become the president, and a dictator at that, by eliminating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as well as the majority of national officials. It is reminiscent of her father’s jokes-cum-threat that resulted in the killing of thousands in his fake drug war,” ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said. Speaker Martin Romualdez was silent on Duterte’s joke but had this to say about her decision not to attend the 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. “[Every public official] has the prerogative to decide on their attendance at significant events, [the] Sona is a crucial moment for unity and collaboration among our nation’s leaders,” he said. “Our constituents deserve to see their leaders united and focused on the collective good.” 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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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960278/for-sona-day-sara-appoints-self-designated-survivor

Gatchalian: Did banks, Alice Guo conspire in billions of deposits?

Charie Abarca

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 14:47:08 PST

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. —Photos from Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau and INQUIRER.net Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. —Photos from Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau and INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — Noting that billions of suspicious funds entered Alice Guo’s bank accounts from 2019 to 2022, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian floated on Friday the possibility that local banks have had lapses and are possibly conspiring with the embattled local chief executive in illicit activities. Speaking to reporters in a virtual presser, Gatchalian said Guo alone has 36 bank accounts with unjustified billions worth of funds — a bulk of which were transferred between 2019 to 2022. READ: Alice Guo’s assets frozen by CA “It’s worth noting: Why did this come out only now? If you look at the timeline — there was a big transaction back in 2019. In fact, I’m looking at her transaction. In a span of three years, almost billions entered her accounts. Why didn’t the banks report this? So I suspect the banks also had lapses,” Gatchalian said in Filipino. “Maybe the banks — especially the branches – also conspired [with Guo] and did not report to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). Because it should immediately be reported if a branch gets a big deposit and the depositor can’t justify it. This should immediately be reported,” he added. READ: Gatchalian says arrest order vs Alice Guo possible Gatchalian proceeded to question why the banks were not able to report the transaction in 2019 and only now in 2024 that the activities were divulged. He said this alone raises suspicion that banks are conspiring with Guo. Pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, a transaction in cash, like a bank deposit or withdrawal, involving more than P500,000 is deemed a “covered transaction” that banks must report to the AMLC within five banking days. “If you remember, that also happened in the past. The Bangladesh [Bank] illegal transfer to the Philippines. If we remember, that could really happen. That’s why this AMLC was established so that reporting is quicker,” he explained. Pressed to disclose the liabilities of commercial banks that fail to report suspicious transactions, Gatchalian said that it would be the AMLC that would determine the penalty. “I’ll leave that to AMLC to determine because it’s still investigating in terms of the reporting and compliance of banks,” he said. Meanwhile, he maintained that local banks involved in Guo’s case had shortcomings in terms of flagging billions worth of unjustified funds. “With such big transactions, why didn’t they report it immediately to AMLC so that as early 2019 it could have been investigated?” 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. The AMLC on Thursday evening said it had successfully secured a freeze order from the Court of Appeals (CA), marking a significant milestone to freeze the assets of individuals allegedly involved to illicit Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country including Guo. AMLC detailed that the CA’s approval of the freeze order encompassed a wide range of assets, including the following: 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468331/gatchalian-did-banks-alice-guo-conspire-in-billions-of-deposits

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ ‘Weekday Lunch Buffet’ at Richmonde Café is back

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:13:13 PST

The long-awaited return of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ popular and enjoyable value-for-money lunch buffet at its all-day dining restaurant, Richmonde Café, is finally happening this July 3, 2024! Residents, corporate executives, office workers, and frequent visitors of Ortigas Center can once again indulge in a sumptuous eat-all-you-can spree of culinary delights, perfect for a satisfying midday meal in the heart of the metro’scommercial and business district. To welcome back the lunch crowd with a relaxed and invigorating buffet experience, Richmonde Café’s kitchen team, headed by Sous Chef Joey Daymon, has prepared a dynamic menu featuring an assortment of global cuisine, carefully curated to appeal to a variety of palates. From international flavors to local favorites, the buffet promises to be a wonderful gastronomic journey through taste and tradition. “Our goal each time is to serve familiar and well-loved dishes and create a spreadthat combines the comfort of home-cooked meals with the allure of gourmet fare,” shares Chef Joey. Diners can expect a feast for the senses each time with a robust selection of appetizers, mains, and desserts, not to mention exciting action stations that feature a variety of freshly cooked items such as pastas, tapas, and fajitas, grilled meats, oven-baked pizzas, sizzling fried sisig, and many more! Mainstays like the salad bar, mixed sushi, cheese board, and premium beef carving will surely make each meal a worthy treat. According to F&B Manager Ria Rosal, “We’re super thrilled to bring back Richmonde Café’s lunch buffet and serve our guests delectable food as we showcase our chefs’ amazing talents. Aside from the weekly Filipino-themed buffet every Monday, we will be coming out regularly with thematic offerings so our diners can always look forward to trying something new.” General Manager Jorold Montelibano added, “This may seem like a long time coming, but we believe that now is the best time to relaunch our lunch buffet because more and more people are working on-site and conducting meetings face-to-face. With our convenient location, the café’s relaxing ambience, and the remarkable dining experience we provide, our lunch buffet is truly an excellent option for those looking for good value for their money.” Richmonde Café’s Weekday Lunch Buffet is available from Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 2:00pm for only PhP 1,585nett, inclusive of bottomless house-blend iced tea, and coffee or hot tea. To celebrate the buffet’s comeback, Richmonde Café is extending an exclusive 15% discount to members of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Viber community from July 3 until September 30, 2024. Anyone can join the Viber community where members get notified of the latest promotions and are entitled to exclusive offers. There is also a 3+1 Birthday Blowout Deal available for those with birthdays that fall during the calendar month. The birthday celebrant just needs to bring three peoplepaying the full buffet rate to dine for free and receive a complimentary slice of birthday cake. This offer runsuntil December 30, 2024. The Richmonde Café is located on the second floor of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas with address at 21 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 8638 7777 or (63) 917 534 4352 (mobile/Viber). As the initial venture of leading real estate company, Megaworld Corporation, into the hospitality business, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is a proud local brand that opened in 1999 at the heart of the then-burgeoning Ortigas Center. It is now a member of the steadily growing stable of homegrown brands under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts group. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph and for the latest news on the hotel, follow @RichmondeHotelOrtigas on Facebook and Instagram. ADVT. This article is brought to you by Richmonde Hotel. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468326/richmonde-hotel-ortigas-weekday-lunch-buffet-at-richmonde-cafe-is-back

Amorsolo painting recovered, says NBI

Tetch Torres-Tupas

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 19:58:03 PST

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) presents to the public the recovered Amorsolo painting on Friday, July 12, 2024. In an entrapment operation in Quezon City, two individuals who allegedly attempted to sell the prized artwork of national artist Fernando Amorsolo for P3.5 million was arrested. Photo from NBI The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) presents to the public the recovered Amorsolo painting on Friday, July 12, 2024. In an entrapment operation in Quezon City, two individuals who allegedly attempted to sell the prized artwork of national artist Fernando Amorsolo for P3.5 million was arrested. Photo from NBI MANILA, Philippines — The stolen Fernando Amorsolo painting has been recovered, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Friday. NBI Director Jaime Santiago presented the recovered 1936 masterpiece of the national artist titled “Mango Harvesters,” which was snatched from the Hofileña Museum in Silay, City, Negros Occidental last week. Santiago said an entrapment operation was hatched to catch people allegedly involved in the sale of the prized painting for P3.5 million, after receiving a tip from a certain “Atty. Ching.” The entrapment operation was carried out on Thursday, July 11, at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, which resulted in the arrest of Ritz Chona Ching and Donecio Somaylo, who supposedly brought the stolen art for delivery. READ: Fernando Amorsolo painting stolen from Silay City museum Ching and Somaylo were brought for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice. They are facing a complaint for violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law. An inquest proceeding is a summary procedure to determine whether an individual arrested without a warrant will be released on account of a dismissal of charges, released for further preliminary investigation proceedings, or charged in court. The Amorsolo painting was turned over to the National Museum of the Philippines for assessment purposes. READ: LOOK: Amorsolo’s masterpieces reimagined in Lego mosaics at Manila City Hall National Museum Director-General Jeremy Barns personally inspected the painting and assured the NBI that it was indeed the stolen masterpiece. He then issued a certification, validating its authenticity, at the request of the NBI. “We congratulate the NBI for safely retrieving the stolen painting and reaffirm our commitment to assisting our law enforcement agencies in any appropriate way,” the National Museum 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. “We look forward to the return of “Mango Harvesters” to its rightful owners and home at the Hofileña Museum and to the successful prosecution of all persons who were involved in the theft of this valuable piece of the nation’s cultural and artistic heritage,” 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.

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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960557/amorsolo-painting-recovered-says-nbi

BingoPlus is bringing the carnival feels to town for BP Day Cebu 2024

nstamaria

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 17:56:28 PST

Get ready for a weekend of fun as BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country and provider of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, prepares to bring BingoPlus Day Cebu Carnival to everyone in Cebu City on July 27, 2024. BingoPlus Day Cebu Carnival will be the first major brand event to be held outside of Metro Manila, and BingoPlus will be pulling out all the stops for this celebration to make it memorable for all those involved. Several booths, courtesy of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, DigiPlus, and BingoPlus Foundation, will be set up at the main and side venues as early as July 24, where visitors are free to drop by and bring home merchandise. On July 26, BingoPlus will set up a BingoPlus Motorcade where its official mascot BingBing, BingoPlus hosts, and a drum and lyre majorette corps will perform while accompanied by motorcycle riders. The brand will also visit its five Cebu branches to engage with the community and invite them to join the BingoPlus Day celebration. The Cebu Carnival will then finally take place on July 27 with a side and main event, featuring incredible guests to hype up the day. The side event, happening from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, features appearances from actor Tony Labrusca, Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo, Miss BingoPlus Universe Maica Martinez, Miss Charm Philippines Cyrille Payumo, Miss Philippines Eco International Alexie Mae Brooks, and Ppop groups YML and 3hSome. Attendees will also be treated to a game segment and possibly win prizes. Additionally, the venue will host a livestream/watch party of the main event starting from 7:00 PM, following all the performances. Meanwhile, the main event will begin at 7:00 PM and will end at 10:00 PM at a different location. BingoPlus will stream the main event on the BingoPlus app, Facebook and YouTube accounts. Event goers can expect to see performers Erik Santos, Yeng Constantino, Jason Dy, Zephanie, and Dia Mate, Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo, Miss BingoPlus Universe Maica Martinez, Miss Charm Philippines Cyrille Payumo, Miss Philippines Eco International Alexie Mae Brooks, and Ppop groups VXON, G22, and YML. As an even bigger treat, BingoPlus Day will have the special participation of a spectacular performer on the Cebu Carnival stage—the country’s Chinita Princess, Kim Chiu. BingoPlus will, moreover, hold a special Golden Tickets campaign from July 15 to 27 as a way to build up the excitement. This 13-day event will give out generous rewards, including the chance to win prizes worth up to 10 million pesos on BingoPlus Day. The golden ticket features six randomly selected numbers from 1 to 32; certain number combinations can lead to specific prizes. A ticket whose numbers completely match the 6-digit string drawn on BingoPlus Day will receive Php 10,000,000 per winning ticket. Meanwhile, a ticket with a 5-number match can win up to Php 1,000,000, a 4-number match can win up to Php 10,000, and a 3-number match can win up to Php 200. To earn golden tickets, one must first hold a BingoPlus app account. New members will receive one ticket upon registration and another two after their first deposit. Additional tickets can be obtained through a daily deposit of Php 100, each accumulated bet of 200, and redeeming five points with a maximum of a 20-point redemption per day. BingoPlus Day Cebu Carnival is an event made with BingoPlus’ partners and supporters in mind, with the core goal of extending the brand’s heartfelt gratitude. It is done in partnership with various groups: DigiPlus Interactive Corp., BingoPlus Foundation, BingoPlus Poker, GameZone, TonGits+, ArenaPlus, and PeryaGame. The celebration will be produced by Cornerstone Events. ADVT. This article is brought to you by BingoPlus. Read more stories here: BingoPlus raises the fun at Aliwan Fiesta 2024 MOVE IT elevates Safety Training Program with HONDA Safety Driving Center and Philippine Red Cross Team Kramer Joins MR.DIY Philippines in new campaign 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/584151/bingoplus-is-bringing-the-carnival-feels-to-town-for-bp-day-cebu-2024

Not just BPOs, Pogos: Government drives office demand

Meg J. Adonis

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 02:08:00 PST

Graph of Leechiu’s leasing demand Graph of Leechiu’s leasing demand Government agencies are emerging as among the key drivers of demand in the office sector as more seek to migrate from decades-old buildings to modern facilities, according to Leechiu Property Consultants. In its latest property market report, Leechiu Property said government office leasing demand in the first half of the year had shot up by more than 700 percent to 113,000 square meters (sq m) from just 14,000 sq m in the same period last year. Mikko Barranda, commercial leasing director at the real estate brokerage firm, told reporters on Thursday that they had seen a lot of government offices take space in the past six months. READ: Hybrid work drives ‘flex’ office boom These were “very large agencies that have either moved or relocated and upgraded into new buildings,” Barranda said during a press briefing. “Normally, we wouldn’t put the government [sector] isolated as a demand driver, but the amount of space they’ve taken in the first six months is worthy to really show the impact of how they’ve grown,” he added. He also clarified, however, that while there were potentially more government office leases in the pipeline, it was still too early to tell whether this would be the trend for the entire year, as these agencies need to conduct long public bidding processes before securing new facilities. “It’s good, at least in the interim, that [government demand] is another layer helping the market in terms of leasing demand,” he added. Total office space demand in the first six months of the year went up by 24 percent to 685,000 sq m. Of this, government offices accounted for 16.5 percent. The information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry took up the biggest share of the pie at 268,000 sq m, representing 39.1 percent. READ: Co-working space provider WeWork has emerged from bankruptcy It was followed by traditional offices at 229,000 sq m, or 33.4 percent. Philippine offshore gaming operators accounted for 75,000 sq m, or 10.9 percent. Leechiu Property explained that companies relocating and expanding their offices had driven leasing demand in the first half. “Most occupiers have leased in buildings that are five years old or newer,” the company said in its report. By the end of the year, Barranda said a total of 786,000 sq m would be added to the current office supply, which meant that demand still needed to catch up. 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. “If we’re able to continue demand at the same trajectory and absorb supply that’s on our way, the supply pipeline would drop by as much as half,” he said. —With a report from Erica Ann C. Villasorda 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468222/not-just-bpos-pogos-govt-drives-office-demand

AFP airs concern over China aircraft carrier group in PH sea

Nestor Corrales

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:38:16 PST

Chinese aircraft Shandong was monitored on Wednesday, drawing the watchful attention of the Philippine military. —Agence France-Presse Chinese aircraft Shandong was monitored on Wednesday, drawing the watchful attention of the Philippine military. —Agence France-Presse MANILA, Philippines — Aside from monitoring the situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), defense officials are also keeping a watchful eye on the latest movements of Chinese military vessels and aircraft in another part of the archipelago. The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed concern on Wednesday over the presence of a Chinese carrier strike group in the Philippine Sea, the body of water on the country’s eastern side, opposite the WPS. READ: West Philippine Sea: Chinese aircraft carrier spotted off Luzon The strike group, led by the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, passed through the Balintang Channel around dawn on Wednesday on its way to drills in the West Pacific. Its movement was also reported by the Taiwanese defense ministry, which said it had detected 36 Chinese military aircraft heading in the same direction to join the Shandong. Balintang Channel is located between the northernmost Philippine province of Batanes and the Babuyan Islands in Cagayan. The AFP “notes the deployment of a Chinese carrier strike group in the Philippine Sea with concern,” said its spokesperson, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla. “The AFP remains committed to safeguarding our maritime interests and ensuring the security of our nation’s territorial waters through continued vigilance.” “We emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and urge all parties to adhere to international laws and norms,” Padilla added. According to a report by the United States Naval Institute (USNI), Wednesday’s sightings marked the first time this year that a Chinese carrier strike group was deployed outside the South China Sea. USNI said the last deployment of the Chinese carrier strike group to the Philippine Sea was in November and October last year. The Shandong was also spotted sailing within 370 kilometers (230 miles) off the western side of Luzon Island on June 26. In Taipei, the Taiwanese defense ministry said starting around dawn on Wednesday it had detected 36 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters and nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, flying to the south and southeast of the island heading to the Western Pacific to carry out drills with the Shandong. Speaking to reporters at parliament shortly before his ministry announced details of the latest mission by the Shandong, commissioned by China in 2019, Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo said they had a “full grasp” of the ship’s movements. “It did not pass through the Bashi Channel,” he said, referring to the waterway that separates Taiwan from the Philippines and is the usual route Chinese warships and warplanes take when they head into the Pacific. “It went further south, through the Balintang Channel, to the Western Pacific,” Koo added. China’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Late Tuesday, Japan’s Self Defense Forces said they detected the Shandong along with an escort of two missile destroyers and a frigate around 500 km (310 miles) south of its Okinawa islands. Two Japanese navy ships were observing their movements while Japanese fighter jets scrambled in response to the aircraft launched by the carrier, it said in a statement. In a separate AFP statement on Wednesday, Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the military had received reports about a “bilateral China-Russia exercise” also in the Philippine Sea. “What they do in the high seas is being monitored,” Trinidad said a day after Moscow’s participation in the drills was reported by the Russian state news agency TASS. “We will continue to monitor this situation to ensure Philippine sovereign rights are not violated,” Trinidad said. On Tuesday, the BRP Jose Rizal, the Philippine Navy’s first guided-missile frigate, sailed to the Philippine Rise—a major marine feature in the Philippine Sea for a “sovereignty patrol” over the resource-rich underwater plateau formerly known as Benham Rise. In his sendoff message at Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union, Commodore Edward Ike de Sagon, commander of the Naval Forces-Northern Luzon, said the patrol was intended to “sustain marine conservation and protection of the Philippine Rise, reaffirm sovereign rights and raise awareness of its strategic value.” The submerged landmass was renamed in May 2017, during the term of then President Rodrigo Duterte, to emphasize its designation as a “protected food supply exclusive zone” of 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. According to Duterte’s Executive Order No. 25, the country has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the area in accordance with the 1987 Constitution, national legislation, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and applicable international laws. 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/408561/afp-airs-concern-over-china-aircraft-carrier-group-in-ph-sea/

Two new millionaires emerge from PCSO lotto draw

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 23:22:04 PST

The winning numbers and list of winners for the 9 p.m. draw of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PCSO) The winning numbers and list of winners for the 9 p.m. draw of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PCSO) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) produced two new millionaires in its Thursday evening draw. Based on the agency’s draw at 9 p.m. on July 11, one lucky bettor hit the P27,450,306 jackpot prize for Lotto 6/42. READ: Super Lotto 6/49 prize of P89.5 million won by 2 bettors – PCSO The winning combination was 41-36-08-07-11-23. Meanwhile, another player won P3,340,303 in PCSO’s 6D Lotto with the lucky numbers 7-1-7-2-2-7. READ: Lotto Results Today Super Lotto 6/49, on the other hand, did not yield a jackpot winner. Its winning numbers were 28-03-19-41-02-13 for a pot worth P131,924,972. READ: Lone bettor wins 6/58 lotto jackpot worth P103.4M 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/1960265/two-new-millionaires-emerge-from-pcso-lotto-draw

Chinese ship may be culprit in hitting PH boat in West Philippine Sea – PCG

John Eric Mendoza

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:10:09 PST

PCG personnel recover the FBCA John Robert, which capsized after being hit by an unidentified vessel. —Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard PCG personnel recover the FBCA John Robert, which capsized after being hit by an unidentified vessel. —Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard MANILA, Philippines — Either one of the two Chinese-flagged vessels present in the West Philippine Sea could be behind the allision that led to the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat there last week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday. A maritime incident is described as an “allision” when a moving vessel hits a stationary boat. “Yes, we have two vessels of interest,” PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo told INQUIRER.net by phone. Balilo said the suspected Chinese bulk carriers were identified as Yong Fa Men and Mei Lan Hu. READ: Filipino fisher missing in West PH Sea after boat hit by ‘unidentified’ ship Based on the PCG’s Automatic Identification System, these vessels were located in the same area when the allision occurred. When asked if only one of the two Chinese vessels hit the fishing boat, Balilo said: “Yes, there were two vessels of interest initially, but the fisherman’s account points to Yong Fa Men.” Both ships are currently in the waters off Adang Bay, Indonesia. Balilo said they are now preparing letters for the China Maritime Safety Administration and Indonesian Port State Control. He also said that they had informed the Chinese embassy about the incident. READ: Tolentino: Fisher who survived ‘hit-and-run’ at Bajo de Masinloc recovering Filipino fishing boat Fbca John Robert was hit by a ship about 62 nautical miles southeast off Sampaloc Point in Subic, Zambales last July 3, causing it to sink. Balilo said 47-year-old Robert Mondoñedo survived after being rescued on July 6. “He held on to their payao for three days,” the PCG said of the surviving fisherfolk, referring to a fishing aggregate device. 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. However, his brother Jose Mondoñedo remains missing. Balilo said a search and rescue operation for the missing fisherman is ongoing. 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/408620/chinese-ship-may-be-culprit-in-hitting-ph-boat-in-west-philippine-sea-pcg/

BIZ BUZZ: Going for gold: Tampakan lures new investors

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:34:00 PST

Nearly a decade since picking up the Tampakan mining project when nobody wanted to touch it with a 10-foot pole, is the Sy family still keen on keeping Southeast Asia’s biggest untapped gold-copper reserve in its portfolio of noncore businesses? Amid the buoyant prices of gold in the global market and with a national government that’s much more open to mining, we heard that many groups have indicated interest to take over the South Cotabato mine. The project is being developed by Sagittarius Mines, Inc., owned by Indophil Resources Phils. Inc., which has always indicated that it’s open to bringing in new investors. But is the Sy family willing to sell, along with its partner, the Consunji family ahead of the start of commercial operations of Tampakan (estimated by 2026)? READ: Tampakan gold mine to operate by 2026 It’s not far-fetched, industry sources said, depending on how attractive the offers are on the table. In particular, there’s a Chinese group that has made overtures. “I think they are getting tired of LGU (local government unit) interference,” said one industry observer. Open pit mining has been a big debate in South Cotabato. To recall, the pullout of Swiss multinational commodity trading and mining firm Glencore Plc in 2015 was caused by the ban on open pit mining. It had been lifted in 2022 by the provincial board only to be vetoed by the governor two weeks after. Thus, while much had been achieved by Sagittarius under the leadership of Gilbert Teodoro Jr. before joining the Marcos Cabinet as defense secretary, many “roadblocks” are still seen ahead. If the Sy family decides to unload without waiting to start full commercial operations, we can be sure that they will still be richly rewarded for parking some of their funds in this storied mining project.—Doris Dumlao-Abadilla Here in Iloilo City, MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) has out-of-the-box ideas to make sure you won’t despair in darkness. The Razon Group’s power distributor holds a barangay caravan to give solace to communities that have to deal with power outage. “When there is a scheduled brownout, let’s say, in certain barangays, we actually do raffle …,” MORE Power president and CEO Roel Castro said. Here are some items up for grabs: a kilo of rice, chopping board, heat pad, wooden spoon, glass pitcher, tote bag and mask. READ: MORE Power invests P115 million to improve power services But only MORE Power customers who have settled their electricity bills and have no arrears with the distribution utility are eligible to win raffle items. Aside from having a raffle, Castro said the company has a game or two up its sleeves such as “Bring Me” and “Hep Hep Hooray.” Sometimes, they do song and dance numbers to bring joy to affected customers. “That is why after our [power] interruption, the other barangays will ask, where is our schedule?” he added.—Jordeene B. Lagare Cebu Pacific is confident that the air travel boom will only get bigger in the coming years. The budget airline is so optimistic that it sealed the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history last week. The P1.4-trillion purchase order for up to 152 A321neo (new engine option) jets with Airbus is definitely an investment that anticipates healthy returns. But more than minding its own growth, Cebu Pacific chair Lance Gokongwei said they want to lift the Philippine economy as well. After all, the travel industry supports revenue generation for tourism and retail sectors, among others.“Why are we buying the planes? It’s simple: We want to support growth in the Philippines with its 6-percent growth rate and the demographic dividend,” he said. The low-cost carrier is expecting the delivery of the first batch of aircraft by 2028. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad The corporate social responsibility arm of diversified conglomerate Phinma Corp. has announced new leadership changes, marking major movements in its management coinciding with its 35th year celebration Phinma Foundation, Inc. (PFI) said that its board of directors has appointed Nicole “Nikki” del Rosario-Serafica as new president, succeeding Roberto “Bobby” Laviña, who will now serve as chair. In turn, Laviña replaced Oscar Hilado, who is elevated to chair emeritus at the foundation. A Master of Business Administration graduate of the Columbia Business School, Serafica deems her new role as “primarily a stewardship job” that allows her to harness the Phinma Group’s talent and treasure to improve the lives of Filipino families who have difficulty accessing the essentials for a dignified life. Under her leadership, Serafica vowed not only to bolster PFI’s flagship program, Phinma National Scholarship, but also pursue meaningful contributions to community housing and the fight against child malnutrition and stunting. 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 are new areas for us and so the first step would be to build a very good knowledge base, get to know the groups who are already doing significant work in these areas and find areas of alignment, avenues for collaboration,” she said. —Alden M. Monzon Curated business news By providing an email address. 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Inquirer

https://business.inquirer.net/468021/biz-buzz-going-for-gold-tampakan-lures-new-investors

Pagasa: Cloudy Thursday with a chance of rain

John Eric Mendoza

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:43:25 PST

MANILA, Philippines — It will be another cloudy day with isolated rain showers due to the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in most parts of the country on Thursday, according to the state weather bureau. “Halos buong bansa po ay nakararanas ng maulap na kalangitan dahil sa ITCZ,” said Aldczar Aurelio, weather specialist of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in a public weather forecast. (Almost the entire country will have cloudy skies due to the ITCZ.) Aurelio, however, said that scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are forecast in Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARRM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City), Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Davao Occidental. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will also see overcast skies but only with possible isolated rain showers and thunderstorms. “Itong ITCZ ay magpapatuloy ang epekto nito bukas, kaya makakaranas pa din ng maulap na kalangitan at thunderstorm,” he said. (The effects of the ITCZ will continue until tomorrow so we will still experience cloudy skies with thunderstorms.) Pagasa added that no tropical cyclones are expected to form or enter the Philippine area of responsibility until Friday. No gale warning is in effect over any of the country’s seaboards. 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/1959984/pagasa-cloudy-thursday-with-a-chance-of-rain

DBM, MMDA lead launch of program for sustainable public spaces

INQUIRER.net

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 22:07:59 PST

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chairman Don Artes, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Acuzar sign a memorandum of understanding for the launch of Local Government Support Fund – Green Green Green Program on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Pasay City. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato) Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chairman Don Artes, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Acuzar sign a memorandum of understanding for the launch of Local Government Support Fund – Green Green Green Program on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Pasay City. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato) MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched the Local Government Support Fund – Green Green Green Program on Thursday. The project aims to improve public open spaces and aid local government units (LGUs) in “making their communities more livable, sustainable, and well-connected through the implementation of green infrastructure.” During the program’s launch, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that the project is a response to the government’s call to deal with the adverse effects of climate change. “We, especially in the government, have a role to play in mainstreaming green and sustainable initiatives that will usher in economic growth and social development,” she said. Pangandaman also mentioned that the DBM has allocated a budget of P1.055 billion to this program and has identified a total of 80 beneficiary LGUs nationwide. Thirty-eight of these beneficiaries are in Luzon — 17 of which are in the National Capital Region — 21 in Visayas, and 21 in Mindanao. “The fund shall be used to fund the construction, rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of green open spaces such as public municipal parks and plazas. It shall also fund a construction infrastructure project for active mobility such as bicycle lanes, elevated and at-grade pedestrian footpaths, walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails to provide a comfortable and livable environment for our Filipino people,” she added. Furthermore, she urged the beneficiary LGUs of the program to make use of domestically produced materials and goods in implementing their projects. The program is a revival of the 2017 Local Government Support Fund – Assistance to Cities in adherence to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. The funding for the project was included in the 2024 Allocations to Local Government Units. READ: DENR, environmentalists urge use of digital technologies to boost climate action The program’s launch was a joint event with the inauguration of the Roxas Boulevard Promenade, which Pangandaman referred to as a sample project made by the MMDA that LGU mayors can base their Green Green Green initiatives on. — Felice Nafarrete, INQUIRER.net 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.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960233/dbm-mmda-lead-launch-of-program-for-sustainable-public-spaces

Romualdez on VP Duterte’s decision to skip Sona: It’s a ‘prerogative’

Faith Argosino

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 18:31:26 PST

From left to right: President Ferdinand Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: AFP, FB pages of Sara Duterte and House of Representatives From left to right: President Ferdinand Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: AFP, FB pages of Sara Duterte and House of Representatives MANILA, Philippines — “Every public official has the prerogative to decide on their attendance at significant events” but the State of the Nation Address (Sona) should feature “unity” among the country’s leaders, according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He issued his statement after Vice President Sara Duterte announced her decision to skip the upcoming Sona of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 22. READ: A first: Sara to skip Marcos’ Sona, names self ‘designated survivor’ “The State of the Nation Address is a crucial moment for unity and collaboration among our nation’s leaders. It is a time to reflect on our progress, address challenges, and outline our vision for the future,” he added. Romualdez also said the lower chamber “remains committed to working with all branches of government” to ensure that Marcos’ Sona will reflect their efforts “to improve the lives of Filipinos.” Earlier Thursday, Duterte revealed her plan to skip the Sona in an ambush interview. She also said she appointed herself as the “designated survivor.” A “designated survivor” is a US government official chosen to stay at a secure location during events where top leaders are gathered. It ensures continuity of government in case a catastrophic event kills or incapacitates the president, vice president, and other top officials. 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/1960170/romualdez-on-vp-dutertes-decision-to-skip-sona-its-a-choice

Escudero: House to ‘most likely’ probe into Comelec bribery issue

Charie Abarca

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:16:03 PST

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero said on Thursday that allegations that Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia received bribes from South Korean firm Miru Systems will most likely be investigated by the House of Representatives unless a member of the Senate files a measure on the matter. In a text message to reporters, Escudero said the allegations came from the House of Representatives. Hence, it needs to be looked into by the lower chamber. “[U]nless a member of the Senate files a resolution to that effect. We have to note, though, that simultaneous hearings on the same issue are sometimes tricky and complicated, as [they] sometimes [result] in different outcomes,” said Escudero. “Especially in this case given that members of the Comelec are impeachable officials and the Senate must avoid prejudging or the appearance thereof of any putative case  that may reach us in the future,” he emphasized. Garcia had already denied the allegations, which he branded as “malicious” and part of a “demolition job.” “Let’s not beat around the bush. I’m the one being referred to. We have information about a planned demolition job against Comelec for two weeks already,” Garcia said. “In truth, I don’t have even one foreign account. I can swear to it anywhere,” he stressed. Amid these allegations, Miru Systems said it would continue focusing on delivering the “best possible automated system” that Filipino voters need. Miru Systems is the company the Commission on Elections (Comelec) tapped for the automated 2025 midterm elections. 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/1960091/fwd-escudero-on-allegations-that-a-comelec-official-received-bribes-from-miru-systems

Abra town hall exec’s residential compound ripped by grenade blast

Kimberlie Quitasol

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:01:10 PST

The residential compound of the municipal administrator of an Abra town is ripped by a hand grenade explosion on Thursday, July 11, 2024. INQUIRER FILES The residential compound of the municipal administrator of an Abra town is ripped by a hand grenade explosion on Thursday, July 11, 2024. INQUIRER FILES BAGUIO CITY — A hand grenade ripped through the residential compound of the municipal administrator of La Paz town, Abra, early Thursday, according to authorities. Investigators said no injuries were reported from the explosion that struck the place of La Paz administrator Perfecto “Pope” Bolos Cardenas on Rizal Street, Zone 6, Bangued, Abra, around 2 a.m. The Abra Provincial Explosive Ordnance and Canine Unit recovered a safety lever and pin from an unidentified hand grenade at the scene. READ: Grenade attack on a Catholic chapel in Cotabato City injures 2 persons According to Bangued Municipal Chief of Police Major Paul Claveria, they are reviewing surveillance camera footage to identify the suspects. He noted that they have not yet established strong evidence to confirm that the incident was carried out by culprits on a motorcycle. 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.

Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1960192/abra-town-hall-execs-residential-compound-ripped-by-grenade-blast

TIMELINE: Carmen, Cebu tragedy that led to death of 7 victims

eares

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:45:48 PST

A red pickup truck with 17 passengers onboard was swept away by flood waters in a river in Brgy. Cantumog, Carmen, Cebu on Monday afternoon, July 8. | Paul Lauro A red pickup truck with 17 passengers onboard was swept away by flood waters in a river in Brgy. Cantumog, Carmen, Cebu on Monday afternoon, July 8. | Paul Lauro CEBU CITY, Philippines — A family’s joyful gathering to spend some quality time together after a loved one’s wedding in Cebu had a tragic ending. In an unexpected turn of events, not all of them made it home after a day of laughter and relaxation. On Monday, July 8, a family held a party at a mountain resort in Sitio Mangingit, Brgy. Lower Natimao-an, Carmen town. READ MORE: Carmen, Cebu tragedy: Victims laid to rest 3 days after flashflood Carmen tragedy: Last missing flash flood victim found off Camotes Carmen, Cebu: Family outing ends in tragedy after flashfloods sweep pickup truck However, they met an accident on their way back home. A surge of flash flood waters coming from the mountains swept away the red pickup truck they were riding. Out of the 17 individuals onboard, only 10 survived. The seven missing victims were found dead and floating off nearby coastal areas days later. On Thursday, July 11, they were laid to rest surrounded by mourning family and friends. Here is a timeline of the tragedy that took the lives of a newlywed couple and five young children in Carmen, Cebu: The father of one of the victims, Amadeo Ypil Jr., 47, narrated that they arrived at the mountain resort at around 11:00 a.m. His eldest daughter, Rhesamie Ypil Costan, 26, just got married to her husband, Elmer Costan, 25, on Saturday, July 6. Rhesamie was six months pregnant. The family decided to have a party at a mountain resort, where the children could happily enjoy swimming in the pool. According to Ypil, a neighbor who is close to their family arrived at around 3:00 p.m. onboard a red pickup truck. At the same time, Ypil decided to bring some of their relatives home on his motorcycle. When he offered to come back for the rest, they said that they would catch a ride on their neighbor’s pickup truck. Ypil said that when he crossed a spillway of a river in Brgy. Cantumog on his way home, he encountered no problems. While it has already started raining at past 3:00 p.m., the water has not overflowed and they were able to cross safely. READ MORE: Carmen tragedy: Pregnant woman jumped after husband Cebu river sweeps away pickup truck with 17 people: 1 dead, 6 missing 3 persons missing in Maguindanao del Norte due to flash floods Ypil arrived in their house in Barangay Cantacung and received the shocking news of the accident a few hours later. A total of 17 individuals got onboard the pickup truck as they headed home at around 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Some stayed inside while others sat at the cargo box of the truck, which is ideally designed to carry up to five passengers only. As they passed by the same spillway in Brgy. Cantumog, the vehicle was struck by raging waters as the river swelled and overflowed to the nearby roads. The driver reportedly lost direction of the concrete road and was unaware that the vehicle already encroached the banks before it was suddenly hit by a huge volume of flood water. The pickup truck was then swept away and got caught on a big rock a few meters away. During this time, 10 of the passengers were able to quickly get off and climb on top of the rock. According to Ypil, his daughter Rhesamie jumped into the water after seeing her husband fall into the river first. The couple and five young kids were then swept away by the raging waters and went missing. Some residents in the area noticed the stuck pickup truck and immediately called for help from authorities. When emergency personnel arrived shortly after, the 10 individuals were rescued. The rescued persons were: Ranilo Hermoso, 44; the driver of the vehicle; Debie Hermoso, 40; Jojielyn Tungal, 39; Jasmine Gica, 37; 4 six-year-old girls; an 11-year-old girl; and a 16-year-old girl. They were taken to the rural health unit in the town and subjected to psychosocial intervention. Immediately after, the Carmen Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and other partner agencies began conducting search and rescue operations for the missing victims. A few hours later, they retrieved the body of 11-year-old Arshane Bejoc in a river in Brgy. Luyang, a few kilometers downstream. Because of inclement weather, authorities had to pause search and rescue operations at past 9:00 p.m. Search and rescue operations resumed on Tuesday morning, July 9, and around 100 personnel focused their search in the Luyang river believing that the victims might have been washed away in different areas. The rescued individuals, on the other hand, were sent home after undergoing psychosocial intervention. They then found the body of Rhesamie Ypil Costan, 26, floating in the same river. Authorities then reportedly found Nathaniel Lozano, 12; and Clarisse Ypil, 13, in the waters off Panalipan, Catmon, a neighboring town of Carmen town. Not long after, they retrieved the body of Aishie Hermoso, 12, off the seas of Barangay Consuelo of San Francisco town in the Camotes Islands in northern Cebu. At around 2:00 p.m. on the same day, some fishermen found the body of Elmer Costan, 25, floating in the waters of Macaas, Catmon town. The body of the last missing victim, 15-year-old Mike Stanley Tungal, was recovered on Wednesday, July 10, during a search and retrieval operation. With this, all seven of the missing victims of the Carmen tragedy were accounted for and the search and rescue operations officially ended. The tragic incident caused the untimely demise of seven individuals, whose cadavers were turned over to their families. The final list of deceased victims consist of: Arshane Bejoc, Rhesamie Ypil Costan, Nathaniel Lozano, Clarisse Ypil, Aishie Hermoso, Elmer Costan, and Mike Stanley Tungal. A Holy Mass was held at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Carmen, Cebu on Thursday, July 11, for the victims who met their untimely death in the flash flood accident. With heavy hearts, their loving family and friends brought them to their final resting place at a cemetery in Brgy. Dawis, Carmen, Cebu on Thursday 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/583741/timeline-carmen-cebu-tragedy-that-led-to-death-of-7-victims

San Fernando fire: P11M in properties lost, 80 stalls razed

eares

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:29:38 PST

This is what is left of the San Fernando Public Market which was destroyed by an early morning fire on Thursday, July 11, 2024. | Paul Lauro This is what is left of the San Fernando Public Market which was destroyed by an early morning fire on Thursday, July 11, 2024. | Paul Lauro CEBU CITY, Philippines – A fire that hit a public market in Barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando, Cebu on early Thursday morning, July 11, destroyed properties worth around P11 million. The San Fernando fire which lasted for over two hours, affected a total of 80 stalls with assorted goods on display. The public market in Brgy. South Poblacion was bustling with people as usual on Thursday when a fire broke out at around 3:00 a.m. Fortunately, the fire station was located right behind the market and a concerned individual ran to get help. Firefighters responded to the incident and immediately raised the fire to the third alarm at 3:15 a.m. Senior Fire Officer 1 (SFO1) Stephen Villanueva, chief fire investigator of San Fernando Fire Station, said that they did so because the blaze was already fully developed. It took them over two hours to declare the fire under control at 5:00 a.m. Less than 20 minutes later or at 5:19 a.m., fire officials declared a fire out. According to Villanueva, a total of 80 stalls were affected in the San Fernando fire. While the blaze started in the vegetable section, it also reached nearby areas and burned other products like fruits, plastic ware, and fabric. In addition, it affected a small food stall inside the public market. Villanueva said that there were no casualties or injured persons reported in the San Fernando fire. He also disclosed that the are yet to determine the exact origin of the fire because it has already spread out by the time they arrived in the area. An alleged eye witness made allegations that a certain Andoy, who is believed to be suffering from a mental illness, caused the fire in the market. The witness allegedly saw Andoy running out of the vegetable section with a lighter moments before the fire broke out. However, fire officials are still verifying this report in their investigation. Villanueva said that they are looking at all possible angles on what started the San Fernando fire. He also stated that they will be coordinating with the police in order to find out whether Andoy is guilty of burning the market on purpose. Following this incident, Villanueva reminded the public to be careful around flammable materials and to always have the necessary fire safety equipment on standby in case of emergencies. 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. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/583845/san-fernando-fire-p11m-in-properties-lost-80-stalls-razed

Palarong Pambansa 2024: Paraase of CV wins nat’l meet’s first gold

dsingson

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:08:55 PST

Cebu’s rising long-distance runner Asia Paraase won the first gold medal of the entire Palarong Pambansa 2024. Paraase represents Central Visayas in the national meet. | Glendale Rosal Cebu’s rising long-distance runner Asia Paraase won the first gold medal of the entire Palarong Pambansa 2024. Paraase represents Central Visayas in the national meet. | Glendale Rosal CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu’s rising long-distance runner Asia Paraase won the first gold medal of the entire Palarong Pambansa 2024 in the meet’s first day of hostilities on Thursday, July 11, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC). Paraase, an incoming Grade 12 of Pajo National High School of Lapu-Lapu City, ruled the secondary girls 3,000-meter run to provide not just the host, Central Visayas’ first gold medal, but the entire meet. She clocked 10 minutes and 27,36 seconds. The PALARONG PAMBANSA 2024: A CDN DIGITAL SPECIAL ONLINE COVERAGE is in partnership with: READ MORE: Palarong Pambansa 2024: LIVE UPDATES “Tiwala lang po sa sarili, tiwala kay God at sa team ko po,” said the 17-year-old Paraase, who breaks down in tears upon reaching the finish line. “Parang worth it po lahat ng pinaghirapan ko po, at saka naiyak ako dahil sa cheer ng mga tao at ng mga teammates ko.” Eastern Visayas’ Crishia Mae Tajarros finished second behind Paraase. 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 PALARONG PAMBANSA 2024: A CDN DIGITAL SPECIAL ONLINE COVERAGE is in partnership with: Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional 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://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/583716/palarong-pambansa-2024-paraase-of-cv-wins-natl-meets-first-gold

Fed would not wait for 2% inflation to consider rate cut: Powell

Agence France-Presse

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:53:37 PST

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 10: Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a House Financial Services Committee hearing on the Federal Reserve’s Semi-Annual Monetary Policy Report at the U.S. Capitol on July 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Powell discussed lowering inflation rates, stating “the level of the U.S debt is not itself unsustainable, but the path that we’re on is unsustainable.” (Photo by Bonnie Cash / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 10: Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a House Financial Services Committee hearing on the Federal Reserve’s Semi-Annual Monetary Policy Report at the U.S. Capitol on July 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Powell discussed lowering inflation rates, stating “the level of the U.S debt is not itself unsustainable, but the path that we’re on is unsustainable.” (Photo by Bonnie Cash / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) Washington, United States — The US central bank will not want to wait for inflation to cool to its two percent target before considering a rate cut, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told lawmakers Wednesday. “We’ve said that you don’t want to wait until inflation gets all the way down to two percent, because inflation has a certain momentum,” Powell said in testimony to the US House Financial Services Committee. “If you waited that long, you’ve probably waited too long,” he added. In such a scenario, inflation would go well below the target level — which is also an undesirable outcome. READ: Fed’s Powell stresses message that US job market is cooling Powell was responding to a question on whether the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, would need to dip below two percent at least once in the coming months before officials contemplate rate reductions. The central bank leader’s comments come a day after he noted recent inflation readings have shown “modest” progress, adding that “more good data” would boost confidence that price increases are cooling sustainably. To combat surging inflation, the Fed in recent years hiked the benchmark lending rate to a decades-high level in hopes of easing demand. READ: Fed’s Powell says US making ‘modest’ progress on inflation In recent months, policymakers have held rates at a 23-year high. While inflation has peaked, its downward progress has stalled somewhat. On Wednesday, Powell told lawmakers that he is not yet prepared to express confidence that inflation is moving sustainably down to two percent. Asked about the Fed’s political independence, Powell added that this is critical to the central bank’s ability to do its job and sustain the faith of people across the political spectrum. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468153/fed-would-not-wait-for-2-inflation-to-consider-rate-cut-powell

LRTA celebrates anniversary with trivia contest, free train rides prize

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:58:42 PST

Image: Courtesy of Ang Litratista ng Daang-Bakal Image: Courtesy of Ang Litratista ng Daang-Bakal MANILA, Philippines — Are you a commuter who is also a fan of trivia contests? If so, you would not want to miss out on the Light Rail Transit Authority’s (LRTA) Trivia Contest Version 2.0 to win two weeks of unlimited free rides in LRT-2. The contest will be held hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 12, in celebration of LRTA’s 44th anniversary, it said in a Facebook post on Thursday. READ: Woman sustains minor injury after jumping onto LRT 1 tracks According to the LRTA, the first five netizens who can provide the correct answer to the trivia question that will be posted on its Facebook account will win two weeks of unlimited free rides. READ: Police clarifies woman lost consciousness, fell onto LRT 1 tracks The catch? Edited answers will automatically be disqualified. Employees of LRTA are not allowed to join. 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/1960211/lrta-trivia-contest

Pass teen pregnancy prevention bill now, PH government urged

Dianne Sampang

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 18:06:01 PST

Teen pregnancies are on the rise, so international and local population and development advocates are calling on the Philippine government to immediately pass the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to curb young female pregnancies. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO Teen pregnancies are on the rise, so international and local population and development advocates are calling on the Philippine government to immediately pass the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to curb young female pregnancies. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — Population and development advocates called for the urgent passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to curb rising teenage pregnancies. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), and Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) made their appeal on World Population Day 2024, emphasizing that the proposed measure would empower social justice and provide comprehensive action to address adolescent pregnancy in the country. In September 2023, the House of Representatives approved House Bill (HB) No. 8910, or the  Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill on the third and final reading. Under the bill, an Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Inter-Agency Council will be organized to serve as the “policy-making body responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that shall provide family-oriented, adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health programs.” But a counterpart legislation at the Senate remains pending. READ: Popcom ‘deeply concerned’ about rise in teen pregnancies “It is important to recognize that as we want to protect children and adolescents, they have the right to have access to age- and development-appropriate information and services, including family planning,” said PLCPD Executive Director Romeo Dongeto. “In our minds as advocates of children’s rights, women’s rights, and reproductive health: there are no contradictions in this. Still, only the coexistence of the rights to be protected and to have access to information and services,” he also said. The CPD said in a statement that pregnancies among young girls aged 10 to 19 increased 10.2 percent. Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the CPD said live births by young mothers rose from 136,302 in 2021 to 150,138 in 2022. “Beyond numbers, these pregnancies are manifestations of social injustice, where helpless girls are deprived of opportunities to achieve their aspirations because of their lifelong and irreversible consequences.  It reflects a societal failure to promote and enable them to fully exercise their rights as children and human beings,” CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace Bersales pointed out during a press conference on Thursday. READ: HIV cases among Filipinos continue to rise, says DOH Meanwhile, UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane noted that young people face more health concerns and social issues today, even mentioning the rise of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, gender-based violence, and child marriage. “The passage of this bill is a crucial step towards empowering young people and ensuring their right to sexual and reproductive health,” she said. The Department of Health reported that in March alone, HIV infections rose by 1,224 and that 31 percent of this were people aged 15 to 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. “We can no longer delay this measure. Let us not allow the effort and discussions started in the previous Congresses and in the early 19th Congress to go to waste. We call upon the Senators to act on this bill with urgency,” said PLCPD’s Dongeto. 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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https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242320/pass-teen-pregnancy-prevention-bill-now-ph-government-urged

Trade gap falls but raises concerns

Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:38:00 PST

The country’s trade-in-goods deficit in May narrowed as demand for both imports and exports fell amid US interest rate jitters and geopolitical woes, including the rising tension between the Philippines and China. Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the trade-in-goods balance—the difference between exports and imports—amounted to a $4.6-billion deficit in May, narrowing from the $4.73-billion shortfall recorded in the previous month, making it the narrowest trade gap since the previous month. A trade deficit happens when a country continues to spend more on imports than earn from export sales. READ: May trade deficit narrows to $4.60 billion – PSA But a reduction in trade gap is not necessarily a welcome development as a slowdown in importation also signifies weaker demand for capital and intermediate goods that are needed to boost economic productivity. At the same time, declining imports also typically result in lower export receipts as a big bulk of Philippine exports, particularly semiconductor products, use imported raw materials. “The weakening peso increased import costs and decreased export competitiveness. Domestically, inflation and high interest rates contributed to a slowdown in consumption,” Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp. said in a message. Roces expects the trade deficit to stay elevated in the coming month as he expects that global uncertainties and geopolitical events would continue to affect trade. Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. expects the country’s exports and imports to improve but “not at the rate that we would like it to be” as geopolitical tensions between the country and China continued to affect trade. China was the country’s largest supplier of imported goods with $2.73 billion or 25 percent of the total imports in May. In terms of exports, China was the fourth largest market with $847.12 billion worth of receipts, behind the United States of America, Hong Kong and Japan.5-month gap down 13.1% Despite the lower trade deficit in May, it was still higher than the $4.4-billion trade gap recorded in the same month last year. From January to May, the trade deficit narrowed by 13.1 percent to $20.59 billion from the comparable five-month period last year. READ: April trade deficit widens to $4.76 billion — PSA Total sales of Philippine-made goods declined by 3.1 percent year-on-year to $6.33 billion in May, a reversal from the 27.9-percent growth in April and the 2.7-percent increase seen in the same period last year. By value, the export receipt in May was the lowest since April. Outbound shipment of electronics continued to be the country’s top export, accounting for more than half of total exports, valued at $3.56 billion in May. However, this also declined by 5.1 percent from last year’s $3.75 billion. Merchandise imports fell by 0.03 percent year on year to $10.93 billion in May. This was a reversal from the previous month’s 13-percent growth. The contraction, however, was still lower than 8 percent decline in May 2023 The import bill in May was the lowest since the $9.57-billion purchases in March. The government projects a 5-percent and 2-percent growth in exports and imports, respectively, for this year, as it expects a rosy outlook for the global semiconductor market in the coming months. Meanwhile, the import growth forecast was muted amid moderate world commodity prices and the impact of tight monetary policy that tempers consumption and investment activity. 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. Inflation in June cooled to 3.7 percent from 3.9 percent in May on the back of slower price increases in utilities and transport items. The US Federal Reserve maintained its funds target range at 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent range in June. It is expected to begin easing rates in September. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468025/trade-gap-falls-but-raises-concerns

Rizal town mishap: Stolen police car hits pedestrians, killing 3

John Eric Mendoza

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:18:58 PST

In Rizal’s Morong town, a stolen police car rams pedestrians killing three people and wounding five others on Thursday, July 11, 2024. INQUIRER FILES In Rizal’s Morong town, a stolen police car rams pedestrians killing three people and wounding five others on Thursday, July 11, 2024. INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines — In Rizal province’s Morong town, three people were killed after a stolen police car rammed pedestrians on Thursday. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that based on the report of the Rizal Provincial Police Office, the incident happened at Tomas Street in Barangay San Juan at  10:45 a.m. The suspect, a 57-year-old man, who seized the police car and crashed, had a mental health problem, according to the police. READ: 7 hurt when van loses breaks, plows 4 trikes in Cotabato “A man with a mental problem being treated at the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office escaped and then seized the parked mobile car of the Morong PNP,” the Rizal Provincial Police Office said in a statement. READ: 2 riders die after motorcycle hit electric post in Rizal “Police immediately responded and chased the car until they hit a post and the victims,” it added. Authorities said five people, including a police officer, were also injured in the incident. The suspect is now under police custody. 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/1960134/rizal-town-mishap-stolen-police-car-hits-pedestrians-killing-3

DOE not setting aside clean energy goal as biggest ‘sale’ yet to come

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:30:00 PST

The government is accelerating the use of renewable energy in the Philippines as it is set to conduct two green energy auctions by the last quarter of 2024, an official said Wednesday. The biggest yet, however, is scheduled for next year. At an event in Taguig City, Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said the department would be welcoming bidders for the third and fourth rounds of the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) with at least 11,000 megawatts up for grabs. READ: Renewable energy in PH still below global average The GEAP seeks to speed up the growth of renewable energy capacity in the Philippines to help achieve the government’s target of increasing its share in the power mix to 50 percent by 2040. For the third installment of the program, Guevara said the Department of Energy (DOE) will bid out 3,000 megawatts (MW) covering geothermal, impounding hydro and pumped-storage hydro. At least 8,200 MW would be put on auction for the fourth round, which would include an energy storage system (ESS). According to the DOE, ESS refers to a facility that can absorb energy directly from the grid or distribution system. Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said they would start working on the process immediately. “We need to formalize the process because there will be a public consultation for the rates, so there’s a process that we have to go through,” Dimalanta said. READ: Significant increase in renewable energy investments seen The DOE is also gearing up for the fifth round of the green power auction, which Guevara said could attract big investors as this would involve offshore wind. “The most exciting green energy auction will happen next year. We are not just talking about megawatts, but gigawatts. So this is going to happen next year, and we’re still trying to push for a middle of the year,” she 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. The DOE held the first auction in 2022, auctioning off 2,000 MW through competitive electronic bidding. The second round was conducted in 2023, where the government received a total of 3,580.76 MW committed capacities, way below the 11,600-MW capacity on offer as the price caps set by the ERC were perceived to be low. —LISBET K. ISMAEL 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468027/doe-not-setting-aside-clean-energy-goal-as-biggest-sale-yet-to-come

Gov’t wants more PH firms to invest in nuclear energy

Lisbet K. Esmael

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:45:25 PST

Department of Energy facade from DOE / FILE Department of Energy facade from DOE / FILE The Department of Energy (DOE) is urging more Filipino companies to explore opportunities in nuclear energy alongside the Marcos administration’s efforts to revive the use of the power source to meet the needs of a growing economy. Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said Wednesday the government was banking on private players’ investments to fast-track President Marcos’ target to make nuclear energy part of the power mix. “Our hope is the private sector in our country will pursue nuclear power because we have a target that by 2032, we [should] have 1,200 megawatts,” she told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Taguig City. READ: Key US, PH nuclear pact enters into force The President’s bid for a nuclear future for the Philippines—amid his father’s own failed past with the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant—made progress on July 2 when the crucial “123 agreement” with the US came into force. With a legal framework now in place to make the technology reach Philippine shores quicker, about 40 American companies are expected to join the fray. Manila Electric Co. and the Aboitiz group had already signified their interest in developing the energy source. Guevera took note of Meralco’s plan to build micro modular nuclear power plants by 2028. In May, Meralco chair Manuel V. Pangilinan said the group wanted to have an operational facility “to produce power and demonstrate that it’s a safe mode of producing power.” The International Atomic Energy Agency defines micro modular reactors (MMR) as advanced nuclear reactors with capacity of up to 300 MW per unit or about one-third of the capacity of traditional nuclear power plants. READ: US, Philippines to train Filipinos in nuclear power Ideally constructed in smaller areas, an MMR is usually the size of a bus. In a statement late Tuesday, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the deal with the US would pave the way for “the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, for information, knowledge, and technology exchange related to nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.” Lotilla said the Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee is already finalizing the roadmap for nuclear energy use. Once the government hits 1,200 MW of nuclear power generation capacity by 2032, it hopes to further boost this with an additional 1,200 MW by 2035 and 2,400 MW by 2050. 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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https://business.inquirer.net/468117/govt-wants-more-ph-firms-to-invest-in-nuclear-energy

Exercise caution online: Protect yourself from Cyber Fraud

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https://business.inquirer.net/468117/govt-wants-more-ph-firms-to-invest-in-nuclear-energyhttps://globalnation.inquirer.net/242261/raa-visiting-troops-who-commit-crime-subject-to-host-nations-law

RAA: Visiting troops who commit crime subject to host nation’s law

Nestor Corrales

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:36:00 PST

(From left to right) Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, and Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro join hands after a press conference during the 2nd Philippines-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City on Monday, July 8, 2024. —Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net (From left to right) Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, and Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro join hands after a press conference during the 2nd Philippines-Japan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City on Monday, July 8, 2024. —Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — If Japanese soldiers or civilians visiting Manila under the newly signed Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) commit a crime on Philippine soil, they shall be prosecuted and tried in Philippine courts—and vice versa. Offenses committed by the visiting party will be punishable by the law of the receiving state, according to the RAA signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in Malacañang on Monday. READ: PH, Japan ink defense pact amid China aggression The RAA, similar to the Philippines’ visiting forces agreements with the United States and Australia, allows the former wartime enemies to deploy troops and equipment on each other’s territory. But the language of the agreement leaves little room for ambiguity in how potential crimes by the visitors are to be handled. Based on the full text of the defense pact released Monday night, members of the visiting force and the civilian component “shall remain at all times” under the command and control of the sending state in accordance with its laws and regulations. READ: Senators laud RAA; vow to scrutinize treaty before ratification But under Article XXI on “Command and Control and Criminal and Disciplinary Jurisdiction,” authorities of the receiving state shall exercise criminal jurisdiction over the members of the visiting force, including their civilian component. There is, however, an exception with respect to offenses “relating to the security of the sending state, punishable by the law of the sending state but not by the law of the receiving state.” In such cases, authorities of the sending state shall have the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over the members of the visiting force and the civilian component. Security offenses include treason against that party; sabotage, espionage or violation of any law relating to official secrets of that party, or secrets relating to the national defense of that party. In cases where the right to exercise jurisdiction is concurrent, the authorities of the sending state shall have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction over the members of the visiting force and the civilian component in relation to “offenses solely against the property or security of the sending state, or offenses solely against the person or property of another member of the visiting force or the civilian component,” or “offenses arising out of any act or omission done in the performance of official duties.” “If the party having the primary right to exercise jurisdiction decides not to exercise jurisdiction, it shall notify the authorities of the other party as soon as practicable,” it said. Under the RAA, if a member of the visiting force or the civilian component is prosecuted under the jurisdiction of the receiving state, the person shall be entitled to a prompt and speedy trial. They shall also have the right to be informed in advance of the trial of the specific charge or charges made against the person in order to have reasonable time to prepare a defense, to have legal representation of his or her own choice for his or her defense or to have free or assisted legal representation under the conditions prevailing in the receiving state, to bail subject to the laws and regulations of the receiving state, and not to be compelled to testify against himself or herself among others. In the past, the Philippines had grappled with serious crimes committed by American soldiers who were in the country under the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement between Manila and Washington. In 2014, transgender woman Jennifer Laude was killed in a motel in Olongapo City in a hate crime by US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton. He was granted absolute pardon in 2020 by then President Rodrigo Duterte. 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 2005, a rape case in Subic, Zambales, also attracted international attention when a Filipino woman accused US Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith of raping her. He was acquitted by the Court of Appeals in 2009. 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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https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242261/raa-visiting-troops-who-commit-crime-subject-to-host-nations-law

Roque: Pagcor chief did not say I lobbied for illegal Pogo firms

Charie Abarca

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:52:32 PST

Presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque. YANCY LIM / PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO Presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque. YANCY LIM / PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief Alejandro Tengco did not say former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque lobbied for Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided due to alleged links to criminal activities. In a letter to INQUIRER.net, Roque said it was falsely reported that Tengco alleged that he lobbied for illegal Pogo operations. “This is a complete fabrication and a serious misrepresentation of the facts. During Chairman Tengco’s testimony, no such statement was made. On the contrary, he confirmed that my interaction with Pagcor was solely to schedule a payment for Lucky South 99, which held a valid license from Pagcor at that time,” Roque’s letter reads. During the Senate panel on women’s hearing on Wednesday, Tengco confirmed that Roque reached out to his office, asking if an appointment may be made. According to Tengco, Roque was with Cassandra Lee Ong of Lucky South 99, adding that they were seeking to settle the license and unpaid arrears of the Pogo firm. Tengco said Roque “did not pressure” Pagcor to grant a license to Lucky South 99. He said Roque only asked Pagcor to help Ong and “did not follow up.” Roque, in a statement issued Wednesday, denied he was a lawyer of Lucky South 99, clarifying that his client was Whirlwind Corporation, a service provider to Lucky South 99, which was then a holder of a valid license from Pagcor. READ: Roque must attend Pogo hearing, take opportunity to air side – Escudero 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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https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242335/roque-pagcor-chief-did-not-say-i-lobbied-for-illegal-pogo-firms

Former lawmaker, 4 others found guilty of graft in fertilizer fund scam

Kathleen de Villa

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:54:00 PST

Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor and Rep. Constantino Jaraula and four others of graft over the transfer of P3 million in public funds to a nongovernment organization (NGO) that was not qualified to supply fertilizers for a 2004 agriculture program under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The antigraft court, however, cleared them of malversation charges because the prosecution was unable to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. READ: The mother of all pork scams Also acquitted was former city agriculturist Godofredo Bajas after the prosecution failed to substantiate the accusations against him. Jaraula, who is now 87 years old, was convicted along with pork barrel scam brains Janet Lim-Napoles by the Sandiganbayan in 2021 for graft and malversation of public funds totaling P28 million. He was also found guilty of three counts of direct bribery. In the latest decision promulgated on July 8, the court’s Second Division found Jaraula, along with former Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Joel Rudinas; Ma. Reina Lumantas and Claudia Artazo, both officers at the DA Northern Mindanao regional office; and Evelyn de Leon, president of Philippine Social Development Foundation, Inc. (PSDFI), guilty of violating Sec. 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. They were sentenced from six years to 10 years in prison while Jaraula, Rudinas, Lumantas and Artazo were also perpetually disqualified from holding public office. The charges were part of the fertilizer fund controversy involving the alleged diversion of a P728-million allocation to the DA for the rollout of the “Ginintuang Masaganang Ani Farm Input Farm Implements Program.” “The court holds that the accused Jaraula, Lumantas, Rudinas and Artazo’s blatant violations of the applicable laws, rules and regulations reveal their common criminal design to unduly favor PSDFI and De Leon,” the 77-page decision stated. It noted their role in facilitating the preparation of the required papers for the release of fertilizer funds that led to PSDFI getting P3 million “to the damage and prejudice of the government.” The P3 million was allotted for the purchase of 3,750 bottles of liquid organic fertilizers, the disbursement of which was also green-lighted by Jaraula. 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 the court, the three DA personnel approved the documents despite the lack of requirements and irregularities, including the fact that PSDFI was not registered with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, an attached DA agency, and therefore not authorized to deal in fertilizers. News that matters 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/1959910/former-lawmaker-4-others-found-guilty-of-graft-in-fertilizer-fund-scam

MWC’s P450-M Antipolo Transmission Line to benefit over 1M Rizaleños

INQUIRER.net

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:13:00 PST

Ongoing pipe activity of the Antipolo Transmission Line: Package 2. Once operational, the Antipolo Transmission Line will provide water service to more than one million customers in Antipolo City, Teresa, Baras, Taytay, and Angono. Ongoing pipe activity of the Antipolo Transmission Line: Package 2. Once operational, the Antipolo Transmission Line will provide water service to more than one million customers in Antipolo City, Teresa, Baras, Taytay, and Angono. MANILA, Philippines — To meet the increasing water demand in the province of Rizal, Manila Water Company (MWC) is carrying out the construction of the P450-million Antipolo Transmission Line, which will be a vital component in delivering water services to the province. Spanning over nine kilometers, the Antipolo Transmission Line will stretch from the town of Teresa in Rizal, traversing along Roman-Rojas Road, going to NHA Access Road up to Sitio Boso-Boso. Construction works for this project include pipelaying, asphalt pavement restoration, and pipe bridge construction. This service improvement project is comprised of two major components: Package 1 and Package 2. Package 1, which involves the laying of 1600mm-diameter steel pipe along Roman-Rojas and NHA Road, is underway and slated for completion by 2025. On the other hand, Package 2, which also involves the installation of 1600mm-diameter steel pipe along the New Access Road to Boso-Boso Reservoir, is on track for completion by the fourth quarter of 2024. Once operational, the Antipolo Transmission Line will provide additional water service to more than one million customers in Antipolo City, Teresa, Baras, Taytay, and Angono. “The Antipolo Transmission Line aims to further improve water services to over 1 million residents in Rizal, therefore contributing to better health and quality of life of residents within our concession area,” Manila Water Corporate Communications Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said. As with all Manila Water projects, the Antipolo Transmission Line project meets the regulatory standards for safety and quality that will ensure long-term reliability and efficient distribution of clean and potable water. 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/1960183/mwcs-p450-m-antipolo-transmission-line-to-benefit-over-1m-rizalenos

NBI Davao uncovers ‘200 falsified birth certificates’ issued to Chinese

Philipine Daily Inquirer

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:32:00 PST

INQUIRER.net file photo INQUIRER.net file photo DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it had uncovered “close to 200 falsified birth certificates” issued to Chinese nationals from 2018 to 2019, all by the civil registry of one town. This was revealed as the NBI regional office here arrested on Tuesday a Chinese national who presented a spurious birth certificate he obtained in 2013. Archie Albao, the NBI director for Region 11, said the arrest was made after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called the bureau’s attention to a 21-year-old Chinese male who gave “contradictory statements’’ about his identity in the course of applying for a passport. READ: Senator urges SEC probe of incorporator identities Albao said it was his office’s first apprehension of a Chinese national who had been issued a falsified birth certificate by the Local Civil Registry (LCR) of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, where the applicant claimed to have been born. Before this case, he said, the NBI regional office discovered close to 200 falsified birth certificates issued to Chinese nationals by the Santa Cruz LCR from 2018 to 2019. READ: Mayor Alice Guo is also Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping, NBI confirms “We are sure there are more,” Albao said, adding the bureau had yet to look into records before or after this period. Last year, another Chinese national was arrested by NBI Region 11 for the same offense; his case is now pending in court. Most of the falsified birth certificates discovered were for Chinese nationals who turned out to be based in Luzon, he added. Albao said some of the Chinese nationals arrested during recent raids on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in Metro Manila, Pampanga, and other regions “got their falsified birth certificates from the Santa Cruz LCR.” As to the Chinese national arrested on Tuesday, NBI Assistant Regional Director Jonathan Balite said initial information gathered by the bureau indicated that the man originated from Fujian, China. Aside from claiming to be born in Santa Cruz, the Chinese national used a Filipino name—Hengson Limosnero”—when he applied for late registration of birth in 2013, Albao said. “He arrived here at age 9 or 10. He is now 21 and will turn 22 in October this year,’’ Albao said. “We already got his Chinese name but we can’t reveal it yet until we get all his records from the Bureau of Immigration.” He refused to give straight answers during questioning, Albao said, but investigators found out more about him—like the year he arrived in the Philippines—after talking to his friends and neighbors on Uyanguren Street, Davao City. “Indirectly [we got the information because] he had friends in Uyanguren,” he said, referring to the old name of Magsaysay Street in the Davao Chinatown. The NBI also learned that the Chinese national’s family operated a hardware store in the area. Albao said he had talked with the Chinese national’s mother on the phone about the arrest, but that she refused to appear at the NBI office and would rather leave the matter to the family’s lawyer. The arrested man, noted, could not speak Bisaya, “a language commonly spoken in Santa Cruz. He knows a little of Tagalog but communicates mostly in English. His mother could not talk in Bisaya, either.” The NBI was set to file charges on Wednesday against the Chinese national for violation of the passport law, falsification of public documents, and perjury, among other crimes. Apart from presenting a falsified birth certificate to the DFA, the Chinese national submitted a driver’s license and an ID card from the Philippine Statistics Authority identifying himself as Limosnero. According to the NBI official, the man used a falsified birth certificate also to enroll in Ateneo de Davao University, where he is currently taking up accountancy. For his elementary studies, he went to the Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao. “When asked who helped in his childbirth, he said it was a doctor. But here (in his birth certificate) it was a hilot (traditional healer), so it was clear he was not briefed well (to tell lies),” Albao said. Albao said inquiries had been made to the Santa Cruz LCR about the documents the Chinese submitted for his late birth registration. The NBI is considering filing charges against the former head of the Santa Cruz LCR, who Albao said had been suspended two years ago and was scheduled to retire this month. 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. “Either they did not scrutinize the documents well, that’s why it went through, or there was really somebody behind it. That will be part of the investigation,” Albao 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/1959906/nbi-davao-uncovers-200-falsified-birth-certificates-issued-to-chinese

DepEd: Brigada Eskwela SY 2024-2025 set for July 22–27

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:29:12 PST

FILE PHOTO: Grade 2 Teacher Jennifer Rivares starts removing laminated posters with inspirational lines that she made for her students last August 2022 in Pasig Central Elementary School during Brigada Eskwela 2023. The Department of Education (DepEd) announces through Memorandum No. 33-2024 released on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, that Brigada Eskwela for School Year (SY) 2024-2025 is set for July 22 to 27, 2024. LYN RILLON/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER FILE PHOTO: Grade 2 Teacher Jennifer Rivares starts removing laminated posters with inspirational lines that she made for her students last August 2022 in Pasig Central Elementary School during Brigada Eskwela 2023. The Department of Education (DepEd) announces through Memorandum No. 33-2024 released on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, that Brigada Eskwela for School Year (SY) 2024-2025 is set for July 22 to 27, 2024. LYN RILLON/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER MANILA, Philippines — The Brigada Eskwela for School Year (SY) 2024-2025 is set for July 22–27, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced. “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan” is again the theme for this year’s activity, according to DepEd Memorandum No. 33-2024 released Wednesday, July 10. Brigada Eskwela is an annual school maintenance program that urges students, teachers, parents, and other staff to contribute their time and resources to ensure that schools are ready for class opening. READ: DepEd: Gradual return to old school calendar starting SY 2024-2025 “The National Brigada Eskwela Kick-off Program shall be held on July 17, 2024, at Carmen National High School, in the Schools Division of Office (SDO) of Cebu Province VII, to be streamed live via DepEd Philippines official Facebook page,” the memorandum states. “Regional offices and SDOs may hold their own advocacy activities in their area to launch and campaign for Brigada Eskwela,” it also states. READ: DepEd starts enrollment in public schools DepEd said the SY 2024-2025 enrollment would be from July 3 to July 26, as it would begin on July 29, 2024, and end on May 16, 2025. Public elementary and secondary school enrollment, including community learning centers, shall be conducted in person, remotely, or by dropbox. Enrollment in private schools, state or local universities and colleges, and Philippine schools overseas that offer primary education may adopt their own admission procedures, DepEd noted. 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/1960062/deped-brigada-eskwela-sy-2024-2025-set-for-july-22-to-27

NCRPO operations in Manila yield over P2.75M worth of shabu

Adrian L. Parungao

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:32:54 PST

Shabu or crystal meth —courtesy of PDEA Shabu or crystal meth —courtesy of PDEA MANILA, Philippines — Eight people were arrested in separate drug operations in Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said. According to the NCRPO on Tuesday, the first mission in Binondo caught two suspects named Omar Abdul, 25, and Saidali Mantawil, 42, while police personnel discovered two sachets of illegal methamphetamine or shabu with an estimated value of P 2.3 million. READ: PNP to sustain ramped up drive vs illegal drugs A pick-up vehicle was also seized in the raid. The NCRPO added that Sonny Reyes, 54 years old, was rearrested in Tondo in another separate swoop. Reyes had eleven sachets of shabu with an estimated value of P353,600. READ: New PNP chief Marbil would rather not call it a ‘drug war’ In addition, five were arrested in another operation in Malate, Manila, namely: ⁠Neil del Rosario, 54; Abraham Cegales, 37; Wilhelmina Nazario, 60; ⁠Manilyn Royo, 33; and Nazareth de Paz, 48. Seven shabu sachets were seized from the group with an estimated value of P95,200. The NCRPO added that the eight have been detained while complaints for violations of anti-drug laws were being prepared against 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. 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/1959930/ncrpo-operations-in-manila-yield-over-p2-75m-worth-of-shabu