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Over 400 stranded in Southern Tagalog, Bicol ports due to Carina | Dianne Sampang | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:20:57 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Tuesday that 455 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers in Southern Tagalog and Bicol ports were stranded due to the effects of Typhoon Carina.
Observing ports from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the maritime safety advisory released on Viber stated that the “PCG monitored 455 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers; 26 vessels; 7 motorbancas; and 70 rolling cargoes STRANDED, while 2 vessels and 20 motorbancas TAKING SHELTER in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions due to #CarinaPH.”
The PCG said that 20 motorbancas and two vessels were taking shelter while 287 passengers, drivers, and helpers; 13 vessels; 41 rolling cargoes; and six motorbancas were stranded in the following ports in Southern Tagalog:
Meanwhile, 168 passengers, drivers, and helpers; 13 vessels, 29 rolling cargoes; and one motorbanca were stranded in these Bicol ports:
Carina is forecast to move northwestward on Tuesday before moving northwestward on Wednesday. It remains far from the landmass and is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday, Pagasa added.
READ: Pagasa: Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in Batanes
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Recto: Tapping unused GOCC funds to boost PH economic growth | Philippine News Agency | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:36:26 PST | Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri sponsors the ad interim appointment of former Sen. Ralph Recto as secretary of the Department of Finance during the Commission on Appointments’ plenary Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Zubiri said he supports Recto, a dear friend, true patriot and a former senator, for the post of finance secretary. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri sponsors the ad interim appointment of former Sen. Ralph Recto as secretary of the Department of Finance during the Commission on Appointments’ plenary Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Zubiri said he supports Recto, a dear friend, true patriot and a former senator, for the post of finance secretary. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA – Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday said the utilization of idle funds from two government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) will help create more employment and boost economic growth.
Recto, during the post-State of the Nation Address (Sona) Discussions at the Hilton Hotel in Pasay City, said at least P200 billion in idle funds are currently with the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
READ: Recto assures public: Transfer of PhilHealth’s P20B excess funds legal
In a memorandum circular issued by the DOF earlier this year, it ordered PhilHealth to remit P89.9 billion of unused government subsidies to the national treasury to fund projects in health and social services.
“Tiningnan natin na kung ito ay gagamitin natin para dun sa mga naka-priority sa unprogrammed pa, makakatulong ba ito sa ekonomiya ng ating bansa, makakapaglikha ba ito ng mas maraming trabaho (We looked at it to see that if ever we use it for those prioritized but unprogrammed, will this help the economy of our country, will this create more jobs),” Recto said.
“Nakita namin sa pagsisiyasat ng DOF na makakatulong to sa lalong paglago ng ating ekonomiya by more or less 0.8 percentage point. Ibig sabihin mas madaling makamit natin yung 6 percent growth rate natin o di kaya 6.5 percent growth rate sa taong ito at dagdag pa dyan makakalikha ng mahigit 600,000 trabaho (Based on the assessment of the DOF, it will further help in the growth of our economy by more or less 0.8 percentage point. This means that it is easier for us to achieve our 6 percent growth rate or maybe 6.5 percent growth rate this year and in addition to that, it will create more than 600,000 jobs),” he said.
Recto also clarified that the DOF only followed Congress’ order to issue a circular, allowing the use of hibernating GOCC funds.
He added the DOF also consulted the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), and the Commission on Audit (COA).
“Ang balik sa amin ng tatlong ahensya ng pamahalaan legal lahat ito (These three agencies told us that it is legal),” Recto said.
READ: Quimbo: PhilHealth profit is too high, but benefits members get are too low
Recto reiterated that in case of PhilHealth, it currently has a P500-billion benefit chest that can be used to fund multiple-year claims.
In a separate interview on the sidelines of the post-Sona discussions, Recto clarified that of the P89.9 billion from PhilHealth, only P20 billion was collected and used to finance the benefits of frontline workers.
“So meron tayong schedule ng pagtanggap ng pondo niyan kung sakasakali. Meron din tayong schedule ng pagtanggap ng pondo sa PDIC to be able to finance… So, hindi one time big time yan. That’s for the rest of the year. You have six more months bago makolekta lahat yan (So we have a schedule for receiving that fund just in case. We also have a schedule for receiving funds from the PDIC to be able to finance… So it’s not a one time, big time. That’s for the rest of the year. You have six more months before all of that is collected),” Recto said.
Recto said the government is aiming to double its revenue from non-tax collections this year.
“We tend to double our collections from non-tax revenue this year. Last year, it was about P200 billion. This year, we will get about P400 billion,” Recto said during the 2024 Post-Sona discussions.
Recto said the government is on track to hit this year’s revenue target of P4.25 trillion.
A large portion of the revenue comes from remittances from GOCCs and other non-tax revenues including privatization, income from the treasury and others.
“We are on track to hit our fiscal target for the entire year and that’s roughly about P4.250-t(rillion),” Recto said.
“In the first six months of the year, we’ve collected more or less half of that. A large portion is also from revenue. Essentially, this is from GOCC dividends, privatization, income from the treasury,” he added.
Data released by the Finance department, meanwhile, showed that dividend collection from GOCCs as of July 15 this year already amounted to P95.54 billion, up from the P63.02 billion collected in the same period last year.
Top-contributing GOCCs during the period include the Land of the Philippines (P32.1 billion), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (P13.2 billion), and the PDIC (P10.7 billion).
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Other GOCCs with high remittances include the Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Manila International Airport Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office, Philippine National Oil Company, and National Transmission Corporation.
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‘Batang Quiapo’ star Smugglaz weighs in on importance of rappers in OPM | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:25:38 PST | Filipino rapper and “Batang Quiapo” actor Smugglaz | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Filipino rapper and “Batang Quiapo” actor Smugglaz | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Filipino rapper and “Batang Quiapo” actor Smugglaz reflected on the time when rappers in the music industry were still being looked down on; however, he also acknowledged that times have changed and rappers are now getting the recognition they deserve.
“Nandoon ako sa panahon na may mga video, nasa YouTube ‘yan mga panahon na hindi kami kilala. Parehas na era, naramdaman ko ‘yon na hindi kinikilala at konti pa lang ‘yung mga nakatagos lalo na sa mainstream, ‘yung tipong sila Andrew E, Gloc 9, Francis M pa lang ‘yung kilala pagdating sa hiphop,” he told INQUIRER.net during a recent intimate interview with selected members of the press.
“Pero ngayon masasabi ko na iba, mula sa mga music scene, lalo na po sa impluwensiya ng rap battle sa Pilipinas, iba na. Ngayon nagpapasalamat ako na nandito na ‘yung spotlight sa hiphop, nandito pa rin ako. Nandito pa rin kami ng mga kasamahan ko,” added the rapper.
Smugglaz made his acting debut in “Ang Probinsyano” as Marcial Matero. He appeared in the series for five years before recently landing a role in “Batang Quiapo,” where he plays Kidlat.
When asked how he would compare acting with rapping, Smugglaz said that he uses the same technique for both.
“Nung inaral ko kasi ‘yung acting ang ginamit kong technique is kung paano ako mag-rap. Kung paano ako magmemorize ng script ganon ako magmemorize ng rap. Nung nag-uumpisa kami sa taping, two months kami ni Basilio hindi nagkakamali, kasi akala namin talaga bawal magkamali. Kasi mga battle emcee kami, lumalaban kami sa fliptop. Ang fliptop kasi one take lang ‘yan,” adding that his dialogues in the series were mostly impromptu.
Fliptop is a Filipino rap battle between two or more parties, wherein one tries to answer back the insulting barbs being thrown by their opponents.
“Paano madi-differentiate siguro, ‘yung pag-aartista wala lang siyang rhyme, more on emotion siya. Nung nag-artista ako hindi ko naman sinasabi na naging madali, pero dahil sa experience ko sa rap battle, naging easy peasy rin siya,” continued the rapper-actor.
The “Samin” singer also expressed his opinion about today being the golden era of OPM (original Philippine music).
“Parang ito na nga, sabi rin ni idol Chito Miranda, parang sinabi niya na ito ang golden age ng OPM, nanggaling pa mismo sa kanya ‘yan. Kumbaga sila ‘yung golden age. Para sakin, oo, kasi nandito na ‘yung mas malawak na platform, ‘yung internet,” he said, citing other examples such as P-pop powerhouse girl group BINI.
Smugglaz then shared his future vision for his career, saying he wanted to follow in the footsteps of Andrew E.
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“One day, gusto ko magkaroon ng movie, tapos ako rin ang soundtrack. Nagawa na ‘yan ng marami, lalo na ‘yung mga idol natin, si Francis M., lalong lalo na si Sir Andrew E. Nawala na ‘yon, pero ngayon kasi bumabalik ‘yung rap at wala pa pong uli nakapwesto doon. Hindi ko naman sinasabi na ako ‘yung para doon. Ang sakin lang, nandito na ako, so sana,” he said.
The rapper-actor recently released his new song, “Piging,” and said it’s his tribute to his younger brother, who died after getting gunned down by an unknown individual.
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Judo at Paris Olympics 2024: What to know, who to watch | Associated Press, INQUIRER.net | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:25:26 PST | Team Philippines’ Kiyomi Watanabe represent the country in the Paris Olympics 2024 judo competition.
Team Philippines’ Kiyomi Watanabe represent the country in the Paris Olympics 2024 judo competition.
MANILA, Philippines–For the second straight edition of the Olympics, the Philippines will have a competitor in the judo tournament.
In the Paris Olympics 2024, Kiyomi Watanabe will once again be the lone judoka. She will be surrounded with familiar names in the sport with Japan and host France leading the competition.
Team Philippines in Paris Olympics 2024: Meet the athletes
Here’s roadmap to follow for the men’s and women’s judo tournaments at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Beginning July 27 (Saturday) all judo games from the quarters to the Finals in every division will be played in the Champ-de-Mars Arena, a temporary facility built in the public green space stretching out from the Eiffel Tower.
Paris Olympics 2024: How to watch, when it starts, key dates
Like in the Tokyo Olympics, the judo events will have 15 gold medals up for grabs. All but one of those medals will be competed in the singles events (for men’s and women’s) and only one medal for the team event.
(FILES) France’s Teddy Riner arrives to fight against South Korea’s Kim Minjong in the men’s +100kg final bout during the Paris Grand Slam judo tournament in Paris ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP)
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Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024.
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Angara wants DepEd to simplify teachers’ performance review | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:42:02 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara has instructed the Department of Education (DepEd) to review and simplify the implementation of the Results-Based Performance Management System (RPMS) for public school teachers.
READ: Angara suspends DepEd teachers’ performance review
(We will form a task force that will study and simplify this requirement.)
“Klaro ang utos ng ating Civil Service Commission na kailangan ang mga ganitong klaseng evaluation process,” he added.
(The order of our Civil Service Commission is clear that these types of evaluation processes are needed.)
On Monday, Angara ordered the suspension of the RPMS for at least a month amid concerns raised by teachers.
He also signed a memorandum extending the deadline for the submission of SY 2023–2024 performance ratings.
READ: Teachers to receive P5,000 chalk allowance on July 29, says Angara
The DepEd said the deadline for the performance review and evaluation was moved to Sept. 15 while the deadline for the performance rewarding and development planning was moved to Sept. 30.
The adjustment was aimed at avoiding possible grounds for disqualifications from monetary and non-monetary performance-related incentives.
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DTI chief eyes amendments to intellectual property law | Philippine News Agency | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:07:51 PST | FILE: Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual | PHOTO: DTI’s offciial website
FILE: Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual | PHOTO: DTI’s offciial website
MANILA – As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shared his vision of strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it aims to introduce amendments to the Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property (IP) Code of the Philippines.
At the 2024 post-State of the Nation Address (Sona) Discussions in Pasay City Tuesday, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said he will recommend to President Marcos some amendments that will intensify the enforcement of IP law.
READ: Dali grocery chain ordered to stop sale of suspected rip off products
“To support the startups, we need a strong intellectual property law. We have an existing one and I’m going to present to the President, hopefully soon, the proposed amendments to this law so we can strengthen the enforcement of the law and the further protection of intellectual property owners against piracy and counterfeiting,” he said.
In a message to trade reporters, DTI Undersecretary Jose Edgardo Sunico said the amendments eye a modernized IP framework enhancing the enforcement against online piracy, and boost IP education.
“This will create a safer digital environment, foster innovation, and support economic growth while ensuring we meet international standards,” Sunico said.
Meanwhile, Pascual said providing support and protecting Filipino startups will drive innovation and the adoption of technology in the country to back President Marcos’ vision of an investment-led growth.
The Chief Executive, in his third Sona Tuesday, said he wanted an investment-led growth to sustain the current economic gains.
READ: BIZ BUZZ: IPOPHL open to scrutinizing Shaira Moro
Pascual said his agency is taking the lead in promoting startups.
He said the DTI has various programs that supports startups from their formation through the Incubation, Development, and Entrepreneurship Advance (Idea); acceleration stage through the Accelerating Development, Valuation, and Corporate Entrepreneurship (Advance); and advance stage through the Global Acceleration Program (GAP).
Pascual said through these programs, the DTI is assisting 130 startups in the fields of agricultural technology, financial technology, and educational technology, among others.
He said in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, the government is putting up the National Innovation Gateway. Through this gateway, the country aims to produce “technological unicorns.” A unicorn is a startup company with a valuation of USD1 billion without being listed in the stock market.
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Pascual said the National Development Company is also investing in startups through the Startup Venture Fund.
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Jillian Ward justifies luxury car: ‘Deserved ko’ | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:56:33 PST | Jillian Ward | Image: Instagram/@jillian
Jillian Ward | Image: Instagram/@jillian
For the first time, Jillian Ward addressed the negative comments she received when she bought herself a luxury car last year on her 18th birthday, stressing that she deserved it after having worked hard since she was a child.
In a recent interview with Boy Abunda on “My Mother, My Story,” the former child star was asked about the malicious information that made the rounds last year that there was someone who paid for her car as well as her grand debut celebration.
“First time kong mag-open up about it (it’s my first time to open up about it). I just hope na nakikita nila na two years old pa lang ako , naka-diaper pa lang ako, nagwo-work na ako (they get to see that since I was only two years old, still in my diapers, I was already working).”
Ward underscored that everything she has is the fruit of her years of hard work.
“I think naman somehow na lahat po na meron ako is deserved ko through my hard work. I just hope na huwag silang masyadong maniwala sa fake news. Ganyan na po sila ever since. Parang underage pa lang ako, ang dami nang misconceptions about me,” she stressed.
(I think that somehow everything I have I deserve through my hard work. I just hope they don’t believe too much in fake news. They have been like that ever since. I think since I was still underage, there have been so many misconceptions about me.)
READ: Darren Espanto admits “getting to know” stage with Jillian Ward
The 19-year-old actress also shared that, aside from her savings, some people, including her network, pitched in with the expenses of her elegant debut.
“Napag-ipunan ko po lahat nang meron ako ngayon. Like yung sa debut, even GMA-7, nag-share sa debut party ko. Yung mga endorsement ko po, nag-share sila,” she said.
(Everything that I have now I bought from my savings. Like the debut, even GMA-7 shared the expenses of my debut party. Also my endorsements.)
“So, kumbaga lahat ng meron ako, galing po yan sa hard work ko talaga. Sa malinis na paraan. So, I find it a bit unfair. Meron silang mga sinasabi na walang basis talaga,” added the young actress.
(So, everything I have comes from my hard work, in a clean way. So, I find it a bit unfair. They say things that have no basis at all.)
Ward admitted that it makes her sad that people don’t get to see her hard work, but she believes that she doesn’t need to defend herself against the false information.
“Yung cars ko, galing sa mga endorsement ko, sa mga taping ko. Ilang years na akong nagte-taping, fifteen years na next year. Sa 20th birthday ko. Medyo nalungkot ako dahil hindi nila nakikita yung hard work ko,” she remarked.
(My cars came from my endorsements, from my tapings. I’ve been taping for several years, fifteen years next year. On my 20th birthday. I was a little sad because they couldn’t see my hard work.)
“Ang dami rin pong naniniwala [sa fake news], pero hindi na lang po ako nagsalita about it. Sabi nga po, kung hindi totoo, wala akong dapat patunayan. Wala akong kailangang sabihin,” added the actress.
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(There are still many people who believe [in fake news], but I just didn’t talk about it. As they say, if it’s not true, I don’t have to prove anything. I don’t have to say anything.)
Ward began her acting career at the age of 5. She rose to fame after she starred in the 2010 series “Trudis Liit.” She currently stars in GMA Network’s “Abot-Kamay na Pangarap.”
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Typhoon Carina intensifies habagat; continues to bring more rain | Faith Argosino | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:02:04 PST | Image from the DOST / Pagasa
Image from the DOST / Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is still raised in Batanes as typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) continues to intensify over the Philippine sea on Tuesday afternoon, according to the state weather bureau.
In its latest cyclone update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Carina was last spotted some 325 kilometers east northeast of Basco, Batanes.
READ: Metro Manila, other areas under ‘Orange’ alert, flood likely – Pagasa
It was moving northward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 kph with gusts of up to 185 kph.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
Aside from Batanes, the following areas remain under Signal no. 1:
Carina has also enhanced the southwest monsoon or habagat, which will bring “moderate to intense rainfall over various localities in the western portion of Luzon today through Thursday.”
Below are the areas forecast to experience strong to gale-force gusts due to habagat:
Meanwhile, a gale warning is also raised over the coastal waters of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern portion of Cagayan.
Pagasa said Carina will remain far from the Philippine landmass and will make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan on Wednesday evening and Thursday (25 July) morning, then exit the Philippine area of Responsibility hours later.
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Support Typhoon Carina Victims
The Inquirer is extending its relief and fund drive to help families affected by Typhoon Carina.
Donate to Inquirer Foundation Corp. at BDO Current Account No: 007960018860. For inquiries, email [email protected].
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What this nonprofit community farm in BGC can teach us about volunteerism | No author found | 2023-03-04T09:27:25+00:00 | There are facts that are hard to disregard.
For example, in September 2022, food inflation was pegged at 7.7 percent, a considerable increase compared to the year before. Another is that Filipinos eat the least amount of vegetables compared to our Southeast Asian neighbors. Of the minimum 400 grams of fruits and vegetables the World Health Organization recommends daily, Filipinos only consume 160 grams based on 2015 data. Add this to the fact that farmers who aren’t getting any younger—with the median age of 53— single-handedly deal with agricultural competitiveness, self-sufficiency concerns, and food security risks.
If you’ve driven around Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and noticed an unexpected plot of land with a small farm, you’re looking at the work of one NGO that hopes to plant the seed of passion in agriculture.
Yes, right in the middle of a Metro Manila financial business district. And by someone who has never even farmed in his life until the pandemic happened.
“I only got into farming during the pandemic,” admits Louie Gutierrez, farmer in chief and founder of Urban Farmers Sustainability Concepts Inc. “Back in March 2020, when everything closed, all my stores closed.” Gutierrez is the founder and managing partner of sterling silver jewelry store Silverworks.
“We have 70 stores across the country, and everything closed. I have 500 employees and I need to support them. I didn’t have any income so I was looking for ways to give them jobs and share food,” Gutierrez says. “One day I was walking in our street and I saw this empty lot in Bel-Air full of overgrown weeds. As an entrepreneur, I kept on thinking, what can I do with this? Out of the blue, farming came into my head,” he laughs.
Out of a desire to support his staff, he asked the owner of the lot if he could use the land to farm. “I have never farmed in my life but the owner said, ‘I’m not going to build anything there now so you can use it.’”
After establishing his farm in Bel-Air, Gutierrez was offered an empty 1,500-square meter lot behind St. Luke’s Hospital in BGC to replicate it. “Initially, Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) was really skeptical if we could do this. You really need to show them that it can be done. So we were able to show them the farm on a 500-square meter property in Bel-Air. So they visited and the rest is… not history but still happening.”
The urban farm in BGC grows seven different varieties of lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, and vibrant patches of pechay. They also grow herbs such as basil, mint, tarragon, and rosemary, which proved delightfully useful at a gin party held at the farm. “We want to highlight that the reason why FBDC lent this land to us is to create engagement with the community. The income we get from what we do here supports the organization and the farmers.”
Fortunately, the community is thrilled at the idea of a farm growing in the city. Francesco Lucas who handles volunteer operations for the organization says, “We have a very diverse group and everyone wants to help. One of our volunteers brought her sourdough bread here, and we all just gathered in the farm. Another shared recipes for cultured foods— yogurt, kombucha, and kefir. It’s a mix of these types of events that piques people’s interest. And we center it here at the farm. Let’s share it at the farm, let’s eat it here at the farm. So it really engages the volunteers.”
If more and more people understood the importance of growing our own food as a country, we would protect the systems that support our farmers. Food prices can be more stable if we don’t have to rely on importation. “Pandemic or not, we need food to eat. This is just a small way to help out. We’re not out here to save the world but just to do our part and maybe inspire more people to get into farming,” says Gutierrez.
One of the goals of Urban Farmers is to spark interest among the youth and dispel notions that farming can’t be fun. The fact that the farm is in BGC gives curious individuals the opportunity to volunteer and try their hand at growing vegetables for themselves (which is to be clear only just one aspect of volunteer work).
Urban Farmers business development officer Marian Pacunana encourages those interested to volunteer. “We usually invite them to our Farming 101 session as an attendee. After that they can approach us and tell us that they want to volunteer. We discuss what they’d like to contribute, how much time they’re willing to spend with us, and if there is an area of growth they’re interested in.”
You don’t even need to have a background in farming or fit a specific type to be able to contribute to the green growth. “What’s great about the diversity in the volunteer group is everyone shares different perspectives. Some people are more social media savvy, some are more artsy, some have experience in agriculture and planting,” Pacunana explains.
“It’s really a great dynamic. We all have our own passions. We get mentored by more experienced members. We give them fresh ideas and they give us what’s realistic and time-tested. That’s a really great dynamic, which you won’t get if your group is full of the same age,” Lucas adds.
In addition, the farm serves as an alternative source of vegetables for the community as some of the varieties here aren’t available at what can be found in supermarkets. By being able to pick your own vegetables from the ground, you ensure you’re getting the freshest produce possible.
Just like growing food, solutions take time and care. Urban Farmers is just one step in the right direction and if we continue to water and tend to it, it may bear fruit to combat the problems that have been hounding the homeland for so long. Food will be more accessible. People will consume more vegetables if it’s offered on the table more often. And hopefully we get a new, passionate generation of farmers to continue the good work of growing food.
“If we’re able to inspire anyone to start their own farm, whether in the city or in their own province, then that’s a win for us already,” Pacunana says.
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Heavy rainfall warning up in Southern Luzon, Western Visayas | Faith Argosino | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:25:04 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Some areas in Southern Luzon and Western Visayas were placed under orange and yellow rainfall warnings on Tuesday afternoon and may experience possible flooding, the state weather bureau said.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), areas under the orange rainfall warning will receive between 15 millimeters (mm) and 30 mm of rain for the next two hours, while those under the yellow rainfall warning will experience between 7.5 mm and 15 mm.
READ: Metro Manila, other areas under ‘Orange’ alert, flood likely – Pagasa
Live updates: Typhoon Carina
Below is the list of areas under both warnings:
Orange
Yellow
Pagasa also warned the public that flooding is possible in these provinces, especially those with low-lying areas. Landslides might also occur in mountainous regions.
Based on its latest cyclone update, the state weather service reported that Typhoon Carina was last spotted some 325 kilometers east northeast of Basco, Batanes. It was moving northward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph), carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 kph with gusts of up to 185 kph.
Carina has also enhanced the southwest monsoon or habagat, bringing “moderate to intense rainfall over various localities in the western portion of Luzon today through Thursday.”
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Michael V. photobombs Bea Alonzo, Vice Ganda: ‘Dreams do come true’ | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:39:43 PST | Can you spot Michael V.? The actor-comedian is seen in this GMA Gala 2024 photo featuring Bea Alonzo, Vice Ganda, and president of GMA films and GMA Worldwide Annette Gozon-Valdes | Image: Instagram/@niceprintphoto via @michaelbitoy
Can you spot Michael V.? The actor-comedian is seen in this GMA Gala 2024 photo featuring Bea Alonzo, Vice Ganda, and president of GMA films and GMA Worldwide Annette Gozon-Valdes | Image: Instagram/@niceprintphoto via @michaelbitoy
Seasoned comedian Michael V. poked fun at himself after his accidental photobombing of Bea Alonzo, Vice Ganda, and Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA films and GMA Worldwide president, during the GMA Gala 2024, describing it as a “dream come true.”
Michael V. took to Instagram to share a candid photo of Alonzo, Vice Ganda, and Gozon. If one looks enough, the comedian can be seen being sandwiched between the Kapuso actress and the “It’s Showtime” host. The picture also features host Tim Yap and Sparkle vice president Joy Marcelo.
“Matagal ko nang sinabi sa sarili ko na gusto kong makasama sina Bea Alonzo, Vice Ganda, and Annette Gozon-Valdes in one photo,” he wrote in his caption. “Thanks to #GMAGala2024, nangyari na rin finally! Thank you din sa @niceprintphoto. Ipapa-frame ko ‘to. #DreamsDoComeTrue.”
A post shared by Michael V. 🇵🇭 (@michaelbitoy)
In the comment section, Alonzo left a laughing emoji, while Gozon remarked, “Ang photobomber ang scene stealer!!!!!”
Fellow celebrities Diana Zubiri, Karylle, Iya Villania, Chariz Solomon, Rochelle Pangilinan, Arnold Clavio, and Lyn Ching, among others, all joined to spread positive comments while pointing out that they tried to look for Michael V. in the photo.
“It took me a good minute! Hahaha,” wrote Karylle.
“Hinanap talaga kita!” added Zubiri.
“Hahahaha, grabe ka! Made my day. Nag-zoom pa ako kay [tim yap],” said Clavio.
“Ayuuun [laughing and clapping emojis]. happy for you, Kuya Bitoy,” commented Valeen Montenegro.
Image: Instagram/@@michaelbitoy
The multi-awarded actor-comedian was among the A-list celebrities who attended the much-awaited GMA Gala 2024 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on July 20. He wore a classy suit by fashion designer Ryan Ablaza Uson.
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Michael V was accompanied by his wife, Carol Bunagan, who also wore a stunning creation from Uson. The designer also made the all-black evening dress for their daughter, Brianna.
The GMA gala was attended by a network of homegrown artists, including Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, and Barbie Forteza, among others.
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Converge pick Pao Javillonar excited see Letran mates in PBA | Rommel Fuertes Jr. | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:36:03 PST | Converge FiberXers draft pick Pao Javillonar during the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Converge FiberXers draft pick Pao Javillonar during the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Converge draft pick Pao Javillonar is excited to see his Letran colors represented in the PBA.
After being selected by the FiberXers in the second round with the seventh pick, Javillonar expressed his excitement to play alongside and against his collegiate cohorts with the Knights.
“I’m so thankful because they weren’t just my teammates in college, our journey continues here. We might be in different teams but our blood is still one with the ‘Arriba’ spirit,” said Javillonar in Filipino.
READ: PBA: Help arrives for Converge, but Ayo patient on progress
Javillonar will be joined by King Caralipio, who averaged 6.0 points and 6.18 rebounds per game in the Philippine Cup, at the Converge camp.
The forward duo from Intramuros now have a shot at facing their teammates like Fran Yu in Northport and Louie Sangalang in Terrafirma.
But despite the familiar faces, Javillonar understands that it’s a new era for him.
READ: PBA: Converge eyeing better times ahead with top draft pick Baltazar
At Converge, he will share the floor with 2024 overall first pick Justine Baltazar and NCAA rival Justin Arana from Arellano.
“Balti (Baltazar) has been by idol since my high school days. We got together in NU and he was my senior then. That’s where I polished my defense.”
“Meanwhile Arana, he’s my good friend so we’ll have a good tandem as agile bigs. We can play together. We’ll work on it.”
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Aside from Baltazar and Javillonar, the FiberXers also selected Ronan Santos in the third round of this year’s draft.
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Taguig LGU: Palar tunnel closed until October for water pipe-laying | INQUIRER.net | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:25:48 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The City of Taguig announced the temporary closure of the Palar tunnel due to Manila Water’s Long-Term East 3 Water Supply Line project from July 22 to October 17.
In its traffic advisory on Sunday, the Palar tunnel will be closed from 10:00 pm on July 22 to 9:00 a.m. on October 17.
Motorists were advised to take the following alternative routes:
More than 4,000 meters of pipe will be laid from Palar to Sapang Viejo for the project to ensure an adequate water supply and strong water pressure for Taguig.
READ: Taguig City announces road closure for river festival
Meanwhile, a portion of General Luna Street will be closed from the night of July 24 to the evening of July 25 for the celebration of the Taguig River Festival. — Felice Nafarrete, INQUIRER.net intern
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Reviving Sagada’s prized meat rests on one man’s shoulders | No author found | 2018-06-07T10:21:55+00:00 | It’s an ungodly hour but 50-year-old Leoncio Malidom is already up. He does his best not to make any noise—at the risk of waking up the rest of his family—as he makes his way to the backyard to tend to the etag in his makeshift smokehouse.
In darkness, he grabs just enough pieces of pine wood his frail and weary arms can carry and throws them into the dying fire. It’s a routine he has gotten used to. It has disrupted his sleeping habit, but he wouldn’t trade the chore for anything else as it has been his family’s main source of livelihood for the past seven years.
Malidom has given up farming in order to produce etag, a generations-old Sagada specialty. With the rich soil and ideal weather of the Mountain Province, planting myriad fruits, vegetables, and heirloom rice is often the default livelihood of the community. However, Malidom saw a better opportunity in making what people loosely describe as smoked mountain ham. After all, the process is quicker and the returns are promising. Besides, not many locals are doing it for commercial sale, Malidom thought that it would make for better business. “Mas okay ito kasi sa farming maghihintay ka pa ng apat na buwan [bago maka-harvest]. Ito mas mabilis.”
However, the transition wasn’t as smooth and quick as he thought it would be. He is a member of the Kankanaey tribe from whom the etag is believed to have originated from yet he admits to starting everything from scratch. He didn’t learn the craft from anyone. And from what little he knew about the process, Malidom had to go through several trial and error sessions until he was satisfied with what he came up with.
To guarantee the quality of pork, he raises and slaughters his own pigs. He typically feeds his native pigs kamote and banana stalks, and grows them big to yield more weight. The belly, ribs, and face are the most prized parts, he says. After deboning the whole carcass and dividing them into one kilo portions, he proceeds to rub rock salt over every square inch of the meat, then packs them on top of one another in a huge plastic basin. They are allowed to cure, covered, for two days. After which, he pierces the meat with a small sharp knife, ties a string around the hole, and lines them up in a row using a metal rod. The pork parts are then left to hang in his smokehouse for a whole week, requiring him to feed the fire day in and day out. “Tuluy-tuloy dapat ang apoy kaya gumigising ako sa gabi. Dapat diretso ‘yan,” he says. The flavor of the smoked meat depends on the wood used. For his part, Malidom burns a mix of pine, guava, and alnus wood to achieve his preferred taste.
The process of making etag—called panag-etag—may differ slightly when done by others. There are those who rub vinegar on the pork before salting it to prevent flies from swarming on the hanging meat. There are also those who choose to let pork parts dry under the sun for an estimated three hours daily for a whole week.
As a result of his experiments, Malidom knows exactly how much rock salt to use on his etag, making sure that it doesn’t end up too salty. He also prefers his Igorot ham smoked as it ensures longer shelf life compared with the sun-dried variety. After years of production, he can already tell when the pork slabs are ready just by looking at them.
When we visited Malidom, there was smoke coming out of the smokehouse located behind his humble home in Barangay Ambasing, Sagada—a telltale sign that he was in the process of making etag. He told us that 200 kilos worth of meat were in the smokehouse.
Once the etag is done, Malidom’s wife Martina will bring half of the batch to the Poblacion Market in front of the municipal hall in time for the weekend market where they are able to sell almost all of the goods for P250 per kilo. The remaining items will be reserved for another week while some portions would be set aside for the family’s meals where the etag is cut into small pieces and thrown into a vegetable stew, mixed with rice, or simply fried and served.
Some restaurants in Sagada also purchase Malidom’s etag and use them in their dishes. They add it to an Igorot chicken dish called pinikpikan, use it as seasoning agent for soups, and one tourist-friendly shop even offers it as pizza topping.
To date, some families still make their own etag. Akin to making lemon confit, they layer small cuts of pork and salt in a jar and let them cure until ready for use. They easily snip off whatever they need for their home-cooked dishes and store the remaining parts back in the container for another time.
Many people know etag as a delicacy, but back in the day, it had much more cultural relevance because it was a vital part of rituals. The smoked meat is usually an offering that completes prayers to spirits. It is served during milestones—from the day a member of the tribe is born until he is led to his grave. But those days are gone. And along with these disappearing traditions is the possibility that etag would also be forgotten.
Malidom though is doing his part to preserve the tradition. He may not have inherited the art of making etag from his family but he is firm in passing it on to his children. Luckily, his kids are already involved in the process, helping him with the smoked meat production. Still, the Malidoms are only one of four families making and selling etags in Sagada.
While there are efforts to preserve this age-old tradition, it remains on the brink of extinction. “The best way to understand the culture of a country is through its cuisine,” says former Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo-Puyat. “Ark of Taste, which is maintained by the Slow Food Movement, is designed to preserve at-risk foods that are sustainably produced, unique in taste, and part of a distinct region. We want to revive Filipino heritage food so we can preserve our Filipino culture but also promote the use of ingredients produced by local farmers. Etag, which is on the list, is an important part of the culture of the Mountain Province especially since it is eaten in all their special occasions and rituals.”
For many tourists, etag is simply cured and smoked meat. But for others, it is so much more than that. For Malidom, it’s what’s sustaining his family. For the Kankanaey tribe, it’s essential to their history. And for Sagada, it’s part of its cultural identity.
Originally published in F&B Report Vol. 14 No. 4
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Recto assures public: Transfer of PhilHealth’s P20B excess funds legal | Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo @CatilogoIrish | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:10:43 PST | Ralph Recto and PhilHealth logo | FILE / Senate PRIB
Ralph Recto and PhilHealth logo | FILE / Senate PRIB
The Department of Finance (DOF) on Tuesday said that the transfer of PhilHealth’s P20 billion out of P89.9 billion excess funds to the national government was legal.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto assured the public that it was in accordance with Circular No. 003-2024 and will not affect PhilHealth’s financial capacity. It would also not result in a reduction of its health programs.
READ: DOH: Excess PhilHealth funds partly went to health workers’ allowance
“We are also not reducing PhilHealth programs and projects. In fact, the President mentioned yesterday in [his] Sona, there are additional benefits that PhilHealth is doing and will do,” Recto said during the Post-Sona discussions.
The finance chief also emphasized that consultations were conducted with the Good Corporate Governance (GCG), the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), and the Commission on Audit (COA), all of which confirmed the legality of the fund transfer.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth reassures its members that their benefits will remain unaffected and will continue to be expanded and enhanced in line with the benefit plan approved by the PhilHealth Board, which was initiated in 2023.
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VP Duterte: PNP pulls out 75 cops assigned for my security | Zacarian Sarao | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:59:03 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
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) pulled out all 75 members of her security group.
“I confirm that on 22 July 2024, an Order was issued by the Chief of the Philippine National Police relieving all of the 75 PNP Police and Security Group personnel that were previously assigned for my protection,” Duterte’s statement read.
She assured the public that the order would not affect her work.
“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating trabaho upang makapaghatia tayo ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan — lalong-lao na sa mga liblib o underserved communities sa ating bansa,” Duterte said.
(Our work is still ongoing to distribute services to our countrymen — especially to remote or underserved communities in our country.)
“I do hope, however, that with this latest directive of the Chief PNP, we hear less cries from the people regarding the proliferation of drugs in the country, and that even fewer shall fall victim to various criminals,” she added.
PNP chief Rommel Marbil explained that Duterte’s security is no longer under the PNP, but the Presidential Security Command.
He said the withdrawn police officers will instead be used to address the PNP’s shortage of personnel.
“Especially sa NCR (National Capital Region) na kulang kulang ang mga tao natin, we have to…nagbawas po kami ng mga tao na hindi naman nila kailangan,” he added.
(Especially in the NCR where our personnel are not enough, we have to…we have reduced personnel that they don’t need.)
Based on a Commission on Audit report on the Office of the Vice President in 2022, Duterte’s Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group had 433 members.
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Heavy rains trigger flooding in Sorsogon town | Ma. April Mier-Manjares | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:03:23 PST | INQUIRER FILES
INQUIRER FILES
LEGAZPI CITY — Continuous rains brought about by the southwest monsoon triggered flooding in Juban town in Sorsogon province on Tuesday, July 23.
Arvee Lodronio, head of the municipal disaster risk reduction and management, said the villages of Embarcadero and Tinago which are near the coastal areas were flooded due to the heavy rains.
In Grefalda Elementary School in Barangay (village) Tinago, the events for the “Brigada Eskwela,” an annual school maintenance program of the Department of Education, were suspended due to the knee-deep flooding since Monday, July 21.
READ: Things to do when living in hazardous area and rain is heavy
“We cannot start cleaning our area because of the high tide and continuous rains,” said Maribeth Liwanag, the school head, in a phone interview Tuesday.
She said some of the classrooms were also affected by the flooding.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Southern Luzon said in the 8 a.m. bulletin that moderate rains were affecting Masbate, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
READ: Pagasa: Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in Batanes
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Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea decreased – PH Navy | John Eric Mendoza | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:39:23 PST | WPS COMPOSITE IMAGE from Inquirer, AFP, Reuters file photos
WPS COMPOSITE IMAGE from Inquirer, AFP, Reuters file photos
MANILA, Philippines — The number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) decreased from July 16 to 22, the Philippine Navy reported on Tuesday.
According to the Navy, there were 80 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) warships, and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels from July 16 to 22. This was less than the 105 CCC ships, PLA-N warships, and CMM vessels monitored from July 9 to 15.
In the latest monitoring period, seven CMM vessels and three CCG vessels were spotted at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, one of the tension hotspots between Manila and Beijing.
Meanwhile, two PLA-N warships, 14 CMM vessels, and four CCG vessels were seen at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, another major flashpoint of tensions in the WPS.
READ: Bad weather may cause decrease of Chinese militia ships in West PH Sea
Last June 11, Navy spokesperson Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said the presence of the CMM is “dictated” by several factors like weather.
“The weather affects all players and claimant countries, not only China, Vietnam and the Philippines,” he said in a press conference when asked if there is an expected decrease of vessels due to the rainy weather.
READ: Number of China vessels rose slightly in West Philippine Sea
Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines and China reached an “understanding” on the “temporary arrangement” for the rotation and resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
READ: PH, China agreement reached on Ayungin
It came after the June 17 incident at Ayungin Shoal, which saw the most violent actions of CCG 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.
In his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to “find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas … without compromising our position and our principles.”
READ: Marcos: West Philippine Sea not an imagination, it will always be ours
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said he fully supports Marcos.
“With the firm belief that peaceful channels such as dialogue and diplomacy are keys to peacefully resolving disputes, we will continually engage, build partnerships, and seek wider international support for what is rightfully ours,” Brawner’s statement read.
Brawner also enjoined the country’s allies “to make a united stance against those that seek to undermine the [2016] arbitral ruling” that recognized the Philippines’ rights over the WPS.
The WPS is a portion of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. However, China claims almost all of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia.
In 2016, the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines and said China’s claims have no legal basis.
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The landmark ruling stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, a year after its tense standoff with Beijing over the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, whose lagoon the latter now has effective control of.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
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Paris Olympics: In fencing, one PH bet, two athletes to cheer for | Rommel Fuertes Jr. | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:56:00 PST | SCHEDULE: Team Philippines at Paris Olympics 2024 (PH TIME)
Fencing will be quite the sport to monitor for Team Philippines in the Paris Olympics 2024, if only because it had been in the headlines for quite some time.
Team Philippines will field only one athlete in former UAAP and US NCAA standout Samantha Catantan, but there will be two homegrown Filipinos competing in the Olympiad, giving the country two athletes to cheer for.
Team Philippines in Paris Olympics 2024: Meet the athletes
The women’s foil event, where Samantha Catantan and Maxine Esteban will compete, will be held on July 28 at Grand Palais.
FILE–Team Philippines’ Samantha Catantan reacts after beating Singapore’s Maxine Jie Xin Wong in the women’s epee individual fencing final in the Hanoi SEA Games. (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY / AFP)
Samantha Catantan needed to go through a wild card tournament to book a ticket to the Paris Olympics 2024. The tournament was held for Asian countries with no Olympic qualifiers yet. As a wild card, she will compete with four other qualifiers and the two survivors of that knockout match will advance to the Olympics’ round-of-32.
Paris Olympics 2024: Samantha Catantan faces tall odds, vows to give best
Maxine Esteban, on the other hand, qualified directly into the main bracket through the African championships and is awaiting the final seeding to determine her first-round opponent.
The round-of-32 features reverse-order matchups, with the No. 1 seed battling the No. 32 seed and so on.
While anything is possible, the two clashing in Paris is unlikely given the tournament format.
Two competitors battle on a piste, a playing area 14 meters long and 1.5-m wide, and try to score by striking their opponent in valid target areas of the body.
The rules differ in the weapons used. In this case, there are foil, épée and sabre. Catantan and Esteban will be in the foil event.In épée and foil, fencers score when they successfully spike their opponent with the point of their weapon.
In foil, the target area is only in the torso, shoulders and neck.
Both fencers will be in a race to 15 points or whoever can score more after three three-minute rounds.
Twelve gold medals are up for grabs in the sport of fencing, six each for the men’s and women’s divisions.
There will also be individual and team events; six golds are also divided in each category.
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Lee Kiefer from the United States will be partaking in the women’s foil events. She took home the gold medal in the Tokyo.
No Inna Deriglazova this time. The Russian fencer, who was Kiefer’s Finals rival in Tokyo, won’t be in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Paris Olympics 2024.
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Ejercito back as Senate deputy majority leader | Maila Ager | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:17:28 PST | Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito during the third public hearing on the Jeepney Phase-Out and Assessment of the PUV Modernization Program on July 23, 2024. Public Relations and Information Bureau
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito during the third public hearing on the Jeepney Phase-Out and Assessment of the PUV Modernization Program on July 23, 2024. Public Relations and Information Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – Sen. JV Ejercito is back as deputy majority leader in the Senate.
On Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino’s motion, Ejercito was elected to his old post during Tuesday’s regular session.
Ejercito held the position during the time of then Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
But when Zubiri resigned on May 20, his allies, including Ejercito, followed suit.
Aside from Ejercito, the Senate also elected the new heads of two committees.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go is the new chairman of the Senate committee on youth, which was left vacant following the resignation of Senator Sonny Angara.
Angara is the new secretary of the Department of Education.
Meanwhile, Sen. Mark Villar was elected chairman of the Senate committee on games and amusement.
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Marcos proposes 10 flood control projects worth P500-B by 2037 | INQUIRER.net | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:59:28 PST | MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has proposed the implementation of ten flood control projects from 2024 to 2037.
In the President’s Report to the People released Tuesday, Marcos said these ten projects would cost over P500 billion. These are:
READ: Marcos vows to fix flood control system as La Niña looms
Last May, Marcos promised to fix the country’s flood control system amid the threat of La Niña.
“But of course, in the long-term, ang talagang solusyon diyan is ‘yung flood control. Aayusin natin ‘yung flood control. Gagawin natin irrigation. Magiipon tayo ng tubig para kapag naabutan tayo ng tagtuyo, kagaya ngayon, ay meron tayo pagkukuhaan ng tubig,” Marcos said.
(But of course, in the long term, the real solution to that is flood control. We will fix the flood control. We will do irrigation. We will save water so that when we are hit by drought, like now, we will have a water source.)
READ: Marcos: Cagayan River flood control project to protect 60,000 residents
In his 3rd State of the Nation Address, the President underscored the need for flood control projects and mentioned the flood risk management project in the Cagayan River as one of the government’s solutions to the lasting effects of La Niña.
He noted that more than 5,500 flood projects have already been completed in his administration. — Felice Nafarrete, INQUIRER.net intern
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PVL: Ex-rivals Ces Molina, MJ Perez team up to power Cignal bid | Lance Agcaoili | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:54:39 PST | MJ Perez (15) and Ces Molina team up to carry Cignal past ZUS Coffee in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MJ Perez (15) and Ces Molina team up to carry Cignal past ZUS Coffee in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — After several championship duels in the past, Ces Molina and MJ Perez are finally on the same side leading Cignal in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Molina and Perez clashed in three Philippine Superliga Grand Prix finals from 2017 to 2019 with the Venezuelan leading F2 Logistics to a triumph in their first meeting against Petron, which bounced back in the next two seasons.
Now that they’re together, Molina hopes to bring the HD Spikers back to the finals two years after their breakthrough.
Ces Molina and MJ Perez on teaming up and leading Cignal to a 2-0 record in Pool B. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/6QUt946RUp
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 23, 2024
“Siyempre sobrang happy kasi di ko na kailangan i-receive yung mga palo niya. So yun very inspiring and motivating para sa team malaking bagay na si MJ yung nakuha naming import para makuha na namin yung goal namin this conference,” said Molina. “We’re looking forward din na makapagperform yung team like mataas na level ng volleyball dahil kay MJ.”
Perez is also thrilled to have Molina on her side and playing for former rival coach Shaq Delos Santos.
“She’s a really hard-working person. She’s the more experienced girl in the team so everybody follows her, of course. But it’s nice to be around her and she’s very hardworking,” said Perez.
Perez fired 30 points off 26 attacks, three aces, and a block, while Molina delivered 16 points including four aces to keep Cignal unbeaten in two games in Pool B after beating ZUS Coffee, 25-18, 29-27, 21-25, 25-22, on Tuesday.
Despite an unbeaten start, Molina said Cignal must work on their lapses and provide more support for their import in their upcoming games.
“I think yung one thing na kailangan namin mamindset talaga is to help the team, to help Amiga every game kasi nandito siya to help us pero hindi ibig sabihin na kailangan buhatin niya yung buong team kailangan tulungan namin siya,” said the former Invitational MVP Molina.
“Sa mga skills kailangan namin pumasa ng maganda kasi strong attacker yung import namin so kailangan hindi kami mawawalan ng pasa every game yun yung mga bagay na technically kailangan namin mamaintain.”
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Perez credited her 30-point explosion to her teammates s they eye their third win in Pool B against Capital1 on Saturday.
“I’m here to help my team so of course, I will do my best to do my best performance and help the team as most as I can so this is teamwork. I cannot do 30 points alone,” she said. “I need my teammates. I need everybody helping me. So, I feel like this is not about me scoring about 30 points, this is about my team helping me score these points.”
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Cops shoot dead farmer who attacked them in Leyte | Joey Gabieta | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:42:35 PST | Leyte. INQUIRER FILES
Leyte. INQUIRER FILES
TACLOBAN CITY — Two cops were wounded Monday after a farmer shot them while they were having their lunch at the roof deck of the police station in Poblacion Zone 1, Javier town, Leyte.
The 44-year-old suspect, known as “Ed,” was gunned down by policemen after he launched the sudden attack.
A report from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo town, Leyte, said the suspect suddenly arrived while the policemen were having lunch, seized the service firearm of one of them, and fired at them.
One of the policemen was hit on the chest, while another suffered a gunshot wound on his right lower thigh.
Another policeman, sensing immediate danger to his life, jumped out of the window of the roof deck.
A policeman tried to disarm the suspect but was overpowered, prompting another policeman to shoot the suspect.
The victims and the suspect were quickly rushed to the Javier Municipal Infirmary for immediate medical attention.
However, the suspect was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The injured policemen were referred to the Divine Word Hospital in Tacloban City for treatment.
An investigation is being conducted to unveil the motive behind the attack.
Leyte acting police director Colonel Dionisio Apas Jr. said the suspect went to the police station on the pretense of surrendering after he learned that he had an arrest warrant.
Apas did not disclose why the suspect had an arrest warrant.
“In light of this, I want to assure the public that this incident is isolated, and the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) is actively managing and addressing the situation,” he said.
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“The Leyte PPO reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace and order, with the safety of our officers and the communities we serve as our top priority,” Apas added.
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Teachers to receive P5,000 chalk allowance on July 29, says Angara | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:45:24 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The P5,000 “chalk allowance” for teachers will be released on the opening of classes on Monday, July 29, newly installed Education Secretary Sonny Angara said on Tuesday.
“‘Yung chalk allowance will be released very soon, in time for the opening [of classes]. ’Yun talaga ‘yung timing nun eh.
“Pagka-bukas ng klase, may allowance na si teacher para iyong pangangailangan, iyong pagkukulang doon sa kanyang classroom, pwede niyang punan o dagdagan,” Angara said in an ambush interview after the brigada eskwela at Mataas na Paaralang Neptali A. Gonzales in Mandaluyong City.
(That’s the timing. When classes open, teachers will have an allowance for your needs. Any shortages in their classroom can be filled or supplemented.)
READ: Teachers’ ‘chalk allowance’ raised from P5,000 to P10,000
He noted that the cash allowance will be tax-free, adding that it will increase to P10,000 next year.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law last June a measure that would increase the chalk allowance given to public school teachers to ease the burden of the expenses they incur in their teaching activities.
The law would cover teachers at the basic education level.
Angara, one of the bill’s authors when he was senator, said that the law “results in fewer instances when teachers have to make out-of-pocket expenses in the performance of their duties.”
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Senate shortens work hours on July 23 | Charie Abarca | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:37:37 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Senate shortened the work hours for some of its offices on Tuesday, July 23.
In a letter shared to the media, Senate Secretary Atty. Renato Bantug Jr. said Senate President Francis Escudero instructed that officers and employees who are not assigned specific tasks for the conduct of the plenary session be allowed to go home at 2:30 p.m.
“Personnel of the Office of the Deputy Secretary for Legislation, Office of the Executive Director for Legislation, Philippine Accreditation Bureau, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Maintenance and General Services Bureau, Public Relations and Information Bureau, MDB, Electronic Data Processing and Management Information System Bureau and SMU are not included in the shortened work hours. Senate Proper employees may be allowed to go home at the discretion of their respective principal,” it added.
No other details were provided as to why the working hours were shortened in some of the Senate’s offices.
READ: House suspends session due to bad weather
The chamber’s plenary session, meanwhile, was called to order at 3 p.m. but was adjourned in less than an hour.
Prior to adjournment, Escudero announced the conduct of a caucus between members of the Senate.
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PVL: MJ Perez leads Cignal over ZUS Coffee for 2-0 start | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:41:54 PST | Cignal’s MJ Perez during a game against ZUS Coffee in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Cignal’s MJ Perez during a game against ZUS Coffee in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Venezuelan MJ Perez and Cignal are heating up in the PVL Reinforced Conference after clinching a second straight win on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena.
Perez delivered 30 points from 26 attacks and three aces and a block while also collecting 10 excellent receptions to power the HD Spikers past ZUS Coffee, 25-18, 29-27, 21-25, 25-22, and lift Cignal to a 2-0 start in Pool B.
“Honestly, every match I have to be motivated for my team to of course get our goals,” Perez said. “But we are happy today, we [did] our best even [though] we don’t have our best performance.”
Ces Molina and MJ Perez on teaming up and leading Cignal to a 2-0 record in Pool B. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/6QUt946RUp
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 23, 2024
“Every game is a lesson so we are happy that we win today but we have to keep working,” she added.
Ces Molina helped the HD Spiker reinforcement with 16 points built on 10 kills, four aces and two blocks while Riri Meneses finished with 11 points, four coming from the 12 total blocks of Cignal.
Jackie Acuna also had 11 points as Judith Abil continues to embrace her new role with 10 excellent digs as well as receptions. Gel Cayuna allowed Cignal’s offense to click with 21 excellent sets.
“[The way we are currently playing] feels great but still I have the feeling that we can do more, that this is just the start and we have to keep working more and more harder,” Perez said.
“We are working game-by-game so we need to improve more things in the team, especially our consistency during the game. I am happy, but it’s not enough,” she continued as Cignal committed more than a set worth of errors, 27, but still came home with the win.
The Thunderbelles slid down to its second consecutive loss even as Japanese hitter Asaka Tamaru had a much better performance with 23 points, Gayle Pascual 14 points and Mich Gamit 13.
Ypril Tapia filled in the hole left by Jade Gentapa, who hurt her left knee after an awkward landing in the first set, with nine points. Cloanne Mondonedo set up her teammates with 15 excellent sets.
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“We need to continue having the mindset of helping the team and to help amiga (Perez) every game because she is here to help us but it doesn’t mean that she needs to carry the whole team,” Molina said. “We also need to help her.”
Cignal looks to keep its streak going on Saturday against Capital1 in the same Pasig City venue.
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Team Philippines in Paris Olympics 2024: Meet the athletes | Celest Flores-Colina | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:55:50 PST | Meet the Team Philippines for the Paris Olympics 2024 Summer Games.
SCHEDULE: Team Philippines at Paris Olympics 2024 (PH TIME)
The 22-strong Team Philippines delegation competes in the Paris Olympics 2024 from July 26 to August 11 in Paris, France.
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The Philippines is represented by 22 athletes in nine sports–athletics, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, golf, judo, rowing, swimming, and weightlifting–on the world’s grandest sporting stage.
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The Paris Olympics’ Team Philippines delegation is the biggest the country has sent to the Summer Games since Barcelona 1992. The best-performing Tokyo 2020 contingent–led by first-ever gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz–had 19 athletes.
Here is the list of the Filipino athletes to watch out for in Paris 2024.
Returning for his second straight Olympics stint, EJ Obiena has solidified himself as one of the top contenders for the medal for this year’s Paris Games.
Obiena, who rose to world No. 2 in 2023 behind pole vault’s top athlete Mondo Duplantis, failed to make it to the podium in Tokyo but has since broken records on his way to a historic 6-meter clearance to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024.
Obiena is one of the Philippines’ biggest medal hopes this year.
RELATED STORY: The difference between EJ Obiena and Mondo Duplantis
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Filipino-American Lauren Hoffman is carrying the Philippines’ colors in her first trip to the Olympics.
Hoffman, who became eligible to represent the Philippines in 2023 after switching from the United States, now holds several Philippine track records she achieved within just a span of five months.
She’s looking to give the same energy when she competes in the 400m hurdles in the Paris Olympics 2024.
RELATED STORY: Hoffman keeps Olympics plans humble: Break local record, make semis.
From a virtual unknown, John Cabang Tolentino has impressed since joining the Philippine Athletics radar two years ago after the weekly trials.
Now, Cabang, born in Spain to Filipino parents, aims to continue his fine showing in the Paris Olympics 2024 competing in the 110-meter hurdles for the Philippines.
Cabang holds the national record in the event with a clocking of 13.37 seconds.
RELATED STORY: Cabang completes journey from walk-in to the Olympics
Not too long ago, Hergie Bacyadan was making a name for herself in a different sport, but now she has an opportunity to make history for the Philippines in boxing.
Bacyadan, the first Filipino world champion in Vovinam, returned to her roots and is one of five boxers vying for a medal in the Paris Olympics 2024.
The pride of Tabuk, Kalinga shoots for history in the women’s 75-kilogram division.
RELATED STORY: Hergie Bacyadan honors her tribe in quest of boxing gold
Carlo Paalam brought honor to the country with a silver medal that shone like gold in the Tokyo Olympics. He has the opportunity to pull off another historic feat in Paris.
Paalam is even more motivated to get better results this time around, after his arduous journey to the Paris Olympics 2024 where he only secured his ticket to the French capital in the final edition of world boxing qualifiers in June.
The Bukidnon native is competing in a different weight class in France, moving up from flyweight to the 57-kilogram division.
RELATED STORY: Paris Olympics: Carlo Paalam learns to ‘idolize myself’
Nesthy Petecio takes another shot at bringing home a historic Olympic gold medal in boxing, something which eluded her in Tokyo.
Petecio is looking to improve her silver medal into the biggest prize of all against an equally tough field in the Paris Olympics 2024 the women’s 57kg division without the reigning titlist Sena Irie, who has since retired.
The Davao del Sur boxer, though, is keeping things “chill” in her second straight Olympics stint despite the overwhelming pressure that comes along with it.
RELATED STORY: ‘Chill’ Nesthy Petecio chases elusive boxing gold
Eumir Marcial has had quite a start to his professional boxing career at 5-0 with knockouts since his bronze medal finish in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
While there’s a chance Marcial could be turning professional full-time after the Paris Olympics 2024, he will first try to complete his redemption looking for better results in the men’s 80-kilogram division.
Marcial was the first boxer to book his spot in the Paris Games with a silver in the pandemic-delayed Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.
RELATED STORY: Eumir Marcial flaunts deadly form with KO win in homecoming bout
Aira Villegas has reached her dream of competing in the Olympics as she fortifies the five-man strong Philippine boxing team in the Paris Olympics 2024.
The longtime national team member, who credits her brother and fellow boxer Romnick for getting her into the sport, secured her spot in the Summer Games in March.
RELATED STORY: Meet the Philippine boxing team
Carrying overwhelming expectations, Carlos Yulo failed to bring home a medal in Tokyo despite being one of the favorites.
The golden boy of Philippine gymnastics looks to change all that in the Paris Olympics 2024. But he won’t be just going after any color of medal, Yulo has made it clear that he wants the gold.
Yulo, a two-time world champion, is heading into the Paris Games on a roll after winning four gold medals in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan last May.
RELATED STORY: Carlos Yulo, now king of Asia, eyes Paris Olympics throne
Emma Malabuyo is bringing the wealth of experience she got from being a national team member of the United States to her first Olympics appearance, this time carrying the Philippine colors in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Malabuyo is finally making her Summer Games debut, after being part of Team USA’s alternate team in Tokyo. She made an instant impact for the Philippine national team in the 2023 Asian Championships, her first competition since switching eligibilities.
The young gymnast is looking to make her Filipino grandparents proud by representing the country.
Aleah Finnegan became the first Filipino woman gymnast to qualify for the Olympics since 1964 after punching her ticket for the Paris Games through the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
Finnegan previously represented the United States in international competition, even winning the team gold at the 2019 Pan American Games.
When she decided to switch nationalities and start competing for the Philippines, she immediately showed her world-class talent with two gold medals in the 2021 Hanoi Southeast Asian Games.
Levi Ruivivar is the youngest athlete in the Philippine delegation for the Paris Olympics 2024 at 18 years old.
Ruivivar, also a former member of the United States national team, started representing the Philippines in 2023 and got a shot to compete in the Summer Games through the FIG World Cup series.
As one of the country’s top golf bets, Bianca Pagdanganan is participating in her second straight Olympics.
In Tokyo, the then 23-year-old Pagdanganan slid down the table at the end of the four rounds finishing at 43rd, falling to 1-over-par after hitting 285 overall.
Armed with more experience to her name, Pagdanganan looks for a better performance in the golf competition of the Paris Olympics 2024.
RELATED STORY: In her first Olympics, Bianca Pagdanganan relishes representing PH
Dottie Ardina is a seasoned pro golf campaigner who will make her long-overdue stint in the Olympics for the Philippines.
Ardina previously qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games in 2016, but had to put off her appearance due to the Zika virus threat.
Now, the 30-year-old Ardina gets a chance to carry the banner of the Philippines as one of the two golfers in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the country.
Samantha Catantan ended a long drought for the Philippine fencing with her entry to the Paris Olympics 2024.
Catantan punctuated her return from an ACL injury with an emotional win in the Asian and Oceania Olympic Qualification Tournament that sealed her pathway to Paris.
She is the first fencer to compete in the Olympics since Walter Torres in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the first ever Filipino woman fencer to make it to the Summer Games.
RELATED STORY: Samantha Catantan faces tall odds, vows to give best
Kiyomi Watanabe is getting another shot to make a deeper run in the Olympic judo competition after qualifying for the Paris Games.
In Tokyo, Watanabe was among those who carried the fight for the Philippines, but she ended her campaign quickly–in just 38 seconds–after losing to Spain’s Cristina Cabana in the Round of 32.
The Cebu-born Watanabe is the Philippines’ lone judoka in the Paris Olympics after securing one of the two Asian continental quotas.
Jarod Hatch came out of retirement to represent the Philippines again in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, and will now carry the country on a much bigger stage.
Hatch, who owns the national record in the 100m butterfly, secured his trip to the French capital through the universality rule.
Kayla Noelle Sanchez is bringing her Olympics experience as part of the medal-winning Canada national team to the Philippines’ campaign in swimming in the Paris Olympics 2024.
Sanchez got the clearance to represent the country in 2023, and with the IOC waiving her residency requirements, she was able to chase Paris 2024 spots.
Born to Filipino parents, Sanchez caught the attention of Philippine swim officials when she helped Team Canada claim a silver medal in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay and a bronze in the 4x100m medley relay in Tokyo.
Joanie Delgaco is the lone rower from the Philippines who secured a spot for the Paris Olympics, making her stint a historic one.
Delgaco, who is competing in the women’s single sculls, is the first Filipino woman–and just the fourth in all from the country–to ever compete in the rowing competition of the Summer Games.
Rowing is a staple sport in the Olympics, having been part of the program since the 1900s.
RELATED STORY: Giving up volleyball, Joanie Delgaco makes rowing history
Elreen Ando faced the tough task of being in the same weight class as the Philippines’ first and only Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz en route to Paris.
Ando bucked the odds and edged Diaz-Naranjo for the Paris berth in the women’s 59-kilogram division, making Paris her second Summer Games stint.
With the long-time face of the sport not competing, Ando is leading the Team Philippines’ weightlifting delegation in Paris.
RELATED STORY: Elreen Ando’s desire to land Olympic gold fueled by detractors
John Ceniza is making his Olympic debut in the Paris Olympics, leading the new breed of weightlifters from the Philippines.
Ceniza is heading to Paris buoyed by his solid showing in the IWF World Cup, where he finished fourth in the men’s 61-kg division with an impressive total lift of 300kg and impressive performances in 2023.
After his silver finish in the Cambodia SEA Games, Ceniza narrowly missed the podium in the Hangzhou Asian Games by just a kilogram.
Vanessa Sarno has long been tagged as the future of weightlifting in the Philippines–and the heir apparent of Hidilyn Diaz–and her upcoming stint at the Paris Olympics just proves that she fits the bill.
Sarno has been racking up achievements for Team Philippines even before she hit 20 years old, and she is looking to turn heads and make the most out of her first Olympics appearance.
The pride of Bohol, who is also a former Asian Champion, is ranked No. 5 in the world in the women’s 71-kg division.
RELATED STORY: Vanessa Sarno proves skeptics wrong with Paris Olympics slot
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LIST: Diverted flights on July 23 due to Typhoon Carina | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:05:41 PST | FILE PHOTO: Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
FILE PHOTO: Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — At least four flights bound for Manila on Tuesday were diverted to other airports due to hazardous weather conditions brought by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon.
In an advisory, the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) said the following flights were diverted:
Cebu Pacific Air (5J)
AirAsia (Z2)
Malaysia Airlines (MH)
READ: Floods hit roads in Metro Manila – MMDA
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964231/flood-hits-roads-in-metro-manila-mmda
Meanwhile, 14 flights were also canceled by Miaa as of 11:15 a.m. because of the inclement weather conditions.
Based on the 11 a.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Carina slightly intensified as it packed maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness up to 170 kph. The typhoon was last located 320 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.
READ: LIST: Canceled flights on Tuesday, July 23, 2024
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964149/list-canceled-flights-on-tuesday-july-23-2024
Pagasa raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over Batanes towns Itbayat, Basco, Mahateo, Uyagan, and Ivana while TCWS No. 1 was hoisted over the following areas:
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Carina was also enhancing the southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, in other parts of the country, according to Pagasa.
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Missing PMMA cadet found dead due to drowning in Zambales | Joanna Rose Aglibot | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:41:42 PST | The body of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadet who went missing after swimming on a beach in San Narciso town, Zambales was found in nearby Cabangan town on Monday, July 22. | PHOTO: PMMA
The body of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy cadet who went missing after swimming on a beach in San Narciso town, Zambales was found in nearby Cabangan town on Monday, July 22. | PHOTO: PMMA
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — A Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) cadet, who went missing after swimming on a beach, was found dead Monday in Barangay Isidro, Cabangan town, Zambales.
In a statement released Monday night, PMMA confirmed the death of Cadet Egie Pegoro, who drowned after swimming in Barangay La Paz, San Narciso town.
Pegoro and four fellow fourth-class cadets reportedly went swimming around 3 p.m. on July 19 during their official shore leave.
PMMA requested that the uploader take down the video circulating online, which captured the recovery of Pegoro’s body.
The school also asked the public to refrain from sharing it.
“We ask that you consider the emotional impact this has on those close to Midn/4CL Pegoro,” the statement read.
PMMA extended its deepest condolences to Pegoro’s family and friends and urged everyone to respect the privacy of Pegoro’s family.INQ
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CHR: Hold cops in false Quezon buy-bust accountable for man’s death | Dianne Sampang | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:05:55 PST | Commission on Human Rights (CHR). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Commission on Human Rights (CHR). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemned the reported planting of evidence by two Batangas police officers that led to the “unlawful killing” of a man in Quezon province.
CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc said the action of the policemen was a violation of the victim’s right to life. He said the involved police officers must face the “full extent of the law.”
Mst. Sgt. Juan Macaraig and Sgt. Michie Perez from the Batangas Provincial Police Office recently admitted there was no buy-bust operation against Bryan Laresma on May 28, and that they planted pieces of evidence such as money, gun, and “shabu” (slang for crystal meth) on Laresma to imply his involvement in the illegal drug trade.
“The CHR condemns this act as it not only resulted in an unlawful killing but also violated the fundamental right to life of the victim,” Palpal-latoc said in a statement Tuesday.
READ: Cops say no buy-bust happened, admits to planting evidence
“It is imperative that the police officers implicated in this grievous act face the full extent of the law for their actions,” he added.
Macaraig and Perez admitted to planting evidence on Laresma during a hearing of the House committee on public order on July 15. The two police officers were likewise scolded during the public hearing for omitting crucial information from the affidavit of Laresma’s brother, Adrian, that Perez pointed a gun at him and told him to leave.
The CHR said the killing of Laresma is a violation of Articles 10 and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which entitle everyone to a fair trial and the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
READ: Drug war details out: Probe shatters cops ‘nanlaban’ narratives in 52 cases
The human rights body also said the investigation of the Provincial Internal Affairs Services of the Batangas Police Provincial Office should lead to the filing of charges against officers who violated the protocols.
“Ensuring that those responsible are held accountable is crucial in restoring public trust in law enforcement and in preventing future violations,” the CHR stressed.
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MMDA halts operations of Pasig River Ferry due to bad weather | Faith Argosino | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:39:07 PST | Screengrab of a Facebook post of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Pasig River Ferry Service
Screengrab of a Facebook post of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Pasig River Ferry Service
MANILA, Philippines — The operations of all Pasig Ferry stations were suspended on Tuesday due to inclement weather, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
In a Facebook post, MMDA made the announcement advising commuters to stay safe amid heavy rains.
READ: Metro Manila, other areas under ‘Orange’ alert, flood likely – Pagasa
Below is the list of all Pasig Ferry Stations:
Aside from this, classes within Metro Manila were likewise suspended due to heavy rains brought by the effects of Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.
Based on the state weather bureau’s latest report, areas within Metro Manila and nearby provinces were under Orange Rainfall Warning (15 millimeters and 30 mm of rain for the next two hours) and may experience floods.
Carina (International name: Gaemi) was last spotted 320 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, carrying maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness up to 170 kph.
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Donate to Inquirer Foundation Corp. at BDO Current Account No: 007960018860. For inquiries, email [email protected].
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House suspends session due to bad weather | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:55:53 PST | INQUIRER FILES
INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives suspended its session on Tuesday due to inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.
Deputy Majority Leader and Batangas 4th District Rep. Lianda Bolilia moved to suspend the session until 3:00 pm on Wednesday, July 24.
READ: Pagasa: Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in Batanes
Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno approved it.
Earlier at noon, Malacañang suspended work in government and classes at all levels in Metro Manila due to the bad weather.
Work and class suspensions would start at 2 p.m., according to Palace’s Memorandum Circular No. 57 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
READ: Government work, classes in Metro Manila suspended – Malacañang
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Escudero floats possible ban on all forms of gambling, not just Pogos | Maila Ager | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:00:18 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said there is no longer a need to pass a law to institutionalize President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s order banning all Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
If at all, Escudero said a law passed by Congress must cover all forms of gambling in the country and not just Pogos.
In his third State of the Nation address on Monday, Marcos ordered the immediate ban on Pogos.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
His directive does not require an executive order (EO) or a law, according to Escudero.
“No. An order suffices. Hindi EO ang nag-legalize ng Pogo, hindi AO (administrative order) ang nag-legalize ng Pogo, hindi batas ang nag-legalize ng Pogo,” he said in an interview at the Senate on Tuesday.
(An EO did not legalize Pogos, an AO did not legalize Pogos, and a law did not legalize Pogos.)
It was the license issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) that legalized the existence of Pogos, Escudero said.
Therefore, he said, the ban on Pogos only meant revocation of the license granted to these firms.
“Ngayon, kung tatanungin niyo kung bakit hindi kami magpasa ng batas laban sa Pogo? Sa galing ng mga tao sa larangang yan, mag-iimbento palagi ‘yan Pago, Pogo, Pigo (Philippine Inland Gaming Operator),” the Senate leader said.
(Now if you ask why we’re not passing a law against Pogo? With the talent of people in that field, they will always invent Pago, Pogo, Pigo.)
READ: Escudero floats total gambling ban amid Pogo issue: Bakit tayo mamimili lang?
“Sa dulo, kung nais natin ipagbawal ang pasugalan at sugal sa bansa, pwes, ipagbawal na natin lahat at susuporta ako palagi doon. Mapa-Pogo, mapa-Pigo, mapa-casino, e ‘di isabay-sabay na natin kung talagang tingin natin ay nakakasama ‘yan sa ating lipunan at sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
(In the end, if we want to ban gambling and betting in the country, then let’s ban them all, and I will always support that. Whether it’s Pogo, Pigo, or casinos — let’s ban them altogether if we truly believe they are harmful to our society and our fellow citizens.)
When asked then if there should be a law banning all gambling in the country, Escudero answered in the affirmative.
He said there should be a national policy if the intention is to mitigate the harmful effects of gambling.
“Para sa akin, dahil kung hindi, magpapasa lang tayo palagi ng batas kada may maiimbento silang pangalan at panibagong uri at klase ng sugal,” the Senate chief said.
(For me, if we don’t, we will just keep passing laws every time they invent a new name and new type of gambling.)
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NOTE: The English translations in the article were AI-generated.
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Alex Eala soars to career-best in singles and doubles rankings | Lance Agcaoili | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:07:24 PST | Alex Eala jumps to a new career-high WTA ranking following her W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz triumph.–Photo from Rafael Academy
Alex Eala jumps to a new career-high WTA ranking following her W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz triumph.–Photo from Rafael Academy
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala set a new career-high in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings in singles and doubles after her twin championship conquest in the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain last Sunday.
The 19-year-old Eala jumped from her previous singles career-high from world No. 155 to 143 on Monday.
Eala earned her fifth singles championship in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after beating Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva of Andorra in the final, 6-4, 6-4.
She also reached a new career-high of world No. 208 in doubles.
Eala ruled the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz doubles with her French partner Estelle Cascino after beating Lia Karatancheva of Bulgaria and Diana Marcinkevica of Latvia, 6-3, 2-6, 10-4, in the final.
“This win means the world to me, it even made me ugly cry. I am so proud because this represents the culmination of so much hard work. Securing my biggest titles yet in both singles and doubles is a fairytale finish, and I’m overwhelmed with emotion,” Eala wrote on Instagram.
“This will always have a special place in my heart, and I leave here with a pocket full of great memories and the will to work harder.”
It was the Filipino’s third doubles title and second championship with Cascino since ruling the W75 Croissy-Beaubourg in France last March.
Eala won two titles in one tournament for the first time while also securing a maiden $100,000 title run.
The Filipino tennis ace will compete in the WTA Warsaw singles division, facing Isabella Shinikova of Bulgaria in the first round on Tuesday evening.
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Sona 2024 fact check | Cristina Eloisa Baclig, Kurt Dela Peña | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:36:23 PST | PH PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. composite image from Inquirer file photos
MANILA, Philippines—In his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aside from announcing a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), touched on several other topics ranging from agriculture to the upcoming Paris Olympics.
This report by INQFocus fact checks the President’s claims on these topics, as well as his closing remarks, which quoted a prominent English philosopher.
READ: Highlights: Sona 2024
What Marcos said: “Totoo, puwersa ng merkado — sa ating bansa at maging sa buong daigdig — ang siyang nagdidikta ng presyo. Bunsod ito, halimbawa, ng giyera, problema sa supply, at puwersa ng kalikasan, tulad ng El Niño na naranasan din sa ibang bansa.”
Rating: INACCURATE
While market forces made prices higher, a local think tank, Ibon Foundation, previously said that the government should be blamed, too, for the high inflation prints, saying that its interventions have not done a lot to address the problem and assist the poorest of the poor.
GRAPHICS by Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net
The government, last year, also pointed to “smugglers and hoarders” as the “only reason” for the record-high prices, especially of rice.
SOURCE: Ibon Foundation
What Marcos said: “Sa kabila ng mga hamon na ating kinakaharap, nasaksihan natin ang pinakamataas na ani ng palay sa bansa nitong nakalipas na taon. Pumalo ito sa lagpas dalawampung milyong tonelada — ang pinakamataas na ani mula pa noong 1987!”
Rating: CORRECT
Based on data from PSA and DA, last year’s palay output was 1.5 percent higher than 19.76 million MT in 2022. Rice consumption is already at 13.5 million MT but since a 50-day buffer is required, 1.85 million MT more was needed.
SOURCE: Department of Agriculture. GRAPHICS by Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net
What Marcos said: “Lokal na produksyon pa rin ang ating mas bibigyan ng halaga.”
Rating: INCOMPLETE (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Marcos issued EO 62 last month, slashing the tariff on imported rice to 15 percent from 35 percent. While this is seen to bring down retail prices of rice, the reduced tariff is expected to hurt local farmers. Based on data from the Bureau of Plant Industry, 2.17 million MT of imported rice have arrived as of June 6.
SOURCES: Malacañang, Bureau of Plant Industry
What Marcos said: Kaya patuloy nating sinusuportahan ang sektor ng agrikultura, upang mapabilis, mapadali, at mapalakas ang produksyon — mula sa pagpunla, pag-ani at paghuli, hanggang sa pagbiyahe at pagbenta — at upang maiwasan din ang pagkasira ng mga produkto.
Rating: INCOMPLETE (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Neda had said that the government is “working diligently” to assist the agriculture sector, pointing out that from 2022 to 2024, DA’s budget increased by 69 percent. Ibon Foundation pointed out, however, that the sector only grew 1.2 percent since 2022, “not even half of the average since 2001.”
GRAPHICS by Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net
As pointed out by Ibon Foundation, government interventions should be enough to lift farmers, even fisherfolk, from being the poorest sectors of the population at 30 percent and 30.6 percent, respectively.
SOURCES: National Economic Development Authority, Ibon Foundation
What Marcos said: “Nagsilbing kaagapay ng taumbayan ang Kadiwa sa panahon ng mataas ang presyo ng pagkain. Dahil naging epektibo ito, ang mga Kadiwa Centers ay magpapatuloy pa.”
Rating: INCOMPLETE
While Kadiwa Outlets already started selling rice for P29 per kg to the poor, the Federation of Free Farmers had stressed that this would be “hard to sustain” since the government is expected to lose P20 for every kilo of rice that it rolls out to the centers.
What Marcos said: “Matindi ang naging epekto ng dumaang El Niño, lalo na sa mga sakahan. Sa tinamong pinsala mula sa pagkasira ng mga pananim, nagkaroon ng proteksyon ang ating mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng ating binigay na crop insurance. Sa nakalipas na dalawang taon, mahigit siyam na [bilyong] pisong halaga ang naging bayad-pinsala sa mga apektadong magsasaka at mangingisda.”
Rating: CORRECT
As the DA stated last month, Marcos visited several regions across the Philippines to hand over the assistance, which included the over P700 million from the program Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolks, where beneficiaries received P10,000 each.
SOURCE: Department of Agriculture
What Marcos said: “The recently launched “Walang Gutom 2027” will be fully rolled out from the initial two thousand three hundred households, now all the way to three hundred thousand food-poor households across the country by the end of the year. But the program will go on until we feed the one million most food-poor families by 2027.”
Rating: INCOMPLETE (NEEDS CONTEXT)
While the DSWD said that it already started the validation and registration for the program, which will give the beneficiaries P3,000 worth of “food credits,” every month, a former DSWD chief had pointed out that the government has to work to really address the problem.
GRAPHICS by Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net
SOURCE: Department of Social Welfare and Development
What Marcos said: “Our employment rate has increased to 95.9 percent. We also saw a significant increase in high-quality jobs. Underemployment too has decreased from 11.7 percent in May of 2023 to 9.9 percent today. This is our lowest since 2005.
Rating: INCOMPLETE
Ibon Foundation said that jobs are really of lower quality and being reported as “employed” means less and less with regard to livelihood. It said that the “overall problem” is that 32.1 million, or 74 percent of “employment” is “overwhelmingly in poorly-paid no-or-zero-benefit irregular informal work.
GRAPHICS by Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net
SOURCES: Philippine Statistics Authority, Ibon Foundation
What Marcos said: With the noble aim of breaking the cycle of poverty across the country, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has not only consistently accomplished its annual targets- it has also proven its efficacy over the years.
Rating: INCOMPLETE (NEEDS CONTEXT)
While five million households are “active beneficiaries” of 4Ps, there are 19.2 million households without savings as of end 2023. Based on SWS data, 16 million households considered themselves as poor, way higher than 12.9 million households in March.
SOURCES: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Ibon Foundation, Social Weather Stations
What Marcos said: With tripartite consensus, minimum wage levels have been increased in various sectors in all regions, including the BARMM, for workers in private establishments. Makapagdudulot ito ng ginhawa sa mahigit apat na milyong mga kababayan natin at kanilang mga pamilya.
Rating: INACCURATE
The P9,606 average minimum wage for a month, based on data from the National Wages and Productivity Commission, is only 69 percent of the P13,797 poverty threshold set by the government in the first six months of 2023. Meanwhile, the P442 average daily minimum wage is only 37 percent of the P1,210 family living wage as of June 2024, Ibon Foundation said.
What Marcos Jr. said: “Halos dinoble na rin ang diskwento na ibinibigay sa mga PWDs, at sa mga senior citizens na tulad ninyo para sa mga basic necessities at prime commodities.”
Rating: MOSTLY CORRECT (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Last March 21, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Energy (DOE) signed a joint administrative order (JAO) implementing a special discount of five percent on the regular retail price of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) without exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) for Filipino senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“The JAO operationalizes the initiative of Congress under House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to raise the weekly discount to P125 from P65—or a total of P500 per month. This consists of P260,” said the DA in a statement.
“As a result of lifting the value maximum discount, the JAO also raised the total value of goods that could be purchased to P2,500 a week from P1,300 or P10,000 a month from P5,200,” said the DA.
READ MORE: Weekly senior citizen, PWD weekly discount hike JAO signed
While Marcos Jr. was accurate in implying an increase in the weekly discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), his use of the term “doble” (double) to describe the discount might be misleading. This is especially so considering that Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 24-02 explicitly prohibits “double discounts.”
Section 8, “No Double Discount,” of JAO No. 24-02 states: “In the purchase of BNPC which are on promotional discount, the Senior Citizen or Person With Disability can avail of the establishment’s offered discount or the 5% discount provided herein, whichever is higher and more favorable.”
SOURCES: DTI, DA, INQUIRER.NET archive
Marcos Jr. also highlighted key accomplishments across various sectors, including notable developments in the health sector with a focus on PhilHealth’s benefit packages.
What Marcos Jr. said: “Sa PhilHealth naman, dinamihan na ang klase ng generic na gamot na kasama sa benepisyo para sa mga outpatient. Mula sa dalawampu’t isang generic na gamot, ay limampu’t tatlo na. May mga bagong gamot para sa altapresyon, at mayroon na rin para sa nerve pain at sa epileptic seizures.”
Rating: CORRECT
According to PhilHealth’s Circular No. 2023-0029, which outlines the implementing guidelines for the outpatient drug benefit package—known as the PhilHealth Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT)—the package now includes an additional 32 commonly prescribed outpatient medications. This expands the initial coverage of 21 medications under the Konsulta program.
SOURCE: PhilHealth
What Marcos Jr. said: “Bilang tugon sa dumaraming insidente at tumataas na presyo ng pagpapagamot, itinaas na ng Philhealth nang mahigit doble ang mga benepisyo para sa mga malulubhang karamdaman, tulad ng acute stroke at pulmonya. Ang limit na ngayon para sa mga kundisyon na ito ay itinaas na hanggang pitumpu’t anim na libong piso at siyamnapung libong piso.”
Rating: MOSTLY CORRECT (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Last October, PhilHealth approved the increased coverage for high-risk pneumonia, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke.
READ: PhilHealth hikes coverage for high-risk pneumonia, stroke
While Marcos Jr.’s claim about the increase in benefits is accurate, it lacks specific details regarding the types of conditions covered.
The President’s statement did not specify “high-risk” pneumonia but simply mentioned “pneumonia,” which could potentially mislead individuals into thinking that all types of pneumonia are covered at the new higher rate.
A circular released by PhilHealth in November last year clarified that the benefit package specifically covers cases of “high-risk pneumonia.”
The state insurer defined high-risk pneumonia as “a subset of pneumonia cases with a higher likelihood of complications, severe illness, potentially adverse outcomes, or pneumonia-related mortality.”
Marcos Jr. mentioned increased coverage benefits for acute stroke up to PHP 76,000. However, PhilHealth Circular No. 2023-0021 details that the reimbursement amounts for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes differ, with ischemic stroke covered up to PHP 76,000 and hemorrhagic stroke up to PHP 80,000.
PhilHealth explained that ischemic strokes are caused by blood vessel blockages that limit blood supply to the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes result from blood vessel ruptures.
SOURCES PhilHealth, INQUIRER.NET archives
What Marcos Jr. said: “Upang mapa-igting pa ang paglaban natin sa cancer, tinaasan ng PhilHealth nang mahigit isanlibong porsyento ang benepisyo para sa pagpapagamot ng breast cancer. Ang dating limit na isandaang libong piso, ngayon ay ginawa na nating 1.4 million pesos.”
Rating: CORRECT (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Earlier this year, PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. announced a substantial increase in coverage for breast cancer under the state insurer’s “Z Benefits” package, raising the amount from P100,000 to P1.4 million— a 1,300 percent increase.
The PhilHealth board approved the increase in February, and it took effect in March in celebration of National Women’s Month. Besides the increased coverage, the benefit package now includes Stages 0 to 4 of breast cancer and has expanded eligibility criteria, allowing more members, including those already undergoing treatment, to avail of the benefits.
However, it should be noted that as of January 2023, only 18 hospitals nationwide had entered into a contract with PhilHealth to provide specialized care under the Z Benefits package for breast cancer. Only two are located in Metro Manila: East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City and the Philippine General Hospital in Manila.
SOURCES: PhilHealth, INQUIRER.NET archives
What Marcos Jr. said: “Ang benepisyo naman para sa colon cancer ay pinag-ibayo na rin.”
Rating: INCOMPLETE (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Last year, PhilHealth issued Circular No. 2023-005, titled “Z Benefits Package for Colon and Rectal Cancers (Revision 1).” This new circular replaces the previous Circular No. 028-2015 titled “The Z Benefits for Colon and Rectum Cancer.”
Several changes were made to the policies, procedures, and terminologies in the newer circular. However, both versions detailed mostly the same package rates for the Z benefits for colon cancer:
For rectal cancer, the latest circular has streamlined the package rates and no longer differentiates between the use of a linear accelerator and cobalt as modes of radiotherapy. The package rates for rectal cancer under the latest circular are as follows:
An online news report published on February 14 cited Ledesma, who announced that the Z Benefits package for colon and rectal cancers had been recently enhanced.
The PhilHealth president said the improvement will allow patients with metachronous colorectal tumors to re-avail themselves of the package for both colon and rectal cancer, ensuring they receive continued support and coverage.
SOURCE: PhilHealth
What Marcos Jr. said: “PhilHealth has also released this year its mental health benefit package for all its members.”
Rating: CORRECT
Last year, the PhilHealth Board of Directors approved the development of an outpatient benefits package for mental health, including coverage for general and specialized mental health services.
According to Circular No. 2023-0018, the reimbursement rates for the mental health package per patient in a given fiscal year are as follows:
Previously, PhilHealth covered only mental health conditions such as dementia, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders under the Mental and Behavioral Disorders category through inpatient admission case rates, which amounted to PHP 7,800.00.
SOURCE: PhilHealth
What Marcos said: “Sa susunod na taon, ilulunsad naman ng PhilHealth ang benepisyo nito para sa mga batang may kapansanan.”
Rating: INCOMPLETE (NEEDS CONTEXT)
PhilHealth already offers a benefits package for children with disabilities under PhilHealth Circular No. 2017-0029, also known as the “Z Benefit Package for Children with Developmental Disabilities,” published in February 2018.
READ: PhilHealth launches package for disabled kids
The package provides benefits ranging from P3,626 to P 5,276.
GRAPHICS by Ed Lustan / INQUIRER.net
In his Sona, Marcos Jr. did not specify the details of the upcoming benefits package for children with disabilities, nor did he clarify if it would differ from the existing package.
SOURCES: PhilHealth, INQUIRER.NET archives
Public health reform advocates and budget watchdogs questioned Circular No. 003-2024 issued by the Department of Finance (DOF), which directs PhilHealth to remit unused government subsidies amounting to P89.9 billion to the national treasury.
The circular, issued in February, was reportedly in compliance with the 2024 budget law directing the DOF to issue guidelines to implement the collection of unprogrammed appropriations sourced from the fund balances of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs).
READ MORE: Watchdogs question PhilHealth fund transfer
Independent health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon, former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno and Filomeno Sta. Ana III, executive director and cofounder of the local think tank Action for Economic Reforms, warned that the new DOF circular might be a new way for the government to misappropriate funds.
In justifying its action to target PhilHealth’s excess funds, the DOF argued that the state health insurer has accumulated substantial fund balances over the past few years.
“The national government is in a better position to effectively utilize the unused subsidies for programs that directly and immediately benefit the Filipino people while advancing the goals of Universal Health Care,” it noted.
But Leachon, Magno and Sta. Ana stressed that the circular violated Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.
READ MORE: DOH: Excess PhilHealth funds partly went to health workers’ allowance
In September 2023, the personal information of PhilHealth members — including names, addresses, dates of birth, gender, phone numbers, and PhilHealth identification numbers — was compromised after the state insurer’s website and online application were hacked.
READ MORE: PhilHealth: Some members’ data compromised by system breach
The National Privacy Commission (NPC) and cybersecurity experts have described the PhilHealth data leak as staggering, as initial assessments revealed that over 730 gigabytes of data had been compromised.
READ MORE: Leaked Philhealth data ‘staggering,’ says NPC
Earlier this month, PhilHealth admitted that the over 42 million members whose data were compromised in a hacking incident last year have not yet been notified about the extent of the breach.
READ MORE: PhilHealth: 42-M victims of data leak not yet notified of hacking’s extent
What Marcos said: “No guerilla fronts remain active across the country today. Only seven weakened groups remain to be dismantled, and they are the subject of focused operations.”
Rating: INCOMPLETE (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Back in January, Marcos said, too, that there were no longer active guerrilla fronts, but in May, the NTF-Elcac said that there are still two active fronts to be dismantled this year. Out of the original 89 guerrilla fronts in the Philippines, 22 are still existing.
SOURCE: National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
What Marcos said: On the fight against dangerous drugs, our bloodless war on dangerous drugs adheres, and will continue to adhere, to the established “8 Es” of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy. Extermination was never one of them.
Rating: INACCURATE
Based on data from Dahas Project of the University of the Philippines’ Third World Studies Center, there have already been 727 drug-related killings since Marcos took office. At least 359 were recorded in Marcos’ second year alone, with 34.3 percent committed by state agents.
SOURCE: Dahas Project
What Marcos Jr. said: “To the twenty-eight of our finest athletes are competing in Paris now for the glory of the Philippines.”
Rating: INACCURATE
From July 26 to August 11, 22 Filipino athletes will participate in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This marks a century since the Philippines made its Olympic debut.
READ MORE: Paris Olympics
SOURCE: olympics.com (official Olympics website), INQUIRER.NET archive
What Marcos Jr. said: “So, ladies and gentlemen, let me end by recalling the words of a great man: Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
“He is not a good man who, without a protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name.”
READ MORE: TRANSCRIPT: 3rd Sona of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Rating: CORRECT (NEEDS CONTEXT)
Marcos Jr.’s closing statement included an excerpt from a portion of British philosopher John Stuart Mill’s inaugural address at the University of St. Andrews in 1867.
Compared to Marcos Jr.’s quoted version—which focused primarily on the danger of inaction by good people and the moral duty to stand against wrongdoing—the full text of Mill’s address is more extensive and detailed.
The portion from Mill’s original speech discusses the importance of international morality, the need for an informed public opinion, and the vital role of active civic engagement. He emphasized the collective responsibility of individuals to prevent tyranny and uphold justice, highlighting how an informed and engaged populace is essential for a just and noble society.
The passage “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing” from Mill’s speech is often associated with the popular phrase, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” which is frequently attributed to English political philosopher Edmund Burke.
However, David Bromwich, a Sterling Professor of English at Yale University, has stated that this phrase is misattributed, and there is no evidence that Burke actually said it. Additionally, the Oxford Essential Quotations notes that the exact quote cannot be found in Burke’s writings.
SOURCES: Oxford Essential Quotations, Reuters
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Sona 2024: Marcos’ most explosive, emotional yet
TRANSCRIPT: 3rd Sona of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. | Inquirer | https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1964296/sona-2024-fact-check?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2qqlI1rHHE8J2xfp0Dpui1emUDwU-lwHK-FGLrKbIqhTveofEEhkqIc5w_aem_IiyDvEYhowNUhfjjwg52tg | null | null | null | null | null | null |
Kyline Alcantara, Kobe Paras insist they are just ‘great friends’ | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:33:34 PST | Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras | Image: Instagram/@megaentph via @_kokoparas IG story
Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras | Image: Instagram/@megaentph via @_kokoparas IG story
Despite photos of the two of them being sweet to one another, Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras insist that they are only “great friends” for now.
The two walked the recent GMA gala together for the first time and continued to intrigue the netizens about their real status. However, Paras set the record straight: they are friends for now.
“We are great friends. Bakit girlfriend agad? Nagtanong na ba ako? We are just great friends right now, really close friends,” he told GMA News.
In a separate interview, the two answered the things they think the other could not live without.
Alcantara said, “Kobe is not Kobe without basketball and his family.”
Paras responded by saying the Kapuso star is not herself “without her family and acting.” “I feel like Kyline is a phenomenal actress. She’s very ambitious about what she does. I feel like Kyline wouldn’t be Kyline without being a professional actress,” he explained.
In her last interview, Alcantara said that she is currently “enjoying” her single life, describing it as a great experience so far.
Over the last two months, Alcantara and Paras have had a few public sightings that continue to speak for their growing closeness.
Early this month, the two attended the birthday party of their common friend and were seen “so close” with each other in the photos. Alcantara also attended the opening of Paras’ tattoo shop, where the latter was seen plotting a kiss on the actress’ forehead.
The dating rumors between them sprang up in May after eagle-eyed netizens noticed that they were at the same restaurant in Makati at the same time, based on their Instagram posts.
At the end of the month, the basketball player left a hearty-eyed emoji on Alcantara’s photo. He also shared the actress’ image on his Instagram page, along with a white heart emoji.
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In June, the two further went viral after they were spotted walking in a parking lot at BGC hand in hand.
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NHCP welcomes its new chair | No author found | 2024-07-16T21:10:00+00:00 | Regalado Trota Jose, renowned for his expertise in the history and heritage of Philippine churches, has been elected as the new chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
His oath was administered on July 12 by National Museum of the Philippines director general Jeremy Barns.
Jose replaces public historian and curator Lisa Guerrero Nakpil, who served as chair for four months.
Nakpil in turn replaced Cavite history expert Emmanuel Calairo in late March. Calairo served as chair for a year.
In a post following his assumption as chair, NHCP described Jose as “a leading researcher, scholar and educator, playing a pivotal role in modernizing the Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas,” where he served as archivist from 2011 to 2021.
In UST, Jose also taught at the cultural heritage studies program of its graduate school and wrote (and still writes) many journal articles on the history of parishes and churches in the country, particularly the Cagayan Valley Region.
Jose authored many books on history and church heritage, including “Simbahan: Church Art in Colonial Philippines, 1565-1898” (1991); “Impreso: Philippine Imprints 1593-1811” (1993); and “Curas de Almas: A Preliminary Listing of Parishes and Parish Priests in the 19th Century Philippines” (2008).
His recent books are “Simbahán: An Illustrated Guide to 50 of the Philippines’ Must-Visit Catholic Churches” (2021), and “San Sebastian Basilica: Ironclad Faith” (2023), which he coauthored with other heritage specialists, notably, Fernando Zialcita.
He obtained his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 1978 and masters in Philippine Studies from the same university in 1991.
His nine-year stint (1974-1983) as a member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, which is celebrating its 60th year this year, expanded his education in the arts and church history through concerts all over the country and many parts of the world. —CONTRIBUTED
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Pogos must ‘start winding up operations’ – SolGen | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:39:29 PST | POGO WORKERS composite image from Inquirer file and stock photos
POGO WORKERS composite image from Inquirer file and stock photos
MANILA, Philippines — Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday said Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) must now “start winding up operations” as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on all their activities by the end of the year.
Guevarra remarked at a media briefing after the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Commission on Elections. He was asked for his reaction to Marcos’ announcement during his third State of the Nation Address on Monday.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
“We interpret that to mean that no new Pogo operations will be allowed,” Guevarra said.
“I suppose that the appropriate administrative issuance will be made by the Office of the President in order to implement this policy statement,” he added.
READ: PAOCC to build Pogo foreign workers database to aid deportation
Marcos also slammed the “grave abuse and disrespect” that Pogos have brought to the country.
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture, [and] even murder. The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma assured the employees of Pogos that they would be taken care of amid the ban on Pogos.
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Suspension of PUV modernization program urged | Charie Abarca | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:32:06 PST | FILE PHOTO: A streamer at a terminal for jeepneys plying the Paco-Rotunda Nagtahan route in Manila expresses the unyielding position of the local transport association about the government’s PUV modernization program for public utility vehicles, in this photo taken on January 2, 2023. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES
FILE PHOTO: A streamer at a terminal for jeepneys plying the Paco-Rotunda Nagtahan route in Manila expresses the unyielding position of the local transport association about the government’s PUV modernization program for public utility vehicles, in this photo taken on January 2, 2023. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sen. Raffy Tulfo sought the suspension of the controversial PUV Modernization Program until all issues surrounding it were resolved.
The lawmakers aired their stance during the Senate committee on public services’ hearing about the PUV Modernization Act on Tuesday, July 23.
Escudero said he has been objecting to the PUV modernization plan, noting that it was not well-thought-out and would only burden the transport sector.
“Sa halagang P2.5 million kada isa, saan naman kukuha ng pambayad noon ‘yung operator o ‘yung driver? Kahit anong computation ang gawin ninyo, para mabayaran ang buwanang hulog sa isang PUV na P2.5 million ang halaga, kahit magkanda-kuba ang driver, kulang 24 oras na pamamasada para mabayaran ‘yon nang may kita pa rin ang operator at ‘yung driver,” the Senate chief pointed out.
(In the amount of P2.5 million each, where will the operator or the driver get the payment? No matter what calculation you do, to pay the monthly installment on a PUV worth P2.5 million, even if the driver overworks and becomes a hunchback, 24 hours of driving won’t be enough to pay that while the operator and the driver still profit.)
READ: PUV modernization: Filipino jeepneys out, China imports in
Escudero urged Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, to file a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate and calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to temporarily suspend the PUVMP.
“Kaya imbes na panukalang batas o dagdag dito, makakapagpasa tayo agad ng resolusyon expressing the sense of the Senate na hinihiling at ipinapanawagan sa Pangulo na pansamantala munang suspindehin hangga’t hindi nasasagot lahat ng mga katanungan, lahat ng problema, at lahat ng kwestiyong pinansyal kaugnay ng modernisasyong ito,” said Escudero.
(So instead of a bill or an addition to it, we can immediately pass a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that urges and calls on the President to temporarily suspend the program until all the issues, all the problems, questions, financial matters related to this modernization are answered.)
Escudero expressed high hopes regarding the appeal, especially after the President’s explosive State of the Nation Address where he publicly announced the immediate banning of Philippine offshore gaming operators nationwide.
For the Senate chief, Marcos’ decisive order means that he listens and he is sensitive to the pulse and opinion of the people.
READ: PUV modernization: Understanding defiance of operators, drivers
Tulfo received Escudero’s proposal well, agreeing to file such a resolution.
“Definitely, absolutely. Ako po ay maghahain ng resolusyon para suspendihin po itong PUVMP and susuportahan naman po ako ng mga kasamahan ko sa Senado – majority, minority, and even the Senate President – then so be it,” said Tulfo during his panel’s public hearing about the PUV Modernization Act on Tuesday.
(Definitely, absolutely. I will file a resolution to suspend this PUVMP and if my colleagues in the Senate will support me – majority, minority, and even the Senate President – then so be it.)
In return, Escudero said he is willing to help Tulfo get majority signatures should he file the resolution in the coming days.
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The government’s PUV modernization plan seeks to revise the country’s franchising system in a bid to deliver safe and comfortable transport.
Despite apprehensions publicly aired by the transport sector, Marcos earlier maintained that no driver would “lose their job and livelihood” under the PUVMP.
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Saving Paete church | No author found | 2024-07-15T07:07:00+00:00 | On April 22, 2019, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Zambales and neighboring provinces, damaging heritage buildings such as the Santa Catalina de Siena Church of Porac in Pampanga, which suffered cracks and a collapsed belfry.
The damaged belfry’s fourth tier and dome were made of concrete, thus imposing a heavy load on the adobe structure below.
The Paete church (also known as Santiago Apostol Parish Church) authorities and community are looking to avoid the same architectural flaw, following the observation of cracks and dislodged adobe blocks in the church after the 6.6-magnitude earthquake on July 24, 2021 that struck off Calatagan, Batangas, and was felt in many provinces, including Laguna.
The most likely cause of damage is the cement dome of the belfry, which was added in the 1980s by the then National Historical Institute. Its forerunner, the Philippines Historical Committee, marked the church in 1939.
As the church needs urgent help for the restoration and perhaps the reconstruction of the topmost level of its belfry, the Paete parish established Project Ayukod on Aug. 15, 2021. Local historian John Joven Cajipe said ayukod is the piece of stick used to support an andas (shoulder-borne carriage) when its lifters are at rest.
Last June 10, 10 Paete-native priests, former and current parochial vicars and the Santiago Apostol parish choir held the “Himig ng Pag-asa” concert at the Paete Elementary School to raise funds for the project.
The parish said the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) allowed them to raise funds as the former has no resources for the project. At least P2.5 million is needed for the repair of the church, plus P300,000 for the repair of the church roof, which was affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Jolina” (international name: Conson) on Sept. 8, 2021.
Apart from the concert, Cajipe said other projects to support the restoration include direct solicitations, parish merchandise and the “Alay Parol para sa Kampanaryo” in Christmas 2023. A number of local and international benefactors are also donating to the project.
According to Cajipe, aside from the belfry, the church needs help in its roofing, ceiling, electrical network, water drainage system and aesthetics, and that these need government attention through technical and financial support.
Cajipe, who is also part of the Parish Pastoral Council, said the belfry project is just waiting to collect P1.2 million for the reinforcement work to commence. The quotation and description for the project was provided by the contractor recommended by NHCP.
“We hope that once the fund is completed, our coordination with and the approval of the NHCP of the contractor’s plan will be quick,” he said.
Also needing restoration are four murals inside the church, declared collectively by the National Museum (NM) as a national cultural treasure (NCT) (Sacred Art of the Parish Church of Santiago Apostol) in 2015.
Of these, said Cajipe, only the mural of San Cristobal on wooden panels is going to be restored for now by the NHCP, though the fund granted by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), per NHCP, is still inadequate to restore one painting.
The painting, mishandled during a restoration attempt by local artists about 10 years ago, was executed by local artist Jose Dans around the mid-19th century with another panel painting, “Heaven, Hell and Purgatory.”
The two other paintings inside the church, by unknown artists, depict San Miguel on wood near the altar area, and an indigenous interpretation of San Cristobal on the Gospel side of the church below the choir loft.
Cajipe said the church would like to have a dialogue with both the NCCA and NHCP for them to know the exact figures needed for the entire project. The NM could also help, as it is the agency which declared the four panels as NCT, he added.
“Our desire is to restore the whole church and former convent, now school, which was declared by the NHCP as a national historical site since 1939,” he said.
“Maybe the government agencies can help us start the process by acquiring the ‘as-is plan’ of the church, as this is the first requirement for the restoration project,” he added.
The as-is plan, or properly the as-built plan, is an architectural document showing the existing dimensions and current state of a structure.
Cajipe said the NHCP allowed them to commission the plan from a private architect or engineer, but that they need guidance from the NHCP on “how to make the restoration of the whole church and convent possible.”
Paete’s present church and its convent dates back to the 18th century.
It was repaired in the 19th century, with renovations to its convent done by Fr. Luis de Nambroca, OFM, the parish priest from 1839 to 1843 and 1847. —CONTRIBUTED
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Pathways of Progress for Stronger Japan-Philippines Ties | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:25:00 PST | Ambassador ENDO Kazuya presented his credentials as newly appointed Japanese envoy to the Philippines to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE, 2024
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya presented his credentials as newly appointed Japanese envoy to the Philippines to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE, 2024
Mabuhay! Ako po si Endo Kazuya, maaari n’yo rin akong tawaging “Kuya Kazuya.” I have had the distinct honor of serving as the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines since April this year. While my tour of duty is still unraveling, I have found myself profoundly roused by the dynamic developments in Japan-Philippines relations.
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
Since our two nations became strategic partners in 2011, our relationship has flourished, evolving into a bond of indispensable neighbors across the ocean, united by shared values and key interests. I felt this through all my meetings in the four months since my arrival, including my calls to leaders of this country President Marcos Jr., the Senate President, the House Speaker, and Cabinet Secretaries.
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya with Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez.
The steadfastness of our cooperation is evident. Last year, President Marcos made two visits to Japan and Prime Minister Kishida reciprocated with a historic visit to the Philippines. These visits underscored our robust and expanding partnership. Our bilateral collaboration is extending toward trilateral efforts as the first ever US-Japan-Philippines Summit in Washington, D.C., on April 11 which clearly represented how our cooperation is needed. Together, our three countries were determined to vigorously promote not only security cooperation but also cooperation in the economic field. This extends to the Luzon Economic Corridor, strengthening of supply chains for critical goods like semiconductors and critical minerals, and enhancing ties in the information and communications sector, particularly through Open RAN cooperation. The inaugural steering committee meeting on the Luzon Economic Corridor held on May 21, signifies our commitment to forwarding infrastructure cooperation. Japan’s contribution to the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project further illustrates our dedication to these efforts.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE OF JAPAN, 2023
A 50-year Filipino Dream: PM Kishida explored the site of the Metro Manila Subway Project during this first official visit to the Philippines.
Launching of tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Metro Manila Subway Project © JICA PHILIPPINES
Brand new train sets from the Sumitomo Corporation and J-TREC for the Japan-funded North-South Commuter Railway Project.
And with the memories still fresh, Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko and Defense Minister KIHARA Minoru visited the Philippines and held the 2nd Japan-Philippines 2+2 Meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo and Defense Secretary Teodoro on July 8. Earmarking this pivotal strategic engagement, the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), with the purpose of facilitating the smooth implementation of joint exercises, disaster relief, and other cooperative activities by the two countries, was signed in Malacañang in the presence of President Marcos and is expected to enhance interoperability between the forces of the two countries.
The RAA was signed at the Malacañang Palace after Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko and Defense Minister KIHARA Minoru paid a Courtesy Call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN, 2024
At the Japan-Philippines 2+2 meeting, the four ministers expressed their strong opposition to any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea by force or coercion, shared serious concerns over actions which increase tensions in the region, particularly the recent dangerous activities at Second Thomas Shoal, and concurred to call for the adherence to international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Building on these efforts, we intend to further promote security and defense cooperation between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Japan, Philippines, US, and Canadian Navies participating in the multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Philippines’ EEZ.
State Minister of Defense ONIKI Makoto and Ambassador ENDO Kazuya with officials from the Department of National Defense, including Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., during the handover of the TPS-P14ME Mobile Air Surveillance Radar System.
Since I came to the Philippines, I have been remarkably impressed by one fact: that so many Filipinos visit Japan and enjoy Japanese culture. Between January and May of this year, a record high of about 340,000 Filipinos explored Japan, immersing themselves in its rich culture. With the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan next year, featuring the Philippine Pavilion, we hope that Filipinos will continue to experience Japan’s diverse attractions.
Japan Airlines’ Myaku-Myaku Jet at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in celebration of the 2025 Japan International Exposition.
I am also looking forward to visiting the different regions of the Philippines myself. In my tour of the Philippines so far, I have visited Bataan Province in April to attend the 82nd “Day of Valor” commemoration, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in June, and Cebu in July to attend the opening ceremony of the Taiheiyo Cement’s new plant. In the BARMM, I was able to have fruitful discussions with local officials on issues such as the efforts of the Bangsamoro Parliament to consolidate democracy and the achievements of the peace process, as well as its future challenges, while in Cebu, I explored possibilities for how Japan can best develop its relationship with Cebu. I look forward to visiting more areas of the Philippines in the future.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR STRONGER FRIENDSHIP: Ambassador ENDO attends the inauguration of a Japanese company’s new cement production line in San Fernando, Cebu
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya together with Consul General MATSUO Hideaki of the Consulate General in Cebu pays courtesy call on Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya with officials from the Bangsamoro Parliament
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya at the handover ceremony for the Project on Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
Just as the Philippines has been eyeing Japan for collaborative ventures, Japan has been keeping an equally keen eye out for business opportunities in the Philippines. At present, UNIQLO has the largest number of stores in the Philippines among Southeast Asian countries, and Nitori, which opened in the Mitsukoshi BGC this April, is also set to attract many customers. In addition, the Hankyu Corporation will be participating in the operation and maintenance of the LRT Line 1 in cooperation with JICA, which is expected to further cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in the railroad sector. It is also worth mentioning that Japanese companies are also participating in the MRT Line 3 project, the very line that Minister Kamikawa performed a test ride on during her visit last month.
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya at the opening of Japanese furniture giant NITORI in Mitsukoshi BGC.
With the support of Marubeni and JICA, Maynilad has achieved the Parañaque New Water Treatment Plant which is the first in Asia to produce drinkable water after proper sewage treatment. ©JICA PHILIPPINES
Japan/JICA supports LRT1 south extension to Parañaque, scheduled by the end of this year. ©JICA PHILIPPINES
Culturally, it is heartening to see Japanese anime captivating Filipino audiences. Throughout the year, events inspired by the cultural phenomenon are being held with hundreds of participants. While modern Japanese culture thrives, our traditional Japanese culture also holds a unique appeal that I feel is deserving of further introduction. On July 3, I attended the opening event of the Japan Foundation’s “Yakishime: Earth Metamorphosis” exhibition celebrating Yakishime, a traditional art form developed in Japan since the 12th century in which clay is molded under intense heat to produce exquisite ceramics. Such elegantly crafted Yakishime are currently on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC until July 31, which I encourage all to visit, enjoy, and experience.
Ambassador ENDO Kazuya and Madame ENDO Akiko at the opening reception of “YAKISHIME – Earth Metamorphosis” exhibit by the Japan Foundation Manila.
Crowd favorite Team Japan versus reigning Olympic champion Team France at the 2024 Volleyball Nations League
The power of sports continues to unite our nations. In the men’s Volleyball Nations League held in Manila last June, the Japanese team performed remarkably thanks to the tremendous support of the Filipino fans. In women’s golf, Ms. SASO Yuka, who is Filipino-Japanese, won the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship for the second time. I would like to take this time to congratulate Ms. SASO Yuka for achieving such an exceptional feat.
A Musical Synergy: The Japan Air Self-Defense Force Central Band and the Philippine Air Force String Ensemble join together for a unique musical collaboration featuring medleys of Filipino and Japanese hits.
In two years’ time, Japan and the Philippines will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1956. Inspired by this upcoming milestone, I am determined to continue to promote Japan-Philippines relations in a wide range of fields.
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Paulina Sotto on separation from husband: ‘The last thing I ever wanted’ | Anne Pasajol | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:26:27 PST | Paulina Sotto and her husband Jed Llanes with their daughter Sachi. Image: Instagram/@paulinavls
Paulina Sotto and her husband Jed Llanes with their daughter Sachi. Image: Instagram/@paulinavls
Paulina Sotto spoke about her separation from her husband Jed Llanes, saying it was not what she wanted but that some things “cannot be undone.”
Paulina, the daughter of Vic Sotto and former actress Angela Luz, confirmed through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, July 23, that she and Llanes had indeed parted ways.
Her clarification came days after she declared she is “navigating a new life chapter as a single mom.”
“To clear out any confusion, yes, we are separated,” she said in her recent post. “This is the last thing I ever wanted for our family, but there are things that cannot be undone.”
While Paulina did not expound on the reason behind the separation, she expressed her gratitude for the support she has been receiving.
“Very thankful for all the love and support,” she stated.
Image: Instagram/@paulinavls
Paulina revealed being a single parent last July 17, saying that life goes on despite the “crazy last few weeks with lots of ups and downs.”
“Thankful for what the past 10 years have given me—my beautiful daughter. Now on to better things,” she added.
Paulina and Llanes got married on New Year’s Day of 2017 in Nasugbu, Batangas. The former couple then welcomed their daughter Sachi in September 2020.
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Total Pogo ban bill needed, Romualdez tells lawmakers | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:50:18 PST | POGO WORKERS composite image from Inquirer file and stock photos
POGO WORKERS composite image from Inquirer file and stock photos
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has asked lawmakers to quickly craft a bill seeking to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned it during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).
In a statement on Tuesday, Romualdez said he convened a meeting “immediately after the Sona” on Monday.
“I met with House leaders and top Secretariat officials last night in my office. I asked them to come up with a proposed legislative measure that will put to a halt all Pogo operations in the country effective December 2024 as ordered by the President,” he said.
“This, however, will not stop the ongoing House investigation into the criminal and other illegal activities linked to Pogo. Hopefully, the House can learn from the hearings — on their modus operandi and the brains behind these activities — as part of inputs for the proposed measure that we will be crafting,” he added.
According to Romualdez, the House Secretariat officials informed him that there are several bills and resolutions seeking to ban Pogos. Among these are House Bill (HB) No. 5082 from Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. and HB No. 10525 from ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel.
READ: House bill filed to ban Pogos, revoke licenses
READ: POGOs must go amid links to criminal activities — Rep. Abante
The following resolutions also seek to ban Pogos:
Romualdez said these bills must be harmonized into one substitute bill that is “acceptable to all stakeholders who participated in the committee hearings.”
“I am requesting all the committee chairs concerned to give this a priority. For the House Committee on Public Order and [Safety] to submit a comprehensive report and recommendations to the Committee on Games and Amusement as soon as possible. And for the House Committee on Games and Amusements to come up with a committee report for immediate plenary deliberation,” the Speaker said.
“I want all bases in the total Pogo ban covered in the proposed measure. We have to ensure that the operators will not just resort to guerrilla operators or go undercover. The law must be crafted with iron-clad provisions to prevent a resurrection of these criminal and illegal activities,” he added.
Marcos received a standing ovation after he announced a ban on all Pogos, citing the problems that these have brought to the Philippines like rising crime rates.
The President also instructed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation “to wind down and cease the operations of Pogos by the end of the year.”
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
According to Romualdez, a law is still needed despite Marcos’ order, so that the ban on Pogos will extend beyond Marcos’ term.
“We want this to become a legacy of President Marcos. We will ensure that syndicated criminals can no longer move using Pogos and we will hold the masterminds and the leaders of the syndicate accountable,” the Speaker said.
Marcos’ call for a total ban on Pogos drew cheers even from the opposition.
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READ: Lagman says Marcos’ Sona well-delivered but lacks key details
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Metro Manila, other areas under ‘Orange’ alert, flood likely – Pagasa | John Eric Mendoza | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:48:38 PST | Weather satellite image from Pagasa
Weather satellite image from Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila and other areas nearby were under Orange Rainfall Warning and may experience floods on Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
As of 2:00 p.m., Pagasa said the southwest monsoon, which is locally called habagat. was affecting Metro Manila, Cavite, Bataan, and Zambales, as well as parts of Batangas such as the towns of Tuy, Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, and Balayan.
Areas under the Orange Rainfall Warning will receive between 15 millimeters (mm) and 30 mm of rain for the next two hours, according to the state weather agency. Severe rains, flooding, and landslides may occur in areas under the Orange Rainfall Warning.
READ: Government work, classes in Metro Manila suspended – Malacañang
A Yellow Rainfall Warning, meanwhile, was raised over Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, and the rest of Batangas, Pagasa noted, adding that flooding is possible in low-lying areas of these provinces.
Places under the Yellow Rainfall Warning will experience between 7.5 mm and 15 mm of rain within an hour which may continue in the next two hours.
According to Pagasa’s 11 a.m. bulletin, Typhoon Carina (International name: Gaemi) slightly intensified and continued to boost the southwest monsoon.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
The typhoon was last located 320 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness up to 170 kph.
Pagasa placed Batanes towns Itbayat, Basco, Mahateo, Uyagan, and Ivana under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2. It also raised TCWS No. 1 over the following areas:
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Baron Geisler on Nadia Montenegro publicly alluding to him: Di ko maintindihan bakit | Anne Pasajol | Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:45:31 PST | Baron Geisler and Nadia Montenegro. Image: Instagram/@baron.geisler, @officialnadiam
Baron Geisler and Nadia Montenegro. Image: Instagram/@baron.geisler, @officialnadiam
While Baron Geisler was reserved in reacting to Nadia Montenegro’s supposed tirades against him, the actor admitted that he had no idea why the latter had to speak about such matters publicly.
It can be noted that Montenegro earlier revealed in an interview with broadcaster Julius Babao that her late husband, Macario “Boy” Asistio Jr., is not the biological father of her youngest daughter Sophia.
Montenegro didn’t name outright who Sophia’s biological father is, but the actress seemingly took a swipe at Geisler—whose photo was flashed during the interview—and his earlier child revelation “for views.”
Geisler was asked about his reaction to Montenegro’s statement during a private screening of his film “Moro” last July 15.
“I have no comment. Ang akin lang, I’m really happy that she greeted—Sophia greeted, or the child greeted my wife a happy birthday,” the actor told some members of the media, referring to Jamie Evangelista who recently celebrated her birthday.
“I would say na I’m very happy where I am right now. With Ms. Nadia Montenegro, I have no comments about that, sa sinabi niya,” he added.
When asked if he was curious as to why Montenegro had to mention such matters on a public platform, Geisler replied, “I really don’t know. Maybe it’s for netizens to find out or to observe na lang why—kasi kahit ako hindi ko naintindihan kung bakit, e.”
Geisler then shifted the topic of the interview and spoke about the Brillante Mendoza-helmed film.
It was in March that Geisler revealed that he has another child aside from Tali, his daughter with Evangelista.
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LP lauds Marcos’ Sona, but will ‘watch on the promises’ | Gabriel Pabico Lalu | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:21:00 PST | Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — The Liberal Party (LP) has lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), but the opposition group said it would continue to monitor whether his promises would be fulfilled.
In a statement sent out by LP spokesperson and former Senator Leila de Lima late Monday night, the party said Marcos’ promises were a welcome development, especially since they have advocated for the banning of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and a firm stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“The Liberal Party wholeheartedly accepts the announcement of President Bongbong Marcos in his Sona about banning Pogos within our territory. It has been a stand of the party since the administration of Rodrigo Duterte. Regarding this, we congratulate Senator Risa Hontiveros for her fearless and tireless work in revealing the problems brought by Pogos into the country,” it said.
“The party also aligns itself with the position of President Marcos regarding the topic of the West Philippine Sea: This is ours, and it is only correct that we insist on international laws and agreements so that we can get a peaceful resolution,” it added.
According to the LP, they “will continue to watch on the promises of change, and will continue to advocate for issues where the government’s response is lacking.”
Marcos drew standing ovations after he announced a ban on all Pogos and said that the Philippines’ ownership of the WPS is not an imagination.
READ: Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’
READ: Marcos: West Philippine Sea not an imagination, it will always be ours
LP president and Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman acknowledged that Marcos’ Sona was well-delivered, but he said that key details on how the President will implement programs are lacking.
READ: Lagman says Marcos’ Sona well-delivered but lacks key details
On economy
LP also said that Marcos started his Sona on the right foot as he acknowledged the problems faced by Filipinos, like the rising prices of basic goods.
READ: Sona 2024: Marcos admits economic gains mean little with high prices
However, the party agreed with Lagman’s view that details on how to improve the country’s standing on different facets were not provided.
“We also acknowledge the solutions presented by President Marcos regarding the crises in the country. But we just ask that there would be a clearer explanation on where the funds for the infrastructure projects will be sourced from, especially since we come from an administration that explicitly spent public funds, and relied heavily on loans,” LP said.
“There are interventions that clearly need additional action. For example, in responding to the education crisis because it has been proven several times that our students have been left behind. Smuggling and corruption were also mentioned, but what is the solution that addresses this problem? The bloodless drug war is commendable but how about justice for extrajudicial killings victims?” the party asked.
According to the party, there must be a plan on how to improve the Philippines’ economic standing to turn the country into an attractive investment hub.
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“Regarding the economy, it is not enough for us to focus only on first-aid solutions for industries. There should be a plan to ensure the growth of businesses, and to assist enterprises affected by rising prices of goods,” LP added.
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How MSJO won gold—and a case for Filipino musicality | No author found | 2024-07-14T07:07:00+00:00 | With all the whooping and hugging and shaking hands to celebrate the gold prize victory at the 13th Bratislava International Youth Music Festival—well deserved at that—I had a chance to see the full concert competition among the various orchestras coming from other parts of Europe, the United States and as far as Australia.
The concert hall had very good acoustics so it wasn’t difficult splitting the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. Here are my observations on why the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) handily won the coveted gold prize.
They were truly a cut above the competition. An orchestra with a “high school” designation carries often—and mistakenly—the stereotype of instruments lacking proper tuning, or, in some cases, the squeaking, off-kilter, blackboard screech that befalls many a high school band.
There were sadly a few of the competing orchestras that committed such sound infractions that immediately deducted winning points.
MSJO had none of the missteps. The music they played had a maturity so vastly above the rest. There were complex divergences between the strings which could have merited a renegade squeal, but the orchestra stayed the course masterfully.
There were many moments when the orchestra dialed their volume down to a whisper and then, slowly but surely, swelling up again. I failed to hear any modulation from the other orchestras.
The choice of repertoire impacts the decision to award the best. The competing orchestras had some good choices, but in a few instances I noted what I call “mental music,” a melange of jagged notes that earmark the west’s existential anguish. For the MSJO, they remained in the realm of the romantic, lush and sweeping music that immediately enthralled audience and judges alike. Our Filipino composers were sentimental in their compositions, and the universality of affectionate and sweet tones, so characteristically Filipino, so exquisitely performed by our youthful orchestra, brought the audience to standing ovations.
I’ve witnessed many an orchestra performance in the west where the musicians for the most part are steadfastly attached to their seats but play the most divine interludes. The emotional and energetic play of hands and body in a few cases belong solely to the conductors. Think Seiji Ozawa.
The MSJO bucks the staidness of stiff western-style decorum. It may seem a bit annoying for the western concert viewer to see the orchestra in various degrees of swaying to their playing. From a distance, one sees the orchestra as one body writhing in sensuality and harmony with the pieces played. The musicians not only play excellently but their bodies have become captives to, extensions of, their playing.
I try to demur from wildly raising our flag or lustily singing our anthem in moments like this when national pride goes to the forefront given the moment. But this time I fail to hide my sentiment given what I have just witnessed. MSJO has proven how musically gifted we are as a people, something inborn in our DNA.
Hooray for Filipino music! I burst with pride, thanks to the MSJO. —CONTRIBUTED INQ
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SONA 2024 fashion: A spotlight on the Filipino designers | No author found | 2024-07-22T13:00:44+00:00 | While the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an official ceremony meant to serve as an update on the country’s current situation, the red carpet has become something of a showcase for Filipino fashion.
This year’s SONA has been dubbed the “biggest in Philippine history” based on confirmed attendees, with not just lawmakers and governing figures, but also their wives and a few celebrities.
However, the year’s SONA came with stricter guidelines. House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco emphasized that outfits with derogatory or political messages were banned. “This is a formal event. We will be very strict in the expression of protest in a SONA outfit,” citing the example that a jeep illustration for example would be permissible but a flat-out slogan such as “No to jeepney modernization” would not be allowed.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. set the tone of the affairs, wearing a neutral, no-designer Barong Tagalog crafted by artisans from Lucban, Taal, and Aklan.
While the outfits are many, several ensembles captured the attention and showcased the talent of Filipino designers.
READ MORE: 9 takeaways from SONA 2024
As the wife of Senate President Chiz Escudero and head of the Senate Spouses Foundation, Heart Evangelista’s SONA outfits always draw attention.
This year, she continued to opt for all-white ensembles, now by Michael Leyva. The designs take a more tailored and understated approach compared to previous years.
Fashion designer Leyva was also busy this SONA 2024, designing ternos for several attendees, including Laguna Congresswoman Marlyn Alonte, Marikina Congresswoman Stella Quimbo, Special Envoy to the UAE Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, and Office of the President staff Dina Arroyo Tantoco.
READ MORE: SONA look back: A decade of Heart Evangelista’s iconic white outfits
Senator Hontiveros, a long-time supporter of Joel Acebuche’s designs, wore a more traditional outfit featuring a hand-embroidered piña bodice. She accessorized with a knit rainbow pin supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, complemented with shoes from the century-old Marikina shoemaker Zapateria.
On her Instagram post, Senator Hontiveros writes, “Tara, magtrabaho na tayo!”
Marga Nograles, COO of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board, wore a Puey Quiñones gown adorned with sheer circular details. She paired it with a necklace with a tambourine from her mother, reinvented with seed pearls by Filipino jewelry designer Oskar Atendido.
A post shared by Emmeline Aglipay Villar (@emaglipayvillar)
Emmeline Aglipay-Villar turned heads in a Mark Bumgarner creation featuring a dramatic silhouette in indigo blue with a satiny material. The ensemble was complemented by Riqueza Jewellery and a bag from Valdes Designs.
READ MORE: Emmeline Aglipay-Villar on finding and giving second chances
A post shared by Jo Rubio (@jorubio_)
Manila’s first female mayor, Honey Lacuna, wore a black terno by Jo Rubio. The dress featured dramatic black and gold hand-beaded embellishments inspired by the gold jewelry of Ongpin, paying homage to early Filipino-Chinese merchants.
A post shared by Roko Arceo (@rokoarceo)
Pangasinan Congressman Toff De Venecia, known for his support of creative and artistic industries, wore a daring bangus-inspired barong jacket by Randolf Clothing for the opening of Congress.
A post shared by Loren Legarda (@iamlorenlegarda)
Senator Loren Legarda, a consistent advocate for Indigenous peoples’ rights and culture, wore an ensemble featuring an Aklan piña barong top and patadyong wrap-around skirt from Antique, created in collaboration with designer Puey Quiñones.
She wrote on her Instagram, “I decided to wear my beloved patadyong as part of my #OOTD to stress the importance of supporting local fabrics in the country.”
Senator Nancy Binay’s terno by Randy Ortiz showcased a bodice with calado patterns and vintage beadwork, with fabric handloom-woven by Aklan artisans. Prior to the 2024 SONA, she posted throwbacks of previous fashion looks and sneak peeks of the designs, building excitement for the dress.
A post shared by Imee Marcos (@officialimeemarcos)
Known for her more daring style choices, Senator Imee Marcos wore a gown inspired by Fernando Amorsolo’s “Planting Rice” painting for the opening of Congress. She did not credit the designer in her IG posts.
She later donned a Moro warrior-inspired outfit for the SONA red carpet, accompanied by her son Borgy Manotoc.
In every SONA, there is the occasional design that shows Mindanao representation in reworking the classic Filipiniana. Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman paid tribute to her Mindanao heritage with a royal purple and gold dress that reimagines traditional weaves, designed by Avel Bacudio.
Follow Inquirer.net’s live SONA coverage here.
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Government work, classes in Metro Manila suspended – Malacañang | Zacarian Sarao | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:04:49 PST | Malacañang suspends government work and classes at all levels in Metro Manila on Tuesday afternoon (July 23, 2022) as rains continue due to the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon. INQUIRER FILES
Malacañang suspends government work and classes at all levels in Metro Manila on Tuesday afternoon (July 23, 2022) as rains continue due to the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Work in government and classes at all levels in Metro Manila were ordered suspended by Malacañang on Tuesday afternoon, as rains continue due to the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon.
The government work and class suspensions will start at 2 p.m., according to Palace’s Memorandum Circular No. 57 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
READ: #WalangPasok: Class suspensions for Tuesday, July 23
“In view of the continuous rainfall brought about by the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon ‘Carina,’ work in government offices and classes at all levels in the National Capital Region are hereby suspended at 02:00 p.m. today, 23 July 2024,” the memorandum reads.
“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” it also states.
As for the suspension of work in the private sector, Malacañang said it shall be subject to the discretion of respective companies.
Memorandum Circular No. 57
Gutter-deep floods hit some roads in Metro Manila as of Tuesday noon amid persistent rains, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
Based on the 11 a.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Typhoon Carina (International name: Gaemi) slightly intensified as it packed maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness up to 170 kph.
Carina was last located 320 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina
Pagasa raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over Batanes towns Itbayat, Basco, Mahateo, Uyagan, and Ivana and TCWS No. 1 over the following areas:
The state weather agency also said that Carina was boosting the prevailing southwest monsoon, locally termed habagat, in other parts of the country.
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Pagasa said the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon is anticipated to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon until Thursday, July 25.
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Jones Cup MVP Chris McCullough hits back at game-fixing claims | Rommel Fuertes Jr. | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:31:36 PST | Strong Group’s Chris McCullough receives his Jones Cup MVP award.–SGA PHOTO
Strong Group’s Chris McCullough receives his Jones Cup MVP award.–SGA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—American forward Chris McCullough clapped back at accusations about game-fixing in Strong Group Athletics’ championship-clinching win over Chinese Taipei-A in the 43rd William Jones Cup last Sunday.
McCullough caught flak after playing his worst game of the Jones Cup in the finale where he had just 12 points and five rebounds and fouled out with still two minutes left in overtime.
The former San Miguel Beermen import in the PBA admitted he wasn’t in his usual element in the title game but described the game-fixing allegations as “ridiculous.”
“I always rep the flag wherever I played so for some of you fans who’re saying all of this nonsense is ridiculous. [Just] because I didn’t have the best game in a championship game now I fix games? Come on now,” wrote McCullough on X.
“It happens and it is what it is. It’s always the next man up.”
Fortunately for Strong Group, McCullough’s fellow American reinforcement Tajuan Agee stepped up and carried the Philippine side’s 83-79 squeaker with 21 points and nine rebounds.
“T stepped up big tonight! That’s ‘next man up mentally,’ he picked up my slack and got the job done!” McCullough said.
Still, one bad game didn’t change the fact that McCullough was Strong Group’s biggest star. He led the Strong Group’s 8-0 sweep, averaging 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks and was hailed as the tournament MVP.
His ejection and his poor showing drew flak online with some netizens accusing the former San Miguel import of selling the game for SGA.
McCullough took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to the bashful comments, saying having a bad game is usual for any basketball player.
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Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s Courtesy Call on President Marcos | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:10:11 PST | Foreign Minister Kamikawa pays a courtesy call on President Marcos
Foreign Minister Kamikawa pays a courtesy call on President Marcos
From 10:05 a.m. local time (11:05 a.m. Japan time) for approximately 35 minutes, Minister Kamikawa, joined by Mr. KIHARA Minoru, Minister of Defense of Japan, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines. The overview is as follows. The courtesy call was also attended by Hon. Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and Hon. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Minister of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines.
1. At the beginning, President Marcos welcomed Minister Kamikawa and Minister Kihara’s visit to the Philippines and stated that he would be pleased to witness the signing of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) today as the agreement is critically important. In response, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan and the Philippines had been making progress in concrete cooperation in a wide range of areas, and that particularly the signing of the RAA is a great achievement. Minister Kamikawa also stated that Japan would like to reinforce coordination with the Philippines under the leadership of President Marcos to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
2. Regarding bilateral relations, Minister Kamikawa expressed her desire to enhance regional deterrence through the transfer of defense equipment and Official Security Assistance (OSA) and to strengthen cooperation in economic security. Minister Kamikawa also stated that Japan would continue to support infrastructure development in the Philippines and expressed her expectation for strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. President Marcos expressed his desire to further deepen bilateral relations and Japan-US-Philippines trilateral cooperation, building on the past achievement of cooperation between the two countries.
3. Ministers and President Marcos exchanged views on regional affairs and response to global issues such as the WPS, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and confirmed that the two countries would work together more closely.
Minister Kamikawa signs Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement.
At 10:45 a.m. local time (11:45 p.m. Japan time), Minister Kamikawa, in the presence of His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, signed the Agreement between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines Concerning the Facilitation of Reciprocal Access and Cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (“the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement,” or “the Japan-Philippines RAA”) with Hon. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Secretary of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. KIHARA Minoru, Minister of Defense of Japan, and Hon. Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.
1. The Japan-Philippines RAA is an agreement which establishes procedures for the cooperative activities that are conducted by forces of Japan and the Philippines while the force of one country is visiting the other country and defines a legal status of the visiting force. The Philippines is the third country with which Japan signed the RAA, following Australia and the United Kingdom.
2. It is expected that the Japan-Philippines RAA will facilitate the implementation of cooperative activities, such as joint exercises and disaster relief between Japan and the Philippines and improve interoperability between the forces of the two countries.
3. As the security environment in the region becomes increasingly severe, the signing of this important security-related agreement with the Philippines, a strategic partner located at a strategic juncture on the sea lanes and sharing fundamental values and principles with Japan, will further promote security and defense cooperation between the two countries and firmly support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Kamikawa offers flowers at Rizal Park.
Prior to the above-mentioned events, from 9:10 a.m. local time (10:10 a.m. Japan time) for approximately 10 minutes, Minister Kamikawa and Mr. KIHARA Minoru, Minister of Defense of Japan, offered flowers at Rizal Park, where a statue of Jose Rizal, a national hero who led the Philippine independence movement, is located.
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8 dead, 1 missing due to Butchoy, Carina – NDRRMC | John Eric Mendoza | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:55:37 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Eight persons were reported dead due to tropical cyclones Butchoy and Carina, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.The NDRRMC said seven deaths have been validated while one is still for validation.
The NDRRMC said seven deaths have been validated while one is still for validation.
Four of the deaths were reported in Zamboanga Peninsula, two in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and one each in Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.
Meanwhile, two were reported injured and one missing in Northern Mindanao.
A total of 866,483 families were affected by the two tropical cyclones.
The NDRRMC pegged damage to agriculture at P8.7 million while damage to infrastructure was estimated at P700,000.
As of Tuesday, Carina slightly intensified as Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over Batanes while nine other areas are under TCWS No. 1.
Butchoy exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday.
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Barbie Forteza rescues Herlene Budol after falling off GMA Gala stage | Evangeline Valderrama | Sun, 21 Jul 2024 20:21:58 PST | Barbie Forteza (left) and Herlene Budol (right). Images from GMA Sparkle IG
Barbie Forteza (left) and Herlene Budol (right). Images from GMA Sparkle IG
Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza may look like a damsel in distress, but in real life, she played knight in shining armor to Herlene Budol after the latter stumbled and fell face-flat while walking the ramp of the GMA Gala 2024, held at the Marriott Grand Hyatt ballroom on Saturday night.
Forteza, who was posing for the cameras just behind Budol, displayed her agility when she came to the rescue of Budol, who was walking on the elevated stage when she appeared to trip over her skintight nude gown.
Like from a movie scene, Forteza immediately ran to the side of the beauty queen-comedienne to help her up, hiking up the skirt of her voluminous Mak Tumang ballgown and as quickly as her platform sandals could carry her.
The incident was captured and shared by social media user @Cordel2022 on X (formerly Twitter).
Barbie Is So Sweet Helping Herlen Budol To Get Up😭
“That Kind Of Love”#Barda #BarbieForteza #DavidLicauco #GMAGala2024 pic.twitter.com/okBVPkjfYx
— Cordelia (@Cordel2022) July 20, 2024
Many internet users praised Forteza for her good deed, saying she is a beauty inside-out.
Screenshot from @Cordel2022 on X
Budol took to her X account to address the incident. “Sa buhay kapag na dapa ka, Bumangon ka. Hangga’t may buhay, may pag asa. Walang susuko para sa Pamilya,” she said as she reposted a video of the incident.
Sa buhay kapag na dapa ka, Bumangon ka. Hangga’t may buhay, may pag asa. Walang susuko para sa Pamilya.#GMAGala2024 🦐🦐🦐 https://t.co/lTMFOqBM4M
— Herlene Hipon Budol (@herlene_budol) July 20, 2024
Budol, meanwhile, lashed at some netizens who even laughed at her after her stumble.
“Pag dapa hindi pinag tatawanan. Accident always happened! Sa palagay nyo ba gusto ko madapa? Lahat ng tao nadadapa, naaksidente, Ang importante safe at di nasugatan,” she further said on X. (When someone falls, people shouldn’t laugh. Accidents always happen. Do you think that I wanted to trip over? All of us sometimes fall, or meet an accident. What’s important is that nobody got hurt.)
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Kim Chiu tears up over question about seeing ex with new GF | Anne Pasajol | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:53:45 PST | Kim Chiu. Image: screengrab from Facebook/It’s Showtime
Kim Chiu. Image: screengrab from Facebook/It’s Showtime
Kim Chiu broke into tears as she responded to a hypothetical question on how she would react if she bumped into her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend.
The TV host – whose breakup with her longtime boyfriend Xian Lim was confirmed last December – was put on the hot seat during an episode of the noontime show “It’s Showtime” on Monday, July 22.
The topic about exes was brought up during the “EXpecially for You” segment when Chiu’s fellow host Vice Ganda asked their co-host Jackie Gonzaga, who also earlier broke up with her longtime boyfriend Tom Doromal, a hypothetical question.
“Kung sakaling meron ka nang boyfriend, sasadyain mo bang makita niya (ex-boyfriend) kayo o kung magkikita kayo, iiwas ka na lang?” Vice Ganda asked.
Gonzaga replied, “Makita at makita mo — ito ‘yun e. Hindi na para magtago. Hello? Pinagdasal ko ‘to. Itatago ko pa ba?”
However, Gonzaga admitted that if she would bump into her ex-boyfriend in her current state and see him with a new girlfriend, she would feel hurt and cry over it.
As Gonzaga turned emotional while answering the questions, a teary-eyed Chiu was watching her. Their fellow hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario noticed this, then turned the attention to Chiu.
Gonzaga willingly obliged to Navarro and Hilario’s teasing remarks and asked Chiu, “Sa estado ng pagkatao mo ngayon, nagkasalubong kayo sa hallway [tapos] kasama na niya ‘yung bago niya, anong gagawin mo?”
Chiu initially laughed it off, then proceeded to answer, “Gano’n naman kasi talaga ang buhay. Hindi naman binibigay ni God ‘yung mga hardest battle niya to his strongest soldiers—Ha! Naiiyak ako!”
“Haharap [ako], syempre!” she continued as she tried to hold back her tears but failed. “Hindi ka dapat tumatalikod sa mga bagay na magpapalakas sa’yo.”
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Chiu then rushed to Gonzaga and the two of them shared a tight hug. Their fellow hosts afterwards commended the two for being strong women.
Meanwhile, Lim is currently dating film producer Iris Lee. He confirmed their dating status last May.
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Veewise duo headed to MPL-PH newbie Aurora Gaming | XC Enriquez | 23/07/2024 | Aurora Gaming unveiled their upcoming debut in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines by teasing part of their roster. MLBB superstar duo Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Rosario, collectively known as “Veewise,” will be part of Aurora’s squad as they enter MPL-PH.
Founded in 2022 in Serbia, Aurora Gaming fields teams across multiple titles, including Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota 2. Following Minana EVOS’ disbanding, Aurora Gaming scooped up the slot.
Both OhMyV33NUS and Wise competed only on two teams sans Aurora: ONIC Philippines and Blacklist International. The duo has been inactive for the past two seasons and recently announced their departure from Blacklist International.
READ: V33Wise confirms departure from BlacklistFEATURED STORIES
Let the Northern Lights guide your way to #MPLPH!Ready for their roster reveal? Mark your calendars as we meet the stars of #AuroraMLBB this July 27, 6PM at PARQAL, Aseana City, Parañaque.#LakasNgPinas #LightsUp #MLBB pic.twitter.com/tfaZigkLPH
While no official announcement has been made, fans are speculating that caster and analyst Caisam “Wolf” Nopueto will be Aurora’s coach heading into MPL-PH Season 14.
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Floods hit roads in Metro Manila – MMDA | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:31:28 PST | Flood hits some roads in Metro Manila amid persistent rains since Tuesday morning (July 23, 2024) due to the effects of Typhoon Carina (International name: Gaemi) and southwest monsoon, locally termed habagat, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). INQUIRER FILES
Flood hits some roads in Metro Manila amid persistent rains since Tuesday morning (July 23, 2024) due to the effects of Typhoon Carina (International name: Gaemi) and southwest monsoon, locally termed habagat, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Gutter-deep floods hit some roads in Metro Manila amid persistent rains since Tuesday morning, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.
Based on the MMDA’s advisory, eight-inch-high floodwaters submerged portions of the following roads as of 11:58 a.m., July 23:
Quezon City
Balintawak northbound (NB) and southbound (SB)
Dario bridge NB
E-Road Araneta NB and SB
Mandaluyong City
Shaw Edsa SB
Caloocan City
McArthur Calle Uno SB
Pasay City
Andrews Tramo intersection
City of Manila
España M. Dela Fuente eastbound and westbound
READ: Pagasa: Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies, Signal No. 2 up in Batanes
According to the 11 a.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Typhoon Carina (International name: Gaemi) slightly intensified as it packed maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness up to 170 kph. The typhoon was last located 320 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.
Pagasa raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over Batanes towns Itbayat, Basco, Mahateo, Uyagan, and Ivana while TCWS No. 1 was declared in the following areas:
READ: Basco and Palanan airports shut down amid stormy weather
Carina was also enhancing the prevailing southwest monsoon, locally termed habagat, in other parts of the country, according to Pagasa.
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The state weather agency said the typhoon-boosted southwest monsoon is anticipated to bring moderate to intense rainfall in the western part of Luzon until Thursday, July 25.
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2 China Coast Guard vessels passed near El Nido, PCG confirms | John Eric Mendoza | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:47:53 PST | This photo shows an aerial view of China Coast Guard vessel inside Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on February 16, 2024. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)
This photo shows an aerial view of China Coast Guard vessel inside Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea on February 16, 2024. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday confirmed that two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships sailed near El Nido, Palawan.
“It’s actually moving and is not stationary,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, in an interview with reporters.
“It did not approach El Nido, it went north again,” Tarriela said.
West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell said the two CCG ships with hull numbers 3015 and 3301 passed about 40 nautical miles from El Nido.
“China sent 2 coast guard ships on an intrusive patrol to assert its sovereignty claims over the West Philippine Sea,” Powell, program head of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation which monitors Chinese vessels activity in South China Sea, said in a post on X on Monday evening.
Meanwhile, Tarriela said CCG 5901 or the so-called “monster ship” remains in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal as of Tuesday.
CCG’s gigantic patrol cutter, which is the largest coast guard vessel in the world, has been deployed off Escoda Shoal since July 3.
BRP Teresa Magbanua was deployed in Escoda Shoal on April 16 to become the longest-deployed PCG asset in the West Philippine Sea following suspected reclamation activities around the shoal.
Tarriela said the enormous ship’s distance from BRP Teresa Magbanua is about 0.57 nautical miles or about one kilometer.
Manila is holding the line in the West Philippine Sea as Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the exclusive economic zone of the country’s western section, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by the arbitral award in July 2016.
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.
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For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
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INQToday: Signal No. 2 in Batanes as Carina slightly intensifies; Guo says sorry to Escudero | INQUIRER.net | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:53:19 PST | Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
The state weather bureau raises Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over several parts of Batanes as Typhoon Carina slightly intensifies.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has committed to act on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s directive banning the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country, which will displace an estimated 42,000 Filipino workers.
Echoing what Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), Pagcor chief Alejandro Tengco said instructions have already been issued to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help affected workers find new jobs before 2025.
The Philippines and the United States are set to conduct a foreign and defense ministerial dialogue, otherwise known as 2+2 on July 30.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the matter in a statement issued to diplomatic beat reporters late Monday night.
Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has apologized to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero over her earlier remarks against some senators.
“Nais ko pong humingi ng paumanhin kung nagkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan kaugnay nga aking mga naging pahayag. Wala po akong intensyon na pagsabihan o diktahan ang Senado kung ano ang mga dapat bigyang prayoridad,” Guo wrote in her letter to Escudero dated July 22.
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Escudero on Alice Guo’s plea: Show up, follow Senate rules first | Maila Ager | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:21:20 PST | Alice Guo —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Alice Guo —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines— Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is not about to give in to suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s requests until she shows up in the Senate and follows its rules.
The Senate has ordered Guo’s arrest following her continued failure to face its probe into the illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
“Bagaman nauunawaan ko yung pang-unawang hinihingi niya, hanggat hindi siya nagpapakita at sumusunod sa Senado ay hindi ko matatanggap ang anumang pakiusap na hinihiling niya dun sa kanyang liham kaugnay hindi lamang sa pag-unawa pero para matulungan din ang kanyang mga kababayaan, dahil meron namang pumalit sa kanya na vice mayor para ipagpatuloy ang trabaho ng pamahalaan sa Bamban,” Escudero said in an interview at the Senate on Tuesday.
(Although I understand the understanding she is asking for, until she shows up and follows the Senate’s rules, I cannot accept any request made in her letter not only for understanding but also to help her constituents, because there is a vice mayor who has taken her place to continue the government’s work in Bamban.)
Escudero was referring to Guo’s letter to him dated July 22.
READ: Alice Guo says sorry to Escudero: No intention to dictate on Senate
In the letter, Guo apologized to Escudero as she earlier questioned why Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, and other offices “seem fixated” on her instead of focusing on “many critical issues” facing the country.
Guo also appealed to the Senate leadership to help her constituents as she could not fulfill her duties while she is suspended.
The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Guo due to the charges lodged against her over her alleged ties to an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator in Bamban. She has repeatedly denied the allegation.
READ: Alice Guo ordered suspended as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac
For Escudero, Guo should face the Senate so the warrant of arrest against her could be lifted.
“Sana payuhan siya ng tama ng kanyang mga abogado na humarap at tapusin na itong yugto na ito sa parte ng Senado para maka-focus at maka-concentrate na siya sa mga kasong kinakahatrap niya sa DOJ (Department of Justice), sa Solgen (Solicitor General at sa Sandiganbayan,” he said.
(She should be properly advised by her lawyers to face and conclude this chapter in the Senate so that she can focus and concentrate on the cases she is facing at the DOJ, with he Solicitor General, and at the Sandiganbayan.)
Escudero reiterated that the Senate could guarantee Guo’s safety should she decide to participate in the probe.
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“Titiyakin namin ang kanyang seguridad at matapos nyang mag-attend at matiyak yung kanyang pagdalo, puwede ng i-lift yung kanyang contempt at kanyang warrant of arrest. Yun naman ang aming igagarantiya sa kanya,” he said.
(We will ensure her security, and once she attends and confirms her attendance, we can lift her contempt and warrant of arrest. That’s our guarantee to her.)
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Filipina actress Bangs Garcia officially becomes British citizen | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Fri, 19 Jul 2024 19:32:03 PST | Bangs Garcia poses with British officials | Image: Instagram/@valeriebangsgarcia
Bangs Garcia poses with British officials | Image: Instagram/@valeriebangsgarcia
Former Filipina actress Bangs Garcia happily announced that she has finally become a British citizen, seven years after marrying her British husband.
Garcia took to Instagram to share a photo of her with British officials holding a piece of paper to prove she has “pledged allegiance” to the United Kingdom.
“A year late, but I’m glad I finally had time to sort out my citizenship this year. I’ve just pledged allegiance to King Charles III and the United Kingdom earlier. Therefore, I’m officially a British citizen today,” she wrote in the caption.
In 2017, Bangs tied the knot with Filipino-British Lloyd Birchmore in a civil ceremony in England, followed by a private church wedding and a beach wedding in Boracay. The couple currently resides in the U.K. with their daughters, Amelia and Isabella.
The couple managed to wow the public and their loved ones after tying the knot three times in three different locations.
READ: Rachel Alejandro gets US citizenship interview
A post shared by Valerie Garcia-Birchmore (@valeriebangsgarcia)
“Finally, the first day to the public as official Mrs. Valerie and Lloyd Birchmore since yesterday was honestly our 3rd wedding already! 1. Civil Wedding in London 2. Church Wedding 3. Beach Wedding! Oopsie hihihi,” the actress wrote at the time.
Garcia rose to fame when she finished as a runner-up in ABS-CBN’s Close-Up to Fame talent search in 2005. In the same year, she landed her first role in “Daddy Di Do Du.” She also auditioned for the sitcom “Let’s Go!” and the first teen edition of “Pinoy Big Brother.”
The now-37-year-old has bagged some accolades in her active years in acting. In 2011, she was awarded Best Supporting Actress in the 2011 PASADO Awards for her performance in the film “Segunda Mano.”
In 2013, she bagged another PASADO award for her portrayal as the titular character in the period drama psychological thriller “Lauriana.”
Some of her acting credits include “Bulong,” “Palos,” “Shake, Rattle & Roll XI,” and the TV shows “Katorse” and “Kambal sa Uma.”
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Nadine Samonte’s stylist speaks out after the actress’ snub at GMA gala | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:02:04 PST | Nadine Samonte | Image: Instagram/@nadinesamonte
Nadine Samonte | Image: Instagram/@nadinesamonte
Nadine Samonte’s stylist, Miss Keith, alleged that the actress was invited to the GMA gala but was “denied” a seat to make way for influencers.
Keith took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her disappointment about how a specific artist was unfairly treated at the recently held GMA gala.
“Treat your artists right. Kahit na di yan prime niyo (even if they’re not your prime artists). Bat kayo magiinvite pero wala pala sa listahan (why invite them in the first place if they are not on the official final guest list). Wag niyo unahin mga influencers na ininvite niyo (don’t prioritize those influencers you invited). So disappointing Sparkle GMA Artist Center #GMAGala2024 CHEAP!” she lamented.
Image: X/@misskeithmanila
Despite not directly naming Samonte, as seen in Keith’s next Instagram story, she shared the Kapuso actress’ Aubrey Hepburn-inspired look at the GMA gala and wrote in the caption, “She deserves a seat at the table.”
Netizens on X started connecting the dots that Samonte was the artist being pertained to who was invited but not included in the guest list, as the latter was seemingly the only artist that Keith styled for the occasion.
INQUIRER.net reached out to Miss Keith for further details about her tweet and has yet to receive a response.
Image: Instagram story/@misskeithmanila
Meanwhile, the 2024 GMA gala witnessed another fashion extravaganza from its homegrown artists as they showed off their best black and white formal ensembles. The occasion was mounted to fund the Kapuso network’s charitable advocacies.
Some of the standouts of the night were primetime queen Marian Rivera, fashion influencer Heart Evangelista, Barbie Forteza, Julie Anne San Jose, Kylie Padilla, and Andrea Torres, among others.
Aside from their stellar looks, unfiltered moments also took center stage on the occasion, particularly Herlene Budol’s stumble while walking the ramp.
Budol took to X to share her reaction to her fall: “Sa buhay, kapag nadapa ka, bumangon ka.”
In a separate post, she stressed that accidents happen: “Pag nadapa hindi pinag tatawanan. Accident always [happens]! Sa palagay niyo ba gusto ko madapa?”
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Why Herlene Budol finds Empoy difficult to work with | Allan Policarpio | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:25:00 PST | Empoy (left) and Herlene Budol pose with trophies from New York Festivals TV and Film Awards. —HERLENE BUDOL/FACEBOOK
Empoy (left) and Herlene Budol pose with trophies from New York Festivals TV and Film Awards. —HERLENE BUDOL/FACEBOOK
Working with Empoy can be challenging, Herlene Budol admitted. But not for reasons one might expect.
It goes without saying that Empoy is an effective comedian—too effective, in fact, that Herlene ends up laughing in scenes where she shouldn’t.
“Ang hirap po niyang katrabaho, sobrang hirap. His facial expressions make me laugh even if we’re doing a heavy scene where I have to cry,” the beauty queen-turned-actress said in recent video conference for the final week of GMA Public Affairs’ “Black Rider.”
In the primetime action series, which ends on July 26, Herlene plays a battered wife named Pretty. She later on finds an admirer in the motorcycle rider Oka (Empoy), who later convinces her to pretend to be his wife to please his dying father. Their relationship eventually blossoms.
READ: Herlene Budol has proven herself in pageantry despite weak English skills, says Wilbert Tolentino
“When I look at him, I can’t help but break character. I become a fan girl. Bata pa lang kasi ako, napapanood ko na ang isang Empoy. His smallest movements and nuances bring out my real personality,” Herlene said.
Their characters’ amusing cat-and-mouse dynamic surprisingly earned them not a few fans who think they have chemistry together.
“In terms of chemistry, our director Rommel Penesa, would tell me, ‘Meron talaga.’ I’d reply, ‘Talaga ba, Direk?’ I just try to enjoy every moment when I’m working with him. Masaya naman po kami kapag naglalandian sa set,” Herlene said with the deadpan humor she’s known for.
Herlene was initially supposed to play a guest character, but the supposed one-day taping became two. Before long, she was a regular cast member. Little did she realize that “Black Rider” would be physically more challenging than the previous show she topbilled, the successful afternoon soap, “Magandang Dilag.”
“I wasn’t used to the kind of acting we did here, all the scenes where I was physically abused. But the shift in my character was a quick one and it had great impact on me,” she said, adding that playing Pretty taught her a lot of new things as an actress.
“You always have to listen intently to the actor you’re doing a scene with. You have to be focused, because it’s hard delivering your lines, pouring out your emotions while trying to remember your blocking. There are a lot of cues, it’s like you’re dancing … Mahirap na sabay-sabay,” she related.
Thankfully, her more experienced costars, like Rio Locsin and Aleck Bovick, are always there for support.
“With Ate Aleck (who plays Pretty’s enemy, Lorna), she guides me during our catfight scenes. She’d tell me, ‘My hand will touch your face.’ I would reply, ‘Te, sige lang.’ Faking is hard. But I was able to learn techniques that I can apply in the future,’ she said.
Herlene still has a tendency, however, to hold on to intense emotions long after the director yells “Cut!” That’s something she’s still trying to work on.
“Sometimes, I go to my personal assistant for a hug or to vent because I can’t let go of emotions. Ang sakit ng nararamdaman ko physically, emotionally, lahat ng may ‘-ly.’ Grabe. Sometimes, I bring them home with me,” she said.
Still, she’s thankful for the experience and the friendships she built on the set of “Black Rider.” “Pretty is now a big part of my life … I get to work with actors I look up to. Masarap dito, walang plastikan. Now, I’m having ‘sepanx’ (separation anxiety) because the show is about to end,” she said. “I will miss our bonding. The friendship we have is priceless.”
Should “Black Rider”—topbilled by Ruru Madrid—get a second book in the future, Penesa and creator and writer, Erwin Caezer Bravo, said they would love to give Herlene’s and Empoy’s characters a spinoff.
But for now, the focus is on bringing the story and all its subplots to a close.
“Some will end up being happy; others, sad. The characters will have different fates, just like how it is in real life. Not everyone has a happy ending. But we tried to make things as realistic as possible. We’re leaving out some clues, just in case we end up doing another season,” said Bravo. “Black Rider” bagged a bronze award for drama at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards.
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“Whatever the case, we will continue telling relatable stories inspired by the masses. There are lots of stories, characters and places within the ‘Black Rider’ world that can still be explored. There are a lot of Filipino stories waiting to be told,” he added. INQ
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These Filipino food brands started small. Now they’re taking over the world | No author found | 2020-02-04T12:00:20+00:00 | It’s no surprise that the Philippines, with more than 1,500 franchise brands in operation, is touted as “the franchise development hub of Asia.” Leading global investment and banking firm Goldman Sachs stated that the Philippines would be in its Next Eleven economies poised for growth, projecting that it would be the 14th largest economy by 2050 (basing it on the 6.3 percent real GDP in 2015).
This is attributed to the country’s open economy, strategic business location, and business process outsourcing industry. With the unstoppable growth of the franchise industry, it isn’t a wonder that some local brands have crossed the borders and made a name in the international scene. Here are 11 Filipino food brands that were able to successfully establish (and grow) overseas.
With over 1,100 stores in the Philippines and more than 200 locations overseas, Potato Corner has found a way to grow its small kiosk back in 1992. The brand is now operating in over 100 countries, making its name in cities like New York, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Sydney.
As a “small hole in the wall,” the microbusiness learned to adapt as it expanded across the globe. Examples that prove its customer-driven approach is the introduction of its cinnamon-flavored fries in America as well as larb and wasabi flavored variants in Thailand and Hong Kong, respectively.
Known as “The World’s Best Flavored Fries,” Potato Corner started with an investment of P35,000 from each of its business partners (there are four) before eventually growing it into a brand with annual sales of P1 billion. Its growth could be attributed to the franchising model. CEO Jose Magsaysay believes in marketing the business to kids, saying that the same children who patronized them when they were starting are now their partners simply because they love the brand.
A post shared by Potato Corner Philippines (@potatocornerph)
This small bakeshop that opened in 1966, whose namesake from a fairytale became a resounding brand for the Philippines, is now a global enterprise. Goldilocks has tapped the market in the US and in Southeast Asia and is also planning to expand to the Middle East—proving that there really is “gold” and “luck” in their business.
Its freshly baked pastries and cakes were initially prepared in the family kitchen. From two cakes on display and first day sold-out sales at P574, it began its franchising program in 1991. Today, Goldilocks offers not just desserts and baked goods but Filipino meals such as fresh lumpia, palabok, and dinuguan. The business also acquired the Philippine franchise of Domino’s Pizza.
A post shared by Goldilocks Philippines (@goldilocksph)
Bibingkinitan has proven that bibingka isn’t only in demand during the holidays. What Bibingkinitan banks on is the bite-sized serving portions (the other half of the business’ name, balingkinitan meaning small or petite) of this heritage product, making it a year-round food offering.
Started in 2006 with an initial investment of P100,000, Bibingkinitan owner Richard Sanz’s original idea was to start a beverage business centered on tea. But after seeing that Filipinos were more inclined to coffee, he thought of a better way to tap the local market, pairing bibingka with kapeng barako and calling it BibiKape.
Aside from the usual margarine-topped bibingka, Sanz also introduced flavors like macapuno, ube, pastillas, and peanut butter. The brand now has more than 200 stores nationwide as well as in Dubai, Qatar, and various countries in Asia.
A post shared by BBK World Famous Rice Cakes (@bibingkinitan)
From 16 flavors to a total of 31 (including localized flavors for outside markets), Chef Tony’s Popcorn is all about innovation and deviating from products Filipinos are usually associated with.
For Tony Elepaño, a brand can’t grow globally if it will only sell to its kababayans (fellow countrypeople). His products, which were first sold in a P20,000 cart back in 2005, became a popular choice in airports and as an alternative to other popcorn brands that were too sweet for some consumers (particularly in Indonesia).
Before the brand became the popular gourmet popcorn it is today, Elepaño found himself in debt of up to P15 million in his previous restaurant venture. When he realized that being a big spender didn’t do the business any good, even forcing him to close down several of his branches, he started from the bottom (working under his father) until he was able to save up to start his popcorn stand idea. Today, Chef Tony’s Popcorn is in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Dubai, and Indonesia.
A post shared by Chef Tony’s Popcorn (@cheftonyphils)
Cocoa Monster started out as a supplier of raw materials produced from cacao beans for hotels and restaurants here and abroad in 1983. They started to sell chocolates in 2013 and during the height of chocolate-dipped mangoes, the owners knew they had a shot in the market.
What made the brand stand out in the international market, especially in South Korea and Japan where aesthetics are equally valued as taste, is its neat and crisp packaging. Among its products are sugar-free chocolates, assorted dried fruits dipped in chocolate, and cocoa powders. Cocoa Monster is now exporting across the US and Europe, proudly selling Filipino bean-to-bar products.
A post shared by Cocoa Monster (@cocoamonstermanila)
To utilize milk that couldn’t be sold right away, Laguna-based farmer Paco Magsaysay decided to incorporate it into ice cream, not to go head-to-head with big ice cream companies but instead to serve a niche. Because his product is named after his daughter, this pushes Magsaysay to never shortchange the quality of his ice cream. From chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, Carmen’s Best now has over 38 flavors. Its bestsellers are salted caramel, butter pecan, and malted milk. Just before 2019 ended, Carmen’s Best Ice Cream opened its first international store in Singapore.
A post shared by Carmen’s Best Ice Cream (@carmensbest)
From a family’s secret tapa recipe comes a fast food eatery that provides meal options other than hamburgers, hotdogs, and pizza. Tapa King currently has over 100 stores and has already opened branches in Dubai and Singapore. Since it started in 1987, Tapa King has been serving its trademark beef tapa with fried egg and garlic rice.
Tapa is usually made from beef strips. In other parts of the country, deer, carabao, and wild boar are used as well. The process of making tapa varies depending on the area. The Tagalogs simply season the meat with sea salt while the Pampangueños ferment it using ground rice, sugar, and salt. The Ilocanos marinate theirs in salt, garlic, vinegar, and pepper before drying it under the sun.
In 2001, the idea of bringing New York-style pizza to the Philippines gave birth to Yellow Cab Pizza. It’s known for the signature pizza and pasta dishes as well as the famous yellow scooter delivery system. Now, over 130 branches nationwide are operating; Yellow Cab also has branches in the US, Guam, Malaysia, and the Middle East. It is also successful in being the first pizza chain to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When Maximo Gimenez befriended American soldiers after World War II, they kept stopping by his home to get a drink or two. Because they came back frequently, they insisted that they pay for what they were consuming. This led Gimenez to start his café, initially serving chicken, steak, and drinks.
Later on becoming “the house that fried chicken built,” Max’s Restaurant’s special chicken recipe has reached countries like the US, Australia, and Canada. Soon enough the restaurant added more Filipino dishes to the menu such as sinigang, kare-kare, and lumpiang ubod. The brand believes that its growth is a result of a personal connection to food, how it is deeply rooted in Philippine cuisinem and how the group is translating culture into its food. In 1998, Max’s Restaurant opened its doors to franchising.
A post shared by Max’s Restaurant (@maxschicken)
What started out as a P350,000 ice cream parlor franchise and hamburger joint in 1975 is now the largest fast food chain in the country and is fast becoming a leading world franchise.
When then-22-year-old owner Tony Tan Caktiong saw that people were patronizing their hamburgers more than the ice cream, he decided to capitalize on the trend and decided to offer what is known today as “Yumburger.” It was in 1979 when they had their first franchise. Caktiong decided to go with the image of a bee with a smile to represent its brand because of its hardworking quality.
Jollibee became a fast food giant when it opened its first international chain in Brunei in 1987—the first food outlet outside the Philippines. Currently, Jollibee continues to expand worldwide with over 1,200 branches in places like Europe, Asia, and North America. It has also acquired other famous brands such as Greenwich, Chowking, and Red Ribbon.
A post shared by Jollibee (@jollibee)
What started out as a small store selling men’s T-shirts has now reached more than 22 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, China, Egypt, Singapore, and Myanmar (where it recently opened a flagship store). Since its opening in 1987, Bench has seen growth from being a fashion brand to a lifestyle brand.
Suyen Corporation, its holding company, has set its eyes on global retail. It currently serves as a local distributor for numerous international brands like American Eagle, Australian furniture line Foscarini, and Korean cosmetic and skincare manufacturer Face Shop. To this day, the brand believes that what sets it apart from others is how it brings the feeling of home in its products, which is something you can’t put a price on.
In 2018, Bench, in partnership with Eric Dee of Foodee Global Concepts, ventured into the food business when it opened Bench Café where it serves creative versions of local dishes as well as the signature white halo-halo in its Bonifacio Global City and Greenbelt 3 branches.
A post shared by BENCH/ lifestyle + clothing (@benchtm)
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After shedding ‘cafe’ image, Aurora is coming into the truest version of itself | No author found | 2024-03-27T08:24:44+00:00 | Once established, it’s exceedingly rare for restaurants to change their name. Owners might opt to open another concept instead, but Aurora dropping its “cafe” is simply a sign that it’s coming into the truest version of itself.
Formerly Cafe Aurora, the restaurant encountered a bit of an identity crisis among its diners. For first-time visitors, the “cafe” part would conjure up images of a bright, warm space serving cups of joe and an open invitation to stay a while.
“It’s not coming from us,” says head of operations and one of the partners of Aurora Quenee Vilar.
While Aurora’s name change may be a big shock to fans, it was a long time coming.
Having the word “cafe” in the beginning of a restaurant’s name can blur the lines for diners, especially in the Philippines. To many, it suggests the presence of light bites and items like pasta and bread (which they do have in the form of a housemade shokupan as an appetizer).
“So we just want to cut the confusion. This is not actually a cafe. It’s actually a proper restaurant,” she explains.
For Aurora’s head chef and other partner Nicco Santos, dropping the “cafe” was also a necessary directional choice when it comes to what they can and can’t do.
“Creatively, it’s a little limiting. At the cafe, you always have to think of toning it down. I mean, we’re all for toning it down, but we’re more into simplifying things but still executing it in a creative manner,” he says.
For most people, change is a scary thing but for Santos and Vilar, it’s as easy as it is necessary. Since they opened last year, the duo has always kept an open mind when it came to doing what’s best for the restaurant—especially when it comes to numbers.
The pandemic may be old news to most people, but many restaurants are still feeling its effects and putting into practice the lessons they’ve learned.
Santos and Vilar have been F&B industry mainstays with popular ventures like Your Local, Hey Handsome, and Sambar under their belt, but even the most seasoned restaurateurs struggled when COVID-19 hit.
“During the pandemic, we were handling the money. We did our own costing, no accounting, no anyone. So if this [ingredient] was very expensive, we’d lose money and things like that,” Vilar explains.
“And after the pandemic, inflation, right? The cost of our ingredients went up so high. We wanted to make sure the money is—on whatever we’re putting out—really worth it,” Santos says.
This line of thinking led them to watch the numbers religiously. Until now, they menu engineer almost every day and see which items need the most help. It’s a careful dance between creativity and data, but the numbers never lie.
“Every month we look at the product mix and then we take out the dishes that are not moving so much. From there, we look at where we might be able to increase the business contribution,” he says. “Even how we approach innovation now, it’s a lot more based on data.”
This process birthed a new menu, which was a team effort the pair admits. Instead of working between themselves when making dish decisions, they share the creative ideation process with the rest of the team.
“Lately, we do it in a way where I suggest last. Everyone suggests first, which is nice now after a year in when we all got used to working with each other,” he says. After a round of ideation, all that’s left for Santos and Vilar to do is refine the dishes with their team’s input then execute.
The numbers may be a driving force but Aurora’s ethos still circles back to people—both their customers and their staff.
One of their major lessons from the pandemic is business sustainability. When faced with major crises, many businesses choose to cut down on their workforce. Raw materials and marketing budget aside, staff is the costliest thing to maintain and the first to go. But the partners don’t agree with that line of thinking.
Santos and Vilar reveal that since opening the restaurant, the vast majority of staff they started with are still with them. And they are planning on keeping it that way.
“We need to open a restaurant where it is sustainable for the whole team. The pandemic taught us that we really have to take care of everyone,” says Santos. Apart from near-daily menu engineering, they’re always on the lookout for ways to lower costs without sacrificing quality.
“Yes, we can cheapen the food or the wine just for it to move, but people notice when we go cheap. Or when we just want to add something on the menu that’s cheaper. They would notice that it’s not on brand,” Vilar clarifies.
Beyond food quality, the customers, they observed, have become much sharper and hungrier for knowledge.
“During our one-year celebration, people were always asking about the ingredients, like how we cooked it. Before, they didn’t really ask that. We’d just explain and they’d eat it right away,” Vilar recalls.
They also noticed that it’s the younger crowd who loves asking these types of questions. They are also more interested in the experience as a whole, from ambiance and service to food. And they also really like posting about things online—regardless of whether it’s an accurate assessment or not.
Santos remembers an interaction with a guest who complained about how their short rib dish is too fatty and who ended up posting it online.
“I don’t know what they wanted. I don’t know if they wanted to change this or have it taken out of their bill,” he muses. “Typically, they would rate the dishes, right? Like this is a 10 and so on and would comment on it.”
“For the short rib, they said, ‘They claim it’s short rib but we don’t feel it is.’ So I’m like, ‘Huh?’ It’s a dish that’s high in cost, but we did it for the love, right? Why blame the beef! It’s fantastic beef!”
There’s also a difference in how some guests communicate their comments depending on who they’re talking to. From their experience, some guests don’t really express their thoughts about the meal when they think they’re talking to a server—which is something Vilar has encountered.
“I feel that when customers vocalize or express feedback to servers, it doesn’t really go all the way up. And actually, it’s true. And sometimes, they actually filter because for some reason but it’s something that needs to be addressed,” Vilar acknowledges.
Change has been a palpable theme in Aurora’s story so far, but even more so for the partners running the operations behind the scenes. There’s always room to learn and grow, and Vilar and Santos have noticed positive changes in one another.
“Nicco is more frank now. Which is a good thing because it’s not just me who can understand him. At the start, he’d just tell me the comment, but now he can tell the comments directly to the other people,” Vilar says.
“Quenee, I think, has not matured in terms of alcohol,” Santos jokes. “But she has matured as a restaurant operator. She’s a very, very well-seasoned restaurant operator. And can handle all aspects of the business. From talking to clients, to our partners, to being in board meetings, leading staff meetings, organizing events, everything.”
Personal growth aside, the duo also has plans to grow their business with a new venture in the works. They plan to open a new restaurant later this year that serves both a la carte and tasting menu options.
“We basically want to continue what we started with Hey Handsome. We want to push ourselves and see ourselves doing a tasting menu,” Santos says.
The a la carte and tasting menu approach is an essential part of their new concept. Vilar believes that time is money, which means not everyone has the luxury to spend an entire evening on a meal. They also want to make it so that people can just come in and relax over a glass of wine and some small plates.
As their passion project, they also want to lay all their lessons from years in the business on the table.
“It’s going to be more experimental,” Vilar says.
“No holds barred there,” Santos chimes in.
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Illustrating the history of bibingka | No author found | 2020-05-19T05:37:17+00:00 | Bibingka is basically ground rice and water. It is generally called kakanin from the word kanin or cooked rice. Though the base recipe is practically the same as puto’s, sans the embellishments, its manner of cooking is what gives the rice cake its unique texture and aroma.
The traditional preparation of bibingka is time-consuming. Back in the days, its ingredients were allowed to sit out for a while to hydrate the rice before it gets ground in stone mills then fermented to develop flavor and to catch natural yeasts in the air that leavens the cake during baking, much like how sourdough breads are made in Europe. At times, lina, which is unfermented tuba, is also used as a fermenting agent; when added to the batter, it gives a sweet and sour flavor profile.
Typically, bibingka is cooked in a terra cotta container lined with a banana leaf. The vessel is heated with charcoal or dried coconut husks from underneath as well as from above, and the contraption toasts both ends of the rice cake, creating a charred finish on both surfaces.
As a common merienda in Filipino culture, the rice cake comes in a wide variety. The fine-textured bibingkas we find in commercial establishments today are quite different from the previous iterations, which were much denser. Modern recipes add milk, butter, and eggs into the batter, making the rice cake tender from the fat content in these ingredients. The addition of yeast or baking powder also contributes to a consistently light and fluffy cake with an even crumb.
The modernization of native bibingka recipes started quite early. Between 1904 and 1922, the Americans had introduced home economics programs to local public schools and started developing and documenting native dishes to teach students recipes that fuse elements of local cuisine with American sensibilities and ingredients.
They developed recipes to improve the Filipino diet and introduce a more scientific way of cooking where measurements, cooking time, and nutrition were factored in. Proper hygiene was also taught in schools. Eating communally was discouraged and Filipinos adapted eating with individual plates and using cutlery.
But cooking and eating bibingka as well as other kakanins have been long-standing traditions that had existed before the Americans or even the Spanish arrived. In the 16th century, the king of Palawan sent the arriving Spaniards pieces of kakanin wrapped in banana leaves as gifts, which historian Antonio Pigafetta described in his journals as “resembling sugar loaves, while others were made in the manner of tarts with eggs and honey.”
For Filipinos, kakanin and feasting are inseparable. Not only are these delicacies part of our diet, they are also part of our indigenous culture as well as an expression of our native spirituality. We had offered rice cakes of various shapes and sizes to deities and demigods in our pre-Christian festivals, and this practice has been carried over to the celebration of Christian festivals across the Philippines throughout centuries. This explains why bibingka is inseparable from the Filipino Christmas experience.
Makes four six-inch cakes
2 cups rice flour
½ cup glutinous rice flour
4 cups water
1 ½ tbsp baking powder
¾ cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling on top
1 tsp fine salt
3 eggs
1 ½ cup evaporated milk or coconut milk
¾ cup butter, melted, and more for brushing cakes
2 salted eggs, sliced into ¼-inch-thick slices
Slices of quezong puti (optional)
Originally published in F&B Report Vol. 12 No. 6
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Alice Guo says sorry to Escudero: No intention to dictate on Senate | Maila Ager | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:02:48 PST | May 22 2024. Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo appears before the Senate as Sen. Risa Hontiveros flagged Guo’s alleged ties to Chinese “criminals” during Wednesday’s continuation of the Senate probe into the mayor’s links to POGO hubs in the latter’s area. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
May 22 2024. Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo appears before the Senate as Sen. Risa Hontiveros flagged Guo’s alleged ties to Chinese “criminals” during Wednesday’s continuation of the Senate probe into the mayor’s links to POGO hubs in the latter’s area. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has apologized to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero over her earlier remarks against some senators.
“Nais ko pong humingi ng paumanhin kung nagkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan kaugnay nga aking mga naging pahayag. Wala po akong intensyon na pagsabihan o diktahan ang Senado kung ano ang mga dapat bigyang prayoridad,” Guo wrote in her letter to Escudero dated July 22.
(I would like to apologize if there has been any misunderstanding regarding my statements. I did not intend to dictate or instruct the Senate on what it should prioritize.)
“Nauunawaan ko po na ang bawat mambabatas ay may sariling tungkulin at responsibilidad sa bayan. Ang aking layunin lamang po ay magbigay ng suhestyon base sa mga problemang nararanasan ng aking mga kababayan sa Bamban,” she added.
(I understand that each lawmaker has their own duties and responsibilities to the nation. My intention is simply to provide suggestions based on the issues experienced by my fellow citizens in Bamban.)
In a statement last week, Guo questioned why Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, and other offices “seem fixated” on her.
The suspended mayor urged the two senators to direct their attention to “many critical issues” confronting the country instead of focusing on her.
But her statement did not sit well with Escudero, saying Guo was not in a position to dictate to any senator.
READ: Alice Guo denies involvement in Pogos, calls for ‘focus on facts’
In the same letter, Guo also asked the Senate leadership to help her constituents, saying her suspension prevented her from performing her duties.
“Dahil dito, humihiling po ako ng inyong tulong at pang-unawa. Umaasa po akong sa inyong pamumuno, hindi pababayaan ang aking mga kababayan an nangangailangan ng suporta ng pamahalaan,” she said.
(Because of this, I am requesting your help and understanding. I am hopeful that under your leadership, you will not neglect my fellow countrymen who are in need of government support)
“Muli, humihingi po ako ng paumanhin kung nagdulot man ng anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan ang aking mg naging pahayag. Hinihiling ko po ang inyong pang-unawa sa mga panahong ito,” she added.
(Again, I apologize if my statements have caused any misunderstanding. I am asking for your understanding during these times.)
Guo also reiterated her readiness to face all charges against her lodged in various offices of government like the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
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READ: Alice Guo ordered suspended as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac
The charges against her stemmed from her alleged ties to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators.
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Sona 2024: A quick look at main issues | Cristina Eloisa Baclig, Kurt Dela Peña | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:38:43 PST | Highlights: Sona 2024
PH PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR. composite image from Inquirer file photos
As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reports the state of the nation for the third time on Monday (July 22), the themes of his administration have remained the same.
Here’s a quick look at some of the major issues, the current situation, what’s been done, and what’s been promised.
Amid increasing aggression by China, Marcos Jr. said the Philippines should go beyond just filing diplomatic protests:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
* 65 (filed as of December 2022)
* 150 (filed as of June 2024)
* 20 (filed in the first six months of 2024)
West Philippine Sea reefs have been occupied by China, and the damage is immeasurable:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
READ: Marcos: Philippines will not lose one inch of its territory
To assert its disproven claim in the West Philippine Sea, China has built outposts to use as bases for military and other purposes:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
READ: AFP wants China to pay P60M for June 17 attack
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly underscored the critical role of the Malampaya gas field, the Philippines’ only source of indigenous natural gas.
SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
READ: Malampaya contribution to gov’t revenue: $13B
Marcos’ thrust for energy security was followed by:
SOURCES: DOE, INQUIRER.NET ARCHIVE
READ: 15 more years: Bongbong Marcos signs Malampaya renewal deal
SOURCES: DOE, INQUIRER.NET ARCHIVES
READ: 80% success rate predicted for new Malampaya gas wells
Increasing agricultural output has been a consistent theme of the Marcos administration since its first days in power.
Graphics by Ed Lustan
As President Marcos Jr grapples with the challenges of raising agricultural productivity and keeping prices in check, experts remind the administration of its duty to protect Filipino farmers.
SOURCES: PSA, DR. TEODORO MENDOZA
In his first Sona in 2022, President Marcos Jr. announced the government target of lowering the poverty rate to 9 percent in 2028:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
The connection between poverty and wages is undeniable:
SOURCE: IBON FOUNDATION
The polling firm Social Weather Stations regularly measures perception of poverty:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
The economic team of President Marcos Jr. announced steps to keep more people from falling into the poverty pit:
SOURCE: INQUIRER.NET ARCHIVES
Marcos’ promise to lower the cost of rice to P20 per kilogram has remained elusive.
Prices of rice have remained above the target and have contributed to inflation:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
Food and alcoholic beverages still had the highest inflation rate at 6.1 percent.
Graphics by Ed Lustan
SOURCE: INQUIRER.NET ARCHIVES
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to transform the Philippine education system to improve global competitiveness and literacy rates. Here’s a summary of the current situation and progress.
Previous reports by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reveal a troubling situation for education in the Philippines: Filipino students consistently perform poorly, falling behind their peers in other countries in reading, mathematics, science, and creative thinking.
Graphics by Ed Lustan
READ: Filipino students rank poorly in Pisa 2022 report on creative thinking
READ: PH students still among lowest scorers in reading, math, science – Pisa
The country saw a shortage of 159,000 classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year — a huge jump from the previous year’s deficit of 91,000 classrooms.
SOURCE: DEPED
DepEd reported that 89,506 teaching positions have yet to be filled.
SOURCE: DEPED
In his first Sona, President Marcos Jr. pledged to continue and expand the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program.
So far, these have been achieved or are on target:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) noted that at least 70 of these infrastructure projects are expected to be completed by 2028, including:
From July 2022 to November 2023, the DPWH had already completed several projects:
SOURCE: DPWH
Marcos Jr. has repeatedly said in previous Sona that he would pursue infrastructure development which would require high spending levels:
Graphics by Ed Lustan
SOURCE: DBM
SOURCES: DBM, DEVELOPMENT BUDGET COORDINATING COMMITTEE
READ: Bongbong Marcos to continue Duterte’s infrastructure program
READ: Let not the ‘golden age of infrastructure’ end – Marcos
In previous Sona, Marcos listed infrastructure projects for completion by his administration:
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Jennylyn Mercado skips GMA Gala for sick son, says her hairstylist | Anne Pasajol | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:57:33 PST | Jennylyn Mercado. Image: Instagram/@bianca_anne_vergara17
Jennylyn Mercado. Image: Instagram/@bianca_anne_vergara17
Jennylyn Mercado was all set for the GMA Gala but had to skip the event because she needed to attend to her sick son Jazz, as disclosed by the actress’ hairstylist.
Bianca Anne Vergara, who was among Mercado’s glam team for the GMA Gala, explained the actress’ absence while showing what was supposed to be her look at the event, through an Instagram post on Monday, July 22.
“Eto dapat yun oh. Kasado na eh! Baka pwede i-rewind ang GMA Ball,” Vergara quipped.
“She was supposed to attend GMA Ball. [In fact], ready na kaming lahat but sadly, nagka-emergency si Jazz. Nagka-trangkaso,” she continued.
Vergara further underscored that as a parent, Mercado’s first and foremost priority is her children.
“Sana po maintindihan na lang natin ‘yung nangyari. Bawi na lang kami next year,” Vergara added.
Mercado then appeared to have affirmed Vergara’s statement as she liked the latter’s post.
A post shared by Bianca Anne Vergara (@bianca_anne_vergara17)
Mercado, for her part, also showed through her Instagram page her videos donning the same dress.
A post shared by Jennylyn Mercado (@mercadojenny)
Meanwhile, Mercado’s actor husband Dennis Trillo graced the event in a custom white suit by designer Ziggy Savella.
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A post shared by Dennis Trillo (@dennistrillo)
Mercado was earlier hounded by network transfer rumors but the actress dismissed this, noting that she has ongoing contract negotiations with GMA Network. Mercado also clarified that she didn’t receive offers from other networks.
“Maraming nag-aantay ng sagot and ako naman, 20 years na akong Kapuso. I’m very thankful na hanggang ngayon, ako ay Kapuso pa rin,” she said.
Mercado and Trillo also earlier put up their own production company Brightburn Entertainment.
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DTI to monitor prices of some goods amid removal in SRP bulletin | Dianne Sampang | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:43:58 PST | INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry said on Tuesday that they will still continue monitoring prices of goods that will be removed from the suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin.
In an interview with Teleradyo, Undersecretary Amanda Marie Nograles clarified the concerns of consumers that prices of goods will increase amid removal of items in the pricing bulletin.
“Itong mga items na tatanggalin natin sa SRP bulletin, hindi ibig sabihin na hindi na imo-monitor ng DTI ang mga items na ‘yan,” said Nograles.
(The removal of these items from the SRP bulletin does not mean that DTI will not monitor these.)
READ: DTI to include unit costs in price bulletins
She also said that price monitoring will still be done by DTI even when other products are not posted on the regular bulletin.
“Trabaho pa rin ng DTI na tumanggap ng mga notice of price adjustments at pag-aaralan pa rin ‘yong justifications ng manufacturers dito at imo-monitor pa rin po ng DTI ang presyo ng mga bilihin na ito kahit wala sila sa SRP bulletin.”
(It’s still DTI’s job to receive notice of price adjustments and study justifications from manufacturers. DTI will still monitor the prices even if they are not in the SRP bulletin anymore.)
Manufacturers of goods not included in the list still need the greenlight from DTI before they can adjust their prices.
READ: Updated SRP list out in Q1 – DTI
Nograles explained that streamlining the list of SRP bulletins where basic goods such as sardines and coffee will be posted avoids confusion among consumers.
“Ano ba ang purpose ng SRP bulletin? Para ‘yan sa information and guidance ng mga consumer. Bilang gabay bago ka bumili pero ang nangyayari kasi, napakarami na nakalista doon na hindi pangkaraniwang binibili ng ating mga consumer so ang lumalabas, maraming nakalista. Napakaliit na no’ng lista, hindi na makita, hindi na ma-analyze ng consumers,” she added.
(What is the purpose of the SRP bulletin? It is for the information and guidance of consumers. As a guide for purchasing, but what happens is there’s a long list of non-ordinary goods. The consumers do not get to analyze long list anymore.)
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In April, DTI planned to include unit costs in price bulletins as part of their effort to address “shrinkflation.” Shrinkflation is done by manufacturers by reducing the size or volume of the product to maintain prices amid production costs.
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Chie Filomeno claps back at netizen for rude remark about her brother | Jessica Ann Evangelista | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:43:59 PST | Chie Filomeno with her brother | Image: Instagram/@chiefilomeno
Chie Filomeno with her brother | Image: Instagram/@chiefilomeno
Kapamilya actress Chie Filomeno clapped back at a netizen who accused her brother of having his nose done surgically.
Filomeno proudly congratulated her brother for finishing college and shared snaps from the ceremony.
“I’m so lucky that you get to call me ‘Ate,'” she began. “Rio, no words can describe how proud we are of you. You’re now opening a new chapter of your life. Know that we will always be here for you through thick and thin. Especially, okay? Life would be so hard without you in it. Everything that I do, I do for you, my best friend.”
However, despite the positive post, one netizen commented and accused the actress’ brother of having his nose fixed.
“Mukhang nagpaayos na din ng nose si brother (it looks like the brother has also had his nose fixed),” said the netizen.
Filomeno responded, “Nope, natural na natural ‘yan (it’s very natural). Idk (I don’t know) what your intention is because clearly this post is nothing but positivity.”
Image: Instagram/@chiefilomeno
The “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) alumna has always been open about undergoing cosmetic enhancements, specifically a nose job, which she did not out of a medical concern, but mainly because she just wanted it.
In the past, Filomeno weighed in on how Filipinos condemned plastic surgeries.
“Bakit parang dine-degrade mo ang lahat ng tao nagparetoke parang ang sama-sama naming tao? Una sa lahat wala po tayong ine-encourage at wala po ako sinasabi o wala po tayong sinasabi na ito ang tamang gawin,” she explained in a TikTok post at the time.
(Why do you seem to degrade the people who opted for plastic surgery as if we are bad people? First of all, we are not encouraging anyone, and I am not saying anything or saying that this is the right thing to do.)
She pointed out that having enhancements done on one’s face or body should not be looked down on if it gives one confidence and happiness.
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‘Lowest bid’ no sure win under new gov’t procurement law | Julie M. Aurelio | Sun, 21 Jul 2024 05:30:00 PST | FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY President Marcos signs the New Government Procurement Act, as well as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, in Malacañang on Saturday. With the President are Senate President Francis Escudero, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other ranking government officials. —Niño Jesus Orbeta
FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY President Marcos signs the New Government Procurement Act, as well as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, in Malacañang on Saturday. With the President are Senate President Francis Escudero, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other ranking government officials. —Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday enacted a law that gives no guarantee that the lowest bidder would win a government procurement contract.
The new law to improve the state procurement system intends to make it more transparent and efficient so that Filipinos would get the best value-for-money for supplies needed in government operations while safeguarding public funds, he said.
“We have just signed into law a bill that will move us closer to attaining a strong, more responsive and efficient bureaucracy,” Marcos said after signing Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), an update of the 21-year-old Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
READ: The silent pandemic
One of the key provisions of the law determines the “most economically advantageous responsive bid” (MEARB) in contrast to RA 9184’s “lowest calculated and responsive bid” that sometimes ends up with government getting the cheapest items but with the lowest quality.
“This is actually, an attempt to consider the qualitative, not only the purely quantitative, but the qualitative, economic value of any proposal, as an alternative to the prevailing practice of which we now do of choosing just the cheapest product,” the President said.
Marcos said the new law will free the government “from the obligation of selecting the lowest-priced bid when there is a better choice.”
“This will ensure that we get not only the best prices but the best deals for our clients, the Filipino people,” he added.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara introduced the MEARB provision as author of the procurement bill when he was senator.
Another key feature of the new law is the streamlining of the procurement process to shorten the awarding of contracts from three months, beginning with the opening bids, to 60 days by standardizing procurement forms and institutionalizing electronic procurement.
Malacañang said the NGPA is aimed at promoting “greater transparency, competitiveness, efficiency, professionalism, accountability and sustainability in the government procurement process.”
The Palace has yet to release an official copy of the new law.
The President said there were 11 new modalities provided by the law in procuring goods and services, such as “competitive dialogue,” unsolicited offer with bid matching, direct acquisition, direct sales, direct procurement for science, technology and innovation.
“This will afford greater flexibility for government agencies in choosing how to best acquire goods and services,” he said.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said one of the alternative modes of procurement is the creation of an “e-marketplace” similar to online shopping outlets “like a Lazada, Shopee or Amazon” where government agencies can place orders for common-use supplies and equipment (CSE) through the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
“Government agencies can just add the common-use supplies to their cart and they can check the pickup and delivery status,” she said.
Pangandaman said the e-marketplace application will be up and running after two months. It will reduce the turnaround time to procure CSEs like office supplies to as short as 30 days from sometimes up to six months.
Big-ticket projects or procurements of government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation will still go through the bidding process.
These government agencies will still have their own bids and awards committees but the process will be sped up and streamlined using technology, Pangandaman said.
“It will be more transparent. There is citizen’s participation in the law, so civil society can participate as an observer in the process. We have safeguards every step of the way,” she said.
A provision that seeks to prevent conflict of interest is the disclosure of relations to show that there is no blood or affinity ties between any officer of a company that is making a bid to the head of the agency making the procurement.
This safeguard is already in RA 9184, but another provision was added in the enrolled bill, which was seen by the Inquirer and the one supposed to be signed by the President, to make sure that the ultimate “beneficial owner” of the bidding entity is unrelated to the agency officers.
The law mandates that the beneficial ownership information of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and consultants will be required in order to participate in government procurement. The Government Procurement Policy Board was tasked with maintaining an online, publicly accessible registry of the beneficial ownership information of these bidders.
“Overall, the bill (if no provisions were vetoed by the President) will improve the procurement process,” former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno told the Inquirer. “It corrects the fault of the previous system which assumes that cost is the only important parameter in selecting the best product or item to procure.”
“However, for me, the best provision of the new law is the requirement on the disclosure of beneficial owners of entities engaging in the procurement process. The creation of a public registry will greatly contribute to the reduction of corruption and increased accountability in the procurement process of the government,” said the University of the Philippines economics professor who also promotes socio-economic awareness through her Tik-Tok and YouTube accounts.
“I hope that this practice will also be adopted in other government activities like the public-private partnership and the contracting process of extractives like mining. This will help avoid conflict of interest in the issuance of government contracts,” Magno said.
Former lawmaker Terry Ridon, a lawyer and convenor of Infrawatch PH, said the NGPA “should be able to stop procurement highway robberies” like the purchase of billions of pesos worth of overpriced medical supplies at the height of the pandemic and the Department of Education’s purchase of P2.4 billion worth of allegedly outdated and overpriced laptops by the PS-DBM.
“While new procurement modes and mechanisms will be implemented by the new law, the public should remain vigilant in each and every procurement transaction, particularly those involving high-value projects in the hundreds of millions to billions of pesos,” he said in response to a request for comment from the Inquirer.
“Without public vigilance, malevolent and corrupt forces can still persist despite meaningful procurement reform,” Ridon said.
He said the implementation of an e-marketplace should come with “competition, efficiency, transparency and accountability principles.”
This would mean that the “largest number of competent and credible suppliers and vendors can join and participate in the platform with ease” as the e-marketplace has clear safeguards against price-fixing, fictitious or scam vendors and sales, corruption, and other “malevolent” activities.
Senate President Francis Escudero said in a statement that the law marked a “significant step forward in our commitment to transparency and accountability” and reduce opportunities for corruption.
“It is essential that we have a transparent and accountable procurement process that delivers the best value for taxpayers’ money,” Escudero said.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said the NGPA will “enhance public services and promote greater transparency” through the streamlined procurement process.
On May 21, the Senate approved its version of the NGPA bill on third and final reading with 23 votes.
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The following day, the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the bicameral report that reconciled the disagreeing provisions of the Senate bill and the House bill, which was approved on Dec. 12, 2023. —with a report from Inquirer Research
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Money does buy happiness, even beyond $75,000 – study | Dale Arasa | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:20:41 PST | You may have heard the age-old adage that “money can’t buy happiness.” It usually follows a lesson about valuing things that you can’t purchase, such as love from your friends and family.
In 2010, Daniel Kahneman, the author of “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” stunned the world by changing that quote with his study.
READ: AI ‘godfather’ Geoffrey Hinton recommends UBI as AI takes jobs
He said happiness only increases with income up to $75,000 of annual income. If you earn beyond that, Kahneman claims more money won’t affect your overall happiness.
In 2021, University of Pennsylvania professor Matt Killingsworth challenged that study with his own. His findings say that more money can increase your “satisfaction with life,” even if you earn more than $75,000 annually.
The Guardian shares more details about Matthew Killingsworth’s study. He used his website, trackyourhappiness.org, to sample 33,269 employed US adults aged 18-65 with $10,000 annual household income.
He also used data from the ultra-wealthy, who are people with an average net worth between $3 million and $7.9 million. Here are Killingsworth’s findings:
“The difference in life satisfaction between the wealthy and those with incomes of $70-80,000 [per year] was nearly three times as large as the difference between $70-80,000 [per year] and the average of the two lowest income groups.”
In other words, money can buy happiness as the wealthy were significantly more satisfied with life than those in the lower economic brackets.
In contrast, Forbes says Kahneman’s study was too “coarse” to prove money doesn’t buy happiness beyond $75,000 annual income.
His study only asked people whether they were happy or unhappy, without checking the magnitude of that feeling. As a result, Kahneman’s findings did not reflect how people’s happiness changed with more money.
Killingsworth explained to The Guardian that his findings are “more fundamental and psychologically deeper than simply buying more stuff.”
“A greater feeling of control over life can explain about 75% of the association between money and happiness.”
“So I think a big part of what’s happening is that, when people have more money, they have more control over their lives. More freedom to live the life they want to live.”
Killingsworth said he studied how money buys happiness to understand how to make life better.
“So part of the reason I study happiness is to broaden our horizons beyond things like money,” he stated.
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“What would we do differently if we took happiness seriously? As individuals, families, organizations, and societies?”
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Basco and Palanan airports shut down amid stormy weather | INQUIRER.net | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:22:33 PST | Operations of Basco Airport and Palanan Airport are suspended as rough weather conditions continue on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, due to Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi). The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said all flights to and from Basco Airport and Palanan Airport have been canceled. CAAP logo/airplane at the airport on the background. INQUIRER.net FILES
Operations of Basco Airport and Palanan Airport are suspended as rough weather conditions continue on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, due to Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi). The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said all flights to and from Basco Airport and Palanan Airport have been canceled. CAAP logo/airplane at the airport on the background. INQUIRER.net FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Operations at the Basco Airport and Palanan Airport were suspended as severe weather conditions continued on Tuesday due to Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi).
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said all flights to and from Basco Airport and Palanan Airport have been canceled.
Basco and Palanan airports are located in areas placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) earlier on Tuesday.
Based on Pagasa’s early Tuesday morning bulletin, Typhoon Carina-boosted southwest monsoon, locally called habagat, is anticipated to bring moderate to intense rainfall in many areas of Luzon’s western portion.
READ: LIST: Canceled flights on Tuesday, July 23, 2024
It raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in 10 areas of Luzon as Carina kept its strength while crossing extreme Northern Luzon and moving toward Taiwan.
The 10 areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 are:
READ: #WalangPasok: Class suspensions for Tuesday, July 23
Several flights were also canceled on Tuesday because of the stormy weather.
Class suspensions in different localities were likewise imposed amid persistent rains.
According to Pagasa’s last monitoring, Carina was located 380 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph. — Felice Nafarrete, intern
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Marcos: ‘All Pogos are banned!’ | Charie Abarca | Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:31:34 PST | Highlights: Sona 2024
Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines—Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are officially banned in the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Monday.
“Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos said during his third State of the Nation Address.
“I hereby instruct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” he said.
Live Updates: Sona 2024
Following this pronouncement, Marcos instructed the Department of Labor and Employment, in coordination with the administration’s economic managers, to use the time “between now and then” to find new jobs for Filipinos who will be displaced.
In his speech, the President emphasized that banning Pogos would “solve many of the problems that the country has been encountering,” but noted that “it will not solve all of them.”
“To solve all the problems that we have been suffering — all officials, workers in government, and most of all the citizenry must always be vigilant, principled, and think of the health of the nation,” Marcos said.
READ: Marcos urged to cancel licenses of Chinese Pogos
He then recalled the words of John Stuart Mill, whom he called a wise man: “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he cannot harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”
Concluding his speech, Marcos said Filipinos should fight wrong and evil.
“Let us always fight for right and good. Let us always love the Philippines, let us always love Filipinos,” he said.
Marcos’ stance on Pogos was one of the most-awaited topics in his speech.
Opposition to Pogos is mounting, with several lawmakers urging the President to completely ban them in the Philippines, pointing out that these only “made the country a fertile ground for various crimes.”
Critics from the business sector, economic think tanks, and political groups cite the minimal economic contribution compared to significant social costs, including links to criminal activities such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and money laundering.
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Pogos have also driven up real estate prices, making housing less affordable.
At the same time, concerns over national security and regulatory compliance further fuel the call for action.
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Man confesses to killing partner in Lucena City | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:59:47 PST | INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
LUCENA CITY — A 29-year-old construction worker on Monday, July 22, admitted to killing his live-in partner, chopping her body, and burying her remains under their shack in this city.
In a spot report issued on Monday afternoon, Lieutenant Colonel William Angway Jr., Lucena police chief, reported that around 2 p.m., investigators were asking Ryan Porga for information about his partner, Ronalyn Alvarez, 29, who had been missing since June 30.
READ: Farmer dead in Quezon shooting over ‘love triangle’
Suddenly, Porga “went emotional” and confessed to investigators that he had killed Alvarez, the police said.
Porga reportedly narrated that on the morning of June 30, he and Alvarez had a heated altercation inside their shanty in a secluded part of Barangay 5, which prompted him to repeatedly stab her to death in the chest using an ice pick.
“He (Porga) chopped the body (of Alvarez) into three parts (head, body, legs) using a jungle bolo and put [them] into three sacks and buried [them] underneath their shanty to conceal the crime,” the report stated.
Porga also confessed that sometime in March last year, he and Alvarez killed a certain Analyn Orjejada.
The duo reportedly placed the dead body inside a plastic drum, buried it inside their house, and cemented that area of the floor.
READ: Man shoots self dead during argument with wife in Quezon
The report did not provide information on Orjejada and why she was killed.
Porga later pointed to police the areas in their shanty where the victims were buried. The authorities then dug out their remains.
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The suspect was detained and is facing criminal charges.
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Chinese woman rescued from kidnapper in Calamba City | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:56:46 PST | Laguna map. INQUIRER FILES
Laguna map. INQUIRER FILES
LUCENA CITY — Police rescued on Monday, July 22, a female Chinese national kidnap victim in Calamba City in Laguna province and arrested another Chinese as the alleged abductor.
In a report on Tuesday, July 23, the Police Region 4A said the victim identified as “Li” approached the security guard on duty in a subdivision in Barangay Punta around 7:15 p.m.
The guard, Jovan Castillo, could not understand what she was saying in Chinese and used a language translator on his mobile phone to communicate.
READ: Chinese kidnap victim rescued in Laguna
The translation revealed that the victim was asking for help after she had been forcibly taken by a certain “Hu” to his rented house inside the subdivision.
Castillo reported the incident to the local police who immediately responded and arrested the suspect.
The report did not give details of the supposed kidnapping or other data about the victim and the suspect.
The suspect was placed in police custody as the investigation continued.
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LTO overwhelmed by Viber messages | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Sun, 21 Jul 2024 05:12:00 PST | LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II —Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net file photo
LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II —Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Saturday said it was already coordinating with Viber Philippines to restore access to the AksyOn the Spot hotline number, which the agency had tapped to expedite the processing of the printing of plastic-printed driver’s license.
LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the agency’s IT personnel lost access to the AksyOn the Spot hotline 0929-2920865 after it was flooded with inquiries and requests for printing of driver’s license.
READ: LTO orders additional 6.5M plastic cards for licenses
“On behalf of the LTO, I sincerely apologize for this incident. Be rest assured that we will continuously work on this to restore our access and eventually facilitate the printing of a plastic driver’s license of our countrymen,” Mendoza said.
As of Thursday, July 18, the LTO said, the number of requests and inquiries already reached more than 9,000.
The agency tapped the hotline last weekend as a platform for around five percent of motorists who have yet to get their plastic-printed driver’s license.
Mendoza earlier ordered the use of the hotline amid reports that there are still a number of motorists who are yet to get their plastic driver’s license.
He said motorists could send the photograph or scanned copy of the paper-printed driver’s license through the hotline’s Viber platform.
Mendoza said the backlog for the plastice driver’s license has been resolved so motorists should not be using the paper licenses anymore. —Jerome Aning
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Cavite classes suspended; City Hall work stopped due to Carina | Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:08:43 PST | Cavite map. INQUIRER FILES
Cavite map. INQUIRER FILES
LUCENA CITY — Classes in Cavite province were suspended on Monday, July 22, due to bad weather caused by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi).
Gov. Jonvic Remulla declared the suspension of classes for all levels in the province on Tuesday, July 23, extending the same declaration made for Monday, the Cavite Provincial Information Office announced on its Facebook page.
READ: Pagasa: Signal No. 1 in 10 areas as Carina maintains strength
Cavite City Mayor Denver Chua also announced that work in the city hall was suspended Tuesday “due to strong wind and heavy rain.”
“Employees who are giving basic services and front-liners will still report to work,” Chua said in a post on social media Tuesday.
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Emulate life of Apolinario Mabini, Marcos urges youth | Zacarian Sarao | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:36:03 PST | MANILA. Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. called on the youth to emulate the life of Apolinario Mabini and contribute to the betterment of the country.
Marcos made the pronouncement at the Apolinario Mabini Shrine in Tanauan, Batangas to commemorate the hero’s 160th birth anniversary.
“Tinatawagan ko ang mga kabataang Pilipino ngayon na gawing inspirasyon at halimbawa ang buhay ni Apolinario Mabini upang magpunyagi sa buhay,” said Marcos in a speech.
(I call on the Filipino youth today to use Apolinario Mabini’s life as an inspiration and example of their efforts and struggles.)
“Nawa’y higit [na] maunawaan ng mga [nakababatang] henerasyon ang kaniyang mga pilosopiyang pampulitika at panlipunan upang sila ay mahikayat na mag-ambag sa pagsulong ng ating bansa,” he further added.
(May the [younger] generation better understand his political and social philosophies so that they can be encouraged to contribute to the advancement of our country.)
Marcos also recalled the life of the “Ang Dakilang Paralitiko” (the sublime paralytic) from his early years and his efforts in studies to become the brains of the Katipunan.
According to Marcos, Mabini believed that each Filipino can change and succeed, despite any circumstances or trials.
Mabini, who had polio, was a key figure in the revolution against Spanish and American colonial rule.
Born on July 23, 1864, he died on May 13, 1903, in Manila at 38, shortly after returning from exile in Guam.
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PAOCC to build Pogo foreign workers database to aid deportation | Faith Argosino | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:46:33 PST | The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) will create a database of foreigners working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos) to help in their subsequent deportation. PAOCC Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz revealed this a few hours after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on Pogos in his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22, 2024. Marcos gave concerned government agencies until the end of 2023 to wind down the operations of offshore gaming nationwide. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) will create a database of foreigners working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos) to help in their subsequent deportation. PAOCC Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz revealed this a few hours after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on Pogos in his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22, 2024. Marcos gave concerned government agencies until the end of 2023 to wind down the operations of offshore gaming nationwide. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) will compile a database of foreigners working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos) to help in their subsequent deportation.
PAOCC Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz revealed this a few hours after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban on Pogos in his third State of the Nation Address. Marcos gave concerned government agencies until the end of 2023 to wind down offshore gaming operations nationwide.
According to the PAOCC official, the five months given to them by Marcos would be sufficient to achieve their goal.
“This five-month period provides ample time not only to identify the bosses but, more importantly, this will be enough to create a database of all foreign nationals working in these companies,” Cruz said in a statement released Monday evening.
READ: Marcos bans Pogo, cites ‘disorder’ it caused PH
“This database is crucial to ensure that all Pogo workers will be subsequently deported to their countries of origin,” he added.
Cruz likewise said that PAOCC will promptly collaborate with the Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, Bureau of Immigration, Anti-Money Laundering Council, Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation in implementing the Pogo ban.
READ: Pagcor to act on Pogo ban; 42,000 Filipino workers to be displaced
He believed that the President’s Pogo ban directive aimed to end the proliferation of gambling activities that became an avenue for Pogos to cover their alleged crimes.
“Rest assured that PAOCC and the other law enforcement agencies will continue to neutralize the scam farms that are still operating,” Cruz added.
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Nadia Montenegro’s daughter on what dad Baron Geisler did for her: ‘Nothing’ | Anne Pasajol | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:46:47 PST | Nadia Montenegro, Sophia and Baron Geisler. Image: Instagram/@officialnadiam, @baron.geisler
Nadia Montenegro, Sophia and Baron Geisler. Image: Instagram/@officialnadiam, @baron.geisler
Sophia, Nadia Montenegro’s daughter with Baron Geisler, seemingly took a swipe at the actor for doing “nothing” for her as her father.
Sophia hopped on the “rating things my dad did for me” trend on TikTok, but instead of enumerating what her father did, she only included a photo of herself and captioned it “Are you ready? For nothing.”
The child shared the post last July 14, weeks after Montenegro revealed that her late husband, Macario “Boy” Asistio Jr., is not the biological father of Sophia.
Image: TikTok/@sophia_a00
Sophia also responded to netizens in the comments section, with one @shai saying she “waited” to know about the things Sophia’s father did for her.
“Me too, bro, me too,” she replied.
Another TikTok user, @James., commented “Help!!???” to which Sophia answered, “‘Yan din sabi ko sa kanya eh.”
Image: TikTok/@sopahia_a00
Meanwhile, one @kspy.8 asked, “Eh paano paninindigan eh may asawa nanay mo?”
Sophia then responded, “Wow, part ka ng family? Alam mo ganaps?”
She also came to the defense of Montenegro after another netizen recalled how the actress denied and took legal action when speculations of her love child with Geisler arose.
“Anong karapatan ng ibang tao i-share ang problema ng isang tao? ‘Pag sayo ginawa, matutuwa po ba kayo? Syempre magkakaso [kasi] minor ‘yung anak?!” Sophia stressed.
Image: TikTok/@sopahia_a00
Montenegro first opened up about Sophia’s biological dad in June, although the actress didn’t immediately name who he is. Montenegro, however, alluded to Geisler at the time and his earlier child revelation “for views.”
When asked weeks later about his reaction to Montenegro’s statement, Geisler said he had no idea why the latter had to speak about such matters publicly. Nonetheless, the actor underscored he was happy because Sophia greeted his wife Jamie Evangelista on her birthday.
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Days later, Montenegro had an interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” where she confirmed Geisler as Sophia’s dad.
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DOF chief welcomes Marcos’ total Pogo ban order | Philippine News Agency | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:24:33 PST | Ralph Recto —Senate PRIB
Ralph Recto —Senate PRIB
MANILA – Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to impose a total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
“I support the President’s decision to ban Pogo. The cost outweighs the benefits,” Recto said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency.
“Ako, tama naman ‘yun palagay ko. May mga reputational risks din ‘yung Pogo, not to mention maraming dulot na masasama sa ating lipunan, ‘no. Kita naman natin, napag-uusapan natin ‘yan halos araw-araw (I think that is right. Pogos have reputational risks, not to mention there are bad effects in the country. We see these, we talk about these every day),” he said in a separate interview on the sidelines of the President’s State of the Nation Address.
READ: Marcos bans Pogo, cites ‘disorder’ it caused PH
Recto said there are crimes linked to the illegal Pogo operations in the country.
The finance chief said he recommended to the President the total Pogo ban, adding he also provided a cost-benefit analysis.
“Kaya ‘pag isuma-total mo ‘yan dun sa rekomendasyon ko sa Pangulo na i-ban ‘yung Pogo, pinakita rin namin kung ano ‘yung mga cost-benefit analysis dyan, sa palagay ko, tama ang desisyon ng Pangulo (If we sum it up, my recommendation to ban Pogo and the cost-benefit analysis, I think the decision of the President is right),” Recto added.
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Pagcor to act on Pogo ban; 42,000 Filipino workers to be displaced | Faith Argosino | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:33:36 PST | MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has committed to act on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s directive banning the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country, which will displace an estimated 42,000 Filipino workers.
Echoing what Marcos said in his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), Pagcor chief Alejandro Tengco said instructions have already been issued to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help affected workers find new jobs before 2025.
“Higit kumulang na siguro may mga 42,000 yon [mawawalan ng trabaho] directly yon ang Pilipino, walang foreigners,” Tengco said in an ambush interview after the Sona Monday afternoon.
(More or less 42,000 will lose their jobs, all Filipinos, no foreigners.)
“Tulad ng sinabi ng Pangulo kanina mangyari sigurong minumungkahi ko na makipagugnayan kayo sa DOLE sa ganun ay may skills training program nang sa ganun malagpasan natin yung magiging problema natin,” he added.
(Like what the President said earlier, I’m suggesting these workers coordinate with DOLE; they have a skills training program so we can overcome this problem.)
Tengco added that Marcos believed the Pogo ban would be better for all Filipinos.
“I hereby instruct the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year,” Marcos said in his third Sona.
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LIST: Canceled flights on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 08:11:45 PST | MANILA, Philippines — Several flights were canceled on Tuesday due to hazardous weather conditions brought by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi), the Manila International Airport Authority advised.
Below is the list of canceled flights as of 11:15 a.m. on July 23:
Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)
PAL Express (2P)
Cebu Pacific (5J)
CebGo (DG)
AirSwift (T6)
Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) was last spotted some 380 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported in its 5:00 a.m. bulletin.
The state weather bureau said Carina maintained its strength and may make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
Pagasa warned that Cagayan Valley and Aurora may have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to Carina.
Meanwhile, the Bicol region, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Quezon, Northern Samar, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the rest of Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan)band parts of Western Visayas may also experience overcast skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon, or “habagat.”
The rest of the country, on the other hand, may expect slightly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms also due to “habagat.”
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Makabayan solons unimpressed with Marcos’ ‘anti-poor’ Sona | Faith Argosino | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:21:44 PST | President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, reported as the “biggest Sona” in Philippine history based on the number of confirmed attendees.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, reported as the “biggest Sona” in Philippine history based on the number of confirmed attendees.
MANILA, Philippines — Makabayan bloc lawmakers gave a failing mark to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), calling it a presentation of anti-poor policies.
In an ambush interview after the event, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said that Marcos did not mention one of the most important issues surrounding the education sector — the P50,000 entry-level for teachers’ pay.
“For government employees, including teachers, the supposed fourth tranche SSL (Salary Standardization Law) is still just a promise and may again be a pittance like the SSL V, other salary adjustments, and the P35 minimum wage increase in NCR,” she said.
“Also, instead of making job orders and contracts of service workers regular, Pres. Marcos Jr. will just extend their exploitation. As we have said before, we demand an end-to-endo in government,” she added.
Castro likewise pointed out that Marcos did not mention the salary increase, a lack of a concrete plan for wage hikes for private sector workers, and fake news and disinformation issues.
“He banned Pogos but this will not solve poverty, landlessness, malnutrition, foreign intrusion, lack of jobs, high prices of goods and services, lack of industrialization and exploitation,” Castro pointed out.
“This does not end on [the] Pogo ban. Officials who protected Pogos should also be held accountable,” she added.
For her part, House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas called the speech “a blatant push for foreign interests at the expense of Philippine sovereignty and welfare.”
“President Marcos Jr.’s Sona is a clear indication that his administration remains deaf to the plight of ordinary Filipinos. The glaring absence of any mention of a significant wage increase shows how out of touch this government is with workers’ struggles,” she said.
“How can he claim the West Philippine Sea is ours when he has allowed increased US military presence in our country?” Brosas said.
“From the Balikatan exercises to the war-provoking missile system in Ilocos Norte, and now the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (123 Agreement), this administration is turning our nation into a playground for foreign military powers.”
“Kung meron mang isang tamang sinabi si Marcos Jr. sa kanyang speech, ito ay ang katotohanang walang kwenta ang mga datos lalo na sa kumakalam na sikmura ng milyon-milyong Pilipino. No amount of inflated data or empty promises can mask the growing discontent among Filipinos due to his anti-poor and anti-people policies,” Brosas concluded.
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(If Marcos Jr. said anything right in his speech, it was the fact that data is worthless, especially when millions of Filipinos are experiencing hunger.)
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#WalangPasok: Class suspensions for Tuesday, July 23 | Faith Argosino | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:11:45 PST | Class suspensions in several schools in Metro Manila and Cavite amid stormy weather due to Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi).
Class suspensions in several schools in Metro Manila and Cavite amid stormy weather due to Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi).
MANILA, Philippines — Class suspensions were imposed in several schools in Metro Manila and Cavite amid stormy weather due to Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi).
In the capital city of Manila, Mayor Honey Lacuna suspended face-to-face elementary and high school classes for private schools due to the Yellow Rainfall Warning issued by the state weather agency.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora also ordered the suspension of classes at all levels for both public and private schools in his jurisdiction to ensure the safety of students.
Malabon City likewise suspended classes at all levels due to the effects of the southwest monsoon and high tide.
Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco directed class suspensions from pre-school to college for both public and private schools, citing the recommendation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raised Yellow Rainfall Warning in Metro Manila.
He even noted that the local government expected a two-meter rise in seawater around Navotas before noon Tuesday as Carina enhanced the southwest monsoon, locally termed habagat, which is anticipated to bring rain in the capital region throughout the day.
READ: LIST: Canceled flights on Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan declared class suspensions at all levels for public and private schools in Caloocan City due to inclement weather.
Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla also announced via X (formerly Twitter) class suspensions at all levels for public and private schools in the province because of the rains.
Based on Pagasa’s early Tuesday morning bulletin, Typhoon Carina-boosted southwest monsoon may bring moderate to intense rainfall in many areas of Luzon’s western portion.
Pagasa even hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in 10 areas of Luzon on Tuesday, as Carina kept its strength while crossing extreme Northern Luzon and moving toward Taiwan.
The 10 areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 are:
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Pagasa said Carina was last spotted 380 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.
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Pagasa: Signal No. 1 in 10 areas as Typhoon Carina maintains strength | John Eric Mendoza | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:39:06 PST | Typhoon Carina and its wind signals
Typhoon Carina and its wind signals
MANILA, Philippines — Ten areas in Luzon are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 on Tuesday as Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) maintained its strength, according to state meteorologists.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in its early morning update, said Carina was spotted some 380 kilometers east-northeast of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.
Carina is forecast to make landfall in the northern portion of Taiwan between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, then exit the Philippine area of responsibility hours later.
Carina will induce the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” and trigger moderate to intense rainfall over the western portion of Luzon.
Meanwhile, a gale warning is in effect in Batanes and Babuyan Islands, where sea travel is risky for small vessels.
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Public sector external debt rose 43% in Q2 to $3.9B | Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral, Thony Rose F. Lesaca | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:10:00 PST | Photo courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page
Photo courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Facebook Page
Public sector appetite for foreign debts increased in the second quarter after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved $3.9 billion of fresh external borrowings by the government to fund sustainability and infrastructure projects.
The amount of new external debts cleared by the Monetary Board (MB)—the highest policymaking body of the BSP—was 43 percent higher compared with a year ago, data released on Monday by the central bank showed.
Dissecting the BSP’s report, the public sector foreign borrowings approved by the MB in the second quarter consisted of the $2 billion that the Marcos administration raised during its first trip to the international debt market this year.
READ: External debt up in Q1, says BSP
Recall that the government sold $1 billion each via 10-year debt securities and 25-year sustainability notes during its US dollar bond offering last May.
The BSP-approved external debts also consisted of project loans with a combined worth of $1.9 billion.
“These borrowings will fund the National Government’s general budget financing and financing and refinancing of assets in line with the Republic of the Philippines’ Sustainable Finance Framework ($2 billion) and transport infrastructure projects ($1.9 billion),” the BSP said.
Under the law, prior approval of the MB is required for all foreign loans to be contracted or guaranteed by the government.
Similarly, all foreign borrowing proposals of the government, including those of agencies and state-run financial institutions, are required to be submitted for approval in principle by the MB before the commencement of actual negotiations.
READ: Gov’t debt stock eases to P14.93T
These steps are meant to help the BSP ensure that external debt requirements are kept at manageable levels, which is part of its mandate to support external debt sustainability.
The Marcos administration is planning to borrow a total of P2.57 trillion from creditors at home and abroad in 2024 to help bridge its budget deficit, which is projected to hit P1.5 trillion this year.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto had said the government would remain “prudent” in its debt management by continuing to adopt a 75:25 borrowing mix in favor of domestic sources.
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Earlier this month, Recto said the government was eyeing a return to the US dollar bond market and a possible sale of “samurai” bonds to raise an additional $3 billion as part of its external borrowing plan for this year. INQ
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Bullish Aboitiz readies P250-B capex for 2025 | Meg J. Adonis | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:08:00 PST | Conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) may shell out more money in 2025 to fund plans meant to further expand the company’s footprint, following last year’s expansion into the consumer segment.
AEV on Monday said that it would spend P250 billion next year, representing a 63-percent increase from its planned P153-billion capital expenditure this year.
But AEV, which has interests in power, infrastructure, food and beverage, banking and property, also clarified that they were still at the “planning stage.”
READ: Aboitiz group boosting nonpower businesses
“We would like to clarify that AEV, alongside other businesses in our portfolio, is in constant pursuit of opportunities to grow our businesses as we position ourselves as the country’s first techglomerate,” the company said in a stock exchange filing.
“We emphasize that this planning stage does not constitute a firm commitment from the company,” AEV added.
Earlier, AEV said it wanted to strike a balance between its power business—its largest income contributor—and its other units through significant takeovers.
AEV in November 2023 expanded in the consumer segment after its P100-billion acquisition of Coca-Cola Philippines Inc. with partner Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Plc. (CCEP).
READ: Power unit boosts Aboitiz group’s Q1 bottom line by 22%
AEV holds 40 percent of the soft drink giant.
Union Bank of the Philippines, the group’s banking arm, also recently dropped the Citi brand as it finalized its P72-billion acquisition.
AEV chief financial officer Jose Emmanuel Hilado previously said they aimed to have at least 50 percent of the Aboitiz group’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to come from its nonpower businesses. INQ
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Benchmark T-bill rates inch up | Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:07:00 PST | Yields on Treasury bills rose during Monday’s auction as lenders locked in higher yields ahead of possible rate cut amid dovish signals from the US Federal Reserve.
Even then, the Bureau of the Treasury was able to raise P20 billion as planned, with total demand for the offer hitting P47.4 billion. This was 2.4 times larger than the original issue size.
The average rate for the 91-day T-bill was placed at 5.743 percent, more expensive than the 5.717 percent rate at last week’s auction. The yield for the 181-day T-bill, likewise, rose to 5.991 percent, from 5.978 percent previously.
READ: Gov’t raises P20-B from T-bills auction
Meanwhile, local creditors asked for an average rate of 6.081 percent for the 364-day debt notes, higher than the 6.072 percent they demanded last week.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the higher yield on the short-term debt paper to the desire of lenders to get high yields ahead of possible 25-basis point (bps) rate cut as early as August amid easing inflation and prospects of a rate cut in the United States.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said earlier that the Monetary Board may cut rates by 25 bps as early as August and another 25 bps before the end of the year—possibly even ahead of the US Federal Reserve.
Last week, Fed officials indicated that the US central bank was “closer” to reducing interest rates due to the improved trajectory of inflation and a more balanced labor market. These point to a possible reduction in borrowing costs in September.
The government is looking to raise P215 billion from the local market this month – P100 billion from T-bills and P115 billion via T-bonds.
The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help fund its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.48 trillion or 5.6 percent of the economic output this year. INQ
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Villar unit pitches 9.5% yield from bonds on sale | Meg J. Adonis | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:06:00 PST | A subsidiary of developer Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. is set to tap the debt market later this month for a budget boost ahead of a potential cut in the country’s key rates.
In a stock exchange filing on Monday, Vista Land said VLL International Inc., an entity created for the purpose of issuing debt papers, would issue Regulation S bonds under its $2-billion medium term note program.
Regulation S notes are debt securities offered and sold outside the United States. Its name comes from Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933, which stipulates rules on offers and sales made in other countries.
READ: Villar firms raise profit despite slower demand
According to the billionaire Manny Villar-led firm, it plans to offer the five-year bonds by July 29. Investors are projected to have a potential 9.5-percent yield on their holdings.
Vista Land has yet to issue the final price for the bonds, which will be listed on the Singapore Exchange.
Vista Land’s offering comes ahead of a potential interest rate cut, which could increase the prices of bonds. Inversely, rates would go down, impacting the value of investors’ holdings. If lenders buy bonds before the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cuts rates, then they will be able to lock in higher yields.
“The net proceeds will be used for refinancing, working capital, investment and other general corporate purposes,” the developer said.
Union Bank of the Philippines will be the domestic lead manager, while DBS Bank Ltd. and HSBC will be the joint global coordinators, bookrunners and lead managers.
Vista Land’s earnings in the first quarter expanded by 11 percent to P3 billion, driven by new projects.
Revenues likewise jumped by 11 percent to P10 billion, while reservation sales reached P20.8 billion, up by 12 percent.
READ: Villar firms face mixed fates as consumer mood shifts
Earlier this month, Vista Land said they were firming up plans to build additional amenities for Villar’s self-named “city.”
Among the planned facilities in the 3,500-hectare Villar City are two golf courses, a church, events arena, university and an integrated entertainment complex.
The so-called megalopolis spans 15 towns and cities in Metro Manila and Cavite province.
The former senator and now chair of Vista Land also hinted at an upcoming partnership with a “renowned hospital.”
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For the year, Vista Land plans to spend P29.4 billion on building new residential units and land development. This represents 98 percent of the company’s P30-billion full-year capital spending. INQ
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CBCP issues ‘Oratio Imperata for Peace’ | Luisa Cabato | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:57:32 PST | —Wikimedia Commons
—Wikimedia Commons
MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) released a prayer for peace, called “Oratio Imperata for Peace.”
It said in a social media post that the prayer was approved during the 128th CBCP Plenary Assembly, which will be prayed from July 25, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
READ: CBCP urges dioceses to observe International Day of Conscience
The prayer goes as follows:
“God, our Heavenly Father, Lord of peace and justice, we humbly come before you during this time of escalating geopolitical tensions in our part of the world.
Through the years, you have sustained our faith in you as a nation. It is our faith in Your Divine providence that has made us survive the countless natural and human-caused calamities that have come our way in our history as a people. Spare us, Lord, from the horrors of war. Hear our pleas as we cry out to You. Have mercy on us, Lord; rescue us from the malevolent forces that influence world leaders. For we believe, that “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph 6:12).
We pray for our leaders, entrusted with making crucial decisions for our nation. We place all our hopes in You, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy for the times when our fears and suspicions have tainted our perceptions with ethnic biases and prejudices verging on racism.
We earnestly pray Lord, that you “make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us bring love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there’s despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy.”
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. AMEN.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
St Michael the Archangel, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us
St. Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.
St. Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.
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(Diocesan patron)…, pray for us”
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DOJ, PNP to probe ‘fake,’ ‘malicious’ Marcos video | Frances Mangosing, Jane Bautista | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:15:00 PST | Photo from Facebook
Photo from Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday condemned the “fake video” showing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allegedly using illegal drugs, saying it would pursue necessary actions to identify and prosecute those behind the material.
“The timing of the release of this fake video, occurring just before the President’s State of the Nation Address (Sona), unmistakably indicates an intent to undermine the credibility of the President and the critical speech he is set to deliver,” it said in a statement.
At a hastily called press conference at Camp Crame ahead of the Sona, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. ordered the Philippine National Police to form a task force to investigate the matter.
“I’ve known him for a long time and definitely those features aren’t his,” Abalos told reporters, referring to the man in the video. “This is too malicious … It’s so unfair to the President because he will deliver his Sona today and this came out.”
The video, which was reportedly played during an anti-Marcos government rally in the United States has since gone viral on social media.
Abalos ordered the PNP to coordinate with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to investigate.
In an ambush interview at the Batasang Pambansa, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the footage was “clearly meant” to defame the President.
“[The guy in the video] looked like a Korean; that’s clearly not him,” Bersamin added.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday denied having a hand in the release of the video that his supporters claimed showed Marcos using drugs.
In a statement, Duterte doubled down on his allegation the President was a drug user, an allegation he made in January, adding that denial was the “weakest form of defense.”
“With due apologies to all the experts who vouched for the authenticity of the video, the refusal of President Marcos to undergo the hair follicle drug test is the best proof not only of the video’s authenticity but, worse, his drug addiction,” he said. —with reports from Dempsey Reyes and Melvin Gascon
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PH, US set 2+2 dialogue on July 30 | Charie Mae Abarca | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 03:30:37 PST | Inquirer file photo
Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States are set to conduct a foreign and defense ministerial dialogue, otherwise known as 2+2 on July 30.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed the matter in a statement issued to diplomatic beat reporters late Monday night.
READ: PH, US to finalize 2 pacts this month
“Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. will host United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in Manila on 30 July 2024 for the 4th Philippines-US Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (2+2 Dialogue),” said DFA.
The agency said during this year’s 2+2 Dialogue, the four Secretaries are expected to discuss the following:
How to further enhance our two countries’ ironclad commitment to this alliance while enabling a common program in support of the rules-based international order
Enhanced economic ties
Broad-based prosperity
Solutions to evolving regional and global security challenges
Apart from the dialogue between top foreign affairs and defense officials, the DFA said Secretaries Blinken and Austin are also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during their visit.
According to DFA, the last iteration of the 2+2 Dialogue was held in April 2023 in Washington, DC.
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Faster repo settlement system in place | Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:03:00 PST | Banks selling some of their holdings of government securities to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) under repurchase agreements or repos can now receive the funds owed to them at a much faster pace, thanks to the fully automated intraday settlement facility (ISF).
Launched last June 27, the BSP said on Monday that the automated ISF is a product of linking the central bank’s own peso real-time payment system called PhilPass Plus and the enhanced National Registry for Scripless Securities (NRoSS) of the Bureau of the Treasury.
PhilPass Plus is the country’s only system that enables efficient and low-risk settlement of large-value peso funds transfers between financial institutions like banks. Meanwhile, NRoSS is an electronic registry system that facilitates the settlement and recording of transfers of government securities like Treasury bonds and Treasury bills.
READ: Time a loan will tell: Where does bank credit go?
By linking the two systems, “timing mismatches” encountered by banks when receiving payments under their repos with the central bank can be prevented.
Under a repo, the BSP buys some government securities held by banks. The payment from the BSP, in turn, provides additional liquidity to these lenders until the time comes for the BSP to sell the securities back to the banks at a specified future date at a predetermined rate.
Repos are one of the BSP’s tools for managing the supply of money circulating in the Philippine economy.
Apart from preventing gridlocks in the settlement of repo payments to banks, the BSP said the automated ISF was also designed to “support a quick and efficient paperless process.”
“This allows PhilPaSS Plus participants (banks) to obtain funds within a few minutes after initiating a repurchase agreement or repo transaction with the BSP,” the central bank said.
“The ISF’s full automation is aligned with the BSP’s mandate of promoting a safe, efficient and reliable mode of funds transfer in support of financial stability,” it added.
PhilPaSS Plus not only facilitates the settlement of repo payments to banks. This system also settles the clearing results of retail payments made by individuals, businesses and the government using bank checks, ATMs and electronic fund transfer services InstaPay and PESONet. INQ
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PSEI fails to secure 6,800 anchor over Sona anxiety | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:02:00 PST | Investors took the perfect opportunity on Monday to lock in profits amid jitters over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona), prompting the local bourse to erase last week’s gains.
By the closing bell, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) shed 1.17 percent, or 79.64 points, to 6,712.05.
Meanwhile, the broader All Shares Index slipped by 0.77 percent, or 27.85 points, to close at 3,599.98.
READ: Asian markets drop as Biden drops out of White House race
A total of 531.62 million shares worth P6.23 billion changed hands as foreigners made net purchases worth P1.01 billion, stock exchange data showed.
Claire Alviar, research analyst at Philstocks Financial Inc., said the bourse’s decline was due to traders selling shares to secure profits from last week’s four-session winning streak.
At the same time, Alviar said investors were also waiting for Marcos’ plan to meet the government’s economic targets in the coming years.
Last month, the President’s economic team maintained a growth target of 6 percent to 7 percent for the year. For the rest of Marcos’ term, the government expects a 6.5- to 8-percent growth.
Only property and mining firms ended in the green. Service-focused firms suffered the largest loss at 2.61 percent as index heavyweight International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) went down by nearly 4 percent.
Sy family-led BDO Unibank Inc. was the top-traded stock as it slipped by 0.40 percent to P148.20 per share.
It was followed by Bank of the Philippine Islands, up 0.94 percent to P129; Ayala Land Inc., up 0.63 percent to P31.90; SM Investments Corp., down 0.77 percent to P904; and SM Prime Holdings Inc., up 1.32 percent to P30.65 each.
ICTSI shed 3.79 percent to P355.80; Ayala Corp., down 2.85 percent to P580; Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., down 4.43 percent to P66.90; Century Pacific Food Inc., down 2.08 percent to P33; and Bloomberry Resorts Corp., down 2.17 percent to P8.57.
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Losers overpowered gainers, 107 to 72, while 60 companies closed unchanged. —Meg J. Adonis INQ
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Cebu Pacific eyes Airswift | Tyrone Jasper C. Piad | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:05:00 PST | Cebu Pacific is looking at widening its domestic network as it conducts “exploratory talks” with Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) for the potential acquisition of the latter’s boutique airline, Airswift.
On Monday, the Gokongwei-led airline confirmed that it was engaging with ALI but “nothing definitive has been agreed upon.”
This was in response to the report by The STAR saying that Cebu Pacific was in talks for the acquisition of AirSwift.
“Cebu Pacific is always on the lookout for opportunities to grow and expand its network, including partnership with other parties,” the budget carrier explained.
READ: This Airline Makes Traveling to El Nido Faster Than Riding Around the Metro
AirSwift provides direct flights to popular tourist destinations like Palawan, Cebu, Boracay and Bohol.
For its part, Cebu Pacific currently services over 35 domestic and 24 international destinations.
According to ALI’s latest annual report, AirSwift and the retail electricity supply business of the Ayala family had a combined revenues of P3.11 billion last year, showing an 18-percent annual growth.
Cebu Pacific said it would make disclosures if any of its potential business opportunities would firm up.
“We also endeavor that whatever business proposals we carefully evaluate, we never let it become a distraction to our core business,” it added.
Amid the ongoing talks, Cebu Pacific is also in the process of finalizing its P1.4-trillion aircraft order for up to 152 A321neo (new engine option) jets with global manufacturer Airbus by the third quarter of this year.
The airline and jet manufacturer inked their memorandum of understanding for the biggest jet purchase in Philippine aviation history earlier this month. The low-cost carrier is expecting delivery of the first batch of aircraft by 2028.
These latest moves by Cebu Pacific are in line with its projection of a travel boom in the coming years. Previously, Cebu Pacific CEO Michael Szucs told the Inquirer they were expecting annual passenger volume to grow to 60 million by 2035, or triple the number of guests it had serviced last year.
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This year, it has earmarked a P60-billion capital expenditure for mostly aircraft-related spending. The airline has received seven of the expected 18 aircraft deliveries for 2024. INQ
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Marcos: West PH Sea not figment of imagination | Melvin Gascon | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:40:07 PST | President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue its thrust to uphold the country’s territorial rights and sovereignty, through what he termed as “diplomatic” and “pacific” means.
In his third State of the Nation Address (Sona), the President took a tough stance that the Philippines will continue to assert its rights and interests, while continuing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
READ: Marcos: No announcements of RoRe missions to Ayungin
“The West Philippine Sea is not a figment of our imagination; this is ours, and we continue to be so for as long as the spirit of our love for country lives on in all of us,” the President emphatically said in Filipino, his statement briefly interrupted by cheers and a standing ovation from the audience at the Batasang Pambansa.
“The Philippines cannot yield. The Philippines cannot waver,” he stressed.
Though evading mention of the prevailing tension in the WPS with China, the President said that the Philippines “will assert [its] rights and interests in the same fair and pacific way that [it has] always done.”
“Proper diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order remain the only acceptable means of settling disputes,” he said.
READ: West PH Sea: No Ayungin resupply since violent June 17 encounter
Peace and community-building will always be the Philippines’ clarion call, the President noted, citing the country’s scheduled hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in 2026.
The President said the government would undertake measures to strengthen and enhance the awareness of the Filipino people, and ensure that this is passed on to the younger generations.
“Laws on our maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes will make sure that this intergenerational mandate—this duty—will firmly take root in the hearts and minds of all our people,” he said.
The Philippines, he said, continues to fortify its defensive posture both through developing self-reliance and through partnerships with like-minded states.
“We are now more conscious as a people, and strategic in heightening our aerial and maritime domain awareness,” he said.
The Philippines has a Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States and Australia.
Earlier this month, it signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan allowing the entry of military troops and equipment into each other’s jurisdiction for combat training and disaster response.
The government is also involving its foreign partners in helping patrol its territorial waters, especially in the WPS where China has recently escalated its aggressive behavior by blocking resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
The President paid tribute to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Filipino fisherfolk in the WPS.
“Please accept our wholehearted gratitude for your continued vigilance and sacrifices,” he said, drawing loud cheers and a standing ovation.
He said the Philippines would “continuously try to find ways to de-escalate tensions in contested areas with foreign counterparts, but without compromising its position and principles.”
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“I know that our neighbors too are doing their best to make this work,” he said.
Aside from the Philippines, other members of Asean such as Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia also have overlapping claims with Beijing, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea despite an international tribunal’s ruling in 2016 saying it had no legal basis.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
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A quick look at other Sona highlights | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:05:51 PST | Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
Screenshot from RTVM/LIVE
MANILA, Philippines — Here are the other highlights of the issues discussed in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (Sona).
READ: FULL SPEECH: Bongbong Marcos’ State of the Nation Address
• Legislative wish for the proposed national budget to be approved promptly and adhered to as closely as possible following an increased budget, especially in health and education
• Implement pre-border technical verification and cross-border electronic invoices of import commodities
• Kadiwa centers will continue operations and more will be added across the nation
• Irrigation dams will supplement all bulk water projects to ensure water security
• Phases 2 and 3 of the National Fiber Backbone project will commence this year and be completed by 2026
• Unified Philippine Grid connecting the power grids of all three major island groups
• Congress asked to check if Epira (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) needs revision to fit the country’s current power industry situation
• Build more specialty hospitals and “Super Health Centers” in local government units
• Each province will be provided with a mobile clinic in the future to provide people with easier access to laboratory exams and other medical services
• Walang Gutom Program 2027 will be rolled out to over 300,000 food-poor households by the end of this year
• Launching of DOH’s comprehensive mental health plan
• Production of textbooks will be cut short from three years to one year to ensure that instructional materials are error-free and up-to-date
• DepEd, CHEd, Dole and Tesda join forces to incorporate Technical-Vocational Education and Training in school curricula to boost student employability
• Implementation of PH eVisa will be next in the digital transformation agenda
• “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo” Act signed into law, to provide public school teachers with an annual teaching allowance starting from 2025
• Upskilling teachers at the forefront of national learning recovery, including an expanded system for teacher development
• Special Hardship Allowance and Personal Accident Insurance from the Government Service Insurance System for public school teachers
• Scholarships and research and development grants will continue to be made available to support start-ups
• 350 air and seaport development projects set to be completed by 2028
• Technical and professional-level training courses in cybersecurity and creative industries will be launched
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• Promote experiential tourism to boost the country’s tourism industry —compiled by Inquirer Research
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PH eyes military agreements with more allies | Philippine Daily Inquirer | Tue, 23 Jul 2024 05:00:08 PST | Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. —photo from the DND Facebook page
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. —photo from the DND Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Monday that the Philippines was hoping to seal visiting forces deals, similar to the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), with three other countries next year to allow greater interoperability.
According to Teodoro, the RAA with Japan, which allows it to deploy troops and equipment to Manila, will “not be the last.”
READ: PH, Japan ink defense pact amid China aggression
“Well, we are going to work on an RAA hopefully with Canada, with France as my counterpart, Minister Lecornu and I announced last year, with New Zealand and with other countries,” he said in an ABS-CBN News Channel interview.
“They will allow armed forces of these countries to operate with the Philippine Armed Forces within the Philippine territorial jurisdictions and vice versa,” Teodoro added.
Aside from the RAA, signed on July 8 after six months of negotiations, the Philippines has similar visiting forces agreements with the United States and Australia. —Nestor Corrales
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