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Who are the delegates topping the Miss World PH 2024 fast-track challenges? | Ysa Abad | 30/06/2024 15:12 | TOP 12. Miss World Philippines 2024 announced the semifinalists for its Beach Beauty competition.
Miss World Philippines' Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – The search for the next Miss World Philippines (MWP) queen is definitely heating up as the pre-pageant activities for its 2024 edition are fully underway.
On their social media pages, the MWP Organization has started announcing the delegates who are dominating its fast-track challenges.
For the sports fast-track event, 10 candidates made it to the top. They are the following:
Meanwhile, 12 contestants topped the beach beauty competition. Those who made it to this category are:
A post shared by MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES (@msworldphil)
10 finalists also made it to the Beauty with a Purpose category. They are the following:
Only five finalists were chosen for the talent competition. They are:
The top three finalists for the Head-to-Head challenge are:
For the multimedia fast-track challenge, the top six finalists are:
10 finalists were chosen for the National Costume competition. They are the following:
Only three made it to the Miss Charity event:
The winner for each fast-track challenge will automatically secure a semifinals spot in the pageant. The finals night is set to take place on Friday, July 19, 8 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
35 candidates are competing to succeed Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol. Fourniol bowed out early in the pageant’s international competition after she failed to make it to the Top 40.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 crown, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/list-delegates-miss-world-philippines-2024-top-fast-track-challenges/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR03r8ZNjBYEXHEcR3Sd8hR41LgErmgcXI_aqcmw-Esev9P9h0Wv8r7xNkA_aem_1k-NLckVn4FjIm-3bILu1Q | Credible |
Billy Crawford, Maria Gigante to host Miss World PH 2024 coronation night | Ysa Abad | 04/07/2024 9:48 | HOSTS. Maria Gigante and Billy Crawford will host the Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night.
Miss World Philippines' Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Singer Billy Crawford and Miss Universal Woman 2024 Maria Gigante will serve as the hosts for the Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2024 coronation night.
The finals night is set to take place on Friday, July 19, 8 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Don’t miss the magic they bring to the Miss World Philippines stage,” the organization said.
Meanwhile, OPM band The Juans is also confirmed to perform during the coronation night.
Those who’d like to watch the finals night live can secure passes via SM Tickets website and outlets. Ticket prices range from P560 to P10,760.
As of writing, the MWP organization has yet to announce details about live streaming options for the finals night.
Thirty-five candidates are competing to succeed Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol. Fourniol bowed out early in the pageant’s international competition after she failed to make it to the Top 40.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 crown, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/billy-crawford-maria-gigante-host-miss-world-philippines-2024-coronation-night/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0WaHxoa3PXlKmz5HEYw-KP9wpINoAY-GzjCCIxnex1ZakIuNKM9Unvzac_aem_kmBwcbjuq6JvGSC2S8DWQQ | Credible |
IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2024 candidates | Ysa Abad | 29/05/2024 14:20 | MANILA, Philippines – The search is on for the next Miss World Philippines queen!
The Miss World Philippines Organization introduced on Monday evening, May 27, the first batch of candidates who passed their final screening for the pageant’s 2024 edition.
The organization also released individual pictures of the 18 delegates along with their official pageant numbers. Notably, there were no photos for candidates #3, #4, #9, #21, #22, and #23.
Among the notable names in this year’s roster are Miss World 2021 1st Princess Rianna Pangindian and crossover queens from Miss Universe Philippines Dia Remulla Mate and Binibining Pilipinas Jasmine Omay and Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano.
On June 3, the pageant organizers introduced the second batch of their 2024 delegates, making the total number of finalists to 35. Miss Charm Philippines 2023 Krishnah Marie Gravidez, who relinquished her spot in the Miss Charm International Pageant, was part of the second batch of candidates.
The Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night is set for July 19, 8 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol will be crowning her successor. Fourniol bowed out early in the pageant’s international competition after she failed to make it to the Top 40.
Meet the official candidates for the 2024 edition here:
The Miss World Philippines 2024 edition is the pageant’s comeback in more than two years. There was no competition in 2023 since the schedules for the international editions were rescheduled, affecting the local pageants.
As of writing, it also remains unclear whether other crowns will be up for grabs in the pageant aside from the Miss World Philippines title. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/photos-miss-world-philippines-2024-candidates/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0gcAtiA92dS7sTt7ydt3RNXq13fqUJ9xUatcPXp7Pe1YKJC714PfDbMmc_aem_0wCZxzM6Hi5wb1IoCNCjSg | Credible |
Miss World PH 2024: All the candidates’ photos, videos you want to see | Ysa Abad | 14/07/2024 15:16 | CANDIDATES. 35 queens are competing in Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant.
Miss World Philippines' Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – After almost two years, the Miss World Philippines Organization is set to crown a new queen on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Thirty-five candidates are competing to succeed Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022. Fourniol bowed out early in the pageant’s international competition after she failed to make it to the Top 40.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, two other titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism.
The coronation night will be hosted by singer Billy Crawford, Miss Universe Woman 2024 Maria Gigante, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2021 Emmanuelle Vera, and actor Teejay Marquez.
Miss World CEO and Chairman Julia Morley and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova will also grace the event.
Meanwhile, OPM band The Juans, singer Johnoy Danao, the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, and P-pop groups KAIA and BILIB will be performing during the coronation night.
Ahead of the pageant’s coronation night, take a look at the photos and videos you’d want to see to get to know all the participating candidates for Miss World Philippines 2024:
– Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/miss-world-philippines-photos-videos-features-updates-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0qo9889daGpCnBP1bH5bx6FVRHjV8YoYjKuR49mkmdJJ-kO9wXZTNJbOs_aem_kfaO1eWa5EB1uXTu1Oy45Q | Credible |
AT A GLANCE: Delegates topping the Miss World Philippines 2024 fast-track events | Russell Ku | 17/07/2024 15:22 | MANILA, Philippines – Before a new Miss World Philippines is crowned on Friday, July 19, the 35 candidates vying for the title participated in various activities for a chance to earn a semifinal spot in the pageant.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 title, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. Here are the finalists for each event.
– with graphics by Andoy Edoria/Rappler.com
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Strong Group cruises to 6th straight win, secures top 2 in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 19/07/2024 17:13 | BOARD BATTLE. Strong Group-Pilipinas’ Chris McCullough (right) and Geo Chiu battle for the rebound against Japan in the Jones Cup.
STRONG GROUP-PILIPINAS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – Despite missing three of its key players, Strong Group-Pilipinas remained unbeaten in the 2024 William Jones Cup with a 92-79 romp of Japan’s under-22 team on Friday, July 19, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Playing in their sixth game in seven days, the Filipinos were without Rhenz Abando and Ange Kouame due to minor injuries and American import Tajuan Agee due to illness.
Still, the Filipinos led the Japanese from start to finish as they clinched a top-two finish in the single round-robin tournament with a 6-0 slate.
Strong Group super import Chris McCullough dropped a game-high 26 points on an efficient 12-of-17 field goal clip, while Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner added 17 points.
With the Philippines leading by only 4 points at the end of the first quarter, 22-18, Fenner provided a huge spark off the bench in the second period as he unloaded 11 of his 17 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting to help Strong Group enjoy a 54-36 cushion at halftime.
Former Gilas Pilipinas guards Jordan Heading and Kiefer Ravena continued their steady play for Strong Group with 11 and 9 points, respectively, while big man Geo Chiu stepped up in the absence of Kouame and Agee with 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Hiyuu Ozawa topscored for the Japanese with 17 points built on five long bombs, while John Harper, Ryosuke Saeki, and Ryosei Saito all had 10 markers each.
Already assured of a silver medal, Strong Group takes on Chinese Taipei-White in its penultimate game on Saturday, July 19, before its highly anticipated clash with fellow undefeated Chinese Taipei-Blue the next day.
The team with the best record at the end of the tournament brings home the championship.
Strong Group 92 – McCullough 26, Fenner 17, Heading 11, Ravena 9, Chiu 8, Abarrientos 5, Tiongson 4, Ynot 4, Liwag 4, Ildefonso 2, Manalili 2.
Japan 79 – Ozawa 17, Harper 10, Saeki 10, Sato 10, Kibayashi 9, Hasegawa 5, Kurokawa 3, Buto 3, Watanabe 2, Asai 2, Arai 2.
Quarters: 22-18, 54-36, 70-55, 92-79.
– Rappler.com
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Philippine companies affected by global Windows outage | lkyu0285 | 19/07/2024 16:44 | CONGESTION. Queues start to build up at the Davao International Airport in Davao City due to technical issues on July 19, 2024.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – Several local airlines and banks are all experiencing technical issues that have led to the cancellation of flights and rendered some banking services offline.
Cebu Pacific said its systems were down due to a technical issue related to technology provider CrowdStrike. (EXPLAINER: What caused the global cyber outage?)
“The technical issue requires us to handle affected processes manually, potentially causing delays. We are working closely with our teams to mitigate disruptions to our operations and will provide regular updates as the situation progresses,” the Gokongwei-led airline said in a 3 pm advisory on Friday, July 19.
As of Friday evening, Cebu Pacific has canceled more than 20 local and international flights. (LIST: Flights affected due to global Windows outage)
AirAsia Philippines also confirmed that its systems were affected.
“A global outage affecting Microsoft services has been confirmed by our partner, Navitaire. This outage is causing unexpected rebooting of machines, leading to some operational disruptions related to check-in processes and navigating the AirAsia MOVE app,” AirAsia head of communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan said.
Philippine Airlines told Rappler that it is “not affected by the system outage situation.”
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) confirmed that the operations of two local airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were affected by the CrowdStrike issue.
As of 4 pm, no international carriers at NAIA were affected. MIAA has mobilized additional manpower to manage longer queues at check-in counters.
“A global cyber disruption is currently impacting critical services, including flights, banking, and company operations in various countries such as Singapore, the United States, and Australia. This disruption, linked to Microsoft’s Windows, appears to be related to an issue with cybersecurity software from CrowdStrike,” MIAA said in a statement, adding that there were widespread instances of the “blue screen of death” or BSOD hitting Windows operating systems.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also said it is “currently preparing for the increase in passengers waiting at airports due to a system issue affecting airline operations.”
“There is already congestion at Davao International Airport Passenger Terminal Building caused by the system issue in Cebu Pacific, leading to delays and two flight cancellations,” CAAP said in a statement.
So far, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) have all confirmed that they are experiencing some issues due to the global outage.
BDO advised its clients that they may experience “extended wait times at our branches and contact center, and delays in or unavailability of some functions in our digital channels.”
As of 8:24 pm, BDO reported that its digital channels have been successfully restored.
In an advisory, BPI said the issue “impacted certain operations in the bank which may cause longer wait times in our branches and contact center.” Customers of the Ayala-led bank may also experience delays in the crediting of financial transactions, such as bills payment and interbank fund transfers. The bank’s branches, ATMs, cash accept machines (CAMs), and online and mobile banking services remain available.
Metrobank said customers may experience “a slowdown or temporary unavailability of some bank products and services through our online channels.” Bank ATMs and CAMs remain available.
UnionBank said its customer service hotline and “some branch services and online credit card transactions are temporarily unavailable.” The bank’s app, website, and ATMs remain available.
Both Landbank and RCBC acknowledged a system outage, but have since announced that all their online banking services are back.
Security Bank, Maya, and GoTyme have confirmed to Rappler that they were not affected by the outage.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued a statement, saying that it was “closely monitoring the global Microsoft and CrowdStrike outage.”
“Some BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) have experienced disruptions but are addressing the issue, while some already restored affected systems. The BSP has required affected BSFIs to provide updates and activate their resilience and continuity plans as needed,” the central bank said on Friday night.
The BSP Peso Real Time Gross Settlement System, or PhilPassPlus, was unaffected. All PESONet, InstaPay, ATM, and check settlements for the day were successfully completed.
Meanwhile, the country’s two largest telecommunications companies have both confirmed that their services remain online. Globe said that its core services, which includes call, text, and data connectivity, were unaffected.
“The issue was isolated to a few Windows-based workstations that our employees use for work for the most part, and some servers that do not materially affect our core services,” Globe chief information security officer Anton Bonifacio said in a statement on Friday.
In a statement sent to Rappler, PLDT and Smart both confirmed that they were not affected, saying that the “PLDT Group does not use any software from CrowdStrike in its ecosystem, thus our operations remain unaffected by the current outage.”
DITO was unaffected by the Windows outage, DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago confirmed to Rappler.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also said that it was “vigilantly monitoring the ongoing software outage allegedly caused by a faulty update of a cybersecurity provider.” The DICT also said that it does not use the same cybersecurity service provider – which it did not name in its statement – and that none of its systems or assets were affected.
The systems of airlines, banks, and even media companies are going offline around the world due to the issue affecting Microsoft’s Windows operating system. So far, the issue has been traced to CrowdStrike, which has acknowledged the reports of crashes on Windows related to its “Falcon sensor.” – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Suspected Trump assassin was not Chinese | Ailla Dela Cruz | 19/07/2024 15:00 | Claim: Former US President Donald Trump’s suspected assassin was Chinese.
Why we fact-checked this: The YouTube video that contains the claim was posted by a channel with 426,000 subscribers on July 14. The video has 153,261 views, 4,500 likes, and 644 comments as of writing.
At the 0:20 mark, the narrator states: “At ito na guys, ang nakakagulat sa lahat: ang nasabing suspect di umano, mga kababayan, ay isang Chinese.”
(And this, guys, is surprising to everyone. The said suspect, folks, is Chinese.)
The bottom line: Trump’s shooter was not Chinese, but a 20-year-old white man named Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after he shot at Trump during a campaign rally on July 13, injuring the presidential candidate’s ear. Crooks also killed a spectator, Corey Comperatore, and critically injured two others—David Dutch and James Copenhaver.
The gunman was a a registered Republican, according to state voter records. As of writing, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has yet to identify a motive for the attempted assassination.
Chinese blame: The video’s claim that the gunman was Chinese was based on an X (formerly Twitter) post made by lawyer and author Gordon G. Chang. In the post, Chang stated that the gunman who shot at Trump had been identified as “Chinese,” citing a New York Post article.
However, a few hours after his original post, Chang made another post stating that the report wrongly identified the shooter. In the editor’s note, the New York Post article said the identity of the shooter was mistakenly reported due to wrong information obtained from sources. In the edited article, the Post identified the shooter as a “white male.”
The South China Morning Post and the San Francisco Chronicle also reported that anti-Chinese conspiracy theories circulated following the incident.
China-Taiwan relations: The video also claims, without providing proof, that the supposed Chinese gunman’s motive for the assassination attempt was China seeing Trump as a potential hindrance to its interests on Taiwan, particularly in relation to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC), the world’s largest producer of semiconductors.
Trump had been quoted as saying that Taiwan “took” the semiconductor business from the US.
Fact-checked: Rappler has fact-checked numerous claims involving China-Taiwan relations and US involvement:
– Katarina Ruflo/Rappler.com
Katarina Ruflo is a Rappler intern. She is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science with a major in International Relations and Foreign Service at the University of San Carlos, Cebu.
Got comments, questions, or insights about this story? Download the Rappler Communities app for iOS, Android, or web, tap the Community tab, and join any of our chat rooms. See you there!
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Tireless Alex Eala advances in singles, doubles of ITF W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz | Jasmine Payo | 19/07/2024 11:26 | ALL SET. Alex Eala gets ready to receive a shot in the ITF W60 Engie Open Nantes Atlantique in France.
Engie Open Nantes Atlantique
MANILA, Philippines – Two matches in one day with just a short interval in between. Two straight-set victories for Alex Eala.
The Filipina teen standout rallied from an early deficit in both sets to overcome hometown bet Lucia Cortez Llorca, 7-5, 7-5, on Thursday, July 18, in the second round of the singles competition of the ITF W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain.
She then came back just around two hours later in the day to advance to the semifinals of the doubles event after she and Estelle Cascino of France upended in just 59 minutes Victoria Bervid of the Czech Republic and Laura Mair of Italy, 6-4, 6-1.
The 19-year-old Eala and the 24-year-old Cortez Llorca faced each other last year in this same tournament, with the Filipina triumphing in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. So Cortez Llorca knew she could keep in step with Eala.
And the world 385th-ranked Spanish did, jumping to a 4-1 lead in the opening set.
Eala, however, remained unfazed even when her foe went up 5-2. She swept the next five games to win, 7-5, and gain a one-set advantage.
The second set followed a similar script. Cortez Llorca threatened to extend the match to a deciding set when she built a 4-1 lead after gaining a service break in the second game.
But the fifth-seeded Eala once again displayed fortitude and willed herself back in the set, breaking her Spanish foe thrice to win the set in the 12th game.
The service game proved to be the difference in the long, drawn-out battle that lasted two hours and seven minutes.
Eala broke Cortez Llorca six times. The Spanish also committed 14 double faults compared to just 2 by Eala, who is now 155th in the world, the highest in her career.
The going gets tougher for Eala because awaiting her in the quarterfinals is fourth seed Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine.
Like Eala, Starodubtseva is enjoying a career-best world ranking of 123. This ascension is a result of the Ukrainian playing the best tennis this year of her career, recently reaching the second round of Wimbledon. She also made the main draws of the Australian Open and the French Open.
In doubles, the third-seeded Eala and Cascino will also be in for a daunting challenge in the semifinals. They will go up against the unseeded pair of Maria Jose Portillo Ramirez of Mexico and Noelia Zeballos Melgar of Bolivia, who upset second seeds Starodubtseva and Rutuja Bhosale of India in the quarterfinals, 6-4, 6-4.
Eala and Cascino look to duplicate their feat last March 31 when they partnered to win the title in the ITF W75 Croissy-Beaubourg in France. – Rappler.com
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No Canino-Belen repeat team-up just yet | Jasmine Payo | 19/07/2024 14:55 | THE FUTURE. La Salle's Angel Canino and NU's Bella Belen share a hug at the conclusion of the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball finals
UAAP Season 85 Media Team
MANILA, Philippines – The partnership between two of the UAAP’s premier volleyball stars – and rivals – will have to wait, for the meantime.
While La Salle’s Angel Canino and National University’s Bella Belen recently thrilled many volleyball fans of their team-up for Alas Pilipinas, the sight of these two talents together on the same side won’t happen again soon.
As the national women’s volleyball team gears up for the SEA V. League – a two-leg tournament pitting Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines this August – Belen looks to be a key contributor as Canino sits out.
Canino won’t see action in both legs, the first in Vietnam and the second in Thailand, due to commitments with La Salle.
Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza de Brito, who had praised Canino for being a “natural killer,” told the media that only players who joined the national team’s July training camp in Japan will suit up for the SEA V. League.
Canino, a former UAAP rookie MVP like Belen, bagged the Best Opposite Hitter award during the Philippines’ historic bronze-medal finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup last May.
In that tournament where Canino solidified her status as one of the country’s brightest young players, it was Belen who had to sit out.
Belen also had school commitments with NU as the Lady Bulldogs just came fresh out of a UAAP championship romp.
As Belen steps up for the national team this time, Alas Pilipinas again leans on captain and veteran setter Jia de Guzman.
Also back on board are libero Dawn Catindig, Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag, Akari’s Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, Zus Coffee’s Thea Gagate, Galeries Tower’s Julia Coronel, and Creamline’s Jema Galanza.
NU’s Arah Panique and the recuperating Alyssa Solomon are also in the team, along with new members Tia Andaya and Hannah Stires of Central Washington University.
The squad is in Osaka for a two-week training camp.
In last year’s edition, the Philippine team bannered by NU players fell short of its podium bid in the four-nation tournament.
Although it remains uncertain when Canino and Belen will team up again for the national cause, it’s always worth the wait. – Rappler.com
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Metro Manila women’s top pre-SONA concerns: Poverty, job creation – survey | Michelle Abad | 19/07/2024 15:35 | MANILA, Philippines – Addressing poverty and hunger, as well as the creation of jobs, were among the top concerns of women in vote-rich communities in Metro Manila, according to a new survey released days before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In a survey conducted by the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) from June 15 to July 12, women aged 18 and above from mostly low-income households said they wanted the government to focus on their issues that directly impacted their lives.
The following are what they thought the government should prioritize:
The CWR presented the results in a media forum on Friday, July 19.
The 897 surveyed women were mostly between the ages of 35 and 54, with around 41% representation. The 25 to 34 age group came as the second largest group at 18.3% representation.
The respondents who worked earned P15,000 or less, while 32.9% of them were unemployed. Most were self-employed at 35.5%, while just 7.2% worked in formal establishments.
CWR also asked the respondents about their views on charter change (Cha-Cha), which the Marcos government, like previous administrations, has tried to push. Most of the respondents did not fully understand it.
While majority, or 59.1% had heard of charter change mostly from conventional media sources, only 14.5% were able to give a brief description of charter change.
Around half did not know or could not concretely explain how charter change might affect them and their families. Around 23% meanwhile said that changing the Constitution “will only worsen their already poor economic conditions with the loss of jobs, lesser income, and higher prices of goods and utilities that it might entail.”
Just 3.6% said that charter change could potentially change their lives for the better.
The opinions of the Metro Manila women were similar to another Pulse Asia survey about Filipinos’ most urgent national concerns. It was conducted in a similar time period, from June 17 to 24.
The most urgent concern in the Pulse Asia survey was controlling inflation, followed by increasing workers’ pay, reducing poverty, creating more jobs, and fighting graft and corruption.
According to CWR research coordinator Brenda Yasay, while there are some similarities with the mixed-gender Pulse Asia survey, some unique concerns from the all-women respondents that surfaced were social issues like the divorce bill, and the bill seeking to penalize discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE).
They also wanted the government to address issues like farmers’ welfare and violence against women.
Yasay said that the survey question was open-ended in asking what the women’s most pressing concerns were, and the overwhelming response was poverty, which ranked third in the Pulse Asia survey.
“Diretso talaga, kapag tinatanong sila, ‘Ano sa tingin ninyo ang dapat ina-address?’ ‘Kahirapan.’ At tingin namin ay dahil…below poverty threshold ang karamihan, at walang trabaho,” she said.
(We ask them straight, “What issues do you think should be addressed?” They answer, “Poverty.” And we think this is because most of the respondents are below the poverty threshold and are unemployed.)
During the Friday forum, Babae Para sa Inangbayan convenor and former Kabataan representative Sarah Elago said that the survey results showed a “large gap” between what politicians were concerned about and the realities on the ground, especially for women.
“Ang resulta ng pag-aaral na ito ay dapat maging hudyat para sa pamahalaan na muling suriin ang kanilang mga prayoridad. Sana sa SONA, sa halip na ituon ang atensyon sa Cha-Cha, dapat bigyang-pansin ang mga agarang hakbang para matugunan ang pangunahing suliranin ng mamamayan tulad ng kahirapan, kawalan ng trabaho, at pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” said Elago.
(The results of this study should send a signal to the government to reexamine its priorities. In the SONA, instead of focusing attention on Cha-Cha, we must pay attention to immediate steps to resolve the primary concerns of citizens such as poverty, job losses, and inflation.)
The President will deliver his third SONA on Monday, July 22. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/women-top-pre-sona-2024-concerns-poverty-job-creation-survey/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3z1DA2SFAXtbkEIt22AQXuJFeApFJ1c3HKJ9P2qDrW2J88jSIKNj-cX68_aem_QbdLqTwHrGbkb4sxtylzKA | Credible |
[WATCH] Bamban POGO scandal: There’s a bigger fish than Alice Guo | jcgotinga0208 | 19/07/2024 15:27 | There’s a list of seven names whose assets the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) wants frozen. Alice Guo is one of those names. Everyone’s looking for Alice Guo nowadays. She’s been ignoring the Senate’s summons to its investigation of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs, and now a warrant is out for her arrest. She couldn’t seem to be found. Not even in her supposed farm.
This hype over Mayor Guo is taking attention away from another name on that AMLC list that might be more consequential in the search for the bottomline of offshore gaming operators dabbling in nefarious business.
That name is Hongjiang Yang. The brother of Michael Yang, who used to be economic adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte, and a central figure in the Pharmally scandal of overpriced, substandard government-purchased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this video incarnation of Rappler’s political intelligencer series Inside Track, Rappler senior reporter Lian Buan connects the dots that link the Bamban POGO mess to, in the words of Senator Risa Hontiveros, the “one big, happy Pharmally”. – Rappler.com
Presenter, writer: Lian BuanProducer, video editor: Cara OliverProducer: JC GotingaVideographer: Jeff DigmaLighting: Naoki MenguaAnimation, graphics: Nico VillareteSupervising editor: Chay HofileñaSupervising producer: Beth Frondoso
How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/podcasts-videos/bamban-tarlac-pogo-scandal-bigger-fish-alice-guo/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2CLTlLI3FFLpkL3mx69nRDJQqi2Rbn5tdC0df--SiM2UyyrC_NHZYUVHw_aem_JCLNLgstkn4vXnFHXwd_Cw | Credible |
Groups file graft complaint vs DOE chief Lotilla | Iya Gozum | 19/07/2024 13:46 | COMPLAINT. Labor leader Leody de Guzman and Sanlakas' Teodorico Duran Navea and Aaron Pedrosa at the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday, July 18.
P4P
MANILA, Philippines – Three groups filed graft complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday, July 18, against Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla for allegedly favoring AboitizPower’s expansion of a coal-fired power plant in Cebu amid a coal moratorium.
Therma Visayas Inc (TVI), a subsidiary of AboitizPower, operates a 340-megawatt power plant in Toledo, Cebu.
Non-government organization Sanlakas, broad network Power for People Coalition (P4P), and labor group Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino filed a criminal complaint for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and and an administrative complaint for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
In the complaint, the groups said that the two units of TVI’s coal-fired power plant are mentioned in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) list of indicative and committed projects from 2014 to 2019, but that there was “no mention of any planned Unit 3 expansion.”
“Hence, the TVI Unit 3 Expansion should have been covered by the Coal Moratorium, and does not fall under its exemptions,” the complaint read.
The respondents said the amended certificate of endorsement for the third unit was only signed and uploaded on August 2023.
The Philippine government imposed a coal moratorium back in 2020. This does not cover existing coal-fired power plants and those with “firm expansion plans and existing land site provision.”
The groups said that the DOE allowed the expansion even after the moratorium is “evident that [Lotilla] acted for AboitizPower’s benefit, using his present influence in order to benefit the corporation, for which he previously acted as an independent director.”
Aaron Pedrosa, secretary-general of Sanlakas, said the planning and construction of the third unit of the power plant is a “clear case of bad faith.”
“The rules are clear: no new coal projects after 2020. There is no legal ground for Secretary Lotilla’s action and we can only assume that he wished to favor his friends in his old company with this decision,” Pedrosa said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the DOE Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (Power Bureau) clarified on Friday, July 19, that the moratorium is “not a total ban.”
In a statement released by the DOE, the Power Bureau said it issues a certification that a coal-fired power project is not covered by the moratorium “following a thorough review and verification by the [DOE] Power Bureau.”
“Several proponents of coal-fired power projects have requested the DOE’s confirmation on non-coverage and these were ministerially issued after verification,” the DOE said.
The DOE called the claims of progressive groups "unfounded" after the latter filed a graft complaint vs Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla for allegedly favoring the expansion of AboitizPower's Toledo coal-fired power plant amid a moratorium. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/TibecO5z8x
The DOE’s Power Bureau called the allegations of the groups “unfounded.”
“Diversification of energy sources is critical to energy security,” said Lotilla on Friday. “Unfortunately, we get pilloried for favoring solar and wind over coal and get charged for favoring coal over renewable energy. This leaves us with a reassuring feeling that we are getting the damn thing right.” – Rappler.com
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Comelec probes ‘unusual’ voter surge in Cagayan de Oro’s largest barangay | Herbie G | 19/07/2024 15:08 | To encourage more students to register and vote in the upcoming election, the Commission on Elections, led by Chairman George Garcia, holds the special 'Register Anywhere' program at the National University in Manila, on March 5, 2024.
Rappler
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started investigating over 4,000 people who sought to become new voters in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro over allegations that they are non-residents of the city’s largest barangay in terms of population and votes.
Renato Magbutay, Comelec-Northern Mindanao director, confirmed that the poll body noted an unusual surge in the number of people who applied as voters in Carmen, a vote-rich barangay with a history of making or breaking election campaigns in Cagayan de Oro.
Magbutay told Rappler on Friday, July 19, that complaints had been filed with the Comelec, leading the commission to start sending notices to over 4,000 people who sought to be registered.
With less than three months remaining before the September 30 voter registration deadline, the Comelec has stepped up the nationwide campaign to boost voter registration for the 2025 elections given the low registration turnout during the last barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
Magbutay, however, said that while a 5% increase in the number of voters was expected across the board, the surge in the number of applicants in Carmen was unusual.
There could be more than 4,000, and Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Lordan Suan has sounded the alarm over what he called a “ridiculous” increase in the number of voters seeking to be registered in Carmen.
Suan said he and his group counted more than 15,000 people who asked to register as new Carmen voters within a six-month period.
He said the first batch, about 6,500 people, tried to register as new voters in the barangay in February, followed by another 8,700 this month.
“Increases in the number of voters are expected, but this kind of surge is simply ridiculous,” Suan told Rappler.
He said many of Carmen’s potentially new voters were reported to be non-residents of the barangay and were apparently from Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd District.
Suan said Cagayan de Oro has experienced a construction boom, with new subdivisions mushrooming throughout the city, “but not in Carmen.”
“So where did they come from? This is systematic and massive,” he said.
Suan said he would bring the concern to the attention of the House of Representatives and call for a legislative inquiry.
Magbutay said the local Comelec office would need 12 more days from Friday to go over the disputed applications.
“Notices are being sent so they could explain why they are transferring as voters of Carmen before the election registration board,” he said.
If they don’t show up, Magbutay said, their applications would be rejected.
Carmen accounts for about 10.6% of Cagayan de Oro’s population, with 77,756 residents, based on the 2020 census. The barangay is part of the city’s 1st District, which had a voting population of 177,163 at that time, 17,967 fewer than the 2nd District.
The barangay has long been a major battleground, especially between the rival political families of Suan and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy. Uy began his political career as Carmen’s barangay chairman in the 1990s, and his family members have been taking turns leading the vote-rich area ever since, frustrating the Suans’ attempts to gain political control.
The Suans and Uys have been fighting for control of Barangay Carmen for years. Agapito Jr., the congressman’s father, ran against the mayor’s son, Raineir Joaquin, for the chairmanship of Carmen in the last barangay elections and lost.
Allegations of massive vote-buying marred the 2023 barangay elections in Carmen, with the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) reporting that votes there allegedly commanded a price of at least P6,000 each.
In 2022, Rainier Joaquin, the city’s previous vice mayor, lost to the younger Suan in the race for the congressional seat in the city’s 1st District. He staged a comeback by becoming Carmen’s barangay chairman last year and is now preparing to challenge the congressman’s likely reelection bid next year. – Rappler.com
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[The Slingshot] Lito Patay’s 4 hours and 38 minutes of infamy | Chay Hofilena | 19/07/2024 12:24 | It was the day when Davao city had three police chiefs. Was that baffling? Apparently not.
On July 10, at around 8 in the morning, the notorious Lito Patay of the killer Davao Boys infamy in Police Station 6 in Quezon City, assumed his new post as chief of the Davao City Police Office. At 12:38 pm, Camp Crame called to relieve him of his post.
In his place, another police colonel, Sherwin Butil, was appointed. That evening, Butil was relieved and replaced by Hansel Marantan, who was previously assigned to the National Capital Region’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Was there a snafu somewhere? There wasn’t. Patay’s appointment was the call of the pro-Duterte boys in the PNP. Butil was also seen as sympathetic to the Dutertes. In the end, Marantan was appointed. He was not in the short list of the regional police office of Davao region.
There is a standing order from Malacañang to rid the Philippine National Police (PNP) of Duterte boys. Current estimates claim more than 60% of the police force is pro-Duterte, coming as it is from six years of feeding the police with bribe rewards for every kill in the extrajudicial killing frenzy of Rodrigo Duterte. The policemen are missing the moolah.
Let’s face it – the PNP has deteriorated into a criminal institution under Rodrigo Duterte. The least the Department of the Interior and Local Government can do is to prevent the Duterte boys from assuming strategic posts. And that is exactly what happened in Davao City. The PNP is in a hit-or-miss situation if appointees are Dutertismo loyalists or not.
Why was Patay appointed in the first place? He was the choice of Baste Duterte, revealed one city councilor who chairs the committee on peace and public safety of the Davao city council. And there’s the rub. If he was the choice of Baste, it only means one thing – the mayor is hell-bent on reviving the city’s extrajudicial killing (EJK) sprees.
The last time Baste Duterte tried to do that last May, 35 police personnel were relieved because of drug-related killings. Relieving EJK policemen was unthinkable during the term of his father, but Baste appears to be itching to put his hand on another EJK spree by picking Patay. The Dutertes are not a tough act to divine. They are very predictable. They have no qualms about negative public opinion.
Patay’s appointment immediately raised alarm bells. Lawyer Kristina Conti, assistant counsel for the International Criminal Court, voiced a statement that was brave: “The development that Lito Patay – one of the implementers, one of the worst recorded violators during the war on drugs – is now Davao City police chief, is concerning to us.”
Contrast that with the reaction of Davao City media. While the Dutertes were dismayed, some in local media sympathized with them. “The change of police chiefs is confusing Davao city’s popular peace-and-order image.” It is an image that was built on the shifting sands of fake news. Under Rodrigo Duterte as mayor from 2010 to 2015, Davao City was No. 1 in the Philippines in recorded murders. In 2018 when Duterte was president, the city was highest in the country in the number of rape cases. The source of these reports? The Philippine National Police.
Expectedly, the media report was mum on who Lito Patay really was, and the fact that the local police could not even apprehend fugitive Apollo Quiboloy. Two years after the end of Rodrigo Duterte’s term, many still live the fantasy of the Dutertes as “law-abiding crimebusters,” including some in Davao city media.
While Baste Duterte’s statement on the relief of his policemen involved in the last extrajudicial killings was published, no one gets to read about the Davao City police of what it has become under the Dutertes – corrupt and decrepit of morals.
The last irony belongs to Hansel Marantan, a dreaded figure in the police force. Marantan was a former cop – he was dismissed from service in April 2014 together with 12 other cops. The reason? They were found guilty of extrajudicial killings in the famous Atimonan Massacre that killed 12 people, including environmentalist Tirso “Jun” Lontok Jr. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ruled it was not a shoot-out but a rubout.
The NBI report was damaging to Marantan, that he was allegedly involved in the illegal numbers game jueteng. The NBI said that Marantan had a tiff with Vic Siman, the object of that rubout, who was said to be a gang leader protecting a rival jueteng group. The NBI’s contention was Marantan stood to benefit from killing Siman and his group. He used the state’s forces to eliminate his enemy in crime.
In 2017, Marantan was reinstated after he made an appeal to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) appellate board. In 2017, the chief of the PNP was Bato dela Rosa.
Lito Patay, Duterte boy, was replaced. Sherwin Butil, Duterte boy, was replaced. Enter Hansel Marantan, not in the list of perceived Duterte boys, but consider his background in the Atimonan rubout case: that is the quality of the Philippine National Police after 6 years of Dutertismo; no more choice of good and upright police personnel.
Shudder at the thought of when this plague will end. – Rappler.com
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I completely agree with the statement that the PNP has become a corrupt institution under Rodrigo Duterte. The Department of the Interior and Local Government should prevent Duterte’s allies from taking on influential positions. I also concur that the quality of the Philippine National Police has deteriorated after 6 years of Dutertismo, leaving no choice but to select from a pool of corrupt and unethical police personnel.
It’s truly disheartening and enraging to see what “Dutertismo” has done to our Police Force. With President Marcos Jr., we can hope for a slight improvement: a decrease in extrajudicial killings, and an increase in “subtle” repression.
How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/the-slingshot-lito-patay-hours-minutes-infamy/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Db6yl0BmbDVUcoJXAWICrazgoOlAiW776KkgwaQdizDkMxyQSz9Gx2_4_aem_QEUa7TjwLY1uTvqC6XSsqw | Credible |
No Canino-Belen repeat team-up just yet | Jasmine Payo | 19/07/2024 14:55 | THE FUTURE. La Salle's Angel Canino and NU's Bella Belen share a hug at the conclusion of the UAAP Season 85 women's volleyball finals
UAAP Season 85 Media Team
MANILA, Philippines – The partnership between two of the UAAP’s premier volleyball stars – and rivals – will have to wait, for the meantime.
While La Salle’s Angel Canino and National University’s Bella Belen recently thrilled many volleyball fans of their team-up for Alas Pilipinas, the sight of these two talents together on the same side won’t happen again soon.
As the national women’s volleyball team gears up for the SEA V. League – a two-leg tournament pitting Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines this August – Belen looks to be a key contributor as Canino sits out.
Canino won’t see action in both legs, the first in Vietnam and the second in Thailand, due to commitments with La Salle.
Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza de Brito, who had praised Canino for being a “natural killer,” told the media that only players who joined the national team’s July training camp in Japan will suit up for the SEA V. League.
Canino, a former UAAP rookie MVP like Belen, bagged the Best Opposite Hitter award during the Philippines’ historic bronze-medal finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup last May.
In that tournament where Canino solidified her status as one of the country’s brightest young players, it was Belen who had to sit out.
Belen also had school commitments with NU as the Lady Bulldogs just came fresh out of a UAAP championship romp.
As Belen steps up for the national team this time, Alas Pilipinas again leans on captain and veteran setter Jia de Guzman.
Also back on board are libero Dawn Catindig, Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag, Akari’s Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, Zus Coffee’s Thea Gagate, Galeries Tower’s Julia Coronel, and Creamline’s Jema Galanza.
NU’s Arah Panique and the recuperating Alyssa Solomon are also in the team, along with new members Tia Andaya and Hannah Stires of Central Washington University.
The squad is in Osaka for a two-week training camp.
In last year’s edition, the Philippine team bannered by NU players fell short of its podium bid in the four-nation tournament.
Although it remains uncertain when Canino and Belen will team up again for the national cause, it’s always worth the wait. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Japan – Jones Cup 2024 | delfin.dioquino editor | 19/07/2024 12:30 | Strong Group Athletics Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Despite missing three of its key players, Strong Group-Pilipinas remained unbeaten in the 2024 William Jones Cup with a 92-79 romp of Japan’s under-22 team on Friday, July 19, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Playing in their sixth game in seven days, the Filipinos were without Rhenz Abando and Ange Kouame due to minor injuries and American import Tajuan Agee due to illness.
Chris McCullough led Strong Group’ anew with 26 points and 7 rebounds as the Philippines moved two wins away of a tournament sweep and a championship.
DJ Fenner also scored 17 and Jordan Heading sustained his solid play to finish with 11 points for Strong Group.
As Strong Group-Pilipinas inches closer to the 2024 William Jones Cup title, it looks to make easy work of Japan’s under-22 team when they duke it out on Friday, July 19.
With only three games left in its schedule, Strong Group aims to keep its record unblemished as the Charles Tiu-mentored squad remains tied with Chinese Taipei-Blue at the top spot with identical 5-0 records.
Strong Group is fresh from another rout, taking down Future Sports USA, 112-90, on Thursday, July 18.
With hardly any surprise, import Chris McCullough starred for the Philippines with an all-around outing of 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists.
McCullough has led Strong Group in scoring in all of its five matches, averaging 21.6 points per outing, as the Philippine squad won four by at least 20 points.
Count on McCullough and the rest of Strong Group to ride on their scorching-hot momentum and deal Japan its third loss in six matches.
The Japanese fell to Ukraine in their previous outing, 63-47.
Game time is 1 pm. – Rappler.com
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Filipinos echo lies from US on Trump assassination attempt | Gaby Baizas | 19/07/2024 13:59 | This story was made in collaboration with data consultancy TheNerve.
MANILA, Philippines – Unverified claims on social media continue to move faster than a speeding bullet.
On July 13 (US time), former US president Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign speech in Butler, Pennsylvania. As the news shook readers across the globe and authorities began their probe, netizens jumped in with their own conclusions and speculations.
The failed assassination attempt against Trump will have serious ramifications on the US presidential election, which is only four months away. And, as Filipinos know all too well, widespread disinformation can make or break election campaigns.
To understand the conversations on Trump among Filipino communities online, Rappler analyzed public Facebook and X posts containing mentions of Trump shared between midnight of Sunday, July 14, and noon of Sunday, July 15. Analyzed Facebook posts were locally relevant to the Philippines, which was determined by the geographic distribution and density of the page or group’s followers. Analyzed X posts were from users based in the Philippines.
While the discussion around the assassination attempt was a combination of straight news updates, prayers and statements of support for Trump, and criticism of the US political landscape, false claims and conspiracy theories still found their way across online platforms, where the reach of verified news reports is limited.
Pennsylvania runs on Eastern time (ET), which is 12 hours behind Philippine time. According to multiple news sources, shots were first fired at the rally around 6:11 pm on Saturday, July 13, which is 6:11 am on Sunday, July 14, in Philippine time.
CBS News and the Associated Press reported that it was only until past 1 am ET when the gunman was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks. Once the shooter’s name was released, journalists and fact-checkers found that the gunman was a registered Republican. This means that in the Philippines, details about the shooter were only revealed past 1 pm on Sunday.
But as early as Sunday morning in the Philippines, critics were already blaming the Left and the Democrats for the assassination attempt, without evidence.
Within minutes of the shooting, Republican figures, including US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, were already claiming that Democrats and the Left were responsible for the attack.
Filipino social media users echoed these claims, painting leftists and liberals as violent individuals desperate to take down Trump. Facebook groups where these claims were seeded include “Diliman Book Club,” which previously shared false claims about the Marcos family’s gold, and “FilAm Voter,” a political community based in San Francisco, California.
Even after details about the shooter were made public, conservatives didn’t stop blaming their political opponents for the attack. Past Sunday afternoon, social media users in the Philippines continued claiming that Democrats, the Left, and liberals were responsible for the shooting.
Tactics that paint leftists as violent are not new to Filipinos, who’ve witnessed orchestrated red-tagging campaigns that exaggerate the threat of communism. (New war: How the propaganda network shifted from targeting ‘addicts’ to activists)
As proof of America’s polarized landscape, users on both sides of the US political spectrum blamed their rivals for inciting and encouraging violence.
In a lengthy video, Lynn Agno of Lynn Channel – who has been fact-checked by Rappler and other news outlets multiple times – nitpicked on US President Joe Biden’s earlier comment that it was “time to put Trump in a bull’s-eye.” Biden said this in a private call to donors on July 8, but conservatives had taken it literally since the failed assassination, blaming him for inciting violence.
Biden has since said his choice to use the word “bull’s-eye” was a mistake, but other Filipinos online had already shared posts that pointed fingers at Biden.
Other social media users, including Greene, posted compilations of Democrats and other public figures supposedly calling for violence against Trump and Republicans. These included Biden’s 2018 statement that he would “beat the hell out of” Trump if they went to high school together.
The compilation posted by Greene included a clip of Vice President Kamala Harris’ joke on the talk show Ellen, where she was asked in 2018 if she would rather be stuck in an elevator with Trump, then-vice president Mike Pence, and then-attorney general Jeff Sessions. Harris, without explicitly answering the question, responded by saying, “Does one of us have to come out alive?”
Conservatives, including the inflammatory Libs of TikTok account, also slammed people who were openly upset and frustrated that the gunman had missed and that Trump survived the attempt. Users portrayed them as “mentally unstable” people who “have a low regard for human life.”
To counter this, critics on X pointed out that Trump and his supporters advocate for lenient gun control laws and have also been known to spew violent statements. It’s a fact that Trump said there would be a “bloodbath” if he was not reelected, and that there may be “potential death and destruction” if he’s charged in a hush-money case. Trump and social media have also played a pivotal role in the horrific Capitol riot in January 2021.
But not all unverified claims were amplified by conservatives.
Some social media users based in the Philippines, who do not necessarily support Trump, reposted claims and memes that suggested the assassination attempt on Trump was merely staged.
This theory remains baseless. US-based fact checking organization PolitiFact even rated such claims as “Pants on Fire,” which they reserve for statements that are “not accurate and [make] a ridiculous claim.”
Such claims that violent incidents are staged are not new, according to PolitiFact. For instance, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones had claimed that the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a hoax, which resulted in a slew of lawsuits and court orders that demanded he pay $1.5 billion to relatives of the shooting victims.
In the same video where Agno nitpicked on Biden’s “bull’s-eye” comment, she also amplified the debunked conspiracy theory that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation instigated the 2021 Capitol riot. The video has over 7,700 views and 600 shares as of writing.
Recent elections around the world proved that rampant disinformation online can influence voters and poll results offline. Fact-checkers and journalists are committed to debunking claim after claim and reporting critically, but unless disinformation is stopped and platforms are held accountable, the spread of lies on social media continues to pose risks to democracy and national security. – Rappler.com
This study was made in collaboration with TheNerve, a Manila-based consultancy that specializes in analyzing data to bring forth powerful insights and narratives. Believing that data can deliver real-world impact, the company enables its partners across a wide range of industries to cut through the clutter and extract value and meaning from various datasets. The insights guide partners’ business decisions and help them engage with their communities better. Composed of a team of data scientists, business strategists, award-winning storytellers, and designers, the company is on a mission to transform data science into data relevance.
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[The Slingshot] Lito Patay’s 4 hours and 38 minutes of infamy | Chay Hofilena | 19/07/2024 12:24 | It was the day when Davao city had three police chiefs. Was that baffling? Apparently not.
On July 10, at around 8 in the morning, the notorious Lito Patay of the killer Davao Boys infamy in Police Station 6 in Quezon City, assumed his new post as chief of the Davao City Police Office. At 12:38 pm, Camp Crame called to relieve him of his post.
In his place, another police colonel, Sherwin Butil, was appointed. That evening, Butil was relieved and replaced by Hansel Marantan, who was previously assigned to the National Capital Region’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Was there a snafu somewhere? There wasn’t. Patay’s appointment was the call of the pro-Duterte boys in the PNP. Butil was also seen as sympathetic to the Dutertes. In the end, Marantan was appointed. He was not in the short list of the regional police office of Davao region.
There is a standing order from Malacañang to rid the Philippine National Police (PNP) of Duterte boys. Current estimates claim more than 60% of the police force is pro-Duterte, coming as it is from six years of feeding the police with bribe rewards for every kill in the extrajudicial killing frenzy of Rodrigo Duterte. The policemen are missing the moolah.
Let’s face it – the PNP has deteriorated into a criminal institution under Rodrigo Duterte. The least the Department of the Interior and Local Government can do is to prevent the Duterte boys from assuming strategic posts. And that is exactly what happened in Davao City. The PNP is in a hit-or-miss situation if appointees are Dutertismo loyalists or not.
Why was Patay appointed in the first place? He was the choice of Baste Duterte, revealed one city councilor who chairs the committee on peace and public safety of the Davao city council. And there’s the rub. If he was the choice of Baste, it only means one thing – the mayor is hell-bent on reviving the city’s extrajudicial killing (EJK) sprees.
The last time Baste Duterte tried to do that last May, 35 police personnel were relieved because of drug-related killings. Relieving EJK policemen was unthinkable during the term of his father, but Baste appears to be itching to put his hand on another EJK spree by picking Patay. The Dutertes are not a tough act to divine. They are very predictable. They have no qualms about negative public opinion.
Patay’s appointment immediately raised alarm bells. Lawyer Kristina Conti, assistant counsel for the International Criminal Court, voiced a statement that was brave: “The development that Lito Patay – one of the implementers, one of the worst recorded violators during the war on drugs – is now Davao City police chief, is concerning to us.”
Contrast that with the reaction of Davao City media. While the Dutertes were dismayed, some in local media sympathized with them. “The change of police chiefs is confusing Davao city’s popular peace-and-order image.” It is an image that was built on the shifting sands of fake news. Under Rodrigo Duterte as mayor from 2010 to 2015, Davao City was No. 1 in the Philippines in recorded murders. In 2018 when Duterte was president, the city was highest in the country in the number of rape cases. The source of these reports? The Philippine National Police.
Expectedly, the media report was mum on who Lito Patay really was, and the fact that the local police could not even apprehend fugitive Apollo Quiboloy. Two years after the end of Rodrigo Duterte’s term, many still live the fantasy of the Dutertes as “law-abiding crimebusters,” including some in Davao city media.
While Baste Duterte’s statement on the relief of his policemen involved in the last extrajudicial killings was published, no one gets to read about the Davao City police of what it has become under the Dutertes – corrupt and decrepit of morals.
The last irony belongs to Hansel Marantan, a dreaded figure in the police force. Marantan was a former cop – he was dismissed from service in April 2014 together with 12 other cops. The reason? They were found guilty of extrajudicial killings in the famous Atimonan Massacre that killed 12 people, including environmentalist Tirso “Jun” Lontok Jr. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ruled it was not a shoot-out but a rubout.
The NBI report was damaging to Marantan, that he was allegedly involved in the illegal numbers game jueteng. The NBI said that Marantan had a tiff with Vic Siman, the object of that rubout, who was said to be a gang leader protecting a rival jueteng group. The NBI’s contention was Marantan stood to benefit from killing Siman and his group. He used the state’s forces to eliminate his enemy in crime.
In 2017, Marantan was reinstated after he made an appeal to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) appellate board. In 2017, the chief of the PNP was Bato dela Rosa.
Lito Patay, Duterte boy, was replaced. Sherwin Butil, Duterte boy, was replaced. Enter Hansel Marantan, not in the list of perceived Duterte boys, but consider his background in the Atimonan rubout case: that is the quality of the Philippine National Police after 6 years of Dutertismo; no more choice of good and upright police personnel.
Shudder at the thought of when this plague will end. – Rappler.com
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I completely agree with the statement that the PNP has become a corrupt institution under Rodrigo Duterte. The Department of the Interior and Local Government should prevent Duterte’s allies from taking on influential positions. I also concur that the quality of the Philippine National Police has deteriorated after 6 years of Dutertismo, leaving no choice but to select from a pool of corrupt and unethical police personnel.
It’s truly disheartening and enraging to see what “Dutertismo” has done to our Police Force. With President Marcos Jr., we can hope for a slight improvement: a decrease in extrajudicial killings, and an increase in “subtle” repression.
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Japan – Jones Cup 2024 | delfin.dioquino editor | 19/07/2024 12:30 | Strong Group Athletics Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Despite missing three of its key players, Strong Group-Pilipinas remained unbeaten in the 2024 William Jones Cup with a 92-79 romp of Japan’s under-22 team on Friday, July 19, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Playing in their sixth game in seven days, the Filipinos were without Rhenz Abando and Ange Kouame due to minor injuries and American import Tajuan Agee due to illness.
Chris McCullough led Strong Group’ anew with 26 points and 7 rebounds as the Philippines moved two wins away of a tournament sweep and a championship.
DJ Fenner also scored 17 and Jordan Heading sustained his solid play to finish with 11 points for Strong Group.
As Strong Group-Pilipinas inches closer to the 2024 William Jones Cup title, it looks to make easy work of Japan’s under-22 team when they duke it out on Friday, July 19.
With only three games left in its schedule, Strong Group aims to keep its record unblemished as the Charles Tiu-mentored squad remains tied with Chinese Taipei-Blue at the top spot with identical 5-0 records.
Strong Group is fresh from another rout, taking down Future Sports USA, 112-90, on Thursday, July 18.
With hardly any surprise, import Chris McCullough starred for the Philippines with an all-around outing of 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists.
McCullough has led Strong Group in scoring in all of its five matches, averaging 21.6 points per outing, as the Philippine squad won four by at least 20 points.
Count on McCullough and the rest of Strong Group to ride on their scorching-hot momentum and deal Japan its third loss in six matches.
The Japanese fell to Ukraine in their previous outing, 63-47.
Game time is 1 pm. – Rappler.com
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Tireless Alex Eala advances in singles, doubles of ITF W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz | Jasmine Payo | 19/07/2024 11:26 | ALL SET. Alex Eala gets ready to receive a shot in the ITF W60 Engie Open Nantes Atlantique in France.
Engie Open Nantes Atlantique
MANILA, Philippines – Two matches in one day with just a short interval in between. Two straight-set victories for Alex Eala.
The Filipina teen standout rallied from an early deficit in both sets to overcome hometown bet Lucia Cortez Llorca, 7-5, 7-5, on Thursday, July 18, in the second round of the singles competition of the ITF W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain.
She then came back just around two hours later in the day to advance to the semifinals of the doubles event after she and Estelle Cascino of France upended in just 59 minutes Victoria Bervid of the Czech Republic and Laura Mair of Italy, 6-4, 6-1.
The 19-year-old Eala and the 24-year-old Cortez Llorca faced each other last year in this same tournament, with the Filipina triumphing in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. So Cortez Llorca knew she could keep in step with Eala.
And the world 385th-ranked Spanish did, jumping to a 4-1 lead in the opening set.
Eala, however, remained unfazed even when her foe went up 5-2. She swept the next five games to win, 7-5, and gain a one-set advantage.
The second set followed a similar script. Cortez Llorca threatened to extend the match to a deciding set when she built a 4-1 lead after gaining a service break in the second game.
But the fifth-seeded Eala once again displayed fortitude and willed herself back in the set, breaking her Spanish foe thrice to win the set in the 12th game.
The service game proved to be the difference in the long, drawn-out battle that lasted two hours and seven minutes.
Eala broke Cortez Llorca six times. The Spanish also committed 14 double faults compared to just 2 by Eala, who is now 155th in the world, the highest in her career.
The going gets tougher for Eala because awaiting her in the quarterfinals is fourth seed Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine.
Like Eala, Starodubtseva is enjoying a career-best world ranking of 123. This ascension is a result of the Ukrainian playing the best tennis this year of her career, recently reaching the second round of Wimbledon. She also made the main draws of the Australian Open and the French Open.
In doubles, the third-seeded Eala and Cascino will also be in for a daunting challenge in the semifinals. They will go up against the unseeded pair of Maria Jose Portillo Ramirez of Mexico and Noelia Zeballos Melgar of Bolivia, who upset second seeds Starodubtseva and Rutuja Bhosale of India in the quarterfinals, 6-4, 6-4.
Eala and Cascino look to duplicate their feat last March 31 when they partnered to win the title in the ITF W75 Croissy-Beaubourg in France. – Rappler.com
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Returning Abil shines in Cignal rout of Rondina-less Titans; Petro routs ZUS sans Gagate | jisaga0269 | 18/07/2024 22:01 | QUEENING. Cignal's Judith Abil (left) and import MJ Perez react in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
PVL Images
MANILA, Philippines – The Cignal HD Spikers got off to a hot start in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, drubbing the shorthanded contender Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-18, 25-21, 25-16, at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, July 18.
Import MJ Perez led the way with 22 points, while three-time Best Setter Gel Cayuna tallied 15 excellent sets to go with 7 points as Alas Pilipinas reserve Vanie Gandler and star libero Dawn Catindig exclusively train with the national team until August 11.
Returning standout spiker Judith Abil, converted to libero in place of the absent Catindig, shone with 15 excellent digs and 8 excellent receptions.
“I have to embrace the position given to me by my coaches, and I just had to keep trusting myself and never doubt what I do,” Abil said in Filipino.
Import Zoi Faki and new Choco Mucho star recruit Dindin Manabat paced the stunning loss with 13 and 8 points, respectively, as the Flying Titans also deal with the month-long losses of Alas star player Sisi Rondina and reserve Cherry Nunag. Kat Tolentino scored 4 in her return from an ear-related issue.
Meanwhile, the Petro Gazz Angels kicked off their title defense in earnest with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 rout of the rebranded ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles still patiently waiting for Alas middle blocker and PVL Rookie Draft No. 1 overall pick Thea Gagate.
Reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle made the most of her three-set appearance with 22 points on 18 attacks, 3 aces, and 1 block, with 11 excellent digs and 6 excellent receptions, while longtime import Wilma Salas, playing with her late reinforcement partner Janisa Johnson in mind, scored 15.
Johnson succumbed to a long battle with colon cancer last May 24. She was 32.
Former PVL Invitational Conference Best Outside Hitter and Kurashiki Ablaze star spiker Asaka Tamaru led the losing cause with 17 points.
Filling in the second game of the triple-header, the new-look Akari Chargers took care of business against the revamped Capital1 Solar Spikers in four sets, 25-18, 27-25, 22-25, 25-14.
Former Nxled star Ivy Lacsina topscored with 20 points, backstopped by 16 from import Oly Okaro. Libero Dani Ravena, also coming in from Nxled, tallied 18 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
Capital1 import Marina Tushova scored 20 in the loss, while rookie draft No. 2 overall pick Leila Cruz battled through sickness and added 7 points in a full four-set appearance.
Fellow rookie Roma Mae Doromal shone as the first libero with 13 excellent digs and 7 excellent receptions, while returning Fil-Am setter Iris Tolenada recorded 10 excellent sets with 7 points to boot in her first game since the F2 Logistics’ stunning disbandment. – Rappler.com
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Sandiganbayan affirms gov’t owns property recovered from Marcos crony | Michelle Abad | 19/07/2024 8:45 | ANTI-GRAFT COURT. The Sandiganbayan in Quezon City.
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MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan upheld the government’s right to a property recovered from a crony of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, throwing out a claim from a third party asserting rights to a parcel of land in Cagayan province that was forfeited in favor of the state in 2015.
In a five-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan’s Second Division held that the buyer, third-party claimant Benito Dy, did not have the rights to the property since the sale happened while the land’s ownership was still disputed.
The anti-graft court said that Dy took a gamble when he bought the property in an auction amid the pending court action.
“A notice of is pendens is an announcement to the whole world that a particular real property is in litigation, serving as a warning that one who acquires an interest over said property does so at his or her own risk, or that he or she gambles on the result of the litigation,” the Sandiganbayan said.
The property was previously listed as an asset of Taggat Industries Incorporated and Alfonso Lim Sr., who were both respondents in Civil Case No. 0030.
The Sandiganbayan already ruled in December 2015 that parcels of land owned by Taggat were part of the ill-gotten wealth of Lim, and forfeited in favor of the government along with hundreds of hectares of land in Rizal and Batangas.
Lim was accused in 1987 of using his connections to Marcos to amass ill-gotten wealth by securing more than 533,880 hectares of timber concessions – way beyond the maximum allowable area of 100,000 hectares allowed by the 1973 Constitution.
In that case, the Presidential Commission on Good Government sought tracts of land in Rizal measuring 4.96 hectares, and four properties in Claveria, Cagayan measuring 8.1 hectares, 6 hectares, 2 hectares, and 0.82 listed under Taggat.
The court said this was the second time in two years that Dy had asked it to award in his favor properties of Taggat Industries that government already recovered.
Dy already lost in a previous attempt involving a different lot in Claveria, Cagayan after the Sandiganbayan denied his claims.
“It is perplexing that Dy… has filed a second motion identical to the first. Did he expect a different outcome? It is imperative that litigants should not be allowed to file identical motions repeatedly, speculating on the possible change of opinion,” the court said.
The court issued a “stern warning” that further attempts to file “identical and superfluous motions” will result in penalties.
The decision was written by Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio with Associate Justices Geraldine Faith Econg and Edgardo Caldona concurring. – Rappler.com
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RESULTS: July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination | Kaye Cabal | 18/07/2024 10:03 | This is a press release from the Professional Regulation Commission.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Wednesday, July 17, that 2,936 out of 6,191 passed the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination given by the Board for Master Plumbers in NCR, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Puerto Princesa, Palawan this July 2024. The result of examination with respect to one examinee was withheld pending final determination of his/her liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examinations.
The members of the Board for Master Plumbers who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Reynald B. Ilagan, Chairman; Hon. Pedrito D. Camilet, Jr. and Hon. Jaime Jajay E. Cruz, Members.
The top performing schools in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination as per Commission Resolution No. 1814 series of 2024:
The successful examinees who garnered the ten highest places in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination are the following:
Below is the full list of passers:
The performance of schools in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination in alphabetical order is as follows:
The results were released in three working days after the last day of examination. Starting September 9, 2024, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card and Certificate of Registration will be done online. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following:
Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination will be announced later. – Rappler.com
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Will Sara Duterte endorse senatorial bets for 2025 elections? | Bonz Magsambol | 19/07/2024 7:30 | TURNOVER. Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her message during the turnover ceremony on Thursday, July 18.
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Now that she’s out of the Marcos Cabinet, will Vice President Sara Duterte endorse her own senatorial bets for the coming midterm elections?
In a chance interview with reporters on Thursday, July 18, Duterte disclosed that before her resignation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with her and invited her to help in the campaign of the senatorial bets that the administration would be fielding.
The Vice President said she declined the invitation.
“Mayroon akong isang meeting kung saan inimbita ako ni President Marcos na sumali at tumulong sa administration para sa mga [senatorial] candidates. At sabi ko sa kanya, sabi ko hindi muna ako sasali sa midterm elections,” Duterte said, when asked if her regional political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago was open to partner with the President’s party for the 2025 elections.
(I had one meeting wherein President Marcos invited me to join and help in campaigning for the administration’s senatorial candidates. And I told him, I will not join any activity for the midterm elections for now.)
The Vice President also said that she received the same invitation from her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, which she also declined.
“Sa isa naming pagkikita ni President Duterte, former president Duterte, by chance nagkita kami ni former president Duterte, inimbita rin niya ako na mangampanya, tumulong, sumuporta para sa mga candidates ng PDP [Partido Demokratiko Pilipino], so sinabi ko rin sa kanya na hindi muna ako sasali sa midterm elections,” Duterte shared.
(In one of our meetups, by chance, I met with former president Duterte, he also invited me to campaign and support PDP candidates so I also told him that I will not join the midterm elections.)
“Kailangan ko kasi muna pag-isipan kung ano ‘yung direction ko sa midterm elections sa susunod na taon. Kaya hindi pa ako handa na sumagot sa kanilang dalawa kung ano’ng gagawin for the midterm elections,” Duterte said.
(I need to think about my direction for the midterm elections for next year. That’s why I’m not yet ready to answer both of them about what I will be doing for the midterm elections.)
Although she is not keen on backing any senatorial candidates for the 2025 elections for now, Duterte said that she will have a “heart-to-heart” talk with Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who are both seeking re-election.
The two senators are close allies of the Duterte family.
Political analyst Arjan Aguirre said that the midterms will be the Vice President’s way to “gauge if she can win the presidency in 2028.”“She may work with her allies in attacking the government during the campaigns. She may think of this senatorial electoral support as something transferable and that she may use this support in 2028,” Aguirre added.
The Vice President is undeniably popular. Despite her declaration of war against Marcos, and with her resignation from the Cabinet, she has maintained her position as the most trusted top government official. Her approval ratings were also up.
A recent survey by Pulse Asia showed that her nationwide approval rating in June was at 69%, two-percentage points higher than in May. Meanwhile, Marcos’ approval rating suffered a slight dip – 53% from 55% in March – but this is within the pollster’s ±2% margin of error. (READ: Despite Cabinet exit, Sara Duterte maintains top approval, trust ratings – Pulse Asia)
The upcoming 2025 midterm elections are important for the Vice President for her to consolidate power and forge alliances for her 2028 political plans. She could use her position to champion popular issues, such as education reforms or social welfare initiatives by partnering with local government units, which can help her build a positive national profile.
In June, the Vice President said her father and two brothers – Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte – would run for Senate seats in the 2025 elections. While the Duterte patriarch had denied this, Sara said that “remains to be seen.”
“Wala pa naman ‘yung filing of candidacy. So, hindi natin alam kung sino ‘yung mga tatakbo for senators sa midterm elections. At saka, by my experience, up to the last minute, nagbabago ang desisyon ng mga tao,” Duterte said.
(The filing of candidacy has yet to start. So, we cannot say who will be running for senators for the midterm elections. And by my own experience, up to the last minute, decisions can change.)
Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet on June 19, confirming the rift inside the Uniteam coalition forged in the 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. At that time, she said that she was resigning as education chief “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.” (READ: ‘Long story, personal’: Sara Duterte teases reason behind Marcos Cabinet exit)
While the Vice President said that she’s not inclined to endorse any senatorial bets for now, political observers believe that any rhetoric from the Dutertes is just smoke screen. – Rappler.com
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AT A GLANCE: Delegates topping the Miss World Philippines 2024 fast-track events | Russell Ku | 17/07/2024 15:22 | MANILA, Philippines – Before a new Miss World Philippines is crowned on Friday, July 19, the 35 candidates vying for the title participated in various activities for a chance to earn a semifinal spot in the pageant.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 title, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. Here are the finalists for each event.
– with graphics by Andoy Edoria/Rappler.com
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Lifting the torch: Olympic weightlifters out to make own names as Hidilyn Diaz steps aside | jisaga0269 | 13/07/2024 15:38 | Rappler/Adidas
Back in 2021, when the world and all that was normal in it was upended by the ravages of COVID-19, people turned to anything that would quench their thirst for hope and give them back a small sense of normalcy.
Within that dark period of history, sports gave people that escape, that little window of life while evading the dread of death right outside their homes. For Filipinos, the return of basketball leagues, as expected, provided that reprieve, with little to no expectations of hope coming from other sporting sources.
Then seemingly out of nowhere, the Tokyo Olympics, postponed a year due to the life-changing pandemic, gave Filipinos exactly what they wanted: hope, surprisingly at the cost of normalcy.
No, nothing was normal about the Philippines’ campaign in Japan. Boxing, after a 25-year medal drought, suddenly yielded two silvers and one bronze, and matched the country’s most prolific run since 1932.
That medal spree alone would have been a cause for historic celebration, but star weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz decided to ride the winning wave as well, capping the campaign with an improbable golden lift that ended the Philippines’ 97-year odyssey for the ever-elusive Olympic gold.
With tears streaming down a mask-covered face, Diaz created the country’s greatest sporting moment as the Philippine national anthem was played in an Olympic awarding ceremony for the first time in a non-demo sport capacity, making for an indelible memory that Filipinos back home all shared with her.
It is now 2024, and while the memories of 2021 are still freshly etched in the minds of all Filipino sports fans, the landscape ahead of the Paris Olympics has shifted considerably.
Diaz has all but ridden off into the sunset, now contemplating a quiet family life after being bumped off the women’s 59kg qualifiers by none other than her compatriot and fellow Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ando.
Upstarts Vanessa Sarno and John Ceniza, meanwhile, are set on making the most of their Olympic debuts in Paris, in the women’s 71kg and men’s 61kg divisions, respectively.
The narratives and pressures have been inevitably set by the icon who came before them, but the soft-spoken trio is nonetheless ready to take on all challenges and accept all outcomes, whether they result in a medal like her or not.
“For me, I don’t mind the pressure at all. I just have a lot of trust in myself that I can get a medal,” Ando said in Filipino. “All I need to do is improve my lifts.”
The only weightlifter in the Paris contingent who has experienced the intimidating aura of the Olympics, the 25-year-old Ando kept her advice simple for her fellow lifters who are about to step into the sport’s biggest stage.
“We just have to focus on our attempts and keep faith in ourselves,” she said.
Ceniza, actually the oldest of the trio at 26 years old, likewise does not have lofty dreams with golden gleams, but rather, he just draws his strength from people who believe in him, particularly his weightlifting idols like Diaz and another former Olympian, Nestor Colonia.
“It’s all about sacrifice and chasing goals you know you can achieve,” he said in Filipino. “It also helps that you have idols in weightlifting like Nestor, who has kept on pushing me and telling me I will get to Paris as long as I put in the work and the sacrifices.”
The same goes for the 20-year-old Sarno, who credits her own sturdy support system in building her confidence for her impending Olympic debut.
“Ever since I started weightlifting, my parents have been very supportive and always all-out for me, starting from the local competition levels,” she said in Filipino.
“Heading to Paris, all we wish for is we stay injury-free, and apply what we’ve learned in training – the little things to help us improve our personal records.”
Pursued with the ever-burning question of medal chances in the Olympics, the weightlifting trio still remained adamant on keeping a simple mindset, by all likelihood the same one Diaz clung to in her path to Tokyo.
“We cannot predict the fortunes given to us,” Ceniza said. “But for all of us, we’re doing everything we can to put us in a position to get a gold medal.”
“It’s free to dream,” Ando added. “Of course it’d be nice to get a gold medal. Why not?”
In the Philippines’ 100-year history of competing in the Olympics, the expectations had always been minimal, with the mere qualification to the Games already billed as an outstanding achievement.
But Diaz has proven that every once in a while, a Filipino prevails above all others. A Filipino can turn small dreams into big realities.
A Filipino can.
For her Paris-bound heir apparents, why not, indeed? – Rappler.com
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FAST FACTS: What’s the North-South Commuter Railway? | lkyu0285 | 18/07/2024 20:15 | TUNNEL. An aerial shot of the tunnel leading up to the Clark International Airport as of January 2023.
Department of Transportation
MANILA, Philippines – Construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is proceeding full speed ahead, with the goal of finally completing a railway that stretches from New Clark City in Tarlac to Calamba City, Laguna.
The mega railway project is being built in three phases, with partial operations expected as early as 2027 and full completion by 2029.
All in all, the NSCR will cost around P870 billion, which will be funded through loan agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Here’s what you need to know about the longest railway line in the country:
Stretching from Metro Manila to Bulacan, the Malolos-Tutuban portion has stations in the City of Manila, Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Meycuayan City, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos City. Here are the 10 stations being constructed:
This segment of the NSCR started construction the earliest and has the most progress. The Balagtas Station, for instance, is 95% complete as of July 18, 2024.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also making the NSCR more accessible for persons with disabilities by adding elevators and escalators to the stations.
The train stations will also feature a polytetrafluoroethylene-coated glass fiber roofing membrane, which is supposed to keep the areas cooler and lessen maintenance costs. The translucent roof also lets in natural light rather than relying on electrical lights during the daytime.
Once completed, commuters from Tutuban can reach Malolos in approximately 35 minutes, down from 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The first P55.2-billion civil works contract package, held by the joint venture of Taisei and DMCI, is nearing the halfway completion point at 43.34% as of May 2024. This contract package covers the stations from Tutuban to Bocaue.
Meanwhile, the second P26.5-billion civil works contract package, awarded to Sumitomo-Mitsui Construction, is almost complete at 88.94% as of May 2024. This covers the construction of the Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos stations.
Hitachi Rail has completed 8.15% of its P45.9-billion electromechanical systems and track works contract.
The trains for this segment of the NSCR will be provided by the joint venture of J-TREC and Sumitomo Corporation under a P12-billion contract package. This route will be serviced by 13 train sets with 8 cars each, with an expected ridership of 300,000 passengers per day.
Each 8-car train set has a maximum operating and design speed of 120 kilometers per hour. It has space for 384 seated passengers and 1,904 standing passengers. The train is also equipped with two air-conditioning units and four CCTV units per car.
The second phase covers a 51.2-kilometer portion of the railway that links New Clark City and the Clark International Airport to Malolos City, Bulacan. It covers the following eight stations:
Partial operations of the NSCR from the Clark International Airport to West Valenzuela Station could start as soon as December 2027, with the “worst-case scenario” being the first quarter of 2028, according to Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino.
This portion of the NSCR will also have the first-ever “airport express train” that will connect Metro Manila to the Clark International Airport. A portion of the double cell box tunnel leading up to the airport has already been installed using the cut-and-cover method.
The DOTr said that once the airport express train is operational, passengers can get from Makati City to Clark in just one hour.
All five contract packages for this segment have already been awarded. This segment is being co-financed by JICA and the ADB.
The last phase of the NSCR expected to be completed is the 55-kilometer South Commuter Railway, which runs from Manila to Laguna. It has the following stations:
Like other parts of the NSCR, the South Commuter Railway will be built along the alignment of the old Philippine National Railways (PNR), which used to serve many of the stations listed above.
The PNR stopped operations last March 28 to allow for faster construction of the NSCR. According to the DOTr, halting the PNR will speed up the new mega railway’s construction by eight months, saving P15.18 billion in costs.
On July 13, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also witnessed the signing of three contract packages for the South Commuter Railway, which covers 14.9 kilometers of at-grade and railway viaduct structures.
On June 13, 2024, the DOTr also broke ground for the Banlic depot in Laguna, which serves the railway’s southern leg. The P16.9-billion project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said right-of-way issues could delay the NSCR project.
“This is one of the major problems. For us to be able to implement the project, we have to relocate informal settler families. There are almost 15,000 to 20,000 in the Pampanga and Bulacan areas, another 15,000 in Laguna and Cavite,” Bautista said during a July 8 meeting of the Monday Circle Financial Forum.
To address the problem, Bautista is tapping the interagency task force created by Marcos, which includes the DOTr, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. The task force handles right-of-way issues that affect the DOTr’s projects.
“The major issue is, of course, payment. Second is agreement by the owners on valuation,” Bautista said.
If the DOTr and the owners cannot agree on the valuation, then the government resorts to expropriation, which Bautista said is “costly and time-consuming.”
This is partly because of the bureaucracy around such issues. The only government agency that can handle expropriation cases is the Office of the Solicitor General. Bautista said there was only “a very limited number of lawyers assigned” to them, which means that obtaining a decision or even a schedule for a hearing can take much longer.
Fortunately, a bureaucratic problem can be met with a bureaucratic solution. The transportation secretary said the Supreme Court approved a recommendation to set up special courts for expropriation hearings to help speed up the process.
“There will be special courts in different regions, and this will help us solve the problem. So with that, we are very optimistic that we will still be able to finish the project by 2029,” Bautista said. – Rappler.com
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GoTyme launches int’l accounts, links up with coin deposit machines | lkyu0285 | 19/07/2024 8:01 | Guia Abogado/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos around the world can now open a GoTyme Bank account from over 170 countries. And if you’re right here in the Philippines, you can also deposit your loose change directly into your GoTyme account using coin deposit machines.
The fast-growing digital bank announced that Filipinos living abroad in more than 170 countries can now open a GoTyme Bank account using an international SIM. (READ: [Finterest] Is a digital bank safe, and how can you best use it?)
These accounts would have the same benefits as a local account, with deposits through remittance partners, free GoTyme to GoTyme transfers, three free weekly real-time transfers to other banks, and access to bills payment services while abroad.
GoTyme is now also the first bank partner to be integrated into the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ coin deposit machines. Customers can now bring their loose coins and use the popular machines to credit them directly into their GoTyme bank account. Prior to this, the coin deposit machines only allowed customers to credit the amount to their GCash or Maya e-wallets. (WATCH: How to use the Bangko Sentral’s new coin deposit machines)
During a product launch on Thursday, July 18, the digital bank also unveiled its new mobile check deposit facility, which allows users to deposit checks below P500,000 through the app at any time.
GoTyme customers may also have access to cryptocurrency and stock investments through their app soon, although regulatory approvals are delaying a potential launch.
“We’ve been held up for the launch on investments. We’re just working through regulatory approvals on both crypto and equities,” GoTyme chief executive officer Nathaniel Clarke said on Thursday. “We have both local and international partners for crypto and shares. We’ve actually already developed the product.”
“It’s ready to go. Just push the button,” GoTyme co-CEO Albert Tinio added.
In the long term, GoTyme is also looking to launch its own credit cards by the end of 2025 at the earliest. It’s also preparing to launch a “QR-based credit card” by the beginning of next year.
GoTyme, a joint venture between Tyme Group and members of the Gokongwei Group, is now the fastest growing bank in the Philippines, adding more than 250,000 new customers a month. The bank is on track to reach 5 million customers by the end of the year.
“If you look at monthly app downloads, we’re the number one bank. If you look at growth in monthly active app users, we’re the number one bank. If you look at growth in InstantPay transactions month on month, we’re number one. We’re also now number two and fastest growing in Visa debit card transactions,” Clarke said.
The digital bank has P17.3 billion in deposits as of July 2024 and anticipates hitting over P20 billion by the end of 2024. – Rappler.com
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No hurdles: One-legged Zedrick Sario nabs 3 of Central Luzon’s 5 Palaro para games golds | jisaga0269 | 18/07/2024 17:18 | BIG JUMP, BIG DREAM. Central Luzon para athlete John Zedrick Sario at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City
JR Isaga/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – It was 12 noon at the Cebu City Sports Center on Saturday, July 13 for the continuation of the Palarong Pambansa 2024, and the track oval – heated from the blistering sun and controversial issues alike – was all but empty as athletes head for shade amid the afternoon break.
Near one of the oval’s curves, however, remained a small group of people – athletes, coaches, and technical officials – wrapping up a strikingly eye-catching event: para high jump.
Elite in their own field, these amputee athletes classified in different disability groups performed feats not many fully-able people could even dream of, and while they understandably struggled to get some attempts off, the fact they were even in this position to begin with is an astounding achievement in itself.
One of these Palaro athletes, John Zedrick Sario, eventually cleared his high jump event in a virtual one-on-one battle to win gold amid scattered, but sincere applause in an empty stadium with nothing but pigeons sipping rainwater from the day prior.
As it turned out, the para high jump was already Sario’s third gold, with the other two coming from long jump and shot put.
Once all the medals were tallied on Tuesday, July 16, Central Luzon placed sixth in the para games division with five gold medals, and stunningly enough, three came from the Nueva Ecija standout alone from the three aforementioned sports.
Despite the hurdles laid in front of him – his disability he got in a motorbike accident at eight months old, the fact he had to wait five hours to get his high jump event going, and that practically no one was left in the area to watch him win – Sario just pushed on, carrying a simple mindset that all para athletes share.
“I just wanted to show that people like us with disabilities can also [play sports],” he said in Filipino.
Despite being handed a different set of cards than the rest, Sario holds the same dreams and aspirations other able-bodied athletes have, to bring further distinction to Philippine sports, and para sports by extension, in higher levels of competition.
“I want to reach other countries and play there,” he said. “I want to boost my career.”
Half in limbs but full in heart and mind, Sario is certainly bound for greatness past what the Palarong Pambansa can offer, as long as he remembers his purpose and keeps his drive alive. – Rappler.com
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Pagcor denies POGOs near EDCA sites in Cagayan | Joann Manabat - CMS | 18/07/2024 19:03 | JOINT PROBE. The House committee on public order and safety and games and amusements hold a joint committee hearing on the criminal activities and illegal acts associated with POGOs on July 17, 2024.
Screenshot via YouTube live stream
PAMPANGA, Philippines – The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) denied on Wednesday, July 17, that there were Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) near the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in Cagayan province.
“In the list of our Pagcor licensees, there is not a single license granted by Pagcor to any IGL (internet gaming licensee) operator that is next to or inside the EDCA sites,” Pagcor chairperson Alejandro Tengco said in Filipino during a joint hearing of the House committee on public order and safety and committee on games and amusements.
“In this hall, I want to inform you, no license has ever been issued by Pagcor within EDCA or next to EDCA sites specifically in the Cagayan area,” he added.
Two EDCA sites are in Cagayan province: Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, and the Camilo Osias Naval Base Camilo in Sta. Ana town, which is about 7.8 kilometers from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), according to Google Maps.
Cagayan 3rd District Representative Joseph Lara said he had to clarify with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) the alleged presence of POGOs near these EDCA sites.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said the information was based on intelligence reports and documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CEZA administrator and chief executive officer Katrina Ponce Enrile, in a press release dated March 20, said CEZA had “been issuing interactive gaming licenses, not offshore gaming licenses.”
CEZA was the first economic zone in the Philippines to offer to host of financial technology companies, and the first zone authorized to explore online gaming in the Philippines ,which have been operating in the space for over two decades, the press release read.
Rappler reached out to CEZA to validate the names of business locators allegedly linked to POGOs. We will update this story once we receive its response.
Lara said there are still around 800 Chinese nationals enrolled at a university in Tuguegarao City and that the numbers may fluctuate as short course programs, which are taken between three months to a year, are also being offered. At least four universities in Cagayan denied the influx of Chinese students.
Lara and Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino Dy V had filed separate resolutions seeking to investigate the increase of Chinese students in Cagayan.
Lara stressed that the connection between POGOs and Chinese students should not be disregarded, citing intelligence reports.
“As for Chinese students in Tuguegarao, they are still enrolled there. Per last hearing, [more than] 800 enrolled. These are moving numbers since there are three months, six months, or one year programs at Saint Paul University (Tuguegarao),” Lara told Rappler on Thursday.
“This is a national issue now. I hope not, but it’s not far from happening to us either,” Lara said. “So we can shed light in that northern part, especially because we are close to the West Philippine Sea. I believe people in our province need to know in order to alleviate the troubling issue of security in us.” –Rappler.com
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Stairway to heaven? MMDA draws flak for steep EDSA busway wheelchair ramp | pfkahanap0307 | 18/07/2024 16:23 | MANILA, Philippines – Is this ramp safe for wheelchair users?
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is under fire after the newly-constructed wheelchair ramp at an EDSA busway station went viral on social media for being too steep, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Instead of taking the stairs, PWDs passing by the PhilAm station in Quezon City could take an elevator, which leads to a ramp that will take them to the top of the footbridge.
But netizens are concerned that the ramp may do more harm than good.
Some social media users even compared the structure to rollercoasters, skateboard ramps, and water slides because of its steepness.
Bless Adriano, convenor of accessibility group Kasali Tayo, expressed her disappointment over the MMDA’s response to the controversy.
“It’s quite disappointing because it feels like we have to commend them for simply putting up a ramp, despite the restrictions in some parts of the area. In reality, it is our right to have an accessible environment,” she told Rappler.
The MMDA explained in a social media post that the ramp for PWDs was created since the elevator could not be at the same level as the footbridge, given height restrictions imposed by the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
“Hindi ito perpektong disenyo lalo na sa mga naka-wheelchair pero malaking tulong pa rin ito para sa mga senior citizens, buntis, at ibang PWDs sa halip na umakyat gamit ang hagdan,” it said.
(The design is not perfect, especially for those using wheelchairs, but it would still be a big help for senior citizens, pregnant women, and other PWDs instead of using stairs.)
Batas Pambansa 344, a law promoting the mobility of PWDs, states that ramps should have a maximum gradient of 1:12 and their length should not exceed six meters. Longer ramps, such as the one at the PhilAm station, “shall be provided with landings not less than 1.50 meters.”
Armand Eustaquio, one of the architects who helped craft the Accessibility Law’s implementing rules and regulations, told Rappler that the controversial ramp “has a very steep gradient or 1:4 or angle of 14 degrees,” which does not meet the law’s standards.
He also pointed out that the ramp “does not have handrails at the right heights of 90cm and 70cm on both sides,” and that the flooring “is not non-skid, even when dry, for some, because of the steep gradient.”
“The intent of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 is give independent mobility and hence, empowerment of persons with disabilities. This was not achieved because of the steep ramp,” he said.
Felicisimo Tejuco Jr., an architect teaching at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said that government bodies such as the MMDA must first check if there is enough space in an area before constructing ramps like the one at the PhilAm station.
“Baka nahirapan sila (MMDA) na isiksik ‘yung [tamang] haba ng ramp na ‘yon,” he told Rappler. “Ang concern po, they spent too much on something na hindi po magagamit.”
(Maybe the MMDA struggled to fit the proper length of the ramp. The concern is, they spent too much on something that cannot be used.)
What do you think of the viral ramp? Let’s discuss this in the liveable cities chat room of the Rappler Communities app. – Rappler.com
Inclusive infrastructure is part of what it takes to #MakeManilaLiveable. Rappler has a dedicated space for stories and campaigns about improving quality of life in Philippine cities, starting with the problematic capital region of Metro Manila. Check out that space here. You can also react to this story or start a discussion about it in the Liveable Cities channel in the Rappler Communities app.
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Will Sara Duterte endorse senatorial bets for 2025 elections? | Bonz Magsambol | 19/07/2024 7:30 | TURNOVER. Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her message during the turnover ceremony on Thursday, July 18.
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Now that she’s out of the Marcos Cabinet, will Vice President Sara Duterte endorse her own senatorial bets for the coming midterm elections?
In a chance interview with reporters on Thursday, July 18, Duterte disclosed that before her resignation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with her and invited her to help in the campaign of the senatorial bets that the administration would be fielding.
The Vice President said she declined the invitation.
“Mayroon akong isang meeting kung saan inimbita ako ni President Marcos na sumali at tumulong sa administration para sa mga [senatorial] candidates. At sabi ko sa kanya, sabi ko hindi muna ako sasali sa midterm elections,” Duterte said, when asked if her regional political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago was open to partner with the President’s party for the 2025 elections.
(I had one meeting wherein President Marcos invited me to join and help in campaigning for the administration’s senatorial candidates. And I told him, I will not join any activity for the midterm elections for now.)
The Vice President also said that she received the same invitation from her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, which she also declined.
“Sa isa naming pagkikita ni President Duterte, former president Duterte, by chance nagkita kami ni former president Duterte, inimbita rin niya ako na mangampanya, tumulong, sumuporta para sa mga candidates ng PDP [Partido Demokratiko Pilipino], so sinabi ko rin sa kanya na hindi muna ako sasali sa midterm elections,” Duterte shared.
(In one of our meetups, by chance, I met with former president Duterte, he also invited me to campaign and support PDP candidates so I also told him that I will not join the midterm elections.)
“Kailangan ko kasi muna pag-isipan kung ano ‘yung direction ko sa midterm elections sa susunod na taon. Kaya hindi pa ako handa na sumagot sa kanilang dalawa kung ano’ng gagawin for the midterm elections,” Duterte said.
(I need to think about my direction for the midterm elections for next year. That’s why I’m not yet ready to answer both of them about what I will be doing for the midterm elections.)
Although she is not keen on backing any senatorial candidates for the 2025 elections for now, Duterte said that she will have a “heart-to-heart” talk with Senators Bong Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who are both seeking re-election.
The two senators are close allies of the Duterte family.
Political analyst Arjan Aguirre said that the midterms will be the Vice President’s way to “gauge if she can win the presidency in 2028.”“She may work with her allies in attacking the government during the campaigns. She may think of this senatorial electoral support as something transferable and that she may use this support in 2028,” Aguirre added.
The Vice President is undeniably popular. Despite her declaration of war against Marcos, and with her resignation from the Cabinet, she has maintained her position as the most trusted top government official. Her approval ratings were also up.
A recent survey by Pulse Asia showed that her nationwide approval rating in June was at 69%, two-percentage points higher than in May. Meanwhile, Marcos’ approval rating suffered a slight dip – 53% from 55% in March – but this is within the pollster’s ±2% margin of error. (READ: Despite Cabinet exit, Sara Duterte maintains top approval, trust ratings – Pulse Asia)
The upcoming 2025 midterm elections are important for the Vice President for her to consolidate power and forge alliances for her 2028 political plans. She could use her position to champion popular issues, such as education reforms or social welfare initiatives by partnering with local government units, which can help her build a positive national profile.
In June, the Vice President said her father and two brothers – Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte – would run for Senate seats in the 2025 elections. While the Duterte patriarch had denied this, Sara said that “remains to be seen.”
“Wala pa naman ‘yung filing of candidacy. So, hindi natin alam kung sino ‘yung mga tatakbo for senators sa midterm elections. At saka, by my experience, up to the last minute, nagbabago ang desisyon ng mga tao,” Duterte said.
(The filing of candidacy has yet to start. So, we cannot say who will be running for senators for the midterm elections. And by my own experience, up to the last minute, decisions can change.)
Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet on June 19, confirming the rift inside the Uniteam coalition forged in the 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. At that time, she said that she was resigning as education chief “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.” (READ: ‘Long story, personal’: Sara Duterte teases reason behind Marcos Cabinet exit)
While the Vice President said that she’s not inclined to endorse any senatorial bets for now, political observers believe that any rhetoric from the Dutertes is just smoke screen. – Rappler.com
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Iloilo takes bold stand: POGOs banned over increasing worries | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 16:11 | TACKLE. Iloilo City Councilor Rommel Duron discusses a proposal before the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
courtesy of Limuel Celebria
BACOLOD, Philippines – Iloilo’s legislature approved on Wednesday, July 17, a ban on offshore gaming operations, a move which followed an executive order by Mayor Jerry Treñas which declared the local government’s policy against them.
It was a preemptive measure meant to protect Iloilo City from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), said Councilor Rommel Duron who pushed for the local legislative ban. Duron is the chairperson of the city council’s committee on games, amusement, and professional sports.
Treñas said the city council’s move strengthened his position to outrightly reject requests to approve POGO applications so they can operate in the city.
On July 8, Treñas issued Executive Order No. 94, declaring the city government’s position against “illegal” POGOs and their activities in Iloilo City.
POGOs, entities that manage and offer offshore online gaming services, have recently come under scrutiny as they slowly gained notoriety due to their association with crimes, resulting in debates and even increasing worries about national security.
In Iloilo alone, at least 17 Chinese men are currently in detention after they were arrested in the Jaro for cybersex and human trafficking in November 2023.
The POGOs, many run by Chinese groups, provide games, accept bets, and pay out winnings to registered players through internet-based gaming platforms. Such services are available through POGOs licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The Iloilo ban also followed a shocking revelation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) about 1,200 fake birth certificates discovered in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, raising serious concerns about national security and the integrity of citizenship documentation.
Duron said the ban “sends a clear message that we do not permit POGO operations,” and “if anyone applies for a POGO license in Iloilo City, we will deny it.
He said the measure aligns with existing laws requiring local government consent for such activities, even from Pagcor.
“The supposed benefits from POGO activities pale in comparison to their social costs. No amount of taxes or perceived job creations can justify these costs,” Duron said.
Based on the measure, homeowners in the city’s subdivisions were asked to make foreigners show their passports and other documents before renting out their properties. Duron said the city government would be strict about a “no dummy policy” among renters.
Local officials have expressed apprehensions over the supposed increasing number of Chinese residing in upscale subdivisions in the city, something which they find unusual.
Iloilo Representative Julienne Baronda has written to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, urging an investigation into the influx of Chinese nationals in the city.
In her letter, copies of which were given to reporters on July 6, Baronda identified subdivisions in Iloilo where a sudden increase in the Chinese population has been reported. Her list includes Puerto Real de Iloilo in Lapaz, Monterosa Subdivision in Mandurriao, and Ledesco Subdivision in Lapaz.
Baronda, however, acknowledged that many of the Chinese newcomers have not caused trouble and have been friendly to their neighbors. But she said questions were raised about their affluent lifestyles.
“We aim to ensure the safety of our people and protect national security,” Baronda said.
Iloilo City tourism officer Junel Ann Divinagracia said tracking foreigners is more difficult when they rent condos and houses in subdivisions instead of staying in hotels. – Rappler.com
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I appreciate these actions by the City Government of Iloilo. Will other LGUs follow?
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Landmark maritime zones bill now up for Marcos’ signature | Kaycee | 18/07/2024 15:14 | Fisherfolks from Zambales stage a fluvial protest on the 8th anniversary of the country’s landmark victory against Beijing in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in Subic Bay, Zambales on July 12, 2024. The group calls on the public to support the Filipino fishers in pursuing a peaceful settlement of the tensions by the arbitral ruling and an independent foreign policy and to demilitarize the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The “refined” version of the maritime zones bill has been approved at the bicameral level and is now awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The proposed measure, which seeks to define and declare the country’s maritime zones, was included in Marcos administration’s priority bills in September 2023, amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“This development marks a crucial step towards enhancing Philippine maritime security and aligning with international standards set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Pangasinan 3rd District Representative Maria Rachel Arenas, who chairs the House foreign affairs committee, said on Thursday, July 18.
The maritime zones bill was approved by both houses of Congress last March 19. However, it was recalled in May for tweaks.
The panel again approved the measure on Wednesday, July 17, according to Senator Francis Tolentino. Arenas said the bicameral conference committee report was finalized on Thursday.
According to Arenas, the refined version of the bill include:
It also highlights the country’s extended continental shelf in the Philippine Rise and West Palawan regions. The Philippines filed the claim on the West Palawan regions before the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in June.
The 2016 arbitral ruling, which deemed China’s sweeping claim of almost all the South China Sea invalid, is among the documents that make up the backbone of the proposed measure.
“This will be the first time that the term ‘West Philippine Sea’ will be embodied, mentioned, and referred to in a law that will be passed by Congress,” Tolentino said.
The bill also puts emphasis on Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, particularly on exploration, exploitation, management of natural resources, and artificial islands and structures in the area. – with reports from Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
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Congratulations to our legislative bodies. Let’s wait and see how quickly President Marcos Jr. will act on this.
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Donut shop Pufft to stop operations indefinitely | Steph Arnaldo | 18/07/2024 15:19 | CLOSURE. Bakery Pufft is indefinitely stopping operations.
Pufft's Instagram
MANILA, Philippines – Pufft, the Instagram-famous bakery known for its Strawberry Monst donuts during the pandemic, will be closing down indefinitely, Pufft owner Meg Hornsby-Bates told Rappler on Wednesday, July 17.
Pufft’s “indefinite closure” was a decision that was not easy for Hornsby-Bates, she shared.
“At the moment, there is a need to focus on other projects and concepts – something that I have been working on for some time,” she added. Pufft also holds physical pop-ups in malls.
“Over the years, we have gained a cult following. Not many donut makers specialize in filled donuts and our unique Strawberry Monst,” Hornsby-Bates said. The Strawberry Monst, a beloved best-seller of Pufft, features a fluffy brioche donut sandwich generously filled with fresh strawberries and cream.
Pufft’s last day of operations will be on July 31, 2024.
Customers can order online via Pufft’s website, or in person at Pufft stalls in SM Aura Premier’s Supermarket and on the fourth floor of Robinsons Magnolia.
Pufft’s commissary is located in Taguig City. The bakery, established in 2015, grew to viral fame in 2021 for its filled donuts in crazy flavors and the Strawberry Monst, a trending dessert in the pandemic. – Rappler.com
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‘Long story, personal’: Sara Duterte teases reason behind Marcos Cabinet exit | Bonz Magsambol | 18/07/2024 17:15 | TURNOVER. Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her message during the turnover ceremony of the DepEd leadership to Senator Sonny Angara.
Screenshot from Rappler stream
After turning over the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) to Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Thursday, July 18, a visibly relieved Vice President Sara Duterte faced the media, after holding a tree planting activity with the incoming education chief.
It seems that the Vice President is now more than ready to answer questions from reporters, no holds barred, including her departure from the Marcos Cabinet.
When she was asked about the reason behind her resignation, Duterte said it was a “long story,” and that it stemmed from a “personal” conversation she had with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 presidential campaign.
“Mayroong personal sa aming dalawa ni President Marcos, which stems from ‘yung napag-usapan namin bago ako tumakbong vice president, mayroon sa trabaho, mayroon sa bayan. Mahaba siyang kuwento,” Duterte told reporters.
(There are personal matters between us, which stems from the conversation we had when I ran for vice president. They were work-related and nation-related. It’s a long story.)
Duterte did not elaborate on what she meant by saying it was personal. She only said that it was a mix of reasons. “Nagkabuhol-buhol na siya na maraming rason,” she said. (The reasons just got all tangled up.)
The Vice President even hinted at doing a sit-down interview with reporters for a tell-all interview about her departure from the Cabinet. “Sabi ko nga, kailangan niya ng sit-down dahil hindi siya isang rason lang,” she said.
(Like what I’ve said, it needs a sit-down interview to be told because it’s not just one reason.)
Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet on June 19, confirming the rift inside the Uniteam coalition forged in the 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. At that time, she said that she was resigning as education chief “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.”
Marcos appointed Duterte as his DepEd secretary even though he knew – and even made public during the campaign – that she wanted the defense portfolio. The two jobs were polar opposites but Duterte accepted the position without any complaints, at least based on her public statements.
Prior to Duterte’s resignation, clues of infighting between her and Marcos’ allies began to circulate, such as her resignation from Lakas CMD, the Congress’ denial of her request for confidential funds, and her public opposition to charter change and reboot of peace talks with the communists.
In January, Marcos and the Vice President’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, publicly threw drug accusations against each other, and in April, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos admitted she was not in good terms with the Vice President.
With her exit from the Marcos Cabinet, will Duterte be more visible and accessible to the media, and more willing to answer questions? And will she be openly criticizing and defying the Marcos administration’s policies? – Rappler.com
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The tree-planting activity that VP Sara Duterte conducted before leaving DepEd was very symbolic. A tree, being a perennial plant, represents a lasting period of time, which likely mirrors her enduring sentiments towards certain individuals who have hindered her presidential ambitions.
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Suspect in killing of Australian couple, Filipino companion surrenders | Mia Gonzalez | 18/07/2024 7:00 | Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The suspect in the killing of an Australian couple and their Filipino companion in a Tagaytay hotel voluntarily surrendered to Batangas authorities early Wednesday morning, July 17, a week after the incident.
In a press statement, Cavite police identified the suspect only as “Ronel,” a 33-year-old former employee of the Lake Hotel, where David James Fisk and Lucita Barquin Cortez, a Philippine-born Australian citizen; and Mary Jane Cortez, Lucita’s daughter-in-law, where found dead in their room a week earlier.
Ronel, who had been hiding in Tuy, Batangas, surrendered to Tuy Mayor Jey Cerrado, who turned over the suspect to Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Tolentino.
The suspect is under the custody of the Tagaytay Component City Police Station and will be charged with robbery with multiple homicide, Cavite police said.
Investigators discovered that Ronel used to a pool attendant at the Lake Hotel.
“The course of the investigation revealed that the suspect took revenge against the hotel’s management for his termination from employment, which led to the tragic killing of the victims,” the Cavite police statement read.
The remains of Fisk have been transported to Sydney, Australia, police said. – Rappler.com
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[OPINION] Ignorance and prejudice | Glenda Gloria | 18/07/2024 10:00 | Compassion is noble, but hostility is quicker. It’s much, much easier to be hostile toward people whose life stories we don’t know.
We see it all the time. Whether in our everyday conversations or online interactions, it’s not uncommon to encounter offensive remarks. Many of them are unsolicited.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot of kindness out there, and the ones who embody them tend to be the most inspiring in our lives.
But we also need to recognize that prejudice does exist. Sometimes we get it from other people. But sometimes, we ourselves are guilty of it too.
Consider the most divisive issues in our society. There’s the longstanding SOGIE Equality Bill. People have had much to say about it and those it represents.
Often, when people opine about it, they begin with a preface.
“It’s not that I hate gays, but…”
“Hindi naman sa nangdidiscriminate ako sa mga transgender, pero kasi naman…”
I’m certain you’ve heard these sentences many times.
And then there’s the move to legalize divorce.
For my ongoing book project, I’ve started analyzing religious statements about divorce, and I noticed that many of them follow the same formula. To paraphrase one: “We understand the situation of many parents, but they should not be selfish.” The premise is that couples who want to divorce are too selfish to stick to their marital vows.
The preface is a moral sleight of hand, if you will. Nobody wants to be accused of discrimination, so the caveat is very useful.
Prejudice manifests as negative views, opinions, or attitudes about other people that are usually based on stereotypes. Whether people admit it or not, prejudice is a serious matter. Because it rests on harmful stereotypes, it shapes how we behave toward other people.
In the course of my work as a sociologist, I’ve come to conclude that prejudice often results from ignorance. The examples above are emblematic.
But most of the time, prejudice – based on ignorance – takes place in everyday life. Some of us might remember how we were treated at school just because we were different. And no one made the effort to understand us. Once again, I’m sure you have your own stories to tell.
There are, of course, two possibilities whenever we encounter people we don’t understand.
We can latch on to stereotypes to help us make sense of the other person. Unfortunately, many stereotypes are inherently negative. As in the examples above, the prejudice towards the bakla and the woman who wants divorce emanates from bigger stereotypes about women and the LGBTQ+.
Stereotypes also abound about other groups. Think of people living with HIV, neighbors who belong to another religion, and youth dealing with depression.
As they say, “ignorance is the breeding ground for stereotypes and prejudices.”
Or we can stay quiet and try to learn from one another.
Those who have conducted research on this topic agree that learning from one another must be everyone’s aspiration. One way of doing this is through regular contact with people whose differences we do not readily understand.
This can be a personal resolution. You may intentionally go out of your comfort zone and get to know people who are unlike you.
But it can also be an institutionalized goal. Schools, communities, or workplaces can provide opportunities for different people to discover others.
Either way, the goal is for people to engage in listening dialogues. During these interactions, the questions we need to answer remain the same: Who are you? How different are the stereotypes from the real you? What’s your life story? And how can we understand each other better?
Whenever we ask these questions, I propose that our collective goal must be to become comfortable with differences. Put differently, each one of us must be able to say that it’s okay to be different.
That doesn’t mean we need to agree all the time. That’s not what listening dialogues are about.
At the very least, we must be able to respect and acknowledge each other’s validity. And when we understand where people are coming from, we may be able to develop more hospitable feelings for them.
In other words, we must aspire at every opportunity to transform our hostile feelings toward people we dislike. The goal is to soften our emotions toward them. Prejudice, after all, is not only a cognitive matter. Being exposed to the truth is not enough to abandon one’s prejudices. Emotional transformation is necessary.
To this end, dialogues where people can listen to each other are critical. Transformation is possible whenever we embrace what ethicist Karen Frost-Arnold calls “hopeful trust.” It’s the trust that when we engage in these dialogues, our life stories can help people admit to their prejudices and eventually abandon them.
What I’ve said here is also a lifelong personal mission. To be sure, it’s much easier to stay in my comfort zone.
But over the years, I’ve come to realize that nothing beats encountering people where they are. Over the past weekend, I spent time with an elderly gay couple – Dean Weller and Jim Watkins – who have been together for 42 years (and counting). I met them some weeks ago at a Christian gathering, and we readily clicked.
They invited me to stay at their place, where we had the most honest conversations. Looking over the valleys of southern Indiana from their porch, we talked about what it was like growing up in the US at a time when there was so much discrimination against gay men, not just in their communities but also within their respective churches. As we drove around, they pointed at houses, schools, and buildings, some of which were no longer there. But even so, the memories remained alive. At their home, I played the piano as they sang their favorite hymns.
They met together the year I was born, and I’m practically half their age. They’re Americans, and I’m Filipino. They’ve gone through many crises, and I’m still halfway through mine. They’re enjoying their retirement, and I’m not even sure if I’d live long enough to get there. But the brief time I spent with them was enough to convince me that they’re family.
You see, prejudice makes all of us myopic. Whenever we fail to understand other people, we fail to understand who we are, our shared struggles, and what could be our collective victories. – Rappler.com
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Bacolod’s Manokan Country reopens temporarily amid redevelopment tensions | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 13:44 | CLOSE, OPEN. The iconic Manokan Country in Bacolod reopens on Wednesday, July 17, just a day after it was closed by the city government.
Ambo Delilan/Rappler
BACOLOD, Philippines – Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez ordered the reopening of the iconic Manokan Country for a month, a day after city hall closed it down.
Benitez’s decision on Wednesday, July 17, was intended to buy time for the affected tenants to relocate to the SM City Bacolod Transport Terminal, which they had previously resisted.
The move was driven by humanitarian considerations, according to Bacolod City Legal Office head Romeo Carlos Ting.
The 41-year-old Manokan Country, known for its famous chicken inasal (grilled chicken), had been shut down a day earlier to make way for a new commercial center project, displacing at least 24 stall owners, many of whom had operated their small food businesses in the area for decades.
The redevelopment project, spearheaded by SM Prime Holdings Incorporated (SMPHI), would transform the site into a mixed-use commercial property. It is part of a larger P4-billion project aimed at modernizing the property which hosts the Manokan Country, Vendor’s Plaza, and the Bacolod Arts, Youth, and Sports (BAYS) Center.
“A win-win solution has been reached,” Ting said.
The city government and SMPHI have reached a compromise with the affected tenants, offering them several concessions to ease their transition. The offers included the following:
Initially resistant to relocating, the tenants have now agreed to vacate the property after the one-month extension, and after they were assured that they will be prioritized in the new Manokan Country once the project is completed.
Lawyer Joemax Ortiz, legal counsel of the affected tenants, said the “best offers” from both the city government and SMPHI came a bit late.
Ortiz said his clients already signed a manifesto not to file a case for the nullification of the 40-year lease agreement between the city government and SMPHI for the redevelopment of the 16,875-square meter city government-owned property on Father Mauricio Ferrero Street, Reclamation Area in Barangay 12.
However, rental rates for the new location remained a contentious issue, with SMPHI proposing P250 per square meter, while tenants wanted it fixed at P100.
“This issue needs to be resolved next,” Ting said.
The progressive group Bayan-Negros, however, maintained its opposition to the redevelopment plan, criticizing the local government and SMPHI for the lack of public consultation.
“This will inevitably lead to exorbitant rents for Manokan tenants and higher prices for consumers,” read a statement released by the group.
The group said the plan threatens to integrate small entrepreneurs into SMPHI’s mega-mall complex, undermining the heritage and economic independence of local businesses.
“Demolishing the 41-year-old iconic Manokan Country, despite its status as a presumed heritage site in Bacolod sets a precedent for similar projects under Mayor Benitez’s administration that prioritize corporate interests over the broader welfare of Bacolod residents,” Bayan-Negros said.
Manokan Country was established through City Ordinance No. 16-1983 more than four decades ago.
In November last year, SMPHI paid the city P131.8 million upfront for seven years’ rent. Under the agreement, SMPHI will pay an annual rental fee of P21.26 million, with a 5% increase every three years. – Rappler.com
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UP students’ exhibit tackles social issues with traffic apps, animated heritage | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 10:24 | GALLERY. The UP College of Fine Arts Gallery, Parola, features exhibit spaces and classrooms. Three pieces from Kidlat Tahimik's Indio-Genius exhibit remain in the Atrium.
Mari-An C. Santos/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Visual Communication majors at the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s College of Fine Arts are presenting their thesis projects in an exhibit, showcasing innovative solutions to social issues.
The exhibit at the 2nd floor of the Parola gallery, open until July 28, features apps to ease traffic and promote inclusive education for the hearing-impaired, along with animated stories celebrating Filipino heritage.
An app to improve traffic in Metro Manila, another to teach Filipino sign language, an interactive game based on Jose Rizal’s novels, and a game for reclaiming the Baybayin script are among the student projects currently on display at the UP’s Fine Arts Gallery.
The exhibit, called Dagos (current), showcases the students’ desire to drive change through their thesis projects. By combining technology and creativity, the graduating students have developed creative solutions to various real-world issues, offering a diverse market of ideas to benefit Philippine society.
The exhibit is divided into clusters, namely: illustrations and publications, campaigns, moving images, and hypermedia.
Catherine Bollas’ project, Pinay – Kagitingan ng Kababaihan, seeks to present a counterpoint to the negative portrayal of Filipino women as kontrabida (antagonists) in the popular teleserye genre. This would be achieved through the production of animated stories of such historical figures as Gabriela Silang, Maria Orosa, Kumander Liwayway, Carmen Rosales, and Corazon Aquino. This undertaking can help inspire Filipinos by providing realistic representations of Filipino women and empowering them.
Alexander Mataverde Jr. aims to use animation to pique the interest of elementary graders about Tadlac Lake – a place shrouded in legend – in Los Banos, Laguna with Alamat ng Pasong Buwaya (Legend of Pasong Buwaya).
Tirik, an experimental short film by Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera II, seeks to raise awareness about and encourage the preservation of the Cementerio Para Los Indios in Tayabas, Quezon among the youth – considering its architectural, historical, and sociocultural significance.
Juan Pablo Basilio appeals to the youthful interest in animation, with a proposal for several episodes of Lakbay Diwa, based on Philippine mythology, to promote traditional Filipino values and a sense of pride in our own stories.
Hannah Leigh Cumla’s Drive Wise app wants to track the behavior of motorcycle drivers in Metro Manila and gamify the experience by giving them positive reinforcement and real-world incentives to encourage safer driving. In the long run, this will contribute to easing traffic congestion.
Two projects hope to foster a more inclusive society, particularly with regard to the hearing-impaired.
Romeo Nungay III’s SaySign is a mobile app that will make learning sign language more accessible to hearing parents (as well as guardians and other kin). Nungay describes it as an intuitive, user-friendly, interactive app that will be easily navigable even for older users so they can learn at their own pace. This will make them better able to communicate with their children.
Maria Cecilia Pauig’s Seeing Sign, meanwhile, is geared toward high school students. It gamifies the process of learning Filipino sign language to bridge the communication gap between hearing and hearing-impaired peers.
Conceptualized by Erynn Jenine Yap, the interactive mobile game Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo: Salin ni Virgilio S. Almario aims to develop a better appreciation for Dr. Jose Rizal’s novels among 9th to 12th graders. The player not only watches but actually enters the world of the novels to solve mysteries and move the story forward.
Baybayin Quest, by Hannah Isabela Bolado, allows players to participate in a role-playing game to familiarize them with the Philippine pre-colonial script. The player needs to help the protagonist, Atang, recover the lost letters of the Baybayin script scattered all over the Philippines.
The exhibit’s organizers said they hoped the divide between concept and execution, by way of funding from investors, can be achieved by some if not all of these promising projects.
“The graduating students’ works show that they really love our country and are thinking of solutions for different challenges,” said Professor Lisa Ito-Tapang, curator of Parola.
Parola is located at UP Diliman’s College of Fine Arts and is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Japan – Jones Cup 2024 | delfin.dioquino editor | 19/07/2024 12:30 | Strong Group Athletics Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Despite missing three of its key players, Strong Group-Pilipinas remained unbeaten in the 2024 William Jones Cup with a 92-79 romp of Japan’s under-22 team on Friday, July 19, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Playing in their sixth game in seven days, the Filipinos were without Rhenz Abando and Ange Kouame due to minor injuries and American import Tajuan Agee due to illness.
Chris McCullough led Strong Group’ anew with 26 points and 7 rebounds as the Philippines moved two wins away of a tournament sweep and a championship.
DJ Fenner also scored 17 and Jordan Heading sustained his solid play to finish with 11 points for Strong Group.
As Strong Group-Pilipinas inches closer to the 2024 William Jones Cup title, it looks to make easy work of Japan’s under-22 team when they duke it out on Friday, July 19.
With only three games left in its schedule, Strong Group aims to keep its record unblemished as the Charles Tiu-mentored squad remains tied with Chinese Taipei-Blue at the top spot with identical 5-0 records.
Strong Group is fresh from another rout, taking down Future Sports USA, 112-90, on Thursday, July 18.
With hardly any surprise, import Chris McCullough starred for the Philippines with an all-around outing of 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists.
McCullough has led Strong Group in scoring in all of its five matches, averaging 21.6 points per outing, as the Philippine squad won four by at least 20 points.
Count on McCullough and the rest of Strong Group to ride on their scorching-hot momentum and deal Japan its third loss in six matches.
The Japanese fell to Ukraine in their previous outing, 63-47.
Game time is 1 pm. – Rappler.com
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Cone says Brownlee ‘ages like fine wine’ as Gilas star remains a force | delfin.dioquino editor | 18/07/2024 21:00 | LEADER. Justin Brownlee (32) in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
FIBA
MANILA, Philippines – The fact that Justin Brownlee, 36, is getting older is not lost on Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone.
Even the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is bracing for the future as it got the ball rolling on the naturalization of 28-year-old Bennie Boatwright.
But with the way Brownlee has been playing, Cone is convinced the resident Barangay Ginebra import will remain a national team fixture for the foreseeable future.
“I remember people coming up to me like three or four years ago saying, ‘You got to look for a replacement for Justin. He’s getting older.’ Three or four years later, he’s even better than he was three or four years ago,” said Cone.
“The guy ages like fine wine. It seems like the more experience he has, the more he learns.”
Continuing to resist Father Time, Brownlee put the Philippines on his back in its historic campaign in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia, leading the team in points (23), rebounds (8.3), and assists (6.3).
He finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in an 89-80 upset of sixth-ranked Latvia then netted 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in a 96-94 loss to Georgia as the Philippines earned a spot in the semifinals.
Brownlee was so good that Brazil made him the focal point of its defense in their final four duel.
Pestered by the highly physical Brazilians, Brownlee got limited to 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists as the Filipinos’ magical OQT run came to an end in a 71-60 loss.
“Justin, as he plays at a different level, he just continues to raise his game. But Father Time catches up with all of us and it’s certainly catching up with me. I know that,” said Cone, who is 66.
“There’s going to be a time when we’re probably got to move on from Justin. I don’t see that anytime soon, though. Do you? The level he’s playing, why would we?”
Cone trusts Brownlee so much that he is bringing the beloved star back for an 11th tour of duty in the PBA even with opposing teams parading younger imports as the Gin Kings hope to return to their championship ways.
A three-time PBA Best Import, Brownlee looks to win his seventh title with Ginebra.
“I think it’ll be obvious for us at some point. He’ll know and we’ll know, but I don’t see that time happening anytime soon. He’s just playing at way too high of a level,” said Cone.
“He just keeps getting better.” – Rappler.com
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US wants ‘strong, independent’ nuclear regulatory body in PH | Iya Gozum | 18/07/2024 20:23 | VISIT. US NRC Chair Christopher Hanson meets Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Undersecretary Sharon Garin, and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Thursday morning, July 18.
US Embassy in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – The United States seeks to train experts and develop “a strong, technically competent, and independent regulator for nuclear safety in the Philippines,” according to Christopher Hanson, chair of US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), on Thursday, July 18.
This comes after the landmark nuclear deal, or the 123 Agreement, between the Philippines and the US took effect last July 2.
The Agreement legally binds the Philippines to US standards on nuclear nonproliferation and allows the US to export nuclear equipment to the country.
“Having a strong, independent regulatory body that is capable of performing the analyses, the safety evaluations, the modeling, and other kinds of things, and clearly communicating that to the public about how the Philippine government has reached its conclusions about the safety of a particular technology is really critical for engendering and maintaining public trust,” Hanson told reporters.
Hanson arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday, July 17, and has so far met with Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, and Pangasinan 5th District Representative Mark Cojuangco.
The US, in their announcement last July 2, said nuclear energy can help achieve the Philippines’ clean energy targets.
Great exchange about clean and safe nuclear energy, particularly on the importance of effective regulations, with @NRCgov Chair Christopher Hanson and @DOEgovph Secretary Raphael Lotilla. #PartnersInProsperity #FriendsPartnersAllies pic.twitter.com/bTpWKmnIbV
The NRC chair said on Thursday he is also set to meet with staff from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and visit the country’s first and only nuclear training facility.
Hanson said there will be “an increase in the activity and support that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission is [going to] be providing to the PNRI and… successor organization as the regulatory body.”
“A lot of our support is gonna be in the form of training and in-kind, making available our experts,” he said.
He added that three people from the PNRI will go to the US to take NRC’s nuclear power engineering course later this year.
PNRI is the agency responsible for research and development, as well as regulation of nuclear and radioactive materials.
At present, the bill establishing an independent nuclear regulatory body is pending in the committee level at the Senate.
Last year, lawmakers from the House of Representatives had already approved on third and final reading the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act. – Rappler.com
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Learn indigenous cassava recipes from these Manobo and Talaandig women | Waya Lao | 18/07/2024 12:40 | AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – Early in the morning, Talaandig leader Zenaida Mansiliohan and other indigenous women walk through the forest and first perform a ritual in honor of the spirits protecting their crops. To prepare for her community’s meal of the day, Zenaida peels the cassava’s hard wood-like skin using a small knife and manually shreds it with a cheese grater.
Women happily gather around the kitchen, watching Zenaida sprinkle brown sugar to the cassava, to flavor it differently. She later shares it with her neighbors, down to her children, husband, and then herself last.
Food on its own, narrates a community’s way of life – even in situations where food is scarce.
In a small village in San Luis, Agusan del Sur, women of the Manobo and Talaandig tribes have learned to make various recipes out of binggala or more widely known as cassava, to cope with the effects of climate change and commercialization in farming.
These traditional cassava recipes were featured through short cooking videos launched in June by indigenous women’s rights group LILAK under KPinay (Katutubong Pinay), a campaign highlighting stories of IPs in various multimedia content.
In the video, Zenaida said that about 90% of locals in Agusan del Sur are farmers. In provinces covered by forests such as San Luis, corn, bananas, and sweet potatoes are the usual source of food of indigenous people (IP).
Of their harvests, Zenaida and her daughter, Cleo Mansiliohan take pride in their cassavas.
Aside from its high potassium content, the root crop can survive the impacts of climate change such as extreme heat, and even the rising presence of paroot (forest rats) infesting in their area. Due to its sustainability, cassava has been a good alternative for rice over the years, making it a staple food of most indigenous communities across the Philippines.
In the launch of KPinay’s recipe videos, women including Zenaida and Cleo highlighted traditional ways of preparing and cooking cassava – ranging from nilong ag (boiled) anag (grilled), puto (steamed), nilupak (mashed), to bitso bitso and tupig (deep fried).
“Ang cassava kasi, hindi mo na kailangan ng ulam…Nasanay tayo na ‘pag bigas, kailangan pa natin ng ulam, kailangan pa natin ng sabaw o gulay…Talagang practice na ‘yan noon pa, nakasanayan na namin ‘yan. Pero wala rin talagang pagpipilian ang indigenous people, ang mga magsasaka,” Zenaida said.
(You don’t need a side dish to eat cassava… We are used to eating rice needing a side dish, or soup or vegetables… That’s really been a practice before, we’re used to that. But the indigenous people, the farmers, don’t really have a choice.)
Learn how to cook your own cassava dishes through these recipes.
With indigenous communities solely relying on natural resources for food supply, food insecurity has long been a problem due to climate change and commercialization.
According to LILAK communications and media coordinator Neca Reyes, the presence of mining companies continues to affect food production especially in fisherfolk communities. For instance, the king crab found in Aroroy, Masbate, is threatened by the mining activities due to heavy metals contaminating the ocean.
In San Luis, illegal logging has caused their town to become flooded for three months, affecting their farming practices and harvest for the year.
Following these challenges, farmers still receive little to no support from the government. Zenaida said that the local government has been donating hybrid corn seeds and pesticides to aid their harvest. However, hybrid seeds do not easily thrive in their land and may threaten the growth of traditional seeds. She also added that these seeds cater more to feeding chickens and pigs instead of humans.
“Parang naging dependent tayo kasi ang pino-promote ng gobyerno ay yung pagkain ng hayop, yung feeds. Ang binigyang emphasis ng gobyerno ay yung yellow corn…yung mga hybrids na mais na pagkain ng manok at baboy. So yung mga traditional seed, traditional variety ng mais, nawala na,” Zenaida said.
(It seems like we have become dependent on the government’s promotion of animal feeds. What the government tends to emphasize is yellow corn…the corn hybrids that are meant to feed chickens and pigs. So the traditional seeds, traditional varieties of corn, have disappeared.)
Due to this problem, Cleo mentioned that IPs are now resorting to farming as a way to sell and make money out of their harvest, not as a means to produce their own food.
“Kadalasan po talaga dito sa komunidad…imbes na magtanim para kainin, iba na po yung konsepto dito. Nagbebenta na po [kami] at saka po [ipambibili] ng pagkain,” Cleo said.
(What’s common here in our community…instead of growing food to eat, the concept here is now different. We sell our harvest and then we will use the profit to buy food.)
She added that IPs, especially the youth, are starting to lose interest in farming and are slowly resorting to entering corporate employment and even migration, just to get by.
Reyes highlighted that women in indigenous communities follow a long-term custom of feeding her community and family first before themselves. Given the scarcity of food, she claims that women are hungrier now.
While exploring cassava recipes promotes resourcefulness, Reyes said that IP women should not feel forced to look for other means to feed their families. Instead, the government should support them so healthy food can be readily available in their localities.
“The question: who is our government feeding? Is it us as citizens who are in the city? Because it seems that the ones who are being fed are those on the corporate side..those who can eat at restaurants, those who can buy meat at the mall. Instead of getting food directly from the place where it was planted and where it was harvested,” Reyes said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Through their recipe videos, Zenaida hopes to encourage Filipinos to farm more, and to promote food sovereignty by supporting traditional food made by indigenous communities.
To help share these videos to campaigns abroad, LILAK is planning to release versions with English subtitles. According to Reyes, more recipe videos and content will be released soon in KPinay.
“Itong videos, gusto namin siya maging positive messaging…na ang katutubong kababaihan ay may kuwento, may kaalaman, may kagandahan, may kabutihan. Pero ultimately, meron siyang karapatan. And therefore, kaya namin ito gustong i-kuwento [sa KPinay], ayun yung gusto naming message,” Reyes said.
(In these videos, we want to portray positive messaging…that indigenous women have a story, have knowledge, have beauty, have kindness. But ultimately, she has the right. And therefore, we want to tell this story [in KPinay], that’s the message we want.) – Rappler.com
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‘One of our own’: Robredo hails Naga’s Amaro for 2024 Palaro 7-gold chart-topper | jisaga0269 | 17/07/2024 22:50 | WINNING DUO. Calabarzon-based swimmer TJ Amaro and former vice president Leni Robredo pose for a photo.
Leni Robredo Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – No less than former vice president Leni Robredo hailed the stunning Palarong Pambansa 2024 showcase of young star swimmer TJ Amaro after he rose as the most bemedalled out of 541 athletes in the 13,000-strong delegation that packed Cebu City.
A proud son of Naga, Camarines Sur now representing Calabarzon as a Grade 11 student of San Beda-Rizal in Taytay, the 17-year-old phenom swept all seven of his swimming finals across the weeklong event at the Cebu City Sports Center, breaking three Palaro records in the process.
“So proud of our very own, TJ Amaro,” Robredo wrote on Facebook, before listing the events Amaro competed in and won, like his record-setting 50-meter and 100m butterfly individual events, and 4x100m medley relay alongside three other standout swimmers.
“TJ is now an incoming senior high school student at San Beda [University] Taytay and is now representing the Calabarzon Region, but we are still extremely proud of him because he is a homegrown Nagueño and has, in the past, won many swimming competitions representing Naga City.”
Amaro represented Bicol in the Palaro 2023 edition in Marikina City, where he won just one medal in the 50m fly, albeit also in record-setting fashion.
Under the tutelage of elite coaches of San Beda’s renowned swimming program, which currently boasts a staggering title 20-peat in the men’s seniors division and 23 total titles in boys’ juniors play, Amaro skyrocketed his Palaro resume sevenfold with one more year of eligibility remaining.
“I’m happy because it was one of my goals in this year’s Palaro, to become one of the most bemedalled athletes out of all the high schoolers here in the country,” Amaro said in Filipino after his sixth event last Sunday, July 14, and a few hours before his sweep-completing relay.
He and fellow star swimmer Jasmine Mojdeh alone were responsible for 12 of Calabarzon’s 57 gold medals, more than 20% of the entire region’s title haul.
Led by the duo’s efforts, Calabarzon regained its usual second overall place in the final tally behind 17-year dynasty National Capital Region and a mere one medal ahead of fellow powerhouse Western Visayas.
“Congratulations also to all our Palarong Pambansa athletes who did us all proud,” Robredo concluded.
– Rappler.com
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SGA-Pilipinas blasts Taipei-B for 7-0 Jones Cup card, sets up virtual gold match vs Taipei-A | jisaga0269 | 20/07/2024 19:38 | IN THE ZONE. Strong Group-Pilipinas guard RJ Abarrientos in action against Chinese Taipei in the 2024 William Jones CuP.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – It’s seventh heaven for Strong Group-Pilipinas after it hiked its 2024 William Jones Cup record to 7-0 off a 96-70 blowout of Chinese Taipei-White in Taiwan on Saturday, July 20.
Super import Chris McCullough made a living at the line to finish with 25 points on 10-of-13 free throw shooting, while veteran guard Kiefer Ravena sparked the bench mob with 14 points.
New Ginebra rookie guard RJ Abarrientos continued his overseas audition of sorts with 13 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, as Strong Group next faces Chinese Taipei-Blue in the virtual gold-medal match on Sunday, July 21, 7 pm.
Despite missing the services of naturalized Filipino center Ange Kouame, import Tajuan Agee, and Gilas Pilipinas high-flyer Rhenz Abando, super-stacked Strong Group hardly noticed its personnel issues after setting the tone with a 20-5 blast right from the opening tip.
The upstart Taiwanese never threatened to upend the game’s fate from that early point as Strong Group created as high as a 31-point separation, 94-63, off an Abarrientos long bomb with the game all but decided in the latter half of the fourth quarter.
Filipino-American DJ Fenner added 12 points and 5 rebounds in the easy win, backstopped by 11 from Jordan Heading and a 6-point, 10-board outing from Geo Chiu.
Chang Chia He paced the loss with 16 points on a perfect 7-of-7 clip and 2-of-2 from three, while Lin Yan Ting scattered 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists as Chinese Taipei-White fell to a 3-4 slate in the weeklong, daily tournament.
Strong Group-Pilipinas 96 – McCullough 25, Ravena 14, Abarrientos 13, Fenner 12, Heading 11, Chiu 6, Ynot 6, Manalili 4, Ildefonso 3, Liwag 2.
Chinese Taipei-White 70 – Chang 16, Lin 12, Mbaye 8, Kuan 8, Chen Y. 8, Chen L. 6, Yu A. 4, Wu 3, Hu 2, Yu F. 2, Chiang 1, Wang 0.
Quarters: 30-15, 57-31, 80-54, 96-70.
– Rappler.com
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Shorthanded Creamline averts disastrous start to PVL Reinforced tilt; PLDT, Chery rise to 2-0 | jisaga0269 | 20/07/2024 21:36 | BOUNCED BACK. The Creamline Cool Smashers huddle after a point in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference
PVL Images
MANILA, Philippines – Perennial PVL contender Creamline averted a disastrous start to its 2024 Reinforced Conference campaign after powering past upstart Farm Fresh in a four-set breakthrough, 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16, at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday, July 20.
Import Erika Staunton redeemed herself after a somewhat muted 20-point debut in the Cool Smashers’ five-set loss to PLDT, rallying with a better 26-point outing on 23 attacks and 3 blocks to go with 14 excellent receptions against the Foxies for a 1-1 record.
Still without former PVL MVPs Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Alas Pilipinas national team commit Jema Galanza, Creamline’s local cast found its leader in veteran hitter Michele Gumabao, who supported Staunton with 21 points on 19 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace.
Reigning All-Filipino Best Setter Kyle Negrito commanded the offense with 20 excellent sets as Bernadeth Pons recorded an all-around line of 9 points, 19 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs.
Import Yeny Murillo paced Farm Fresh’s second straight loss with a game-high-tying 26 points, as local opposite hitters Caitlin Viray and Trisha Tubu each supplied 12 points.
Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers rolled to an easier decision, cruising over the Nxled Chameleons, 25-16, 25-20, 25-23, for a 2-0 start to the conference.
Import Khat Bell led all scorers with a 21-point eruption in just three sets, while veteran Ara Galang, donning a Slam Dunk-inspired Hanamichi Sakuragi red hairdo, scrapped her way to an 11-point finish built on 7 attacks and 4 blocks to go with 11 excellent digs.
Wingers Lycha Ebon and Jho Maraguinot paced Nxled’s slide down a 1-1 slate with 8 and 7 points, respectively.
Lastly, the PLDT High Speed Hitters rolled to the triple-header’s most lopsided affair as they pummeled the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-19, 25-16, 25-17, to rise alongside Chery Tiggo with identical 2-0 cards atop Pool A play.
Super scorer Lena Samoilenko posted a game-high 14 points on 11 attacks and 3 blocks. Fiola Ceballos scored 10, while Kath Arado led the defensive end with 16 excellent digs and 9 excellent receptions.
France Ronquillo paced Galeries’ second straight loss with 11 points. – Rappler.com
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Now You Know PH | joynyk | 20/07/2024 19:00 | “Bagong Pilipinas” (A New Philippines), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. proclaimed. But how different must things be for Filipinos to feel a genuine sense of progress—one that matches the administration’s promises? The reality is that many of our experiences still reflect the ongoing challenges that have significantly slowed the arrival of a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
Even after two years in office, he has yet to exhaust immense efforts to fulfill his promises during his presidential campaign and the previous two State of the Nation Addresses (SONA). Although there have been advancements toward an array of goals, these accomplishments fall short of the progress the nation demands.
With only four years left to serve the nation and people, most Filipinos are left with nothing but a seemingly limitless sense of faith that, someday, they will witness these commitments come to pass.
What have been his regime’s accomplishments, and what more has to be done?
Economy
Recovering from the economic crisis brought about by the terrors of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest challenges to the Marcos administration. They have implemented recovery plans to stabilize the economy, including initiatives aimed at controlling inflation and stimulating growth.
In his previous SONA, PBBM claimed to have slowed inflation and increased the country’s economic growth. However, if we look around, the image of the struggles of ordinary Filipinos seems to have not improved for the past years.
Several Filipinos continue to lose jobs and are unemployed, while others prefer to move abroad in search for better opportunities. Although the inflation rate is gradually improving, the prices of goods are continuously increasing, exacerbating the situation.
Cliche as it may sound, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening, with the marginalized sectors bearing the brunt of the economic downturn.
Healthcare
PBBM faced the toughest first term among all presidents in terms of healthcare, grappling with the repercussions of COVID-19. With approximately four million cases and 66,400 deaths as of May 2023—not long before he lifted the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19—the national health and healthcare system needed a hearty resurgence.
Worries tapered off as he noted prioritizing affordable health services during the beginning of his term and continuing the Universal Healthcare Act that was passed under Duterte’s administration. On top of these, he plans to build centers for disease control and prevention and virology to improve healthcare coverage and analytics.
Promising as it seems, and yet we are way detached from realizing these promises, even with his regime halfway through.
He stood before us and promised to lower the cost of medicines and build regional specialty hospitals. He spoke of hope and a better future where healthcare is accessible. But now, the reality is a far cry from his words.
The prices of medicine keep rising, and healthcare has become a business. These realities squeeze the life out of Filipinos who can barely afford to live. Public healthcare institutions are scarce. Our healthcare workers are exhausted and stressed as they strive to meet high demands with limited resources. Policy development and action plan implementation have vanished into thin air.
The gap between what was promised and what is provided is a rift that widens daily. The lived realities of citizens and health workers show that the Philippine healthcare system remains broken, and the weight of it falls on the shoulders of the most vulnerable.
Education
PBBM has made it clear that improving education is his top priority. His administration is focused on learning recovery, aiming to yield “Future-ready Filipinos.” As he concludes his second year in office, he has launched the MATATAG Curriculum—a decongested curriculum with fewer subjects—and has strengthened the Free College Tuition Act.
But is this enough to truly transform the future of our nation?
While the MATATAG Curriculum aims to lighten the load for students and teachers and make Filipino students globally competitive, its sudden implementation, unfortunately, raises concerns. And though the Free College Tuition Act promotes equality in education, the harsh truth is that equity matters more in our country, especially when quality and competitive education is still inaccessible for many marginalized groups.
More efforts are also needed to encourage students to pursue nursing and medical fields in the country. Solving this issue could significantly strengthen our healthcare system and address the shortage of healthcare workers. At the same time, we face a troubling shortage of educational facilities and equipment—alarming as these components are crucial for a quality teaching and learning experience. And how can we forget the Filipino educators’ never-ending call for a needed salary increase?
Education is undeniably the key to ending poverty. But how can people break free from poverty if this key remains out of reach for many, leaving their future chained and locked? We need to see more improvements at this point, especially when a significant number of Filipino youth are now considering work, trading the promise of quality education for quality of life.
Infrastructure
The Build Better More (BBM) Program, an initiative by the Marcos administration to continue and enhance the previous administration’s Build! Build! Build! Program, clearly aims to make significant strides. The sustainable infrastructure projects, among the top priorities of President Bongbong Marcos during his term, are expected to foster more vibrant Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Notable ongoing projects under this program include the Metro Manila Subway Project, the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), and the MRT-7.
From improving expressways, airports, ports, bridges, roads, and telecommunications to fostering and expanding market and job opportunities, this program seems like an effective mechanism to address the country’s economic and infrastructure challenges.
However, we must critically assess whether this is merely a repetitive narrative used by the government to convince Filipinos that spending billions on these infrastructure projects will do more good than harm.
The promise of equitable national development appears to be an elusive pledge. It is imperative that the Build Better More Program extends its benefits beyond the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Region IV-A (CALABARZON). Additionally, the rights and welfare of citizens must be genuinely upheld, not compromised, in the pursuit of these projects.
After all, these infrastructures should serve the Filipino people, providing tangible benefits rather than just serving as monuments for an administration’s legacy. Because only then can it fulfill its promise of building a better, more prosperous Philippines.
Agriculture
The agriculture sector, a cornerstone of the Philippine economy and a lifeline for millions of Filipinos, remains afflicted by a multitude of issues, such as fluctuating rice production, the devastating impact of environmental degradation, and the ongoing battles of fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
Further prolonging the struggle of this sector is the seemingly ignorance of the administration toward addressing these concerns and providing aid to the people. Despite the Build Better More program, infrastructure such as irrigation and rural roads, which are crucial to the development of the agriculture sector, are still lacking. Additionally, inconsistent policies and a lack of technological adoption further impede growth.
After entrusting their vote to a leader whom they thought would understand their grievances, is this what they are going to reap?
Territory and National Security
Two years into the Marcos administration, the Philippines has bolstered its defense ties with the United States, reaffirming commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty and increasing joint military exercises and strategic dialogues. The administration has also been focusing on the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by acquiring new equipment and enhancing interoperability through joint exercises with allies.
In terms of territorial security, the government has taken a firm stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute, seeking international support for its claims while ensuring that the country will not resort to war in this matter.
However, with the worsening situation in the WPS, where fishermen’s lives and livelihoods are increasingly at risk, merely taking a firm stance is insufficient.
The government needs to take immediate and concrete actions to protect these Filipinos. This includes an increased presence of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy in disputed waters. Additionally, providing financial and logistical support, such as subsidies, would help fishermen safely and effectively carry out their livelihood.
Furthermore, staying silent on such a pressing issue does not aid the public’s awareness of the administration’s responsibilities. To rally national and international support, the public must be educated about the importance of the West Philippine Sea, the issues at stake, and the government’s efforts to address them.
Because no massive vessels can ever wash away the fact that Filipinos deserve to live without fear and uncertainty in the very lands and waters they rightfully own.
An old legacy in a “Bagong Pilipinas”?
The administration must understand that a genuinely new Philippines requires more than just rhetoric. Two years into his tenure, we still continue to demand real, consistent action and a commitment to addressing the systemic issues that have long plagued our nation. Not that we have never felt content, but because we recognize that we deserve more.
As we look into the future, it is crucial for the administration to know that it is not just about grand promises but about tangible, everyday improvements in our lives. Only then can we truly begin to believe in the vision of “Bagong Pilipinas.”
Six years is not that long, to be honest. But because we continue to experience less and feel the need to demand more, it continues to feel like a seemingly endless fight for what is rightfully ours as Filipinos.
Leaving his promises unfulfilled would be a blatant mockery to the very Filipinos who entrusted him with the mandate to lead the country. While two years have already passed, he still has four more to ensure this does not become his legacy.
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Chinese Taipei-White – Jones Cup 2024 | delfin.dioquino editor | 20/07/2024 16:55 | Strong Group Athletics Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – It’s seventh heaven for Strong Group-Pilipinas after it hiked its 2024 William Jones Cup record to 7-0 off a 96-70 blowout of Chinese Taipei-White in Taiwan on Saturday, July 20.
Super import Chris McCullough made a living at the line to finish with 25 points on 10-of-13 free throw shooting, while veteran guard Kiefer Ravena sparked the bench mob with 14 points.
New Ginebra rookie guard RJ Abarrientos continued his overseas audition of sorts with 13 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, as Strong Group next faces Chinese Taipei-Blue in the virtual gold-medal match on Sunday, July 21, 7 pm.
After blasting Japan U22 for its sixth straight win, undefeated Strong Group-Pilipinas moved a step closer to capturing the 2024 William Jones Cup title.
But before its virtual gold-medal showdown against fellow unbeaten Chinese Taipei-Blue in the tournament finale, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to take care of business versus Chinese Taipei-White in its penultimate game on Saturday, July 20.
Thanks to another monster outing by Chris McCullough, the Filipinos enjoyed control of the entire game against the Japanese, 92-79, despite the absences of Rhenz Abando, Ange Kouame, and Tajuan Agee.
For the sixth consecutive outing, McCullough led Strong Group in the scoring department with 26 points on a healthy 12-of-17 shooting, while DJ Fenner backstopped the former San Miguel Beermen import with 17 points.
Although they are already assured of a top-two finish in the tournament, expect McCullough to maintain his dominant form as Strong Group tries to avoid an upset at the hands of Chinese Taipei-White.
Like Strong Group, Chinese Taipei-White (3-3) emerged triumphant on Friday, July 19, after a 108-97 win versus Future Sports USA (1-6).
Game time is 5 pm. – Rappler.com
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[HOMESTRETCH] Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski: What the Paris Olympics means to Filipinos | Jaira Roxas | 20/07/2024 20:00 | MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines commemorates 100 years of participating in the Olympic Games – since 1924 – when David Nepomuceno, a sprinter from Albay, became the first Filipino to qualify and compete. In the Paris edition of the 2024 Games, 22 Filipino athletes vie for records, rankings, and medals.
In the pilot episode of HOMESTRETCH, anchor Pató Gregorio talks to International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board member and Asian Games 2002 gold medalist Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski. Mikee shares her insights into the Philippine delegation in Paris and looks back on her competition in Busan.
Gregorio also talks to Philippine athletes competing in Paris as they prepare for their individual events. From Germany, boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Hergie Bacyadan, and Aira Villegas talk to HOMESTRETCH about the long journey to the Olympics. From Paris, rower Joanie Delgaco recalls her father’s reaction to the news that she made it to the Summer Games, while pole vaulter EJ Obiena talks about the high of competition, and even his love life, from Italy.
HOMESTRETCH aims to tell the stories of people that inspire us with their struggles and triumphs, and the places that help define our spirit as a nation.
Co-presented by Rappler and Duckworld, HOMESTRETCH is hosted by sportsman and tourism advocate Pató Gregorio. He is currently the president of the Philippine Rowing Association (PRA), a former chairperson of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), and 2003 The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee for tourism.
Watch the premiere on Saturday, July 20, at 8 pm on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook accounts. – Rappler.com
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Filipinos online celebrate Krishnah Gravidez’s win in Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant | Russell Ku | 20/07/2024 13:04 | MANILA, Philippines – In June, Krishnah Gravidez withdrew from representing the Philippines in the Miss Charm 2024 pageant to participate in another local pageant. For pageant fans, it was a risk that paid off after she won the Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2024 crown on Friday, July 19.
Filipinos online celebrate Gravidez’s win as she dominated the competition, winning Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, and Miss Photogenic special awards during the coronation night.
Worth it ang pag-withdraw sa minor pageant!!! Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio is our Miss World Philippines 2024 💙✨ #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/YT6RQosxjy
I so so love that Krishnah took the risk of turning down the Miss Charm crown cause now, it paid off🫶#MissWorldPhilippines2024
From this to THIS #MissWorldPhilippines 2024#MissUniversePhilippines pic.twitter.com/cNPfF3K1DV
The WORLD is all yours, Krishnah Gravidez! She went all blue for the crown, well deserved! 💙🌎👑#MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/5Gst5EYSXN
One user even said that the Baguio queen was the “total package,” a standout in the competition among 33 candidates who vied to represent the Philippines in the Miss World pageant.
She is just the total package–beauty, intelligence, height, personality, great communication skills, confidence, experience, pasarela. Name it! Killed it, again!!! Slaaaayyy, Krishna Gravidez #MissWorldPhilippines2024 #MWPH24 https://t.co/ZxOfez7Myq
Gravidez previously participated in the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant where she was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2023.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization congratulated Krishnah for her Miss World Philippines 2024 win in a social media post on Saturday, July 20.
“You will always be a part of the Miss Universe Philippines sisterhood and we know you will make our country proud,” the pageant organizer said.
In a post on X, Drag Den season 2 contestant Maria Lava expressed hope that the beauty queen had the chance to reflect on her controversial answer on allowing transgender women in women’s sports events.
Gravidez had said that trans women should not be allowed in women’s sports events due to “biological reasons.”
Inclusivity" nga. #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/ZcsnXwWhYe
When Gravidez was asked about whether inclusivity should be a top priority in pageants during the Miss World Philippines 2024 question and answer segment, she said that pageants are “a platform to promote our advocacies.”
“I hope she was able to reflect and change her mind about this. Because I would find her to be plastic if she has the same mindset and her MWP answer would not align [with her values],” Maria Lava said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Another social media user pointed out that Gravidez’s win also highlights the recent wins of beauty queens from the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Abra’s Myrna Esguerra was the big winner of the Binibining Pilipinas 2024 pageant, as she will represent the Philippines in the Miss International pageant. Tarah Valencia, who also hails from Baguio, was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2025.
Two Cordillerans winning a major crown for international pageants is not in my 2024 bingo card but I am here for it!!! We had Abra for Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 (for MI 2025) and now we have Baguio for #MissWorldPhilippines2024. 🤍✨
Meanwhile, Bicol region’s Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano stole the hearts of pageant fans after her strong performance in the question and answer segment. She cited the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.
The answer solidified Bilasano’s spot as a frontrunner among fans during the competition, with one user saying they were inspired by her “authenticity and tenacity.” She would later win the Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 title.
Bilasano also won the Beauty with a Purpose challenge that showed her job as a speech-language pathologist.
MIC DROP!!!!!! She just stood there and calmly answer the question wt so much intelligence 👏🏼 KORONAHAN NA ‘TO! #MissWorldPhilippines2024 https://t.co/VBM30W450t
I’m all support with Miss Baguio when Krishnah announced she’s gonna join but it’s Bicol Region for me who nailed theQ&A. She should haveeeee won the crown. 🥹✨#MissWorldPhilippines #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/JqbsRPZtvi
MISS BICOL REGION JUST CEMENTED HERSELF AS ONE OF THE TOP CONTENDER FOR THE BLUE CROWN WITH THAT ANSWER. #MissWorldPhilippines2024
I'm hoping that Isabelle Bilasano from Bicol Region will win the MWP crown. Her authenticity and tenacity are truly inspiring, and I admire her dedication to everything she does on her advocacy. Malakas feeling ko na sya ang susunod sa yapak ni Megan.💙#MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/v9bSZXBwas
Some social media users criticized the Miss World Philippines Organization for dragging the coronation night until early Saturday morning, July 20.
The coronation night started past 9 pm on Friday, a hour late from the original schedule of 8 pm, and ended past 2 am on Saturday.
baka nagnap muna yung ibang candidates, kakaantok na kasi talaga #MissWorldPhilippines2024
mas malala pala to kesa MUPH nung may 🫠 #MissWorldPhilippines2024
Sus ginooo 1:22 am na rarampa pa lang mga dating korona #MissWorldPhilippines2024
ang daming eksenw miss world jusq anong oras naaaa 🙄 #MissWorldPhilippines2024
The Philippines only has one Miss World win – Megan Young in 2013. Gravidez joins Esguerra, Chelsea Manalo, and Irha Mel Alfeche as the country’s representatives in this year’s Big 4 pageants – Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth. – Rappler.com
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Carina strengthens into tropical storm east of Aurora | Acor Arceo | 20/07/2024 17:50 | TROPICAL CYCLONES. Satellite image of Tropical Depression Butchoy outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and Tropical Storm Carina (Gaemi) inside PAR as of July 20, 2024, 4:30 pm.
NOAA
MANILA, Philippines – Carina intensified from a tropical depression into a tropical storm on Saturday afternoon, July 20, while staying over the Philippine Sea.
It has been given the international name Gaemi, a name contributed by South Korea.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 pm bulletin on Saturday that Carina now has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour from the previous 55 km/h. Its gustiness is now up to 80 km/h from 70 km/h.
The tropical storm was last spotted 630 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora. It maintained its west northwest direction but slowed down to 15 km/h from 30 km/h.
PAGASA reiterated that Carina “will generally have a mainly offshore path over the next five days.”
Since it is projected to remain far from Philippine landmass, Carina is still “less likely” to cause heavy rain in the next three days. But the weather bureau said possible changes in future forecasts could “affect the heavy rainfall outlook.”
PAGASA is also not ruling out the raising of Signal No. 1 for extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern part of Northern Luzon.
The latest forecast shows Carina may strengthen into a severe tropical storm by Monday, July 22, and into a typhoon by Tuesday, July 23. Rapid intensification is possible, according to the weather bureau.
Carina will also enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat in the next few days.
PAGASA warned of moderate to heavy rain (50 to 100 millimeters) due to the southwest monsoon in the following areas:
Saturday, July 20
Sunday, July 21
Monday, July 22
Floods and landslides are possible.
The southwest monsoon will also bring gusty conditions to these areas:
Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21
Monday, July 22
In addition, Carina and the southwest monsoon will cause moderate seas — with waves 1 to 2 meters high — in the eastern seaboard of the country.
Carina is the Philippines’ third tropical cyclone for 2024. The second, Tropical Depression Butchoy, left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning.
Butchoy and Carina both developed on Friday evening, July 19. By that time, Butchoy was already moving away from Philippine landmass, with no direct impact. But as a low pressure area, it had affected parts of the country earlier in the week, alongside the southwest monsoon.
PAGASA previously estimated there may be two or three tropical cyclones in July. – Rappler.com
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Alex Eala scores twin wins anew in Vitoria-Gasteiz Spain tournament | jisaga0269 | 20/07/2024 12:32 | PUMPED. Filipina ace Alex Eala reacts in international tennis action.
ALEX EALA FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – For the second straight day, Alex Eala took the court twice and emerged triumphant in both instances, earning a spot in the semifinals in singles and a finals berth in doubles.
The fifth seeded Filipina scored one of her biggest wins this year when she defeated fourth seed Yulia Starodubtseva of Ukraine 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, on Friday, July 19, in the singles quarterfinals of the ITF W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain.
Both Eala and Starodubtseva have recently reached their respective career highs in the world ranking, but Starodubtseva was largely considered the slight favorite in their quarters encounter owing to her recent performance in Wimbledon where she reached the second round.
The world No. 123 Ukrainian also made the main draw this year of the Australian Open and the French Open.
Following an exciting opener, the world No. 155 Eala had to survive seven deuces and four game points before finally converting on her fifth break point to draw even.
The 19-year-old Filipina appeared just about ready to romp off with the win when she built a 4-2 lead. But the 24-year-old Ukrainian put up her final stand, breaking Eala in the seventh game after four deuces then catching up in the eighth game to tie the count for the last time at 4-4.
Eala, though, steeled her nerves and copped the next two games to finish the match after two hours and 20 minutes.
Eala showed she was not daunted as she recovered from a sluggish start in the first set which saw her drop both her serves and face an early 1-3 deficit.
She broke the Starodubtseva a second time in the sixth game to level the count at 3-3, then kept the game tied until 6-6. After Eala jumped to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak, Starodubtsewa showed that she too could stage a rally, drawing even at 5-5.
Eala proved steadier in the trenches, claiming the next two points to gain a one-set advantage.
Later in the day, Eala linked up with Estelle Cascino of France to register a 6-2, 6-3 thumping of Maria Jose Portillo Ramirez of Mexico and Noelia Zeballos Melgar of Bolivia.
The third seeded Eala and Cascino broke their rivals five times while dropping serve just once. The Filipino and French duo have not dropped a set thus far in the tournament.
Eala will be seeking her first singles finals appearance this year when she faces world No. 494 Portillo Ramirez in the semifinals on Saturday, July 20.
She and Cascino will attempt to win their second doubles title together when they take on Lia Karatancheva of Bulgaria and Diana Marcinkevica of Latvia.
Karatancheva and Marcinkevica are coming off a massive upset in the semifinals when they nipped top seeds Eden Silva of Great Britain and Valeriya Strakhova of Ukraine, 3-6, 6-3, 12-10. – Rappler.com
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Here’s how to report text scammers to SSS | Russell Ku | 20/07/2024 12:48 | The following is a press release from the Social Security System.
The Social Security System warns its members and the public to be wary of text messages sent by unscrupulous individuals pretending to be the SSS, promising its recipients an incentive by accessing a link.
SSS Senior Vice President for Member Services and Support Group Normita Doctor said that SSS has been receiving reports from members that they have received text alerts about benefit claims, expiring contribution payments, or My.SSS registration urging them to click a link.
“Do not click the link in the message of these fake text alerts. It will lead to a phishing site that will steal personal information such as SSS numbers and login credentials from My.SSS account,” Doctor said.
Doctor explained that its members and the public can easily identify if they have received a scam text alert by checking its sender. “The SMS sender should be “SSS” and the official SSS website is www.sss.gov.ph. If it is an unidentified mobile number, it is a text message from scammers purposely sent to deceive its receiver,” she said.
“Our SSS Special Investigation Department (SID) has already probed the incidents. We also submitted a Text Scam Complaint containing these fake text alerts to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to help the government fight scam text messages,” she said.
She discouraged them from sharing their SSS number, usernames, passwords, and other login details of their My.SSS account with these scammers so their My.SSS accounts will not be compromised and be used for fraudulent transactions.
Doctor advised those who have become victims of these text scammers to directly report it to law enforcement authorities such as the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group and the National Bureau of Investigation’s Cybercrime Division.
“With the assistance of our SSS SID, victims can help law enforcement agencies in filing a case against text scammers. They can report text scammers to SID via email at fid@sss.gov.ph or through telephone at (02) 89247370,” she concluded. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Chinese Taipei-White – Jones Cup 2024 | delfin.dioquino editor | 20/07/2024 16:55 | Strong Group Athletics Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – It’s seventh heaven for Strong Group-Pilipinas after it hiked its 2024 William Jones Cup record to 7-0 off a 96-70 blowout of Chinese Taipei-White in Taiwan on Saturday, July 20.
Super import Chris McCullough made a living at the line to finish with 25 points on 10-of-13 free throw shooting, while veteran guard Kiefer Ravena sparked the bench mob with 14 points.
New Ginebra rookie guard RJ Abarrientos continued his overseas audition of sorts with 13 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, as Strong Group next faces Chinese Taipei-Blue in the virtual gold-medal match on Sunday, July 21, 7 pm.
After blasting Japan U22 for its sixth straight win, undefeated Strong Group-Pilipinas moved a step closer to capturing the 2024 William Jones Cup title.
But before its virtual gold-medal showdown against fellow unbeaten Chinese Taipei-Blue in the tournament finale, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to take care of business versus Chinese Taipei-White in its penultimate game on Saturday, July 20.
Thanks to another monster outing by Chris McCullough, the Filipinos enjoyed control of the entire game against the Japanese, 92-79, despite the absences of Rhenz Abando, Ange Kouame, and Tajuan Agee.
For the sixth consecutive outing, McCullough led Strong Group in the scoring department with 26 points on a healthy 12-of-17 shooting, while DJ Fenner backstopped the former San Miguel Beermen import with 17 points.
Although they are already assured of a top-two finish in the tournament, expect McCullough to maintain his dominant form as Strong Group tries to avoid an upset at the hands of Chinese Taipei-White.
Like Strong Group, Chinese Taipei-White (3-3) emerged triumphant on Friday, July 19, after a 108-97 win versus Future Sports USA (1-6).
Game time is 5 pm. – Rappler.com
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DTI suspends online sale of vape products | Mia Gonzalez | 20/07/2024 14:48 | DTI OFFICIALS. (Left to right) DTI-Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero, DTI-Communications Undersecretary Ed Sunico, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, DTI-Consumer and Legal Affairs Undersecretary Amanda Nograles
DTI
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Saturday, July 20, ordered the immediate suspension of the online sale of vape products, citing their “significant threat” to the health of minors, in particular.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual signed on Saturday Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 24-03, series of 2024, which “suspends the online sale of vapor products, vapor product devices, and vapor product systems on marketplaces, effective immediately,” DTI said in a press statement.
“The protection of our youth is non-negotiable. The proliferation of vapor products on online marketplaces has made these harmful substances easily accessible to minors, posing a significant threat to their health and well-being. This suspension is a necessary step to curb this alarming trend,” Pascual said.
DTI said that Pascual issued the order following dialogues with high-level stakeholders in the industry including manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
“We want businesses to thrive, but it must be in line with the law. Let’s not profit from selling to minors. As long as you comply, we will support you. However, you must prove that you are preventing minors from buying these illegal products,” Pascual was quoted in the DTI statement as saying.
Health experts have been calling for stricter rules against electronic cigarettes and vape pens, citing the aggressive sale and marketing promotion of these products to the youth.
In December 2023, the World Health Organization called for “urgent measures” to control vapes. (READ: Ban flavored vapes, WHO says, urging tobacco-style controls)
DTI said Pascual also cited the need for “(1) robust tracking systems to oversee product movement from importers to retailers, (2) holding manufacturers and importers responsible for illegal or defective products, not just retailers, and (3) ensuring that distributors educate retailers on the law’s limitations and restrictions to ensure compliance.”
“Moreover, the DTI chief acknowledged concerns raised by manufacturers regarding unused inventory, noting that some had stopped ordering 90-day stock since the transitory period began. While the DTI prefers to avoid imposing new regulations, Secretary Pascual made it clear that severe consequences will result from non-compliance,” DTI said.
DTI said DAO 24-03 is in line with Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
“This law mandates measures to prevent minors from accessing vapor products, particularly through online channels. The suspension also aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting a healthy environment and protecting citizens from potential hazards associated with these products,” the department said.
Since it was formed in April, DTI’s Task Force Kalasag has issued 78 notices of violation and confiscation of 64,359 violative vape products, valued at P29,487,100. – Rappler.com
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[OPINION] A critique of the CBCP pastoral statement on divorce | Paterno Esmaquel II | 20/07/2024 16:02 | The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recently issued its pastoral statement on divorce. But unlike its previous statements, especially those that were issued decades ago or more, reactions to the present one are close to none. It is not that no politician would like to pick up a fight with the bishops. On the contrary, it seems that the CBCP is losing influence.
I have read the statement myself. Unhesitatingly, I must say that it lacks appeal. It is a downgrade in terms of intensity compared to past hierarchical statements. In trying to be pastoral, the authors view the situation through different prisms. Sadly, this for me is a factor in why something is lacking and unclear in the message. I can sense that the bishops have said “something,” but they have not truly said “everything.”
After all, what should the bishops’ statement accomplish in its bare minimum? Foremost, it should send a clear message on where the Church stands on an issue. Second, for Catholics who seriously abide by the Church’s moral teaching, it must reawaken their moral energy and deepen their understanding on the issue. Third, for Catholics and non-Catholics who do not agree with the Church, it must put forward a reasoned discourse, engaging enough to be “taken seriously” even by critics. Some, if not many, pastoral letters and statements in the 80s and 90s enjoy this. Now, no more.
There are many points in the statement that may be explored and discussed to validate my contention. But let me highlight two items: first, on Church and state relations, and second, on what the letter says that “not all marriages are joined by God.”
Let me begin with the letter’s take on Church and state relations.
The bishops are correct in highlighting that “we do have religious freedom in this country, and we uphold the principle of separation of church and state.” This statement may be valid, but its repetition is unnecessary. That the Church is advancing its steps on legislation, is enough of an assertion that the issue of “separation” is immaterial in this whole enterprise.
As a Catholic, I may not agree with my Church in some of its views on moral issues. But I would rather have a Church that is passionate about taking responsibility for its actions and positions. In the context of a pluralistic society like the Philippines, there is no need for the Church to be apologetic in its political participation. Following John Rawls’ position, I’d rather have a Church participate in the democratic process on the condition that its propositions are stated in a manner that is understandable within the context of public reason.
By saying that “the Church is in no position to dictate on the state what is best for Filipino families,” the bishops appear defensive and ambivalent. The disclaimers weaken that statement. Although it is not the first time that the bishops used a disclaimer in a pastoral statement or letter, the bishops would mostly justify or qualify its pastoral and moral competence in the sociopolitical sphere.
In the area of marriage and sexuality, the CBCP was, in the past, more assertive of its political role. The 2011 letter titled “Choosing Life, Rejecting the RH (Reproductive Health) Bill” speaks with conviction of the Church’s place and role in the country’s political life. Its opening statement is even a citation from the Constitution, justifying the same by arguing that the bishops are not just asserting based on Catholic religious teachings but because they “intend to write… on the basis of the fundamental ideals and aspirations of the Filipino people.”
Compared to the current letter on divorce, the bishops took a more aggressive stand on its political role in its 1997 “Pastoral Statement on Charter Change” and the 2004 “Pastoral Letter on Philippine Elections.” The 2012 letter of Archbishop Socrates Villegas was politically strategic in calling Filipinos to pray for their congressmen and women to be faithful to their call to serve the true interests of the Filipino people. The title in fact of the letter was a political statement: “Contraception is corruption.”
An earlier letter on divorce was issued in 2018. It wasn’t apologetic for the Church’s participation in the political and legal discussion. It justified its discourse by resorting to the idea of public reason as essential in a democracy.
As it stated: “No doubt, those who associate divorce with being progressive would laud our legislators who are currently raring to pass a divorce bill in Congress. With due respect to them, we beg them to make room for more reasoned debates on the issue.”
The bishops need not say “that they are in no position….” They also need not mention the worn-out issue of separation. All they need to say is that “they want to say something loud, clear, and categorical…” But what is it? This brings us to my second point.
The statement does not tell the faithful what the bishops (or the Magisterium) teach on marriage and divorce. Is it still the case that only Church marriage is what is considered “blessed by God”? Is the Church through the bishops therefore saying that Catholic marriage is superior (ontologically so to speak) to civil weddings? There is a line in the letter which says that “We know that our stubborn assertion that a genuine marriage cannot be dissolved, is not necessarily shared by all religions; and we respect that.” But before the bishops talk about respect, they must first tell us the official position of the Church on non-Catholic marriages. In trying to be polite, the hierarchy talks vaguely.
Sadly, despite its statement on respect for the position of other religions, the slip shows with the statement “Not all marriages are joined by God.” This should raise eyebrows, and more so with the line “we also believe that not all couples who are married have been ‘joined together by God.'”
Here, both Catholics and non-Catholics can question the bishops, who are we to say that non-Catholic marriages are not joined by God? For a statement that is “pastoral,” the claim runs the risk of at least implicitly categorizing marriages contracted in other religions or Christian sects as without divine blessing. It sounds presumptuous. No one knows for certain the extent or limit of God’s blessing. Grace after all abounds wherever human goodness abounds. Goodness, sincerity, and love are not “exclusively” Christian more so Catholic.
For Catholics who prefer that their Church stand up for its convictions, the letter lacks force and clarity. For those who remember how the bishops fought the RH bill in the past, the current discourse does not exhibit the same fighting spirit. For Catholics who are convinced that divorce is needed, what we got from the bishops is a lukewarm conciliatory piece. In other words, the bishops are not taking a stand, and, as the tone of the letter suggests, they are as confused or as divided as their people.
At the onset, I said that reactions to the present letter are close to “none.” The bishops may perhaps consider giving us another letter. – Rappler.com
Rhoderick John S. Abellanosa is a founding member of the Cebu Theological Forum. He is currently a graduate student of the Department of Philosophy of the University of San Carlos where he is enrolled in its doctoral program.
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Who is Krishnah Marie Gravidez, Miss World Philippines 2024? | Ysa Abad | 20/07/2024 15:38 | WINNER. Baguio's Krishnah Marie Gravidez is Miss World Philippines 2024.
Miss World Philippines' Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Krishnah Marie Gravidez bested 32 other candidates to take home the title of Miss World Philippines 2024 during the coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena, on Friday, July 19.
The 23-year-old stunner from Baguio, succeeded Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol to clinch her second crown from a national pageant.
Describing her family situation as “far from ideal,” Krishnah said in her Miss World Philippines introduction video that she had to “step up out of necessity” as the eldest child in her family.
The beauty queen revealed in a May 2019 Wowowin episode that her parents had been separated for 10 years and that she and her siblings had been living with their grandmother, their “mamalo.” In an Instagram post, she penned an appreciation post for her, saying her grandmother had dedicated her life to taking care of her and her cousins.
“If I were to be asked who’s one of my biggest inspirations, without a doubt, it would be her. She’s the loveliest, most caring, and thoughtful person I know,” she said. “The thought of 11 years of her life that were given mainly to us without asking anything in return is unimaginable.”
Despite their unusual set-up, Krishnah remained family-oriented. In an Instagram post, she recalled that her family had been supportive of her dream of becoming a beauty queen ever since she was six years old.
“As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that it’s all about the sacrifices of our parents, on how selfless they will be for us. How far they will go just to make our dreams happen,” she said. “I am so grateful that I have had the support of my parents, my relatives, and friends from years ago until now. They hold a piece of my dream, and I will forever cherish them.”
Pageantry, Krishnah said, also played a big role in her financial situation, saying that she used her prize money in beauty pageants to pay for her tuition fee. She’s currently studying civil engineering — her dream course.
Aside from joining competitions, Krishnah also started selling lip tints and ukay-ukay (pre-loved) clothes for extra allowance, and even worked in a fast-food chain. Now, the university student is also working as a model, content creator, and ad specialist.
“I’ve been self-sufficient since I was 14. That shows that I’m a hard working and resilient woman. That’s why I want to impart to the youth that they are capable of greater things if they work hard for it,” she said in her personality interview for the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant.
She again echoed the same sentiment in her Miss World Philippines video, saying: “Although poverty seemingly limited my options, it did not limit my dreams. It opened the window to a world full of possibilities and kindness.”
Her experience, she added, drove her to start an initiative called “Color the world with Kindness” to support youth welfare.
Outside of pageantry, Krishnah continues to explore her musical passion and take care of her eight furbabies. “If you’ll ask me what’s my breather, it’s simply dogs,” she said in the Her Story video. “They hold a special place in my heart as they’ve seen me in my most vulnerable point.”
Krishnah first made her presence known in a major pageant through the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 competition.
However, in an August 2022 Instagram post, the Baguio native said that she almost gave up pageantry. “Three years ago, I let my doubts invade me, to the extent of making the decision to give up all the ambitions I have for pageantry,” she said. But Krishnah shared that she decided to continue as she’s been called for a “certain purpose.”
While the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 competition was Krishnah’s first foray in a major local pageant, her stellar performance landed her a Top 5 finish. She was eventually named Miss Charm Philippines 2023.
Although many pageant fans were looking forward to seeing Krishnah represent the Philippines on the international stage, she surprised her supporters in June 2024 when she announced that she was relinquishing her spot for the Miss Charm International competition.
At the time of her announcement, Krishnah didn’t disclose any reason for her withdrawal. Days later, it was revealed that she was a candidate for the Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant.
Krishnah was one of the early frontrunners from the start of the competition. She was among the delegates who topped several fast-track events, eventually winning the Miss Multimedia and Top Model fast-track competitions during the coronation night.
At the finals ceremony, Krishnah continued to dominate the competition and earned the title of this year’s “hakot” (haul) queen after sweeping nine special awards apart from the crown. Her pageant performance earned her the recognition of Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit and Evening Gown, as well as five more awards from sponsors.
During the question and answer segment, Krishnah was asked: “Should inclusivity be a top priority among pageants? Yes or no? Explain your answer.”
Her winning answer: “Pageantry is a platform where we express ourselves as women and men. I feel like this is a platform to promote our advocacies, the cause we are fighting for, and the things that we love. I think that in a world [that’s] evolving, we as humans, we should evolve too.”
Krishnah will be representing the Philippines in the Miss World 2024 pageant, in hopes of clinching the country’s second Miss World crown. – Rappler.com
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Filipinos online celebrate Krishnah Gravidez’s win in Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant | Russell Ku | 20/07/2024 13:04 | MANILA, Philippines – In June, Krishnah Gravidez withdrew from representing the Philippines in the Miss Charm 2024 pageant to participate in another local pageant. For pageant fans, it was a risk that paid off after she won the Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2024 crown on Friday, July 19.
Filipinos online celebrate Gravidez’s win as she dominated the competition, winning Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, and Miss Photogenic special awards during the coronation night.
Worth it ang pag-withdraw sa minor pageant!!! Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio is our Miss World Philippines 2024 💙✨ #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/YT6RQosxjy
I so so love that Krishnah took the risk of turning down the Miss Charm crown cause now, it paid off🫶#MissWorldPhilippines2024
From this to THIS #MissWorldPhilippines 2024#MissUniversePhilippines pic.twitter.com/cNPfF3K1DV
The WORLD is all yours, Krishnah Gravidez! She went all blue for the crown, well deserved! 💙🌎👑#MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/5Gst5EYSXN
One user even said that the Baguio queen was the “total package,” a standout in the competition among 33 candidates who vied to represent the Philippines in the Miss World pageant.
She is just the total package–beauty, intelligence, height, personality, great communication skills, confidence, experience, pasarela. Name it! Killed it, again!!! Slaaaayyy, Krishna Gravidez #MissWorldPhilippines2024 #MWPH24 https://t.co/ZxOfez7Myq
Gravidez previously participated in the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant where she was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2023.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization congratulated Krishnah for her Miss World Philippines 2024 win in a social media post on Saturday, July 20.
“You will always be a part of the Miss Universe Philippines sisterhood and we know you will make our country proud,” the pageant organizer said.
In a post on X, Drag Den season 2 contestant Maria Lava expressed hope that the beauty queen had the chance to reflect on her controversial answer on allowing transgender women in women’s sports events.
Gravidez had said that trans women should not be allowed in women’s sports events due to “biological reasons.”
Inclusivity" nga. #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/ZcsnXwWhYe
When Gravidez was asked about whether inclusivity should be a top priority in pageants during the Miss World Philippines 2024 question and answer segment, she said that pageants are “a platform to promote our advocacies.”
“I hope she was able to reflect and change her mind about this. Because I would find her to be plastic if she has the same mindset and her MWP answer would not align [with her values],” Maria Lava said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Another social media user pointed out that Gravidez’s win also highlights the recent wins of beauty queens from the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Abra’s Myrna Esguerra was the big winner of the Binibining Pilipinas 2024 pageant, as she will represent the Philippines in the Miss International pageant. Tarah Valencia, who also hails from Baguio, was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2025.
Two Cordillerans winning a major crown for international pageants is not in my 2024 bingo card but I am here for it!!! We had Abra for Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 (for MI 2025) and now we have Baguio for #MissWorldPhilippines2024. 🤍✨
Meanwhile, Bicol region’s Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano stole the hearts of pageant fans after her strong performance in the question and answer segment. She cited the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.
The answer solidified Bilasano’s spot as a frontrunner among fans during the competition, with one user saying they were inspired by her “authenticity and tenacity.” She would later win the Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 title.
Bilasano also won the Beauty with a Purpose challenge that showed her job as a speech-language pathologist.
MIC DROP!!!!!! She just stood there and calmly answer the question wt so much intelligence 👏🏼 KORONAHAN NA ‘TO! #MissWorldPhilippines2024 https://t.co/VBM30W450t
I’m all support with Miss Baguio when Krishnah announced she’s gonna join but it’s Bicol Region for me who nailed theQ&A. She should haveeeee won the crown. 🥹✨#MissWorldPhilippines #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/JqbsRPZtvi
MISS BICOL REGION JUST CEMENTED HERSELF AS ONE OF THE TOP CONTENDER FOR THE BLUE CROWN WITH THAT ANSWER. #MissWorldPhilippines2024
I'm hoping that Isabelle Bilasano from Bicol Region will win the MWP crown. Her authenticity and tenacity are truly inspiring, and I admire her dedication to everything she does on her advocacy. Malakas feeling ko na sya ang susunod sa yapak ni Megan.💙#MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/v9bSZXBwas
Some social media users criticized the Miss World Philippines Organization for dragging the coronation night until early Saturday morning, July 20.
The coronation night started past 9 pm on Friday, a hour late from the original schedule of 8 pm, and ended past 2 am on Saturday.
baka nagnap muna yung ibang candidates, kakaantok na kasi talaga #MissWorldPhilippines2024
mas malala pala to kesa MUPH nung may 🫠 #MissWorldPhilippines2024
Sus ginooo 1:22 am na rarampa pa lang mga dating korona #MissWorldPhilippines2024
ang daming eksenw miss world jusq anong oras naaaa 🙄 #MissWorldPhilippines2024
The Philippines only has one Miss World win – Megan Young in 2013. Gravidez joins Esguerra, Chelsea Manalo, and Irha Mel Alfeche as the country’s representatives in this year’s Big 4 pageants – Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth. – Rappler.com
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DTI suspends online sale of vape products | Mia Gonzalez | 20/07/2024 14:48 | DTI OFFICIALS. (Left to right) DTI-Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero, DTI-Communications Undersecretary Ed Sunico, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual, DTI-Consumer and Legal Affairs Undersecretary Amanda Nograles
DTI
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Saturday, July 20, ordered the immediate suspension of the online sale of vape products, citing their “significant threat” to the health of minors, in particular.
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual signed on Saturday Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 24-03, series of 2024, which “suspends the online sale of vapor products, vapor product devices, and vapor product systems on marketplaces, effective immediately,” DTI said in a press statement.
“The protection of our youth is non-negotiable. The proliferation of vapor products on online marketplaces has made these harmful substances easily accessible to minors, posing a significant threat to their health and well-being. This suspension is a necessary step to curb this alarming trend,” Pascual said.
DTI said that Pascual issued the order following dialogues with high-level stakeholders in the industry including manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
“We want businesses to thrive, but it must be in line with the law. Let’s not profit from selling to minors. As long as you comply, we will support you. However, you must prove that you are preventing minors from buying these illegal products,” Pascual was quoted in the DTI statement as saying.
Health experts have been calling for stricter rules against electronic cigarettes and vape pens, citing the aggressive sale and marketing promotion of these products to the youth.
In December 2023, the World Health Organization called for “urgent measures” to control vapes. (READ: Ban flavored vapes, WHO says, urging tobacco-style controls)
DTI said Pascual also cited the need for “(1) robust tracking systems to oversee product movement from importers to retailers, (2) holding manufacturers and importers responsible for illegal or defective products, not just retailers, and (3) ensuring that distributors educate retailers on the law’s limitations and restrictions to ensure compliance.”
“Moreover, the DTI chief acknowledged concerns raised by manufacturers regarding unused inventory, noting that some had stopped ordering 90-day stock since the transitory period began. While the DTI prefers to avoid imposing new regulations, Secretary Pascual made it clear that severe consequences will result from non-compliance,” DTI said.
DTI said DAO 24-03 is in line with Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
“This law mandates measures to prevent minors from accessing vapor products, particularly through online channels. The suspension also aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting a healthy environment and protecting citizens from potential hazards associated with these products,” the department said.
Since it was formed in April, DTI’s Task Force Kalasag has issued 78 notices of violation and confiscation of 64,359 violative vape products, valued at P29,487,100. – Rappler.com
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Drug war cop who headed Davao City police for only 4 hours was Baste’s pick | Jairo Bolledo | 20/07/2024 12:00 | MAYOR BASTE. During his speech in the 'Hakbang ng Maisug Leaders Forum' at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in Davao City on January 28, 2024, Mayor Sebastian Duterte calls on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resign.
Manman Dejeto
Would you believe that there is a police officer who served as Davao City police chief for only four hours? He is drug war cop Police Colonel Lito Patay and was actually Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s pick to head the local police in the Dutertes’ turf.
On July 16, the Davao City local government said Davao City Councilor Luna Acosta filed a resolution seeking an explanation for the appointment of three Davao City police chiefs in a span of 24 hours, which included Patay. Among those asked to explain were Davao Region police chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III and current Davao City police chief Police Colonel Hansel Marantan.
What was interesting about the Davao City local government’s statement on the resolution was the admission that Baste himself chose Patay: “Acosta revealed that Patay was the pick of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte while Marantan was not even on the short list presented before him.”
In the last months, there have been four designated police officers who have served as Davao City police chief. Shortly after former Quezon City police top cop Torre was appointed Davao regional police chief, he ordered a major revamp in the Davao police, leading to the appointment of Patay, who replaced Police Colonel Rolindo Soguilon.
Patay assumed office at around 8 am on July 10, and yet, after only four hours and 38 minutes, he was ordered replaced. Police Colonel Sherwin Butil was chosen as his replacement. However, on the same day, Butil was replaced by Marantan.
The rapid replacement of Davao City police chiefs could be among the manifestations of the growing rift between the Dutertes and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Davao City is the Dutertes’ bailiwick and as its mayor, Baste has administrative power over the local police. The replacement could be an indication of how the Marcos government wants to flex some political muscle in Duterte territory.
Patay is a trusted cop by the Dutertes as he is a Davao boy—a term used to refer to cops who come from or are near Davao City. He was among the notorious drug war cops at the height of Duterte’s drug war. He was chief in 2016 of Quezon City Police Station 6 (Batasan), which was considered the most deadly because of the high number of drug war killings associated with it.
As for Marantan, the cop somewhat exceled under the Marcos administration. He used to head the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Metro Manila and it was under his watch when the police served the warrants against fugitive lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. The former lawmaker was the alleged mastermind behind late Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo’s assassination in 2023.
Especially now that the Marcos government is moving to arrest another fugitive, doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy, the current administration needs a trusted set of policemen who will actually arrest Quiboloy. After all, the preacher, who faces cases of trafficking, along with sexual and child abuse, also hails from Davao City and is a trusted ally of no less than the Dutertes. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Link for ‘CHED scholarship program’ posted by fake DSWD page | Ailla Dela Cruz | 20/07/2024 14:00 | Claim: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) posted an application link for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)’s scholarship program for academic year 2024-2025.
Why we fact-checked this: The claim was posted by a page named “DSWD 4ps Update” on June 23. As of writing, the post has 139 reactions, 85 comments, and 21 shares. The same page has also made multiple posts promoting the CHED scholarship program.
The post claims that CHED has announced online applications for its scholarship program for academic year 2024-2025. According to the post, the program is open to students at all educational levels. Public school students may receive P60,000 per year along with free school supplies, while students attending private schools can receive up to P120,000 per year, along with free books and uniforms.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply and provide their school ID and birth certificate through a purported application link.
The facts: The post was made by a fake DSWD page, and the supposed application link does not lead users to the official CHED website or any government website.
In a July 2 post on its verified and official Facebook page, the DSWD clarified that the page that posted the claim is neither related nor connected to the government agency.
“Ang naturang pekeng page ay patuloy pa rin sa pagkukunsinte sa pagpapalaganap ng fake news patungkol sa DSWD at sa iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno. Walang anumang kaugnayan ang DSWD dito,” the department said.
(The said fake page continues to use the identity of the DSWD without permission and spreads misleading content regarding the program and services of the department as well as those of other agencies.)
In a similar fact check article by Rappler, CHED chairperson Prospero “Popoy” de Vera also warned the public about fake accounts using CHED’s name and logo to promote the commission’s scholarship and financial assistance programs.
CHED offers various scholarships and financial aid programs, but as the commission’s mandate is limited to tertiary and graduate education, its programs do not extend to elementary students, contrary to the Facebook post’s claim.
Phishing attempt: The alleged registration link is fake and directs users to a blog site. This may be an attempt to steal personal information. Those who shared sensitive information or provided their IDs and birth certificates may be at risk of identity theft. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)
Fake pages: Rappler has previously fact-checked several posts from pages and websites posing as the DSWD and CHED:
Official news: For legitimate information on CHED services, visit its official website and accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). – Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza/Rappler.com
Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
Got comments, questions, or insights about this story? Download the Rappler Communities app for iOS, Android, or web, tap the Community tab, and join any of our chat rooms. See you there!
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/ched-scholarship-link-post-fake-dswd-page/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2jtg3xZxkePvJkj0bWlNmzl_E1-E514KB8xHzSwkNP8C0gfkLGc1XftZk_aem_zlBbYCpiFBJMSthAvbESvQ | Credible |
Philippines ramps up fighter pilot training, eyes faster, more lethal jets | Kaycee | 20/07/2024 13:50 | PAF's FA-50PH fighter jets arrive at RAAF Base, Darwin Australia for PBK24.
Photo courtesy of 5th Fighter Wing
DARWIN, Australia – The Philippine Air Force must ramp up pilot training if it is to buy 20 or more multi-role fighter jets as it modernizes and expands joint operations with its navy, a commander said on Saturday, July 20.
Philippine pilots are taking part for the first time in multinational war games overseas, the Pitch Black war games involving 20 Indo-Pacific and European countries over a vast area of northern Australia.
The exercises are consuming a million liters of aviation fuel a day, as fighter jets from the United States, Britain, Australia, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, among others, test war tactics and skills, organizers said.
The Philippines brought four of its 12 South Korean-built FA-50 fighter jets to the games and is assessing the capabilities of more advanced jets for its modernization program, the contingent’s commander, Colonel Randy Pascua, told Reuters in Darwin.
The Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner said this month the government had approved a decision to buy “faster and more lethal” multi role jet fighters because the FA-50 was “not enough to defend our country,” although no decision had been made on the type or how many.
Pascua said the air force needs to close a “big technological gap” as it modernizes its fighter jets, including lifting pilot skills.
“If we have to acquire more than 20 multi-role fighters, we really need to step up,” he said. “We are here to train and enhance our operational capability because we had lost capability for air defence for decades.”
Participation in Pitch Black would strengthen the Philippines’ international partnerships and “enforce our commitment to regional security and stability,” he said.
The Philippines Air Force is focused on maritime domain awareness in joint operations with the navy, and Manila is building its air defenses amid tensions with Beijing.
Manila and Beijing locked in a confrontation in the disputed South China Sea and their encounters have grown more tense as China presses its claims to shoals in waters that the Philippines says are well within its exclusive economic zone. – Rappler.com
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US to support Philippines’ efforts to resupply ship on atoll, Sullivan says | Kaycee | 20/07/2024 12:03 | RUSTY. The BRP Sierra Madre, used as a military outpost, is marooned in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, March 2014.
Erik de Castro/Reuters
The United States “will do what is necessary” to see that the Philippines is able to resupply a ship on the Second Thomas Shoal that Manila uses to reinforce its claims to the atoll, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday, July 19.
Sullivan said the US would prefer that the Philippines conducts the resupplies of the small crew on the warship Sierra Madre, which Manila beached in 1999 to reinforce maritime claims in the South China Sea contested by China.
Speaking to the Aspen Security Forum conference in Colorado, Sullivan said the United States has made clear to China that its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines applies to the Sierra Madre. (READ: ‘Ramming and towing’: Philippines says China disrupted mission to Ayungin Shoal)
“The most important thing right now is to see de-escalation and to see the ability of the Philippines to do resupplies,” he said. – Rappler.com
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Tropical Depression Butchoy exits PAR; Carina stays over Philippine Sea | Acor Arceo | 20/07/2024 13:15 | TROPICAL CYCLONES. Satellite image of Tropical Depression Butchoy outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and Tropical Depression Carina inside PAR as of July 20, 2024, 11 am.
NOAA
MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Depression Butchoy left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning, July 20, just hours after it developed, leaving only Tropical Depression Carina inside PAR.
Though outside PAR, Butchoy is still influencing the southwest monsoon or habagat. Eventually, Carina will also enhance the southwest monsoon.
In a bulletin issued at 11 am on Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Butchoy was already 565 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales, outside PAR.
The tropical depression is moving west northwest at just 10 kilometers per hour (km/h). It is heading for Hainan, China, where it could make landfall on Monday evening, July 22.
As of Saturday morning, Butchoy continued to have maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of up to 70 km/h.
PAGASA said Butchoy “will likely have limited intensification within the next two days,” but it might strengthen into a tropical storm by Sunday, July 21. This could later be followed by rapid weakening after it hits China, added the weather bureau.
Butchoy had developed along with Carina on Friday evening, July 19. By that time, it was already too far from land to directly trigger rain and tropical cyclone wind signals were not raised. But as a low pressure area, it had affected parts of the country earlier in the week, alongside the southwest monsoon.
Meanwhile, Carina remains over the Philippine Sea, located 510 kilometers east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, as of 10 am on Saturday. It is moving west northwest at a relatively fast 30 km/h.
This tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. It slightly intensified before dawn on Saturday, and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm possibly within the day.
“Beginning on Monday, the tropical cyclone will likely intensify further at a faster rate, eventually reaching typhoon category on Tuesday (July 23),” PAGASA added.
The weather bureau still expects Carina to maintain “a mainly offshore path over the next five days” and stay far from Philippine landmass.
Due to Carina’s projected path, it remains “less likely” to cause heavy rain in the next three days. However, PAGASA also said there may be changes in future forecasts, which would “affect the heavy rainfall outlook.”
The weather bureau added that it is not ruling out the raising of Signal No. 1 for extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern part of Northern Luzon.
While Butchoy is out of PAR and Carina does not have a direct impact on the Philippines yet, the southwest monsoon will be affecting several areas in the western part of the country in the next three days.
PAGASA warned of moderate to heavy rain (50 to 100 millimeters) in the following areas:
Saturday, July 20
Sunday, July 21
Monday, July 22
Floods and landslides are possible.
The southwest monsoon will also bring gusty conditions to these areas:
Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21
Monday, July 22
For coastal waters, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon enhanced by Butchoy will cause slight to moderate seas — with waves 0.5 to 2 meters high — in the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern part of Palawan including Calamian (west coast) and Kalayaan Islands on Saturday.
Carina and the southwest monsoon will also cause moderate seas — with waves 1 to 2 meters high — in the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.
Butchoy and Carina are the Philippines’ second and third tropical cyclones for 2024, respectively. PAGASA previously estimated there may be two or three tropical cyclones in July. – Rappler.com
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[REFLECTION] Mary, Mother of the West Philippine Sea | Paterno Esmaquel II | 20/07/2024 9:02 | Archbishop Socrates Villegas delivered this homily on Tuesday, July 16, ahead of the Marian voyage for peace in the West Philippine Sea, a fluvial procession held in Infanta, Pangasinan. Villegas provided Rappler a full text of this homily, which is now published with his consent.
Katoliko ang Pilipinas pero alam ba ninyo na kamuntik na tayong naging Protestanteng bansa kung nanalo ang mga Dutch sa giyera sa Manila Bay noong 1646? Labinsiyam na warships ng Dutch navy laban sa tatlong barkong pampasahero ng mga Kastila? Nanalo ang Katolikong Pinoy at Kastila nang hindi maipaliwanag. Ang dahilan? Nagdasal ng rosaryo ang mga Katolikong Kastila at Pilipino. Ang milagro ay ang Battle of La Naval de Manila.
Noong 1986 nabingit ang Pilipinas sa civil war nang may mga sundalong tumiwalag sa tatay ni President BBM. Kamuntik na ang Pilipino laban sa Pilipino. Ang EDSA People Power ay bloodless revolution sa kasaysayan ng mundo. Nagdasal tayo ng rosaryo at nag-picnic sa EDSA. Sabi ng billboard sa kanto ng Ortigas at EDSA kung saan ngayon nakatayo ang EDSA Shrine, “a world at prayer is a world at peace!” Buong 1985 bago ang EDSA People Power ay ipinagdiwang ang Marian year. Araw-araw na rosary at tatlong beses maghapon na Angelus. Himala ng bloodless revolution.
Sa Fatima, nang magpakita ang Birhen sa tatlong bata, ang habilin ng Ina mula sa langit – magdasal, magsisi, at magpakasakit. Prayer. Penance. Reparation. Pray for the conversion of Russia. Fatima is the most political among the Marian apparitions. Talagang harapan at diretsahan iniutos ng Birhen na labanan ang kamalian ng Russia. Pray for the conversion of Russia. Pray that Russia be stopped from spreading the error of communism and atheism. 1917 ‘yon.
Sabi ng Birhen ng Fatima: “Pray. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church.”
Fast-forward to 2024. Kung susundan natin ang utos ng Birhen ng Fatima, dapat na rin natin ngayong ipagdasal ang China. Hindi tayo anti-China. Hindi tayo racist. Singkit din tayo at favorite ang pansit canton. Narito at kasama nating nagdarasal ang mga kababayan nating Tsinoy. Kapit-bisig – katutubo, Pinoy at Tsinoy, Ilocano at Pangasinan at Tagalog. Iisa tayo sa kapatiran dito sa Pilipinas, subalit alam natin ang paghihirap ng mga kapatid natin sa mainland China – oppression, truth manipulation, human rights abuses. Ang away ng gobyerno, the war of ideologies and the battle of politics can be won by the brotherhood of peoples. Before there was government, there were only loving, patriotic citizens. We are the peace that we dream for the world.
Panawagan sa mga may kapangyarihan. Pakinggan ninyo kami, kaming Pilipinong pangkaraniwan. Kaming Tsinoy na tahimik lang. Pakinggan ninyo ang Diyos. Pakinggan natin ang Diyos. Kabaliwan ang giyera. Huwag bully. Huwag magpa-bully.
Bago magkaroon ng China, bago magkaroon ng Pilipinas, bago magkaroon ng mapa ang mga bansa at paghiwa-hiwalayin tayo ng pagkakaiba, ang lahat ay likha ng Diyos. Hindi habang-panahon ang mga bansa. Sa wakas, ang lahat ay babalik sa tunay na may-ari – ang Diyos.
Mula sa Diyos at babalik sa Diyos, habang tayo ay nabubuhay sa pagitan ng creation at end of the world, maging mabuting katiwala tayo ng lupa at dagat, hangin, at himpapawid.
Gobyerno ng Pilipinas, paninidigan sana ninyo ang pagtatanggol sa mga dukhang mangingisda. Mga pinuno ng pamahalaan, pigilin po ninyo ang pagkasira ng yamang dagat. Hindi atin ang kalikasan. Ang kalikasan ay kapatid na dapat alagaan, hindi ari-ariang puwedeng waldasin ng mandarambong.
Sino ang may gusto ng lumpiang shanghai? Pinoy na Pinoy pang-fiesta at handaan. Madaling i-sharon at iuwi sa bahay. Alam ba ninyo na ang patron ng Shanghai ay Mary Help of Christians? Pareho tayo ng Nanay. Shanghai at Pangasinan. Mary Help of Christians! Magkalayong bayan. May iisang Nanay at iisang lumpiang ulam. China huwag bully! Pinoy huwag pa-bully.
Honorable leaders in government, you are in office by God’s design and by the people’s will. Give us the competence of statesmen, not a student council government that made vulgar men models and that glorified treason. Bring the groans and pains and anguish of our countrymen to the international institutions of justice and order. Give us a government with a sense of urgency in this time of emergency because we are standing by the precipice of continental conflict. War is not our path. Never! Diplomacy and a dialogue between equals is our path, but a diplomacy that is respectful of laws and based on truth. Our true ally is the truth. Our true defense is our dignity as God’s children.
The peace of the Philippines will not come from the hands of superpowers, but from the heart of God and the hand of the Immaculate Mother.
We pray for our country but we also pray for brother China. Yes, brother China. It has thousands of years of civilization in the vast continent of Asia. May it use its civilization to preserve peace and harmony among nations according to the ancient teachings of Chinese wise men.
May our brothers and sisters in China who live in the darkness of religious persecution receive the light of hope of our Lady’s consoling presence. Amid the trials and pains that the Chinese people endure, day after day, may our Lady who watches over China in Sheshan in Shanghai be their source of hope and love.
In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, may the Chinese people “never be afraid to speak of Jesus to the world, and may the Chinese people never be afraid to speak of the world to Jesus.”
Mother of China and all Asia, Mary Help of Christians, Virgen de La Naval de Manila, pray for us, now and forever! – Rappler.com
Socrates B. Villegas is the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. He is a former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
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Filipinos online celebrate Krishnah Gravidez’s win in Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant | Russell Ku | 20/07/2024 13:04 | MANILA, Philippines – In June, Krishnah Gravidez withdrew from representing the Philippines in the Miss Charm 2024 pageant to participate in another local pageant. For pageant fans, it was a risk that paid off after she won the Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2024 crown on Friday, July 19.
Filipinos online celebrate Gravidez’s win as she dominated the competition, winning Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, and Miss Photogenic special awards during the coronation night.
Worth it ang pag-withdraw sa minor pageant!!! Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio is our Miss World Philippines 2024 💙✨ #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/YT6RQosxjy
I so so love that Krishnah took the risk of turning down the Miss Charm crown cause now, it paid off🫶#MissWorldPhilippines2024
From this to THIS #MissWorldPhilippines 2024#MissUniversePhilippines pic.twitter.com/cNPfF3K1DV
The WORLD is all yours, Krishnah Gravidez! She went all blue for the crown, well deserved! 💙🌎👑#MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/5Gst5EYSXN
One user even said that the Baguio queen was the “total package,” a standout in the competition among 33 candidates who vied to represent the Philippines in the Miss World pageant.
She is just the total package–beauty, intelligence, height, personality, great communication skills, confidence, experience, pasarela. Name it! Killed it, again!!! Slaaaayyy, Krishna Gravidez #MissWorldPhilippines2024 #MWPH24 https://t.co/ZxOfez7Myq
Gravidez previously participated in the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant where she was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2023.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization congratulated Krishnah for her Miss World Philippines 2024 win in a social media post on Saturday, July 20.
“You will always be a part of the Miss Universe Philippines sisterhood and we know you will make our country proud,” the pageant organizer said.
In a post on X, Drag Den season 2 contestant Maria Lava expressed hope that the beauty queen had the chance to reflect on her controversial answer on allowing transgender women in women’s sports events.
Gravidez had said that trans women should not be allowed in women’s sports events due to “biological reasons.”
Inclusivity" nga. #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/ZcsnXwWhYe
When Gravidez was asked about whether inclusivity should be a top priority in pageants during the Miss World Philippines 2024 question and answer segment, she said that pageants are “a platform to promote our advocacies.”
“I hope she was able to reflect and change her mind about this. Because I would find her to be plastic if she has the same mindset and her MWP answer would not align [with her values],” Maria Lava said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Another social media user pointed out that Gravidez’s win also highlights the recent wins of beauty queens from the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Abra’s Myrna Esguerra was the big winner of the Binibining Pilipinas 2024 pageant, as she will represent the Philippines in the Miss International pageant. Tarah Valencia, who also hails from Baguio, was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2025.
Two Cordillerans winning a major crown for international pageants is not in my 2024 bingo card but I am here for it!!! We had Abra for Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 (for MI 2025) and now we have Baguio for #MissWorldPhilippines2024. 🤍✨
Meanwhile, Bicol region’s Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano stole the hearts of pageant fans after her strong performance in the question and answer segment. She cited the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.
The answer solidified Bilasano’s spot as a frontrunner among fans during the competition, with one user saying they were inspired by her “authenticity and tenacity.” She would later win the Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 title.
Bilasano also won the Beauty with a Purpose challenge that showed her job as a speech-language pathologist.
MIC DROP!!!!!! She just stood there and calmly answer the question wt so much intelligence 👏🏼 KORONAHAN NA ‘TO! #MissWorldPhilippines2024 https://t.co/VBM30W450t
I’m all support with Miss Baguio when Krishnah announced she’s gonna join but it’s Bicol Region for me who nailed theQ&A. She should haveeeee won the crown. 🥹✨#MissWorldPhilippines #MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/JqbsRPZtvi
MISS BICOL REGION JUST CEMENTED HERSELF AS ONE OF THE TOP CONTENDER FOR THE BLUE CROWN WITH THAT ANSWER. #MissWorldPhilippines2024
I'm hoping that Isabelle Bilasano from Bicol Region will win the MWP crown. Her authenticity and tenacity are truly inspiring, and I admire her dedication to everything she does on her advocacy. Malakas feeling ko na sya ang susunod sa yapak ni Megan.💙#MissWorldPhilippines2024 pic.twitter.com/v9bSZXBwas
Some social media users criticized the Miss World Philippines Organization for dragging the coronation night until early Saturday morning, July 20.
The coronation night started past 9 pm on Friday, a hour late from the original schedule of 8 pm, and ended past 2 am on Saturday.
baka nagnap muna yung ibang candidates, kakaantok na kasi talaga #MissWorldPhilippines2024
mas malala pala to kesa MUPH nung may 🫠 #MissWorldPhilippines2024
Sus ginooo 1:22 am na rarampa pa lang mga dating korona #MissWorldPhilippines2024
ang daming eksenw miss world jusq anong oras naaaa 🙄 #MissWorldPhilippines2024
The Philippines only has one Miss World win – Megan Young in 2013. Gravidez joins Esguerra, Chelsea Manalo, and Irha Mel Alfeche as the country’s representatives in this year’s Big 4 pageants – Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth. – Rappler.com
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LIST: Flights affected due to global Windows outage | lkyu0285 | 19/07/2024 20:18 | CONGESTION. Queues start to build up at the Davao International Airport in Davao City due to technical issues on July 19, 2024.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – Several local and international flights have already been cancelled due to technical issues that have disrupted the systems of airlines.
As of 8:30 pm on Friday, July 19, Cebu Pacific has cancelled the following flights:
July 19:
July 20:
In a flight advisory at 12:20 pm on Saturday, Cebu Pacific said that flight 5J310 (Manila-Taipei), which was earlier announced as canceled, “will proceed as scheduled” at 10:40 pm on Saturday.
The low-cost carrier said that the flights were cancelled “after experiencing technical issues, reportedly related to technology partners of Navitaire (Microsoft and CrowdStrike) which caused a global system outage.”
AirAsia Philippines also confirmed that its systems were affected, which led to “some operational disruptions related to check-in processes.”
The airline is canceling the following flights on July 20:
United Airlines announced that the following flight is canceled on July 20:
Aside from airlines, the global Windows outage has also disrupted the systems of several local banks. The systems of airlines, banks, and even media companies are going offline around the world due to the issue affecting Microsoft’s Windows operating system. So far, the issue has been traced to CrowdStrike, which has acknowledged the reports of crashes on Windows related to its “Falcon sensor.” – Rappler.com
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Alex Eala scores twin wins anew in Vitoria-Gasteiz Spain tournament | jisaga0269 | 20/07/2024 12:32 | PUMPED. Filipina ace Alex Eala reacts in international tennis action.
ALEX EALA FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – For the second straight day, Alex Eala took the court twice and emerged triumphant in both instances, earning a spot in the semifinals in singles and a finals berth in doubles.
The fifth seeded Filipina scored one of her biggest wins this year when she defeated fourth seed Yulia Starodubtseva of Ukraine 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, on Friday, July 19, in the singles quarterfinals of the ITF W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain.
Both Eala and Starodubtseva have recently reached their respective career highs in the world ranking, but Starodubtseva was largely considered the slight favorite in their quarters encounter owing to her recent performance in Wimbledon where she reached the second round.
The world No. 123 Ukrainian also made the main draw this year of the Australian Open and the French Open.
Following an exciting opener, the world No. 155 Eala had to survive seven deuces and four game points before finally converting on her fifth break point to draw even.
The 19-year-old Filipina appeared just about ready to romp off with the win when she built a 4-2 lead. But the 24-year-old Ukrainian put up her final stand, breaking Eala in the seventh game after four deuces then catching up in the eighth game to tie the count for the last time at 4-4.
Eala, though, steeled her nerves and copped the next two games to finish the match after two hours and 20 minutes.
Eala showed she was not daunted as she recovered from a sluggish start in the first set which saw her drop both her serves and face an early 1-3 deficit.
She broke the Starodubtseva a second time in the sixth game to level the count at 3-3, then kept the game tied until 6-6. After Eala jumped to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak, Starodubtsewa showed that she too could stage a rally, drawing even at 5-5.
Eala proved steadier in the trenches, claiming the next two points to gain a one-set advantage.
Later in the day, Eala linked up with Estelle Cascino of France to register a 6-2, 6-3 thumping of Maria Jose Portillo Ramirez of Mexico and Noelia Zeballos Melgar of Bolivia.
The third seeded Eala and Cascino broke their rivals five times while dropping serve just once. The Filipino and French duo have not dropped a set thus far in the tournament.
Eala will be seeking her first singles finals appearance this year when she faces world No. 494 Portillo Ramirez in the semifinals on Saturday, July 20.
She and Cascino will attempt to win their second doubles title together when they take on Lia Karatancheva of Bulgaria and Diana Marcinkevica of Latvia.
Karatancheva and Marcinkevica are coming off a massive upset in the semifinals when they nipped top seeds Eden Silva of Great Britain and Valeriya Strakhova of Ukraine, 3-6, 6-3, 12-10. – Rappler.com
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Sports under Marcos Year 2: More help needed | delfin.dioquino editor | 20/07/2024 11:54 | Cignal TV
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine sports has enjoyed a steady rise over the past years.
The number of Filipino participants in the Paris Games is enough proof to that notion, with the Philippines sending 22 athletes for its biggest Olympic delegation since 1992.
And hopes of exceeding or matching the Philippines’ historic four-medal haul in the previous Tokyo Games, which included a breakthrough gold, two silvers, and one bronze, is no longer a lofty goal as the likes of pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial provide promising chances.
But the lack of support for Filipino athletes remain.
Even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. admitted to be “embarrassed” of the insufficient financial backing Filipino athletes receive from the government that he doubled the cash incentives for medalists in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games.
“I am always a little embarrassed when I see that we are not supporting our athletes and our coaches and our trainers and all the support groups, even the families,” said Marcos.
“[C]onsidering the honor and the pride that you bring to the Philippines, it seems that it is not commensurate for the great service that you do to our country and to our people.”
“We need to repay the sacrifice and the honor that you gave our beloved Philippines,” Marcos added in Filipino. “Rest assured that this administration will do everything to support and bring out the athletes’ talent and skills.”
As usual, though, Filipino athletes continue to pull through and deliver – no matter the circumstances.
The SEA Games in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia, saw the Philippines net its biggest overseas gold-medal haul in the biennial showpiece in nearly four decades as it won 58, its most since capturing 59 in the 1987 edition.
In total, the Philippines bagged 260 medals, including 85 silvers and 117 bronzes, to finish fifth overall.
Yulo emerged as the Philippines’ best performing athlete for the third straight SEA Games, churning out two golds and two silvers despite a medal limit imposed by host Cambodia in gymnastics.
Also rising to the occasion, Gilas Pilipinas regained SEA Games supremacy after overcoming a souped-up Cambodian squad bolstered by five naturalized players from the United States in the final.
Para athletes were phenomenal as well.
The Philippines produced its best campaign in ASEAN Para Games history by capturing 34 golds on top of 33 silvers and 50 bronzes for a total of 117 medals.
Para chess standout Darry Bernardo starred for the Philippines with six golds, while para swimmer Angel Otom made a splash, claiming four golds.
Respectable results in the international scene will not be possible without a consistent grassroots program.
Under Marcos’ administration, Palarong Pambansa made its comeback in 2023 after being shelved for four years due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Marikina City serving as host.
Marcos underscored the importance of nurturing the Philippines’ future sports heroes.
“I assure you that this government remains steadfast in developing the prowess of our young athletes and in championing their wellbeing. This administration believes in a transformative power of sports, not only in improving one’s strength and agility, but also in building up character and discipline,” Marcos said.
“These kinds of events, the Palarong Pambansa, the Palarong Panlalawigan, our regional meets, these are where we find our future champions.”
“With consistent and diligent effort, I am confident that they will eventually bring glory to our nation, not only in the field of sports, but also in other endeavors that they will choose to pursue.”
The 2024 Palarong Pambansa hosted by Cebu City then saw the debut of student-athletes from the National Academy of Sports (NAS), which opened classes in 2021 after being signed into law by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2020.
As NAS was established during the pandemic, it held only virtual classes starting September 2021. Construction of the campus, too, got delayed and physical classes started only in January 2024.
Fielding 47 student-athletes, the NAS – which is located in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, and overseen by the Department of Education and Philippine Sports Commission – nailed one gold, five silvers, and two bronzes for a total of eight medals in the Palaro.
With hardly any surprise, National Capital Region maintained its Palarong Pambansa dominance by clinching its 17th straight overall championship on the back of a 98-gold, 66-silver, 74-bronze haul.
“This event is more than just an inter-school, an inter-regional competition. It is also a platform where we discover, where we develop and hone future professional athletes, Olympians, and servant leaders,” said Marcos.
Perhaps the biggest sporting challenge of Marcos’ second year in office was the Philippines’ co-hosting of the FIBA World Cup with Japan and Indonesia.
Coincidentally, it marked the first time the country hosted the global hoops showdown since 1978, when his father and late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was also the president.
The price of hosting was originally pegged at P800 million by the government, but reportedly ballooned to over P1 billion. Most of it was expectedly spent on logistics and operational cost, with Marcos also creating an inter-agency task force for the monumental event.
“The successful organization and hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 requires the involvement, coordination, and support of all concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector,” the administrative order said.
Marcos tasked agencies such as the Foreign Affairs, Internal and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Health, and Tourism departments, Customs and and Immigration bureaus, Philippine National Police, and the Metro Manila Development Authority, with the duty of “streamlining, integrating, harmonizing, and coordinating” all government efforts for the hosting.
The Philippines served home to 16 of the 32 qualified squads in the group stages from August to September 2023, including powerhouses USA and Serbia, with the last teams standing from Japan and Indonesia also converging in Manila to play the final phase.
Germany, led by tournament MVP Dennis Schroeder, lifted the Naismith Trophy after an enthralling run that saw it survive Latvia in the quarterfinals, stun the USA in the semifinals, and edge Serbia in the finale for its first-ever World Cup crown.
The USA missed the podium for the second straight edition after bowing to Canada in the bronze-medal game – a loss that forced the Americans to bring out the big guns as they tapped NBA superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant for their title-retention bid in the Paris Olympics.
Gilas Pilipinas, meanwhile, delivered a performance to remember at home by beating China for its first World Cup win since 2014.
In danger of becoming the first World Cup host to go winless since Colombia failed to notch a victory in 1982, the Philippines rode on the hot hands of NBA player Jordan Clarkson as it ended a nine-game skid in the World Cup.
While the World Cup satisfied Filipino fans’ hoop passion, with NBA stars Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards all representing their countries, and basketball greats Dirk Nowitzki, Carmelo Anthony, and Luis Scola all coming to the Philippines as ambassadors, there were quite a few hitches.
The low fan turnout in some games due to the high ticket cost at the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena stood out, prompting FIBA to admit “unsuccessful” ticket pricing.
Still, Filipinos made sure to support its home team as a FIBA record 38,115 – including Marcos – watched Gilas Pilipinas’ opener against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
But in the end, the hosting delivered gains in the economic front as the hosting showcase gave “the country a much-needed infusion following three years of constrained business activities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to several tycoons, including Manny V. Pangilinan and Ramon S. Ang, who put in major stakes in the global basketball event.
All eyes are now on Filipino athletes who will compete in Paris as the Philippines celebrates its 100th year of Olympic participation since it debuted in 1924 in the same French capital.
Obiena, Yulo, Petecio, Paalam, Marcial, golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, weightlifter Elreen Ando, and swimmer Kayla Sanchez, formerly of Canada, return for their second Olympic stints, while the rest of the Philippine delegation see action in the Games for the first time.
This group of Filipino athletes bear the weight of immense pressure and expectation, especially after weightlifting star Hidilyn Diaz ended the Philippines’ long search for an Olympic gold when she reigned supreme in the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Diaz fueled the Philippines’ biggest medal haul in Olympic history as Petecio and Paalam each contributed a silver and Marcial added a bronze.
But with Diaz missing the Olympics after four consecutive appearances, the task of building on the Philippines’ gains in Tokyo now falls on the shoulders of its Olympic holdovers and first-timers.
While the PSC, the government’s sporting arm, funded the campaign, the Filipino bets also got a boost from the private sector, like the Philippine Olympic Committee and Cignal TV organizing a monthlong training camp for the first time in Metz, France to help the athletes’ Paris 2024 buildup.
“As you step on to the global stage, hold our flag high and show the world what a Filipino is made of,” said Marcos when he sent off Team Philippines on June 21. “We believe in you, we are proud of you, and we will be with you every step of this remarkable journey.”
With the promised support, from moral to financial, hopefully it won’t be another waiting game for some of the country’s best. – Rappler.com
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Sports under Marcos Year 2: More help needed | delfin.dioquino editor | 20/07/2024 11:54 | Cignal TV
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine sports has enjoyed a steady rise over the past years.
The number of Filipino participants in the Paris Games is enough proof to that notion, with the Philippines sending 22 athletes for its biggest Olympic delegation since 1992.
And hopes of exceeding or matching the Philippines’ historic four-medal haul in the previous Tokyo Games, which included a breakthrough gold, two silvers, and one bronze, is no longer a lofty goal as the likes of pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial provide promising chances.
But the lack of support for Filipino athletes remain.
Even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. admitted to be “embarrassed” of the insufficient financial backing Filipino athletes receive from the government that he doubled the cash incentives for medalists in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games.
“I am always a little embarrassed when I see that we are not supporting our athletes and our coaches and our trainers and all the support groups, even the families,” said Marcos.
“[C]onsidering the honor and the pride that you bring to the Philippines, it seems that it is not commensurate for the great service that you do to our country and to our people.”
“We need to repay the sacrifice and the honor that you gave our beloved Philippines,” Marcos added in Filipino. “Rest assured that this administration will do everything to support and bring out the athletes’ talent and skills.”
As usual, though, Filipino athletes continue to pull through and deliver – no matter the circumstances.
The SEA Games in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia, saw the Philippines net its biggest overseas gold-medal haul in the biennial showpiece in nearly four decades as it won 58, its most since capturing 59 in the 1987 edition.
In total, the Philippines bagged 260 medals, including 85 silvers and 117 bronzes, to finish fifth overall.
Yulo emerged as the Philippines’ best performing athlete for the third straight SEA Games, churning out two golds and two silvers despite a medal limit imposed by host Cambodia in gymnastics.
Also rising to the occasion, Gilas Pilipinas regained SEA Games supremacy after overcoming a souped-up Cambodian squad bolstered by five naturalized players from the United States in the final.
Para athletes were phenomenal as well.
The Philippines produced its best campaign in ASEAN Para Games history by capturing 34 golds on top of 33 silvers and 50 bronzes for a total of 117 medals.
Para chess standout Darry Bernardo starred for the Philippines with six golds, while para swimmer Angel Otom made a splash, claiming four golds.
Respectable results in the international scene will not be possible without a consistent grassroots program.
Under Marcos’ administration, Palarong Pambansa made its comeback in 2023 after being shelved for four years due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Marikina City serving as host.
Marcos underscored the importance of nurturing the Philippines’ future sports heroes.
“I assure you that this government remains steadfast in developing the prowess of our young athletes and in championing their wellbeing. This administration believes in a transformative power of sports, not only in improving one’s strength and agility, but also in building up character and discipline,” Marcos said.
“These kinds of events, the Palarong Pambansa, the Palarong Panlalawigan, our regional meets, these are where we find our future champions.”
“With consistent and diligent effort, I am confident that they will eventually bring glory to our nation, not only in the field of sports, but also in other endeavors that they will choose to pursue.”
The 2024 Palarong Pambansa hosted by Cebu City then saw the debut of student-athletes from the National Academy of Sports (NAS), which opened classes in 2021 after being signed into law by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2020.
As NAS was established during the pandemic, it held only virtual classes starting September 2021. Construction of the campus, too, got delayed and physical classes started only in January 2024.
Fielding 47 student-athletes, the NAS – which is located in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, and overseen by the Department of Education and Philippine Sports Commission – nailed one gold, five silvers, and two bronzes for a total of eight medals in the Palaro.
With hardly any surprise, National Capital Region maintained its Palarong Pambansa dominance by clinching its 17th straight overall championship on the back of a 98-gold, 66-silver, 74-bronze haul.
“This event is more than just an inter-school, an inter-regional competition. It is also a platform where we discover, where we develop and hone future professional athletes, Olympians, and servant leaders,” said Marcos.
Perhaps the biggest sporting challenge of Marcos’ second year in office was the Philippines’ co-hosting of the FIBA World Cup with Japan and Indonesia.
Coincidentally, it marked the first time the country hosted the global hoops showdown since 1978, when his father and late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was also the president.
The price of hosting was originally pegged at P800 million by the government, but reportedly ballooned to over P1 billion. Most of it was expectedly spent on logistics and operational cost, with Marcos also creating an inter-agency task force for the monumental event.
“The successful organization and hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 requires the involvement, coordination, and support of all concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector,” the administrative order said.
Marcos tasked agencies such as the Foreign Affairs, Internal and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Health, and Tourism departments, Customs and and Immigration bureaus, Philippine National Police, and the Metro Manila Development Authority, with the duty of “streamlining, integrating, harmonizing, and coordinating” all government efforts for the hosting.
The Philippines served home to 16 of the 32 qualified squads in the group stages from August to September 2023, including powerhouses USA and Serbia, with the last teams standing from Japan and Indonesia also converging in Manila to play the final phase.
Germany, led by tournament MVP Dennis Schroeder, lifted the Naismith Trophy after an enthralling run that saw it survive Latvia in the quarterfinals, stun the USA in the semifinals, and edge Serbia in the finale for its first-ever World Cup crown.
The USA missed the podium for the second straight edition after bowing to Canada in the bronze-medal game – a loss that forced the Americans to bring out the big guns as they tapped NBA superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant for their title-retention bid in the Paris Olympics.
Gilas Pilipinas, meanwhile, delivered a performance to remember at home by beating China for its first World Cup win since 2014.
In danger of becoming the first World Cup host to go winless since Colombia failed to notch a victory in 1982, the Philippines rode on the hot hands of NBA player Jordan Clarkson as it ended a nine-game skid in the World Cup.
While the World Cup satisfied Filipino fans’ hoop passion, with NBA stars Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards all representing their countries, and basketball greats Dirk Nowitzki, Carmelo Anthony, and Luis Scola all coming to the Philippines as ambassadors, there were quite a few hitches.
The low fan turnout in some games due to the high ticket cost at the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena stood out, prompting FIBA to admit “unsuccessful” ticket pricing.
Still, Filipinos made sure to support its home team as a FIBA record 38,115 – including Marcos – watched Gilas Pilipinas’ opener against Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
But in the end, the hosting delivered gains in the economic front as the hosting showcase gave “the country a much-needed infusion following three years of constrained business activities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to several tycoons, including Manny V. Pangilinan and Ramon S. Ang, who put in major stakes in the global basketball event.
All eyes are now on Filipino athletes who will compete in Paris as the Philippines celebrates its 100th year of Olympic participation since it debuted in 1924 in the same French capital.
Obiena, Yulo, Petecio, Paalam, Marcial, golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, weightlifter Elreen Ando, and swimmer Kayla Sanchez, formerly of Canada, return for their second Olympic stints, while the rest of the Philippine delegation see action in the Games for the first time.
This group of Filipino athletes bear the weight of immense pressure and expectation, especially after weightlifting star Hidilyn Diaz ended the Philippines’ long search for an Olympic gold when she reigned supreme in the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Diaz fueled the Philippines’ biggest medal haul in Olympic history as Petecio and Paalam each contributed a silver and Marcial added a bronze.
But with Diaz missing the Olympics after four consecutive appearances, the task of building on the Philippines’ gains in Tokyo now falls on the shoulders of its Olympic holdovers and first-timers.
While the PSC, the government’s sporting arm, funded the campaign, the Filipino bets also got a boost from the private sector, like the Philippine Olympic Committee and Cignal TV organizing a monthlong training camp for the first time in Metz, France to help the athletes’ Paris 2024 buildup.
“As you step on to the global stage, hold our flag high and show the world what a Filipino is made of,” said Marcos when he sent off Team Philippines on June 21. “We believe in you, we are proud of you, and we will be with you every step of this remarkable journey.”
With the promised support, from moral to financial, hopefully it won’t be another waiting game for some of the country’s best. – Rappler.com
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Marcos signs New Government Procurement Act, anti-scam law | Kaycee | 20/07/2024 11:26 | NEW LAWS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs two priority measures into new laws on Saturday, July 20.
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) just days before his 3rd State of the Nation Address.
On Saturday, July 20, Marcos Jr. said these “moves us closer to attaining a strong, more responsive, and efficient bureaucracy and to establishing safeguards for the financial rights and welfare of every Filipino.”
Both are priority measures of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council.
With the NGPA, the process for government sourcing will be shortened to 60 days from 3 months. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the NGPA will help “address existing loopholes” by directly targeting illegal practices that give windows to corruption.
Sourcing goods and services for government agencies will now also be done through electronic means.
Under the new law, government agencies may choose from 11 procurement options and will have a uniform set of procurement forms. It also introduces the “Most Economically Advantageous Responsive Bid,” which allows the government to judge a bid based on the quality of the offer and not just on its price.
“This frees us from the obligation of selecting the lowest priced bid, when there is a better choice,” Marcos said. “This will ensure that we get not only the best prices but the best deals for our clients, the Filipino people.”
Amid the constant barrage of online scams targeting Filipinos, the AFASA requires banks and other financial institutions to implement necessary security measures and fraud management systems to secure accounts.
“This law authorizes the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to investigate and inquire into financial accounts that may be involved in the commission of prohibited acts and to apply for cybercrime warrants [for] electronic communications used in any violation of this measure,” Marcos said.
This means that the BSP gets a free pass from laws on bank secrecy and data privacy when it comes to investigating bank accounts, e-wallets, and other financial accounts suspected to be involved in crimes.
“This will help us strengthen consumer protection and foster trust and confidence in the Philippine financial system,” the BSP said in a statement on Saturday.
Data from January to August 2023 showed that Filipinos have lost at least P155.20 million because of scams and digital fraud. According to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, the most common scams used to target Filipinos are:
However, actual figures could be higher as some fraud incidents are not reported to authorities. – with reports from Lance Spencer Yu/Rappler.com
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What makes ‘BINIverse’ in Cebu extra special? | clescudero0258 | 20/07/2024 9:30 | Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino's Facebook page
CEBU, Philippines – The BINIverse had arrived sa islang pantropiko (in a tropic island) – literally.
BINI brought their first solo concert BINIverse to Cebu, the island province famed for its beaches, on July 14, marking the first time for the P-pop phenomenon to perform in the Visayas.
While it was not entirely different from the first leg at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, the Cebu stop was filled with youthful shenanigans that made it a special night for fans’ books.
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“Ako diay si Stacey, ambot sa imong tanan (My name is Stacey, I don’t know with you all),” BINI member Stacey exclaimed during the group’s introductory spiel, sending the entire Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino laughing and cheering out loud.
“What’s up mananap!” member Mikha greeted, but not without confirming with the audience what it meant. (“Mananap” literally means beast, but in this context it only serves as a playful rhyme.)
The members clearly prepared some Bisaya up their sleeves to delight their Bisaya fans, no doubt with the help of Bisaya members Colet and Aiah. “Malibak na gyud nato sila kay mag-Bisaya man ta (We can finally talk about the members behind their backs since we’ll use Bisaya),” Colet said in jest.
BINI even managed to incorporate Bisaya into their performance, too.
In Salamin, Salamin, after chanting the iconic “Ayokong maniwala, eyyy!” with the audience, member Sheena suddenly brought the performance to a pause and cried, “Dili mo mutuo? Ngano man, ngano man? (You won’t believe me? Why?)”
You may have encountered budots, the trippy music and dance that dominate Bisaya-speaking regions in the country.
So, it was no surprise that the Bisaya crowd would challenge their fellow Bisaya Colet to dance it onstage after her solo performance. At first they were met by the member’s insistent denial (“Dili lang sa…. Paghilom (Not now, shut up)”), but they were then supported by the concert DJ, who played the viral electronic dance music towards Colet’s eventual surrender.
The other members were much more game with it, on the contrary.
During a group segment, the audience once again chanted the challenge, leading to budots music blaring up the speakers once more and sending no less than Master Jhoanna to the floor.
Every performance – whether group or solo – earned the joyful screams of CEBlooms, but the crowd was particularly loud for Aiah.
It was enough to send the Cebuana native teary-eyed after her solo performance.
“I’m very happy that I’m back here, because I’m filled with so much of your love and support,” she told the audience.
Aside from the heartwarming moment, Aiah also touched on her roots during one of the concert’s popular segments, where the BINI members would enumerate their childhood dreams. Most of the time, it would take a detour towards the group’s signature comedic chops, like this time with Aiah, who cited a situation that’s all too familiar to the audience.
“Noon pangarap kong makapunta ng Manila, pero noong nandoon na ‘ko, pauli ta oy, kapoya sig Tinagalog oy (It used to be my dream to go to Manila, but when I got there, I just wanted to go home. I just wanted to speak Bisaya again)!”
There were many other notable moments during the concert – the fans singing “Happy Birthday” to recent celebrant Stacey and the group performing their latest single Cherry on Top after its release – but they were altogether treasurable for the fans.
Such was the case for Ashing and Mykee, two friends who traveled all the way from Cagayan de Oro just to see the BINI girls live.
“They were the reason I was able to bounce back [from] the lowest point in my life,” said Ashing, a 25-year-old incoming medicine student. “Their songs are very uplifting – not just the sound but the lyrics, too. The messages they impart, I was able to use as true-to-life advice.”
“I heard ‘Na Na Nandito Lang’ during the lowest point of my life, too. So thank you, BINI,” shared 29-year-old government worker Mykee.
For Anthonet Desalet, who also traveled from Capiz, the talent and heart of the P-pop group serve as a great representation of the Philippines to the world.
“BINI is a victory for us Bisaya, and a victory for our country,” the 22-year-old said. – Rappler.com
All quotes were translated in English for brevity.
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‘It’s like you’re running a marathon’: Juan Karlos on songwriting and professional growth | jreyes0314 | 20/07/2024 9:00 | Juan Karlos talks about his new album 'Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2' at an exclusive interview with Rappler.
Victoria Perote/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Juan Karlos’ songwriting process for his latest album, Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2, flowed almost naturally.
“During the time that I wrote the songs, it was automatic. It was out there…. Everything that I was feeling was just so there and so present in the moment when I was putting out all of these different words with melodies,” he told Rappler in an exclusive interview.
Following closely behind Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1, this new album reflects his artistry and music journey, offering fans a raw and intimate musical experience.
Juan Karlos lets Rappler in on the creative journey behind his latest album, his experiences collaborating with other artists, and his growth as a musician.
The “ERE” singer opened up about the significant changes in his creative process while working on Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2. The artist revealed that the experience of recording the project highlighted the need for a new approach in his future work.
“My creative process changed in a way,” Juan Karlos shared. “During the recording of this project, we were doing a lot of other things, and I felt like I wasn’t able to meet all the demands these songs required.”
Juan Karlos noted that the fragmented nature of his work led to a creative journey, which he compared to assembling “breadcrumbs instead of a loaf of bread.” This realization has prompted him to rethink his approach for future projects, aiming to “get into a mindset and headspace of actually dropping everything else for the next project and just really focusing everything on that.”
Reflecting on his recent album, he likened it to a message in a bottle – not meant for anyone specific but something he put out into the world, hoping it might resonate with someone, somewhere.
Notably, one of the standout tracks on the album is “Limang Taon,” which Juan Karlos described as the most personal. “It also divulges information and talks about oneself,” he shared.
The album features collaborations with OPM artists Moira dela Torre and Kyle Echarri. Juan Karlos described the experience as unique and enriching.
“Working with them is a treat, honestly. It’s incomparable to other experiences, and that’s one of the things I love when it comes to working with other people because you see a different perspective, you see how they work,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey as a musician, Juan Karlos observed that he has largely remained consistent, emphasizing that being vulnerable has always been a familiar aspect of his artistic expression.
And for him, making music in general remains a never-ending search. “It’s like you’re running a marathon and the finish line is also running away from you,” he said.
Asked about his future plans, Juan Karlos admitted that he’s just happy he was already able to release Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2.
“I don’t really have any next steps because they know that the album is out and I’m happy it’s done and it’s over with. I suppose just really focus on the next thing and start working on the next project and actually like you know putting everything that I got onto the next one That’s really my next plan,” He said.
With Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2, Juan Karlos continues to engage his audience with his authenticity and evolving musical talent.
The album is now available on all major streaming platforms. – Kila Orozco/Rappler.com
Kila Orozco is a Rappler intern.
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Talaandig artist keeps IP heritage alive with Filipino-American musicians | Herbie G | 20/07/2024 8:00 | GROUP PERFORMANCE. Datu Waway Saway (2nd from left) performs with Ron Quesada, Mayo Ortiz, and Balugto Necosia Jr. at Gongster's Paradise in 2023.
House of Gongs/Julio Dizon
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – From beneath the verdant canopy of Bukidnon’s highlands, Talaandig artist Rodelio Saway emerges with a mission. His crusade: to preserve the rich legacy of his tribe’s traditional music, weaving it with the talents of Filipino-American musicians.
In the heart of Songco, Lantapan town, his family has established the Talaandig School of the Living Traditions, a sanctuary of culture that endeavors to keep alive the artistic traditions and cultural values that define their Bukidnon community.
At Bukidnon State University (BSU) early this month, Saway, also known as Datu Waway Linsahay Saway, articulated the essence of their vibrant culture–an intricate dance of land, heritage, and spirit.
“The vibrant culture of Bukidnon’s indigenous communities in the Philippines is deeply rooted in connections to the land, ancestral heritage, and spiritual beliefs,” Saway told the Building Indigenous Knowledge for Inclusivity and Sustainability (BIGKIS) conference at BSU in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, held on July 4 to 5.
BIGKIS is an initiative by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that aims to deepen the understanding and appreciation of indigenous peoples’ culture within state universities and colleges across the Philippines.
During the conference, Saway stressed the importance of traditional languages, rituals, music, arts, and customs in maintaining the cultural identity of the Bukidnon IP communities.
Traditional music and arts, he said, are integral to Bukidnon IP’s cultural expression, conveying history, beliefs, and values to successive generations.
Intricate crop dances, captivating storytelling, and evocative melodies serve as platforms for preserving and transmitting indigenous culture, highlighting their historical narratives, communal wisdom, and spiritual significance, he noted.
Traditional music, he emphasized, is not merely an artistic expression but a vessel of wisdom, community values, and spiritual connections.
“These cultural forms are living manifestations of enduring traditions and legacies, encapsulating the collective identity and heritage of the indigenous communities,” he said.
Saway’s efforts resonate far beyond Philippine shores, inspiring Filipino-American artists through mentorship and collaboration, ensuring that the echoes of Bukidnon’s ancestral songs endure for generations to come. He and other IP musicians from Mindanao have been to the US thrice to mentor Filipino-American musicians upon the invitation of the House of Gongs or Balay Kulintang.
Together with other indigenous peoples’ artists from Mindanao, Waway returned to the US for the first-ever Ugat Music Camp at Nature Bridge, Sausalito, California from July 19 to 21.
Saway was invited by House of Gongs to mentor Filipino-American musicians who are looking to learn indigenous instrumentation from the Philippines by sharing his knowledge and mastery of Talaandig music. The camp aims to inspire participants to integrate Filipino gongs and indigenous instruments into their music.
Saway has been tasked to help 17 students along with other respected master artists in the Philippines and industry experts from Hollywood and Broadway including Joel Ganlal, Farid Guinomla, Sata Abdullah, Jenny Bawer-Young, Balugto Necosia Jr., among others.
House of Gongs has several programs between California and Hawaii on a mission to honor tradition and foster innovation in music and arts. It receives support from the Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco. This year’s program is funded by the California Arts Council, Center for Cultural Innovation, and Zoo Labs.
Lydia Querian, co-founder of House of Gongs, said, “One issue that inspired our organization to incorporate art as a tool to transform and express culture is witnessing first-hand the challenges that Filipinx/o/a in the US face in regards to their cultural identity and mental well-being.”
“Filipinx” refers to a person of Philippine origin or descent, especially one living in the United States, and is used to indicate gender-neutrality in place of Filipino or Filipina.
She said the music camp aims to change that narrative by creating a space for them to access lost rooted art forms, embrace them, and use them in their own creative experiences.
The group will feature in Rhythms of Mindanao, a concert showcasing the music and art of Tboli, Talaandig, Iranun, and Maguindanao Indigenous Philippine Master Artists and Culture Bearers on July 23.
Aside from Saway, the concert will also spotlight Talaandig artist Balugto, Maguindanaon artists Sata Egal Abdullah and Farid Guinomla, and Tboli artist Joel Ganlal, with special guest musicians Ron Querian aka Kulintronica, Rogelle Zamora, Gean Vincent Almendras, and Conrad J. Benedicto.
Rhythms of Mindanao, produced by Kularts and co-produced by House of Gongs, will be held at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center in Oakland, California.
Afterwards, the tour will proceed to the island of Oahu in Hawaii on July 24 together with other master artists for a Music Tour at WaiWai Collective, Honolulu, Hawaii on July 25 and July 30 for cultural exchanges with local organizations. – Rappler.com
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Left something at NAIA? Don’t lose hope, as this Swedish traveler learned | Mia Gonzalez | 20/07/2024 8:00 | NAIA. Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 line up on June 16, 2023.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
Swedish traveler Jouko Rantaniemi was at the Beijing Airport for a connecting flight to Stockholm on Thursday, July 18, when he realized that he had left his laptop at the final security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 (NAIA 1) hours earlier.
Aware of past widely-reported incidents of theft committed by security personnel at the Manila airport, Rantaniemi was resigned that he would have to pay back his company for the office-issued laptop.
“I had already lost it,” he told his Filipina wife, Ruby Gonzalez, who was with him.
Gonzalez, a journalist, told Rappler that she had “50-50 hope” that her husband would get back the gadget. As they prepared to board their flight to Stockholm, the couple reached out to their family in the Philippines to try to contact NAIA authorities, and this was when they found out that NAIA had an official lost and found page on Facebook.
The page, which seeks to help people who left personal items in all terminals of the Manila International Airport Authority, provides contact numbers. One can also send them a message to report the lost item.
Before boarding their flight, Rantaniemi sent a message through the Facebook page to inform NAIA about his laptop, and got a prompt response that listed the details he must provide to aid the search.
Over an hour later, he was informed that an item that fit the description he provided was among those turned over to the NAIA Lost and Found Section. He also received instructions on how to retrieve it through a representative since he was abroad. At the time, however, they were already en route to Stockholm and he only managed to check his messages once they landed.
The NAIA Lost and Found Section Facebook page posts photos of all items turned over to them by airport staff, ranging from small items like earphones and ballpens to luggage. The laptop was among those featured on the page in a post on Thursday, July 18, alongside bags of Duty Free items, AirPods, and mobile phones, among other items.
“It was like winning a small lottery,” Rantaniemi said, when he saw the photo of his laptop on the NAIA Lost and Found page. They were already on the flight to Stockholm when the photo was uploaded.
Getting back a laptop left at an airport may not even be something to write about in most other countries, but not in the Philippines, where security screening officers at NAIA 1 had been caught stealing cash and a watch from tourists in separate incidents the past year. In September 2023, a viral video of NAIA security personnel swallowing three $100 bills that she had stolen from a passenger further highlighted the theft problems at the airport.
While there have been many instances when airport workers turned over far more valuable items – like a bag with $10,000 in cash or a pair of socks stuffed with $18,000 – these acts of honesty often get overshadowed by the appalling schemes of some bad eggs in NAIA.
NAIA has been listed as among Asia’s worst and “most stressful” airports – an “improvement,” considering that it was deemed the world’s worst airport in 2013. In September, the consortium led by Ramon Ang’s San Miguel Corporation will take over as the new NAIA operator, raising hopes about a new and improved international gateway. (READ: Ramon Ang wants an even bigger NAIA terminal than promised. Can he deliver?) – Mia M. Gonzalez/Rappler.com
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With tons of lessons learned, Carlos Yulo goes for glory in Olympic return | delfin.dioquino editor | 29/06/2024 17:00 | Kim Kyung-hoon/Reuters
One thing Filipino gymnastics star Carlos Yulo has learned as he sees action in his second Olympics is that it all comes down to him, no one else.
Yulo heads into the Paris Games in France with the same medal aspirations, but this time, he is more sure of himself three years after going home empty-handed from his maiden Olympic stint in Tokyo, Japan.
“I should focus on myself and let the other gymnasts do what they do,” said Yulo in a mix of Filipino and English when asked about the lessons he picked up from his Tokyo Games run.
“We all worked hard and we all worked ourselves to exhaustion in training. I should focus on where I’m at and be confident of my moves,” he added. “I should not get carried away by my mood and I should trust what I practiced.”
Then 21 years old, Yulo competed in Tokyo as a legitimate medal contender, having won bronze and gold in floor exercise in the 2018 and 2019 editions of the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, respectively.
But Yulo surprisingly finished a distant 44th place in the floor exercise qualification.
He gave himself a medal chance by reaching the vault finals, although he fell a fraction of a point short of a podium spot as he placed fourth.
As painful as it was not being able to meet those lofty expectations, his campaign in Tokyo helped Yulo become braver and smarter in his approach.
“I learned to move confidently and perform what I worked hard for in practice,” said Yulo in an episode of Rappler Talk Sports. “I noticed I was a bit shy back then, so I was not able to truly show what I was capable of doing.”
In Paris, Yulo is expected to vie for gold in the floor exercise and vault – apparatuses where he is a former world champion.
And his impressive showing in the previous Asian Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he emerged as the best performing gymnast with four golds, augurs well for his Olympic chances.
Yulo ruled the floor exercise with 14.933 points and topped the vault with an average of 14.883 points.
If he recorded the same scores in Tokyo, Yulo would have tied floor exercise titlist Artem Dolgopyat of Israel (14.933) and edged vault winner Shin Jea-Hwan of South Korea (14.783).
But it should be noted that Yulo competed in the Asian championships without the pressure of having to go up against some of the best gymnasts in the continent, with powerhouse Japan missing action in the senior division.
The caliber of competition in Paris is a different beast altogether, with a lot of the medalists in Tokyo returning for another crack at Olympic glory.
Daiki Hashimoto, the reigning individual all-around and horizontal bar champion, leads a Japan side determined to capture the team all-around crown after settling for second behind the Russian Olympic Committee in Tokyo.
Other champions Dolgopyat (floor exercise), Liu Yang (still rings) and Zhou Jingyuan (parallel bars) of China, and Max Whitlock (pommel horse) of Great Britain are back as well.
Still, Yulo, 24, is up to the challenge.
“I discovered new skills and I know for myself that I can pull them off this time,” said Yulo. “I’m really aiming to win a medal this time and to have a better performance compared to before.”
Yulo endured a bumpy journey back to the Olympics as he dealt with issues concerning his career and personal life in the lead-up to Paris.
Probably at the top of that list is his separation with longtime Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, who mentored Yulo for almost a decade and guided him in his rise to gymnastics stardom.
They went their separate ways last year before the previous world championships in Antwerp, Belgium, where Yulo coincidentally saw his medal streak halted after winning at least one in each of the last four editions.
Although Yulo got the job done in Antwerp as he punched his ticket to Paris, his followers saw his split with Kugimiya as a major factor in his supposed drop in performance.
Estranged relationships with some of his family members also surfaced and Yulo recently parted ways with his management group.
For Yulo, though, every experience – be it good or bad – has contributed to his growth.
“I’ll bring everything that I’ve learned from my past mistakes to this Olympics so that I’ll be able to produce better results,” he said.
Yulo will be joined by Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar in Paris as the Philippines matched its biggest gymnastics delegation to the Olympics.
“For me, I see they’re all capable of winning a medal,” said Yulo. “I’m happy and grateful that we qualified, but I’m also motivated… I want to win a medal.” – Rappler.com
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[REFLECTION] Mary, Mother of the West Philippine Sea | Paterno Esmaquel II | 20/07/2024 9:02 | Archbishop Socrates Villegas delivered this homily on Tuesday, July 16, ahead of the Marian voyage for peace in the West Philippine Sea, a fluvial procession held in Infanta, Pangasinan. Villegas provided Rappler a full text of this homily, which is now published with his consent.
Katoliko ang Pilipinas pero alam ba ninyo na kamuntik na tayong naging Protestanteng bansa kung nanalo ang mga Dutch sa giyera sa Manila Bay noong 1646? Labinsiyam na warships ng Dutch navy laban sa tatlong barkong pampasahero ng mga Kastila? Nanalo ang Katolikong Pinoy at Kastila nang hindi maipaliwanag. Ang dahilan? Nagdasal ng rosaryo ang mga Katolikong Kastila at Pilipino. Ang milagro ay ang Battle of La Naval de Manila.
Noong 1986 nabingit ang Pilipinas sa civil war nang may mga sundalong tumiwalag sa tatay ni President BBM. Kamuntik na ang Pilipino laban sa Pilipino. Ang EDSA People Power ay bloodless revolution sa kasaysayan ng mundo. Nagdasal tayo ng rosaryo at nag-picnic sa EDSA. Sabi ng billboard sa kanto ng Ortigas at EDSA kung saan ngayon nakatayo ang EDSA Shrine, “a world at prayer is a world at peace!” Buong 1985 bago ang EDSA People Power ay ipinagdiwang ang Marian year. Araw-araw na rosary at tatlong beses maghapon na Angelus. Himala ng bloodless revolution.
Sa Fatima, nang magpakita ang Birhen sa tatlong bata, ang habilin ng Ina mula sa langit – magdasal, magsisi, at magpakasakit. Prayer. Penance. Reparation. Pray for the conversion of Russia. Fatima is the most political among the Marian apparitions. Talagang harapan at diretsahan iniutos ng Birhen na labanan ang kamalian ng Russia. Pray for the conversion of Russia. Pray that Russia be stopped from spreading the error of communism and atheism. 1917 ‘yon.
Sabi ng Birhen ng Fatima: “Pray. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church.”
Fast-forward to 2024. Kung susundan natin ang utos ng Birhen ng Fatima, dapat na rin natin ngayong ipagdasal ang China. Hindi tayo anti-China. Hindi tayo racist. Singkit din tayo at favorite ang pansit canton. Narito at kasama nating nagdarasal ang mga kababayan nating Tsinoy. Kapit-bisig – katutubo, Pinoy at Tsinoy, Ilocano at Pangasinan at Tagalog. Iisa tayo sa kapatiran dito sa Pilipinas, subalit alam natin ang paghihirap ng mga kapatid natin sa mainland China – oppression, truth manipulation, human rights abuses. Ang away ng gobyerno, the war of ideologies and the battle of politics can be won by the brotherhood of peoples. Before there was government, there were only loving, patriotic citizens. We are the peace that we dream for the world.
Panawagan sa mga may kapangyarihan. Pakinggan ninyo kami, kaming Pilipinong pangkaraniwan. Kaming Tsinoy na tahimik lang. Pakinggan ninyo ang Diyos. Pakinggan natin ang Diyos. Kabaliwan ang giyera. Huwag bully. Huwag magpa-bully.
Bago magkaroon ng China, bago magkaroon ng Pilipinas, bago magkaroon ng mapa ang mga bansa at paghiwa-hiwalayin tayo ng pagkakaiba, ang lahat ay likha ng Diyos. Hindi habang-panahon ang mga bansa. Sa wakas, ang lahat ay babalik sa tunay na may-ari – ang Diyos.
Mula sa Diyos at babalik sa Diyos, habang tayo ay nabubuhay sa pagitan ng creation at end of the world, maging mabuting katiwala tayo ng lupa at dagat, hangin, at himpapawid.
Gobyerno ng Pilipinas, paninidigan sana ninyo ang pagtatanggol sa mga dukhang mangingisda. Mga pinuno ng pamahalaan, pigilin po ninyo ang pagkasira ng yamang dagat. Hindi atin ang kalikasan. Ang kalikasan ay kapatid na dapat alagaan, hindi ari-ariang puwedeng waldasin ng mandarambong.
Sino ang may gusto ng lumpiang shanghai? Pinoy na Pinoy pang-fiesta at handaan. Madaling i-sharon at iuwi sa bahay. Alam ba ninyo na ang patron ng Shanghai ay Mary Help of Christians? Pareho tayo ng Nanay. Shanghai at Pangasinan. Mary Help of Christians! Magkalayong bayan. May iisang Nanay at iisang lumpiang ulam. China huwag bully! Pinoy huwag pa-bully.
Honorable leaders in government, you are in office by God’s design and by the people’s will. Give us the competence of statesmen, not a student council government that made vulgar men models and that glorified treason. Bring the groans and pains and anguish of our countrymen to the international institutions of justice and order. Give us a government with a sense of urgency in this time of emergency because we are standing by the precipice of continental conflict. War is not our path. Never! Diplomacy and a dialogue between equals is our path, but a diplomacy that is respectful of laws and based on truth. Our true ally is the truth. Our true defense is our dignity as God’s children.
The peace of the Philippines will not come from the hands of superpowers, but from the heart of God and the hand of the Immaculate Mother.
We pray for our country but we also pray for brother China. Yes, brother China. It has thousands of years of civilization in the vast continent of Asia. May it use its civilization to preserve peace and harmony among nations according to the ancient teachings of Chinese wise men.
May our brothers and sisters in China who live in the darkness of religious persecution receive the light of hope of our Lady’s consoling presence. Amid the trials and pains that the Chinese people endure, day after day, may our Lady who watches over China in Sheshan in Shanghai be their source of hope and love.
In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, may the Chinese people “never be afraid to speak of Jesus to the world, and may the Chinese people never be afraid to speak of the world to Jesus.”
Mother of China and all Asia, Mary Help of Christians, Virgen de La Naval de Manila, pray for us, now and forever! – Rappler.com
Socrates B. Villegas is the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. He is a former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
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Road workers discover cave likely untouched for millions of years in Cagayan de Oro | Herbie G | 17/07/2024 12:20 | ACTIVE CAVE. A group of people explore an active cave discovered while construction workers were widening a road in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro.
CLENRO-Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Construction workers in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro accidentally discovered a cave, most likely untouched by human hands for millions of years until this week, revealing an astonishing underground world.
The cave, described as a time capsule, contains stalactites and stalagmites that have been evolving for millions of years. With its formations still actively developing, the cave offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic processes of the planet, captivating the imaginations of locals and providing future opportunities for scientific study, research, and tourism.
“There’s water dripping, suggesting an ongoing formation. This excites us,” said Christine Camba, officer-in-charge of the protected areas division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Northern Mindanao.
The DENR has counted about a dozen caves in Cagayan de Oro, and the one in Dansolihon is not among them, according to Camba.
Workers stumbled upon the cave on Monday, July 15, while widening a section of road in one of the interior districts of Barangay Dansolihon, according to village chairman Jose Maria Juan Roa. The road is part of a network being developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to link the rural Cagayan de Oro village with Opol town in Misamis Oriental.
The road construction inadvertently expanded its entrance, making it accessible to humans for the first time.
“It appears to be a live cave,” Camba told Rappler, referring to initial photographs that rapidly circulated on social media.
Live caves, also referred to as active caves, reveal fascinating formations shaped by ongoing geological processes such as the growth of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. These formations result from minerals deposited by water seeping through the cave’s surfaces.
At first glance, the Dansolihon cave embodies the essence of a live cave with its constant water flow and mineral deposition, setting it apart from dry or inactive caves where such processes have ceased long ago.
Engineer Armen Cuenca, Cagayan de Oro’s environmental and natural resources chief, said the cave was known to a few villagers to exist “a long time ago” but remained unexplored and free from human activity for a still unknown number of millennia due to its very small opening.
“What is certain is that it has been there for millions of years. It’s alive,” Cuenca said.
A team from the city government and the DENR has been assembled and is set to inspect the cave on Wednesday, July 17.
Roa said he ordered the cave to be cordoned off, and declared it off-limits to the public to prevent potential damage from curious onlookers who quickly trooped in the area upon news of the discovery.
Camba said the cave remains uncharted territory, and both the DENR and local government have yet to assess and map it out to determine how best to manage it.
She cautioned that unauthorized exploration of the cave could lead to disaster.
“We have not conducted a full assessment. We are unaware of the potential hazards,” Camba said.
The local government said it would require strict adherence to national laws prohibiting cave entry.
According to the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats Act mandates the protection of caves as habitats for wildlife and ecosystems.
CLENRO also said the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act designates caves as national treasures protected by law.
The law provides that cave locations should not be disclosed for one year following their discovery by the DENR and prevents their classification as tourist or study sites during this period. However, DENR, city government, and barangay officials confirmed that the cave was discovered in Dansolihon.
City hall also cautioned against extraction, possession, or sale of cave items, as well as engaging individuals to procure items from the newly discovered cave. It said such activities are considered offenses with corresponding penalties of imprisonment ranging from two to six years and fines from P20,000 to P500,000. – Rappler.com
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Strong Group cruises to 6th straight win, secures top 2 in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 19/07/2024 17:13 | BOARD BATTLE. Strong Group-Pilipinas’ Chris McCullough (right) and Geo Chiu battle for the rebound against Japan in the Jones Cup.
STRONG GROUP-PILIPINAS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – Despite missing three of its key players, Strong Group-Pilipinas remained unbeaten in the 2024 William Jones Cup with a 92-79 romp of Japan’s under-22 team on Friday, July 19, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Playing in their sixth game in seven days, the Filipinos were without Rhenz Abando and Ange Kouame due to minor injuries and American import Tajuan Agee due to illness.
Still, the Filipinos led the Japanese from start to finish as they clinched a top-two finish in the single round-robin tournament with a 6-0 slate.
Strong Group super import Chris McCullough dropped a game-high 26 points on an efficient 12-of-17 field goal clip, while Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner added 17 points.
With the Philippines leading by only 4 points at the end of the first quarter, 22-18, Fenner provided a huge spark off the bench in the second period as he unloaded 11 of his 17 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting to help Strong Group enjoy a 54-36 cushion at halftime.
Former Gilas Pilipinas guards Jordan Heading and Kiefer Ravena continued their steady play for Strong Group with 11 and 9 points, respectively, while big man Geo Chiu stepped up in the absence of Kouame and Agee with 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Hiyuu Ozawa topscored for the Japanese with 17 points built on five long bombs, while John Harper, Ryosuke Saeki, and Ryosei Saito all had 10 markers each.
Already assured of a silver medal, Strong Group takes on Chinese Taipei-White in its penultimate game on Saturday, July 19, before its highly anticipated clash with fellow undefeated Chinese Taipei-Blue the next day.
The team with the best record at the end of the tournament brings home the championship.
Strong Group 92 – McCullough 26, Fenner 17, Heading 11, Ravena 9, Chiu 8, Abarrientos 5, Tiongson 4, Ynot 4, Liwag 4, Ildefonso 2, Manalili 2.
Japan 79 – Ozawa 17, Harper 10, Saeki 10, Sato 10, Kibayashi 9, Hasegawa 5, Kurokawa 3, Buto 3, Watanabe 2, Asai 2, Arai 2.
Quarters: 22-18, 54-36, 70-55, 92-79.
– Rappler.com
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Here’s how Filipinos can achieve ‘Freedom’ to build their future savings | gbarrientos0280 | 19/07/2024 15:41 | In this day and age, the effects of inflation are palpable from month to month. It hits every aspect of our lives, from food costs, to housing, to utilities, down to transport. As these rising costs of living continue to pile up, how are you preparing for the future?
According to the 2024 Manulife Asia Care Survey, 58% of Filipinos surveyed are planning to delay their retirement because of familial financial responsibility. 43% of Filipinos also shared that having passive income after retirement is their top financial goal. All while thinking about their futures, 81% of Filipinos are burdened in the present with worries about inflation.
It’s clear that to navigate an economy like this, it’s wise to start planning for 20 years from now, today. To help reach these goals, Manulife designed an insurance plan built to help protect your health, and provide guarantees that can help you save up for the future.
The Manulife Asia Care Survey revealed that Filipinos’ financial goals are security after retirement, savings for healthcare needs, and freedom from debt. Manulife’s Freedom and Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL)’s Assure Max are built with Filipinos’ stability in mind.
Manulife’s plans are designed to help make your dreams become a reality. Whether it’s helping to sustain your growing family or building financial freedom to pursue your passions, Manulife’s insurance with investment plans can be your long-term partner for financial preparedness.
Manulife’s Freedom lets you build a stable financial investment despite life’s unpredictability. It’s available in two models: a 20-year length or until age 65. It also has flexible payment terms, available in five or 10-year payment plans.
With this plan, there are guarantees. First, it protects you through life insurance coverage during your chosen plan’s length that will provide 200% of your plan’s face amount. Second, it guarantees long-term savings through a lump-sum cash benefit released upon plan maturity, helping secure your life after retirement.
It also provides cash payouts equal to 10% of the face amount given every two years after full payment of the plan. This can help you keep up with the costs of your child’s growth or even go on your dream travels every other year. Alternatively, you can opt to reinvest these payouts for bigger lump-sum benefits at plan maturity.
Want more out of Freedom? You can also boost your plan to secure supplementary benefits for health emergencies, accidental death, or disability.
For China Bank and China Bank Savings customers, Manulife has made it more convenient to enjoy Freedom’s similar features with the MCBL Assure Max plan. It also serves as a reliable savings fund to help you with your expenses, while kick-starting your journey towards a rewarding retirement.
With your goals in mind, do you want to find out where ‘better’ can take you? Visit the Manulife website or the MCBL website, and talk to a financial advisor today. – Rappler.com
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LIST: Flights affected due to global Windows outage | lkyu0285 | 19/07/2024 20:18 | CONGESTION. Queues start to build up at the Davao International Airport in Davao City due to technical issues on July 19, 2024.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – Several local and international flights have already been cancelled due to technical issues that have disrupted the systems of airlines.
As of 8:30 pm on Friday, July 19, Cebu Pacific has cancelled the following flights:
July 19:
July 20:
In a flight advisory at 12:20 pm on Saturday, Cebu Pacific said that flight 5J310 (Manila-Taipei), which was earlier announced as canceled, “will proceed as scheduled” at 10:40 pm on Saturday.
The low-cost carrier said that the flights were cancelled “after experiencing technical issues, reportedly related to technology partners of Navitaire (Microsoft and CrowdStrike) which caused a global system outage.”
AirAsia Philippines also confirmed that its systems were affected, which led to “some operational disruptions related to check-in processes.”
The airline is canceling the following flights on July 20:
United Airlines announced that the following flight is canceled on July 20:
Aside from airlines, the global Windows outage has also disrupted the systems of several local banks. The systems of airlines, banks, and even media companies are going offline around the world due to the issue affecting Microsoft’s Windows operating system. So far, the issue has been traced to CrowdStrike, which has acknowledged the reports of crashes on Windows related to its “Falcon sensor.” – Rappler.com
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LIST: What to expect at OPUS Mall in Quezon City | Steph Arnaldo | 17/07/2024 14:58 | OPUS MALL. The new luxury mall in Bridgetowne, Quezon City has 6 levels.
Steph Arnaldo/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Have you seen that huge, gold mall glimmering along Libis, right by the C5 flyover? Yes, the one with a towering statue of a man fist-pumping the air.
That’s the new OPUS Mall, Robinsons’ latest luxury mall in Bridgetowne, Quezon City.
The six-level luxury shopping center is the latest addition to Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) Residences’ new integrated development, which houses offices and residential condominiums in one sprawling estate.
As of July 17, OPUS Mall is open to the public but is still pretty bare, with only a handful of retail establishments and restaurants open so far (Manam, Marketplace, The Matcha Tokyo, and Cibo Rapido! are on the first floor). OPUS mall is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
The lineup seems promising – several well-known local and foreign brands are set to open across OPUS’ six expansive floors, all within the mall’s grandiose architecture and gold-specked, hotel-like interiors with oak accents.
If you’re planning to stroll around the mall, I suggest bringing a jacket or cardigan. It can get cold.
Here’s what to expect from OPUS Mall in the coming months:
On the first floor, we caught board-ups of Dubai’s Patchi Luxury Chocolates, Tim Ho Wan, and M Bakery, as well as bakery Paul, Il Lupino Wine Bar and Trattoria, and Breakfast at Antonio’s by the entrance.
Other cafes and restaurants include CBTL Kitchen, St. Ali Coffee Melbourne, Hoshino Coffee, Single Origin, and Wildflour. We also saw The Bistro Group’s Tomatito on the first level, TGIFridays, and Red Lotus by Modern Shang.
Soon to open are Jo Malone London, Estée Lauder, Armani Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, MLB, and Signett.
On the second level, there’s Katherine’s Café, Illy, Marugame, LlaoLlao, Sogeum by Soban, Duck and Buvette, Key Coffee, and Inteligentsia Coffee.
Shoppers will be able to browse through Crocs, Sneakers Chief, Toni Pons, Tokyo, OWNDAYS, Editor’s Market, Jins Eyewear, Vision Express, Bait, Mosaic, Masonette, Foot Locker, New Balance, Skechers, Spatio, Converse, Aranaz, and Aivee Clinic and Cafe.
The third floor is set to become a hub for fun and games, featuring Party in the City, Dave & Buster’s by The Bistro Group, Spatio, and Toys R Us. Dining-wise, there’s Shakey’s, Nyx by Vikings, Coco, and Nono’s.
The fourth floor will also cater to tech enthusiasts – in one area there’s True Value, Acer, Japan’s Bandai Namco toy shop, Data Blitz, Open Source, Digiplanet, Samsung, and Robinsons Appliances.
Restaurant TRES Filipino Twists is open. We also saw a huge food hall called Epic Eats opening soon from The Tasteless Group.
The entire fifth level is dedicated to OPUS Mall’s state-of-the-art cinemas; the spaciousness and golden lights add to the VIP movie-going experience. Beside the VIP Lounge are the ticketing booth and the snacks counter.
OPUS Mall carries the country’s first-ever Family Cinema. For P600 per ticket, families can watch movies on cozy and colorful couches amid candy-colored interiors, with famous cartoon characters as statuettes outside the theaters.
OPUS Mall also has a central garden on the fourth floor and daily masses at the Holy Mass Chapel of the Archangels. – Rappler.com
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Left something at NAIA? Don’t lose hope, as this Swedish traveler learned | Mia Gonzalez | 20/07/2024 8:00 | NAIA. Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 line up on June 16, 2023.
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Swedish traveler Jouko Rantaniemi was at the Beijing Airport for a connecting flight to Stockholm on Thursday, July 18, when he realized that he had left his laptop at the final security check at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 (NAIA 1) hours earlier.
Aware of past widely-reported incidents of theft committed by security personnel at the Manila airport, Rantaniemi was resigned that he would have to pay back his company for the office-issued laptop.
“I had already lost it,” he told his Filipina wife, Ruby Gonzalez, who was with him.
Gonzalez, a journalist, told Rappler that she had “50-50 hope” that her husband would get back the gadget. As they prepared to board their flight to Stockholm, the couple reached out to their family in the Philippines to try to contact NAIA authorities, and this was when they found out that NAIA had an official lost and found page on Facebook.
The page, which seeks to help people who left personal items in all terminals of the Manila International Airport Authority, provides contact numbers. One can also send them a message to report the lost item.
Before boarding their flight, Rantaniemi sent a message through the Facebook page to inform NAIA about his laptop, and got a prompt response that listed the details he must provide to aid the search.
Over an hour later, he was informed that an item that fit the description he provided was among those turned over to the NAIA Lost and Found Section. He also received instructions on how to retrieve it through a representative since he was abroad. At the time, however, they were already en route to Stockholm and he only managed to check his messages once they landed.
The NAIA Lost and Found Section Facebook page posts photos of all items turned over to them by airport staff, ranging from small items like earphones and ballpens to luggage. The laptop was among those featured on the page in a post on Thursday, July 18, alongside bags of Duty Free items, AirPods, and mobile phones, among other items.
“It was like winning a small lottery,” Rantaniemi said, when he saw the photo of his laptop on the NAIA Lost and Found page. They were already on the flight to Stockholm when the photo was uploaded.
Getting back a laptop left at an airport may not even be something to write about in most other countries, but not in the Philippines, where security screening officers at NAIA 1 had been caught stealing cash and a watch from tourists in separate incidents the past year. In September 2023, a viral video of NAIA security personnel swallowing three $100 bills that she had stolen from a passenger further highlighted the theft problems at the airport.
While there have been many instances when airport workers turned over far more valuable items – like a bag with $10,000 in cash or a pair of socks stuffed with $18,000 – these acts of honesty often get overshadowed by the appalling schemes of some bad eggs in NAIA.
NAIA has been listed as among Asia’s worst and “most stressful” airports – an “improvement,” considering that it was deemed the world’s worst airport in 2013. In September, the consortium led by Ramon Ang’s San Miguel Corporation will take over as the new NAIA operator, raising hopes about a new and improved international gateway. (READ: Ramon Ang wants an even bigger NAIA terminal than promised. Can he deliver?) – Mia M. Gonzalez/Rappler.com
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Why Manila ended up 5th riskiest city for tourists out of 60 int’l cities | gdecastro0289 | 18/07/2024 14:21 | David Castuciano/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Why did Manila end up as the 5th riskiest city for tourists out of 60 international cities based on a study by media company Forbes Advisor?
That’s because of seven indicators that the Philippine government prefers to downplay when it markets the country’s capital and the whole country abroad and reports on the state of the nation.
Manila was in the company of Caracas, Venezuela (1st); Karachi, Pakistan (2nd); Yangon, Myanmar (3rd); Lagos, Nigera (4th) as the riskiest cities.
The top 10 least risky cities, according to Forbes Advisor:
Forbes Advisor used seven metrics in its study and gave a weight or importance to each category. It also cited the bases for the scores. These are:
Forbes Advisor said each metric was "measured on a scale of 1 to 60, with 1 representing the worst performance in that metric."
How did Manila fare based on these metrics? It was 9th riskiest in terms of crime; 5th riskiest in terms of personal security; 7th riskiest in terms of health security; 9th riskiest in terms of infrastructure security; and 12th riskiest in terms of digital security.
If you watch Philippine news daily, you'll find that GMA's 24 Oras, ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, and TV5's Frontline Pilipinas often have reports on these issues on a daily basis, especially on crime and personal security, and recently even digital security.
Did Forbes Advisor have good bases for its study? Here's a look at the sources it cited.
For travel safety, it used the US Department of State's reports on travel advisories.
The US government issues regular travel advisories which, it says, "represent our commitment to protect US citizens abroad."
It says these travel advisories are intended to help travelers "make informed decisions when deciding to take a trip abroad." It also says its analysis is "undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations."
The US State Department has four levels for each country, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, likelihood of a natural disaster, and current events."
The US travel advisory has four levels:
"We review Travel Advisories on a regular basis. At a minimum, we review Level 1 and 2 Travel Advisories every 12 months. We review Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories at least every six months. A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in U.S. government posture, normally as it relates to ongoing security concerns," the US State Department says on its website.
What risk indictators do the US government use when advising its citizens about their travel plans?
Forbes Advisor also used Numbeo for assessing crime risk.
According to Numbeo, it is the "world's largest database of user-contributed data" about cities and countries. It claims to provide "current and timely information" on cost of living, housing indicators, health care, traffic, crime and pollution.
"Numbeo uses the wisdom of the crowd to obtain the most reliable information possible," its site says. Its crime and safety is based on 12 categories:
"…Numbeo gathers valuable data to provide users with an in-depth understanding of crime and safety conditions in different cities. By comparing and analyzing this information, individuals can make more informed decisions regarding their personal safety and the safety of their communities," the site says.
This is how Manila fares in terms of crime, based on Numbeo's methodology. There were 419 contributors and its last update was in June 2024. Numbeo says its data are "based on perceptions of visitors" in the past five years.
Comments on the crime page are mixed. One netizen said on June 2, 2023 that he's "always wary" that something could happen, noting that "Manila is a hotspot for crime than other provinces since the city is overpopulated."
A netizen, "Anon," said on March 12, 2021: "I will admit Manila has improved under the administration of Duterte and Mayor Isko Moreno when it comes to cleaning the streets to look nice. But the crime and corruption has not changed, it’s the same as it was since 2016 the only thing that’s worse is police are becoming more trigger happy and abusive, sort of reverting back to the Marcos era."
The Economist 2021 report that Forbes Advisor cited is based on the publication's Safe Cities Index 2021, which covered 60 major urban areas.
Safe Cities index was launched in 2015. It had 44 indicators covering 50 cities, updated every two years.
It used 76 indicators such as digital, health, infrastructure, personal and environmental security. These findings, the report says, were "supplemented with wide-ranging research and in-depth interviews with experts in the field."
Based on The Economist's study, Manila had an overall score of 525. It was also close to the bottom of the list, placing 51st out of 60 cities. Yangon was at the bottom while Copenhagen was at the top.
And lastly, for natural disaster risk, Forbes Advisor used the World Risk Report 2023 produced by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at Ruhr University Bochum, a public institute in Germany.
The report essentially assessed the risks from natural disasters and how these impact people in 193 countries. The Philippines had the highest disaster risk in 2023, followed by Indonesia and India.
The index is based on exposure, vulnerability, susceptibility, lack of coping capacities, and lack of adaptive capacities, with the Philippines scoring poorly on all. – Rappler.com
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FAST FACTS: What’s the North-South Commuter Railway? | lkyu0285 | 18/07/2024 20:15 | TUNNEL. An aerial shot of the tunnel leading up to the Clark International Airport as of January 2023.
Department of Transportation
MANILA, Philippines – Construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is proceeding full speed ahead, with the goal of finally completing a railway that stretches from New Clark City in Tarlac to Calamba City, Laguna.
The mega railway project is being built in three phases, with partial operations expected as early as 2027 and full completion by 2029.
All in all, the NSCR will cost around P870 billion, which will be funded through loan agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Here’s what you need to know about the longest railway line in the country:
Stretching from Metro Manila to Bulacan, the Malolos-Tutuban portion has stations in the City of Manila, Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Meycuayan City, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos City. Here are the 10 stations being constructed:
This segment of the NSCR started construction the earliest and has the most progress. The Balagtas Station, for instance, is 95% complete as of July 18, 2024.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also making the NSCR more accessible for persons with disabilities by adding elevators and escalators to the stations.
The train stations will also feature a polytetrafluoroethylene-coated glass fiber roofing membrane, which is supposed to keep the areas cooler and lessen maintenance costs. The translucent roof also lets in natural light rather than relying on electrical lights during the daytime.
Once completed, commuters from Tutuban can reach Malolos in approximately 35 minutes, down from 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The first P55.2-billion civil works contract package, held by the joint venture of Taisei and DMCI, is nearing the halfway completion point at 43.34% as of May 2024. This contract package covers the stations from Tutuban to Bocaue.
Meanwhile, the second P26.5-billion civil works contract package, awarded to Sumitomo-Mitsui Construction, is almost complete at 88.94% as of May 2024. This covers the construction of the Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos stations.
Hitachi Rail has completed 8.15% of its P45.9-billion electromechanical systems and track works contract.
The trains for this segment of the NSCR will be provided by the joint venture of J-TREC and Sumitomo Corporation under a P12-billion contract package. This route will be serviced by 13 train sets with 8 cars each, with an expected ridership of 300,000 passengers per day.
Each 8-car train set has a maximum operating and design speed of 120 kilometers per hour. It has space for 384 seated passengers and 1,904 standing passengers. The train is also equipped with two air-conditioning units and four CCTV units per car.
The second phase covers a 51.2-kilometer portion of the railway that links New Clark City and the Clark International Airport to Malolos City, Bulacan. It covers the following eight stations:
Partial operations of the NSCR from the Clark International Airport to West Valenzuela Station could start as soon as December 2027, with the “worst-case scenario” being the first quarter of 2028, according to Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino.
This portion of the NSCR will also have the first-ever “airport express train” that will connect Metro Manila to the Clark International Airport. A portion of the double cell box tunnel leading up to the airport has already been installed using the cut-and-cover method.
The DOTr said that once the airport express train is operational, passengers can get from Makati City to Clark in just one hour.
All five contract packages for this segment have already been awarded. This segment is being co-financed by JICA and the ADB.
The last phase of the NSCR expected to be completed is the 55-kilometer South Commuter Railway, which runs from Manila to Laguna. It has the following stations:
Like other parts of the NSCR, the South Commuter Railway will be built along the alignment of the old Philippine National Railways (PNR), which used to serve many of the stations listed above.
The PNR stopped operations last March 28 to allow for faster construction of the NSCR. According to the DOTr, halting the PNR will speed up the new mega railway’s construction by eight months, saving P15.18 billion in costs.
On July 13, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also witnessed the signing of three contract packages for the South Commuter Railway, which covers 14.9 kilometers of at-grade and railway viaduct structures.
On June 13, 2024, the DOTr also broke ground for the Banlic depot in Laguna, which serves the railway’s southern leg. The P16.9-billion project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said right-of-way issues could delay the NSCR project.
“This is one of the major problems. For us to be able to implement the project, we have to relocate informal settler families. There are almost 15,000 to 20,000 in the Pampanga and Bulacan areas, another 15,000 in Laguna and Cavite,” Bautista said during a July 8 meeting of the Monday Circle Financial Forum.
To address the problem, Bautista is tapping the interagency task force created by Marcos, which includes the DOTr, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. The task force handles right-of-way issues that affect the DOTr’s projects.
“The major issue is, of course, payment. Second is agreement by the owners on valuation,” Bautista said.
If the DOTr and the owners cannot agree on the valuation, then the government resorts to expropriation, which Bautista said is “costly and time-consuming.”
This is partly because of the bureaucracy around such issues. The only government agency that can handle expropriation cases is the Office of the Solicitor General. Bautista said there was only “a very limited number of lawyers assigned” to them, which means that obtaining a decision or even a schedule for a hearing can take much longer.
Fortunately, a bureaucratic problem can be met with a bureaucratic solution. The transportation secretary said the Supreme Court approved a recommendation to set up special courts for expropriation hearings to help speed up the process.
“There will be special courts in different regions, and this will help us solve the problem. So with that, we are very optimistic that we will still be able to finish the project by 2029,” Bautista said. – Rappler.com
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IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2024 candidates radiate in evening gown segment | Steph Arnaldo | 20/07/2024 1:04 | MANILA, Philippines – The top 20 candidates of Miss World Philippines 2024 dazzled audiences on stage as they donned their most glamorous evening gowns during the pageant’s coronation night on Friday, July 19 at Mall of Asia Arena.
Each candidate wore gowns by their chosen designers. Baguio City’s Krishnah Marie Gravidez won Best in Evening Gown.
See the candidates in their evening gowns here:
All screenshots are from Cignal.
– Rappler.com
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TRANSCRIPT: Miss World Philippines 2024 Top 10 Question and Answer segment | Steph Arnaldo | 20/07/2024 1:46 | MANILA, Philippines – The top 10 candidates of Miss World Philippines 2024 shared their thoughts in the final question and answer portion of the pageant’s coronation night, Friday, July 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Each candidate received a different question from each of the judges. Here’s what they had to say:
What would be your definition of kindness?
Kindness for me is having a heart to help without expecting for anything in return. Kindness is something that comes from you naturally. It is something that you give without stopping, and it’s something that you give from your deepest part of your soul. And I think kindness is what we need to attain peace in this world.
Where do you get your strength from?
I get my strength from my family. I grew up with an amazing family. They’re here today on both sides of the arena, and they taught me a lot about kindness and growing up helping out in my community, and that’s what I did at Cribs Foundation teaching girls music. And that’s what I want to preach to others, that you can spread kindness and you don’t have to have a loving family, you don’t have to grow up well and privileged to spread kindness to the world, and if we’re able to keep that motto within us, we will have a better world.
Do you think global warming poses a real threat to mankind and the planet earth? Why or why not?
Definitely. I think global warming does harm to us humans, and if we do not take action as early as today, then we might live in a world that is full of harm to our children, to the future generations, so I think it’s really important that we take action today.
If you were asked to come up with your own slogan to promote the Philippines, what would it be and why?
If I would come up with a slogan for the Philippines, it would have to be, still, “Choose the Philippines.” I would give you many reasons why we Filipinos always come out on top in a community, in a setting, in an international world, and the reason why is because we’re always so happy to each other. We’re very related to a lot of people from our experiences, and we drew that strength from within because we know we are the second happiest country in the world.
Do you want to be different, or do you want to belong? Please explain.
As someone who experienced being neglected and disbarred, I want to experience the sense of belonging and that’s my beauty with a purpose: empowering the indigenous people. So, I want to champion the sense of belongingness. Indeed, no one deserves to be left behind and being neglected.
What’s more important to you, a successful career or a happy family?
Thank you for the question. I would like to think that charity and love is fostered in the family. I believe no one will be successful in their careers without a good family. I would always choose a happy and loving family because when I have my family, I know I will go places.
If you were given the chance to be the President of the country for one week, name three things that you would want to accomplish within that time.
Three things I want to accomplish. Definitely, one: going back to my advocacy, which is inclusive education for those with disabilities. Two, I would build more opportunities for women and those who feel marginalized based on their identity. And three, I would also give back to the underdeveloped communities in the Philippines so we can build more schools in that area.
Should pageant queens take an active stance in political affairs? Why or why not?
In terms of political stance, beauty queens are given large platforms to express their opinions, to express their thoughts on what would be better for the country. So, in terms of politics, I say we should use the platforms we are given to make a voice, to make a change for the country we oh so love.
Should inclusivity be a top priority among pageants? Yes or no? Explain your answer.
Pageantry is a platform where we express ourselves as women and men. I feel like this is a platform to promote our advocacies, the cause we are fighting for, and the things that we love. I think that in a world [that’s] evolving, we as humans, we should evolve too.
What would you tell a young girl who is suffering from low self-esteem?
I would tell her to be kind to herself. I was once a girl with low self-esteem. I had no confidence. I was struggling with my mental health. Every day living was hard. But I told myself that I could do better. That I deserve better. That I know I am capable of so much more, and that I am enough. And since then, I was able to build myself up. And because of that, I found my purpose, which is the provision of clean water to communities, and inspiring people to reach their dreams. – Rappler.com
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IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2024 swimsuit segment | jreyes0314 | 20/07/2024 0:35 | Cignal
MANILA, Philippines – The Top 20 candidates of Miss World Philippines 2024 showed off their curves and toned physiques during the swimsuit segment of the pageant’s coronation night on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The candidates strutted down the runway in Bench swimsuits. Baguio City’s Krishnah Gravidez was named Best in Swimsuit.
All screenshots are from Cignal.
See the candidates in their swimwear here:
– Rappler.com
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Baguio’s Krishnah Marie Gravidez is Miss World Philippines 2024 | Ysa Abad | 20/07/2024 2:15 | QUEEN. Baguio's Krishnah Gravidez wins Miss World Philippines 2024.
Miss World Philippines's Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Krishnah Marie Gravidez of Baguio was crowned Miss World Philippines 2024 during the live coronation night held in the Mall of Asia Arena, which began on Sunday evening, July 19 and ended up running until the early hours of Monday, July 20.
Gravidez bested 32 other candidates in the competition to succeed Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol.
Prior to joining Miss World Philippines 2024, Gravidez was named Miss Charm Philippines 2023 in May 2023 after finishing in the Top 5 of the Miss Universe Philippines 2023. She relinquished her Miss Charm Philippines title in June 2024.
During the coronation night, Gravidez also took home the Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, and Miss Photogenic special awards.
Aside from Gravidez, four other women were also crowned. The winners of the other titles are:
They will go on to represent the Philippines in their respective international competitions abroad.
Meanwhile, runners-up for the Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant include Tarlac’s Jasmine Omay as 1st princess and Pampanga’s Sophia Bianca Santos as 2nd princess.
Initially, the organization unveiled a total of 35 candidates for its 2024 pageant. However, two delegates – Laguna’s Tanya Granados and Taguig’s Paola Bagaforo – withdrew from the competition. – Rappler.com
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From Sulu to Burgos, the Marines’ Fourth Brigade comes home | Bea Cupin | 19/07/2024 20:45 | MARINE DRILLS. Personnel of the 4th Marine Brigade execute a live fire exercise with their American counterparts as observers in mid-June 2024.
Bea Cupin/Rappler
ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – For most military officers, homecomings happen after decades of service, when they’re finally ready or required to don their rank one last time.
But for Brigadier General Vicente Blanco III, commander of the 4th Marine Brigade, the homecoming came early and twice over. Just as he earned his first star in late 2021, Blanco prepared for a major task, moving the brigade from the country’s southernmost to its northernmost frontier.
“This should have happened a long time ago, after the World War. You should have seen your Marines, your Army forces, here in this part of the region,” Blanco told reporters in mid-June, as the 4th Marine Brigade wrapped up a live fire exercise in its headquarters in Camp Cape Bojeadorm, Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
The Marines have slowly but surely made their home in the sleepy town of Burgos.
Blanco, a native of Ilocos Norte, has been in charge of transforming the area.
After over six years in Sulu, the brigade arrived in Burgos in late 2022. Back then, there was nothing much but an irregular oval lined with stones, and a vast span of land that was used sporadically as temporary encampments of the different services in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Today, the 4th Marine Brigade is a hub of activity.
The first thing that catches your eye, after entering its threshold, is a display of long-decommissioned and retired AFP assets – howitzers from World War II, the Air Force’s once-majestic F-5s, military trucks made in the Philippines, and even old V150s similar to the ones Blanco used in his younger years as a Marine.
Beside the tourist-friendly military park is an obstacle course constructed during Balikatan 2023 – a joint effort of the Philippine and US Marines. Left of the park is a multipurpose hall, the Marines’ barracks, and a small driving range.
The rock-lined oval is much-improved: it’s now regularly shaped, and its perimeter paved with concrete. Two concrete bleachers flank the oval from the left – funded by nearby local government units. Two more were being constructed when Rappler was in the camp, this time funded by Ilocos-based business.
Most of the structures have been built through the support of the President’s son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander Araneta Marcos III.
It hasn’t been a bad two years at all for Blanco and his men – in their (and his) grand homecoming. But putting together a military park that brings in tourists obviously isn’t the main goal of this Marine Brigade.
What comes with moving from Luuk Town in Sulu to Burgos in Ilocos Norte is the relearning of “old” tricks.
“Territorial defense is supposedly our number one task. It so happened that for the past many decades, your Marines have been in the south, [focusing on] counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism. It’s like nakalimutan na namin ‘yung number one task namin (It’s like we forgot our number one task), which is territorial defense operations,” explained Blanco.
For years, most of the AFP Marines, especially, had been deployed to provinces where the Philippines battled Asia’s longest communist insurgency and terror threats in parts of Mindanao.
“As of now, hindi na kami kailangan doon ngayon (we’re no longer needed there) for counter-terrorism purposes. So we were deployed here for that purpose—to establish a credible territorial defense,” he added.
The 4th Marine Brigade, after all, was born in Sulu. In 2019, it was activated following the deactivation of the Philippine Marine Corps Ready Force-Sulu. A year later, in December 2020, the 4th Marine Brigade went from a provisional to a regular brigade of the Marine Corps.
From September to November 2022, the entire brigade finally moved into its new home in Ilocos Norte.
Blanco will readily admit that this has not been easy—for reasons opposite their American counterparts’ transition from wars in the Middle East to littoral warfare.
The move from Luuk to Burgos means they now have an even more vast area to worry about.
“When you talk of Sulu, when you talk of Mindanao, these are small unit operations, counter-terrorism. But when we talk of territorial defense operations, you transition into a sort of a conventional warfare wherein you talk of larger formations. So, it was not really easy for us to transition,” he said.
All is calm in the northern front, for now, at least. Blanco, as all other residents of Ilocos Norte, or Apayao, or Cagayan, or Batanes, hope it’ll stay calm forever.
But the tall and tanned Marine general said they’re ready for what may come.
“We are always prepared. Our battle cry is ‘the most ready force.’ We look at ourselves as the contingency and the national government look at us also as the most preferred [unit] to be used or to be utilized for such contingency,” he added.
As the sun sets and the temperature finally cools over Camp Cape Bojeador, a new wave of tourists arrives to explore and take photos of the military park. A day after the drills with the US Marines as observers, the camp hosted a static display of both Marine Corps’ assets—from their firearms to the different vehicles the Marines use to bring troops around.
Blanco set up a similar park in Sulu. The goal is the same—to bring the community closer to the Marines and the AFP.
“It’s their first time to see a large formation of military troops. Welcoming naman ‘yung mga taga-Ilocos (Those from Ilocos are welcoming), but to have a more appreciative view of the military, it’s not there. But their heroes are there. Many from Northern Luzon sacrificed their lives. So we endeavor to bring that education here in the military park,” he explained.
Taiwan as a flashpoint for tensions in the region occupies Blanco’s mind. From Cape Bojeador, Taiwan’s southernmost point, Cape Eluanbi, is less than 400 kilometers away. In contrast, the 4th Marine Brigade is almost 450 kilometers away from the Marine Corps headquarters in Taguig City.
“The tension in Taiwan is… we are also concerned as your Armed Forces. We are preparing for any eventualities that may arise. You can say it—it’s [because of] the distance. Malapit lang ‘yung Taiwan (Taiwan is so near). And we need to prepare for it, not necessarily to join the fight,” he explained.
Blanco explained that being prepared for conflict in areas north of the Philippines also means preparing for humanitarian action.
“When you see us carrying equipment, loading equipment in our trucks, in our helicopters, doing the amphibious landing, this can be a transition for other operations also. And as far as we are concerned, the tension in Taiwan, if that happens, we will be more concerned about how to assist the Filipinos in Taiwan,” he said.
But as easily as he talks about Taiwan, Blanco is also quick to put China out of the equation, especially when he’s asked about the bilateral drills with their American counterparts. He said these drills are “part and parcel” of any military’s development, on top of acting as a detterence to would-be trouble seekers.
“We are not even thinking of China whenever we do exercises or training,” he said.
It’s not just the Filipinos who are going through a reeducation.
Rommel Ong, a retired Navy rear admiral, told Rappler in a March 2024 interview that the Indo-Pacific Command, the US unified command that covers most of Asia, including the waters surrounding the Philippines, is “testing” its littoral warfare capabilities.
“They have redesigned the Marine Corps, from a conventional force to a literal force,” he said.
Ong explained that for the Americans, this means ditching the conventional “heavy formation” to a more mobile and agile infantry that can be deployed to, say, islands to defend sea lanes.
It’s a convergence of relearning that makes drills especially important for both sides of the decades-old Philippine-US treaty alliance.
“Bumabalik sila doon sa…core nila, operating in islands. Bumabalik sila doon,” Ong added. (They are returning to their core, operating in islands. That’s what they are returning to.)
The 4th Marine Brigades’ transfer comes as the AFP pivots to external defense—a shift that was articulated in the Marcos administration’s National Security Plan and which will be fleshed out through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, a sweeping plan that ought to lay out how the country can defend and secure all its maritime zones.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., an Ilokano just like Blanco, has said that should conflict break out in Taiwan, it would be “very hard to imagine a scenario where the Philippines will not somehow get involved.”
In Singapore, when a Chinese general implied that Philippine actions in the South China Sea are putting regional peace at risk by bringing in other countries into the mix, Marcos posited that there’s “no such thing as a regional issue any longer.” The Philippines has been upping defense ties not only with the US, but with countries like Japan and Australia, too, among others.
Marcos was specifically alluding to the West Philippine Sea, where Philippine-China tensions have been rising steadily over Beijing’s sweeping claim of those waters. But he could as well have been talking about other flashpoints in the region, Taiwan included.
Marines—although from a different unit—are also in the forefront of tensions in the West Philippine Sea, under the Western Command. It’s Marines under WESCOM who man the BRP Sierra Madre, a flashpoint for tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Inside the multipurpose hall, one of the more prominent buildings inside the camp, is a sparse stage lined with green carpet and a podium bearing the Marine Corps insignia.
It’s backdropped by a map of the area under the Northern Luzon Command’s responsibility.
A straight line—the 18th parallel—cuts across Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Cagayan “…that none shall cross the 18th parallel unscathed,” reads a quote, in all caps, across the map.
NOLCOM, which the 4th Marine Brigade is now under, covers a large area of the country—the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon. Key features in the West Philippine Sea—Scarborough Shoal and the Philippine Rise—are also under its charge.
Blanco has often visited the province of Batanes, the northernmost of all northernmost provinces in the Philippines facing the Taiwan Strait.
“We were supposed to be here since yesterday. Pero ngayon lang na-implement ‘to (But it was only implemented now). And in doing so, we need to, again, babalikan namin ‘yung (we are returning to) different doctrines, a different way of doing things,” he said.
At a time when shifts in geopolitics happen faster and faster, the 4th Marine Brigade’s re-education, to borrow Blanco’s words, needed to happen yesterday.
The contingency force is here to stay, as Blanco touches base with his roots and as he establishes the 4th Marine Brigade’s new Ilokano roots in Burgos. Two years in, even as the realities of a new role sink in, it’s not so bad of a homecoming after all. – Rappler.com
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Court of Appeals convicts mastermind in killing of Korean Jee Ick Joo | Jairo Bolledo | 19/07/2024 19:47 | SLAIN. File photo of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo.
Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has convicted a cop over the killing of Korean Jee Ick Joo at the height of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war in 2017.
The country’s appellate court reversed the acquittal of Police Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Dumlao III, the mastermind behind the Korean’s killing, the Supreme Court (SC) said on Friday, July 19. The SC said the CA’s 13th Division granted the petition for certiorari filed by prosecutors, which sought to nullify the decision of Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 60 that acquitted the cop.
Dumlao was sanctioned with the following:
Along with Dumlao, other suspects – Police Chief Master Sergeant Ricky Sta. Isabel and Police Executive Master Sergeant Roy Villegas, former National Bureau of Investigation agent Jerry Omlang, and Gerardo Santiago – were earlier charged for Jee’s kidnapping and killing. The Korean was killed inside Camp Crame, the Philippine National Police’s national headquarters, and was later cremated.
In June 2023, the local court convicted Sta. Isabel and Omlang for homicide and kidnapping. They were also convicted of carnapping, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention of Jee’s helper. However, the same court acquitted Dumlao after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The CA, in its decision, said it found that the local court gravely abused its discretion by “misapprehension of facts” when it rendered its decision on the case. The CA said the proceedings were “a sham and an apparent mockery of the judicial process” because the cop’s acquittal was a “foregone conclusion and in total disregard of the evidence.”
The CA added that the local court’s decision was in contrast to the witnesses’ testimony. The appellate court added that the RTC decision rendered the prosecution’s evidence “inutile” and blatantly abused its discretion “to a point so grave as to deprive it of its very power to dispense justice.”
“The Court of Appeals found the RTC’s ruling patently conflicting and irreconcilable with the facts it discussed in its Joint Decision. It erred in brushing aside the circumstantial evidence by the prosecution, which is sufficient by itself to support a judgment of conviction and could have galvanized Dumlao’s culpability,” the CA said.
Jee was strangled to death allegedly by the police assigned to the then-Anti-Illegal Drugs Group. His death became one of the biggest controversies the police faced since the launch of Duterte’s bloody drug war because the Korean died at the hands of cops. The Philippine National Police chief at the time was now-Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
According to the police, the South Korean businessman was killed to “silence” him about the alleged police extortion of Koreans in Angeles City. Jee’s death triggered the first suspension of the war on drugs back in early 2017.
After the Pampanga court absolved Dumlao, the prosecutors asked the court to reconsider its decision and convict the mastermind as well. However, the RTC denied the motion, prompting the prosecutors to file the certiorari petition with the CA.
As a legal remedy, certiorari is used to review grave abuse of discretion or simply to seek a review of another body’s decision on a case. Acquittal in a case is final and cannot be appealed because it would result in double jeopardy, a constitutional rule that prevents a person from being under jeopardy of being punished twice for the same offense.
What the prosecutors did was to take the much harder path, which was to prove, through a certiorari petition, that the lower court erred in its ruling. The SC said this is among the exceptions that can be used to challenge an acquittal without violating the Constitution.
“This is strictly limited to instances where there is a violation of the prosecution’s right to due process, such as being denied the opportunity to present evidence, when the trial is a sham, or when there is a mistrial that renders the judgment of acquittal void,” the High Court explained.
Meanwhile, the conviction of Sta. Isabel and Omlang still stands because the certiorari petition only covered Dumlao, SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting confirmed to reporters. – Rappler.com
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Philippine companies affected by global Windows outage | lkyu0285 | 19/07/2024 16:44 | CONGESTION. Queues start to build up at the Davao International Airport in Davao City due to technical issues on July 19, 2024.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – Several local airlines and banks are all experiencing technical issues that have led to the cancellation of flights and rendered some banking services offline.
Cebu Pacific said its systems were down due to a technical issue related to technology provider CrowdStrike. (EXPLAINER: What caused the global cyber outage?)
“The technical issue requires us to handle affected processes manually, potentially causing delays. We are working closely with our teams to mitigate disruptions to our operations and will provide regular updates as the situation progresses,” the Gokongwei-led airline said in a 3 pm advisory on Friday, July 19.
As of Friday evening, Cebu Pacific has canceled more than 20 local and international flights. (LIST: Flights affected due to global Windows outage)
AirAsia Philippines also confirmed that its systems were affected.
“A global outage affecting Microsoft services has been confirmed by our partner, Navitaire. This outage is causing unexpected rebooting of machines, leading to some operational disruptions related to check-in processes and navigating the AirAsia MOVE app,” AirAsia head of communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan said.
Philippine Airlines told Rappler that it is “not affected by the system outage situation.”
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) confirmed that the operations of two local airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were affected by the CrowdStrike issue.
As of 4 pm, no international carriers at NAIA were affected. MIAA has mobilized additional manpower to manage longer queues at check-in counters.
“A global cyber disruption is currently impacting critical services, including flights, banking, and company operations in various countries such as Singapore, the United States, and Australia. This disruption, linked to Microsoft’s Windows, appears to be related to an issue with cybersecurity software from CrowdStrike,” MIAA said in a statement, adding that there were widespread instances of the “blue screen of death” or BSOD hitting Windows operating systems.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also said it is “currently preparing for the increase in passengers waiting at airports due to a system issue affecting airline operations.”
“There is already congestion at Davao International Airport Passenger Terminal Building caused by the system issue in Cebu Pacific, leading to delays and two flight cancellations,” CAAP said in a statement.
So far, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) have all confirmed that they are experiencing some issues due to the global outage.
BDO advised its clients that they may experience “extended wait times at our branches and contact center, and delays in or unavailability of some functions in our digital channels.”
As of 8:24 pm, BDO reported that its digital channels have been successfully restored.
In an advisory, BPI said the issue “impacted certain operations in the bank which may cause longer wait times in our branches and contact center.” Customers of the Ayala-led bank may also experience delays in the crediting of financial transactions, such as bills payment and interbank fund transfers. The bank’s branches, ATMs, cash accept machines (CAMs), and online and mobile banking services remain available.
Metrobank said customers may experience “a slowdown or temporary unavailability of some bank products and services through our online channels.” Bank ATMs and CAMs remain available.
UnionBank said its customer service hotline and “some branch services and online credit card transactions are temporarily unavailable.” The bank’s app, website, and ATMs remain available.
Both Landbank and RCBC acknowledged a system outage, but have since announced that all their online banking services are back.
Security Bank, Maya, and GoTyme have confirmed to Rappler that they were not affected by the outage.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued a statement, saying that it was “closely monitoring the global Microsoft and CrowdStrike outage.”
“Some BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) have experienced disruptions but are addressing the issue, while some already restored affected systems. The BSP has required affected BSFIs to provide updates and activate their resilience and continuity plans as needed,” the central bank said on Friday night.
The BSP Peso Real Time Gross Settlement System, or PhilPassPlus, was unaffected. All PESONet, InstaPay, ATM, and check settlements for the day were successfully completed.
Meanwhile, the country’s two largest telecommunications companies have both confirmed that their services remain online. Globe said that its core services, which includes call, text, and data connectivity, were unaffected.
“The issue was isolated to a few Windows-based workstations that our employees use for work for the most part, and some servers that do not materially affect our core services,” Globe chief information security officer Anton Bonifacio said in a statement on Friday.
In a statement sent to Rappler, PLDT and Smart both confirmed that they were not affected, saying that the “PLDT Group does not use any software from CrowdStrike in its ecosystem, thus our operations remain unaffected by the current outage.”
DITO was unaffected by the Windows outage, DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago confirmed to Rappler.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also said that it was “vigilantly monitoring the ongoing software outage allegedly caused by a faulty update of a cybersecurity provider.” The DICT also said that it does not use the same cybersecurity service provider – which it did not name in its statement – and that none of its systems or assets were affected.
The systems of airlines, banks, and even media companies are going offline around the world due to the issue affecting Microsoft’s Windows operating system. So far, the issue has been traced to CrowdStrike, which has acknowledged the reports of crashes on Windows related to its “Falcon sensor.” – Rappler.com
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Bohol vice governor dies at 52 | jsitchon0312 | 19/07/2024 15:50 | PASSING. Bohol Vice Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite passed away at the age of 52.
Provincial Government of Bohol
CEBU, Philippines – Bohol Vice Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite passed away on Wednesday, July 17 at the age of 52.
The official Facebook page of the Bohol provincial government confirmed his passing on Thursday.
“Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy go out to the Balite family during this difficult time. The province has lost a compassionate leader and a true advocate for the people,” the local government unit said.
Balite was the youngest of six children of former Bohol vice governor Dionisio Dajalos Balite and the late Dr. Lilia Balite.
Before entering politics, the late vice governor served as a high school principal of the BIT International College, formerly the Bohol Institute of Technology (BIT), from 1993 to 1995. He also served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at BIT International College.
Balite first won as a Bohol provincial board member in 2016, reelected three years later and served until 2022. During his first term as board member, he was chairman of the Committee of Social Services and became a senior board member in his second term.
In the 2022 elections, Balite won as vice governor of Bohol. He was also elected as president of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines in Central Visayas.
Balite assumed the role of acting governor after Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado and 68 other officials were placed under preventive suspension in May over the construction and operation of the controversial Captain’s Peak Resort in Bohol’s famous natural monument Chocolate Hills.
“Vice Governor, sa kanunay, ang imong ngalan ug mga handumanan, magpabilin sa among panumduman, bisan pa man sa imong pagbiya (forever, your name and memories, remain in our memory, even after your departure),” Aumentado said in a social media post on Thursday.
Balite’s wake is at the BIT International College Dao Chapel until July 30. The tentative date for his funeral is on July 31 at the Victoria Memorial Park.
Rappler reached out to one of Balite’s children to ask about the vice governor’s cause of death but was informed that the family did not wish to disclose any information on the matter. – Rappler.com
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Baguio’s Krishnah Marie Gravidez is Miss World Philippines 2024 | Ysa Abad | 20/07/2024 2:15 | QUEEN. Baguio's Krishnah Gravidez wins Miss World Philippines 2024.
Miss World Philippines's Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Krishnah Marie Gravidez of Baguio was crowned Miss World Philippines 2024 during the live coronation night held in the Mall of Asia Arena, which began on Sunday evening, July 19 and ended up running until the early hours of Monday, July 20.
Gravidez bested 32 other candidates in the competition to succeed Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol.
Prior to joining Miss World Philippines 2024, Gravidez was named Miss Charm Philippines 2023 in May 2023 after finishing in the Top 5 of the Miss Universe Philippines 2023. She relinquished her Miss Charm Philippines title in June 2024.
During the coronation night, Gravidez also took home the Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimsuit, and Miss Photogenic special awards.
Aside from Gravidez, four other women were also crowned. The winners of the other titles are:
They will go on to represent the Philippines in their respective international competitions abroad.
Meanwhile, runners-up for the Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant include Tarlac’s Jasmine Omay as 1st princess and Pampanga’s Sophia Bianca Santos as 2nd princess.
Initially, the organization unveiled a total of 35 candidates for its 2024 pageant. However, two delegates – Laguna’s Tanya Granados and Taguig’s Paola Bagaforo – withdrew from the competition. – Rappler.com
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Comelec probes ‘unusual’ voter surge in Cagayan de Oro’s largest barangay | Herbie G | 19/07/2024 15:08 | To encourage more students to register and vote in the upcoming election, the Commission on Elections, led by Chairman George Garcia, holds the special 'Register Anywhere' program at the National University in Manila, on March 5, 2024.
Rappler
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started investigating over 4,000 people who sought to become new voters in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro over allegations that they are non-residents of the city’s largest barangay in terms of population and votes.
Renato Magbutay, Comelec-Northern Mindanao director, confirmed that the poll body noted an unusual surge in the number of people who applied as voters in Carmen, a vote-rich barangay with a history of making or breaking election campaigns in Cagayan de Oro.
Magbutay told Rappler on Friday, July 19, that complaints had been filed with the Comelec, leading the commission to start sending notices to over 4,000 people who sought to be registered.
With less than three months remaining before the September 30 voter registration deadline, the Comelec has stepped up the nationwide campaign to boost voter registration for the 2025 elections given the low registration turnout during the last barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
Magbutay, however, said that while a 5% increase in the number of voters was expected across the board, the surge in the number of applicants in Carmen was unusual.
There could be more than 4,000, and Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Lordan Suan has sounded the alarm over what he called a “ridiculous” increase in the number of voters seeking to be registered in Carmen.
Suan said he and his group counted more than 15,000 people who asked to register as new Carmen voters within a six-month period.
He said the first batch, about 6,500 people, tried to register as new voters in the barangay in February, followed by another 8,700 this month.
“Increases in the number of voters are expected, but this kind of surge is simply ridiculous,” Suan told Rappler.
He said many of Carmen’s potentially new voters were reported to be non-residents of the barangay and were apparently from Cagayan de Oro’s 2nd District.
Suan said Cagayan de Oro has experienced a construction boom, with new subdivisions mushrooming throughout the city, “but not in Carmen.”
“So where did they come from? This is systematic and massive,” he said.
Suan said he would bring the concern to the attention of the House of Representatives and call for a legislative inquiry.
Magbutay said the local Comelec office would need 12 more days from Friday to go over the disputed applications.
“Notices are being sent so they could explain why they are transferring as voters of Carmen before the election registration board,” he said.
If they don’t show up, Magbutay said, their applications would be rejected.
Carmen accounts for about 10.6% of Cagayan de Oro’s population, with 77,756 residents, based on the 2020 census. The barangay is part of the city’s 1st District, which had a voting population of 177,163 at that time, 17,967 fewer than the 2nd District.
The barangay has long been a major battleground, especially between the rival political families of Suan and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy. Uy began his political career as Carmen’s barangay chairman in the 1990s, and his family members have been taking turns leading the vote-rich area ever since, frustrating the Suans’ attempts to gain political control.
The Suans and Uys have been fighting for control of Barangay Carmen for years. Agapito Jr., the congressman’s father, ran against the mayor’s son, Raineir Joaquin, for the chairmanship of Carmen in the last barangay elections and lost.
Allegations of massive vote-buying marred the 2023 barangay elections in Carmen, with the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) reporting that votes there allegedly commanded a price of at least P6,000 each.
In 2022, Rainier Joaquin, the city’s previous vice mayor, lost to the younger Suan in the race for the congressional seat in the city’s 1st District. He staged a comeback by becoming Carmen’s barangay chairman last year and is now preparing to challenge the congressman’s likely reelection bid next year. – Rappler.com
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SBP in search of Gilas Youth prospects after FIBA U17 World Cup | delfin.dioquino editor | 19/07/2024 22:10 | REPRESENT. Gilas Pilipinas Youth in action in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup.
FIBA
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas Youth is in the process of finding new talent overseas with the goal of producing future players for the national senior team.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy and talent identification coach Norman Black flew to the United States for the SBP Las Vegas Showcase staged in search of young players who are eligible to play for the national squad.
There, Dy and Black met with Filipino-American groups to discuss the dual citizenship of national team prospects.
Under FIBA rules, mixed heritage players must acquire the passport of the country they choose to represent before turning 16 years old for them to considered a local.
The talent identification program comes after Gilas Youth competed in the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, where the team finished 16th after the untimely injury of star Kieffer Alas.
“It’s a real process that goes throughout the year. We only see the end result, which is the Gilas team. But there’s a lot of stuff going on with the youth teams,” said Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone.
“The World Cup just finished in Turkey. That team was good,” Cone added. “They just really lacked size. They need to go out and find guys that can compete at the world stage that are bigger. And that’s what Norman and Erika are looking to do.”
Gilas Pilipinas boasts of one of its biggest lineups in recent memory, with 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto and 6-foot-10 AJ Edu bolstering the frontline.
Sotto has been representing the Philippines for nearly a decade, suiting up in the 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup and 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, where he and Edu teamed up.
The hope is to discover players like Sotto, Edu, 6-foot-8 Carl Tamayo to play for Gilas Youth, and eventually, for Gilas Pilipinas.
“She is basically looking for jewels in the rough that she can pluck out and continue the future of the program,” said Cone of Dy.
“The key is that she is trying to get younger players to get their passports by the age of 16. And that needs to be communicated to the communities.”
Gilas Youth U18 is currently competing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the FIBA Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers.– Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Chinese Taipei-White – Jones Cup 2024 | delfin.dioquino editor | 20/07/2024 16:55 | Strong Group Athletics Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – It’s seventh heaven for Strong Group-Pilipinas after it hiked its 2024 William Jones Cup record to 7-0 off a 96-70 blowout of Chinese Taipei-White in Taiwan on Saturday, July 20.
Super import Chris McCullough made a living at the line to finish with 25 points on 10-of-13 free throw shooting, while veteran guard Kiefer Ravena sparked the bench mob with 14 points.
New Ginebra rookie guard RJ Abarrientos continued his overseas audition of sorts with 13 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, as Strong Group next faces Chinese Taipei-Blue in the virtual gold-medal match on Sunday, July 21, 7 pm.
After blasting Japan U22 for its sixth straight win, undefeated Strong Group-Pilipinas moved a step closer to capturing the 2024 William Jones Cup title.
But before its virtual gold-medal showdown against fellow unbeaten Chinese Taipei-Blue in the tournament finale, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to take care of business versus Chinese Taipei-White in its penultimate game on Saturday, July 20.
Thanks to another monster outing by Chris McCullough, the Filipinos enjoyed control of the entire game against the Japanese, 92-79, despite the absences of Rhenz Abando, Ange Kouame, and Tajuan Agee.
For the sixth consecutive outing, McCullough led Strong Group in the scoring department with 26 points on a healthy 12-of-17 shooting, while DJ Fenner backstopped the former San Miguel Beermen import with 17 points.
Although they are already assured of a top-two finish in the tournament, expect McCullough to maintain his dominant form as Strong Group tries to avoid an upset at the hands of Chinese Taipei-White.
Like Strong Group, Chinese Taipei-White (3-3) emerged triumphant on Friday, July 19, after a 108-97 win versus Future Sports USA (1-6).
Game time is 5 pm. – Rappler.com
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LPAs develop into tropical depressions Butchoy, Carina | Acor Arceo | 20/07/2024 1:35 | TROPICAL CYCLONES. Satellite image of Tropical Depression Butchoy and Tropical Depression Carina as of July 19, 2024, 11 pm.
PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines – The two low pressure areas (LPAs) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) both developed into tropical depressions on Friday evening, July 19.
Their local names are Butchoy and Carina, as the country’s second and third tropical cyclones for 2024, respectively.
The LPA over the West Philippine Sea became Butchoy, while the LPA over the Philippine Sea is now Carina.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a bulletin that Butchoy was located 535 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas, as of 10 pm on Friday.
The tropical depression is moving west or away from Philippine landmass at 25 kilometers per hour (km/h). At this pace, it could exit PAR within 12 hours or by Saturday, July 20.
As an LPA, it brought heavy rain to parts of the country in the past few days. But since Butchoy is already moving away from land, it is not directly bringing rain to the country, according to PAGASA. There are no tropical cyclone wind signals raised due to Butchoy as well.
So far, Butchoy has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. PAGASA said Butchoy “will likely have limited intensification within the next two days,” but may strengthen into a tropical storm by Saturday.
While there is no rain from Butchoy, the tropical depression is enhancing the southwest monsoon or habagat.
The southwest monsoon may trigger moderate to heavy rain (50 to 100 millimeters) in the western part of Luzon in the next three days, particularly in the following provinces:
Saturday, July 20
Sunday, July 21
Monday, July 22
PAGASA added that Butchoy and the southwest monsoon will cause moderate seas in the northern and western seaboards of Luzon, with waves 1 to 2 meters high. The weather bureau advised small vessels to take precautionary measures.
After its expected exit from PAR, Butchoy could make landfall in Hainan, China, by late Sunday, July 21, or early Monday, July 22. PAGASA said rapid weakening is possible after the tropical cyclone hits Hainan.
Meanwhile, Carina was located 780 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, at 10 pm on Friday. It is heading west northwest at 20 km/h.
This tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.
PAGASA said Carina “will generally have a mainly offshore path over the next five days” and may stay far from Philippine landmass.
Due to its projected path, it is “less likely” to trigger heavy rain in the next three days, and there are also no tropical cyclone wind signals in effect.
“However, there may be changes in the current forecast scenario in the succeeding bulletins, which may affect the heavy rainfall outlook within the forecast period,” added the weather bureau.
Carina is also expected to begin enhancing the southwest monsoon on Sunday.
In addition, Carina and the southwest monsoon will cause moderate seas in the eastern seaboard of Mindanao. Waves are also seen to be 1 to 2 meters high.
As for intensity, Carina could become a tropical storm by Sunday, a severe tropical storm by Monday, and a typhoon by Tuesday, July 23.
It might leave PAR on Wednesday, July 24.
PAGASA previously estimated there may be two or three tropical cyclones in July. – Rappler.com
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