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PNP: Persons of interest eyed in beauty pageant bet’s disappearance

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is eyeing several persons of interest (POIs) possibly linked to the disappearance of a beauty pageant candidate and her Israeli boyfriend, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said on Tuesday. Fajardo, however, opted not to reveal the identities of these POIs and how many there are so as not to compromise the investigation. “May mga identified na persons of interest sa ngayon di ako makapagbigay na numero nakiusap po ang CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) na huwag muna magbigay ng detalye,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Tuesday. (We already identified persons of interest, but the CIDG asked us not to give more details.) “But we are pursuing very good leads,” she added. Based on previous reports, Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate Geneva Lopez and Yitchak Cohen met a “middleman” in Tarlac to check the 20.5-hectare agricultural land they intended to buy. Citing the middleman, police said they were last seen around 2 p.m. on June 21, while their gray Nissan Terra sport utility vehicle (SUV) was found burning along the Capas-San Jose Road in Cristo Rey village at 2:36 a.m. on June 22. Capas police chief Lt. Col. Librado Maranang Jr. revealed that police had examined what seemed like a burned “cellphone or tablet” found inside the SUV. “The mobile gadget, a cell phone, was brought to the regional anti-cybercrime office in Camp Olivas (in San Fernando, Pampanga) for forensic investigation. But data could no longer be retrieved from the gadget because it was completely burned,” he said. Maranag added the CIDG operatives found an abandoned car along Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City, on Sunday night (June 30). Maranang also said they are still searching for witnesses to help them locate Lopez and Cohen. He appealed to anyone with vital information to come forward and cooperate with the authorities. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:03:45 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957045/pnp-persons-of-interest-eyed-in-beauty-pageant-bets-disappearance

Inquirer

Oil prices up for 3rd straight week

INQUIRER.net photo INQUIRER.net photo MANILA, Philippines — For the third consecutive week, oil companies implemented another round of increases, which took effect on Tuesday, July 2. Based on advisories from Seaoil, Shell Pilipinas and Petro Gazz, the following figures are the per-liter increases for their products: 65 centavos for diesel, 35 centavos for kerosene, and 95 centavos for gasoline. READ: Another big-time fuel price hike looms next week In an earlier statement, Rodela Romero, director of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau, said that crude oil prices continued to advance due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Ukraine’s drone attack against Russia. She also attributed the continuous price swelling to “the production restriction of Opec (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and the forecast for the peak summer season demand starting [in the] third [quarter] of this year.” Data from the DOE showed that as of June 25, the per-liter adjustments of fuel products already reached P1.40 for gasoline, P1.75 for diesel, and P1.90 for kerosene. Liquefied petroleum gas products, meanwhile, also rose this month. Solane and Petron said that LPG prices went up by 55 centavos per kilogram or about P6 per 11-kg cylinder. “This reflects the international contract price of LPG for the month of July,” Petron said. —Lisbet K. Esmael Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956858/oil-prices-up-for-3rd-straight-week

Inquirer

P35 wage hike in Metro Manila ‘insufficient’, senators say

FILE PHOTO: The P35 wage hike for Metro Manila’s private sector workers is “insufficient” to meet the real needs of the people, senators said Tuesday, Jul 2, 2024. INQUIRER FILES FILE PHOTO: The P35 wage hike for Metro Manila’s private sector workers is “insufficient” to meet the real needs of the people, senators said Tuesday, Jul 2, 2024. INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines — The P35 wage hike for private sector workers in Metro Manila is “insufficient” to meet the real needs of the people, senators said Tuesday. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero pointed out that the approved daily wage increase of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) is too small, considering the skyrocketing prices of essential goods. Escudero likewise noted that the Senate passed a bill mandating a P100 daily pay increase for private sector workers — much higher than the RTWPB-sanctioned P35 wage hike but still lacking to provide a “living wage” as required under the 1987 Constitution. “The Senate has passed a P100 across-the-board wage increase bill, which should be the minimum increase, albeit I believe it is still not enough to provide what the constitution requires, which is a ‘living wage’ and not a mere ‘minimum wage’,” he said in a statement. READ: Wage hike of P35 for Metro Manila private sector workers approved – DOLE “Maliwanag na kulang at malayo na matugunan ang tunay na mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa gitna ng mataas na presyo ng bilihin,” Escudero added. “Bakit nga ba palaging kulang ang binibigay ng omento ng RTWPB?!” (It’s clear that it’s inadequate and far from meeting the real needs of our countrymen amid high prices of commodities. Why is RTWPB always granting meagre additional wages?) “Ni minsan ay hindi pa sila tumama mula nang nilikha ang ahensyang ‘yan… saan ba sila bumibili ng bigas? Nag-grocery? Nag-palengke? Pa-share naman kamo kasi baka sobrang mura dun at kasya ang dagdag na P35 sa sahod na binigay nila,” he added. (Not even once have they hit it right since that agency was formed. Where do they buy rice? Do grocery shopping? Which market do they buy from? I hope they share it with others because it might be too cheap there, and the additional P35 salary increase would be enough.) On July 1, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that the RTWPB had approved a P35-wage hike for private sector workers in Metro Manila or the National Capital Region. The pay adjustment will be implemented on July 17. The DOLE said the additional pay in the daily minimum of private employees in the region means that in the non-agriculture sector, workers’ salary will rise from the prevailing P610 to P645, and in the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers, the current P573 day-to-day wage will increase to P608. According to the DOLE, the new pay rates, which translate to roughly a 5.7 percent increase from the prevailing daily minimum salary rates in the region, “remain above the latest regional poverty threshold for a family of five.” However, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri did not think so, describing the P35 additional pay as “grossly insufficient.” READ: P35 daily wage increase in NCR ‘an insult to workers’ – groups “Nalulungkot po tayo at sadyang napakaliit ng inaprubahan ng ating wage boards para sa umento sa sahod ng ating mga minimum wage earners. Hindi ito tama at hindi ito sapat, period,” Zubiri said in an earlier statement. (We are saddened that our wage boards approved very little for the salary increase of our minimum wage earners. It’s not right and not good enough, period.) Zubiri is the principal author of the P100 across-the-board wage increase bill, which the Senate approved but remains pending in the House of Representatives. “The wage boards should do their jobs well. Andami naming hearing sa Senado at maraming nagsabi na although maliit pa rin ang P100 na umento sa sahod araw-araw ay malaki ang maitutulong nito sa ating mga mamamayan,” he also pointed out. (We had many hearings in the Senate, and many said that although the P100 daily wage increase is still small, it will significantly help our citizens.) “Eh napakaliit ng P35 para makatulong sa isang araw ng manggagawa. Hindi ito makakabili ng isang kilong bigas. P3 lang ang diperensya nito sa extra rice sa Jollibee na nasa P32 na isa. What are our wage boards thinking?” he added. (Well, P35 is too little to help a worker in a day. It cannot buy a kilo of rice. Its difference is only P3 from the extra rice at Jollibee, which is P32. What are our wage boards thinking?) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, meanwhile, acknowledged that the P35 wage hike is “timely and essential.” Nevertheless, he shared the sentiments of his fellow senators that the amount is skimpy. “Mas mahirap sa mga naghihikahos nating kababayan na tustusan ang pang-araw-araw na gastusin ng kanilang pamilya ang patuloy na pagtaas na presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin kaya makakatulong ang dagdag sa sahod lalo na sa mga minimum wage earners,” Estrada said. (It is more difficult for our impoverished compatriots to cover the daily expenses of their families due to the constant increase in the price of basic goods, so the increase in wages will help, especially for minimum wage earners.) “Pero sana tumaas pa ang arawang sahod nila dahil kakarampot kung tutuusin ang dagdag na P35,” he also said. (But I hope their daily wages will increase more because the extra P35 is meagre.) Estrada likewise stressed that “it would be more satisfactory if the existing wage rate is given a legislated wage hike.” He further emphasized that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 99.5 percent of the country’s total number of business establishments, should be given adequate assistance. Estrada pointed out that the government “must strike a balance between ensuring fair wages for our workers and supporting the growth and sustainability of our MSMEs.” According to him, “providing incentives and support for [MSMEs] will help them adapt to wage increases while continuing to thrive and contribute to economic growth.” “But for the meantime, this adjustment will provide much-needed relief to our workers and their families, ensuring they have a better chance at maintaining a decent standard of living,” Estrada said. Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, on the other hand, emphasized that workers “are all entitled to a just living wage.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “The amount for a just living daily wage (after 8 hours of work) must be determined by those knowledgeable in the field,” he said. “These amounts should not and cannot vary too widely among the regions of the country because as human beings we basically have the same needs for a decent life. The current daily wage in Metro Manila of around P600+ is obviously still not enough to be considered a just living daily wage,” Pimentel added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:19:03 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956971/p35-wage-hike-in-metro-manila-insufficient-senators-say

Inquirer

P4P urges ERC to veto ‘expensive’ Meralco power deals

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO Updated on July 2, 2024 at 4:56 p.m. Watchdog Power for People Coalition (P4P) sought the energy regulator’s intervention to block Meralco’s supply contracts with generation companies using fossil fuels, as it warned of a further spike in electricity bills. In a statement, the group said it filed petitions at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Monday to reject Meralco’s deals with the following four companies owned by San Miguel Corporation and Aboitiz Power: Excellent Energy Resources, Inc., GNPower Dinginin, Southern Power Premiere Corporation, and Mariveles Power Generation Corporation. P4P said the contracts were worth 3 gigawatts of power, and are still up for the ERC’s approval. READ: Meralco denies profiting from convenience fees It alleged that the terms of these power deals were “unfavorable to consumers and small businesses.” “Everyone loses except big power players: Meralco, San Miguel, and Aboitiz, who are leaving consumers no choice but to pay for more expensive electricity while their profits are soaring,” P4P Convenor Gerry Arances said Tuesday. The group added that the contracts give authority to the plants to “automatically pass” costs to consumers. If the ERC greenlights these contracts, P4P said consumers would suffer from costly electricity bills for another 15 years. “We are asking the ERC to reject these contracts as part of their responsibility of protecting the public. Otherwise, they will condemn a new generation of consumers to 15 years or more of expensive power,” he said. READ: Meralco electricity rates to increase this months of June A supposed conflict of interest in the bidding process was also floated by the P4P, specifically for two power plants. This, as Meralco generation arm MGen and the Aboitiz Group revealed a joint venture in March to acquire two San Miguel-owned gas assets to develop a massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Batangas City. The two projects are the Ilijan gas plant under Southern Power Premiere Corporation (SPPC) and the under-construction Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI) plant. In response, Meralco said P4P’s allegations were “baseless,” stressing the company is bound to get “the least-cost available supply” through fair bidding. Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said that the group “strictly observe and follow” the rules set by the government. The power distributor also said it held no biases when conducting the selection process, with the four companies winning the contracts for submitting the lowest bids. “The CSPs involve an open and competitive process with the ultimate goal to secure the lowest bid from qualified generation companies, with no preferential treatment. Thus, the allegations that contracts emanating from CSPs are anti-competitive have no basis,” Zaldarriaga said. “We would like to assure our customers that all power supply contracts resulting from our CSPs undergo a strict review and approval from the ERC before being implemented to ensure that rates are fair and reasonable,” he added. In a message, ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said the concerns of P4P would be “taken into consideration.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “We are still in the process of evaluating the Meralco PSAs (power supply agreements)… We encourage consumers to also participate in the formal process — as intervenors or oppositors in the proceedings — so we can ventilate all issues,” she said. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Lisbet K. Esmael @lisbetesmael

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:34:59 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466717/erc-urged-to-veto-expensive-meralco-power-deals

Inquirer

Pre-order the ASUS Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ PC in the Philippines

ASUS Philippines forefronts innovation with the introduction of the  ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507), the first Copilot+ PC in the Philippines powered by Snapdragon X Elite processor, is available for pre-order from July 2 to July 10, 2024. The Vivobook S 15 is a sleek AI-powered laptop designed for multi-faceted lifestyle consumers who will be able to maximize their requirements with the new Copilot+ features. Leading the new device is the highly efficient power of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Processor, letting you enjoy up to 18 hours of battery life for uninterrupted entertainment and productivity. The 3K 120 Hz ultra-large OLED display and immersive audio system are encased in a premium all-metal 1.47 cm-thin, 1.42 kg-light body, making it easy for it to be packed into a bag for the daily commute or travel. Featuring a mood-setting single-zone RGB keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI assistance, Vivobook S 15 (S5507) revolutionizes your work and play. The Vivobook S 15 (S5507) is backed up with the company’s ASUS 4A Quality & Service – a two-year international warranty, a free Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, and a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription. YOUR FIRST ASUS COPILOT+ PC With an integrated AI engine for optimized computing, Copilot+ in Windows for personalized assistance, and a suite of powerful ASUS AI applications, your PC is now your ultimate companion. With Copilot+ PC experiences, you can accelerate your productivity and creativity. Easily find and remember what you have seen in your ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507) with Recall, generate and refine AI images in near real-time directly on the device using Cocreator, and bridge language barriers with Live Captions, translating audio from 40+ languages into English. Aside from these Copilot+ PC features, Vivobook S 15 also includes ASUS-exclusive AI features such as Noise Cancellation for clear calls, Adaptive Dimming for improved privacy, and StoryCube for organizing your media files. Learn more about Copilot+ and other integrated AI experiences by visiting the ASUS Copilot+ PC website. PRE-ORDER MECHANICS Pre-order the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507) from July 2 to July 10, 2024, and get a free Delsey Lagos Luggage worth PHP 10,990.00. This early bird freebie is limited only to customers who placed pre-orders from select ASUS Exclusive Stores nationwide. Moreover, customers purchasing the Vivobook S 15 (S5507) during the pre-order period will also be eligible to receive the Cool for School bundles worth PHP 15,990.00 alongside the early bird freebie by completing the registration process. Once the pre-order period has concluded, customers are still eligible to receive the Cool for School bundles if they purchase the Vivobook S 15 (S5507) from July 11 to August 15, 2024. Terms and conditions apply. Get the latest news on the new Vivobook series, Zenbook series, and other remarkable ASUS devices via the official ASUS Philippines Facebook page. This article is brought to you by ASUS Philippines. ADVT. Subscribe to our technology news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 18:31:03 PST

https://technology.inquirer.net/135529/pre-order-the-asus-vivobook-s-15-copilot-pc-in-the-philippines

Inquirer

3 Chinese men nabbed in Angeles City yield P3.4M shabu

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO ANGELES CITY — Three Chinese men arrested Monday by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yielded some P3,400,00 worth of shabu (crystal meth) in a sting operation in Balibago village in this city. The PDEA Region 3 report on Tuesday, July 2, said the buy-bust occurred at 10:50 p.m. at the Shanghai Building along MacArthur Highway, PDEA identified the arrested as Bin Da, 23; Hei Xiao; and Gua Xiao, 20. READ: 3 Chinese yield shabu ‘worth’ P3.4M in Angeles City; link to POGO probed “According to the team leader, the suspects were extremely circumspect while transacting, and took them a month to arrange a drug deal with the suspects,” the PDEA Region 3 said, quoting the operation’s team leader. Aside from some half a kilo of suspected shabu, the trio also allegedly yielded seven assorted mobile phones, car keys, and the marked money used by the poseur-buyer. The suspects will face charges of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the agency added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jun A. Malig

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:45:50 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956973/3-chinese-men-nabbed-in-angeles-city-yield-p3-4m-shabu

Inquirer

BIZ BUZZ: GT Capital welcomes new CFO

A number of large companies have been undergoing some management revamps lately: Ramon S. Ang-led San Miguel Corp. just a day before the Independence Day holiday last month, and both Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines and Andrew Tan-led Megaworld Corp. before June ended. These three appointed new presidents as part of the companies’ succession plans. This time, GT Capital Holdings Inc. is in on the trend. In a stock exchange filing on Monday, the Ty family-led conglomerate announced the appointment of George Uy-Tioco Jr. as its new chief financial officer (CFO). Uy-Tioco will replace Francisco Suarez Jr. Suarez, who oversaw the launch of the company’s initial public offering in 2012, is now retiring after sitting as GT Capital’s CFO for 12 years. “We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Suarez for his dedication and valued contribution to GT Capital,” company president Carmelo Maria Luza Bautista said in a statement. “We also warmly welcome Mr. Uy-Tioco to the company and look forward to his valuable insights and contributions to our conglomerate, given his wealth of experience in finance and investment,” Bautista added. Uy-Tioco will inherit the financial reins of a company with a market capitalization of roughly P124 billion. Of course, GT Capital isn’t his first company. Prior to his appointment, Uy-Tioco was head of corporate finance at ING Bank NV Manila Branch for nearly three years. He also had an eight-year stint as the head of mergers and acquisitions at BPI Capital Corp. With that, all eyes are on further changes in the corporate world. Who’s next? —Meg J. Adonis The pivotal moment in Philippine agriculture came when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself assumed the agriculture secretary post for more than a year to address various issues plaguing the sector. This is according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who said in a chat over dinner that “the best thing that happened—you can quote me on this—for the agriculture industry in recent history na siya ang umupo as secretary kasi nakita yung problema (was when he assumed the post as agriculture secretary because he saw and addressed the problem).” The agriculture chief said his predecessor had identified problems that affected the growth of the farm sector. However, the President could not address all of these since he had too much on his plate. “Actually, half or 75 percent of what I am doing now is his directive at nakita na niya ang problema kaya lang (he already saw these problems but) he’s too busy. He needed somebody to… he needed a doer to implement his plans,” said Tiu Laurel, one of the President’s campaign contributors. Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Some two years ago, Marcos announced he would take over the Department of Agriculture (DA) and vowed to reorganize the agency to support the farm sector in the coming years. It took Marcos 16 months before appointing Tiu Laurel as full-time DA secretary, who was tasked with ensuring the country’s food security, saying the latter has a “good understanding” of the problems in the agriculture sector. Noting the strides made by his childhood friend, Tiu Laurel said the pressure is on for him to perform his job well, adding, “I have to perform.”  — Jordeene B. Lagare You are never too young to learn how to manage your own money. And guess what, kids may soon be able to do their own budgeting, and even start their savings, via GCash Junior. It is the popular e-wallet brand’s way of teaching finance management to children as young as 7 years old. Via the app, the kids can receive their allowance, pay for their purchases and buy load credits. GCash Junior users can even request for their own Visa cards, making offline transactions easier for them. GCash B2C product management head Fatima Javellana said they want to “empower today’s new generation with better spending and saving habits” with the new feature. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. To register, the young users must just need to present a school ID or other valid ID. Their parents can also control the wallet limits as a way to monitor spending. — Tyrone Jasper C. Piad Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 02:11:00 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466585/biz-buzz-gt-capital-welcomes-new-cfo

Inquirer

AFP chief: 50,000 challenges issued vs foreign ships in PH’s EEZ

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. —photo from AFP FB page AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. —photo from AFP FB page MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday said that around 50,000 challenges have so far been issued against foreign vessels within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 2024 alone. Brawner made the pronouncement after noting that the AFP continues to monitor on its radar systems the country’s surrounding coasts and territorial waters against foreign vessels. “In this year alone, we already have made 50,000 challenges to ships that pass through international waters covered by our exclusive economic zone and even within our internal water,” said Brawner in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon pre-Sona special. READ: WPS: China’s aircraft carrier presence off Luzon deemed ‘innocent passage’ “Majority of them answer our challenges, but some do not,” he added. Some of these vessels, according to Brawner, were Chinese warships that steered close to the country’s coastal waters. However, he also noted that some parts of these waters are international maritime highways. READ: AFP confirms, hits China’s ‘intrusive patrols’ in West Philippine Sea “Some parts are really passageway for ships, not just maritime and commercial ships, but also warships,” he clarified. Brawner said the AFP respects and maintains the freedom of navigation and overflight, noting that around 60 percent of the world trade passes through the South China Sea. Both the Philippines and China have been embroiled in a territorial dispute after the latter claimed the majority of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, through its so-called ten-dash line. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. However, China’s claims have been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013. Despite this, China has continued encroaching on Philippine waters, continuing its aggression and militarization even in areas of the Philippines’ territory in the West Philippine Sea. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Zacarian Sarao

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:47:24 PST

https://www.inquirer.net/407896/afp-chief-50000-challenges-issued-vs-foreign-ships-in-phs-eez/

Inquirer

PNP reassigns 6 police officials

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reassigned six ranking police officials effective on Tuesday, July 2. The reorganization is in line with PNP chief General Rommel Marbil’s order dated July 1. READ: PNP reshuffles 11 ranking police officials Below is the list of police officers and their new assignment, based on the order: In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the reshuffle came after the retirement of some senior police officials. “If you remember, the director of DICTM (Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management) of LSS (Logistics Support Service) has retired, and more senior police officers are scheduled to retire this week,” she said. “So we need to fill out these vacancies, so there was a reshuffle,” she added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:41:33 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957148/pnp-reassigns-6-police-officials

Inquirer

UAAP: Mason Amos leaves Ateneo amid reported La Salle transfer

Mason Amos is leaving Ateneo Blue Eagles after just one UAAP season with the team and is reported to be moving to La Salle. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net Mason Amos is leaving Ateneo Blue Eagles after just one UAAP season with the team and is reported to be moving to La Salle. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines—Mason Amos took the UAAP by surprise on Monday after announcing his departure from Ateneo. Amos is leaving Ateneo after just one season with the team and is reportedly moving to reigning UAAP champion La Salle. “To my teammates — with a heavy heart I would like to express that you guys have been a huge part of my life. I am thankful for everything that we were able to share. I have no regrets having fought by your side,” wrote Amos on his Instagram. “I am thankful that you guys taught me lessons and that we were able to create memories I will cherish forever. I love you guys and that’ll never change.” The 6-foot-7 Amos impressed in his first and only UAAP season with the Blue Eagles last year where he averaged 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds. “I am thankful for everything you have taught me. I am thankful for the opportunity, the teachings, the adversity and the knowledge you have instilled in me. I am so blessed to be able to be coached by you guys. I love you all and I am thankful for everything.” The Fil-Aussie big man helped Ateneo reach the Final Four with a 7-7 record in the elimination round before losing to University of the Philippines. “I am grateful for the opportunities you have given me. I am grateful for the memories I have been able to create and cherish. I am grateful to all the great people I have met during my time.” “I am grateful for all the challenges you have presented to me. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of something bigger than myself.” Amos is currently with Gilas Pilipinas in Riga, Latvia for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying tournament. Inquirer Sports has reached out to La Salle coach Topex Robinson but he has yet to respond as of posting time. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Amos’ transfer to the Green Archers was first reported by Tiebreaker Times. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Rommel Fuertes Jr.

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:53:47 PST

https://sports.inquirer.net/572602/uaap-mason-amos-leaves-ateneo-amid-reported-la-salle-transfer

Inquirer

Angara appointment as DepEd chief ‘well-deserved’ – senators

FILE PHOTO: Sen. Sonny Angara answers questions from his colleagues as he defends Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2539 or the proposed New Government Procurement Act, on March 18, 2024. Angara’s appointment as Secretary of Education is “well-deserved,” as he is “very qualified” for the post, his colleagues at the Senate said Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Joseph B. Vidal / Senate Social Media Unit) FILE PHOTO: Sen. Sonny Angara answers questions from his colleagues as he defends Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2539 or the proposed New Government Procurement Act, on March 18, 2024. Angara’s appointment as Secretary of Education is “well-deserved,” as he is “very qualified” for the post, his colleagues at the Senate said Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Joseph B. Vidal / Senate Social Media Unit) MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sonny Angara’s appointment as Secretary of Education is “well-deserved,” as he is “very qualified” for the post, his colleagues at the Senate said Tuesday. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed his compliments for Angara, as he wished him all the best in his new endeavor. Angara is set to take the helm of the Department of Education (DepEd) on July 19. “My heartfelt congratulations to Sen. Angara for a well-deserved appointment! His task ahead is gargantuan and I wish him well,” the Senate chief said in his statement. READ: Angara named as new DepEd chief Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said Angara is “very qualified” as DepEd chief but lamented the loss of a “legal mind” in the upper chamber. “[I] Am sure he will do a good job as DepEd Secretary with his EdCom (Congressional Commission on Education) background and familiarity with current issues. The Senate will lose another legal mind as a consequence,” he said in another statement. Like Tolentino, Sen. Joel Villanueva expressed his sadness over Angara’s departure from Senate to become the education leader, especially since he also regard him as his basketball partner. “Senator Sonny’s appointment promises to uphold and build upon the transformative legacy of his father, the late Senator Edgardo Angara, who pioneered significant reforms in our education sector, notably through his efforts in EDCOM 1,” Villanueva said. Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., meanwhile, assured Angara of the Senate’s support in efforts to improve the country’s education. “We will continue to work together for the betterment of the education sector in the country. Sec. Sonny, you have our full support,” Revilla said in a separate statement. Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito remarked that Angara was an “excellent choice” for the Cabinet position. “With his extensive educational background and commitment to public service, Sen. Angara is an excellent choice for this crucial role. I am confident that his leadership will bring significant positive changes to our education system,” Ejercito said. READ: Sara Duterte resigns as DepEd secretary, says Palace For Sen. Juan Zubiri, even if the Senate lost an invaluable member, the country gained an “excellent champion.” “The Senate is losing an invaluable member, but the nation, and especially our children, is gaining an excellent champion. I wish Secretary Sonny all the best, and I look forward to how he will improve the education landscape of our country in the coming years,” he said. Sen. Ma. Lourdes “Nancy” Binay said the upper chamber will miss Angara’s “breadth of […] knowledge, especially on matters of finance and law.” However, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian believed Angara would bring more innovation to the DepEd. “As a lifelong education champion, former Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, and a Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), he will bring to the Department the expertise and leadership needed to usher in needed reforms and foster innovation in the basic education sector,” Gatchalian said in a statement. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Angara will replace Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned as Education Secretary, on June 19. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Adrian Parungao

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 14:23:57 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957133/angara-appointment-as-deped-chief-well-deserved-senators

Inquirer

Angara named as new DepEd chief

FILE PHOTO: Senator Sonny Angara has been named as the new Department of Education (DepEd) chief, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte, who quit as Cabinet member in June, according to the Palace in an announcement on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Joseph Vidal /Senate Social Media Unit) FILE PHOTO: Senator Sonny Angara has been named as the new Department of Education (DepEd) chief, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte, who quit as Cabinet member in June, according to the Palace in an announcement on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (Joseph Vidal /Senate Social Media Unit) MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sonny Angara will be replacing Vice President Sara Duterte as the new Education Secretary, the Palace announced Tuesday. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that Angara will take the helm of the Department of Education (DepEd) starting July 19. Vice President Duterte resigned as DepEd chief on June 19. She did not provide a definite reason for quitting and only explained that her action was not a sign of weakness, as it was stirred by compassion for teachers and students. “President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced that he is set to appoint Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as the new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), replacing Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned last June 19, 2024, effective July 19, 2024,” the PCO said in a statement. According to the PCO, President Marcos announced his decision to choose Angara as DepEd secretary during the 17th Cabinet Meeting in the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday. “Sonny has agreed to take on the brief of the Department of Education,” the PCO quoted Marcos as saying during the meeting. It also noted that Marcos emphasized before Cabinet members the critical role of the DepEd and the necessity for a leader capable of overseeing its operations. “DepEd is arguably the most important department given the crucial role of education,” said Marcos, as he pointed out that there were “many excellent candidates” for the position. The PCO likewise said that Marcos expressed appreciation for Duterte’s service as DepEd chief and that he anticipates a smooth transition with the new department leadership. In a separate statement, Angara expressed thanks to Marcos for his “trust” in picking him as the new head of DepEd. “I am committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education. I look forward to building upon her accomplishments,” he said. READ: Angara an ‘excellent choice’ to head DepEd – Escudero “Education is the cornerstone of our nation’s future, and it is through collective effort that we can address the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead. I am eager to collaborate with President Marcos and the entire administration in serving our students, supporting our teachers, and enhancing the overall quality of education in our country,” he added. Prior to his appointment, Angara served as a senator from the 16th to the present Congress, or since 2013. He chaired multiple Senate panels, including the justice and human rights committee, finance committee, and youth committee. Angara has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the London School of Economic and Political Science, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also obtained his Master of Laws from Harvard University. In an ambush interview on Monday, July 1, Angara said he is “open” to being the next DepEd head if offered to him. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Opo (Yes). Open tayo kung sakaling pagkatiwalaan (We’re open if given the trust),” he told reporters in Baler, Aurora, where the senator attended celebrations for the 22nd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. Senators have been expressing support for Angara to be the next DepEd secretary, citing his extensive educational background. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Zacarian Sarao

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:54:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957039/angara-is-new-deped-chief

Inquirer

Remains of 2 Filipino seafarers killed in Houthi attack arrive in PH

Photo from DMW Photo from DMW MANILA, Philippines — The remains of two Filipino seafarers of the MV True Confidence who were killed in a missile attack in the Gulf of Aden arrived in the country on Tuesday, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The two were among 15 Filipino crew members of the vessel, which had been the target of an attack by Houthi rebels on March 6. The other 13 Filipinos have already arrived in the country; the first 11 arrived on March 12, while the two who were injured in the incident arrived on March 14. READ: 2 Filipino sailors killed in Houthi missile attack The DMW said that together with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, it will provide assistance with the families of the deceased. Aside from the two Filipinos, a Vietnamese national also died in the attack. READ: Kin of Filipino seafarers to receive psychosocial services–DMW Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Adrian Parungao

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 17:13:25 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241274/remains-of-2-filipino-seafarers-killed-in-houthi-attack-arrive-in-ph

Inquirer

Alleged brains behind Agusan mining exec’s slay falls

INQUIRER FILES INQUIRER FILES SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — A local businessman alleged to have masterminded the killing of retired Colonel Samuel Afdal, a gold miner in Agusan del Sur, was arrested by police on Monday afternoon in Bukidnon. Major Ralph Jezen Perez, police chief of Bunawan town, told Jay Solis in a live broadcast over 89.7 DXGP-FM radio on Tuesday that Ryan Mark Baylon, president of JB Earthmovers, Inc. was already in their hands after his arrest in a private resort in Barangay Talahiron of Kibawe town, Bukidnon. Baylon, a business associate of Afdal, is the last of four suspects to fall into the hands of authorities. Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 85 Presiding Judge Juris Dilinila-Callanta, ordered his arrest on April 5, along with that of former New People’s Army rebel Rosalino Degracia, for the Oct. 26, 2021 ambush of Afdal in Rosario, Agusan del Sur. Degracia had surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao City last April. One other suspect, Alemar Awado, had been detained in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, for another murder case. Baylon did not resist arrest when served with the warrant around 5 p.m. on Monday, said Perez, adding that the murder suspect was with female resort workers at the time. From Kibawe, Baylon was brought to Bunawan. Perez said the arrest came 26 days after their station received a copy of the warrant from the Quezon City court. Perez added that Baylon complained about having some abnormal heart rhythm when they arrived at the Bunawan police station. On Tuesday, he was escorted for a medical checkup. “We are waiting for a commitment order from the judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 85 in Quezon City before we escort him there,” Perez said. Afdal, known as Saga among associates, was president of Philsaga Mining Corp., which extracted gold in a tenement in Rosario. He sold his interests in the company and started a new one, Rosario Manobo Mining Corp. (RMMC). Afdal was driving along an uphill road when ambushed in Barangay Santa Cruz. Although hit, the former soldier managed to drive toward the RMMC base camp and sought help. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he later lapsed into a coma and died on Nov. 15, 2021. The indictment against the three accused was based mainly on the confession of former NPA guerrilla Jeffrey Mamerto, the alleged gunman. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Mamerto had pointed to Baylon as the mastermind of the kill plot, allegedly offering his former NPA colleagues Degracia and Awado P200,000 to do the hit job. Mamerto, in turn, was contracted for P50,000 to pull the trigger against Afdal. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Chris V. Panganiban

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:12:07 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1957183/alleged-brains-behind-agusan-mining-execs-slay-falls

Inquirer

WPS: China’s aircraft carrier presence off Luzon deemed ‘innocent passage’

This undated handout image released by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on April 24, 2023 shows the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in waters some 120 nautical miles of southeast Taiwan. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse This undated handout image released by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on April 24, 2023 shows the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in waters some 120 nautical miles of southeast Taiwan. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse MANILA, Philippines — The presence of China’s flagship aircraft carrier off Luzon island, within the edge of the West Philippine Sea, could be considered as an “innocent passage.” This is according to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson, as he confirmed the presence of People’s Liberation Army-Navy Shandong off Luzon. “They are authorized under Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) either through freedom of navigation or rights of innocent passage,” Trinidad said in a regular Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo. READ: West Philippine Sea: Chinese aircraft carrier spotted off Luzon According to the Article 19 of the Unclos, a passage may be deemed innocent “so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State.” “We have to understand that the South China Sea is a nautical highway. It could be likened to Edsa on any ordinary day, as ships coming through the straits of Malacca — the world’s busiest strait — exit to the South China Sea,” he added, referring to Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare. READ: China’s new aircraft carrier conducts first sea trials–state media Trinidad also said the Navy is “aware” of Shandong’s presence and the recent passage of the 12,000-ton China Coast Guard (CCG) with hull number 5901. “On the report of the aircraft carrier and the monster ship of the coast guard, the Philippine Navy monitors our maritime domain, and we are aware of them,” he said. Global Times on Sunday reported that People’s Liberation Army-Navy’s (PLA-N) aircraft carrier Shandong “recently arrived” about 200 nautical miles away from Luzon or within the edge of the West Philippine Sea. Shandong, one of the two aircraft carriers under the PLA-N’s fleet, is likely on a scheduled exercise in preparation for a potential voyage into the West Pacific Ocean, the Chinese state tabloid also reported. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

John Eric Mendoza

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:45:28 PST

https://www.inquirer.net/407830/wps-chinas-aircraft-carrier-presence-off-luzon-deemed-innocent-passage/

Inquirer

West Philippine Sea: China cries foul as PCG bolsters presence off Sabina Shoal

One of the Chinese Navy hovercraft during its military drills in the vicinity waters off Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. SCREENGRAB FROM PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD’S VIDEO CLIP One of the Chinese Navy hovercraft during its military drills in the vicinity waters off Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. SCREENGRAB FROM PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD’S VIDEO CLIP MANILA, Philippines — Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea saw the presence of three more Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships, a move which was met with suspicion from Beijing, which repeatedly accused Manila of establishing a facility there. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said three 44-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) joined BRP Teresa Magbanua on Monday. The BRP Teresa Magbanua has been deployed in Escoda Shoal since April following suspected reclamation activities in the area. “It was truly an exceptional occurrence in the West Philippine Sea yesterday, as four PCG vessels were nestled together, creating a remarkable sight,” Tarriela said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. READ: Chinese ships have left Sabina Shoal in West Philippine Sea – Navy Tarriela said the three MRRVs with hull numbers 4402, 4404, and 4409, passed off Escoda Shoal after successfully completing their resupply missions at various maritime features in West Philippine Sea before heading back to port. However, Chinese state tabloid Global Times, citing on-site images, reported that aside from transporting fresh water, fuel, and food, one of PCG’s MRRV also attempted to deliver “suspected” building materials like cement to BRP Teresa Magbanua. “This series of actions by the Philippines warrants high vigilance,” the Global Times stated in its report on Tuesday, further citing experts who said that the country appears to be building a “maritime base” off the shoal. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, shrugged off the accusations of the Chinese state tabloid. READ: China deploys hovercraft during ‘illegal’ drills in West Philippine Sea “We can do anything that we wish to within our exclusive economic zone,” Trinidad said in a regular press conference on Tuesday. Trinidad, without confirming or denying such claims, also said “these are actions that the Philippines will pursue if and when necessary.” “Suffice it to say, we will continue ensuring the integrity of our territory,” he also said. On June 4, the Chinese Navy conducted amphibious drills in Escoda Shoal, deploying its Type 071 amphibious transport dock that hosted hovercrafts. This hovercraft deployment in the West Philippine Sea is unprecedented, according to Tarriela. Escoda Shoal also serves as the rendezvous point for Filipino vessels carrying out resupply missions to naval troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre grounded in nearby Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. READ: China ships ram, tow PH vessels at Ayungin On June 17, China Coast Guard personnel rammed, towed, and even boarded Philippine Navy boats during the resupply mission in the said naval outpost, which the Philippine military said led to what they deem as “looting” and even caused serious injuries to one of its naval personnel. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Beijing asserts sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by the arbitral award issued in July 2016. The landmark ruling stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, or a year after its tense standoff with Beijing over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, whose lagoon the latter now has an effective control of. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

John Eric Mendoza

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:20:09 PST

https://www.inquirer.net/407855/west-philippine-sea-china-cries-foul-as-pcg-bolsters-presence-off-sabina-shoal/

Inquirer

Palarong Pambansa App available for download on Friday

The Palarong Pambansa App will be available for download on Friday. Photo: Jay Chan Baa, UP Intern The Palarong Pambansa App will be available for download on Friday. Photo: Jay Chan Baa, UP Intern CEBU CITY, Philippines — The first-ever Palarong Pambansa App was officially launched on Tuesday, July 2, during a press conference at Cebu City Hall. It will be accessible to the general public for both iOS and Android users starting on Friday, July 5. According to John Pages, Chairman of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), this application is very important nowadays for everyone, not just the athletes. He also acknowledged the presence of representatives from Aboitiz Power and UBX, who spearheaded the development of the application. “We are very fortunate to be assisted and supported by the Aboitiz Group,” said Pages. The Palaro app was developed by Aboitiz Power and UBX, the digital development arm of Aboitiz Corporation. Its official launch was attended by Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, CCSC Chairman John Pages, John Januszczak, President & CEO of UBX, and Anton Perdices, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Aboitiz Power. Application Features The app will contain vital information about Palaro, including game schedules, event locations, medal tallies, live streams, partners, news, and even tourism sites in Cebu. Anton Perdices highlighted that aside from providing a single source of updates for athletes’ families about their children’s games, the app will also promote Cebu’s tourism since this is a national event. “Nowadays, every event having an app is very important, especially for family members of athletes who are not able to make it to Cebu. At least they will be able to have one source for the schedule of where their children will play, and since this is also a national event, we’re also incorporating what to do here in Cebu. It is not just the app, but we are also promoting Cebu as part of a chamber’s initiative to invest in Cebu’s prospered paradise,” said Perdices. Meanwhile, John Januszczak expressed his appreciation to Acting Mayor Garcia and Pages for allowing them to collaborate on the development of this app and to bring digital solutions to the communities. “Thanks for letting us collaborate and contribute to this app. In general, our company UBX is the digital development arm of Aboitiz. We see digital as a way to improve people’s lives and allow people to have more access and more opportunities. We would like to do that by bringing digital to communities,” said Januszczak. — Jay Chan Baa, UP Intern RELATED STORIES Palarong Pambansa 2024 will be a Palaro of many firsts Senate OKs Palaro bill on second reading Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The PALARONG PAMBANSA 2024: A CDN DIGITAL SPECIAL ONLINE COVERAGE is in partnership with: Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

mbgerodias

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:02:46 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581930/palarong-pambansa-app-available-for-download-on-friday

Inquirer

CSCR tunnel: 3-wheeled vehicles barred from it starting July 18

South Road Properties subway/Contributed photo via Kim Ablaña South Road Properties subway/Contributed photo via Kim Ablaña CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) tunnel will temporarily prohibit three-wheeled and smaller vehicles from entering once the partial closure of the tunnel begins on July 18. Lawyer Kent Jongoy, assistant department head of the Cebu City Road Management Authority (CCRMA), discussed the upcoming rehabilitation and repair project, which would run for six to seven months. “We will be limiting the access of motorcycles. Those vehicles, three wheels and below, dili na siya kasud sa atong SRP tunnel for the very reason that we only have one lane,” Jongoy said. (We will be limiting the access of motorcycles. Those vehicles, three wheels and below, they cannot enter our SRP tunnel (CSCR tunnel) for the very reason that we only have one lane.) READ MORE: Cebu South Coastal Road tunnel to be closed for 6-7 months Cebu South Coastal Road tunnel repair, rehab to start on July 18 On June 25, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) announced that the highway’s tunnel would be closed for six to seven months to give way for crucial repairs. This was because, during an ocular inspection last June, engineers found several hairline cracks and defective streetlights that – when left unaddressed – might pose a danger to motorists. Jongoy clarified that the partial closure of the tunnel would entail that the right-most lanes would be closed, and only the left-most lanes would be open for traffic. In a news media forum on Tuesday, July 2, he explained that the temporary prohibition of three-wheeled and smaller vehicles from entering the tunnel was because these vehicles would tend to swerve or change lanes indiscriminately, which could impede traffic flow or, worse, result in accidents. The rehabilitation and repair project includes the installation of a new lighting system inside the tunnel, the application of reflective paint on its side walls, and the rehabilitation of hairline cracks. According to Jongoy, these improvements aim to enhance the safety and visibility of motorists and all road users. READ MORE: CDRRMO forms squad to patrol SRP tunnel The transformative impact of infrastructure on Philippine industrial real estate Since the tunnel is closed to entry to certain vehicles, motorists are rerouted to travel along MJ Cuenco Avenue, then in front of the Compañía Marítima Building, heading to the South Road Properties. Another alternative route is through the access road from MC Briones at the back of the Senior Citizen’s Park in front of the Executive Building of the Cebu City Hall– ML Quezon Boulevard. Furthermore, Jongoy assured that tow trucks would be stationed at Plaza Independencia to assist vehicles in case of unforeseen circumstances such as breakdowns or accidents. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

ppiquero

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 13:50:13 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581759/cscr-tunnel-3-wheeled-vehicles-barred-from-it-starting-july-18

Inquirer

Immediate cut in rice prices unlikely, says BMI

Rice vendor Eddie Pascual, 58, wait for his usual clients at his rice stall in Marikina Public Market on Monday, June 10, 2024. The NEDA board has agreed to cut tariff on rice to 15 percent from 35 percent to help bring down the price of rice to P29 a kilo. Pascual expressed his reservation that the move will lower the price of rice per kilo. INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE Rice vendor Eddie Pascual, 58, wait for his usual clients at his rice stall in Marikina Public Market on Monday, June 10, 2024. The NEDA board has agreed to cut tariff on rice to 15 percent from 35 percent to help bring down the price of rice to P29 a kilo. Pascual expressed his reservation that the move will lower the price of rice per kilo. INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE Filipino consumers will not immediately feel the impact of the government’s move to slash the tariff on imported rice to 15 percent from 35 percent, even if the volume will increase, according to BMI. The Fitch Group unit said: “the reduction will not have a noticeable impact on domestic prices” as it will take time for the cheaper rice to circulate in the country. READ: Marcos formalizes rice tariff cut via EO 62 BMI also pointed out that international rice prices are still elevated due to factors such as India’s rice export ban that have tightened the global rice market. The research firm said the surge in the demand for imported rice might increase the pressure for global prices to go up. It cited data from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization that showed that export quotations for Vietnam’s 25 percent and 5 percent broken rice hit $543 per ton and $568 per ton, respectively, in May this year, up by 18.6 percent and 17.1 percent, respectively, from a year ago. BMI also mentioned the FAO’s All Rice Price Index, which reached 137.3 points, up by 7.4 percent from 127.8 points recorded last year. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jordeene B. Lagare

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 02:01:00 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466587/immediate-cut-in-rice-prices-unlikely-says-bmi

Inquirer

2 traffickers yield P340,000 shabu in Batangas City

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO LUCENA CITY — Police seized P340,000 worth of shabu (crystal meth) from two suspected drug traffickers arrested on Monday in Batangas City. The Region 4A police reported that members of the provincial police drug enforcement unit and local cops held “Christopher” and “Melcherd” at 10:05 p.m. after they sold P100,000 worth of shabu to an undercover cop in Barangay Alangilan. The suspects were found in alleged possession of one plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing 50 grams. READ: P1.1M shabu seized from ‘high-value’ target in Batangas City The operatives also seized a mobile phone from the suspects to be examined for drug transactions. A motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects in their illegal activities was also confiscated. Police tagged Christopher as a high-value individual in the local drug trade, while Melcherd was a street-level pusher. The police are conducting further investigations to determine the source of the illegal drugs. Both suspects are under police custody and will face a charge of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallarijrINQ

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:53:04 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956985/2-traffickers-yield-p340000-shabu-in-batangas-city

Inquirer

Family of 4-year-old found dead in river loses P3,700 in scam

Instead of receiving help, the family of the 4-year-old boy who died after falling into a river in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City on Sunday, June 30, has allegedly been victimized by a woman who stole over P3,700. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares Instead of receiving help, the family of the 4-year-old boy who died after falling into a river in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City on Sunday, June 30, has allegedly been victimized by a woman who stole over P3,700. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares CEBU CITY, Philippines — A grieving family’s cry for help resulted to them being taken advantage of and losing the money meant to cover for the expenses of their 4-year-old son’s burial in Cebu City. A 4-year-old boy tragically lost his life after he accidentally fell off a wall into a river in Sitio Tal-ot, Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City on Sunday, June 30. Following this incident, his family members called on the public for help for the child’s burial expenses. This, however, allegedly led to them being scammed by a person who claimed to want to help. The minor’s grandfather, “Ian,” not his real name, spoke to CDN Digital on Tuesday, July 2 about the incident. Ian narrated that a woman, who claimed to be an employee of a public service program, called and said that she will donate P5,000. Grateful for the help, Ian agreed and followed her instruction to send a code that was sent to his number. Ian admitted that he did this without thinking too much as he was thankful for the promised donation. Shortly after, however, he discovered that his Gcash account that had over P3,700 was now empty. In an interview with CDN Digital, Ian lamented on how could a person do this to them when the family was grieving for the loss of his grandson. The person allegedly stole the money that was meant for the wake and burial of the dead child. “Mga tawo nga wa gyuy kaluoy. Imbes tabangan unta mi, tabangan nuon mig duot nuon. Mao gyud amo gihangyo unta nga mangayo mig tabang. [Sa] pagpalubong gyud para mahinuna nang patayng lawas sa bata. Hasta pud mi, maka-move on pud mi para makalihok pud mi kay duna pa bayng laing bata,” he stated. Ian said that they have asked for the help of a neighbor police officer on the incident. However, he has left it up to karma for the perpetrator to face consequences for her actions. A candle is lit at the spot where a 4-year-old child fell into a river and died on Sunday, June 30, in Sitio Tal-ot, Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City while he was waiting for his father to come home. | CDN Photo/ Emmariel Ares Two days after the accident, a candle is lit at the spot where the boy fell without anyone noticing. The boy was the eldest of three siblings, aged 3 and 1. His mother, 19, is a housewife, while his father, 23, is an e-bike driver. According to Ian, the child was sitting by the small bridge waiting for his father to come home from work at around 1 p.m. The father had promised his son that he would take him to watch a basketball game in their community later that afternoon. Ian said that early on Sunday, the boy asked for his basketball jersey, which is identical to his father’s, to be ironed because he was planning to wear it. While waiting by the bridge, however, the child fell, hit his head, and drowned, resulting in his untimely demise. Ian said that the child may have fallen asleep while sitting at the time. Another child reportedly saw the boy’s lower half floating in the shallow river and hurriedly called for adults. Ian, who was in the house, recalled how he immediately jumped into the river only to find that the child was no longer breathing. He estimated that the boy was underwater for more than 10 minutes. The family took the boy to the hospital, where it was confirmed that he was already dead. He had a large wound on his head due to the fall. Ian expressed how difficult it is for them to accept that the bubbly and kind child has unexpectedly died. The boy was sweet to everyone around him and had dreams of becoming a policeman in the future. On Saturday, the boy even wore his name tag while playing because he was already excited to attend school as a Kindergarten 2 student later this month. Because of this, his family decided to dress him in his school uniform during his wake. The boy’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday, July 4. Due to this incident, Ian said that they will be keeping a closer watch on the boy’s younger siblings. Ian also asked for help from the public for their 4-year-old’s burial expenses. | with Paul Lauro, CDN Correspondent RELATED STORIES Cebu City drowning: 4-year-old tragically dies in Inayawan river Over 200 died due to drowning from January to March — PNP Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

eares

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:44:52 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581805/family-of-4-year-old-found-dead-in-river-loses-p3700-in-scam

Inquirer

CHEd approves Mapua’s transnational higher education programs

File photo/CHEd Facebook page File photo/CHEd Facebook page MANILA, Philippines — In a bid to bring international education closer to Filipino students, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has approved the first transnational higher education (TNHE) programs of Mapua University and Arizona State University (ASU). CHEd announced on Tuesday the TNHE programs authorized at Mapua University: Through these TNHE programs, students can earn double degrees in four years or gain guaranteed advanced entry into ASU’s master’s programs, according to CHEd. READ: CHEd inks agreement with Vancouver agency “Through the Transnational Higher Education Law, we create another pathway for Filipino students to access and acquire international education in order to enhance their skills in specialized areas and competitiveness in the global field,” CHED Secretary Popoy de Vera III said, as quoted in the statement. The ASU is a public higher education institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. It ranked 200 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 155 in the 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The university also maintained its top spot as the most innovative school in the US for eight consecutive years, as reported by the US News and World Report. Mapua University, on the other hand, is a CHEd-recognized Philippine higher education institution ranked within 601-650 in 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds Asia and 1501+ in the Times Higher Education. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:45:14 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241300/ched-approves-mapuas-transnational-higher-education-programs

Inquirer

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas women at FIVB Challenger Cup 2024

Alas Pilipinas women’s team faces a tough test in the FIVB Challenger Cup, another world-class volleyball event hosted by the Philippines, from July 4 to 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The eight qualified teams – the host Philippines, Argentina, Belgium, Czechia, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Sweden and AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam – battle in the knockout quarterfinal round on July 4 and July 5. READ: Alas Pilipinas women draw tough first FIVB assignment This is followed by the do-or-die semifinal and final rounds. The winner of the tournament–which was first held in 2018–qualifies for the Volleyball of Nations League (VNL) in 2025. Here is the schedule of all the games in the FIVB Challenger’s Cup including Alas Pilipinas’ assignment in the quarterfinals. July 4,  Thursday July 5, Friday July 6, Saturday July 7, Sunday There were a few changes to the Alas Pilipinas roster that won the bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 last month, with the addition of pros and UAAP stars. Here is the Philippines roster for the FIVB Challenger Cup from the FIVB official website. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Celest Flores-Colina

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:08:45 PST

https://sports.inquirer.net/572623/schedule-alas-pilipinas-women-at-fivb-challenger-cup-2024

Inquirer

DFA condemns North Korea’s ballistic missile launch: It ‘provokes tensions’

On Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 (file photo provided Sunday, Aug. 25), the North Korean government shows the test firing of a missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea. (File picture from Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) On Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 (file photo provided Sunday, Aug. 25), the North Korean government shows the test firing of a missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea. (File picture from Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has denounced the recent ballistic missile launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), also known as North Korea. A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said the launch on July 1 “provokes tensions and undermines economic progress, peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.” READ: North Korea launches a ballistic missile off its east coast, S. Korea says “The Philippines has repeatedly called on the DPRK to also comply with its international obligations and the relevant UN [United Nations] Security Council resolutions and to commit to constructive and peaceful dialogue with the Republic of Korea,” it added. The DFA further said the country has consistently supported the call for the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the DPRK. READ: PH’s first missile-guided corvette launched in South Korea An Associated Press report dated July 1 said the missiles were launched 10 minutes apart in a northeasterly direction from the town of Jangyon in southeastern North Korea. These events came two days after the United States, Japan, and South Korea concluded their new trilateral drills in the region, it added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:51:58 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241202/dfa-condemns-north-koreas-ballistic-missile-launch-it-provokes-tensions

Inquirer

GCash: Accounts safe; still no proof of hacking

PROBE STILL ONGOING A cybersecurity group claimed last week that around 200,000 data subjects were affected by the alleged data breach although GCash said it had yet to find any evidence its system was hacked. —Inquirer file photo PROBE STILL ONGOING A cybersecurity group claimed last week that around 200,000 data subjects were affected by the alleged data breach although GCash said it had yet to find any evidence its system was hacked. —Inquirer file photo MANILA, Philippines — The probe of the alleged data breach against popular e-wallet GCash continues to take place as cybersecurity group Deep Web Konek claimed that the amount of potentially compromised data might be even bigger than previously reported. The Ayala-led company said on Monday that no indication of hacking had been found yet, adding that accounts of GCash users have remained safe. Last week, Deep Web Konek reported that a cybersecurity attack was launched by threat actor KryptonZombie against the know-your-customer (KYC) system of GCash. READ: NBI arrests media outlet’s data officer, 2 others for hacking gov’t websites KYC is the process of verifying the account user’s identity as a way to mitigate fraud, money laundering and other cybersecurity risks for financial institutions. This requires users to submit personal data like valid IDs and digital signatures, making the system an attractive target for hackers. The group said that some 200,000 data subjects linked to GCash KYC system were potentially affected. But it later claimed that the cyberattack was “much bigger” and the number of compromised data subjects could actually be in the “millions.” “[Our] team has new findings and found out that more sensitive documents are exposed,” it noted. These included statements of accounts from several banks, national IDs, government employee IDs, company IDs and pay slips. Deep Web Konek stressed that the “breach highlights the urgent need for robust security measures to protect user data.” GCash said it was working with regulators and authorities in investigating the matter. This was not the first time it dealt with a cybersecurity issue. Just last year, the e-wallet received numerous complaints over unauthorized deductions in its users’ account balances, which it was able to restore eventually. GCash explained that no hacking was involved. Instead, it explained there were deliberate phishing attempts, a fraudulent activity whereby hackers trick victims into providing their personal information, such as contact details. Getting ahold of this information can allow hackers to take over one’s account. In response, GCash fully rolled out “DoubleSafe” Face ID feature, which is activated for every first login to a new device by the user. It is backed by facial recognition, which prevents hackers from accessing the account despite tricking users into giving their mobile PIN (MPIN) and one-time PIN (OTP). It also inked an information-sharing pact with the National Bureau of Investigation in January to strengthen initiatives against cybercriminals, formalizing their already ongoing cooperation. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. GCash, on its part, monitors potential suspicious activities in its platform, which will then be reported to the NBI for further investigation. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 05:15:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956872/gcash-accounts-safe-still-no-proof-of-hacking

Inquirer

Cebu City logs over 100 new HIV/AIDS cases, more remain undetected

Stock Photo Stock Photo CEBU CITY, Philippines — Over 100 new cases of the human immunodeficiency virus/ auto-immune disease syndrome (HIV/AIDS) were recorded here during the first quarter. But what’s more concerning, according to health officials, is there could be more that remains undetected, with patients unaware to have contracted the virus may have been living with it. The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) recorded at least 165 new cases of HIV/AIDS, one of the deadliest diseases that still has no cure up to today. Of this number, 37 were mortalities. Nearly all of the newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patient still came from the capital Cebu City. However, Dr. Jaime Bernadas, director of DOH-7, expressed alarm that there could be more cases of people living with the virus. During a press conference on Tuesday, July 2, Bernadas said that only a few individuals in Cebu still submitted themselves for testing. Compounding this issue are existing laws that prohibit regulators and health experts on proactively conducting tests to detect HIV/AIDS, he added. READ MORE: IN NUMBERS: HIV cases in the rise in Central Visayas Central Visayas records over 700 HIV/AIDS cases as of Sept. HIV cases among Filipinos continue to rise, says DOH The DOH-7’s top official cited cases of blood donors testing positive for the virus during pre-screening stage, unaware that they have been infected. “Mao ning alarming kay we have people who do not know they are living with the virus,” Bernadas said. (This is why this is alarming because we have people who do not know they are living with the virus.) Since 1984, when the first human case of HIV/AIDS was first recorded, Cebu – including the tri-cities and the localities in the province – has already recorded around 9,000 patients diagnosed with the disease. The most common mode of transmission was male having sex with males, followed by people who inject drugs with shared or uncleaned syringes, based on the same data from DOH-7. In Cebu City, the age group most afflicted were the younger cohorts — teens and young adults ranging from 15 to 39 years old. For their part, DOH-7 continues to intensify their education and information campaigns to help contain the spread of HIV/AIDS, a preventable disease. “We have to promote awareness so that everybody gets to know that it is a real threat; it is around us. We all have to avoid and to prevent na mudaghan atong mga kaso dinhe sa syudad (that our cases here in Cebu would increase),” Bernadas added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

merram

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:28:59 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581780/cebu-city-logs-over-100-new-hiv-aids-but-more-remains-undetected

Inquirer

Dead man found in Balamban identified as fisherman

The body that was found dumped along the Transcentral Highway in Sitio Guya, Barangay Prenza in Balamban town on Sunday, June 30, has been positively identified by his kin. | Contributed photo via Paul Lauro The body that was found dumped along the Transcentral Highway in Sitio Guya, Barangay Prenza in Balamban town on Sunday, June 30, has been positively identified by his kin. | Contributed photo via Paul Lauro CEBU CITY, Philippines — Police have identified the lifeless man found near the Transcentral Highway in Sitio Guya, Barangay Prenza, Balamban town, southern Cebu, on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Franklyn Edaño, a fisherman and former drug surrenderer. According to Police Lt. Colonel Julius Garcia, Chief of Balamban Police Station, the man was identified by his relatives who assumed that the body was Edaño after hearing that his friend, Alexander Langi, had been found dead. Langi was also found tied up and lifeless in a grassy area in Campo 5, Barangay Manipis, Talisay City, on Sunday. According to Edaño’s relatives, the two men were friends and went missing at the same time on Friday, June 28. The family contacted the police on Tuesday morning, July 2, to verify the identity of the body found in Balamban. Edaño was positively identified due to his clothing and a silver ring reportedly worn by the victim before he went missing. At around 10 a.m. on Sunday, Edaño was found with his wrists and feet bound by rope and his head wrapped with packaging tape. Meanwhile, Langi was found dead at around 2 p.m. He was positively identified by his mother on Monday, July 1. Garcia said that findings from a Municipal Health Officer in Balamban revealed that there were no wounds caused by stabbing or gunshot, or any indicator of torture on Edaño’s body. “Ang assumption sa atong Municipal Officer, ang cause of death niya is caused by asphyxia. Katong wala na ka ginhawa tungod kay nakabalot man gud sa packing tape ang tibuok nawong,” he stated. Authorities are still waiting for the results of the autopsy on Langi’s cadaver. Police Major Windell Abellana, public information officer of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), further relayed that the provincial director, Police Colonel Percival R. Zorrilla, has ordered an investigation into the murders of the victims. Moreover, he has directed the police chiefs of Talisay and Balamban to conduct inter-law enforcement coordination with stations in neighboring areas, as they found that the two victims were residents of Cebu City. RELATED STORIES Unidentified dead man found floating in Tuburan river Dead man’s body found in garbage dump in Bacolod City Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

eares

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:22:46 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581860/dead-man-found-in-balamban-identified-as-fisherman

Inquirer

Lapu-Lapu fire razes P2.5M worth of properties

Over P2.5 million worth of properties were destroyed by a fire that erupted in Sitio Bagumbayan 1, Brgy. Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on early Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024. | Screenshot from contributed video via Paul Lauro Over P2.5 million worth of properties were destroyed by a fire that erupted in Sitio Bagumbayan 1, Brgy. Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on early Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024. | Screenshot from contributed video via Paul Lauro CEBU CITY, Philippines – Eight houses were destroyed in a fire that broke out in a residential area in Sitio Bagumbayan 1, Brgy. Maribago in Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday, July 2. The first alarm fire broke out at 12:55 a.m. but it was only reported to authorities at 1:10 a.m. It was placed under control almost an hour later or at 1:54 a.m. before it was finally put out at 2:30 a.m. Fire investigators said damages caused by the fire reached P2.5 million. READ: Twin fires hit Lapu-Lapu City on May 18 Senior Fire Officer 1 Oiretuele Baguio of the Lapu-Lapu City Fire District said that the fire was traced to have started at the residence of Melody Omongos. READ: Lapu-Lapu firecracker factory hit by fire: 4 dead Baguio said that the fire broke out while Omongos and members of her family were asleep.  It later on spread to seven other nearby structures. The fire burned six homes and damaged two others. READ: Consolacion, Cebu factory fire destroys P17.5M worth of property Luckily, none of the fire victims were injured as they fled their burning homes, Baguio said. Baguio said that the fire was believed to have started at the electrical connection of the ceiling fan at the Omongos residence. “Pero wala ta kahibalo kung unsa ang iyahang nature of ignition. It could be overloading. It could be arcing or it could be loose connection. Or it could be short circuit,” Baguio said. Baguio said they are looking at all angles to determine the actual cause of the fire. In addition, they are also looking into the cause of explosions that were heard when the fire broke out. Meanwhile, Baguio is urging Lapu-Lapu City residents to immediately call the nearest fire station in case a fire to ensure immediate response. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

eares

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:32:35 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581821/lapu-lapu-fire-razes-p2-5m-worth-of-properties

Inquirer

Pasig City anniversary: July 2 is special non-working day

In Pasig, July 2 is a special non-working day because the city is celebrating its 451st founding anniversary. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued Proclamation No. 612 on June 29, 2024, recognizing the occasion and giving locals the chance to celebrate the milestone. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO In Pasig, July 2 is a special non-working day because the city is celebrating its 451st founding anniversary. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued Proclamation No. 612 on June 29, 2024, recognizing the occasion and giving locals the chance to celebrate the milestone. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City is celebrating its 451st founding anniversary on Tuesday, and Malacañang declared July 2 as a special non-working day in the locality. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued Proclamation No. 612 on June 29, recognizing the occasion and giving locals the chance to celebrate the milestone. READ: Special non-working holiday in City of Manila on June 24 – Palace “It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Pasig be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation states. “I, Lucas Bersamin, Executive Secretary, by authority of the President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., do hereby declare Tuesday, 02 July 2024, a special (non-working) day in the City of Pasig,” it also says. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Zacarian Sarao

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:30:35 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956730/pasig-city-anniversay-july-2-is-special-non-working-day

Inquirer

Cybercrimes up by 21% in 1st quarter, says PNP

PROTECT YOURSELF Crime statistics show that government efforts to curb cybercrimes are not enough. —Inquirer file photo PROTECT YOURSELF Crime statistics show that government efforts to curb cybercrimes are not enough. —Inquirer file photo MANILA, Philippines — Cybercrimes rose by 21.8 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2023, the Philippine National Police reported on Sunday. The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) reported 4,469 cybercrimes from January to March 2024, 21.84 percent more than the 3,668 incidents reported in the fourth quarter of 2023. The number comes to an average of 49 cybercrimes every day in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 40 in 2023. READ: Card fraud most rampant cybercrime in PH ACG chief Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia said online selling scams topped the list of cybercrimes at 990, followed by 319 cases of investment scams and 309 cases of debit/credit card fraud, among others. Hernia said the cybercrime wave may be due to increased online activity, sophisticated cybercriminals’ tactics, and a lack of public awareness. READ: P155 M lost to over 8,000 online scams from January – August 2023 In February, ACG reported that cybercrimes surged by 68.98 percent last year, from 11,523 cases in 2022 to 19,472 incidents in 2023. The unit reported that cases of online scams surged by 94.64 percent from 7,208 incidents in 2022 to 14,030 cases in 2023. Sexual extortion also increased, from 110 cases in 2022 to 121 incidents last year. The number of cybercrimes has increased continuously despite the 2022 enactment of Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act, which the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) claimed would curb cybercrimes. RA 11934 was the first bill that President Marcos signed into law in October 2022. Senate President Francis Escudero and Sen. Grace Poe criticized the NTC for its implementation of RA 11934. But NTC simply said the law was “not a silver bullet against messaging scams,” but the agency would “tighten” enforcement of regulations. So far, the “tightening” has resulted in more messaging scams. The substantial increase has become so bad that an official of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) lamented last September that online scams have gotten worse than the country’s problem with illegal drugs. “The problem with online scams is now worse than drugs. Even the record from PNP reflects that scam cases have exceeded ordinary crime cases,” said Gilbert Cruz, undersecretary of the PAOCC. Other cybercrimes are identity theft, online threats, data interference, computer-related fraud, love scam, cyberlibel and violence against women and children. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. already ordered the PNP to address cybercrimes, and the police put up cybersecurity desks in all police stations and increased the training of investigators. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil also announced an intensified drive against cybercrimes and the allocation of “more resources and enhancing capabilities to combat the growing threat of cyber-related offenses.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. But the best measures against cybercrimes remain public awareness, and Marbil encouraged the public to report crimes to the police. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:35:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956595/cybercrimes-up-by-21in-1st-quarter-says-pnp

Inquirer

Romualdez: House ensures PH Air Force modernization is fully funded

Speaker Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Speaker Martin Romualdez | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the House of Representatives of the Philippines MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured the Philippine Air Force (PAF) that the House of Representatives will continue to support its budgetary needs to modernize and enhance the country’s defense capabilities. During the celebration of the PAF’s 77th anniversary on Monday, Romualdez said improving the conditions experienced by airmen is part of the consideration in supporting the PAF’s budgetary needs. “We are committed to providing the necessary legislative support to ensure that the modernization programs and welfare initiatives for our armed forces are fully funded and effectively implemented,” he said. “We will continue to work on policies that enhance our defense capabilities, improve the conditions of service for our soldiers, and ensure that the Philippines remains safe and secure,” he added. According to Romualdez, the House understands that defense capabilities are very important in the modern world. “We recognize that in this ever-evolving world, our security apparatus must be dynamic, robust, and forward-looking.  The administration has thus embarked on a comprehensive modernization program aimed at upgrading our defense systems and ensuring that our armed forces are equipped with the latest technology and resources necessary to meet the challenges of the modern battlefield,” he said. “These advancements are not merely for show; they are essential tools that enable our air force to execute its mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. They are a testament to our unwavering resolve to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added. Territorial integrity has been a key issue under the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as the administration has maintained sovereignty over disputed areas in the West Philippines Sea (WPS). In his first State of the Nation Address (Sona), Marcos said the Philippines would not give up even an inch of its territory while he is president. READ: PH won’t give up even a square inch of territory – Bongbong Marcos However, China’s military aggressions in the WPS have continued, leading to water cannon incidents, collisions and more recently, the loss of a Philippine Navy personnel’s finger. READ: PH Navy man who lost thumb recounts China aggression at Ayungin Romualdez thanked the PAF personnel for protecting the country’s territory with their patrols and “swift response to threats.” “The bravery and gallantry of our air force personnel in protecting our territory and sovereign rights cannot be overstated. Your relentless patrols, swift responses to threats, and tireless efforts in various operations demonstrate a level of dedication and professionalism that serves as an inspiration to all Filipinos,” he said. “Your actions are a vital line of defense against those who seek to undermine our nation’s peace and security,” he added. The Speaker also assured the PAF that the President and Congress are looking after the welfare of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel. “Recognizing the immense sacrifices you make, the administration has implemented various programs aimed at improving your living conditions, providing comprehensive health care, and ensuring that your families are well-supported. These measures are in place to ensure that you can perform your duties with peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones are taken care of,” he said. “Rest assured, the administration and the Filipino people stand firmly behind you, ready to support and uplift you as you continue to protect and serve our country,” he added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. With reports from Moss Laygo, trainee For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:18:24 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956795/romualdez-house-ensures-ph-air-force-modernization-is-fully-funded

Inquirer

Cebu City drug bust: Jeepney driver caught with P6.8M shabu

Baldo, a man considered a high value individual in the illegal drug trade, is caught with P6.8 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust in Barangay Mabolo in Cebu City today, July 1. | Contributed photo via Futch Anthony Inso Baldo, a man considered a high value individual in the illegal drug trade, is caught with P6.8 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust in Barangay Mabolo in Cebu City today, July 1. | Contributed photo via Futch Anthony Inso CEBU CITY, Philippines — A jeepney driver, who allegedly moonlights as a drug peddler, landed in jail after he was caught with P6.8 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation at past 12 midnight today, July 1, 2024. The drug sting was conducted in Sitio Sindulan, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, which resulted in the arrest of alias Baldo, 47 years old, a resident of the place. The suspect was considered as a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade. READ MORE: 18-year-old man sells ‘shabu’ to support girlfriend in Cebu City Carwash boy nabbed for running ‘drug den’ in Cebu City Selling salt for shabu ends in shooting in Cebu City, gunman hunted During the operation, personnel from Mabolo Police Station were able to confiscate more than a kilo or 1,005 grams of alleged shabu worth P6.8 million. According to Police Major Romeo Caacoy Jr., chief of Mabolo Police Station, the suspect was supplying illegal drugs in their area and its neighboring barangays. Based on their investigation, the suspect could allegedly dispose a kilogram of illegal drugs every week. READ MORE: P1.1M shabu seized from ‘high-value’ target in Batangas City P1.6 million worth of shabu seized in QC “Dugay-dugay na ni siya na involve aning mao nga illegal nga kalihukan”, Caacoy said. (He has been involved for quite a while in this illegal activity.) He said that the suspect was also operating in the northern part of Cebu. The police will conduct thorough investigation on the suspect’s involvement in illegal drugs and his claim that his source of illegal drugs was currently imprisoned in a jail facility. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

dsingson

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:52:00 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581601/cebu-city-drug-bust-jeepney-driver-caught-with-p6-8m-shabu

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Zubiri on probable fraud in New Senate Bldg construction: ‘Absolutely none’

Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (File photo from BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA / Senate PRIB) Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (File photo from BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA / Senate PRIB) AURORA, Philippines — Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is confident that the Senate panel on accounts will see no irregularities as it delves deeper into the costs of the New Senate Building in Taguig. The Senate panel on accounts — now headed by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano – will probe some issues hounding the New Senate Building (NSB), particularly its allegedly ballooning costs, on July 3. “Yes. Absolutely — wala talaga,” Zubiri told reporters in an ambush interview in Baler after he was asked if the panel would see no anomalies in funding or at least misappropriation of funds related to the establishment. (Yes. Absolutely — there will really be none.) “Actually, I inherited the project from Sen. Sotto and Sen. Lacson at si Sen. Sotto naman, lalong lalo na si Sen. Lacson, ay talagang stickler yan for accountability and transparency,” he recalled. (Actually, I inherited the project from Sen. Sotto and Sen. Lacson, and Sen. Sotto, most particularly Sen. Lacson, are really sticklers for accountability and transparency.) “So pag upo ko po bilang Senate president, sabi ko, kailangan transparent ito. Kailangang ito po ay above board. Wala po tayong pipirmahan dyan kung hindi natin makikita kung saan galing ang mga materyales na ito,” Zubiri said. (So when I assumed Senate Presidency, I made it clear that this should be transparent. This should be above board. We will sign no papers if we will not see where the materials will be used.) “Dapat dumaan sa tamang sistema, paraan, dumaan sa procurement service law at yan po ang aking pinabuya at pinagsabi sa ating accounts chair, Sen. Nancy Binay, and I think she’s done a great job,” he added. (It should follow the proper system, ways and procurement service. I left that to our accounts chair, Sen. Nancy Binay, and I think she’s done a great job.) READ: Escudero wants P23-billion new Senate building reviewed: Parang OA According to the former Senate leader, there is a pressing need for the Senate to have its own building. This view led him to call on new Senate President Chiz Escudero to expedite the inquiry on the matter. “I am hoping and I am appealing to Sen. Chiz Escudero to take the inquiries as soon as possible para ituloy na po nila ang — maibalik po nila – ang schedule ng pag turn over ng ang New Senate Building,” said Zubiri. Escudero earlier ordered a review of NSB’s construction cost. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. This review comes after Cayetano informed him about an apparent “dramatic increase” in the cost, from an initial budget of P8 billion to a projected P23.3 billion. The NSB’s construction began in 2019 under then-Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Charie Abarca

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:53:45 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956745/zubiri-on-probable-fraud-in-new-senate-bldg-construction-absolutely-none

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West Philippine Sea: Chinese aircraft carrier spotted off Luzon

This undated handout image released by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on April 24, 2023 shows the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in waters some 120 nautical miles of southeast Taiwan. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse This undated handout image released by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on April 24, 2023 shows the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Shandong sailing in waters some 120 nautical miles of southeast Taiwan. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese aircraft carrier was reportedly spotted off the western part of Luzon island in what a Filipino security expert deemed a “calculated” move to punish Manila for its “strategic actions” in the West Philippine Sea dispute. Global Times on Sunday reported that People’s Liberation Army-Navy’s (PLA-N) aircraft carrier Shandong “recently arrived” about 200 nautical miles away from Luzon or within the edge of the West Philippine Sea. West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell said it is hard to determine the exact location of the aircraft carrier, which was only commissioned in 2019. “Unfortunately I can’t see the PLA Navy very well,” Powell, program head of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation which monitors Chinese vessel activity in the South China Sea, told INQUIRER.net. Powell said this is due to the aircraft carrier’s automatic identification system (AIS) being turned off. “Military vessels aren’t required to use AIS. China’s [warships] don’t,” he said. Shandong, one of the two aircraft carriers under the PLA-N’s fleet, is also likely on a scheduled exercise in preparation for a potential voyage into the West Pacific Ocean, the Global Times also reported. READ: China’s new aircraft carrier conducts first sea trials–state media For Chester Cabalza, president and founder of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, the presence of China’s only domestically built aircraft carrier was “curated out of fear and insecurity” of Beijing over Manila’s alliance with “democratic countries.” “It only proves that the Philippines’ strategic actions are effective that stirs the countermeasures to ascertain Chinese hegemony in the tense region,” Cabalza told INQUIRER.net on Monday. The deployment of this aircraft carrier is part of Beijing’s continuous flexing of muscles amid worsening tensions in the West Philippine Sea. READ: West PH Sea: China ‘monster’ ship came much nearer to El Nido, Palawan – PCG From June 17 until June 27, China Coast Guard’s (CCG) biggest vessel dubbed as “monster ship” conducted what Powell called an “intrusive patrol” in the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. Also on June 17, CCG personnel also rammed, towed, and even boarded Philippine Navy boats during a resupply mission in the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which the Philippine military said led to what they deem as “looting” and even caused serious injuries to one of its naval personnel. On June 4, the Chinese navy conducted its amphibious drills in Sabina Shoal, which saw the deployment of PLA-N’s Type 071 amphibious transport dock that hosted hovercrafts. The deployment of hovercraft in the West Philippine Sea is unprecedented, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. “It’s aerial and naval projections in the South China Sea through its aircraft carrier Shandong validates their psychological operations as Beijing tries to reverse the story on Philippine provocations on Chinese islands and reefs in the South China Sea,” Cabalza further said. Beijing asserts sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by the arbitral award issued in July 2016. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The landmark ruling stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, or a year after its tense standoff with Beijing over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, whose lagoon the latter now has an effective control of. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

John Eric Mendoza

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:30:07 PST

https://www.inquirer.net/407784/west-philippines-sea-chinese-aircraft-carrier-spotted-off-luzon/

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BIZ BUZZ: Rubio retires from Aboitiz, joins MVP Group’s MGen

Perhaps power sector veteran Emmanuel Rubio just does not feel like taking a long vacation. At least, not yet. This as right after officially retiring as president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Power Corp., he formally joined the MVP Group as head of Meralco PowerGen Corp., (MGen) the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest electricity distribution utility. Rubio retired from the Aboitiz group after turning 60 last week and turned over the reins of the growing company to Danel Aboitiz, son of Aboitiz Equity Ventures chair Enrique Aboitiz and former director and chief commercial and stakeholder engagement officer at AboitizPower. The younger Aboitiz officially takes over the top post today, July 1, the same day that Rubio—who was president of AboitizPower from January 2020 to June 30 this year—will also begin a new chapter at MGen, replacing Jaime Azurin. The wholly owned subsidiary of Meralco aims to build a diversified power generation portfolio with 3,000 megawatts of total combined capacity, including 1,000 megawatts in renewable energy. If there is anybody who can fulfill that objective, it is Rubio. After all, he did leave AboitizPower stronger than when he found it. Thus he should be able to duplicate that feat in his new home. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao It has been more than a month since aviation groups conveyed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) their vehement objection to the planned “gargantuan” increase in the fees and charges at the soon-to-be privatized Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), and they are still waiting with bated breath for the final word. And as they count the hours before the Sept. 14 turnover to the San Miguel-led New Naia Infra Corp., more details of their strong position have been revealed to Biz Buzz. The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines, Board of Airline Representatives and Airline Operators Council, for example, scored DOTr adviser Asian Development Bank for the “flaws” in its study that fed into formulating the proposed fees and charges, adding that some of the multilateral funding agency’s assumptions were “misleading.” They also underscored that “the immediate rise in the proposed fees and charges are not reflective of the infrastructure developments as compared to our neighboring peers.” “Making MNL the 2nd most expensive airport in the region will be detrimental to a majority of the Filipino traveling public at a time when costs throughout are rising,” the groups said in their May 21 letter to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. The groups emphasized that they do accept “that airport development must be paid for.” However, consumers will only accept these higher travel fees and charges “if they are matched with tangible improvements in airport capacity and the user experience.” The DOTr has stoutly defended the planned increases as necessary to complete the vital facility’s rehabilitation and capacity expansion. The exact numbers are not yet final, and will require Cabinet-level approval before they are finally implemented. But what’s looking definite is that there will be an increase, it is just a question now of how much. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao Grocery chain Dali Everyday Grocery, which has been recently branded a “deceptive” retailer by a consumer rights group, has even bigger problems to think about. A recent financial filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission showed that Dali, which is known for its discount products that appear to be dupes of bigger brands, more than doubled its losses to P1.88 billion last year. This is despite revenues swelling by 139 percent to P22.31 billion. The filing also showed that operating expenses more than tripled to P3 billion. It now appears that Dali, which is aptly registered as Hard Discounts Philippines Inc., has much to catch up on to return to profitability. For its part, Dali said its parent company, Switzerland-based Dali Discount AG, had committed to “provide the company with finance, or procure the provision of such finances, as may be necessary to enable the company to continue to trade.” Dali’s losses are on top of a show-cause order issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) following 13 complaints filed by consumer rights group Malayang Konsyumer amid concerns over sanitary regulations and weighing scale issues at its stores. The DTI is also now “actively investigating” the 82-store grocery chain for allegedly engaging in “deceptive” and “unfair” sales practices. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Will Dali be able to clear these hurdles or are issues expected to mount further? —MEG J. ADONIS Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:08:00 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466452/biz-buzz-rubio-retires-from-aboitiz-joins-mvp-groups-mgen

Inquirer

2 drown in Agos River in Quezon

FILE PHOTO: Residents of Sitio Paydas have to cross the Agos river using a small boat due to the river’s regular overflow. | PHOTO: Kathleen Lei Limayo FILE PHOTO: Residents of Sitio Paydas have to cross the Agos river using a small boat due to the river’s regular overflow. | PHOTO: Kathleen Lei Limayo LUCENA CITY — Two picnickers drowned Sunday in a river in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges in General Nakar town in Quezon province. Quezon police said in a report on Monday, July 1, that “Ronald”, 32, and “Mark”, 34, both residents of Quezon City, were with some friends at a picnic along Agos River in Barangay Maigang on Sunday morning. The report said the raging water swept the two while swimming in the river from the Sierra Madre to the Pacific Ocean. The bodies of the two were found floating around 1 p.m. in another part of the river. They were declared dead on arrival at a hospital in neighboring Infanta town. Police are conducting further investigations. For now, police have recorded the case as a “drowning incident.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Delfin T. Mallari Jr. @dtmallrijrINQ

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:49:17 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956689/2-drown-in-agos-river-in-quezon

Inquirer

Cebu Daily Newscast: Palma urges Catholics in Cebu to oppose divorce bill

Listen to Cebu Daily Newscast and get the latest stories in and around Cebu. Here’s what you need to know on Monday, July 1, 2024. Archbishop Jose Palma presides the 6 p.m. Homily on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. | CDN Digital Photo Gerard Vincent Francisco Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has called on devotees here not to support the divorce bill that seeks to reinstate the absolute dissolution of marriage in the Philippines. In a letter, Palma said divorce is not the solution to broken and irreparable marriages. A 17-year-old Chinese player has died after collapsing on court during an international tournament in Indonesia, badminton officials said on Monday. Zhang Zhijie was taken ill during a match late Sunday against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano at the Asian Junior Badminton Mixed Team Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Personnel of the Mandaue City Fire Office and Bantay Mandaue CDRRMO rescued “Blue Man” who was reportedly trapped in a drainage in Sitio Sudlon, in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue on Sunday morning, June 30. CDRRMO Head Buddy Alain Ybanezz, said that they responded after they received a call from a concerned citizen. A female senior citizen was arrested after she gatecrashed a mass wedding reception here, and then stealing the bag of one of the visitors. The incident happened in Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City last Saturday, June 29. ALSO READ Divorce and annulment in the Philippines: An explainer Why the Philippines needs divorce, according to Cebu lawyers House-approved divorce bill transmitted to Senate – Lagman Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

dbongcac

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:43:34 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581656/cebu-daily-newscast-palma-urges-catholics-in-cebu-to-oppose-divorce-bill

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Marcos, Malaysian Foreign Minister meet in Malacañang

Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan pays courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Monday, July 1. | Photo from PPA Pool Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan pays courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Monday, July 1. | Photo from PPA Pool MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan in Malacañan Palace. Hasan paid a courtesy call on Marcos over a year after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited the Philippines in March 2023. Marcos also recently made his state visit to Malaysia and had an audience with His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’yatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah who was then Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVI [King] of Malaysia in July 2023. READ: Bongbong Marcos seeks to bolster PH-Malaysia ties post-pandemic “Welcome, welcome to the Philippines. Thank you for finding time to visit with us while you are traveling around Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). So, I hope you will have a productive visit,” Marcos told the Malaysian foreign minister. According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the two highlighted during their talk the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malaysia which started in 1959. Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan pays courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang on Monday, July 1. | Photo from PPA Pool The PCO also said Marcos acknowledged the significant role Malaysia has played in the development and peace process in Mindanao. Marcos told Hasan that the Philippines is “looking forward to keeping itself in constant communication with Malaysia on current developments.” The PCO said that in 2023, the Philippines’ total trade with Malaysia amounted to $8.1 billion — with exports to Malaysia at $2.18 billion and imports at $5.92 billion. Malaysia ranked as the Philippines’ 9th major trading partner, 11th export market, 8th import supplier, and 16th among the Philippines’ top investment partners in 2023, with total approved investments amounting to US$13.17 million. An estimated 950,043 Filipinos live in Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan) — 628,450 of which are estimated to be undocumented, and 321,593 are considered temporary migrants, including those on work and visit visas. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Zacarian Sarao

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:44:29 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241162/malaysian-foreign-minister-pays-courtesy-call-to-marcos

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Dennis Trillo’s TikTok hacked, ‘May ABS pa ba’ comment not his – agency

Dennis Trillo. Image: CENON AND MAV via Instagram/@aguilaartists Dennis Trillo. Image: CENON AND MAV via Instagram/@aguilaartists Dennis Trillo’s management, Aguila Entertainment, said Trillo’s TikTok page had been hacked and that a comment from his account making a subtle jab against ABS-CBN was not his. Trillo caught the attention of netizens after he responded to a netizen on TikTok, who asked him if his wife Jennylyn Mercado would transfer to ABS-CBN since she was absent in GMA’s Station ID. “May ABS pa ba (Does ABS still exist)?” the actor supposedly responded. Image: Screengrab from TikTok/@dennistrilloph Reacting to the now-viral comment, Aguila Entertainment said in an official statement on Monday, July 1, that the actor’s TikTok page was hacked and that the comment was made by someone using his account. “We would like to inform the public that Dennis Trillo’s TikTok account has been hacked around noontime today, July 1, 2024. There were some comments made using his name and we assure everyone that it was not his doing,” Aguila’s statement read. A post shared by Aguila Entertainment (@aguilaartists) Trillo’s agency said the matter is being “fixed” and that it’s “unlikely” for the actor to “make such remarks” on social media. “It is very unlikely of Dennis to make such remarks and he is a person who has nothing but kindness and respect in his heart. We are currently fixing the matter to avoid this incident from happening again. Thank you,” Aguila said. Meanwhile, the agency’s general manager, Jan Enriquez, said on X (formerly Twitter) that the actor is busy filming the historical drama “Pulang Araw” and has “limited access” to his phone. “We are investigating the situation but do know na hindi po si Dennis yun. He is currently taping for Pulang Araw and [has] limited access to his phone as per his PA. We advise the public not to jump [to] conclusions with regard to this incident,” he said. We are investigating the situation but do know na hindi po si Dennis yun. He is currently taping for Pulang Araw and have limited access to his phone as per his PA. We advise the public not to jump into conclusions with regard to this incident. — Sir Jan (@janenriquez_) July 1, 2024 Trillo himself has yet to address the incident as of this writing. Meanwhile, the comments section of his TikTok page is currently switched off. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our entertainment news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Hannah Mallorca

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:35:49 PST

https://entertainment.inquirer.net/564242/dennis-trillos-tiktok-hacked-may-abs-pa-ba-comment-not-his-agency

Inquirer

LPG prices rise by P6 per 11-kg tank in July

Petron raises LPG price by P11 per 11-kg cylinder. File photo Petron raises LPG price by P11 per 11-kg cylinder. File photo Filipino households will face higher cooking gas prices this month as oil companies raise liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) costs. Over the weekend, Solane and Petron announced that LPG prices will increase by 55 centavos per kilogram, or about P6 for an 11-kg cylinder. READ: DOE, PNP heighten monitoring of LPG facilities This adjustment takes effect on Monday, July 1. “This reflects the international contract price of LPG for the month of July,” Petron said. Data from the Department of Energy show that in January, retail prices of LPG in Metro Manila ranged from P920 to P1,100 per tank. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

clorenciana

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:40:27 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581557/lpg-prices-rise-by-p6-per-11-kg-tank-in-july

Inquirer

Scientists warn WPS marine ecosystem at risk

This map is not to scale and is for visual representation purposes only. —Graphics by: Samuel Yap/INQUIRER.net This map is not to scale and is for visual representation purposes only. —Graphics by: Samuel Yap/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — Scientists are expressing concern over the continuous environmental degradation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid the worsening dispute over territorial boundaries with China, according to oceanographer Deo Florence Onda. Plastic pollution, climate change-induced coral bleaching, and overfishing, among others, are the main problems Onda identified, challenges that have now pushed the Philippine waters and the rest of the South China Sea to a “very critical point.” READ: ‘Irreparable harm’: China intrusion’s impact on West Philippine Sea ecosystem “The scientists are very worried because we talk about territories but degradation is continuously happening. The sad thing is that probably when we come to the point where we’ve already resolved our disputes, there’s nothing to protect anymore. So what’s the value of that?” Onda said in a recent dialogue organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs-Foreign Service Institute. Onda, who also serves as an associate professor at the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, said there was an ongoing effort to encourage other countries to return to the “negotiation table” and tackle the environmental problems in the South China Sea. “Science itself has been pushed as a nonaggressive approach or intervention for conflict resolution since the 1990s in the South China Sea,” he said. For example, plastic pollution, Onda said, was a very “neutral, pervasive and prevalent” topic that could serve as a “jumping point” for discussions. He said based on their studies that measured how much plastics go out on a system, Manila Bay was still the most polluted with 23.77 plastics per square meter, followed by Eastern Palawan (5.48) and Western Palawan (0.84). Surprisingly, he said, Pag-asa, an island located far away in the middle of the South China Sea, recorded a pollution index of 1.71, higher than Western Palawan. “The first time I went to Pag-asa I thought [it was] paradise but no, I spent two days cleaning up the coast, trying to collect those plastics,” Onda said. It’s not an isolated case, he added, because even in Taiwan or Taipei, where he also went, isolated islands accumulated piles of trash and plastic, which usually come from other bodies of water connected to the sea. In addition to analyzing the amount of plastics, Onda and his team also identified the usage of the plastics to determine what industry, organizations and sectors were contributing to the problem so the targeted policies and intervention could be developed. In Palawan, he said the majority of the plastics were foamed fragments, fishing lines, ropes and strings, which meant that most of the waste came from the fishing and maritime industry. In Manila Bay, the most common types of waste were thin plastic wraps, foamed fragments and straws, which came from the food and commercial industry. The marine scientist said their team also identified the origin of the plastics found on Pag-asa Island and based on the results, during the northeast monsoon, 60 percent of the plastics were foreign. During a southwest monsoon, 90 percent of the plastics come from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Taiwan and even Singapore. “I always refer to this as the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) convention of trash,” Onda quipped, adding that it showed the transnational boundary nature of the problem. Asked how the environmental problems in the South China Sea could be addressed, Onda noted that a “low-hanging fruit” would be data sharing in the region. “Different studies have been done in the South China Sea but they are not available. One thing that we are pushing for is a low-politics scientific symposium … to talk about how we are going to approach the problem,” he said. Onda emphasized the need for information as well as support for scientists who are in a “good position to push for confidence-building in the West Philippine Sea.” “At the end of the day, we always ask the scientists, what’s the status of the South China Sea? [What’s the] status of the environment? We can’t do that if we don’t give them support, we can’t do that if they can’t go out to the sea because there’s no gasoline in their vessel,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Building capacity entails building a framework to also support the scientists in the Philippines,” he added. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jane Bautista

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:50:31 PST

https://www.inquirer.net/407729/scientists-warn-wps-marine-ecosystem-at-risk/

Inquirer

Marcos renews ‘resolve to contribute to global peace’ at PAF event

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech at the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in Pampanga on Monday, July 1, 2024. (PHOTO SCREENGRABBED FROM RTVM) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech at the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in Pampanga on Monday, July 1, 2024. (PHOTO SCREENGRABBED FROM RTVM) MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthen the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as part of the country’s “resolve to contribute to global peace and security.” Marcos made the pronouncement as he expressed gratitude to the PAF personnel during its 77th founding anniversary at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga. The president said PAF has already increased its maritime domain awareness by regularly conducting maritime patrol missions and monitoring over 400 unknown tracks within the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone. PAF, at the same time, also continued its internal security operations, which resulted in the surrender of over 250 members of local insurgency groups, he pointed out. Furthermore, Marcos said the national government heightened its international defense and security engagement through talks with foreign military counterparts and multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises. “This is a testament to our stern resolve to contribute to global peace and security,” said the commander-in-chief. “In all of these, the selfless women and men of the Air Force have been nothing short of exemplary, especially in your efforts to provide prompt assistance by regularly conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations,” he recalled. READ: Marcos wants a stronger PAF to defend PH sovereignty, territory According to Marcos, the government is now in the process of acquiring additional air assets, enhancing cyber warfare communication systems, and pursuing base development programs for PAF. These efforts, he said, have already resulted in the acquisition of additional aircraft, as well as advanced radar systems, “which have transformed our operational readiness and has enhanced our operational reach.” Apart from PAF’s capability development, Marcos also vowed to prioritize the welfare of PAF personnel. “As your commander-in-chief, I assure you of this administration’s support in prioritizing your welfare, ensuring that you are all well attended to in terms of overall health and wellness so you may perform your duties effectively and safely,” he said. READ: B-52H bomber joins PH jets for WPS patrol, irks China During the celebration, Marcos witnessed a live capability demonstration showing the PAF’s capabilities. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. These activities included retaking a territory supposedly seized by hostile forces; detecting, tracking and neutralizing enemy aircraft through air strikes; intelligence reconnaissance and surveillance of the area using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and troop insertion via ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters using fast-rope insertion and extraction systems. The president also led the presentation of plaques and streamers to 17 awardees, recognizing their achievements in the service. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Zacarian Sarao

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:38:02 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956696/marcos-renews-resolve-to-contribute-to-global-peace-at-paf-event

Inquirer

Palace honors health workers with concert

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday staged its fourth musical concert at the Palace grounds as a tribute to Filipino health-care workers in the country and all around the world. The concert, dubbed “Konsierto sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), was part of a series of musical extravaganzas to celebrate important sectors [of] society. The first three concerts were held last year to honor the country’s soldiers, athletes and teachers. In a statement, the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos were scheduled to attend the concert but were not yet there at press time. READ: Alliance of Health Workers says sector needs solution more than concert One of the highlights of Sunday’s event was the recognition of three United Kingdom-based nurses, who were conferred the British Empire Medal (BEM) from the British monarchy: Xyza Macutay-Malloch, Charito Leonardo-Romano and Louie Horne. The medal is usually given “in recognition of meritorious civil or military service by His Majesty the King,” according to the UK government website. Macutay-Malloch, who hails from the city of Ilagan in Isabela province, received the BEM in 2021 for her “outstanding contributions to [British] society” during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCO said. As part of their recognition, she and Leonardo-Romano were invited to witness His Royal Highness King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023. Leonardo-Romano, on the other hand, received her BEM in 2021 for her commendable and courageous work in the UK during the pandemic. She was also recognized by President Marcos during her courtesy call on the Chief Executive on August 1, 2023, for her work at Arbrook House, a facility providing specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses and vulnerable to COVID-19 in Surrey, Southeast England. Formerly a native of Albay province, Horne received the BEM in 2023 for her contributions to nursing and advocacy for international staff within the National Health Service (NHS), the Palace said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. She became the first Filipino Lamp Bearer at the 58th Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster. Featured artists at the concert were Martin Nievera, the Douglas Nierras Powerdance dance group, The Clash Philippines’ finalist Garrett Bolden, singer and former child actor Brenan Espartinez; singer and music coach Justin Taller; singer Christel Galacan; and singer and theater artist Lara Maigue. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Melvin Gascon

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956589/palace-honors-health-workers-with-concert

Inquirer

INQToday: Wage hike of P35 for Metro Manila private sector workers approved – DOLE

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: A China Coast Guard (CCG) ship conducting a “resupply cruise” to its outposts in the Spratly Islands also passed near five features of the West Philippine Sea. West Philippine Sea monitor Ray Powell said that the 8,000-ton Sansha 2 Hao first passed off Pag-asa (Thitu) Island on Sunday morning. It was accompanied by the San Sha Zhi Fa 301. A P35 daily wage hike was approved for private sector workers in Metro Manila by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the RTWPB’s order will take effect 15 days from its publication or on July 17. Sen. Sonny Angara said he is “open” to being the next chief of the Department of Education (DepEd). In an ambush interview on Monday, Angara was asked if he was willing to take the helm of DepEd after Vice President Sara Duterte quit the Cabinet post. Will Vice President Sara Duterte and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos be seatmates again during the third State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.? That’s for an interagency panel to decide, according to House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco. Another abandoned vehicle reportedly related to the case of the missing Pampanga beauty pageant candidate and her Israeli boyfriend was found by authorities on Sunday night. “I don’t have many details yet about the abandoned vehicle found in Tarlac City. We will discuss the connection of the vehicle found last night to the case,” Capas police chief Lt. Col. Librado Maranang Jr. told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

INQUIRER.net

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:20:50 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956782/inqtoday-wage-hike-of-p35-for-metro-manila-private-sector-workers-approved-dole

Inquirer

LPG prices up by P6 per 11-kg tank in July

FILE PHOTO: A worker unloads a delivery of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at a market in Quezon City on February 5, 2009. (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP) FILE PHOTO: A worker unloads a delivery of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at a market in Quezon City on February 5, 2009. (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP) Filipino households will see higher prices of cooking gas this month as oil companies announced an upward adjustment for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In separate advisories over the weekend, Solane and Petron said LPG prices will go up by 55 centavos per kilogram or about P6 per 11-kg cylinder. READ: DOE, PNP heighten monitoring of LPG facilities This adjustment takes effect on Monday, July 1. “This reflects the international contract price of LPG for the month of July,” Petron said. Data from the Department of Energy shows that in January, retail prices of LPG in Metro Manila ranged from P920 to P1,100 per tank. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Lisbet K. Esmael @lisbetesmael

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:03:22 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466490/lpg-prices-up-by-p6-per-11-kg-tank-in-july

Inquirer

5 Pinoy crewmen return after Houthi attack

Inquirer file photo Inquirer file photo MANILA, Philippines — Five of the 27 Filipino crew of MV Transworld Navigator, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, arrived in the country on Sunday afternoon, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). “This is the first batch of the 27 Filipino seafarers who were onboard the vessel that was attacked by the Houthi rebels last weekend as they passed through the Gulf of Aden,” the DMW said. The agency also said the five seafarers received financial and other assistance from the national government. READ: All 27 Filipino crew of MV Transworld Navigator unharmed, says DMW Migrant chief Hans Leo Cacdac, Jerome Pampolina, assistant secretary for sea-based overseas Filipino worker concerns, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Honey Quin̈o welcomed the seafarers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. According to reports, one of the 27 Filipino crew sustained a minor injury due to shattered glass in the vessel. Before the incident, the Philippine government had barred Filipino seafarers from boarding vessels passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Cacdac said the DMW required manning agencies to submit an “affirmation letter” or written guarantee that cruise vessels with Filipino crew members would not traverse the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. —Faith Argosino Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:50:00 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241057/5-pinoy-crewmen-return-after-houthi-attack

Inquirer

Another vehicle linked to missing pageant candidate case found in Tarlac

HAVE YOU SEEN THEM? Relatives of Geneva Lopez, a Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate, and her boyfriend, Yitchak Cohen, have continued to appeal for public help in finding them. They were last seen in Tarlac province on Friday after inspecting an agricultural land that they were intending to buy. —PHOTO FROM PRESY CARREON LOPEZ FACEBOOK HAVE YOU SEEN THEM? Relatives of Geneva Lopez, a Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate, and her boyfriend, Yitchak Cohen, have continued to appeal for public help in finding them. They were last seen in Tarlac province on Friday after inspecting an agricultural land that they were intending to buy. —PHOTO FROM PRESY CARREON LOPEZ FACEBOOK MANILA, Philippines — Another abandoned vehicle reportedly related to the case of the missing Pampanga beauty pageant candidate and her Israeli boyfriend was found by authorities on Sunday night. “I don’t have many details yet about the abandoned vehicle found in Tarlac City. We will discuss the connection of the vehicle found last night to the case,” Capas police chief Lt. Col. Librado Maranang Jr. told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview. In a separate interview with reporters, the Capas police chief said operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group found the abandoned vehicle along Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City. READ: Burned gadget found in vehicle used by missing beauty pageant candidate He added that the Tarlac Police Provincial Office has already formed a committee on missing persons to expedite the investigation and determine the connection between the vehicles found and the case. Based on previous reports, Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024 candidate Geneva Lopez and Yitchak Cohen met someone in Tarlac to check a 20.5-hectare agricultural land that they intended to buy. Citing the middleman the couple met, police said they were last seen around 2 p.m. on June 21, while their gray Nissan Terra sport utility vehicle (SUV) was found burning along the Capas-San Jose Road in Cristo Rey village at 2:36 a.m. on June 22. READ: Tarlac cops start retracing steps of missing couple In an earlier radio interview, Maranang revealed that police are now examining what seemed like a burned “cellphone or tablet” found inside the SUV. He also said they were still searching for witnesses to help them locate the two. He appealed to anyone with vital information about the alleged disappearance of the couple to come forward and cooperate with authorities. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:55:28 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241112/another-vehicle-linked-to-missing-pageant-candidate-case-found

Inquirer

PH designates land for dairy farming to increase milk sufficiency

The National Dairy Authority (NDA) is allocating nearly half a billion for the development of four dairy livestock breeding farms in Luzon and Mindanao, which are scheduled for completion by 2025. In a message to the Inquirer, the NDA said it earmarked a total of P498 million to establish four breeding farms designed to scale up local dairy production. “They are being established this year and hopefully, it will be operational by next year,” it said. The government set aside four properties to the NDA, a government-owned and controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA), for building these breeding farms. In Department Order No. 11, the NDA was ordered to help develop government properties assigned to the agriculture sector for dairy farming and forage development: a 50-hectare property situated within the Peñaranda River Forest Reserve in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija; a 50-hectare land and a 15-hectare property in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; and a 35-hectare property in Carmen South Cotabato, Bukidnon. Each facility has a capacity for 150 heads. The DA had vowed to support local milk production, noting the industry was “a low-hanging fruit” ready for the taking while also increasing the farm sector’s contribution to the economy. “If we increase the number of cattle in the milking-line, then we can increase production. Immediate effects will be felt,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in February. “Developments in this sector will not only benefit our farmers but also help address malnutrition in the provinces,” he added. The NDA aims to increase the country’s milk sufficiency by 5 percent, targeting 80 million liters produced by 2028. The Philippines produced just 29.1 million liters of milk in 2023, down by almost 4 percent a year prior, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The country imports 99 percent of its dairy requirements, mostly from the US and New Zealand. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jordeene B. Lagare

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:04:00 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466454/ph-designates-land-for-dairy-farming-to-increase-milk-sufficiency

Inquirer

Free admission: WinZir’s “Mano-a-Mano sa Sugbo” boxing event on July 20th

Cebu is up for a thrilling evening as Winzir, in collaboration with Prime Stag Sport, celebrates its second anniversary with its “Mano-a-Mano sa Sugbo” boxing event, offering FREE admission to interested enthusiasts on July 20, 2024, at 4 PM. As WinZir marks this special milestone, they continue to show their dedication to supporting the sports community and the entire local sports scene. Over the past two years, WinZir has made remarkable strides in the online gaming industry, and this celebration is a testament to their commitment. As WinZir marks this special milestone, they continue to show their dedication to supporting the sports community and the entire local sports scene. Over the past two years, WinZir has made remarkable strides in the online gaming industry, and this celebration is a testament to their commitment. The “Mano-a-Mano sa Sugbo” promises an exhilarating showcase of talent, featuring some of the finest boxers from Cebu under Prime Stag Sports. This event will highlight Cebu’s rich boxing culture and bring the community together for a memorable night of high-stakes bouts. The exciting line-up for the evening includes: As WinZir marks this special milestone, they continue to show their dedication to supporting the sports community and the entire local sports scene. Over the past two years, WinZir has made remarkable strides in the online gaming industry, and this celebration is a testament to their commitment. Expect an evening packed with thrilling matches, celebrities, and captivating performances by local stars. There will be plenty of activities and exciting prize giveaways throughout the night, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Don’t miss out on this incredible event! Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and head over to the Sky Hall at SM Seaside on July 20th at 4 PM. ADVERTORIAL RELATED STORIES: Cebu Football Club’s the Gentle Giants Receives Continued Support from WinZir WinZir Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary with Grand Prize Winner of Toyota Fortuner Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

bfernandez

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:10:44 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581666/free-admission-winzirs-mano-a-mano-sa-sugbo-boxing-event-on-july-20th

Inquirer

First Lady back from 3-day UAE visit

First Lady Lisa Marcos taking a group selfie after attending a lunch event with Filipino community in Kempinski Central Avenue, Dubai, UAE last June 29. —photo from Lisa Marcos Facebook First Lady Lisa Marcos taking a group selfie after attending a lunch event with Filipino community in Kempinski Central Avenue, Dubai, UAE last June 29. —photo from Lisa Marcos Facebook MANILA, Philippines — First Lady Liza Marcos on Sunday shared on social media her trip to the United Arab Emirates, where she is on a supposed three-day working visit to explore areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE. In an instagram post, Mrs. Marcos said the Philippine delegation and the UAE government tackled areas where they could enhance cooperation, such as culture, arts and heritage. “Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, wife of His Highness the UAE President, welcomed (the first lady) who is on a working visit to the UAE,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a post. READ: Marcos hopes to build deeper ties with UAE She said the two sides “explored ways to enrich the cultural and artistic landscape in both nations, with particular focus on early childhood development and investment in human capital. “The (first lady) commended the UAE’s broad cultural and developmental progress, expressing her admiration for Emirati women, who have successfully become key partners in the country’s development and nation-building process,” the PCO said. Earlier this month, the first couple hosted UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the latter’s courtesy call in Malacañang. The UAE official conveyed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. his country’s willingness to increase its investments in the Philippines amid the “growing relationship” between the two countries. During her work visit, the first lady met with executives of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. and Emirates Airline and Group. She also met with the Filipino community in UAE at the Kempinski Central Avenue in Dubai. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Melvin Gascon

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:33:27 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241053/first-lady-back-from-3-day-uae-visit

Inquirer

Tarlac cops still have no leads on missing couple

CHARRED Police have preserved the charred Nissan Terra used by missing couple Geneva Lopez and Yitshak Cohen that was found burning along Cojuangco Road in Capas, Tarlac, on June 22, some 10 hours after they were last seen in the town. —photo courtesy of Capas Police CHARRED Police have preserved the charred Nissan Terra used by missing couple Geneva Lopez and Yitshak Cohen that was found burning along Cojuangco Road in Capas, Tarlac, on June 22, some 10 hours after they were last seen in the town. —photo courtesy of Capas Police MABALACAT CITY, PAMPANGA, Philippines — Police in Tarlac province continued reviewing footage from several security cameras in an effort to locate Kapampangan beauty pageant contestant Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen, who disappeared on June 21. Police Lt. Col. Librado Manarang, police chief of Capas town in Tarlac, told the Inquirer on Sunday that their backtracking efforts involved examining the footage from video-surveillance cameras installed on residential buildings and business establishments around Cristo Rey village in Capas, where the couple was last seen. He said they obtained footage that showed the gray Nissan Terra used by the couple while traversing a road leading to Armenia village in Tarlac City, where Lopez planned to buy 20.5 hectares of upland agricultural land. READ: P250,000 reward offered for info on missing pageant bet, boyfriend According to Manarang, the footage had been turned over to the “committee on missing persons” created on June 28 by the Tarlac provincial police. But Manarang said a case of kidnapping was still unlikely because no ransom demand has been made. “We have been coordinating with Ms Geneva’s family members to ask about information relevant to the missing persons case and if they have received any calls from anyone asking for ransom. They said they did not receive any,” he said. Lopez, 27, a candidate of Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2024, representing Sto. Tomas town, and Cohen, 37, left their residence in Malabanias, Angeles City, at 1:20 p.m. on June 21 to meet with a middleman for the sale of the two parcels of land. In a sworn statement, the middleman said he met with the couple at 2 p.m. that day in front of a Petron gasoline station at the entrance of Cristo Rey village in Capas, then boarded their respective vehicles and drove to Armenia village for Geneva to inspect the properties she was buying. By late afternoon that day, the couple could no longer be contacted by phone or via their respective social media accounts. The middleman told the Capas police that he parted ways with the couple shortly after the ocular inspection of the two parcels of 12.5-ha and 8-ha farmlands. By 2:36 a.m. on June 22 or some 10 hours after the couple was supposed to drive back to Angeles City via Capas, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) they drove was found ablaze along Cojuangco Road in Cristo Rey. The road connects Cristo Rey village in Capas and Armenia village in Tarlac City. Investigators said the vehicle, which was reportedly pawned to the couple by its owner, who resides in Bulacan, was facing north as if traveling to Armenia village when it was found burning, Manarang said the owner of the Nissan Terra was invited to the Capas police to explain why the missing couple was using his vehicle. He was supposed to show up on June 25 and on June 29. “Up to now, he (SUV owner) did not show up. His lawyer told us that they would come here on Monday or Tuesday,” Manarang said on Sunday. On June 29, the Capas police chief and the provincial police’s committee on missing persons conducted an ocular inspection at the area in Cojuangco Road, where the vehicle was abandoned and burned. According to the police, there were no residential buildings or business establishments in the area. They also inspected the agricultural land Geneva intended to buy in Armenia village. Manarang said a burned cell phone was found earlier in the back seat of the burned vehicle. “The mobile gadget, a cell phone, was brought to the regional anticybercrime office in Camp Olivas (in San Fernando, Pampanga) for forensic investigation. But data could no longer be retrieved from the gadget because it was completely burned,” he said. Manarang said they had received information that Lopez was able to buy agricultural land in Tarlac in the past and had requested the Tarlac Registry of Deeds office for a copy of the property’s title to find out its exact location and its land area. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Up to now, we have been aggressively looking and coordinating with the family and friends of the missing couple, and until now, we still could not find a lead about these two persons’ whereabouts,” he said. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jun A. Malig

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:40:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956555/tarlac-cops-still-have-no-leads-on-missing-couple

Inquirer

More expensive fuel prices set Tuesday, July 2

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO Motorists will continue to pay more for petroleum products this week, with oil firms implementing a new round of price increases starting Tuesday. In separate advisories on Monday, Seaoil, Shell Pilipinas, and Petro Gazz said pump prices will jump by as much as 95 centavos, marking the third consecutive week of hikes. READ: Fuel prices set to rise for 3rd straight week The per-liter price of diesel will advance by 65 centavos, while kerosene prices are set to rise by 35 centavos a liter. Gasoline, meanwhile, will increase by 95 centavos per liter. Rodela Romero, director of the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, said crude oil prices continued to swell “as the global supply outlook remained threatened by the potential escalation of geopolitical unrest, due to the drone attack of Ukraine hitting Russian refineries, the production restriction of OPEC and the forecast for the peak summer season demand starting 3rd [quarter] of this year.” Last week, fuel prices surged by as much as P1.75 per liter. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Lisbet K. Esmael @lisbetesmael

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:55:43 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466497/more-expensive-fuel-prices-set-tuesday-july-2

Inquirer

MR.DIY brings on the fun with Bounce and Bingo Grand Finals at Waltermart North Edsa

In an adrenaline-filled display of teamwork and luck, leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY brought the fun and excitement with its Bounce and Bingo Grand Finals held Saturday, May 25. BJ Geneses Arenas and Corazon Arenas from South Luzon emerged victorious versus 22 other teams from the National Capital Region (NCR), North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao–earning the coveted grand prize of P50,000 cash. In the 1st elimination round, the 23 teams were divided into 6 groups and played against each other to determine the first 11 teams to form either a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal bingo pattern to advance to the next elimination round. In the 2nd elimination round, the 11 teams went head to head to determine the final 3 teams to compete in the final round. With much anticipation, Chester Espino and Tristan Pangilinan of North Luzon, Bj Geneses Arenas and  Corazon Arenas of  South Luzon, and Jovelyn Calatrava and Aldren Dayan Candelario of Visayas secured their spots in the finals. After a nail-biting finish, the mother-and-son tandem Bj and Corazon emerged victorious and was declared the grand winner with a record time of 45 seconds, while aunt and nephew duo Jovelyn and Aldren, and pals Chester and Tristan from Pampanga were declared second and third placers, respectively. As second placer, Jovelyn and Aldren brought home P30,000, while the third placer Chester and Tristan received P20,000 cash. As the venue filled with joy and excitement, MR.DIY’s Bounce and Bingo Challenge brought together a diverse group of participants with unique stories and aspirations, each with heartwarming plans for their prize winnings. Grand champion BJ Geneses and his mother, Corazon look forward to using their P50,000 prize to repair their house, while it’s surely a memorable birthday for second place winner Aldren, with his aunt Jovelyn, as they take home their prize back to Bacolod. Meanwhile, third-placer pals Chester and Tristan plan to save their prize winnings for tuition fees for the upcoming school year. Inspired by the eponymous viral game on TikTok, the Bounce and Bingo game has become wildly popular among MR.DIY customers–offering a unique blend of agility, strategy, and luck. Started last April 17 and ran until May 17, participants had the opportunity to take on the MR.DIY Bounce and Bingo Challenge–with no minimum purchase required–across 50 participating MR.DIY stores nationwide, forming 2-person teams who can record the fastest time to complete horizontal, vertical, and diagonal bingo patterns on the bingo tray. The MR.DIY Bounce and Bingo Challenge Grand Finals was made possible by Waltermart North Edsa as its official event venue, hosted by influencer Mary Grace Khu and featured invitational games for the mall audience, as well as a special performance from Tiktok choreographer Jerold and his dance group Legit Status PH. Stay tuned for the latest updates and promos by visiting MR.DIY’s official website at www.mrdiy.com/ph and official social media accounts at Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. ADVT. This article is brought to you by MR.DIY. Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:00:20 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466529/mr-diy-brings-on-the-fun-with-bounce-and-bingo-grand-finals-at-waltermart-north-edsa

Inquirer

Makati unveils new police, fire station in San Antonio village

‘MAKATIZEN’ NO. 1 Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay meets with Inquirer officers, editors andreporters at the paper’s new office on Jan. 25. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE ‘MAKATIZEN’ NO. 1 Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay meets with Inquirer officers, editors andreporters at the paper’s new office on Jan. 25. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Makati on Monday unveiled its new police and fire stations in one of its commercial villages. Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the ceremonial opening of Makati Central Police Station on Malugay Street and the Makati Central Fire Station on Buendia Avenue, both in Barangay San Antonio. What’s notable about these new facilities are the installed solar panels in it, Binay said. “We have made sure to include solar panels in the design of both buildings in line with Makati’s ongoing transition towards renewable energy,” she added. Binay said the 3,249-square-meter, three-story police station contains a secure detention cell installed with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) and a fire detection and alarm system. She also said the 1,778-square meter, three-story fire station could house up to four fire trucks in its parking bay and has a fire pole. It features the city fire marshal’s office, administration and district offices, and a conference room, among others. “We are proud to provide our police and fire departments with the modern resources they need to serve our city effectively. This investment reflects our dedication to the well-being and safety of all residents and stakeholders of Makati,” Binay said. “These new facilities symbolize our commitment to protecting our citizens and ensuring swift response in times of need,” she added. These facilities will benefit 16,524 residents in San Antonio with a percentage share of 2.89 percent of Makati’s population with a density of 19 persons per 1,000 square meters, according to the 2015 Census of Population released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Predominant land use of Barangay San Antonio is commercial and can be seen through the wide array of business establishments,” the local government website stated.—with reports from Felice Marie Nafarrete, trainee Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

John Eric Mendoza

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:33:49 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956814/makati-unveils-new-police-fire-station-in-san-antonio-village

Inquirer

Ace Cebuano junior chess player to compete in Malaysia

John Dave Lavandero. | Photo from Cebu School of Chess John Dave Lavandero. | Photo from Cebu School of Chess CEBU CITY, Philippines — Rising Cebuano woodpusher John Dave Lavandero of the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters will don the country’s tri-colors as he competes in the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championships 2024 scheduled from July 12 to 21 in Penang, Malaysia. Lavandero, one of the top junior woodpushers in Cebu, is currently coached by International Master (IM) Kim Steven Yap who is also the head coach of the UC Webmasters’ chess team. For Lavandero, he is thrilled for the rare opportunity to represent the Philippines in this major international chess tournament. READ: Lavandero crowned One Central Eagles Region Chess tilt champion ” I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this event, which would have been out of reach for me without the help of God, and my coach IM Kim Steven Yap and the financial support of the University of Cebu and Sir Bogie Lim,” he said. READ: UC Webmaster’s John Dave Lavandero tops CCSI Under-20 Chess Tourney “This is my first time competing abroad, and if I do very well, I would be more motivated to compete in more international tournaments. For this tournament, I hope to play extremely well and grab a title! My preparation has involved consistent practice, solving puzzles, and making strategic opening preparations.” READ: Lavandero tops Cebu School of Chess Scholastics tournament For IM Yap, he is confident that his prized ward will perform well in Malaysia. IM Yap said that it’s Lavandero’s chance to etch his name in the international scene if he wins the title in his division. He has been coaching Lavandero since 2019 as a varsity chess player of the University of Cebu. “I also grabbed my 2nd IM norm in Malaysia where in I defeated GM Julio Catalino Sadorra, the number 1 player in the Philippines today. So, It’s his (Lavandero) chance to make a name for himself,” said IM Yap who is also a player of the vaunted Toledo-Xignex Trojans. Lavandero has been one of the busiest local woodpushers in Cebu lately. He competed in various tournaments and won his first open title earlier this year at the One Central Eagles Region Annual Chess Tournament. He also competed during the Cebu Chess Masters Invitational where he went against his own coach, IM Yap, and several notable Cebuano woodpushers. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

dbongcac

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:54:54 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/581663/ace-cebuano-junior-chess-player-to-compete-in-malaysia

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Shabu, marijuana worth P18M seized in Calabarzon in June; 875 busted

INQUIRER FILES INQUIRER FILES LUCENA CITY — Police in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon) seized more than P18 million worth of illegal drugs during their month-long operations in June. The Police Regional Office 4A (PRO-4A) public information office (PIO) reported on Monday, July 1, that anti-narcotics operatives arrested 875 suspects during 675 anti-illegal drug operations across the region in June. The law enforcers seized 2,616.53 grams of shabu (crystal meth) and 2,177.30 grams of marijuana with a total value of P18,053,680, the report said. The arrested persons were detained and faced complaints for violating the country’s anti-drugs law. The report also said the cops arrested 1,853 persons engaged in illegal cockfights, card games, toss coins, and board games such as bingo and mah-jong during 819 operations in June. The police also held suspected bet collectors for the illegal operation of Small Town Lottery called “bookies.” Authorities seized a total of P668,974 bet money from illegal gamblers. At least 441 criminal cases have been filed in court against the arrested suspects. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Delfin T. Mallari Jr.

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:32:39 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956739/shabu-marijuana-worth-p18m-seized-in-calabarzon-in-june-875-busted

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Sofitel hotel closes; Union to push fight

LAST DAY? A vehicle enters the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City on Sunday, the last day of its current iteration. —photos by Grig C. Montegrande LAST DAY? A vehicle enters the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City on Sunday, the last day of its current iteration. —photos by Grig C. Montegrande MANILA, Philippines — The landmark Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila officially shuts down on Monday after 46 years amid safety concerns and an escalating labor dispute. The hotel, last managed by the multinational tourism company Accor SA under its Sofitel brand, bid farewell on its Facebook, thanking guests for memories that “have left an indelible mark on our hearts.” The property, owned by the Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS), was one of 12 hotels that were built in a rush in the early 1970s, as part of preparations for the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank (IMF-WB), which was held in Manila in 1976. READ: Hontiveros wants inquiry into Sofitel’s closure After the IMF-WB meeting, management of the hotel was contracted to the global Starwood hotel chain and was known as the Westin Philippine Plaza until 2005. The following year, Accor SA acquired the management contract and renamed the hotel as Sofitel Philippine Plaza. In May, however, Accor announced that the hotel would have to be permanently closed after 24 fire incidents affected the property’s structural integrity. However, the National Union of Workers in Hotel, Restaurant and Allied Industries (Nuwhrain) released on Sunday a statement criticizing the closure process. According to the union, Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. (PPHI), the hotel’s owner, “terminated over a thousand of the hotel’s employees due to the closure.” The union argued that this move is deceptive, noting that despite appearances, “PPHI still has plans for renovations within the premises.” The statement claimed that the hotel management has extended their lease with the GSIS until 2041, with plans to potentially extend further to 2066. This extension, the union claimed, is to “earn back at least the P3 billion to P4 billion, possibly even more,” spent on renovations. CLOSING WITHOUT CLOSURE Musicians play classical pieces at Sofitel’s iconic spiral stairway leading to its ground floor restaurant, where customers have lined up as the hotel operates on its last day on Sunday before it closes for renovation. Since the 1970s, the iconic hotel had been a popular “staycation” place for Metro Manila residents. But the landmark is also beset by labor issues, with workers protesting its shutdown. “It is clear that the PPHI has plans for the hotel’s future, yet the workers themselves have been terminated, leaving them in the dark and unemployed,” the union statement read. The union characterized this as “nothing less than union busting at the cruel, greedy and heartless hands of PPHI.” The union accused PPHI and Accor SA of violating labor standards, asserting that “PPHI has failed to work with the union meaningfully with regard to their plans for the hotel.” “All the workers ever wanted was, if the hotel will reopen, to be guaranteed the retention of their jobs and the respect and recognition of their unions and collective bargaining agreement,” Nuwhrain said. Despite the closure, the union said it would stage an “unrelenting campaign with international allies” to hold Accor accountable for what they see as complicity in PPHI’s actions. The dispute has caught political attention, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros calling for an investigation of the “labor policy implications” of the hotel closure. The union, for its part, has vowed to keep fighting until “the hotel workers themselves, during the eventual reopening, shall be the ones to cut the ribbon.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “So long as one of us remains standing, the fight is not yet over,” Nuwhrain said. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Russel Loreto

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:20:55 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/466484/sofitel-hotel-closes-union-to-push-fight

Inquirer

Duterte boasting zero secret OVP funds? She shouldn’t have any – Castro

The Office of the Vice President did not request confidential funds from the proposed P6.3-trillion national budget for 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte announced.| PHOTO: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte The Office of the Vice President did not request confidential funds from the proposed P6.3-trillion national budget for 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte announced.| PHOTO: Official facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged boasting of her office’s decision not to request confidential funds (CF) for 2025 is an “empty gesture,” as she should not have secret funds in the first place, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said on Monday. In a statement, Castro said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is not mandated to have CFs as it does not have a surveillance function. Her statement came after Duterte on Saturday said that her office did not propose any CF allocation for 2025. “Why should she request for confidential funds when her office is not mandated to have such funds? Besides, she is just afraid that Congress will again take it away along with other civilian agencies that are not mandated for confidential funds,” the lawmaker said. READ: OVP says it didn’t request confidential funds from 2025 national budget Castro also pointed out that Duterte has not yet explained what happened to the CFs that the OVP got in 2022. READ: Quimbo: OVP’s P125M secret fund in 2022 spent in just 11 days “Also, up till now, she has not satisfactorily explained the P125-million confidential funds she illegally acquired and spent in 11 days in 2022. She also has to account [for] how she spent her confidential funds in 2023,” the lawmaker said. During the deliberations in 2023 for the 2024 budget, Castro and other members of the Makabayan bloc proposed to remove the proposed CFs under the agencies handled by Duterte — P500 million for OVP and P150 million for the Department of Education (DepEd). The House of Representatives decided to remove the CFs from the OVP. It reallocated it to agencies involved in securing the West Philippine Sea, like the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. DepEd’s CF was converted into items under its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, particularly assistance for teachers and students. READ: How House removed, reduced the confidential funds of gov’t agencies Castro is a staunch critic of Duterte. In May 2023, Castro said Duterte was diverting the public from real education issues after the lawmaker was accused of shifting attention from the communist rebel attacks in Masbate province. ACT Teachers also urged DepEd to hire 30,000 teachers yearly to address gaps in the education sector, but Duterte said it was “unrealistic.” READ: VP Duterte: Hiring 30,000 teachers yearly ‘unrealistic, impossible’ After Duterte resigned as Education secretary, Castro said the Vice President’s decision had been “long overdue,” adding that nothing was done to resolve the education crisis in her two years at the helm. For Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, Duterte is not yet off the hook in terms of explaining DepEd’s budget utilization, even with her resignation. READ: Sara Duterte’s resignation as DepEd chief ‘long overdue’ – Castro “She shouldn’t brag about requesting confidential funds for the next budget. She is not off the hook yet,” the lawmaker said in Filipino. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. With reports from Moss Laygo, trainee Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:21:02 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956732/duterte-boasting-zero-secret-ovp-funds-she-really-shouldnt-have-any-castro

Inquirer

Moderate earthquakes rock Mindanao

Two moderate earthquakes hit Mindanao minutes apart on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The stronger magnitude 5.6 tectonic quake happened at around 8:23 a.m., with its epicenter estimated at 77 kilometers east of Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) Two moderate earthquakes hit Mindanao minutes apart on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The stronger magnitude 5.6 tectonic quake happened at around 8:23 a.m., with its epicenter estimated at 77 kilometers east of Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Two moderate earthquakes rocked Mindanao minutes apart on Thursday morning, state seismologists said. The stronger magnitude 5.6 tectonic quake hit at around 8:23 a.m., with its epicenter estimated at 77 kilometers east of Cagwait town, Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The tremor had a depth of 10 km. Ten minutes earlier, a magnitude 5.3 quake also struck off Cagwait, with its epicenter traced some 86 km to the east. It had a depth of focus of 9 kilometers. READ: Phivolcs: Magnitude 5.6 earthquake hits Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur Phivolcs said Intensity 5 was felt in Hinatuan town, Surigao del Sur. Intensity 4 was reportedly felt in the city of Bislig. It was felt at Intensity 2 in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte provinces, disaster offices in the two provinces reported. No damage or aftershocks are expected, Phivolcs said. The Philippines sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region bordering Asia and the Americas, where earthquakes and volcanic activities are common. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Frinston Lim

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:03:38 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911899/moderate-earthquakes-rock-mindanao

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Phivolcs: Magnitude 5.3 quake off Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says that a magnitude 5.3 quake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs) The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says that a magnitude 5.3 quake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, February 29, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs) (UPDATED: 3:25 p.m., February 29, 2024, to reflect the revised magnitude of the earthquake, from 5.6 to 5.3, and location, from Hinatuan to Cagwait, as well as to include reported and measured intensities/instrumental intensities, according to Phivolcs.) MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake hit waters off Cagwait municipality in Surigao del Sur on Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. State seismologists earlier reported that the temblor was at magnitude 5.6 and that it occurred near the waters of Hinatuan municipality. Phivolcs said Thursday morning’s quake was an aftershock to the magnitude 7.4 movement that swayed the province on December 2. READ: Phivolcs: Surigao del Sur quake at 7.4-magnitude, aftershocks recorded In a bulletin, Phivolcs said the earthquake happened 8:10 a.m. at 78 kilometers (km) east of Cagwait. It also said that the tectonic temblor had a depth of focus of 9 km. Phivolcs likewise said that Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur experienced the quake at Intensity V; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, at Intensity IV, while its scales measured the shaking at Instrumental Intensity II in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. READ: Moderate earthquakes rock Mindanao State seismologists previously explained that instrumental intensity is measured by an intensity meter or scale while intensity refers to the actual feel of the quake as reported by the affected population. No aftershocks or damage to property were expected from this quake, according to Phivolcs. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:53:47 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911887/fwd-hinatuan-earthquake

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Significant increase in PH gov’t borrowings seen in 2024 — S&P

MANILA  —The Philippine government is expected to incur larger borrowings this year, even as the country’s fiscal deficit is projected to narrow in the years to come, as the state looks for cash to pay old debts and fund its spending plans. In a commentary sent to journalists on Wednesday, S&P Global Ratings said the Philippine government is projected to sell $40 billion (P2.3 trillion) in new, long-term commercial debts this year, bigger than the estimated $29.8 billion (P1.7 trillion) it issued in 2023. Including short-term borrowings, the credit rating agency said the state’s total commercial debt stock would increase to $253.2 billion (P14.24 trillion) by the end of 2024, from the estimated $223.2 billion (P13 trillion) in 2023. READ: Gov’t gross borrowings up 28.2% in Nov. ”Most other sovereigns will increase borrowing this year,” S&P said. “Thailand and the Philippines are also likely to see significant increases in borrowings.” ”Other major Asia-Pacific governments are also likely to borrow more in 2024. As a share of GDP (gross domestic product), however, we project their fiscal deficits to fall relative to 2023. Most economies in the region should still have healthy growth,” the global debt watcher added. Data showed the Philippines’ debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 60.2 percent by the end of 2023, down from 60.9 percent in 2022. READ: PH debt still manageable, says Finance chief The ratio however stayed above the 60-percent threshold that credit rating agencies deemed manageable for developing economies like the Philippines. This, as the government capped 2023 with an outstanding debt amounting to P14.62 trillion, up by 8.92 percent year-on-year. The debt-to-GDP ratio is a closely-watched indicator of the government’s ability to settle its obligations. Economists believe that debt would stay at manageable levels as long as the economy grows faster than state liabilities. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto earlier said the Marcos administration is planning to borrow a total of P2.46-trillion from creditors at home and abroad this year to plug a projected budget deficit of P1.4 trillion. S&P estimates that governments in the Asia-Pacific region would use nearly 75 percent (or $2.9 trillion) of their gross long-term commercial borrowings in 2024 to refinance maturing long-term debt. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. ”Projected issuance this year will raise the Asia-Pacific sovereign commercial debt stock to an equivalent of $20.6 trillion by the end of 2024, up by $1.68 trillion from 2023,” S&P said. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:36:07 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/447901/significant-increase-in-ph-govt-borrowings-seen-in-2024-sp

Inquirer

Marcos returns to the Philippines after addressing Australian parliament

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay city, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. (File photo from INQUIRER  / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA) President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay city, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. (File photo from INQUIRER  / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA) MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines on Thursday after his two-day state visit in Australia. The Presidential Communications Office said that the President’s plane landed in Manila  at around 8:30 pm. During his stay in Australia, Marcos addressed the Australian parliament. He renewed his promise to defend Philippine sovereignty amid threats in the South China Sea. “The closer cooperation in this field was fully emphasized in my speech to the esteemed Parliament of Australia—the first ever for a Filipino President. I similarly highlighted our steadfast support for regional peace and harmony, to which many of our forefathers paid the ultimate price in World War II,” said Marcos in his arrival statement. “I conveyed to Australian legislators the important role of both our countries as proponents of the rules-based international order and its significance amidst the present complexities in global geopolitics,” he added. The President also told Australia that developed countries must help countries disproportionately affected by climate change. During his stay, Marcos also had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as well as other Australian lawmakers. Marcos also witnessed the signing of three deals between Australia and the Philippines, with one pertaining to maritime cooperation. The other deals tackle cyber technology and competition policies. The President will return to Australia in four days for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Australia Summit. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jean Mangaluz

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:45:01 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912058/marcos-returns-to-the-philippines-after-addressing-australian-parliament-2

Inquirer

Passive income tax cuts not viable until 2028–BofA

MANILA, Philippines  —Tax cuts on passive income—proposed to deepen local financial markets—may have to wait until the twilight of the Marcos administration in 2028 due to the current lack of fiscal space, analysts at BofA Global Research said. In a commentary dated Feb. 26, the research unit of Bank of America (BofA) said any measures that would result in foregone revenues at this point could further erode the delicate government budget position. BofA was referring to Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, which aims to harmonize and simplify varying tax structures on passive income and other financial tools. READ: House panel OKs 4th package of tax reform program When he took office in January, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto submitted a “refined” version of this legislation to lawmakers. “There is less fiscal space in 2024 than there was prepandemic, when these tax cuts were first proposed,” BofA said. “The proposed tax cuts on passive income and financial transactions would have eroded government revenue further,” it added. Approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading on Nov. 14, 2022, the bill is currently being taken up by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Under Package 4, interest income tax will be set at 20 percent. Royalties will be maintained until 2027 but reduced to 15 percent in 2028. Similarly, dividend income tax—which varies depending on nationality of recipient—will remain unchanged until 2027 before being harmonized to 10 percent in 2028. Package 4 also proposes a gradual reduction in the stock transaction tax to 0.1 percent by 2028 from the current 0.6 percent. Existing taxes on financial transactions, sales agreements and transfer of unlisted shares will be removed in 2028. Tax rates on bank checks, drafts, certificates of deposit not bearing interest and other instruments will remain unchanged along with that on life insurance policies. READ: Sans new taxes, deficit spike feared Meanwhile, rates on policies of insurance upon property, fidelity bonds and other insurance policies will gradually be decreased annually to 7.5 percent by 2028, from 12.5 percent. While the Bureau of the Treasury has yet to release full-year 2023 numbers, latest data show that the budget position swung to a deficit of P1.1 trillion from January to November, well within the P1.5-trillion deficit cap for the year. For 2024, the Marcos administration is projecting a smaller budget gap of P1.4 trillion, equivalent to 5.1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). This assumed that revenues would hit P4.2 trillion while state spending would amount to P5.6 trillion this year. To plug the budget hole, Recto plans to borrow a total of P2.46-trillion from government creditors. He ruled out new consumption taxes that may stoke inflation, instead calling for improved collection efficiency. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. ”If any comfort, the government appears to be able to fund its deficit easily with a mix of domestic and foreign borrowing,” BofA said. “Given the lack of fiscal space, we see government spending lagging overall GDP growth in 2024, as in 2023.” INQ Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 02:30:00 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/447826/passive-income-tax-cuts-not-viable-until-2028-bofa

Inquirer

Marcos finds China actions in West Philippine Sea getting worrisome

SIGNAL BLOCKED China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel No. 3105 sails past BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Feb. 22, when the CCG allegedly blocked the Philippine vessel’s signal. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD SIGNAL BLOCKED China Coast Guard (CCG) Vessel No. 3105 sails past BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Feb. 22, when the CCG allegedly blocked the Philippine vessel’s signal. —PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed worry that the growing presence and assertiveness of China’s forces in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) might further stoke tensions between Manila and Beijing and escalate an already volatile situation in those waters. “It’s really worrisome. Before, it’s just the China Coast Guard that’s making moves in our area. Now their Navy and fishing boats are joining them, so the situation is really changing,” Mr. Marcos said. READ: PCG: China jamming tracking signal of PH ships in WPS The President noted the recent sightings of warships of the People’s Liberation Army-Navy as well as China’s alleged jamming of the automatic identification signals of ships of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. But the Chief Executive said the Philippines would continue to defend its sovereign rights to ensure that Filipino fisherfolk can keep making a living in their traditional fishing grounds. “We just want to enforce what everybody is doing. For us, we will continue, we will just really defend our maritime territory. We continue to support all our fisherfolk who make a living from these fishing grounds and we will continue to help them,” he said shortly before he flew to Australia’s capital of Canberra on Wednesday morning for a two-day state visit. In an interview with reporters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Mr. Marcos assured Filipino fishers in the West Philippine Sea that the government would defend the country’s maritime territory in spite of the increased presence of Chinese vessels. Mr. Marcos reiterated his position that the country would not budge an inch despite the unfriendly acts of Chinese vessels, which are known to shadow or block the Philippine government’s ships in the West Philippine Sea, or the waters within the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. On the President’s orders, the PCG and BFAR began rotational deployments and patrols around Panatag Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc, a traditional fishing ground among Filipino fisherfolk. Over the weekend, the PCG accused China of jamming the tracking signal of PCG and BFAR ships, preventing the vessels from transmitting their positions at sea. “Despite whatever else happens, if they block us, if they shadow us, we will just continue doing what we are doing. That’s our job, to help fishermen who have been fishing there for generations,” Mr. Marcos said. “That’s the basic principle there: The fishermen must be allowed to fish in their traditional fishing grounds which belong in the maritime territory of the Philippines,” the President said. He made the remarks following the Philippine Navy’s allegation of an increase in interference on the electronic capabilities of Philippine ships deployed on rotation and resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea. Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said such “electronic interference,” like the jamming of tracking and communication signals, had been going on for the past three to four years. However, he could not directly say if China was behind the electronic interference. The Philippines has filed diplomatic protests against China over a number of maritime incidents, including Chinese ships harassing or blocking Filipino fishers from reaching their fishing grounds, and launching water cannon attacks on Philippine resupply boats headed toward a remote military outpost in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. In 2016, an arbitral tribunal in The Hague, the Netherlands, voided China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea while upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights to fish and explore resources within its EEZ, a ruling Beijing does not recognize. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Unlike his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who cultivated warm ties with China, Mr. Marcos has repeatedly invoked the 2016 Hague ruling. For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Julie M. Aurelio

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:36:08 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226621/marcos-finds-china-actions-in-wps-getting-worrisome

Inquirer

Marcos looks forward to greater PH-Australia military cooperation

FILE PHOTO: American and Australian warships have come together in the South China Sea for joint drills, as China continued to aggressively assert its claim of owning the entire area. The Philippines and Australia are expected to have greater military cooperation, says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. PHOTO FROM US NAVY FILE PHOTO: American and Australian warships have come together in the South China Sea for joint drills, as China continued to aggressively assert its claim of owning the entire area. The Philippines and Australia are expected to have greater military cooperation, says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, February 29, 2024. PHOTO FROM US NAVY MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia could expect more joint defense activities, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday. In a joint press conference after his address to the Australian parliament, Marcos said he and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a fruitful discussion to strengthen the ties between the two nations, including on defense. “Defense and security remain a key area of cooperation between the Philippines and Australia. We look forward to amplifying our joint activities and the capacity-building efforts in this regard,” he noted. Marcos also said the Philippines and Australia are committed to a rules-based order. Australia is the only nation other than the United States to have a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines. Last year, Manila and Melbourne held joint military exercises in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea, the area of the South China Sea that belongs to the Philippines. READ: Marcos: Australia is PH’s ‘natural partner’ in keeping int’l order The President also said he expects stronger trade and economic relations between the Philippines and Australia. “On economic cooperation, we anticipate greater bilateral economic cooperation that will allow us to withstand shocks, to be resilient against economic coercion, and to provide an enabling environment for our respective businesses and labor markets to further flourish under the ambit of our Strategic Relationship and Partnership,” Marcos pointed out. Marcos said Australia hosts the fifth-largest Filipino immigrant community, which has also contributed to the Philippine economy. “Both the Philippines and Australia welcome future consultations and dialogues as we explore and map the uncharted waters that can bring in new opportunities for a closer and stronger relationship between our two countries,” he said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jean Mangaluz

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 13:15:56 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226655/marcos-looks-forward-to-greater-ph-australia-military-cooperation

Inquirer

LIVE UPDATES: PVL All-Filipino Conference February 29

4 p.m. – Capital1 Solar Spikers vs Farm Fresh Foxies 6 p.m. – Creamline Cool Smashers vs Akari Chargers FULL SCHEDULE HERE. ADVERTISEMENT Creamline Cool Smashers faced their former teammate Ced Domingo who now plays for the Akari Chargers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines–Tots Carlos carried Creamline’s offense on her back after erupting for a career-high 31 points in frustrating Akari, 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Thursday night at PhilSports Arena. But despite that performance, Carlos is still looking to be even better.FEATURED STORIES SPORTS State-of-the-art ‘Home of the UAAP’ set to rise in 2027 SPORTS POC says all athletes invited after PH gymnasts miss Heroes parade SPORTS Alex Eala excited ahead of first US Open campaign as a pro “‘Yung nilalaro ko ngayon, even me, ‘di ako makapaniwala,” Carlos said after Creamline improved to  2-0. “Dahil sa mga tulong ng mga coaches, ‘yung suporta ng mga teammates ko, na walang pressure, training lang lagi. Defending champion Creamline (2-0) overcomes Akari (0-2), 25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-19 to extend its winning streak to 17 games. Photos: Marlo Cueto | INQUIRER.net #PVL2024 Posted by Inquirer Sports on Thursday, February 29, 2024 Tots Carlos on her 31-point explosion. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/fJPkAhADSE — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, and Bea De Leon on their second win. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/XvIlUCO8C7 ADVERTISEMENT — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 Tots Carlos with a new pro career-high 31 points (30/55) for the Cool Smashers. 2-0 start for Creamline! #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/aU9tEFaRAS — INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024 FINAL: Defending champion Creamline (2-0) overcomes Akari in four sets to extend its winning streak to 17 games. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/aPMhlhUT8H — INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024 END OF SET 3: Creamline 25, Akari 22 The Cool Smashers regain the lead, 2-1. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/OE447fAI7N — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 END OF SET 2: Akari 25, Creamline 21 The Chargers equalize the match to 1-1 apiece. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/fBU4ZTpC45 — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 END OF SET 1: Creamline 25, Akari 22#PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/LSGyD4sj2l — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 Ced Domingo and the Akari Chargers warm up as the Volleyball Thailand League champion battles her former team, Creamline. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/tbpPlLHzAi — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 Louie Romero and Trisha Tubu after their first win. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/EROxrQOSrc — INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024 Chinnie Arroyo on playing for Farm Fresh. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/sm4wosNRkp — INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024 Trisha Tubu and the Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines–After giving powerhouse Creamline a hard time in their season opener, Farm Fresh finally logged its first victory in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Trisha Tubu and Chinnie Arroyo joined hands to easily lift the Foxies past league neophyte Capital 1, 25-16, 25-18, 25-16, on Thursday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. FINAL: Farm Fresh (1-1) enters the win column with a 25-16, 25-18, 25-16 victory over Capital1 (0-2). #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/GEghHdx0Ru — INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 29, 2024 END OF SET 2: Farm Fresh 25, Capital1 18 The Foxies near their first win. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Pt1JYf7YVF — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 END OF SET 1: Farm Fresh 25, Capital1 16 Both teams, who holds identical 0-1 records, clash for their first win. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Esob6Tfi66 — Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 29, 2024 Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina against the Petro Gazz defense led by Brooke Van Sickle in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina had nothing but good things to say about Petro Gazz newcomer Brooke Van Sickle after their first of many PVL duels last Tuesday. Rondina got the better of Van Sickle as she dropped 24 points and 22 excellent receptions to lift the Flying Titans past the gritty Angels, 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 24-26, 15-13, for their second straight win on Tuesday at Philsports Arena. Capital1 Solar Spikers’ coach Roger Gorayeb in the PVL All-Filipino Conference; –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines —With only a short preparation heading into the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Capital 1 Roger Gorayeb wants his players to dig deep and show “the passion to win” after their debut loss. Gorayeb received a harsh welcome in his PVL return as the Solar Spikers absorbed a 6-25, 15-25, 15-25 loss to Chery Tiggo on Tuesday last week at Philsports Arena. Akari Chargers’ Grethcel Soltones in her PVL All-Filipino debut. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines — Despite a losing debut with the Akari Chargers, Grethcel Soltones remained optimistic about the progress of her new squad in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference. Soltones debuted in style for Akari with 14 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 12 digs but they started their campaign off the wrong foot, losing to Cignal, 25-21, 18-25, 12-25, 18-25, on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. “We talked after the first game. It’s not a bad game for us, we just fell short,” said the former PVL MVP in Filipino. Mars Alba (No. 9) is slowly finding out how to pull the strings of an attack line that includes the ultrapowerful Sisi Rondina (No. 18) in the PVL. —MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net Mars Alba has only spent a short amount of time with her new team Choco Mucho and yet she has already shown she is capable of leading the Flying Titans. And coach Dante Alinsunurin, despite still yearning for a better outing from Choco Mucho two games into the All-Filipino Conference, knows how much they lucked out in getting the services of the former F2 Logistics playmaker. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000. Subscribe to our sports news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

INQUIRER.net

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:29:45 PST

https://sports.inquirer.net/554995/live-updates-pvl-all-filipino-conference-february-29

Inquirer

Marcos signs 3 deals with Australia on maritime environment, tech

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs three deals with Australia on maritime environment protection, cyber technology, and effective competition laws and policies, the Palace announces on Thursday, February 29, 2024. INQUIRER FILES President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs three deals with Australia on maritime environment protection, cyber technology, and effective competition laws and policies, the Palace announces on Thursday, February 29, 2024. INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday signed three agreements with Australia on maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and effective competition laws and policies. “The three agreements exchanged today shall enhance information sharing, capability building, and interoperability between our relevant government agencies in the maritime domain and maritime environment, cyber and critical technology, and competition law,” Marcos said in a statement released by Malacañang. According to the Palace, the maritime agreement seeks to strengthen civil-military cooperation, enhance defense deals, and promote international law and rules-based international order. The Philippines and Australia also agreed to protect the marine environment. READ: Marcos: Australia is PH’s ‘natural partner’ in keeping int’l order The deal comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China continues to engage in aggressive actions such as firing water cannons at Philippine vessels. Recently, cyanide fishing has been reported in the disputed waters, specifically in Bajo de Masinloc, with Chinese fishermen allegedly among foreign perpetrators. As to the cyber technology agreement, Australia and the Philippines will share information on the field and promote digital economy. The pact on competition laws and policies, meanwhile, is aimed to make the two countries share best practices on trade including merger regulations, and investigative techniques relevant to implementing competition laws, among others. “The three agreements add to the more than 120 agreements that our two countries have signed through the decades,” Marcos said. “And these are in various fields, including defense cooperation, air services, education, research, scientific and cultural cooperation, amongst others.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jean Mangaluz

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:55:09 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226653/marcos-signs-3-deals-with-australia-on-maritime-environment-tech

Inquirer

Parts of NLEX to be closed in March due to construction

MANILA, Philippines — The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation said on Thursday that segments of the expressway will be closed for the construction of the Northern Access Link Expressway. The lane closure will begin from the Libis Baesa Overpass up until the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park. READ: NLEx operator allots P15B for 2024 to ease gridlocks “To give way to the SMC’s Northern Access Link Expressway project near Balintawak Toll Plaza, a 450-meter lane closures on both northbound and southbound directions will be implemented,” NLEX said in its advisory. READ: NLEX lane near Balintawak Toll Plaza to be closed for construction Below are the lists of dates and times of the closures: Feb. 29, 10:00 pm to Mar. 1, 4:00 am Mar. 1, 10:00 pm to Mar. 2, 4:00 am; Mar. 2, 10:00 pm to Mar. 3, 4:00 am; Mar. 7, 10:00 pm to Mar. 8, 4:00 am Mar. 3, 10:00 pm to Mar. 4, 4:00 am; Mar. 4, 10:00 pm to Mar. 5, 4:00 am; Mar. 5, 10:00 pm to Mar. 6, 4:00 am; Mar. 6, 10:00 pm to Mar. 7, 4:00 am Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Adrian Parungao

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:21:04 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912274/parts-of-nlex-to-be-closed-in-march-due-to-construction

Inquirer

MREIT 2023 income climbs 13%

MANILA, Philippines — The real estate investment trust (REIT) arm of tycoon Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Corp. recorded higher earnings in the past year compared to 2022 levels after new assets injection and robust occupancy rates. MREIT Inc. weathered industry challenges brought about by the work-from-home shift as it reported a 2023 distributable income of P2.8 billion—an increase of 13 percent. Revenues also rose 14 percent to P4.2 billion “fueled by the full-year contribution of the additional four Grade-A office towers from January 2023″. READ: Infusion of Megaworld malls to boost MREIT portfolio “MREIT’s success in 2023 reflects the quality of our assets and our strong tenant relationships,” MREIT president and CEO Kevin L. Tan said in a statement on Thursday. “Our approach to focus on top-tier properties within Megaworld townships was crucial to our unparalleled success, allowing us to maintain elevated occupancy rates and keeping our growth momentum through the year,” he added. MREIT finished the year with a robust 96 percent occupancy rate, marking an improvement from the previous quarter. This also surpassed the average occupancy rate of 81-82 percent for the Metro Manila office industry, as reported by property consultants, the statement showed. READ: Office REITs continue to face threats and opportunities “As we look ahead, the focus on growth and quality will continue to be the pillars of our company. We are actively working on expanding our portfolio through the strategic asset acquisition announced last year, allowing MREIT to remain at the forefront of the industry in delivering sustained value to our stakeholders,” Tan said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Miguel R. Camus

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:36:40 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/447927/mreit-2023-income-climbs-13-percent

Inquirer

Rep. Joey Salceda asks DFA to write Singapore over Taylor Swift tour

NOT THE ‘ASEAN WAY’ | US singer Taylor Swift performs during a concert as part of her “The Eras Tour” in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 23, 2024. In Manila, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda has aired displeasure and sought diplomatic action over reports concerning the deal behind the Singapore leg of the tour. (Photo from Agence France-Presse) NOT THE ‘ASEAN WAY’ | US singer Taylor Swift performs during a concert as part of her “The Eras Tour” in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 23, 2024. In Manila, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda has aired displeasure and sought diplomatic action over reports concerning the deal behind the Singapore leg of the tour. (Photo from Agence France-Presse) MANILA, Philippines — There must be “Bad Blood” brewing in Southeast Asia — and it’s over Taylor Swift. Even a ranking member of the House of Representatives wants some answers. The chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday to send a note verbale to the Singaporean Embassy in Manila to explain the reportedly exclusive deal between Singapore and the production company behind the American pop superstar’s worldwide tour. READ: Salceda questions Singapore’s exclusivity of Taylor Swift’s concert Specifically, Salceda is asking the embassy to explain the exclusivity terms in the grant given by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) to AEG Presents, which prevented Swift from taking her “The Eras Tour” elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The global superstar is set to play six sold-out shows at Singapore’s National Stadium from March 2 to March 4 and from March 7 to March 9 in what would be her only stop in the region. More than 300,000 tickets were sold for all six shows, with many fans flying to the wealthy island city-state for the concerts. The STB and the MCCY confirmed that the tour got a grant after estimating that Singapore’s tourism sector—the local hospitality, retail, travel, and dining industries — would benefit from the tour. But having such terms, Salceda said, “isn’t what good neighbors do … [as it] was at the expense of neighboring countries, which could not attract their own foreign concertgoers and whose fans had to go to Singapore.” The terms were first made public by Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who said the Singaporean government offered at least $3 million in grants to AEG. Salceda acknowledged that the “policy worked,” citing figures that regional demand for Singaporean hotels and airlines rose up to 30 percent during the period. An economist, the Albay congressman, said the exclusivity term apparently “caused an increase in industry revenues by $60 million. So, the grant produced 30 times more in economic activity.” “I don’t think we should just let things like this pass. We should still officially register our opposition … It also runs contrary to the principle of consensus-based relations and solidarity on which the Asean was founded,” the lawmaker said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the 10-member regional bloc whose members include the Philippines and Singapore. He added that the exclusivity terms could be discussed in a meeting among Asean members next time. He also acknowledged that this should also remind the Philippines to step up its game to be able to host large-scale concerts. Before Thavisin’s revelation, there was speculation that the Swift tour skipped the Philippines because there was no venue large enough for the production. Recent concerts staged at the largest performance venue in the country, the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena, have been marked by major logistical problems like the lack of transportation options in and out of the area. Speaking to the Inquirer, Salceda said that had the Swift tour also included the Philippines, just a third of the tourists that Singapore attracted “would have spent some P1.44 billion in Philippine businesses,” including hotel, food, airfare, and local transport. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Assuming that the Philippines also matched the subsidy given by Singapore, he added, “even the full cost would have returned 10 times more in economic activity.” News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Krixia Subingsubing

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:56:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911768/lawmaker-asks-dfa-to-write-spore-over-taylor-swift-tour

Inquirer

Fire hits gun shop in Marikina

MANILA, Philippines — A fire broke out at the Armscor Shooting Center Inc.’s branch in Marikina City on Thursday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). BFP said it received a report about an ongoing blaze at the gun shop in Barangay Fortune around 1:55 p.m. The agency’s report revealed that the fire reached the second alarm around 4:04 p.m. shortly after responders arrived at the scene at 4 p.m. READ: Fire hits t-shirt printing business in Tandang Sora, QC; 15 people die It added that the blaze was placed under control around 4:45 p.m. and was extinguished at 5:20 p.m. READ: Keeping our homes safe from fire this month The agency said it deployed around 10 trucks in the area, but there are no reports yet on the number of residents who got injured or died. BFP said that it has yet to determine the cause of the fire. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:35:35 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912282/fire-hits-gun-shop-in-marikina

Inquirer

Poe on bed bugs at NAIA: ‘That’s an issue in other countries as well’

Senator Grace Poe (File photo from Joseph Vidal / Senate Social Media Unit) Senator Grace Poe (File photo from Joseph Vidal / Senate Social Media Unit) MANILA, Philippines — The bed bug or ‘surot’ infestation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) is an issue that is plaguing foreign countries too. Senator Grace Poe expressed this view in a text message on Thursday. “That’s an issue [in] other countries as well. In France, train stations and some hotel rooms are affected. There is an increasing infestation problem,” said Poe. The senator heads the Senate panel on public services. While she noted that this is not an isolated incident, Poe still urged the management of NAIA “to make it a practice to regularly check disinfect and thoroughly clean facilities.” She made the same call to all maintenance units of private and public offices. “Cleaning and disinfecting should be a standard operating procedure, not just during a virus outbreak or infestation,” she emphasized. NAIA earlier drew flak after two Facebook posts alleging that the terminals’ steel and rattan chairs harbored bed bugs went viral. Manila International Airport has apologized for the incident. It likewise ordered the implementation of better sanitation measures at the airport’s facilities. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Charie Abarca

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:27:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912157/poe-on-bed-bugs-at-naia-thats-an-issue-in-other-countries-as-well

Inquirer

PCSO admits minor glitch in 3-digit game draw; Senate sets probe

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Raffy Tulfo said on Thursday evening that the Senate will investigate the glitch in the  Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) three-digit game draw on February 27. “We will conduct a hearing to investigate the glitch. The public needs to know whether or not this is really a glitch or is it another suspicious action by the PCSO. It is bad timing for PCSO because the result of the investigation of the E-Lotto system is not yet finished, and yet this happened again,” said Tulfo in English and Filipino. In a separate statement issued Thursday, PCSO confirmed that a “minor glitch” occurred during its three-digit game draw on February 27 after one of its draw machines failed to capture one of the drawn balls. “It’s not the first time that this happen[ed] and we want to assure the public that we are prepared for this kind of unexpected incident with our established ISO-approved protocols,” said PCSO General Manager Mel Robles. Robles said a similar glitch transpired in one of PCSO’s games in 2008. He noted that it is not an isolated incident as such cases also happened in the United States when lottery machines malfunctioned. “In the past 25 years, this was only the second time that a minor glitch had happened at PCSO while conducting an official draw,” said Robles. “For this thing to happen is very remote. But we are prepared and we assure the public that our commitment to a transparent, fair and authentic lottery games will never waver, and is as strong as ever,” he added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Charie Abarca

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:14:46 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912323/pcso-admits-minor-glitch-on-3-digit-game-draw-senate-eyes-probe

Inquirer

Bongbong Marcos says he remains firm in defending PH sovereignty

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, February 29, 2024. REUTERS/Kirsty Needham Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, February 29, 2024. REUTERS/Kirsty Needham Updated on February 29, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. SYDNEY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the Australian parliament on Thursday he would not allow any foreign power to take “one square inch” of the country’s territory, and that Manila was firm in defending its sovereignty. Australia and the Philippines began their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea in November, aimed at countering an increasingly assertive China, which claims the entire sea as its own. READ: Marcos finds China actions in West Philippine Sea getting worrisome “I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory,” Marcos said in the address. The South China Sea is a conduit for more than $3 trillion worth of ship-borne commerce each year, and is a major source of tension between the Philippines and neighbour China. Manila accuses Beijing of committing aggressive acts inside its exclusive economic zone (EEZ); an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said in 2016 that China’s claims inside the Philippines’ EEZ had no legal basis – a decision Beijing has rejected. China has chided the Philippines for encroaching on what it says is its territory. Protecting the area is important to global stability, Marcos said on Thursday. “The protection of the South China Sea as a vital, critical global artery is crucial to the preservation of regional peace and, I dare say, of global peace,” he said. “We have an abiding interest in keeping our seas free and open, and in ensuring unimpeded passage and freedom of navigation.” Marcos is in Australia on an official visit, before he attends a special summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Melbourne next week. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Reuters

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:23:58 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226627/bongbong-marcos-says-he-remains-firm-in-defending-sovereignty

Inquirer

Australian senator stages ‘protest’ during Marcos’ speech

Australian senator Janet Rice, during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s address to the Australian Parliament on Thursday, pulls up a placard urging the president to “stop the human rights abuses.” | PHOTO: Janet Rice ‘X’ account Australian senator Janet Rice, during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s address to the Australian Parliament on Thursday, pulls up a placard urging the president to “stop the human rights abuses.” | PHOTO: Janet Rice ‘X’ account MANILA, Philippines — An Australian senator pulled out a placard that read “stop the human rights abuses,” during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ‘s address to the Australian Parliament on Thursday. During Marcos’ speech, Greens senator Janet Rice held up the sign urging the president to end such abuses. READ: Marcos arrives in Australia for state visit, talks on defense and trade “Under President Marcos Jr, corruption in the Philippines is getting worse. There are hundreds of political prisoners, and ‘anti-terrorism’ laws are used as legal cover for extrajudicial killings,” Rice said in a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter). “Yet the Australian Government invited him to address the Parliament today. Shame,” she added. READ: Marcos: Australia is PH’s ‘natural partner’ in keeping int’l order Rice was escorted out of the House of Representatives as Marcos continued his speech, a report from news.com.au said. Marcos arrived in Canberra, Australia, on Wednesday for a state visit. He is expected to sign three agreements on cooperation during the trip and discuss matters of defense and trade with Australian leaders. The president is also set to return to the country on Thursday Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:18:59 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226647/fwd-australian-senator-protest-during-marcos-speech

Inquirer

Pagasa: Expect light rains in Luzon as amihan weakens on Thursday

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says that the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, weakens and will only have a minimal effect on Luzon’s weather conditions on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Pagasa) The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says that the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, weakens and will only have a minimal effect on Luzon’s weather conditions on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Pagasa) MANILA, Philippines — The northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, has weakened and will only bring light rains to Luzon on Thursday, the state weather bureau said. Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) morning advisory, Aurora province may expect cloudy skies with light rains due to amihan. READ: Caraga and Davao region to have scattered rain showers, thunderstorms Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, on the other hand, will have generally fair weather with slight chances of partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains in the afternoon also due to the same weather conditions. “Maaaring over the weekend mas kakaunti na lamang na lugar dito sa northern and central Luzon ang maaapektuhan [ng amihan],” said Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja. (Over the weekend, fewer areas here in northern and central Luzon may be affected [by amihan].) READ: Pagasa: February tropical cyclone chance low for PH Pagasa said that no significant impact is expected in areas affected by amihan. Meanwhile, overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will persist over the Davao Region due to the trough or extension of low-pressure areas outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). The state weather bureau warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to, at times, heavy rains. “Base sa ating analysis ay mababa pa rin po ang tiyansa na may mabuong bagyo na papasok sa ating PAR hanggang sa mga unang araw ng Marso,” Estareja said. (Based on our analysis, the chance of a typhoon forming and entering our PAR remains low until the first few days of March.) For the rest of the country, Pagasa said that slightly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail due to easterlies and localized thunderstorms. It added that this may result in flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. No gale warning alert is raised in any parts of the archipelago’s seaboard. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. However, Pagasa warned that waves measuring up to 2.8 meters are expected along the country’s eastern and northern seaboards due to amihan. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:41:31 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911874/fwd-weather-story-12

Inquirer

Bayan-Australia holds protest during Marcos’ state visit

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. Marcos will address the Australian Parliament during his two-day visit. He will return to the country on Thursday. (INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA) President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his message at Maharlika Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, before he left for Canberra, Australia on Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024. Marcos will address the Australian Parliament during his two-day visit. He will return to the country on Thursday. (INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA) MANILA, Philippines — Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Australia and other groups from Melbourne, Sydney, and Queensland staged a protest at the Australian Parliament Hill building during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s address. In a statement, Bayan said Greens Senator Janet Rice likewise raised a protest placard saying “Stop the human rights abuses” during Marcos’ speech inside the building and was escorted out of Parliament. The group said Rice joined them outside the building and was later accompanied by other Greens members, Senator Jordon-Steele John and Senator David Shoebridge, who also “denounced Canberra and Manila’s foreign relations policies in lockstep with US imperialist interests.” The senators also said that the Philippines must develop its independent foreign policy and urged other Australian Parliament members to oppose the AUKUS alliance and joint military drills in the Asia-Pacific area. Bayan-Australia commended their act for speaking up for the truth about the US-Marcos regime. It likewise denounced the current administration’s Charter change agenda — which it claimed may only “worsen the economic crisis being experienced by the majority of Filipinos today under the US-Marcos regime.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:46:46 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912329/bayan-australias-statement-on-marcos-visit

Inquirer

Sta. Lucia Land sustains growth as it fuels the fringe

The growth of trusted builder Sta. Lucia Land Inc. over the recent years has allowed it to be part of the Philippines Growth Champions 2024. The list—compiled by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Germany-based Statista, the world’s leading data and business intelligence portal—identified 30 Philippine companies that saw the highest percentage growth in revenues between 2019 and 2022. Sta. Lucia Land registered a 26.5 percent growth in revenues to P9.9 billion in 2022 from P7.8 billion in 2019, delivering a compounded annual growth rate of 8.16 percent. It is also one of only two real estate companies that made it to the ranking. Breadth of portfolio Sta. Lucia is popular for the impressive depth and breadth of its portfolio: more than 300 projects on over 10,000 ha of land in 70 cities and municipalities across 10 regions and 15 provinces. The company’s developments range from townships, condotels, and golf courses to offices, commercial spaces, and housing units. On record, the Cainta-based company was founded in 2007. Its parent firm’s beginnings, however, go back to 1971, when members of the Robles and Santos families decided to build residential subdivisions and communities for the middle class of Rizal province. At the time, that location east of the National Capital Region was slowly seeing spillover development. The Sta. Lucia Group has further fueled growth in the east by building in the 90s the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, now an anchor of the eponymous Sta. Lucia City in Cainta, where it also has residential condominiums and office spaces. It is, in fact, a development that reflects the very growth of Rizal. Economic vibrancy Today, it is a virtual extension of the Philippine capital, enjoying similar economic vibrancy and access to opportunities. This is what it has also done in many areas across the country, where it was fittingly the first mover—the first national developer to believe in the potential of the so-called fringe areas. The Sta. Lucia Group’s expansive portfolio, which continues to expand even after more than 50 years in the business, has long been helping fuel growth in the fringes. Where the company did build, it also enjoyed great returns. With the government focusing on spreading out development from the capitals to the countryside, big-ticket infrastructure and other initiatives have facilitated progress in and around dozens of Sta. Lucia projects. Positive impact Sta.  Lucia also made positive impacts akin to those it actualized for its pioneering projects in Rizal. It ignited a wave of development and raised property values, gave individuals a viable investment option, met the demands of discerning clients, and raised the standards of living for many more, among others. The ability to make it to Philippines Growth Champions 2024 means that the proposition remains profitable after decades. It also encourages the company to redouble its efforts to introduce a Sta. Lucia products to more places across the archipelago. ADVT. Other stories that you might also like: Sta. Lucia Land, Mindanao’s ARSM Land to develop mixed-use community in South Cotabato Filinvest Land net income up 30% to P38B in 2023 Ayala Land’s Cresendo: North’s gateway to growth comes to life Subscribe to our business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:00:31 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/447809/sta-lucia-land-sustains-growth-as-it-fuels-the-fringe

Inquirer

Man allegedly abducted in Batangas surrendered to military, police say

MANILA, Philippines — A police official said on Thursday that the 27-year-old man seen in a video allegedly being abducted in Batangas surrendered to the military in Sorsogon last February 23. In a phone interview with INQUIRER.net, Santo Tomas police chief Lieutenant Colonel Rodel Ban-o identified the alleged kidnapping victim as Jose Marie Estiller. Ban-o said they received a report about the purported abduction from the owner of the apartment Estiller and his sister were renting along Barangay San Pedro. CCTV footage showed Estiller walking towards their unit when five armed men in civillian clothes suddenly took him, which also matched the apartment owner’s report. Ban-o said they invited Estiller’s sister, Jean, to file a formal complaint at the Santo Tomas City Police Station. “When we were about to get her statement, Jean asked for permission to eat out and promised to return, but she did not return. We contacted her at first, but she is no longer answering our next calls,” the police officer said. “Our personnel visited their home, but no one was there. We visited again the next day, but she was not there,” he added. Further investigation showed that the siblings had just transferred to the area two months ago, and upon cross-checking with their military counterparts in the Bicol Region, Ban-o said their team learned that Estiller reportedly surrendered to the 903rd Infantry Brigade in Bicol. “They are claiming that the person surrendered before their members and the local government of Sorsogon around 4 p.m. on February 23, shortly after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 5 served the arrest warrants against him for various cases of murder within the region,” Ban-o said. He added that Estiller is currently under military custody in Bicol, and their record showed that he was an alleged former New People’s Army member with over 20 arrest warrants for a series of murder cases in the Bicol Region. He said they asked Estiller’s sister about this, but she claimed to have no knowledge about it. READ: Chinese man abducted in Pasay found in Batangas City When asked if they identified the men who took Estiller, Ban-o said their investigation is still ongoing. “We are going to continue our investigation, but based on our findings, it seems this is a purely military operation. They did not coordinate this with us,” he said. Meanwhile, the League of Filipino Students condemned the alleged abduction of Estiller, whom they described as the elder sibling of Jean, a former political prisoner and activist from the National Federation of Peasant Women (Amihan). “Two days before the commemoration of the EDSA People Power movement, this incident is a stark reminder of why the task of resistance is just and necessary. Although the Bill of Rights is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, human rights are still violated with impunity, giving a glimpse of what will come when Marcos Jr. succeeds with Charter Change,” the group said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “We demand the immediate and safe release of Jose Marie Estiller. We call on all relevant government agencies to conduct a swift investigation into this issue in order to unmask the orchestrator of this crime,” it added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Faith Argosino

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:39:16 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912169/man-allegedly-abducted-in-batangas-surrendered-to-military-police-say

Inquirer

LTO chief wants e-trikes and e-bikes registered

This file photo shows an e-tricycle. Land Transportation Office (LTO) head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II on Thursday, February 29, 2024, proposed that electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) must be registered and that drivers of such vehicles must be licensed. INQUIRER FILES This file photo shows an e-tricycle. Land Transportation Office (LTO) head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II on Thursday, February 29, 2024, proposed that electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) must be registered and that drivers of such vehicles must be licensed. INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is proposing the registration of electric bicycles and tricycles as well as the issuance of licenses to their drivers. LTO head Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II presented the proposal during a consultation meeting with representatives from various transport organizations and government agencies on Thursday. “Our proposal is very simple as far as LTO is concerned: All light electric vehicles used in public highways, which means […] any roads funded and maintained by the government whether it’s local government or national government, that vehicle must be registered with LTO,” Mendoza said. “The driver of the vehicle must be licensed, which means to say at least 17 years old [with a] valid license that passes through all the process,” he added. READ: Transport agencies tackle rules for electric vehicles Mendoza’s recommendation came a day after the Metro Manila Council (MMC) passed a resolution banning e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The MMDA and MMC said in a press conference on Wednesday that starting in April, e-bikes and e-trikes should not be allowed on the following roads: Violators will be apprehended and fined P2,500, as their units will also be impounded if they fail to present a valid driver’s license. Both MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes and LTO chief Mendoza stressed that drivers and passengers’ safety concerns were the main reason for the ban. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:20:46 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912107/lto-chief-wants-e-trikes-and-e-bikes-registeredfwd-mendoza-on-e-trikes-and-e-bikes

Inquirer

Metro Cebu will have generally fair weather until weekend — Pagasa Mactan

High-rise buildings over Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa High-rise buildings over Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa CEBU CITY, Philippines — Metro Cebu will experience  “generally fair weather” until Monday, March 4, according to a weather specialist in Mactan. Jhomer Eclarino, weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Mactan, confirmed this to CDN Digital on Thursday, February 29. Eclarino said that the temperature will range from 25 to 32 degrees celsius. READ: Pagasa: February tropical cyclone chance low for PH Moreover, the public can also experience a longer time without rain, but there will be isolated rain showers any time of the day. “Taas ang time nga nindot ang panahon until this Monday,” Eclarino told CDN Digital. (It will be a long time that the weather will be fine until Monday.) Meanwhile, the wind conditions will be moderate today and tomorrow, February 29 to March 1, while on the weekend it will be light to moderate. In the weather update of Eclarino earlier this morning, the forecasted heat index for the Visayas region ranges between 34 and 38 degrees celsius which falls under extreme caution category. The weather bureau cautions the public for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. READ: Fair, cool weather in Visayas on Tuesday Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, has weakened and will only bring light rains to Luzon. The state weather bureau said this on Thursday, February 29. Based on Pagasa’s morning advisory, Aurora province may expect cloudy skies with light rains due to amihan. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, on the other hand, will have generally fair weather with slight chances of partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains in the afternoon also due to the same weather conditions. READ: Caraga and Davao region to have scattered rain showers, thunderstorms “Maaaring over the weekend mas kakaunti na lamang na lugar dito sa northern and central Luzon ang maaapektuhan [ng amihan],” said Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja. (Over the weekend, fewer areas here in northern and central Luzon may be affected [by amihan].) Meanwhile, overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will persist over the Davao Region due to the trough or extension of low-pressure areas outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). The state weather bureau warned of possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to, at times, heavy rains. For the rest of the country, Pagasa said that slightly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail due to easterlies and localized thunderstorms. | With Inquirer.net report Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

noliverio

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:07:58 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/559412/metro-cebu-will-have-generally-fair-weather-until-weekend-pagasa-mactan

Inquirer

Phivolcs logs increased sulfur dioxide emission on Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Thursday that it has detected an increased sulfur dioxide emission from the Taal Volcano. “A total of 14,558 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured today, 29 February 2024,” Phivolcs said in its advisory. The agency said that the number is the second-highest recorded flux for 2024. On average, the Taal Volcano emitted 9,450 tonnes per day of sulfur for February, the Phivolcs said. READ: Taal ashfall paralyzes financial markets, businesses No volcanic smog or vog was observed, and three volcanic earthquakes were recorded for the month of February, it added. Currently, Alert Level 1 is raised on the volcano, which means that it is in a “low level of volcanic unrest.” Under the present level, minor eruptions, earthquakes, and ashfalls may occur. READ: Phivolcs detects increased Taal Volcano sulfuric gas emission Phivolcs also told local authorities to take necessary precautions against any possible effects of sulfur dioxide in their communities. “Local government units are advised to continuously monitor and assess volcanic SO2 exposure of, and potential impacts on, their communities and undertake appropriate response measures to mitigate these hazards,” it said. “DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately communicated to all stakeholders,” it added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Adrian Parungao

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:43:03 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912289/phivolcs-logs-increased-sulfur-dioxide-emission-on-taal-volcano

Inquirer

PCG fully retakes hacked Facebook account

Philippine Coast Guard logo. (Photo from PCG/Facebook) Philippine Coast Guard logo. (Photo from PCG/Facebook) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regained full access to its official Facebook account on Thursday, the agency said in a statement. The hacking, which was reported on Monday, was the third cyberattack against the agency this year. The PCG’s social media page even started uploading and sharing clips of various foreign movies and television series on Wednesday. READ: Hacked PCG Facebook page sharing, uploading movie clips “As of 5:45AM today, 29 February 2024, the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service (CGPAS) has recovered full access to its official Facebook Page,” the PCG said. According to PCG Spokesperson CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, the combined efforts of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) under the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the PCG led to the removal of three hackers with Facebook names: Fatima Hasan, Murat Kansu, and Vicky Bates. “The CICC confirmed that the hackers utilized malware to breach the Facebook page’s security on 26 February 2024,” the PCG noted. READ: Hackers attack PH Coast Guard Facebook page; third this year The agency said that a “comprehensive hardware check” is scheduled on March 1 for all office laptops and computers being used by personnel from its public affairs service. This is to remove remaining traces of malware, if any, and strengthen the overall cybersecurity against potential breaches of its social media accounts, the PCG added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:35:16 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911883/fwd-pcg-on-hacked-facebook-account

Inquirer

Cebu Daily Newscast: Tommy Osmeña to run for Cebu City Vice Mayor in 2025 elections

Listen to Cebu Daily Newscast and get the latest stories in and around Cebu. Here’s what you need to know on Thursday, February 29. Former Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña speaks in a press conference on Friday, February 29, 2024, in Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Pia Piquero Former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced his plans to run for Vice Mayor in the 2025 midterm elections if his preferred mayoral candidate accepts his endorsement. Osmeña made the announcement in a press conference held on Friday, February 29, 2024. Osmeña expressed his intention to run alongside City Councilor Nestor Archival, whom he endorsed as a mayoral candidate for the 2025 elections. “If I were to choose, I would choose [Nestor] Archival [to become] the mayor. He can make a good mayor. I will make him a good candidate… I will be his Vice Mayor,” he said. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has had enough. The mayor hit Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia on her orders to stop the construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in province-owned lots along Osmeña Boulevard. He also swiped at Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who gave a privileged speech last Wednesday, Feb. 28, backing the governor’s move. In a livestream episode from the Public Information Office, Rama reminded Garcia that he is the mayor of a highly urbanized city, and dared her to face him squarely. Rama also listed down the times the governor interfered in matters involving the Cebu city government, the latest of which was this year’s Sinulog festival when routes for the solemn foot procession were changed after Garcia opposed plans to close N. Bacalso avenue. The mayor also lashed at Vice Mayor Garcia and some city council members for supporting the capitol’s memorandum over the BRT, accusing them of treachery for siding with the provincial government. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is set to hold an elite combine in Talisay City on March 8 and 9 with bemedaled coach norman black leading the activities. The event, announced by newly appointed Regional Director Popoy Navarro, is aimed to enhance the skill of Cebuano ballers. Black, who heads SBP’s grassroots and talent identification, is considered one of the most prominent basketball figures in the Philippines. He is an 11-time PBA champion coach with teams including San Miguel, Talk ’n Text, and Santa Lucia. He is also known in collegiate basketball, having steered the Ateneo Blue Eagles to win five straight UAAP titles from 2008 to 2012. When it comes to relationships, a question often gets to the young generation, specifically those who belong to Generation (Gen) Z: Do you believe in love? In an interview with CDN Digital, Maria Lourdes Garilyos, a Population Program Officer of the Commission on Population and Development in Central Visayas, expressed her sadness about the kind of relationships Gen Zs face these days. She adds that most younger people choose personal happiness over staying in a relationship and that technology has blurred the traditional forms of expressing love. These may cause a lack of effort, communication, and commitment in a relationship Garilyos added that these elements may explain why some people choose to be single or refuse to commit altogether. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

jngojo

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:56:56 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/559441/cebu-daily-newscast-tommy-osmena-to-run-for-cebu-city-vice-mayor-in-2025-elections

Inquirer

Bongbong Marcos to visit Australia from Feb 28 to 29

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Malacañang to hold a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 8. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in Malacañang to hold a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 8. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of the Presidential Communications Office MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will visit Australia as a Guest of the Australian Government from February 28 to 29, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Saturday. Marcos is set to address and discuss with the Australian Parliament the vision for the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Australia signed last year. READ: Marcos leaves for Germany on March 12 “The President will have separate meetings with Australian senior officials where he is anticipated to have constructive discussions on defense and security, trade, investments, people-to-people exchanges, multilateral cooperation, and regional issues,” the PCO said in a Facebook post. There would also be the signing of new agreements “in areas of common interest” between the Philippines and Australia during Marcos’ stay in the foreign country. The PCO said that two countries will celebrate their 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations in November this year. READ: Marcos’ foreign visits yield P427-B investments, says DTI official As of 2022, it said that there are 408,000 Filipinos and Australians with Filipino descent who live in the land down under, which makes them the fifth largest migrant community in the country. Australia remains one of the two countries with which the Philippines has a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, it added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 10:07:00 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226469/bongbong-marcos-to-visit-australia-from-feb-28-to-29

Inquirer

Task force: El Niño seen to spare only 2 provinces

WAITING FOR A DROP | Farms, like ricefields in Bulacan province, are starting to dry up due to the absence of heavy rains and a shortage of irrigation water. A government task force says 80 of the country’s 82 provinces will feel the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon in varying degrees until June. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer) WAITING FOR A DROP | Farms, like ricefields in Bulacan province, are starting to dry up due to the absence of heavy rains and a shortage of irrigation water. A government task force says 80 of the country’s 82 provinces will feel the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon in varying degrees until June. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer) MANILA, Philippines — The effects of strong El Niño will impact up to 80 of the country’s 82 provinces which may persist until June, an official of the multiagency task force said on Wednesday. Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, spokesperson for Task Force El Niño, said the impact of water shortage had begun to be felt in two more regions this week, with farmers reporting damage to their dried-up farmlands. “The last time I [presented a report], I mentioned 41 provinces were already affected. As of Feb. 25, this number has gone up to 51, and it is projected to further increase to 73, then up to 80 provinces, before it will again go down to just over 50,” he said. Villarama announced this just as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the prolonged dry spell had damaged an estimated P810 million worth of crops in the country. He did not identify the only two provinces that will not be impacted by El Niño, but a chart provided by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) showed that only the island province of Batanes and coastal Sarangani province will be spared its effects. “Last week, we received reports of crop damage in Regions 6 (Western Visayas) and 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula); this week, the damage is being reported in Regions 1 (Ilocos) and 4-B or Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan),” he said. UPLAND BLAZE | Traces of a grass fire are still visible at Villa Verde Trail along the San Nicolas (Pangasinan)-Santa Fe (Nueva Vizcaya) Road in this photo taken on Feb. 18, 2024. Forest fires have been reported in northern Luzon’s mountains since January amid dry conditions accompanying El Niño. (File. photo by WILLIE LOMIBAO / Inquirer Northern Luzon) While crop damage has been reported in Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, these are still considered insignificant, Villarama said. “The projection of NIA is about 275,000 hectares (ha) nationwide will be damaged by El Niño, but at the moment, it is still at 6,600 ha,” he said over the government television program “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.” “But we are not discounting the fact that this will not cause any impact on our harvest because we are still in the early stages of the dry harvest season,” Villarama added. According to projections of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the worst effect of El Niño will be felt in the country in April, with a total of 80 provinces seen to experience “drought,” “dry spell,” and “dry condition.” Of these, 41 provinces will experience drought, 31 will be under a dry spell, and eight will have dry conditions, according to the DA. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) says an area is experiencing drought if rainfall conditions are “way below normal” (more than 60 percent reduction from the average) for three consecutive months or are “below normal” (21 percent to 60 percent reduction from the average) for five consecutive months. Pagasa says a dry spell is characterized by three consecutive months of below normal or two consecutive months of way below normal rainfall conditions while dry condition occurs during two consecutive months of below normal rainfall. By May, 40 provinces will still be experiencing drought, consisting of 17 provinces in Luzon, 14 in the Visayas and nine in Mindanao, the DA said. Nineteen provinces will be under a dry spell, according to the agency’s projections: eight in Luzon, two in the Visayas and nine in Mindanao. READ: Pagasa: Drought may hit 24 provinces due to El Niño The effects of El Niño will continue to wane in June, with only 10 provinces still experiencing drought and only one—La Union—having dry conditions, data from the DA showed. The DA, Villarama said, is calling on local governments in drought-stricken areas to declare their localities under a state of calamity to trigger mechanisms that would allow the government to assist affected farmers. A declaration of a state of calamity will authorize the national government to tap the quick response fund, he said, which is supposedly used to provide added funds of up to P5,000 for farm inputs, or fuel subsidy. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Assistance to Indigents in Crisis Situations program, and the Department of Labor and Employment, through its cash-for-work program, may also come to the aid of farmers whose main concern is their daily sustenance, Villarama said. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Such calamity state declaration may also allow the local government to provide cash aid from local funding, he said. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Melvin Gascon

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:06:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911719/task-force-el-nino-seen-to-spare-only-2-provinces

Inquirer

DA probes sale of NFA rice stocks at low prices

PROBE UNDERWAY | An investigation is underway into claims that National Food Authority officials sold tons of rice stocks without the usual bidding and at a loss to the government. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO) PROBE UNDERWAY | An investigation is underway into claims that National Food Authority officials sold tons of rice stocks without the usual bidding and at a loss to the government. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO) MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has started an investigation into claims that officials of the National Food Authority (NFA) sold thousands of tons of rice to certain traders at a “disadvantageous” price to the government. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has created a panel to review documents and hold interviews to establish the facts on the supposed sale of NFA rice stocks to unidentified traders without the usual bidding process. According to the agriculture department, the rice stocks were sold at P25 per kilo when purchased as palay, at P23 per kilogram. READ: Return of NFA rice for the poor eyed, but seen as tariffication failure Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa did not provide more information about the transactions nor identify the officials investigating the claim, but he clarified that Tiu Laurel wanted to establish the facts and determine whether there were really irregularities or the claims were spawned by bureaucratic intrigue. “[The secretary] wants the truth to come out as soon as possible, what really happened. For all we know, this could only have stemmed from internal squabbles,” De Mesa said. “Actually, there’s been a lot of finger-pointing inside and outside the NFA, so the secretary himself announced the investigation to bring out the truth,” he added. On Tuesday, Tiu Laurel said the DA does not “brush aside reports of impropriety” against its officials, and any government agency is welcome “to conduct their own probe to ferret out the truth.” He also warned that the “harshest penalty under the law” would be meted out to those who profit at the expense of farmers, fishers and consumers. “We are custodians of government funds — monies to be spent for the benefit of Filipinos, especially farmers and fisherfolk. Taxpayers’ money shouldn’t be squandered to line anybody’s pockets,” he said. NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, however, explained that the agency was allowed to dispose of aging stocks up to 10 percent lower than the mandated price (floor price of P22.50 per kg up to the maximum mandated ceiling price of P25 per kg) as well as damaged stocks for at least P6.50 per kg. “The current NFA management was able to responsibly dispose [of] its rice stocks to government accounts by stretching to maximum shelf-life, minimizing the sale of residual volume to other accounts by implementing stricter guidelines and safeguards,” Bioco said in a statement posted on the People’s Television Network’s website on Wednesday. He added that the NFA Council had been asked to raise the mandated maximum selling price for their old rice stocks because palay prices were much higher than their maximum price, making it difficult for the agency to increase or replace its buffer stock. The NFA said the prevailing prices of clean and dry varieties ranged from P25 to P30 per kg as opposed to its buying price of P23 a kilo. The agency is mandated to maintain an optimal rice inventory and dispose of it in case of emergencies and calamities under the Rice Tariffication Law. It can source palay only directly from local producers. The NFA said it must keep and release 99.9 percent of its stocks in “good and consumable condition.” As for the rice stocks sold, Bioco explained that while these were sold for P25 per kg, they still need to be remilled before they can be released to consumers. Moving forward, the NFA plans to implement a contract-growing scheme to require farmers who received seeds and fertilizer from the DA to sell 10 percent of their crop, up to 10 bags per hectare per year, at P23 per kg on a clean and dry basis. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The food agency is coordinating with the DA’s National Rice Program and the National Irrigation Administration to implement the program, which can generate at least 500,000 metric tons of palay for the NFA. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Jordeene B. Lagare

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:50:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911772/da-probes-sale-of-nfa-rice-stocks-at-low-prices

Inquirer

Health workers seek government action on unpaid COVID-19 benefits

In this June 2020 photo, health workers are on standby to help COVID-19 patients at a quarantine facility set up at the Philippine Arena complex in Bocaue, Bulacan. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer) In this June 2020 photo, health workers are on standby to help COVID-19 patients at a quarantine facility set up at the Philippine Arena complex in Bocaue, Bulacan. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer) MANILA, Philippines — Health workers have called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intercede in the payment of their long-delayed health emergency allowance (HEA) as their demands for its release have apparently fallen on deaf ears. In a letter dated Feb. 27, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) said that since the lifting of the state of health emergency on July 21, 2023, the allowance has yet to be released to all health workers in public and private hospitals who placed their lives at risk by serving at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We respectfully request for a dialogue with you, President, to discuss this matter and seek your intervention in ensuring that the HEA is promptly given to us health workers by the Department of Health [DOH] and [Department of Budget and Management],” the AHW said. The letter was personally delivered by AHW national vice president Jose Espanillo, along with officials of hospital unions, to Malacañang and the DOH main office in Manila on Tuesday. READ: COVID-19 allowances to be fully paid by 2026 – DOH “These allowances are crucial for our well-being and morale as front-line health workers who have been tirelessly working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and provide essential health-care services to our fellow Filipinos. Despite the sacrifices and risks we faced, it is demoralizing to see that the HEA has not been provided to us,” the group said. According to the AHW, the DOH is currently withholding the HEA funds totaling P316.6 million covering the period between July 2021 and July 2023 despite the issuance of guidelines and memorandums of agreement (MOA). The allowance is intended for government-owned and controlled corporation hospitals, such as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the Philippine Heart Center, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. In December, the DOH released Department Order No. 2023-0638, stating the guidelines on the disbursement of HEA payments to health workers in these specialty hospitals. On Feb. 8, the DOH issued a MOA to the respective heads of the hospitals, which immediately returned the signed agreements to the DOH. “But until now, the benefits [owed by the government to us] are not yet provided. The DOH has been using the Commission on Audit as a reason for not releasing the benefits that we are entitled to,” the AHW said. “More so, there is no full provision of HEA to private hospitals and [local government unit] hospitals from 2021 until now,” it added Under the 2024 national budget, P18.96 billion has been allocated to cover the payment of HEA claims from public and private health workers. Under Republic Act No. 11712 or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act which was enacted on April 27, 2022, health-care workers are entitled to the allowance for every month of service while the country is under a state of public health emergency. It sets an allowance of P3,000 for those deployed to low-risk areas, P6,000 for those in medium-risk areas, and P9,000 for those in high-risk areas. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. In December last year, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa projected that it would take until 2026 for the government to pay in full its obligations to all eligible health workers amounting to P62.9 billion. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Dexter Cabalza

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:48:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911777/health-workers-ask-govt-to-act-on-unpaid-covid-benefits

Inquirer

Marcos: Developed nations must do more, act now on climate change

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Australia, on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Photo from RTV Malacañang President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Australia, on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Photo from RTV Malacañang President Marcos urged developed countries on Thursday to “do more” to address the threats posed by climate change, as he called an “injustice” the fact that the Philippines has been at the receiving end of its negative effects. Speaking before the Australian Parliament in Canberra, the President affirmed the Philippine government’s commitment to achieve “carbon neutrality,” but reiterated that this effort would need the cooperation of other countries to work. According to Marcos, the Philippines has the potential to be a net carbon sink—absorbing more carbon dioxide than it emits—but ranks first in the 2023 World Risk Index (WRI) on the most climate-vulnerable countries among the United Nations’ 193 members. “This glaring disproportion between our share of responsibility and our vulnerability reflects an injustice that must be corrected. Developed countries must do more. And they must do it now,” he said. President Marcos was in Australia for a two-day state visit as a guest of the Australian government at the invitation of Governor-General David Hurley, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral ties. The WRI published by the Ruhr University Bochum-Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict ranked countries according to “exposure to natural disasters;” “susceptibility based on socioeconomic development;” “lack of coping capacities against social shocks, political stability, health care, infrastructure and material security” and “lack of adaptive capacities on education and research, investments and disaster preparedness.” According to the study, the Philippines ranked first, followed by Indonesia and India. Australia was ranked 22nd. In his speech, Marcos called on Australia and the rest of the global community to work together to address climate change, which, he said was today’s “most pressing vulnerability” that “threatens the very survival of our peoples [and] our very future.” “My country accepts its part in our collective responsibility. My administration is committed to accelerating our just, affordable, sustainable and inclusive energy transition towards carbon neutrality,” he said. As one of the supposed proof of the two countries’ long-standing “strategic partnership,” the President cited the help extended by Australia, which he likened to Filipinos’ “bayanihan” or “mateship” for Australians, when it provided help to survivors of supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) in Eastern Visayas in 2013. He reiterated his commitment during Thursday’s state luncheon hosted by Hurley, expressing confidence in Australia’s influence on helping advance the Philippines’ position in mitigating the effects of climate change. Marcos said that climate change and the rapid advancement of technologies compound the challenges posed by the “prevailing dynamic security environment” in the Indo-Pacific region, affecting all states and the individual lives of citizens. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “Still, I remain confident and optimistic knowing that we have a like-minded and responsible partner in Australia that shares our positive outlook and is willing, as history has shown, to exert its influence for the benefit of our region and of our peoples,” he added. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Melvin Gascon

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:48:53 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226694/marcos-developed-nations-must-do-more-act-now-on-climate-change

Inquirer

Marcos, Duterte advise Quiboloy: Face the music

Apollo Quiboloy (Photo from the official website of Sen. Christopher Go) Apollo Quiboloy (Photo from the official website of Sen. Christopher Go) MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, gave similar advice to embattled televangelist Apollo Quiboloy: It’s time to face the music. The president on Wednesday urged the controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder to attend the respective inquiries of the Senate and the House of Representatives for the chance to air his side with respect to the allegations against him and his Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). “I would just advise him that if he has to say something, he has an opportunity in the hearings both in the House and in the Senate to say his side of the story. Now if he is saying all of those accusations are not true, then he should declare it [in those forums],” Marcos said. Speaking with journalists before he departed for a two-day state visit to Australia, the president expressed concern over Quiboloy’s continued refusal to appear at the congressional hearings, saying it might make matters worse for him. “If this situation goes on that he does not appear, he may be cited in contempt, which could get worse. [He] could end up in even greater trouble,” he said. READ: PNP offering help to serve subpoenas on Quiboloy “If he appears and answers all the questions, then that would be the end of it,” Mr. Marcos said. As for Duterte, the former president said his friend and spiritual adviser should just “get arrested” if he wished to defy the summons from the Senate and the House, whose leaders had threatened to arrest and detain him if he failed to appear at the next hearings. “This is a free country. If you don’t want to go there, then get arrested,” Duterte said at a press conference in Davao City late Tuesday night. Asked whether he would advise the pastor to attend the hearings, Duterte said his friend had a free choice in the matter. He noted, however, that Quiboloy, who was facing multiple charges in the United States, including for child sex trafficking, was at least not facing any such case in the Philippines; hence, he was free to move around. “Extradition takes a long process,” Duterte said. The Senate Committee on Women and Children is looking into allegations that Quiboloy and his sect are involved in the sexual abuse and trafficking of women and children and other forms of harassment committed against former church workers and followers. The House Committee on Legislative Franchises, on the other hand, is investigating alleged violations of the franchise granted to SMNI, Quiboloy’s media network, such as threatening a lawmaker and spreading disinformation. Quiboloy has snubbed the invitations from the two panels, prompting the issuance of subpoenas by the Senate and House leadership. The next Senate hearing is on March 5, while that of the House is on March 12. In a voice recording posted on YouTube earlier this month, Quiboloy said he was in hiding because of a supposed conspiracy between the United States and the Philippine government to have him killed. The KJC leader is wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for a string of criminal charges, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. On Wednesday, Marcos publicly responded to Quiboloy’s claims for the first time and laughed off his allegation that he and wife Liza Araneta-Marcos were conniving with the Americans to have him assassinated. “No one wants to have him assassinated. Why would anyone do that? Why would anyone want him dead? Maybe, he’s just very, very… I can no longer understand what he is saying,” the president said. “The cases against him in the US were filed before I became president. So, I guess he’s very worried,” he added. The President assured Quiboloy that the subpoenas issued against him were meant to accord him due process. Duterte also laughed off the allegations that cropped up during the Senate hearing that he and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte were receiving bags full of firearms from Quiboloy. “Pastor Quiboloy supplying us with firearms? That’s a stupid proposition,” he said. “We could deliver cannons or machine guns to him tomorrow if he wants. Why does it have to be the pastor who should give me guns?” he asked. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. “He should get guns from me, I’ll give him one. As I told you earlier, I am a gun collector. I have a stash of 500 guns, all registered in my name.” News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Germelina Lacorte, Melvin Gascon

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:34:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911741/marcos-duterte-advise-quiboloy-face-the-music

Inquirer

Thailand Week 2024 brings the best of Thai products to Glorietta, Makati

Exciting news for all enthusiasts of Thai products! The highly anticipated Thailand Week is set to showcase the best of Thai merchandise at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from February 29 to March 3, 2024. Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce in Thailand, through the Thai Trade Center in Manila, this annual event is the biggest trade show of Thai products in the Philippines and has consistently brought high-quality Thai products to the forefront for over a decade. Thailand Week 2024 marks a significant shift as it takes place at the Glorietta shopping mall for the first time, providing enhanced accessibility and convenience for consumers. Under the theme “Discover Excellence, Trade with Thailand,” the fair continues its tradition of highlighting the superior quality of Thai products. Over 80 companies, including Thai exporters and Philippine importers with Thai products, will participate in Thailand Week 2024. The showcase will span various categories, featuring food and beverages, health and beauty products, household items, as well as fashion and lifestyle products. Attendees will not only have the opportunity to explore and purchase high-quality and affordable products but also to delve into the rich tapestry of Thai culture. The event will host cooking demonstrations by renowned Thai SELECT restaurants, accredited by DITP, offering a tantalizing taste of authentic Thai cuisine. There will be also colorful Thai cultural performances during the event for you to witness the culture from the land of smiles. For businesses seeking new opportunities, Thailand Week 2024 is an ideal platform to explore trade relationships and connect with potential agents or distributors. Whether you are a business professional, a discerning consumer, or someone with a love for Thailand and its culture, this fair promises an unparalleled experience. Most importantly, admission to Thailand Week 2024 is free, making it an inclusive event for everyone. Save the dates, February 29 to March 3, and make your way to the Glorietta Activity Center for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Thailand. For more information, please contact the Thai Trade Center in Manila at the following contact details: Tel. Nos. 88940406, 88940403, Email: [email protected], Fax: 88160698. ADVT. Subscribe to our global news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:16:23 PST

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/226451/thailand-week-2024-brings-thai-products-to-glorietta-makati

Inquirer

DOE orders LPG price freeze in Oriental Mindoro town

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) ordered a price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene products in the municipality of Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro due to a state of calamity. According to the DOE on Thursday, the municipality was placed under a state of calamity on Monday due to an extreme drought. READ: Bulalacao, Or. Mindoro under state of calamity due to El Niño “A State of Calamity (SOC) was raised in the Municipality of Bulalacao, Province of Oriental Mindoro, due to severe and prolonged drought,” the DOE said. A price freeze will be effective for LPG in cylinders 11 kilograms and below and other kerosene products until March 11. “Thus, a price freeze for household Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in cylinders (11 Kg and below) and kerosene products is now in effect and will remain valid for 15 days upon the declaration of the SOC,” it added. READ: Drought may hit 30 areas in March due to El Niño – Pagasa Under the price freeze, price increases are strictly prohibited, but rollbacks will be implemented. “During the price freeze, the price implemented is that used before the implementation of the State of Calamity (SOC). Any rollback of prices, however, shall be implemented while price increases are strictly prohibited within the 15-day period counted from the day of SOC implementation,” the DOE added. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Adrian Parungao

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:29:46 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1912257/doe-orders-lpg-price-freeze-in-oriental-mindoro-town

Inquirer

Tommy Osmeña to run for Cebu City Vice Mayor in 2025 elections

Former Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña speaks in a press conference on Friday, February 29, 2024, in Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Pia Piquero Former Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña speaks in a press conference on Friday, February 29, 2024, in Cebu City. CDN Digital photo | Pia Piquero CEBU CITY, Philippines — (UPDATED) Former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña announced his plans to run for Vice Mayor in the 2025 midterm elections if his preferred mayoral candidate accepts his endorsement. Osmeña made the announcement in a press conference held on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Osmeña expressed his intention to run alongside City Councilor Nestor Archival, whom he endorsed as a mayoral candidate for the 2025 elections. “If I were to choose, I would choose [Nestor] Archival [to become] the mayor. He can make a good mayor. I will make him a good candidate… I will be his Vice Mayor,” he said. Osmeña disclosed that he has been talking to Archival to consider running for mayor, as he believes Archival has the potential to be a “good” leader for Cebu City. “If Archival runs, I will run. That’s how far I am willing to go. If he’s not running, I don’t care. Why would I waste my time with someone else,” he remarked. READ MORE: Daluz and Tumulak potential tandem for 2025 midterm election Osmeña noted the importance of letting the position seek the individual rather than actively seeking a position. He also voiced his desire to give Cebu back to its people “I want to give Cebu back to the Cebuanos,” he said. Osmena shared that what he appreciates about Archival is his concern for the youth. According to Osmeña, Archival has dedicated his whole salary for the last two decades to scholarships. “He’s putting his money where his mouth is, and that is what is missing today – not sports, not Sinulog – but taking care of the next generation. We are not taking care of our youth,” he said. Osmeña stated that he could assist Archival as his vice mayor by concentrating on the areas where he needs help, particularly in “project management.” “The key to running the city is fundamentally wrong. We don’t think long-term. Our leaders think only about things that will make them win the next election. But if we want to see a community develop, we have to think ahead, just like children’s education. That’s not two or three years; our leaders do not have that kind of patience,” Osmeña stressed. Moreover, Osmeña shared that many of his friends have been asking him to play an “active” role in politics. However, he mentioned that he cannot realistically serve as mayor since his body is only 50 percent but his mind is 97 percent. He said that if he wanted to play an active role, he would start by addressing the issues preventing Cebu City from moving forward. “What is good for Cebu City, not what’s good for BOPK, what’s good for Tommy Osmeña. I’m taking into consideration what are the major obstacles preventing Cebu City from moving ahead,” he stressed. Osmeña stated that he has spent 30 years building Cebu, and what he considered the “biggest” obstacle is the attitude of the people in general. “It would be better off if it’s the people who will choose the mayor, not the mayor choosing himself,” he added. Osmeña also commented on Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s vision for Cebu City to be Singapore-like with a touch of Melbourne. “Does Basak San Nicholas really look like Singapore? He’s been mayor for so long. Look at Basak San Nicholas. Does it look like Singapore? Then he goes to Melbourne, then with a touch of Melbourne. You know what my nightmare is? If he might visit Disneyland, then all our barangay officials will be behaving like Donald Duck,” Osmeña said. Meanwhile, when asked about Rama endorsing Cutie del Mar, Osmena bluntly said, “I don’t like Cutie.” Previously, Rama announced that he will still have his nephew, Rep. Eduardo “Edu” Rama Jr., for south district congressman while Rep. Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar will be joining them for north district representative. Del Mar, daughter of the late congressman Raul del Mar, was Rama’s ally when he was still with the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) of Osmeña. “She thinks she can buy things off. I respect the father. Raul Del Mar is not Cutie. There’s a huge difference,” he said. Osmeña also revealed his inclination towards City Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos as a potential candidate for congress in the North District. However, he has not yet finalized his choice for the South District. The tandem of Archival and Osmeña marks the third ‘potential’ political partnership to announce their candidacy for the 2025 polls. The first two are those of Jose Daluz III and Dave Tumulak and Mayor Mike Rama and Raymond Alvin Garcia. Osmeña, 75, last served as mayor of Cebu City from 2016 to 2019. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards. Subscribe to our regional newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

bochoa

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:38:40 PST

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/559316/tommy-osmena-to-run-for-cebu-city-vice-mayor-in-2025

Inquirer

Quiboloy still undecided about attending congressional probe – lawyer

FILE PHOTO: Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the subpoenas, his legal counsel says on Thursday, February 29, 2024. | PHOTO: Official website of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy FILE PHOTO: Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the subpoenas, his legal counsel says on Thursday, February 29, 2024. | PHOTO: Official website of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy MANILA, Philippines — Televangelist and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy has not decided yet if he will appear in the congressional probe and comply with the subpoenas, his legal counsel said Thursday. Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, however, said the legal options he offered are already being “considered seriously” by his client. “Wala pa naman pong pagpapasya si Pastor Quiboloy sapagka’t kaming mga abogado po ay maaari lang kaming maglahad ng legal options … ‘yung kliyente naman namin ang nagdedesisyon,” Topacio said in an interview over Radyo 630. (Pastor Quiboloy has not decided yet because we lawyers can only present legal options… it is our client who decides.) READ: Marcos presses Quiboloy to face House, Senate over allegations “All pieces of advice are being considered seriously by Pastor Quiboloy, and we shall expect a decision shortly regarding dito sa bagay na ito (this matter),” he added. Nevertheless, Topacio said that Quiboloy’s camp is already coordinating with the Senate and House of Representatives regarding their respective summons for the self-declared “Appointed Son of God” to attend congressional public hearings. The Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality has been holding inquiries into the alleged crimes of Quiboloy and his sect Kingdom of Jesus Chrsit (KJC). The House committee on legislative franchises, on other hand, has been probing the alleged violations of the Quoboloy-linked Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). “All lines of communications are open,” Topacio added. Aside from the congressional investigations, Quiboloy is also facing several criminal charges in the United States, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud; coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash Smuggling. He has been on the “most wanted” list of the FBI. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. The sect leader earlier claimed he was in hiding because there was allegedly a plot to kill him. The Philippine National Police, however, already said it had not intercepted any information indicating threats to the life of Quiboloy. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Zacarian Sarao

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:50:46 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911929/quiboloy-still-undecided-about-attending-congressional-probe

Inquirer

Metro Manila halts amusement tax for local films from 2025-2028

POPCORN TO FOLLOW After being shuttered for months due to the pandemic, one of the movie theaters at Power Plant Mall in Makati City gets its first few viewers on Wednesday. Cinemas in Metro Manila are finally allowed to operate under alert level 2. —RICHARD A. REYES POPCORN TO FOLLOW After being shuttered for months due to the pandemic, one of the movie theaters at Power Plant Mall in Makati City gets its first few viewers on Wednesday. Cinemas in Metro Manila are finally allowed to operate under alert level 2. —RICHARD A. REYES MANILA, Philippines — The collection of amusement taxes for the screening of local films will be suspended in Metro Manila from 2025 to 2028. In a resolution approved on Wednesday, February 28, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) explained its action saying the levy “adds a financial burden to local film producers, potentially affecting the sustainability of the Filipino film industry.” During the MMC meeting held on the same day, director Jose Javier Reyes of the Film Development Council of the Philippines noted the significant decline of the Philippine film industry due to costly taxes and content piracy. “A producer needs to pay three types of taxes for each film including 10% amusement taxes together with other taxes such as Value Added Tax and Income Tax, making us the most heavily-taxed movie industry in the world,” Reyes pointed out. MMDA Acting Chairman and Metro Manila Film Festival Overall head Don Artes expressed support for the MMC resolution. READ: Senate panel to tackle bills on PH movie industry “In support of the resolution, they will amend their respective local revenue codes to waive the amusement tax for Filipino movies exhibited in Metro Manila from January 8 to December 24 of every year for the next three years,” Artes said in a statement on Thursday. The MMDA noted that the suspension of amusement taxes excludes the period of the Metro Manila Film Festival, which is from December 25 of every year until January 7 of the following year. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our entertainment news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Luisa Cabato

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:40:00 PST

https://entertainment.inquirer.net/544284/metro-manila-halts-amusement-tax-for-local-films-from-2025-2028

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Philex Mining raises $70M more for Silangan project

MANILA, Philippines  —Pangilinan-led Philex Mining Corp. has secured the entire $170 million financing it needed to develop the Silangan mine project in Surigao del Norte province. In a disclosure on Wednesday, Philex Mining said its subsidiary Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. Inc. signed a deed of accession with local banks for an additional $70 million credit facility for the copper-gold project. Executives of Philex Mining and Silangan Mindanao Mining signed the deed with lenders Philippine National Bank (PNB), Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM) and Security Bank. SB Capital Investment Corp. served as the mandated lead arranger while PNB and PBCOM acted as joint lead arrangers. Before this, Philex Mining signed last November an omnibus loan and security agreement for a $100-million syndicated debt facility with Union Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank and Bank of the Philippine Islands. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. was mandated as lead arranger. READ: Philex borrows $100M for Silangan project The latest transaction completed the $170-million loan funding requirement of Philex Mining following its stock rights offering last year and the capital infusion from Philex Mining’s cash reserves Philex Mining managed to raise P2.6 billion from its stock rights offer in 2022, which it used to jump-start the first phase of the Silangan project covering the Boyongan Ore deposit. READ: Pricey power, higher input costs eat into Philex Mining profits The company intends to start commercial operations of the Silangan project, touted as one of the big three mining projects in the Philippines, by the first quarter of 2025. “Development works continue in the Silangan project with the ongoing underground decline development now midway to the Boyongan ore body,” the firm said. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:15:44 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/447899/philex-mining-raises-70m-more-for-silangan-project

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PhilHealth premium hike may still be suspended – Marcos

PhilHealth employees at work in Quezon City. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer) PhilHealth employees at work in Quezon City. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer) MANILA, Philippines— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains open to suspending the 5-percent increase in monthly premiums implemented by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) this year, saying he wants to make sure any hike in contributions will lead to improved insurance coverage and benefits. READ: PhilHealth to give higher benefit packages effective Feb. 14 “What we are trying to determine is that if we are going to increase the contribution from 4 percent to 5 percent, what do we get in exchange? It’s really a cost-benefit analysis,” Marcos said on Wednesday in an interview with reporters before departing for a two-day state visit to Canberra, Australia. He noted that the state health insurer has been expanding its healthcare services, including raising the number of covered dialysis sessions and improving coverage for cancer patients. “If there are additional benefits, if we can justify the increase, then we’ll do it. But if we cannot, then we won’t. It’s as simple as that,” Marcos said, adding that his office would “come to a conclusion very, very soon.” The push to suspend this year’s higher PhilHealth premium rates, as Health Secretary Ted Herbosa suggested, has been pending before the Office of the President since January. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:10:26 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911825/marcos-philhealth-rate-hike-may-still-be-suspended

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Bigger goods discount for seniors, PWDs set

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS | From P65 a week, the special discount on basic goods for seniors and persons with disabilities will go up to P125 starting next month, as soon as the agencies concerned issue an interagency circular. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO) ADDITIONAL BENEFITS | From P65 a week, the special discount on basic goods for seniors and persons with disabilities will go up to P125 starting next month, as soon as the agencies concerned issue an interagency circular. (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO) MANILA, Philippines — The almost 100 percent increase in the special weekly discount on basic goods and other prime commodities granted to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will take effect starting next month, according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez. He said in a statement on Wednesday that the implementation of the higher discount for the elderly and PWDs in March was agreed upon during a discussion with officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Citing a conversation with Trade Undersecretary Carolina Sanchez, Romualdez said the DTI was currently working on an interagency circular “so that the usual P65 per week discount for senior citizens and PWDs may be increased to P125.” This would bring the monthly discount from P260 to P500. Sanchez said that while consultations were still ongoing, they expect the circular reflecting the over 92 percent increase to be released in time for March. The circular would be issued by the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy. The hike in the weekly special discount on groceries and other prime commodities for seniors and PWDs was prompted by a request from a joint House committee led by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on Feb. 18. As ordered by Romualdez, the House panels on ways and means, and senior citizens is currently conducting a motu proprio investigation into the implementation of laws regarding benefits enjoyed by the two groups.5-percent discount During the Feb. 18 hearing, Salceda asked representatives from the DTI and DA to consider raising the weekly discount cap from P65 to P125—for a total of P500 per month. At present, seniors and PWDs are entitled to a special 5-percent discount on the regular retail prices — without exemption from the value-added tax — of basic necessities under DTI-DA Administrative Order No. 10-02, as part of Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. The total value of goods they can avail themselves of once a week is capped at P1,300, entitling them to a discount of P65 or 5 percent. READ: Romualdez seeks probe into cases of denied discounts for seniors, PWDs Sanchez clarified that the discounts apply only to basic goods and prime commodities, or typical items consumed daily such as rice, corn, bread, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cooking oil, sugar, vegetables, fruits, onions, garlic, as well as fresh and processed milk, except medical grade milk. Also covered are manufactured goods such as processed meat, sardines, and even corned beef, although the premium brands are not. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Premium items, including nonessential food, such as cakes and pastries, are also exempted from the additional discount, according to Sanchez. News that matters By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Krixia Subingsubing

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:44:00 PST

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1911784/bigger-goods-discount-for-seniors-pwds-set

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Megaworld finished 2023 with record income

MANILA, Philippines  —Tycoon Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Corp. beat prepandemic earnings in 2023 to end the year with a record net income of P19.4 billion, fueled by residential sales and earnings from malls and hotels. Megaworld, one of the country’s biggest developers, said profits in the past year grew by an annual 26 percent. The historic-high finish also breached its 2019 profit of P19.3 billion. “2023 marked a pivotal moment for Megaworld as our financial milestones showcased our strategic agility and innovations in our product offerings,” Megaworld chief strategy officer Kevin L. Tan said. “This proves our ability to adapt and thrive in changing times to reach new heights,” he added. In the filing, Megaworld said net income attributable to the parent company’s shareholders jumped by 29 percent to P17.3 billion. Total revenues expanded by 17 percent to P69.7 billion. Its real estate sales climbed by 16 percent to an unprecedented P42.7 billion while reservation revenues, a future indicator of earnings, grew 17 percent to P139 billion, beating its target of P130 billion. Megaworld also rolled out new projects worth P72.6 billion, an increase of 61 percent over 2022. Meanwhile, Megaworld’s leasing revenues climbed 14 percent to P17.9 billion, also a record for the developer. READ: Megaworld to build its tallest hotel to date The surge in mall revenues, which jumped by 54 percent to P5.3 billion, was primarily due to the rebound in retail operations and tenant sales. Megaworld’s office leasing revenues saw a modest growth of 3 percent, totaling P12.6 billion, as the work-from-home trend weighed on the segment. Lastly, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts witnessed a 46-percent surge in revenues to P3.8 billion. This growth was bolstered by a spike in local travel and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice). READ: Megaworld to spend P350B on township developments “The company’s well-positioned hotel offerings successfully captured the increased local travel and Mice activities, improving overall occupancy and room rates, especially in Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila and Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay,” Megaworld said. The builder, a pioneer in the urban township concept when it launched the 18.5-hectare Eastwood City in Quezon City in the mid 1990s, finished the year with 31 master-planned estates. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. These include the Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); and Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares). Curated business news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Miguel R. Camus

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 02:22:00 PST

https://business.inquirer.net/447827/megaworld-finished-2023-with-record-income

Inquirer

PUP launches research program establishing ethics in AI-use

MANILA, Philippines — The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) launched a research program which aims to develop ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI), addressing the need for responsible use of AI. “As AI technology continues to transform how we Filipinos live our lives, it is important that we ensure its responsible use and development,” said PUP president Manuel Muhi in a statement on Wednesday. “It is also crucial that higher education institutions like PUP should be at the forefront of promoting a culturally grounded AI governance,” he added. READ: AI propaganda as effective as the real thing – study According to Muhi, the program will utilize the knowledge of experts and scholars from various fields to develop guidelines and frameworks for AI governance that are aligned with the country’s values, culture, and priorities. It will also cover various topics related to AI ethics and governance, such as: privacy and data protection, fair treatment, transparency and accountability, and societal impact assessment — while exploring the role of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, and transportation. READ: AI will be everywhere in 2024 With the program, a research-based book entitled “AI Ethics Primer for Filipinos” will be made accessible to the public for free in May 2024. The said book, a result of collaborative endeavors involving scholars from PUP, University of San Carlos, Philosophical Association of the Philippines, and De La Salle University-Manila, would stand as one of the achievements of the program, said PUP. Other target outputs include research works on Filipinos’ attitude, awareness and behavior on Artificial intelligence, and how Philippine media news outfits depict AI. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy. Subscribe to our technology news By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Zacarian Sarao

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:46:49 PST

https://technology.inquirer.net/132555/pup-on-launching-a-research-program-establishing-ethics-in-ai-use

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