DATELINE USA

Clarkson commits to play for Gilas in FIBA World Cup

AFTER much speculation that brought uncertainty in recent weeks, Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson is set to reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

“Confirmed,” was Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio’s brief response to the Manila Times’ query on Tuesday, July 25.

The presence of the 31-year-old NBA star meant Clarkson taking the spot of naturalized player for Gilas, which is shooting to be the best finishing team in Asia that would mean securing an automatic slot in the Paris Olympics next year.

The Filipino-American guard out of

18 PNP officials linked to drugs shown the door

MANILA — A day after he announced in his second State of the Nation Address that he would let go of “unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted the courtesy resignations of 18 officials of the Philippine National Police, including three generals, for their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

A statement released on Tuesday, July 25 by Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil identified two of stores, boosting agricultural production, and pursuing a relentless campaign against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural goods whom he blamed for the escalation in the prices of basic food items.

During his State of the Nation Address (Sona) marking the end of his first year in office, Marcos said the “Kadiwa stores”

— centers that directly link farmers to consumers thus leading to higher incomes for producers and lower prices for buyers — were essential in bringing down the prices of rice, meat, fish, vegetable and sugar.

The Kadiwa program was first introduced during the term of his father, Ferdinand Sr., and was revived in 2022 as part of

PH open to all options to address sea row with China — Bersamin

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

EXECUTIVE Secretary

Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday, July 25 said the Philippine government is considering all options, including bringing this to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), to address the country’s issues with China in the West Philippine Sea.

Bersamin made the statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to mention some issues during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), including the several reported instances of harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard against Filipinos in the disputed waters.

“It was very clear that his speech was referring to this issue. But even if I said diplomacy is the approach his strategies as concurrent head of the Department of Agriculture to make basic food items more affordable to the masses.

“Malaking tulong ang mga Kadiwa stores, na ating muling binuhay at inilunsad. Ang layunin ng Kadiwa ay pag-ugnayin ang magsasaka at ang mamimili. Walang iba

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) echoed his father, particularly his plans on agriculture, economy and infrastructure. His speech lasted for an hour and 11 minutes, bearing a mix of English and Filipino depending on the subject matter at hand.

Below are the highlights of Marcos’ second SONA.

Economy

• The Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or growth rate accelerated to 7.6% in 2022 from 5.7% in 2021 – the highest registered since 1976. This, however, went down to 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023, still within the 6 to 7% target of the administration. Growth rates represent the economic expansion of a country.