US stresses PH right to resupply grounded ship

by Pia lee-Brago eliJah Felice rosales Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has the “right to be able to supply/resupply” its ship in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and has not asked for assistance after China’s attack on its vessels on a resupply mission, the U.S. Department of Defense said on Tuesday, August 8.

“We stand with our Philippine allies in terms of their right to be able to supply/resupply the ship on the Second Thomas Shoal, and that will continue to be our position,” Pentagon press secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a press briefing.

The U.S. highlighted China’s dangerous actions after the China Coast Guard (CCG) blocked and fired water cannons on a Philippine resupply mission near Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, August 5. The U.S. said the act directly threatened regional peace and stability.

GILAS Pilipinas aces Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto have finally joined the national team’s practice.

Clarkson, who arrived in the Philippines a few days ago, and Sotto, who has been nursing a back injury, were seen training with the team on Wednesday night, August 9 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

In an Instagram story by Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, Clarkson and Sotto were seen doing drills, running and shooting along with the usual training group.

The two vital cogs were not able to join Gilas in its pocket tournament in China, where the squad finished with a 3-1 win-loss record. Their only loss came against a physical Senegal team.

In a previous interview, Reyes said that Sotto will need to earn playtime through practice.

The tactician said that while Sotto already signed an agreement to play for the national team, he still needs to spend time with the team to improve on his strength and conditioning.

Meanwhile, Gilas assistant coach Jong Uichico earlier said that Clarkson, a shooting guard for the Utah Jazz in the NBA, will have

by Brix LeLis

THE combined net worth of the wealthiest Filipinos increased by 11 percent to $80 billion from last year's $72 billion, Forbes said on Wednesday, August 9.

Despite the challenges brought by inflation and higher interest rates, the Philippines' "benchmark stock index rose 6.0 percent from a year ago when fortunes were last measured," Forbes said.

Of the 50 richest in the Philippines, over half are wealthier this year, with the Sy siblings topping the list with a combined wealth of $14.4 billion.

Teresita Sy Coson, Henry Sy Jr., and Hans, Herbert, and Harley's net worth rose