THE human rights environment has become “much better” under the Marcos administration, according to visiting European Commission President Ur-
sula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen on Tuesday said the government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has become more cooperative with the United Nations and other groups regarding human rights.
By Charles Dantes, Julito G. Rada, Othel V. Campos, and Maricel V. Cruz
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday the country’s rice supply was “okay” as he assured Filipinos of the government’s continued efforts to stabilize the price and supply of the staple grain.
“For now, the supply is okay,” Mr. Marcos said in a video message in a mix of English and Filipino. “We are looking at the cost of agricultural inputs to make sure the price of rice will not increase that much.”
But India’s rice export ban, Vietnam’s move to halve its exports, typhoon damage to crops, and the scuttling of the Ukraine deal are a “quadruple whammy” that will deliver a gut punch to the Philippines, the world’s second-largest importer of rice and sixth-biggest buyer of wheat, Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto
By Charles Dantes, Vito Barcelo, and Joel E. Zurbano
LIFE UNDER FLOOD WATERS. A man wades through neck-deep floodwaters at Barangay San Miguel in Calumpit, Bulacan, while neighbors partake of their breakfast in the water and on their roofs in another part of Calumpit on Tuesday. The town, and most of northern and central Luzon, still suffers from the floodwaters brought about by Typhoons Egay and Falcon and the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’. LOJF Facebook page
OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires has meted out a six-month preventive suspension on several officials of the Department of Agriculture and the Food Terminal Incorporated over an ongoing probe into the purchase of onions for the Kadiwa Food Hub project.
In an order, Martires slapped the preventive suspension without pay against DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista, DA Administrative Officer V Eunice Biblanias, DA OIC-Chief Accountant Lolita Jamela, FTI Vice President for Operations John Gabriel Benedict Trinidad III and FTI Budget Division Head Juanita Lualhati.
While Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban and FTI President Robert Tan were included in the complaints for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty,
THE United States government on Tuesday expressed concern over the “potential negative long-term and irreversible impacts” of reclamation projects in Manila Bay, particularly those involving China Communications Construction Co. In a statement, the US said the projects would have ill effects “on the environment, the resilience to natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce” in the area.
US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay said they are
JAPANESE
with
THE current water level of Angat Dam, which was filled by recent typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon,” is not yet enough to fulfill the water needs of Metro Manila amid the threat of El Niño, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) said Tuesday.
said Tuesday. “That’s a punch in the gut for everyone,” Recto said in a mix of English and Filipino. “These developments are the sound of empty pots clanging.”
He said the President’s warning that rice prices could go up was “refreshing honesty” that could spur action on how to meet the crisis ahead.
In a video message after he met with Agriculture officials at the Palace yesterday, Mr. Marcos assured the public of the government’s continued efforts to
possible impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon on crops.
NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David said he is not yet comfortable nor confident even if Angat Dam’s water level is currently way beyond the rule curve of 180 meters.
David said the government needs to prepare for the expected effects of El
AgNiño, as he justified the allocation for Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage
This was as the Department of Ag riculture bared its plan to mitigate the
(JPPFL),
other Japanese lawmakers who are working together to improve their country’s relationship with the Philippines. They met earlier with Speaker Martin Romualdez and members of the House of Representatives. PCO Photos
THE Anti-Terrorism Council has designated suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., along with 12 others, as “terrorists” for their involvement in
the alleged killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.
Teves laughed off the tag in a virtual press conference, maintaining that he nor his brother had anything to do with the killing of Degamo last March.
“That is stupidity,” the lawmaker,
SENATORS unanimously adopted Resolution 718 that strongly condemns the continued harassment of Filipino fishermen and the incursions in the West Philippine Sea by Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels.
The resolution also listed options that the Philippine government may undertake to assert and secure the country’s sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, namely:
- Bringing international attention to China’s harassment of Filipino fisher-
men in the Philippine EEZ and its continued violation of the Hague Ruling and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;
- Utilizing international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling and raise awareness on the real situation in the West Philippine Sea;
- Engaging like-minded countries in various international organizations, meetings, and other fora to call on China to respect the Hague Ruling and the UNCLOS;
who is abroad and refuses to come home citing threats to his safety, said.
“There is no such thing.”
His camp also denounced the move, accusing the government of abusing the congressman’s constitutional rights and embarking on a massive media cam-
paign to discredit him.
Meanwhile, the House ethics committee will resume its probe of Teves for the third time after his second 60day suspension from Congress expired yesterday.
Gov’t focuses on water needs; DA, NWRB bare plans to blunt El NiñoGUESTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets Hon. Moriyama Hiroshi, Chairman of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians Friendship League and
THE Bureau of Customs donated 4,000 metric tons (80,000 bags) of forfeited Thailand white sugar to the Department of Agriculture on Tuesday.
The donated sugar arrived at the Port of Batangas on Jan. 12, 2023 on board M/V Sunward without the required notice of arrival. Consequently, the Port of Batangas
immediately issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the subject sugar and the vessel which were later ordered forfeited in favor of the government on April 14, 2023.
YANGON—Myanmar reduced ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s 33-year prison sentence by six years in a partial pardon on Tuesday, as the junta struggles to quell bloody resistance to its rule.
The country has been ravaged by violence in the two years since Suu Kyi was deposed in a coup and hit with 19 criminal cases ranging from corruption to breaching Covid-19 rules.
There have been concerns for the 78-year-old Nobel laureate’s health and the junta moved her from prison to a government building last week.
“Six years imprisonment will be reduced,” junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told reporters after it was announced she had been pardoned in five cases. Suu Kyi still faces 14 cases despite the pardon. Rights groups have condemned the legal battle against her as a sham designed to remove a popular democratic leader from the public eye.
Former Myanmar president Win Myint, who was also removed in the 2021 coup, was granted a four-year reduction in relation to two cases, the junta spokesman said.
Under the Sugar Regulatory Administration Memorandum Circular No. 4. seized sugar with commercial value and capable of legitimate use may be disposed of by the Bureau of Customs through a donation to government institutions.
On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Finance approved the proposed donation of the 4,000 MT refined sugar to the DA. The deed of donation and acceptance was signed by Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and DA
senior undersecretary Domingo Panganiban yesterday.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the DOF, DA, and SRA for your invaluable contributions, guidance, and unwavering support to BOC, which made this donation possible,” Rubio said.
Rubio said through DA, the donation will reach various local communities and enable several individuals to conveniently access sugar.
THE government may give in to jeepney drivers and public transport groups’ request to add one peso to base fares during rush hours after local oil companies raised pump prices of diesel fuel by P3.50 – the largest price hike this year – on Tuesday.
The Marcos administration may also opt to expand its financial assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board chief Teofilo Guadiz said after meeting with transport group leaders yesterday.
TAGUIG City Regional Trial Court
Judge Byron San Pedro is the new president of the Philippine Judges Association after he was sworn in recently by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez.
Judge San Pedro, who was PJA’s executive vice president, took over the top post from Judge Danilo Cruz who served as PJA president until his compulsory retirement last July 28.
Justice Marquez administered the oath of office to Judge San Pedro at the SC’s dignitary lounge last July 31.
System (MWSS) and its concessionaires, which was maintained at 48 cubic meters per second for August.
David said the level of Angat Dam should reach 210 to 212 meters by yearend to ensure that water needs for the summer are going to be met.
At a Palace briefing, Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Operation Arnel de Mesa said they were following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to take a “whole-of-government approach” to lessen the impact of drought on the country.
“The preparations of the DA when it comes to El Niño and, all the necessary interventions are, again, coordinated with our regional field offices to ensure that we are responsive to the possible effects of El Niño,” he said.
“We need to coordinate very closely with the National Irrigation Administration for the planting of rice,” he added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said El Niño might last until the first quarter of 2024.
Meanwhile, a total of 108 areas in six regions in Luzon have been placed under a state of calamity due to the combined effects of Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon or habagat, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
These cities and municipalities were in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
In Pampanga, which declared a state of calamity recently, 3rd District board member Jun Canlas said that almost half a million people, or 100,000 families in 232 barangays were affected by the bad weather.
keep rice prices low after the onslaught of typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon”, which flattened thousands of hectares of rice and corn.
Agriculture officials acknowledged the difficulties brought about by India’s rice export ban, Vietnam’s move to halve its exports of the crop, and the damage brought about by recent typhoons.
“The President is very much worried. We really have to discuss ways by which we could really mitigate the further effect of these events that are now unfolding,” said Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which Marcos heads.
Sombilla said the government is ready to mitigate the possible impact of Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, India’s export ban on non-basmati white rice, and the El Niño phenomenon.
“You know, we are prepared. The production for up to the second quarter, we have something like 39 days of stocks,” she said, adding that the DA has already put measures in place to increase production.
She said the biggest rice production is expected either by the end of September or October.
“In the event that our fuel subsidy is not sufficient, we may resort to granting their request, but not as high as one peso,” Guadiz said in a press briefing. “This will be subject to a study which we are doing right now, with results out in about two weeks.”
Obet Martin, president of the group Pasang Masda, said jeepney drivers and operators were losing P150 in takehome earnings per day with the P3.50 increase in diesel, which put its price near the P60-per-liter level anew.
Sombilla said Russia and India’s recent moves would have a minimal impact on global food prices.
But HSBC economist for the ASEAN region Aris Dacanay said the Thai Rice Exporters Association expected rice prices to go up by as high as 10 percent due to India’s recent ban on rice exports. Recto also noted that flooding caused by typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon” would damage rice and corn supply as the three regions affected -- Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon -account for 44 percent of national rice production and 79 percent of corn.
“These are agricultural powerhouses that not only serve as our grain granary but a major supplier of poultry, pork, and other livestock,” Recto said. However, the easy solution of importation when local production dips “is not as straightforward anymore due to convulsions in the world market.”
“It’s not easy to order rice in the world. A country will only export its surplus production. Their priority will be local demand. And this is where grains nationalism comes in because if there’s no rice on the table, the masses will rise up,” he said.
India, the number one rice exporter with a 40-percent world market share, has imposed a ban on the export of nonBasmati rice.
the Philippines. But the environment is much better and this is important for us that there’s improvement in the steps forward,” she added.
“Using our computations, that P150 means our drivers would have money for bread and coffee for breakfast, plus some for rice and eggs to take home to their families. That’s what they lost with this price increase,” Martin said in an ABS-CBN interview.
As for the “rush hour rate,” Primo Morillo, convenor of The Passenger Forum, said the changing fares may only lead to confusion for the public and may cause unnecessary friction with jeepney and PUV drivers.
“You don’t need a Nobel to sagely predict that it will have a ripple effect on all grain prices, considering the big hole it will cause,” Recto said.
But what could hit the country “directly and painfully,” Recto warned, is Vietnam’s decision to slash its rice exports a year to 4 million tons by 2030 from 7.1 million tons in 2022.
The Philippines, he said, sourced 2.5 million metric tons, or 85 percent of its rice imports, from Vietnam in 2021.
Even the failure to free embargoed Ukraine wheat, after Russia bombed grain stores in Ukraine and pulled out of a deal that would have allowed safe passage of food exports through the Black Sea, “will shrink Pinoy pan de sal sizes while boosting its price.”
At the moment, the country is 81 percent rice self-sufficient, Recto said.
But he said rice consumption was also on the rise. “If you look at 2022, rice utilization data, it was 135 kilos per capita for that year, from 118 kilos per Pinoy prepandemic,” the lawmaker said.
In his video message, President Marcos said he met with the DA officials to discuss the looming effects of Egay on the production of rice.
Last weekend, the President flew to different parts of Northern Luzon to assist displaced families and assess the damage wrought by the super typhoon.
Excellency and myself, which started in Brussels last year, is a testament to our joint desire to bring our bilateral relationship to greater heights,” the President added.
Justice Marquez also administered the oath of office to Pasay City RTC Judge Divina Gracia L. Peliño as the new PJA executive vice president.
Also present during the oath-taking ceremony were other PJA National Officers: Judge Gener M. Gito, vice president-Administration; Judge Maria Paz R. Yson, VP-external affairs; Judge Ma. Teresa E. De Guzman-Alvarez, VP-finance; Judge Elisa R. Sarmiento-Flores, secretary general; and Judge Cynara Hannah L. Clayton, corporate treasurer.
The SC’s public information office (PIO) said the PJA was organized “to unite all judges of the RTCs, FCs (family courts), Shari’ah District Courts, and all such other courts of equal or similar jurisdictions; preserve and maintain the integrity and independence of the Judiciary by ensuring an efficient and speedy dispensation of justice under the rule of law; and foster a more fraternal relationship among its members by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding among them.”
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and conduct prejudicial, they were not covered by the suspension order.
‘’It appears that the evidence of guilt [against] respondents Evangelista, Biblanias, Jamela, Trinidad III, and Lualhati is strong, and the charges against them involve grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty, which may warrant their removal from office,’’ Martires said in his order.
“Considering further that the respondents’ continued stay in the office may influence potential witnesses and may prejudice the case filed against them due to their continued access to documentary evidence relative thereto, this office exercises its power to place respondents under preventive suspension,” the Ombudsman added.
The complaints stemmed from the allegedly questionable procurement of onions by FTI from Bonena MultiPurpose Cooperative.
The Negros representative is compelled to return to work after Speaker Martin Romualdez ordered the House to return to full face-to-face operations, following the lifting of the state of national emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The government now is much more cooperative with the United Nations and other international organizations. This is very important.
Therefore, we see progress,” she said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
“As I said, there’s much improvement – [there are] still topics that we have to discuss, issues that are raised in the constant dialogue that we have with
Mr. Marcos, in his bilateral meeting with Von der Leyen, described the Philippines and the European Union as “like-minded partners.”
“The Philippines and EU are like-minded partners through our shared values of democracy, sustainable and inclusive prosperity, the rule of law, peace and stability, and human rights,” Mr. Marcos said on Monday.
“The continued exchanges between Her
been added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea,” she said.
in regular discussions with the Philippine government about the matter.
“We are also concerned that the projects have ties to the China Communications Construction Co., which has
Von der Leyen is the first European Commission president to visit the Philippines.
In February, visiting European Parliament members had a “constructive and fruitful” discussion with Philippine senators on various human rights issues, especially the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
gopadhyay added.
Martires said the DA, through Panganiban, entered into a memorandum of agreement with FTI for the Kadiwa Food Hub project.
The FTI, on the other hand, signed a letter of agreement with Bonena for the delivery of 8,845 bags (approximately 28 kilograms/bag) of onions as part of the said Kadiwa Food Hub.
- Subject to necessity and prudence, filing a resolution before the United Nations General Assembly to call for the cessation of all activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the
The terrorist tag also allows the AntiMoney Laundering Council to freeze Teves’ assets, the House panel said. But Teves said since he is being tried, he should be able to personally present his case to Congress, not just his lawyers led by Ferdinand Topacio.
In a resolution dated July 26, the ATC labeled Teves and his armed group as terrorists after finding “probable cause” for alleged violations of some provi-
“The company has also been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for engaging in fraudulent business practices,” Gan -
Philippines’ established rights in the WPS; and - Pursuing such other diplomatic modes as the Department of Foreign Affairs may deem appropriate and necessary.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the adopted resolution was not a “watered down” version of the original sponsored by Senator Risa Hontiveros
sions of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The ATC resolution, signed by its chairman Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, was released to the media on Tuesday. The resolution identified the other alleged members of “Teves Terrorist Group” as follows: Pryde Henry A. Teves, Winrich B. Isturis, John Louie Gonyon, Dahniel Lora, Eulogio Gonyon, Jr., Tomasino Aledro, Nigel Electona, Jomarie Catubay, Hannah
The US Embassy said it will “continue to support high quality, sustainable, and transparent investments to benefit the Filipino people and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities on this matter.”
The Chinese firm has yet to issue a statement on the issue as of press time.
which called for the filing of a resolution before the UNGA.
Zubiri said the final resolution expanded the options for the government as the senators reached a consensus after a dialogue with AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Monday.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Vills -
Mae Sumero Oray, Marvin H. Miranda, Rogelio C. Antipolo, and Rommel Pattaguan.
Pryde Henry is the brother of the suspended congressman, who has been implicated as the mastermind behind the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo. They have denied involvement in the killings in the province.
The resolution tagged Teves’ brother
“Documents further show that violations of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) in relation to Republic Act No. 9184 or the Procurement Law were allegedly committed by the respondents in relation to the said Kadiwa Food Hub Project, i.e. lack of parameters in the selection of cooperative that will supply and deliver the onions; questionable advance payment of 50% of the contract price; non-compliance of the MOA; partial implementation of the contract; and doubtful deliveries by Bonena,” Martires said in his order.
nueva said regardless of political leanings, all senators were in unison in strongly condemning Chinese incursions in the WPS.
Hontiveros said the bipartisan effort reflects the belief that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, Filipinos will never be bullied into submission.
as a terrorist for allegedly providing material support to his armed group.
It also said the management of operational funds for the killings was tasked to Oray, while Miranda served as the organizer and recruiter of personnel for attacks.
ATC said such designations were formalized following a “thorough examination” of “compelling evidence and factual incidents.”
THE House of Representatives will receive today Malacañan’s proposed P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has committed to “expeditiously scrutinize, deliberate, and pass the national budget through a transparent process.”
“We will set clear priorities to arrive at decisions that would further promote sustainable growth aimed at uplifting the lives of Filipino people, enhancing public services, and making our economy strong and more agile,” Romualdez said.
PHILIPPINE Navy’s Flag Officer in Command, Vice-Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. graced the incorporation rites of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Mandaraig” Class of 2027 as the guest of honor and speaker at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City over the weekend.
Adaci congratulated the cadets for being officially incorporated into the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The road to becoming an officer of the AFP is long, so I encourage you to face each obstacle with the conviction that you have what it takes to overcome them. Believe in yourselves, support one another, and uphold the values instilled in you at the academy.” he added during his remarks.
The Navy chief likewise expressed his deepest gratitude to the PMA for shaping the finest leaders of the AFP as the institution remains the cradle of military leadership, instilling in its cadets the values and principles necessary for a strong and unified military organization.
Incorporation Rites is the culmination of the rigorous and transformative summer camp as members of the New Cadet Battalion, two months after their reception at the Philippine Military Academy. Vince Lopez
SUBIC Bay Freeport—Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Jonathan D. Tan said he is confident that the freeport’s tourism industry is on its way to a full recovery.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier lifted the public health emergency in the country thru Presidential Proclamation No. 297 effective July 21, 2023.
Tan said “this encouraging development” provides Subic Freeport “an optimistic outlook” of its travel and tourism industry.
Tan was the guest speaker at the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) 2023 Luzon Cluster Regional Consultative Forum, where he addressed some 200 members, tourism stakeholders, and guests. With the theme “Sustainable Tourism: Leading the Recovery and Profitability of Business Operation in the Post-Pandemic Era,” the said regional consultative meeting aims to bring together the government and industry stakeholders to hear concerns and protect stakeholders.
During the meeting, participants and panelists discussed issues, concerns and plans to formulate joint programs ensuing that the interests of the stakeholders will be heard and protected.
In his speech, Tan took pride of the 99% tourist arrivals in 2022, which is relatively higher than 89% in 2019; and as of June 2023, 5.15 million visitor arrivals and 436,000 tourist arrivals have been recorded cumulatively. Butch Gunio
CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along”
Malapitan personally inspected an illegal warehouse located at Tuna Street, Kaunlaran Village, known to store expired frozen meat and meat products from China and Germany, on Tuesday.
Malapitan also commended the partnership of the City Veterinary Department (CVD) with agents from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), which found five container vans of illegally-imported and expired products valued at around P30 Million inside the said storage facility.
The mayor also recognized the impact that illegally-imported products have not only on the health of his constituents but also on the income of local meat vendors and vowed to strengthen the efforts against said illegal activities.
The BOC will be filing cases against the illegal importers once their identities are known. Meanwhile, Malapitan directed the CVD to properly dispose of the meat products. Jun David
Under the Constitution, all money measures of the national government emanate from the House.
Romualdez earlier assured the people that “every centavo of the national budget will be spent wisely by ensuring that spending will contribute to economic and national development.” The money measure “is the most important piece of legislation,” he said.
The proposed national govern -
ment budget for 2024 is equivalent to 21.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and is 9.5 percent higher than this year’s P5.268 trillion budget.
The House is expected to begin its deliberations on the budget bill next week. It committed to pass the measure before Congress adjourns on October 1.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier said the proposed 2024 NEP shall continue to prioritize expenditures that will sustain economic growth bearing in mind inclusivity and sustainability, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, and
the administration’s 8-point socioeconomic agenda.
“Guided by our Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, the proposed national budget will continue to prioritize expenditures outlined in the administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and cater to the objectives of PDP 2023-2028. It shall continue to reflect our commitment to pursue economic and social transformation to address the scarring effects of the pandemic, as well as the impact of inflation, by prioritizing shovel-ready investments in infrastructure projects, investments in human capital development, and sustainable agriculture and food security, among others,” the DBM said.
By Joel E. ZurbanoAT LEAST nine motorcycle riders were apprehended for taking shelter under a flyover on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA)
Tuesday morning in Quezon City.
Those who were caught were the first batch of riders who received citation tickets and fined P1,000 imposed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) under its new policy that took
effect Aug. 1.
The violators were all apprehended while sheltering under the EDSA-Timog flyover.
The MMDA prohibits motorcycle riders from using footbridges and flyovers as shelters during heavy rains, saying such practice is dangerous not only to themselves but to other motorists as well.
“Starting today, August 1, motorcycle riders who are caught sheltering under
bridges, footbridges, and MRT stations when it rains will be fined,” said MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes in his official Facebook account.
Artes said under the single ticketing system, the fine is P1,000 for those who violate road obstruction. He added antiobstruction laws have been in place for a long time, and his agency can implement it at any time or day.
“I repeat, it is not forbidden to take
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos
Jr. on Tuesday emphasized the importance of promoting the Filipino language as it helps in facilitating development in the country.
In his “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa” message, Mr. Marcos said the use of the national language is vital in advancing the goal of transforming the Philippines into a more united and prosperous nation.
“This time, let’s pay attention to the power of language not only in the development of our minds and means of communication but also in enriching and advancing our collective knowledge to every generation,” he said. “Through the Filipino language, let us tell the stories and experiences that will be the solid foundation of our development.”
President Marcos said the use of the Filipino language plays an important role in shaping the country’s heritage and culture.
He urged Filipinos to show their love for the country in their own way by promoting the national language.
“More than a year has passed since we felt the sweetness of victory and the flame of our unity in the midst of the challenges we are facing,” he said.
“As Filipinos, let’s embrace the spirit of unity and patriotism as we continue to chart our future.”
By virtue of Proclamation 1041 signed in 1997, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa is celebrated in August of every year.
Buwan ng Wika highlights the importance of Philippine languages in promoting communication, understanding, unity and progress in the country.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguridad, at Ingklusibong Pagpapatupad ng Katarungang Panlipunan.”
shelter to wear rain gear. What is prohibited is hanging out and waiting in the middle of the road to wait for the rain to stop because it is dangerous and causes traffic congestion,” the MMDA chief said.
The MMDA made the decision following a recent meeting with representatives of motorcycle ride-hailing firms - Grab, Angkas, Joyride, Toktok, Transportify, Maxim Riders Food Delivery, and Move It at the agency’s main office in Pasig City.
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO)
is seeking the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct regular operations against fixers in all the agency’s offices nationwide. Its chief, lawyer Vigor Mendoza II, said the operations would include a crackdown on all fixers using social media for their illegal activities.
“We are planning to conduct operations on a regular basis. Sustained operations by joining the PNP and the LTO will surely make these fixers think twice before engaging in their illicit activities,” he said.
The sustained operations against fixers would complement the deployment of the so-called mystery applicants who are tasked to report the status of operations and service transactions in all district offices of the LTO, he said.
including the identification of servicerelated loopholes that the agency could still improve.
The LTO chief said he is particularly interested in ensuring that the services down to the farthest LTO district offices are satisfactory, timely and are done with integrity and courteousness to their client.
The sustained operations against fixers and improved services are part of the good formula to drive fixers out of their illegal business, he said.
“The certainty that these people will be punished, I always maintain, is one of the best ways to address this problem,” he noted.
The public would not avail the help of these fixers if they see that the LTO is providing efficient and effective services.
THE provincial government of Quezon was able to make significant headway in the delivery of meaningful and sustainable services, Governor Helen Tan said.
Tan, in a speech, highlighted her accomplishments as the first woman governor of the Province of Quezon during her “Ulat sa Lalawigan” on Monday which focused on the delivery of health services and various programs and projects.
Tan explained that although there is still much to be done in fighting poverty, the provincial government was able to implement projects and services including health, education, agriculture, livelihood, infrastructure, nature and environment/tourism, and good governance (HEALING).
Tan cited gains for the Quezon Medical Center (QMC) which is now in the middle of massive physical renovation and management improvement.
She reported that QMC is now enjoying public confidence through its delivery of improved services. QMC was also able to bring down to 400 what used to be a 600 average occupancy for the hospital which has only 200 authorized bed capacity.
Tan also highlighted the implementation of PhilHealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama or Konsulta Package in Quezon as one of the five pilot LGUs where the public can access preventive care services including free medicine and laboratory tests for out-patient consultations.
As part of her continuing advocacy of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, which she authored when she was a member of Congress, Tan reported that she has signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) together with all the city and municipal local chief executives along with the Department of Health (DOH) for the implementation of the Province-Wide Health System Integration that is considered as the first in the country.
The deployment of mystery applicants is one of the strategies of Mendoza to get a clear picture of what is actually happening in the district offices,
“We must ensure that the services of the LTO are efficient and effective, and less complicated for the public. We will work towards more simple measures as we do away from bureaucratic processes,” Mendoza said.
MMDA fines 9 motorbike riders taking shelter under EDSA flyover P1,000 each
‘Quezon making headway in health services’
THE Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the authority of the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) to protect the owners and holders of copyrighted musical works.
In a 32-page en banc decision authored by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the SC dismissed a petition filed by Cosac Inc., seeking to set aside a May 28, 2015 decision and a January 14, 2016 resolution of the Court of Appeals that upheld the October 2012 and July 22, 2013 orders issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City ordering the petitioner to pay FILSCAP damages for unpaid license fees and royalties.
However, the SC modified the appellate court ruling when it lowered the damages awarded to FILSCAP from P317,050 for unpaid license fee and royalties to P300,000.
But it imposed a 12 percent interest per year from February 13, 2006 until June 30, 2013, and at the rate of six percent per year from July 1, 2013 until the date of finality of the judgment.
“As a final note, the Court acknowledges that FILSCAP, by authority of the deeds/agreements, represents the owners or holders of copyrighted musical works under its catalogue. As the assignee, FILSCAP is tasked to monitor and issue licenses to persons, businesses, establishments, and the like which are interested to play or perform these musical compositions,” the SC ruled.
“Although it seems trivial or outrageous to collect fees for this purpose especially when almost everything is readily accessible to the listening public, the copyright owners are still entitled to be compensated for their creative work. There is no question that they invested time, creativity, talent, and effort in the creation and development of their compositions,” it said.
FILSCAP is a non-stock, non-profit corporation comprised of composers, authors, and music publishers which is authorized to issue licenses and collect license fees for the public performance of copyrighted musical works under its repertoire, whether for profit or not.
It is tasked to enforce and protect the performing rights of copyright owners of musical works.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has underscored the importance of sustaining strong bilateral relations with Japan specifically in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure and national defense.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution seeking to strengthen mutual cooperation between the Philippines and Japan through the Philippines-Japan Parliamentarians’ Friendship Society, and to designate the organization’s officers and members.
The President made the statement in a meeting with officials of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians Friendship League (JPPFL) led by its chairman Moriyama Hiroshi at Malacañang.
“The support that we are receiving from Japan in this regard, in terms of our
equipment, in terms of our inter-operability operations, are valuable, I think, for both our countries and I believe that we should strengthen that,” the Chief Executive said.
“We should continue that and continue to be in partnership as we face the different, the volatile situation that we have in our region,” he added.
Marcos noted that over the years, Japan has been the Philippines’ partner in terms of infrastructure and agricultural development, citing assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as well as loans and financial support from the
The President said the Philippines and its Japanese partners, especially in infrastructure development, could reap benefits from several arrangements such as publicprivate partnership (PPP), and governmentto-government (G2G) arrangements.
Marcos also reiterated that his administration would prioritize agriculture to ensure food security and boost the Philippine economy.
“It is something that we feel is important, not only for the survival of our populace, the food supply of our populace, but also it is necessary….. If the rest of our industrialization can continue, if the rest of our digitalization can continue, it must be based on a strong foundation of agriculture sector,” he said.
“In this regard, certainly Japan has been a very strong partner of the Philippines, in terms of transfer of technology, in terms of support that has been given by Japan to
Filipino farmers and the Philippines’ agricultural sector,” the President added.
For his part, Moriyoma expressed support for the Philippines’ development initiatives, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, defense and security, as well as the Mindanao peace process.
“We’d also like to see government-togovernment cooperation on strengthening the defense industry, which is a priority. That’s why regarding the OSA, Official Security Assistance, the Philippines is one of the first candidate countries for OSA,” Moriyoma said.
He said Japan was pleased to see Philippine achievements in defense, particularly the implementation of joint training in the past months.
Marcos said the trilateral agreement with the United States is also “another very important step” to guarantee the peace and safety of the shipping lanes, as well as to protect territorial rights and sovereignty.
SENATOR Nancy Binay on Tuesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to make personal appearance of visa applicants at consular offices as a non-negotiable requirement for some categories applying for e-visas.
“Every visa decision has a national security dimension,” said Binay, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Tourism.
She said certain parameters on security should be in place, and apply a multi-layered safety plug plus a face-toface interview to a narrow category of travelers.
She noted vetting on TOC-related grounds, and extensive security screening should be the prime considerations in approving visa applications.
“As a matter of national interest, I share the DFA’s position torequire face-toface interviews with tourist visa applicants whose profiles fall in marked categories,” Binay said. Macon Ramos-Araneta
HOUSE Deputy Minority leader and ACT
A CELEBRITY doctor appeared to have ultimately lost his legal battle and would likely spend seven years in jail for non-payment of Social Security System (SSS) contributions of his employees.
The Supreme Court (SC) has junked a petition filed by Mendez seeking to overturn a Court of Appeals (CA) decision affirming the seven-year jail term imposed upon him by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City which found him guilty of violating the provisions of Republic Act 8282 otherwise known as Social Security Act of 1997.
In a six-page resolution released last July 31, the SC’s First Division found no merit to Mendez’s claim that the CA’s former Special Eight Division through Associate Justices Edwin Sorongon, Sesinando Villon, and Marie Christine Azcarraga-Jacob committed grave abuse of discretion when they dismissed his petition to set aside his conviction by the RTC.
In his appeal to the SC, Mendez invoked anew alleged “extrinsic fraud” on the part of his lawyer in seeking reconsideration of the CA’s ruling.
Mendez claimed that the failure of his former counsel to attend hearings on his behalf to present pieces of evidence, his counsel’s failure to inform him of the hearings, and that his presence was required during the proceedings were tantamount to “extrinsic fraud.”
Extrinsic fraud refers to “fraudulent act of the prevailing party in litigation committed outside of the trial of the case, whereby the defeated party is prevented from fully exhibiting his side of the case by fraud or deception practiced on him by his opponent, such as by keeping him away from court; by giving him a false promise of a compromise; or where the defendant never had the knowledge of the suit, being kept in ignorance by the acts of plaintiff; or where an attorney fraudulently or without authority connives at his defeat.”
THE number of child laborers in the country has declined in 2022 thanks to the combined and intensified campaign of various government agencies, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
According to the Special Release on Working Children Situationpublished by the Philippine Statistics Authority on 25 July 2023, 828,000 children were engaged in child labor in 2022 representing
56 percent of the 1.48 million working children in the country.
This is significantly lower compared to the number of child laborers in 2021 at 935,000. While the number of working children in 2022 washigher than the 1.37 million working children in 2021, the percentage of child laborers decreased.
In a statement, the DOLE said “under existing laws, the minimum employable age in the country is 15. Hence, children 15 to below 18 years of age are
legally allowed to work provided that they should be allowed to engage in child labor and their work should not interfere with their education.”
Child labor is classified as any work or economic activity performed by a child that subjects him/her to any form of exploitation or is harmful to his/her health and safety, physical, mental, or psychosocial development, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said.
“The decrease in the number of child laborers shows the continued
DEPUTY Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar on Tuesdayappealed to the government to intensify its early detection programs and promote easier access to preventive screening against breast cancer to save lives.
Villar’s appeal was embodied in House Resolution 1023 she filed to increase breast cancer awareness amid the prevalence of the most common cancer among women in the country.
“With the alarming growth of breast cancer cases in the Philippines,
there is a need to strengthen dedicated programs against breast cancer, and to allocate adequate budgetary support for programs involving early detection in hospitals and at the local level,” Villar stressed.
Citing official reports, Villar noted that there were 86,484 total cancer cases in the Philippines, of which 27,163 breast cancer cases were reported every year.
Breast cancer also claimed the lives of 9,926 Filipino women,
making it the third most fatal type of cancer afflicting Filipinos, behind lung and liver cancer.
The Philippines had the highest rate of breast cancer in Asia and the ninth highest in the world in 2019, with the disease often diagnosed already in advanced stages.
Moreover, an estimated 70 percent of breast cancer cases affect indigent women, making it more difficult for them to fight off the dreaded disease. Maricel V. Cruz
support and efforts of the DOLE and its social partners in preventing and eliminating child labor in the country. We will not stop until we reach zero number of child laborers which is our target under Chapter 3 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023 2028,” Laguesma said in a statement.
The statement also identified the agriculture sector as still the top industry with the most number of child laborers and tagged Region 12 with the highest child labor incidence.
Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro on Tuesday echoed the Senate’s call for a congressional investigation into the recent seaborne tragedy at Laguna Lake off Binangonan, Rizal that left 27 people dead. Castro filed House Resolution 1149 expressing her deep concern for the victims and their families even as she emphasized the need to determine the cause of the accident involving the pump boat Princess Aya and hold those responsible accountable.
Two senators filed earlier similar resolutions seeking legislative inquiry into th incident.
“We cannot allow such tragic incidents to go unnoticed. It is our duty as representatives of the people to ensure that justice is served and that measures are put in place to prevent similar accidents in the future,” Castro said. Maricel V. Cruz
THE House of Representatives Committee on Health on Tuesday urged the Department of Health (DOH) to make anti-leptospirosis drugs readily available in evacuation centers during the rainy season.
AnaKalusugan party-list Rep. Ray T. Reyes, vice chairman of the Committee on Health, made the statement as he voiced concern over the DOH data on the rise in leptospirosis incidence amid the onset of the rainy season.
The DOH reported that 182 new leptospirosis cases were recorded from June 18 to July 1, a 42-percent jump from the 128 cases reported two weeks prior. Reyes said diseases like leptospirosis were likely to surge during typhoons when flooding is common.
“Leptospirosis is a preventable disease. In times like this when flooding is expected, I hope prophylaxis is readily available for our people who have to move to evacuation centers,” Reyes said. Maricel V. Cruz
REMEMBERING THE LATE PRESIDENT CORY AQUINO. Relatives and friends of former President Corazon Aquino o er owers and hear Holy Mass to commemorate her 14th death anniversary at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Tuesday. Norman Cruz
IF YOU are in the air with your commercial flight descending in three minutes to the waiting tarmac, you can have a good view —without clouds below—of the country’s landscape: hectares of green bamboo stands.
On the ground as now, particularly when the monsoon rains have begun to sweep the Philippine archipelago, many farmers from up north in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan down to the hinterlands of Mindanao share a smile.
As abundant as the rains tumble down from June, soon after summer, bamboo shoots start to be plentiful, traditionally used as vegetable food among them and as well in other Southeast Asian countries.
A cultural quipster says that with bamboos in abundance Filipinos can truly celebrate life. Officials from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development say the demand at present in the world market for bamboo shoots is “increasing because of their nutritional and health benefits.”
The bamboo shoots—“rabong” in the north of the country and “labong” elsewhere and described as the King of Forest Vegetables in Japan—have been a traditional forest vegetable in most parts of this archipelago of 114 million.
In China, the bamboo shoots have been considered a forest vegetable too for the past more than 2,500 years—delicious and rich in nutrients and rank among the five most popular healthcare foods in the world.
annual appropriation on the said program.
Agriculture sources say modern research suggests the bamboo shoots have several medicinal benefits, from cancer prevention and weight loss to improving appetite and digestion.
It is also low in sugar and therefore can be used for treating hypertension, hyperlipemia and hyperglycemia, according to these sources.
Japanese scientists recently discovered that bamboo shoots contain anti-cancer agents and making them a regular part of the diet effectively eliminates the free radicals that can produce dangerous carcinogens.
Experts say with the economic development and the improvement of people’s living standards, demand for natural foods, especially organic food, has greatly increased.
Official estimates suggest there are a total area of bamboo stands in the Philippines which ranges from 39,000-53,000 ha, mainly naturally growing sporadically or in patches in backyards and riverbanks in forest lands and some private lands and rarely in pure commercial stands.
There are 60 known bamboo species in the Philippines and their number is increasing because of the newly-introduced species by plant collectors and bamboo enthusiasts.
Botanists say the bamboo grass family, Poaceae, includes about 12,000 species, with approximately 1,500 species of bamboo belonging to around 100 different genera.
It belongs to the family of grasses, Gramineae or Poaceae, and is a high-value crop given its many uses involving food and material for buildings, bridges, and furniture.
With its ability to mitigate flood and soil erosion, bamboo has various economic and ecological benefits.
Experts say bamboo has a lower carbon footprint due to its fast growth rate, meaning that it is more sustainable than traditional materials such as wood, plastic, and steel.
Additionally, bamboo is highly versatile and can be used in many different ways both indoors and outdoors.
It also provides food and nutrition
YAZD, Iran—Tall, chimney-like towers rise from centuries-old adobe houses in Iran’s desert city of Yazd, drawing in a pleasant breeze for residents of one of the hottest cities on earth.
The wind catchers, called badgirs in Persian, are just one of the engineering marvels inhabitants have developed in this ancient city in central Iran —where temperatures reach well over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer.
And, unlike energy-guzzling air-conditioners, they’re cost and carbon-free.
“For centuries, before we had electricity, they made it possible to cool dwellings,” said Abdolmajid Shakeri, the provincial deputy of Iran’s cultural heritage and tourism ministry.
The oldest of the city’s 700 wind catchers dates back to the 14th century, but the architectural feature is believed to date back as far as 2,500 years when the Persian Empire ruled over much of the Middle East.
“The badgirs played a key role in the city’s prosperity,” said Shakeri about the desert city that was a caravan stop on the ancient Silk Road.
“Thanks to them, people lived at ease,” he
security as food and animal feed. Bamboo is earthquake-proof, has greater tensile strength than steel, and withstands compression better than concrete – which is why it is so valuable in construction.
Used as substitute for concrete, bamboos also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Many of the grasses we are most familiar with are annuals, such as rice, corn, wheat and other grains, which flower, go to seed, and die in a single year.
But all varieties of bamboo are perennial, meaning that they live on year after year, more like a tree. Many other ornamental grasses are also perennial, such as fescue and pampas grass.
Experts have identified four bamboo species—Bambusa blumeana, Dendrocalamus asper, Dendroclamus strictus, and Guadua angustifolia—are some of the most economically important bamboo species now being cultivated in the Philippines
Experts say Bambusa blumeana or Kawayang Tinik is recognized for its structural grade properties when mature and is frequently available within the country.
Kawayan tinik is one of the most important bamboo species in the Philippines, where it is well-distributed geographically, according to researchers, who saythis is the most desirable bamboo species for construction because the mature culms have high specific gravity and lower shrinkage when dried.
Kawayan tinik is an important bamboo resource for the Philippine rural population.
Aside from being a premium species for edible shoot production, it also provides materials for construction, furniture, handicraft, and other novelty items.
In the Philippines, bamboos are intertwined with the environment, economy, and culture.
From construction, furniture and handicraft manufacture, food, cooking, etc., bamboos have been popularly used by many communities.
Bamboos also play a protective role in decreasing soil degradation, including the reduction of biodiversity, soil nutrient depletion, and soil erosion
Researchers, botanists and industry experts say challenges in promoting bamboo cultivation can be multifaceted.
The main challenge, according to them, lies in that bamboo is a long-term investment and requires more care and attention than other crops.
The lack of accurate knowledge about the market potential of bamboo is another obstacle to its proliferation.
Furthermore, governments often lack the capacity or resources to provide farmers with adequate support and technical assistance throughout the entire planting process, from start to finish.
The absence of an organized supply chain for quality raw materials further hampers this process as well.
Finally, farmers require time and capital to properly nurture their plants, making it difficult for them to turn a profit in any reasonable time frame. With all these challenges in mind, strategies need to be implemented that effectively address each issue in order to drive greater adoption of bamboo as a longterm investment.
The complexity of overcoming these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on providing farmers with access to accurate market information, technical assistance, and quality raw materials while offering incentives such as subsidies or grants that make it easier for them to turn a profit.
The development of effective policy and regulation, as well as improved infrastructure to support the industry, are also key components in promoting bamboo cultivation, the experts have said.
THE note by the Senate Committee on Public Works chairman to summon heads of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority following floods in the metropolis raises regard.
The chairman, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., wants, in his words, to demand answers from DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes on the still unresolved flooding in the country that continues to recur every downpour. Revilla Jr. instructed the DPWH and the MMDA to immediately identify the factors behind flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
He said people are looking for the 13,224 flood control structures the DPWH said they have prepared nationwide, adding this kind of problem should not happen anymore so it should be fixed fastest.
At the height of super typhoon Egay last week, many parts of Metro Manila, some of which are below sea level, were flooded which disturbed vehicular traffic and stranded thousands of commuters.
Revilla mentioned the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 425 flooding incidents during Egay’s onslaught, now chased by the “expansive wind field” of typhoon Falcon,whose 175
We are also trying to look at at the possible timeline when Revilla would summon the DPWH and MMDA officials
kms maximum winds are hitting northern Philippines Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.
Official figures suggest persons affected by Egay have risen from 1.02 million to 2.39 million on Monday or 654,837 families nationwide.
Revilla rebuked what he called the ineffectiveness of the agencies’ flood control programs despite receiving hefty amounts of
WE SHARE with the far-off island of Cuba a long history of Spanish colonial rule that spanned more than four centuries. We also freed ourselves from the same colonial master at about the same time in the late 19th century. We likewise share a history of fierce resistance against tyranny and oppression.
Today, this shared historical experience against colonialism and tyranny finds concrete expression in the Philippines-Cuba Cultural and Friendship Association or PhilCuba, which, as the name suggests, seeks to foster solidarity with the Cuban people and supports their struggle to defend their national sovereignty.
The group recently issued a press statement to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Moncada Barracks Attack on July 26, 1953 that started the Cuban Revolution and eventually achieved victory in 1959 under the leadership of Fidel Castro.
PhilCuba pointed out that at present, despite economic difficulties, Cuba has shown the world how its people benefit from a system which considers the welfare of the people its primary concern.
“Cuba guarantees free education, from preschool to tertiary, to the entire population. It continuously trains medical and health professionals and improves its health system that caters to the entire population all throughout their lives. It has a very low infant mortality rate, even lower than those in some rich countries,” it emphasized.
The association also noted that in the last six decades, a total 605,698 Cuban health professionals have served in 165 countries in five continents. Since 2005, Cuba has sent medical brigades to various countries to assist in combating the dreaded Ebola virus as well as COVID-19.
It has also trained thousands of medical doctors worldwide, and made significant advances in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.
In fact, Cuba is the only Caribbean nation that has produced five candidate-vaccines at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped it cope with the pandemic despite the US-imposed blockade.
Cuba could have contributed immensely in responding to health crises and pandemics, the group said, if the blockade had been lifted.
The blockade and the “tightening of the sanctions make it almost impossible
Under the annual General Appropriations Act from 2019-2023, DPWH received a total P594.62 billion appropriation for their flood control program while MMDA received P6 billion.
Revilla, in a press release, also expressed disappointment over DPWH and MMDA’s inadequate response by merely releasing press statements every time the country would be submerged in flood.
Adding distress to the people, still in a state of unease following the wrath of Egay, is the announcement by the Department of Health there is a rise in leptospirosis and dengue cases, advising the public to take precautions and avoid wading through floodwaters.
Cases of leptospirosis – acquired through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with urine-contaminated environment – and dengue are expected to increase during the rainy season, especially after heavy rainfall or flooding.
The DOH reported 182 cases of leptospirosis from June 18 to July 1 – a 42 percent increase from 128 cases logged two weeks previously.
Since January 1, a total 2,079 leptospirosis cases and 225 deaths have been recorded.
While we read the latest figures on the destruction and death caused by Egay, we are also trying to look at the possible timeline when Revilla would summon the DPWH and the MMDA officials.
for Cuba to procure primary materials for its pharmaceuticals, to sell its products, especially the medicines and inventions in biotechnology, and even to allow people to freely travel to Cuba to conduct business.”
Much worse, PhilCuba said, after the Trump administration, Cuba was again included in the list of countries supporting terrorism, which further aims to strangle the Cuban people.
The Biden administration, on the other hand, recently announced a $1-million campaign to counter Cuba’s medical collaboration.
Since 2005, Cuba has sent medical brigades to various countries to assist in combating the dreaded Ebola virus as well as COVID-19
PhilCuba also emphasized that “as the Cuban people fight US sanctions that have gotten more cruel even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lesson of Moncada that they should dare resist an unjust rule or dictatorship is one source of strength.”
It said: “We in PhilCuba call on the Marcos government to resist US pressure to take its side on Cuba, and instead, see how the Philippines and Cuba could learn from, and help, each other.
“We call on governments and peoples to make a stand against unilateral sanctions…
Cuba has much to contribute to people’s development around the world, but instead of supporting the island-nation’s efforts, the US is tightening its sanctions. ” PhilCuba was organized in year 2000 by Dr. Francisco ‘Dodong’ Nemenzo, who remains its head up to the present.
The website of the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC), a private, non-profit organization of professional social science associations and social science research and instructional institutions in the country, describes Nemenzo as “one of the country’s
added, describing how the wind catchers pull fresh air into buildings and allow hot air to ventilate out through large vertical slots.
Majid Oloumi, the head of Dowlatabad garden, home to a towering 33-meter wind catcherI—one of the tallest in the worldI—described the cooling method as “totally clean because it uses neither electricity nor polluting materials”.
UNESCO listed Yazd as a World Heritage Site in 2017, describing the city as a “living testimony to intelligent use of limited available resources in the desert for survival”. ‘Simplicity’
The bioclimatic architecture which provides thermal comfort for the people of Yazd has attracted interest elsewhere on a heating planet.
“Badgirs demonstrate that simplicity can be an essential attribute to sustainability,” said Parisbased architect Roland Dehghan Kamaraji, who has studied Iran’s wind catchers.
“It goes against the common misconception that sustainable solutions need to be complex or high-tech.”
At a sustainable urban community called
Masdar city in the United Arab Emirates, buildings have been “designed to make use of the natural ventilation for cooling, like badgirs,” he said. Similarly, ventilation inspired by “termite mounds, an approach similar to that of badgirs” were built atop Eastgate Center, a shopping mall
and office complex in Harare, Zimbabwe.
However, Yazd’s unique architectural traditions have largely been abandoned at their birthplace.
“Unfortunately, our ancestral heritage has been forgotten,” especially since the emergence of air conditioners, said Oloumi.
Yazd’s old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets and roofed alleyways. Its centuries-old edifices made of clay, mud-brick and adobe all provide insulation against the torrid heat.
But the old houses stand in sharp contrast to modern cement buildings and multi-lane roads.
“Today, house architecture imitates that in other countries, and cement-based construction does not correspond to the climate of Yazd,” he added.
Kamaraji says bioclimatic architecture has waned due to economic constraints and modern construction methods that “largely favor the use of energy and fossil fuel intensive materials”.
Old but effective Another sustainable architectural feature of Yazd is its system of underground aqueducts
most respected political scientists who, in his own words, ‘specialized in the study of unconventional politics.’”
Nemenzo pursued graduate studies at the University of Manchester in England, where he immersed himself in Marxist philosophy and political economy.
His scholarly works focused on the dynamics of revolutionary movements in the Philippines.
At UP, Nemenzo served in various capacities—as political science professor, college dean, Chancellor, and. finally, as University President.
During his stint at the helm of the premier State University, the council said, Nemenzo led the development of the Revitalized General Education Program which now allows students to choose their own general education courses which would lay the foundation of their college education; a special fund to support the academic growth of the faculty; and much-improved facilities and equipment that enhanced the learning environment in the University.
The PSSC concluded that “his contributions to the academic community prove his ‘commitment to education and belief in the Filipino youth.’”
Nemenzo was among those hauled to Camp Crame after the declaration of martial law in 1972.
Upon his release, he resumed teaching at UP.
I was among those who enrolled in his class on “Philippine Revolution” in the mid-70s.
I forget now what grade I obtained in his class.
What I do remember distinctly is that he smoked a cigarette while lecturing us on the theory and practice of revolution in the Philippine setting. I did likewise and so did a few others, if I remember right.
Amid the haze from the cigarette smoke in the classroom, we listened intently to what he had to tell us about ‘unconventional politics’ that got him into trouble with the military at the time and landed him in the stockade along with many others because of Proclamation 1081. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
called qanats, which transport water from underground wells, aquifers or the mountains.
“These underground aqueducts have great utility,” said Zohreh Montazer, an expert on the water system. “They constitute a source of water supply and make it possible to cool the dwellings and to preserve food at an ideal temperature.”
Iran is estimated to have around 33,000 operational qanats today, a significant drop from the 50,000 in use in the mid-20th century.
UNESCO says the decline in qanats is driven in part by the drying up of underground water sources due to over-consumption.
Iranian authorities have in recent years sought to rehabilitate the qanat of Zarch—considered the longest and oldest, dating to some 3,000 years ago. The water network—which stretches over 70 kilometers across Yazd, and runs at a depth of around 30 meters—stands as a reminder for Yazd’s residents of the challenges ahead.
“The day when fossil fuels run out,” said Montazer, “we will have to return to these methods.” AFP
UNESCO says the decline in qanats is driven in part by the drying up of underground water sources due to overconsumption
THE local stock market inched higher Tuesday to end a three-day slump following overnight gains on Wall Street.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 2.33 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 6,593.80, while the broader all-shares index was flat at 3,515.95.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research analyst Claire Alviar said the benchmark index started the month of August with modest gains, fueled by positive cues in the US markets and anticipation of slower inflation rate.
“The market gain was trimmed at the
PSEi
last minute, given the weak market participation, with a net market value turnover reaching P3.77 billion,” Alviar said.
Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as investors struggled to maintain early gains fanned by hopes the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hike campaign has run its course.
Positive data out of Washington in recent weeks, particularly falling inflation, has been compounded by China’s
recent promises of stimulus measures to kick start growth, as the country’s postCovid recovery grinds to a halt.
Traders are now keeping a close eye on earnings this week from tech titans Apple and Amazon, and US jobs at the end of the week that could provide an idea about the Fed’s thinking.
Britain’s central bank is also due to announce a rate decision.
On Monday, Chicago Fed boss Austan Goolsbee left open the possibility of pausing or stopping interest rate hikes at the bank’s next policy meeting in September.
“Thus far we’re on the golden path and we’ve got to walk that line,” Goolsbee told Yahoo! Finance, referring to the
path of lowering inflation without triggering a major recession.
He said the slowdown in inflation was “fabulous news”, echoing comments from Minneapolis chief Neel Kashkari, who called the readings “quite positive.”
“As we approach the middle of summer, there is a prevailing belief among people on the street that the Federal Reserve has probably made its final rate hike in the current cycle,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management.
“This is due to the evident decrease in inflation pressures. The current economic conditions, including decreasing inflation, a pause in Federal Reserve tightening, and steady or increasing growth, could create an ideal situation
TOKYO, Japan - Toyota reported on Tuesday a quarterly net profit of $9.1 billion as global production rebounded after major supply disruptions a year ago, but warned of “severe” competition in China.
The Japanese giant, the world’s biggest automaker by sales, said net profit in the three months to June surged 78 percent year-on-year to 1.31 trillion yen ($9.1 billion).
Sales in the firm’s first fiscal quarter were 10.55 trillion yen, up 24.2 percent from a year ago.
Toyota, including its high-end Lexus brand, sold 2.538 million vehicles worldwide, up 8.4 percent from a year ago.
The figures beat market expectations, sending the company’s stocks up almost three percent after the announcement.
Major automakers are enjoying a robust surge of global demand after the Covid-19 pandemic slowed manufacturing activities.
Severe shortages of semiconductors had also limited production capacity for a host of products ranging from cars to smartphones.
Toyota said that chip supplies were improving and that it had raised product prices and worked with suppliers to bring production activities back to normal.
Toyota has said its global production in the first six months of the year reached a record 5.6 million units, while sales reached 5.4 million, reinforcing its position as the world’s biggest carmaker. AFP
via the Adriatic Gate Container Terminal to Budapest in Hungary. It connects AGCT with Metrans’ Csepel Terminal in Budapest. The service runs twice per week at a fixed timetable. AGCT, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. looks to further increase its rail throughput, which represents 47 percent of its total volume. An increase in rail traffic would contribute to a more sustainable supply chain, as moving freight by rail instead of truck reduces carbon emissions by up to 24 kilograms per freight ton.
The national oil giant of the United Arab Emirates, host of this year’s UN climate talks, said Monday it had accelerated its emission reduction goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company “is accelerating its decarbonization plan to advance its net-zero ambition to 2045, compared to its previous target of 2050,” ADNOC said in a statement.
It said is intends to “increase its investments and redouble efforts in decarbonization,” relying on an initial financing of $15 billion for “low-carbon solutions” and achieving “zero methane emissions by 2030”.
Environmental groups charge that
net-zero pledges from the world’s energy giants are misleading when
the companies in fact plan to increase their oil and gas sales, as ADNOC does.
The pledges to cut emissions apply to producing, refining and processing operations -– not to the vastly greater emissions caused when the fuel is burnt to power cars, planes and factories.
The oil giant said it has “reduced its greenhouse gas emissions” by about five million tons in 2022, mostly through the use of solar and nuclear energy, to power all of its onshore operations.
The UAE, one of the world’s leading oil exporters, is set to host the COP28 climate summit in November and December.
Its new plans set this month to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent by 2030 compared to 2019 levels were criticized by ana-
lysts as “insufficient”.
Climate Action Tracker, a project run by non-profit climate groups, said that while this marked an improvement on the UAE’s previous plan, its intention to increase fossil fuel production would render it “unachievable”.
ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber, who will head up the UN climate talks, has argued that fossil fuels will to continue to play a key role, and that carbon capture technologies will play contain emissions.
The world remains far off track on the Paris Agreement’s goals to curb global warming to two degrees Celsius, and preferably 1.5C.
Meanwhile, global temperatures have hit record highs this month as people across the planet have been pounded by floods, storms and cropwithering heatwaves. AFP
for the stock market.”
All three main indexes on Wall Street ended on a positive note, with the S&P 500 at a 16-month high.
But while Asia started the day on the front foot, some markets lost momentum. Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei and Manila rose but Hong Kong and Shanghai were dragged by profit-taking following a run-up last week.
Singapore, Wellington, Mumbai and Jakarta also fell. London rose in the morning but Frankfurt and Paris dipped. Data out of China showing the country’s factory activity shrank last month reinforced expectations the government will continue to unveil economic support measures. With AFP
NEW YORK, United States—A new reactor at a US nuclear power plant entered into operation Monday, a first in seven years in the country where conventional reactors may give way to smaller-scale nuclear facilities.
The Vogtle Unit 3 near Waynesboro, in the southeastern state of Georgia, has begun serving some 500,000 homes and businesses, operator Georgia Power said in a statement.
“The new unit represents a longterm investment in the state’s clean energy future and will provide reliable, emissions-free energy to customers for decades to come,” the company said.
The project comes online seven years after it was supposed to start producing power.
The costs for Unit 3, and a fourth reactor anticipated to enter operation in late 2023 or early 2024, have topped $30 billion, according to an estimate by the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAP).
That is more than double the budget of $14 billion announced at the start of the project.
Cost overruns pushed original investor Westinghouse, a subsidiary of Japan’s Toshiba, to file for bankruptcy in 2017, and it withdrew from the project.
Once all four units are in operation, Vogtle will become the largest generator of clean energy in the nation, according to Georgia Power.
Vogtle Units 3 and 4 were the first new reactor projects approved by US authorities since 1979 and an incident at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island, the most serious nuclear accident in US history.
The most recent prior commission of a nuclear reactor was Unit 2 at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in Tennessee, in 2016.
Construction for that reactor had begun in 1973. Work was suspended for more than two decades before the project was revived. AFP
SAN FRANCISCO, United States—The company formerly known as Twitter removed a towering, blinking X from atop its San Francisco headquarters Monday after the rebranded tech firm tangled with city officials over the controversial sign.
The X, installed on the roof of the company’s downtown office last week, was part of owner Elon Musk’s bid to rebrand the troubled social media giant to the 24th letter of the alphabet.
But local residents had complained about the brilliant flashing lights emitting from the sign at night. Some also complained about safety, suggesting the sign—which had loomed over the building’s edge—did not appear securely anchored to the roof.
San Francisco’s Department of Building Inspection and City Planning received 24 complaints about the sign, including concerns about its “structural safety and illumination,” agency communications director Patrick Hannan told AFP.
“This morning, building inspectors observed the structure being dismantled,” Hannan said.
The owner of the property where X is renting offices will have to pay the cost of permits to install and remove the sign, as well as the cost of the city’s investigation, according to Hannan.
A building inspector following up on a complaint first went to the tech firm’s headquarters on Friday -- but was not allowed onto the roof to check the sign, according to the complaint posted on a city website.
Instead, an X representative told the inspector that the structure was “a temporary lighted sign for an event,” the complaint showed.
A second attempt by an inspector to check the sign was also rebuffed on Saturday, according to the city. The city sent X a notice of violation warning that it needed proper permits for the sign.
When contacted by AFP about the complaint, X replied with an automated message saying it would respond “soon.”
Backlash
Musk has brushed off the backlash to the sign and to the rebrand in general, responding with a laughing emoji to one X user’s post about the
city being at odds with him over the new sign.
The billionaire killed off Twitter’s globally recognizable bird logo early last week as he rebranded the company he hopes to turn into a super-app inspired by China’s WeChat, which would function as a social media platform and also offer messaging and payments.
Since Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion last October, the platform’s advertising business has collapsed as marketers soured on Musk’s management style and mass firings at the company that gutted content moderation.
In response, he has moved toward building a subscriber base and pay model in a search for new revenue.
A newly constructed X sign is seen on the roof of the headquarters of the social media platform previously known as Twitter, in San Francisco, on July 29, 2023. AFP
Workers last week were stopped while removing the Twitter sign and blue bird logo from the headquarters due to a lack of proper permits. It was also gone Monday.
A group of former Twitter employees who lost their jobs when Musk took over said in a federal civil suit filed against the company in May that the billionaire made it clear that he did not intend to pay expenses such as rent or severance packages.
An attorney for Musk was overheard crudely insulting San Francisco at one point, contending it was unreasonable for landlords to expect Twitter to pay rent given living conditions, the suit maintained. AFP
Toyota’s profit rose 78% to $9.1b in Q1 on production rebound
THE European Union extended until 2027 the Philippines’ inclusion in its list of countries enjoying trade privileges after seeing “progress” in human rights issues, EU President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.
Von der Leyen announced the extension of the Philippines’ inclusion in Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in her historic Manila visit which was the first for an EU president. She also said the European bloc decided to soon resume negotiations on free trade talks after agreeing to “accelerate” its cooperation with the country.
“We evaluated the situation, and we
Gov’t debt increased to record P14.15t in June
THE government’s debt climbed to a record P14.15 trillion as of end-June 2023 from P14.10 trillion in May on continued borrowing to finance the budget deficit, latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury show.
“The NG’s [national government’s] debt portfolio increased by P51.31 billion, or 0.4 percent, compared to the previous month, primarily due to the net issuance of domestic securities,” the Treasury said in a statement Tuesday.
It said of the total debt stock, 31.4 percent was sourced externally, while 68.6 percent represented domestic borrowings.
The government’s domestic debt amounted to P9.70 trillion, P114.32 billion or 1.2 percent higher than the end-May 2023 level.
“For the month, domestic debt growth amounted to P114.32 billion due to the net issuance of government bonds driven by the NG’s financing requirements. Year-to-date, domestic debt has an increment of P494.44 billion or 5.4 percent,” it said. Julito G. Rada
Petron’s income dropped
20% to P6.14b in first half
PETRON Corp. said Tuesday net income fell 20 percent in the first half of 2023 to P6.14 billion from P7.7 billion in the same period last year on rising financing costs due to successive interest rate hikes.
Consolidated sales volume reached 57.61 million barrels in the first half, up 12 percent from 51.41 million barrels sold a year ago. Petron’s sales volume from Philippine operations jumped 16 percent to 34.93 million barrels on the back of the country’s strong demand recovery. It said consistent increases were recorded across various business segments, signifying the company’s steady post-pandemic transition.
Combined sales volume from commercial business increased 13 percent in the first half, while total retail sales from the Philippines and Malaysia improved 8 percent year-on-year.
The oil price correction, which began in the second semester of last year following the record-high price surge in the second quarter due to the war in Ukraine, persisted in the first half of 2023.
Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Philippine unit of budget airline Air Asia said Tuesday passenger traffic grew 64 percent in the second quarter on the back of strong demand in the domestic market.
Air Asia Philippines said passengers it carried from April to June reached 1.63 million, higher than 994,527 passengers it served in the same period last year. Load factor was at 91 percent, down by 2 percentage points from 93 percent last year.
“Throughout the second quarter of 2023, the domestic performance was incredibly strong, and international market traffic remained buoyant with favorable load factor,” Air Asia said.
“In response to the robust international market demand, the group has reallocated more capacity to international routes to meet the strong resurgence from the international market,” it said.
Air Asia’s Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes earlier pledged to invest $1 billion for the expansion of its operations in the Philippines. “So, over the next few years, we think we will invest about US$1 billion into the Philippines. We have about 300 million so far. We wanna grow our aircraft from 23 to 50 including wide-body aircraft,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar
found that we can extend the status quo. That is good news... till 2027,” the EU president said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
GSP+ is a scheme that grants select countries zero-tariffs on exports to the EU.
The Philippines was initially at risk of renewing its GSP+ status, which was set to expire in December 2023, over the alleged lack of compliance with the GSP
conventions set by the regional bloc.
EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore said during his April visit to Manila that while the
Philippines already made progress in a number of areas covered by the conventions, more needed to be done to ensure effective implementation of all human rights conventions.
He said that three convictions out of the 6,000 alleged cases of extra-judicial killings in the country, which were among the human rights concerns of the EU, were “not enough” to ensure that the Philippines would continue enjoying the benefits of the GSP+.
Von der Leyen said, however, the European Commission saw “progress” in terms of the country’s response to human rights concerns.
“Well, the government now is much operating with the United Nations and other international organizations. This
is very important, and therefore we see progress,” she said.
“We have also with the European Union an ongoing, constant human rights dialog where we raise all the specific questions that have to be raised, and here, too, we see progress and this made the difference with a new government,” she said.
The EU Parliament first warned the Philippines in 2020 of its possible withdrawal from the GSP+ amid cases of EJKs under the Duterte administration. It issued the warning again in 2022.
Before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. headed for Belgium for the ASEAN-EU Summit in December 2022, he said he would ask the regional bloc to retain the zero tariff being enjoyed by the Philippines.
THE National Telecommunications Commission said
Tuesday the number of registered SIM cards in the country reached more than 113 million as of July 30, the end of the five-day grace period, following seven months of registration.
Data from NTC showed that 113,969,014 SIM cards were registered, representing 67.83 percent of the total168.16 million subscribers as of December 2022.
Pag-IBIG Fund and Angkas sign a collection servicing agreement to provide rider-partners an easy, secure and sustainable way to pay their Pag-IBIG Savings (contributions) and enjoy their benefits. With the agreement, rider-partners may now pay their monthly Pag-IBIG Savings through Angkas free of charge, with the ride-hailing platform remitting their savings to Pag-IBIG. Signing the agreement are (from left) Pag-IBIG Fund senior vice president for member services
operations David
PAG-IBIG Fund set a new record in home loans released in the first half of 2023, a week after being recognized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his second State of the Nation Address, the agency’s top officials said Monday.
Pag-IBIG Fund released P57.07 billion in home loans from January to June this year, an increase of P5.11 billion or 10 percent from P51.96 billion in the same period in 2022.
“Pag-IBIG Fund’s performance in the first six months of 2023 in the home loan front now stands out as the best in our history. We are happy that the number of Filipino workers who were able to become homeowners through Pag-IBIG’s Housing Loan programs continues to grow,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-
IBIG Fund board of trustees.
“Inspired by President Marcos’s recognition of our efforts in his report to the people, we remain committed to his administration’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing or 4PH Program under the Bagong Pilipinas Campaign, in line with our united efforts of providing our fellow Filipinos access to decent, safe and affordable homes,” said Acuzar. Acuzar said the amount of home loans released in the first six months enabled 44,414 members to acquire their own homes. He said of the total, 5,748 or 13 percent are Pag-IBIG Fund members from the minimum-wage and lowincome sectors who are now homeowners after securing a total of P2.42 billion in socialized home loans.
Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta attributed the continued growth in the agency’s home loan
releases to its sustained affordability. She expressed optimism that home loans would maintain its growth in the second half of the year, with the Fund further reducing home loan rates earlier this month.
“We at Pag-IBIG Fund always strive to provide our members, the Filipino workers, the means to have their own homes through affordable shelter financing. And, with our collections strong and our performing loans ratio high, we were able to further reduce the interest rates on our home loans and make it even more affordable,” Acosta said.
“That is why we are optimistic that the excellent performance of our home loans will keep its pace for the rest of the year. More affordable home loans translate to more Filipinos turning their dreams of owning a home a reality,” Acosta said.
Globe Telecom Inc. said it edged out competitors in its user count as it logged nearly 54 million registered SIMs as of July 30.
Based on data released by the NTC, Globe had 53,727,798 registered SIMs as of July 30, over 1.2 million higher than its nearest competition.
This was 62 percent of its total 86.75 million subscriber base.
Globe earlier reported a lastminute surge in SIM registrations after the deadline on July 25 and the grace period for reactivation started on July 26, recording nearly 4 million more registered and reactivated SIMs during the fiveday grace period.
“After seven months of our nationwide registration which brought us to the remote parts of the country, Globe was able to reach the most number of customers successfully. With close to 54 million subscribers registered, we retained our position as the country’s Mobile leader,” said Darius Delgado, head of Globe’s consumer mobile business.
DITO Telecommunity registered a total 7,740,346 or 51.72 percent of its total 14.96 million subscriber base.
Smart Communications Inc. registered 52.5 million subscribers or 80 percent of its 65.7 million subscriber base, the biggest percentage of registered subscribers among mobile operators in the Philippines as of July 30.
Smart and TNT’s registered subscribers represent 99 percent of their active users, securing nearly all the wireless revenues of the PLDT Group.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming response of our subscribers who heeded our call to register their SIM.
MINING FORUM. Mining industry leaders in Caraga Region convene to underscore the importance of enhanced transparency, centered on the revised Philippine Mineral Reporting Code’s potential impact on the industry’s reputation and its significant contribution to the local and national economy. Held as part of the weeklong Caraga Resilient Mining Week, the PMRC Forum, themed ‘Understanding the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code’ provides a crucial platform for participants from different mining firms, local government units and academe to understand the objectives and implications of the revised policy.
PROPERTY developer Megaworld
Corp. teamed up with Finland-based SuperPark United to bring the global indoor activity park brand in the Philippines.
Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday it formed Megapark Philippines Inc. to operate all SuperPark Philippines outlets in the country.
Megaworld said it planned to build the first two SuperPark branches with its integrated township developments—the 15-hectare Eastwood City in Quezon City and the 50-hectare McKinley Hill in Taguig City.
“This joint venture with an iconic
global leisure concept will provide a new leisure and recreation destination for those who live, work and play in Megaworld townships. This is in line with our continuing efforts to promote our townships as tourism destinations that host one-of-a-kind attractions for people of all ages,” said Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
SuperPark Philippines will have three purpose-built themed areas offering more than 20 unique activities that will allow guests of all ages to join in the fun and keep active.
SuperPark, with locations in Finland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, is enjoyed by its patrons all over the world for its fun and high-energy indoor ac-
tivities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
SuperPark will offer three themed sections—Adventure Area, Game Arena and Freestyle Hall.
The Adventure Area is where toddlers can explore and adults can be kids again. Activities include a multi-story playground with obstacles, climbing structures, toddler’s ball game and digital wall.
Game Arena has sports themed activities including basketball, football, cycling, running, dodgeball, digital parkour experience, enhanced by digital and technology.
Freestyle Hall will have trampolines with mixed-reality games, airbag, freedrop and digital climbing walls.
By Alena Mae S. FloresPOWER retailer Manila Electric Co. is
in talks with San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. for a new emergency supply deal after its 330-megawatt supply contract from the 1,200-MW Sual power plant in Pangasinan ended, an executive said Tuesday.
“The 330 MW that is being supplied by the Sual power plant was already terminated effective midnight of July 24. That was after they sent a notice of termination last July 17,” Meralco first vice president and head of regulatory affairs Jose Ronald Valles said. “To ensure continuity of supply and
We thank all our subscribers for their continued trust and loyalty, which we hope to reciprocate by consistently delivering the best customer experience possible powered by our fastest and best mobile network,” said Alfredo Panlilio, president and chief executive of PLDT and Smart.
“Through SIM registration, we also support the government’s digitalization efforts by helping ensure that mobile and digital services are inclusive and accessible for all,” said Panlilio.
minimize exposure to volatile WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] prices, Meralco is negotiating with a potential supplier for a new emergency power supply agreement to replace the capacity of SMEC,” he said.
The move followed the Court of Appeals’ joint decision dated June 27, 2023 granting the price adjustment sought by South Premier Power Corp. (Ilijan plant) and San Miguel Energy Corp. (Sual plant).
The CA also made permanent the writ of preliminary injunction granted to SPPC, which allowed the Ilijan plant to cease supplying 670 MW to Meralco. SMEC’s petition for WPI, meanwhile, was declared moot and academic.
EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Quendy
Fernandez quietly took centerstage on another wet and rainy day, smashing a five-year-old meet record at the start of aquatics’ competitions in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City on Tueday.
Fernandez, who is from Puerto Princesa City, almost went unnoticed when she finished the secondary girls’ 100-meter backstroke in one minute and 6.35 seconds.
A standout from the Puerto Princesa City National High School, Fernandez erased the 2018 mark of NCR swimmer Samantha Coronel (1:06.58).
National youth aspirants Peter Cyrus Dean and Jie Talosig also made noise with their gold-medal victories in the secondary boys’ 100-meter backstroke and secondary girls’ 400-meter freestyle, respectively.
Dean, who is set to join his first Southeast Asian age group stint with Talosig this month, gave Region IV-A its first podium finish with his 1:00.69 performance.
“Pakiramdam ko po, mabigat. Pero kaya ko naman po ihataw. Iba po iyung pakiramdam ko sa tubig,” said the 16-year-old Dean.
A student at the Manuel S. Enverga University in Lucena, Dean was ahead of Region VI’s Jemuel de Leon (1:00.85) and Lance Cruz of NCR (1:01.85)
Talosig blasted the opposition with a fast time of 4:38.98, almost 11 seconds in front of National Capital Region’s Athena Chang, who took the silver in 4:48.97. Illiazel Dollente, also from NCR, landed third in 4:50.2.
The 17-year-old Talosig, an 11th grader from Midsayap, North Cotabato, said this is just the start of her long campaign as she is also entered in four other events.
“Simula pa lang po ito. May apat pa po akong events,” said Talosig, on her first-ever gold after joining two emptyhanded Palaro stints in the past.
In athletics, slippery conditions on the playing turf slowed down participants in secondary javelin meet over at the Philsports Oval in Pasig.
But Masbate’s Anna Bianca Espenilla, an 11th grader at Masbate Sports Academy, stood her ground and heaved the spear to a 42.81-meter distance for the gold. Peter Atencio
By Peter Atencio
Stajcic said this on Tuesday as his contract, along with his assistant Nahuel Arrarte’s, ended at the conclusion of the Filipinas’ campaign in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Team manager Jefferson Cheng said the two won’t be returning as both coaches did not seek a contract renewal and “have asked to explore other options.”
“I would first and foremost like to express my gratitude to Sir Jeff for giving us the opportunity and entrusting us with the keys to the National Team,” said Stajcic in his farewell message to the Philippine football community.
RAIN or Shine is bringing in one more import to bolster its campaign as the country’s representative to the coming 42nd Jones Cup.
Head coach Yeng Guiao told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday the Elasto Painters are tapping 6’10” Nick Evans to team up with naturalized player Ange Kouame in reinforcing the squad for the August 12-20 meet in Taipeh.
Admitting the team is lacking in size, the presence of both Kouame, who is also 6’10”, and Evans would definitely come in handy for the Elasto Painters, according to Guiao.
“Nu’ng nakita namin yung lineup ng teams and ‘yung makakalaban namin doon, malakas ‘yung competition. So management decided to bring in another import. We will have Ange Kouame and itong si Nick Evans, who’s coming in siguro by Saturday or Sunday to join us,” said the former Gilas Pilipinas coach as he graced the public sports program at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Evans, a veteran big man who had stints in Japan, Colombia, Thailand, and Lebanon, will start practicing with Rain or Shine on Monday before the team leaves for Taiwan on Friday (Aug. 11).
“Cramming na naman ‘yan. Ilang araw lang na ensayo, tapos sasabak na tayo sa Jones Cup,” added Guiao, the former congressman and vice-governor of Pampanga, who is in his third Jones Cup stint.
A total of nine teams are seeing action in this year’s Jones Cup, which is making a comeback after a three-year absence following the outbreak of the pandemic.
Guaio mentioned that national teams of Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Taipeh (Teams A and B) are competing alongside the Japan U-20 team, a US te am represented by the University of California-Irvine, and reigning KBL (Korean Basketball League) and EASL (East Asia Super League) champion Any ang KGC bannered by former NBA player Omari Spellman.
Stajcic said their journey over the last 20 months yielded great results for the Filipinas.
Among the memorable accomplishments the Filipinas achieved were a semifinal trip to the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup and the team’s firstever competitive bronze medal at the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi.
Then, there’s their ASEAN Football Federation title conquest in Manila and the Filipinas’ highest FIFA ranking of no. 46 in recent memory.
“But without question, the two best experiences of my coaching career thus far were the last two World Cup matches. Beating New Zealand on home soil and scoring our first World Cup goal and getting our first win was the things that dreams are made of,” said Stajcic.
The Australian mentor also commended members of the team for the valuable time and effort that they put in.
“To the players, I can only say, you were
courageous, passionate, disciplined and loyal to the team, the flag and the country. Your sacrifices should be long remembered by all Philippine sports fans. To give hope and inspiration is the greatest of all achievements,” added Stajcic.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta said “Coach Alen Stajcic’s appointment as Philippine Women’s National Team head coach brought women’s football in the Philippines to new heights and hope.”
Cheng said the community “we will forever be grateful to them for changing the landscape of Philippine football forever.”
“They have they shown us what is possible with proper guidance, dedication and hard work, and their efforts have led to the greatest achievement in Philippine football thus far—a match won against the higher-ranked host nation at a World Cup. They will surely be our beloved heroes for decades to come,” said Cheng.
GILAS Pilipinas departed for China on Tuesday morning without Kai Sotto as the team embarks on its final preparation for the FIBA World Cup slated Aug. 25 to Sept. 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
The Philippine basketball team will play other World Cup-bound teams from Senegal and Iran in a series of games at the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China.
Reyes said Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson is in constant touch with Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas and will just go straight to the Philippines for the world’s top cage tournament.
The Gilas mentor said “all the plans are fluid” even as Sotto also failed to join the team in the China event and has yet clear the air as to when he will finally join the team’s practice. Sotto’s camp said he is still undergoing re-
hab for his back injury.
Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee are also recuperating from injuries, while Ange Kouame will join coach Yeng Guiao’s Rain or Shine team seeing action in the William Jones Cup in Taipei.
The 14-man team for China includes June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, Rhenz Abando, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., CJ Perez, Roger Pogoy, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy Ravena, and Poy Erram
In the mini-tournament in China, Gilas takes on Senegal on August 5 and 6 at Heyuan Sports Gymnasium then battles Iran on Aug. 7 at the Xiaoqing Sports Center.
The Reyes-mentored Gilas is getting ready for the World Cup, where it is bracketed in Group A with Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy.
Iran will play in Indonesia as part of Group G with Spain, Brazil, and Cote D’Ivoire.
PERENNIAL UAAP forces La Salle and Adamson rolled past their separate counterparts to complete group sweep and march on to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The reigning UAAP champion La Salle needed only 70 minutes to dispatch CESAFI runner-up University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 25-14, 25-15, 25-19, while UAAP bronze medalist Adamson also blanked NCAA runner-up Lyceum, 25-17, 25-18, 25-22, in 71 minutes.
Alleiah Malaluan hammered 13 points built on 12 hits as La Salle swept Pool A of the historic SSL nationwide tilt presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as office transport provider, and in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The Lady Spikers, who also drubbed University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the opener, 25-11, 25-17, 25-12, drew ample sup-
port from Shevana Laput and Katrina Del Castillo with 10 points apiece.
But La Salle, without UAAP Rookie-MVP Angel Canino and ace libero Justine Jazareno, is far from being satisfied entering the knockout playoffs.
“Marami pa kaming kulang. Lalo ‘yung connection ng setters at spikers. Marami pang kailangang ayusin. ‘Yung mga unnecessary errors, kailangan masolusyonan,” said assistant coach Noel Orcullo as La Salle also deals with the graduation of key cogs Jolina Dela Cruz, Mars Alba and Fifi Sharma.
Later, Lucille Almonte fired 10 points on six hits and four aces in the Lady Falcons’ second straight win under new coach JP Yude. Sharya Nicole Ancheta and Red Bascon added nine and seven points, respectively.
“Good thing na nalagpasan namin yung elims pero kailangan pa naming paghandaan kung sino makakalaban sa QF lalo at paangat ng paangat ang games,” said Yude, who succeeded former Adamson mentor Jerry Yee.
COACH Alen Stajcic’s time with the Philippine National Women’s Football team is over.
BOUNCE-BACK
WIN. The Perpetual Lady Altas bounced back from an openingday loss to UAAP defending champions La Salle Lady Spikers as they trounced University of Southern Philippines Foundation (23-25, 2512, 25-20, 25-16) in the Shakey’s Super League National Invitational Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Dennis Abrina)
THE IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines guarantees a great racing experience for the athletes and spectators alike when it returns to Cebu next year, marking the premier endurance racing’s milestone 10th year staging while focusing on Lapu Lapu City as a top sporting and adventure destination.
TEAM Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao knows that his son Jhanlo Mark Sangiao is on track to contendership, and he expects that with another scintillating performance, he’ll get even closer to the top.
Sangiao takes on Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in a battle between two red-hot bantamweight mixed martial artists at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian on Saturday, August 5, inside Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. According to Sangiao, if his son performs close to how he did in his first three matches, then “The Machine” could be up for consideration in the division’s top five.
“It’s all up to ONE really, but at the end of the day, it’s all about his performance. I’m basing it on how he’ll perform. And with another huge performance, who knows?”
Sangiao said.
The 43-year-old believes that it’s all about coming up with a solid game plan that will suit his son’s strengths against the strong and durable Baatarkhuu.
Avoiding a straight-up grind while making use of Sangiao’s explosiveness would be smart.
“Jhanlo will certainly have the speed advantage in this match. I expect him to be faster. Enkh, I expect, will rely on his strength and toughness as he’ll try to grind out a win,” he said.
“That’s how I see this match. I believe we have prepared a good game plan for Jhanlo to execute.”
While Jhanlo is confident that he won’t be tested against Baatarkhuu, his dad and coach sees it the other way, especially with the experience that the Mongolian has over him.
“He’ll certainly be tested. Here, we’ll truly see how ready Jhanlo is,” he said.
“I’ve always been telling my fighters to focus on their next match, win, and make the most out of the opportunity. Whoever’s in front of him, he has to perform. As always, I want to see him come out and perform well.”
THE historic Smart Araneta Coliseum will yet again make history from Aug. 26 to Sep. 3 as one of the venues for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The 63-year-old ‘Big Dome’ that served as the setting for the first FIBA World Cup in Asia in 1978 and the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975 will once more play host to a major sporting event as it welcomes Gilas Pilipinas, along with Group A rivals Angola, Dominican Republic, and Italy, as well as Group B squads South Sudan, China, Serbia, and Puerto Rico.
The maiden game day at the coliseum in Quezon City on August 26 will feature debuting South Sudan challenging determined Puerto Rico at 4 p.m., ahead of a heavyweight bout between Serbia and China at 8 p.m.
The next day will then see the Philippine national team meeting 2019 tormentor Angola at 8 p.m. before the hometown bets turn their attention to powerhouse Italy, which could field a number of NBA veterans, on Aug. 29, with tip-off also at 8 p.m.
welcome step forward after the world meet in China four years ago.
Another matchup to watch out for will take place on August 27, as the Dominican Republic, with NBA big man Karl-Anthony Towns, meets Italy at 4 p.m.
Puerto Rico—led by talented trio of Tremont Waters, Ismael Romero, and Christopher Ortiz—in Group B will get back-to-back tough tests against Serbia and China on August 28 and 30, respectively.
Even without recent NBA champion and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Serbians remain a force to be reckoned with thanks to Atlanta Hawks sixth man Bogdan Bogdanovic, as well as EuroLeague star Marko Guduric. China is no slouch either, as Minnesota Timberwolves versatile forward Kyle Anderson just recently formalized his citizenship and is set to suit up.
Fans can take part in making history with big games at the ‘Big Dome’ by availing tickets via ticketnet.com.ph.
Tickets for games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, on the other hand, are on sale at smtickets.com.
CAVITEX made it back-to-back in the PBA 3x3
First Conference Season 3 as it made short work of Pioneer Elastoseal, 22-10, to claim the Leg 5 title Tuesday at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Former 3x3 national player Jorey Napoles and Kenneth Ighalo had seven points each for the Braves, who were in control right from the opening tip of the 10-minute final.
With Napoles and Ighalo at the firing end, Cavitex raced to a 10-2 lead and never looked back on its way to claiming a second straight leg championship.
Dominick Fajardo and Bong Galanza each had four points for the Braves of coach Kyles Lao, who won the P100,000 prize money.
Cavitex earlier went through the wringer and survived two-time leg champion Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals, 20-19.
But they were never really in trouble in the title game against the upset-conscious Elastoseal, who arranged the showdown with Cavitex following an 18-13 win over Northport in the semis.
It was the second runner-up finish for Pioneer
this conference to take home P50,000.
Gian Morido tried to carry the Elastoseal by his lonesome after finishing with a team-high eight points as last-minute entry Gian Abrigo, who replaced Enrique Caunan heading to the knockout stage, was held to just a solitary point.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra made it back to the podium as it nipped Northport, 21-18, to take third place and the P30,000 cash prize.
Donald Gumaru exploded for 13 big points in leading the Kings, who were champion of Legs 1 and 2.
During the quarterfinals, Northport downed Purefoods, 17-14, Cavitex outgunned Meralco, 1614, Pioneer nosed out Blackwater, 14-12, and Ginebra got even against TNT, 17-15.
The scores
Third place
Ginebra (21) – Gumaru 13, Salcedo 4, Cu 2, Ubalde 2. Northport (18) – Capacio 6, Bulawan 6, Bauzon 4, Zamora 2.
The April 21, 2024 event, now billed as the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, will also serve as part of The IRONMAN Group’s 2023-2024 Season Pass and Flex 90 offerings, giving the athletes opportunities to participate in multiple IRONMAN and 70.3 races across Oceania and Asia to save on every entry.
The Flex90 gives registrants the capacity to change race dates without the penalties of withdrawals.
“Lapu-Lapu has been an integral part of the IRONMAN 70.3 in Cebu which has attracted participants from around the world the last 10 years,” said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Quirante Chan. “This time, we are very happy to host the event and showcase Lapu-Lapu’s beautiful locations and adventures that can only be experienced on our shores.”
Registration opened Aug. 1, 2023. For details, log on to ironman.com/im703cebu-philippines-register.
Billed as the Crown Jewel of Asia, IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu has grown in prestige over the years. In previous editions, slots for the race have been sold out within minutes of its opening as a testament to its evergrowing popularity and the remarkable experience and atmosphere it provides the participants.
“This race has grown immensely over the last decade. Last year, we had close to 2,000 participants, which is a very high attendance rate for an event here in the Philippines, while still in soft lockdown. This year, we look forward to staging a full comeback to the festivities. The women’s field is growing, and we are looking forward to more participation from them (women),” said Princess Galura, Regional Director of the IRONMAN Group Philippines.
GENERAL Santos City repelled Zamboanga
Family’s Brand Sardines’ fightback to win, 74-71, on Monday in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season Visayas Invasion at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo.
The Iloilo United Royals followed suit with an equally shaky 70-66 victory over the Manila Stars in the nightcap.
Trailing by as far as 25-45 early in the fourth quarter, Zamboanga threatened at 69-71 behind Chris Dumapig’s six straight points with 47 seconds left.
Kyt Jimenez, however, scored underneath and landed hard following an unsportsmanlike foul from Dumapig with 30 seconds left to give GenSan the breather en route to its 16th win against 5 losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Zamboanga’s JV Marcelino drove in with 13
seconds left, while GenSan’s John Wilson split his two charities for the final count that pulled down the Zamboanguenos’ record to 15-6.
Homegrown Cris Masaglang tallied 14 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals to earn best player honors for GenSan, which drew 12 points and 9 rebounds from Jervy Cruz, 11 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds from Christian Fajarito and 10 points plus 8 rebounds from Larry Rodriguez.
Jimenez, owner of a very rare quadrupledouble, ended up with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Zamboanga got 19 points and 7 rebounds from Dumapig and 14 points plus 4 assists from Judel Fuentes.
Zamboanga raced to a 41-25 halftime spread behind Masaglang and Cruz, who accounted for 10 and 8 points, respectively. Manila knotted the count for the last time at
65 following a triple by Kyle Neypes, Iloilo, however, responded with a five-point cluster behind CJ Catapusan’s layup, Joshua Flores’ two charities and Omar Larupay’s split free throws to break free with 13 seconds left and raise its card to 10-12.
Flores wound up with 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Shaquille Imperial provided support with 15 points and 3 rebounds. Others who shone for Iloilo were JR Uytengco with 9 points plus 19 rebounds and Lorenzo Navarro with 5 points, 9 assists, 4 steals plus 3 rebounds. Manila, which tumbled to 3-20, got 21 points plus 7 rebounds from homegrown Mark Yu and 11 points plus 5 rebounds from Neypes. The game was tight from the start with neither team leading by more than seven points. It was also marked by 20 lead changes and nine deadlocks.
ANDREA Brillantes, a homegrown Kapamilya actress and social media star, renewed her exclusive ties with ABS-CBN yesterday and reflected on her colorful journey from her childhood years in an event dubbed Keep Shining: The Andrea Brillantes Network Contract Signing. "I started here in ABS-CBN when I was seven years old, and you have been my family, taking care of me since my youth. It feels amazing that now I'm entering adulthood, and you are still with me," said the former child star, who
has been a Kapamilya since 2010. She described her growth years with ABS-CBN as a ‘privilege, home, and happy.’
"It's a privilege for me to be a Kapamilya artist. Secondly, it's home because everyone here is like a father and mother, like a loving and caring family that sees you as a person. And thirdly, it's joyful to be a Kapamilya because we are one complete family," she shared. Present at the contract signing event were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-
CBN COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN head of TV production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, and Star Magic handler Gidget dela Cuesta
When asked what made her stay with the Kapamilya network, Andrea emphasized how ABS-CBN never gave her a reason to leave.
"I have my friends and family here, and I have truly grown up here. It's like I'm already married to them, so why would I break away? I'm excited about the projects they are giving me," Andrea said.
The Star Magic artist began her
formative years as one of the child stars of the gag show Goin’ Bulilit She went on to become a household name in Philippine teleseryes with hit shows like Annaliza, Hawak Kamay, Huwag Kang Mangamba, and Kadenang Ginto under her belt. Andrea continues to break boundaries with her starring role as a drag queen in the iWantTFC original series Drag You and Me, which premiered its finale last week. Now, she is set to showcase a new side of her in the upcoming Dreamscape series Senior High
IN the tightly-knit world of showbiz, relationships between artists and their team members can be complex and delicate. Thus, when I received a message about the alleged departure of Heart Evangelista's long-standing glam team, we started talking about it.
As it raised intrigue and speculation among fans and industry insiders, a group of veteran showbiz scribes shared their opinions about the recent “cutting ties,” imparting different perspectives.
The relationship between the actress and her glam team “was” built on trust and collaboration. But, like any relationships, there may come a time when it reaches its limit. While the reasons for their alleged separation remain undisclosed, the showbiz grapevine has not been kind, with unpleasant stories circulating about both parties.
Despite the whispers and speculations, it's essential to remember that the showbiz industry is a small world, and conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable. The “separation” of Heart and her glam team is a personal matter, and as outsiders, it's important to respect their privacy during this time.
It’s also crucial for all involved to maintain professionalism and avoid personal attacks or hurtful words.
The showbiz world thrives on collaboration and networking. Declining a project due to conflicts with someone involved might result in missed opportunities, affecting not only the artists but also the entire
While Heart establishes her name in the fashion scene internationally, her glam team helps her to achieve her dream look
AN eye for an eye, and a hurled micro
phone for a thrown drink.
When a concertgoer threw a liquid at Cardi B, the American rap star did not hesitate: she immediately threw her mic at the offending person, according to videos circulating Sunday on social media.
The incident, at a concert in Las Vegas, made the influential rapper just the latest performer to suffer such an attack.
Recently, pop star Bebe Rexha was struck in the head by a cell phone thrown by a New York concertgoer, and reportedly required stitches. And in London, someone threw a bag containing the ashes of her own mother at superstar Pink according
Heart has been posting cryptic messages on her social media accounts
production team. The seasoned veterans in the industry understand this all too well, emphasizing the importance of being professional, resilient, and non-confrontational. I believe that it's essential for both Heart and her “former”glam team to remember the value of maintaining dignity and professionalism. Showbiz relationships may evolve, but the respect and trust earned during their collaboration should remain intact. In the interest of their future careers, both parties should refrain from making negative comments about each other. As the saying goes, "don't bite the hand that feeds you." Whether the parting was amicable or not, it is vital to handle the separation with grace and integrity. Potential clients and industry peers will take note of how the situation is handled, and it may affect future opportunities.
As fans and industry watchers, let us respect the privacy of Heart and her former glam team during this time. Their professional decisions are theirs to make, and it's important to support them in their future endeavors. Let us remember that, in the grand scheme of things, the showbiz world is indeed small, and it is in everyone's best interest to work together harmoniously, fostering an environment of creativity, collaboration, and mutual respect.
For days, people have been talking about the 'separation' of Heart and her glam team
GMA Integrated News' coverage of 'State of the Nation Address 2023' gains a combined people rating of 7.9 percent or almost 4 million viewers
Online, GMA Integrated News’ livestream of State of the Nation Address 2023 Special Coverage was also a top choice of netizens, generating 1.3 million combined views on its Facebook page and YouTube channel. Aside from www.gmanews.tv, the livestream was also made available via GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs’ accounts on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
(NUTAM) based on Nielsen overnight data for July 24. Meanwhile, TV5’s SONA 2023: Ulat ng Pangulo recorded a people rating of 1.0 percent, and A2Z / Kapamilya Channel’s State of the Nation Address 2023 rated 0.7 percent combined. In Total Philippines (combined Urban and Rural), GMA’s SONA 2023 coverage logged an aggregate people rating of 7.4 percent or an estimated at 6 million viewers. This was way ahead of TV5 and A2Z/ Kapamilya Channel's coverage which tallied 1.1 and 0.6 percent, respectively.
The country’s biggest, most credible, and most trusted multi-media news organization commenced its coverage early morning in Unang Hirit and continued in GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras and late night newscast Saksi. GTV’s Dobol B TV, GMA Regional TV News, Balitanghali, Dapat Alam Mo!, and State of the Nation also kept the public updated on the important highlights of the national event.
zon, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia, GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak, GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, and its national newscast GMA Regional TV News GMA Regional TV’s coverage was made available online via its official website, www.gmaregionaltv.com, its social media accounts, and all the social media platforms of GMA Regional TV newscasts and programs. The Network's flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594khz and GMA Radio stations nationwide also delivered the latest information via Super Radyo DZBB Special Coverage: State of the Nation Address 2023. The said coverage was made available as well via Super Radyo Cebu, Super Radyo Davao, Super Radyo Iloilo, Super Radyo Palawan, Super Radyo Gen. Santos, and Super Radyo Kalibo. On TV, the Super Radyo DZBB Special Coverage: State of the Nation Address 2023 was simulcast via Dobol B TV on GTV.
Filipino Heritage Restaurant launches Isabel’s Art Gallery to showcase paintings, sculptures, and art installations by local Filipino artists
CABEL Filipino Heritage Restaurant’s mission is to honor and preserve the spirit of traditional Filipino cuisine while offering a venue for showcasing and supporting regional Filipino art.
In collaboration with the Visual Central Art Gallery, on July 14, they launched Isabel’s Art Gallery, which held an art exhibition of different paintings, sculptures, and art installations by local Filipino artists. The event was attended by Melissa Cabel, Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar from the Department of Tourism in Mindanao, Santino Seah and Owie Chiong of the Visual Art Gallery, who were also present at the ribbon-cutting. Melissa Cabel started the program with inspiring opening remarks to kickstart the event.
“We are so thankful for your presence today, to all our tender friends, to all our families and relatives, with Mr. Seah and Owie of Visual Arts, and to everyone who came for the first time. Welcome to Cabel, and I hope that you will enjoy the journey that we have planned for each and every one of you.”
Santino also gave a short message to everyone who attended the event. “I would like to thank the management and the owners of Cabel for giving us this opportunity to display all our artists’ artworks, and thank you to everyone for being here to experience, you know, maybe a
once-in-a-lifetime kind of art that we have. I believe that, for me, I support all the local Filipino artists to the very best I can, and I wish them all the best that I can give them. So thank you very much for having us today.”
King Cabel welcomed everyone with a short introduction about the story of their family and how they came up with the great idea of pursuing the gallery. “So happy to see everyone today. Welcome to Cabel. My name is King Cabel Moreno. We took inspiration from our family. Just so you know, around the 1950s, our grandfather, Dr. Heracleo Cabel established the Sulu Hospital, and a couple of years, if I’m not mistaken, our grandmother, Mrs. Oswalda Cabel, was the curator of Sulu Museum and Library.”
“So we took our inspiration from our grandparents, and this space, we named after our beautiful sister, our bunso in the family. This is Isabel’s Gallery. We just want to provide a venue for our budding young local artists to showcase their artworks for free, and at the end of the day, for you to be able to give inspiration to them to continue doing what they love. So
I would like to thank everyone for gracing this special event,” King Cabel added.
Allan N. Escober, Bong Ducat, Crisanto Antonio, Denilo Santiago, Elden Lumaniog, Elmar Badal, Harold Gomez, Jojit Begino, Jonathan Jalac, Jhomar Sapno, Jhune Lobo, Jun Impas, Lander Blanza, Lorna Blanza, Medardo Olaco, Noel Almonte, Owie Chiong, Roberto Sapungan, and Thomas Daquioag were the local artists who participated in the presentation of their exceptional artworks in the exhibit.
To complete the exhibition, sculptors such as Angelito Cacnio, Bernardo Glomar, Danilo Napuran, Frich Cedeño, James Dayrit, Jun Rendor, Karen C. Villaseñor, Lander Blanza, Leo Villos, Marlon Lucenara, Richard Buxani, and Ronald Castrillo also showcased their works in the exhibit. Visit the Isabel Art Gallery for free. Reserve a table at Cabel to experience Filipino cuisine and explore their private dining and event spaces. Relax and have fun at the newly opened bar, Tasty King, located in Cabel Restaurant.
YEAR after year, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has been producing films that are worth watching. This year, 10 full-lengths are competing for the Balanghai trophies. Who will be named the Best Film?
The competing directors tell why you should watch their films:
Dustin Celestino, Ang Duyan ng Magiting: “Ang Duyan ng Magiting is a film about grief. It is a contemplation and a meditation on the agony of an entire nation. The film grieves for the courageous men and women who have suffered in the name of nation and nationalism.”
John Rogers As if it’s True: “As If It’s True started out as a simple premise of a friends-with-benefits kind of situation, but in the lens of internet fame and influencer culture. A full-on transactional relationship. The exploration of a romantic relationship being built as a brand.”
Kenneth dela Cruz, Bulawan Nga Usa: “The folklore from my hometown serves as a fitting backdrop to the story. There is something profoundly heartfelt, magical, and humble about the tales passed down from one generation to another. And there is no better way to tell this story but to make this film with an all-Ilonggo production team and cast with promising talent and humility.”
Jopy Arnaldo Gitling: “Words are the best way to deceive and confuse people, whether intentional or not.
And when you throw different languages in there, the main purpose of words, to convey meaning, becomes even harder. I’ve always found that fundamentally fascinating, so I wanted to create a film situated in, and obsessed by, language. In a world where we undervalue the voices of others, mostly focusing on our own in a conversation, I wanted to make a film that explores the act of genuine
understanding between people. To try to understand one another in a meaningful fashion is an act of kindness. And this film is an invitation to be kind.”
Ryan Espinosa Machado Huling Palabas: “My debut full-length film is set in 2001, in the town of Romblon, Philippines, during a time of transition from VHS to VCD. While it may appear to be a conventional comingof-age and end-of-an-era narrative, I try to defy genre expectations by infusing the film with sensuality, lyricism, and mysticism honed through my work as a playwright. By grounding the story in my small hometown, far removed from the city, I aim to offer a fresh and regional perspective on a genre that has often followed a generic trajectory.”
Carl Joseph E. Papa, Iti Mapukpukaw: “Writing the story of Eric and reliving memories was a welcome coping mechanism. Speaking up is never too late. And with this, I hope to encourage others to speak up too. It was always clear to me that this was going to be another animated film. It’s still quite rare to see animated feature films in the Philippines, much so an animated film that deals with adult themes that are not usually seen tackled by animated films. With the films that I make, I continuously strive to make a statement that animation is not a genre but a visual form, and it can do stories that live-action films do.” Read full story on manilastandard.
I’VE been a science-fiction fan since I was a child, from the very first time my grandmother switched the television channel to Star Trek and bade me watch it with her. “To boldly go where no one has gone before” has become my mantra, and it has given me the courage to bravely split infinitives whenever I like.
This interest that first sparked when I was a child reached its zenith in my teens. I scoured the sale bins of National Bookstore and the now-defunct Alemar’s for SF tomes. All the books I saw were written by Western authors.
But one day, the title of a battered book with a blue cover caught my eye – The Distance to Andromeda and Other Stories, by a Filipino named Greg Brillantes. I eagerly took it home.
It turned out that it was the titular story that used elements of the fantastic as a device for the main character’s introspection. It wasn’t what I expected, but I loved it. It was a story of a 13-year-old boy who watched an SF film and after that experience a feeling of being very small in the vastness of the universe.
It reminded me of Ray Bradbury’s work in its lyricism and use of science fiction elements but had its own uniquely Filipino identity. I never forgot that story, and how it made me feel about Filipino writing – that at its best, it can stand with the most acclaimed stories in the world.
That was my introduction to the marvelous, fantastic work of Brillantes, who today is hailed as one of the finest Filipino writers in English. Readers who love his stories and those who are yet to discover them will be happy to know that most of his stories have been collected by the Ateneo Press in one volume – The Collected Stories of Gregorio C. Brillantes
If you are to buy just one book of fiction right now, I strongly suggest you get this one, for the beauty of the words and the sharpness of the insights into Filipino life and the human condition.
From The Distance to Andromeda: “Someday, far away from this night in this town, his boyhood the remotest of remembrances and dreams, he may feel this vibration again, this hum like the echo of an eternal name: then he may come to understand a portion of the mystery at last, although humanly unutterable: revealing, in time, not the terror of the universe, but its purpose and glory.” This book collects 39 of Brillantes’ stories writ-
ten over 41 years, from 1952 to 1993, when his last short story was published.
It contains the works published in his books
The Distance to Andromeda and Other Stories; The Apollo Centennial: Nostalgias, Predicaments, and Celebrations; and On a Clear Day in November, Shortly Before the Millenium: Stories for a Quarter Century. These books have been out of print for a long time, so this collection is most timely and welcome.
The book was launched by Ateneo Press last July 26, with Brillantes himself in attendance. Among those who spoke at the program was awarded fictionist and University of the Philippines professor emeritus Jose Dalisay Jr., who said about the author’s works:
“More than a master of language, Gregorio Brillantes is a master of our Filipino sense and sensibility, particularly those parts we find hard to put in words or to recognize as our truest selves…His fiction is infused with power and luminosity; he surprises, but never screams.”
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Best wishes to outgoing Ateneo Press director Ms. Karina Bolasco, who retired from full-time publishing. She was instrumental in developing and publishing many authors and books over her decades in the industry. We in the community are happy that she is still around to pursue other literary interests. Wishing all success as well to incoming director Ms. Rica Bolipata-Santos who recently celebrated her birthday. More power to you and everyone on the team!
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Dr. Ortuoste is a board member of PEN Philippines, a member of the Manila Critics Circle, and a judge of the National Book Awards. You may reach her on Facebook and Twitter: @DrJennyO
