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Palawan moves to strengthen local halal industry
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Herbie G
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17/01/2024 8:28
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MEETING. Members of a Palawan Halal ruminants raisers' group meet to strengthen their industry.
courtesy of Said Alih Sha
PALAWAN, Philippines – A few years ago, Muslim consumers, including tourists, faced challenges in finding places to dine and purchase halal-certified food in Palawan.
In this popular island destination with an average one million annual tourist arrivals, halal restaurants are scarce. Interestingly, the south of Palawan is home to a predominantly Muslim population, tracing its history as a former territory of the Sultanate of Brunei centuries ago.
Halal, meaning permissible, lawful, or allowed, clean, pure, and safe for consumption for the human body, soul, and environment, has its roots in Islamic teachings.
The sources of Halal food include domesticated animals and ruminants with split hooves, such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, lambs, and buffaloes/carabao.
Non-predatory animals, aquatic animals, all plants, and plant products that are not poisonous, intoxicating, or hazardous to human health are likewise considered halal.
Today, various projects and activities by both the government and private sector stakeholders in Palawan aim to raise public awareness of Halal, specifically targeting micro and small enterprises, farmers, and other stakeholders.
The national government has accredited Palawan’s first and only halal-certifying body, the Palawan Halal Development Council Incorporated (PHDCI), enabling easy access to the registration of Halal products produced by food establishments and farms.
Key to the initiative is PHDCI, a registered civil society organization composed of professional Muslim and Halal industry players, now serving as a Halal certifying body.
Said Alih Sha, a 48-year-old biologist and the chairman and chief executive officer of PHDCI, said that a few years ago, there was no Halal certifying body in Palawan. There was a time when food establishments needed to spend at least P50,000 to P100,000 to cover the costs of airfare, accommodation, food, and other necessities to request the services of a Manila-based halal certifier.
Now, food establishments in Palawan have access to a local halal-certifying body.
Sha said they have also strengthened their ties with Brunei Darussalam-based business groups through various fora and conferences since 2023. A group of Palawan-based businessmen also visited Brunei last year as part of a business-to-business activity.
As early as 2018, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) initiated several business fora on halal, emphasizing the need for restaurant owners and food processors to prepare to cater to the needs of tourists, especially Muslims. A year later, the Department of Agriculture (DA) scaled up its information campaign on the Philippine Halal Exportation Development and Promotion Act of 2016, which includes Halal as part of its banner programs.
Last week, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Palawan sought to partner with PHDCI and the Palawan Halal Ruminants Raisers Association as part of their effort to integrate Halal into their technical vocational education and training program.
TESDA-Palawan Provincial Director Gerardo Mercado said the program, once finalized, will be the first in the Philippines, aiming to train workers in Halal-certified business establishments and restaurants.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) reported that there are 11.8 million Muslim Filipinos nationwide.
Officials said the prospects for the halal industry in Palawan are promising for both Muslims and non-Muslims and that the local business sector can significantly benefit from the opportunities presented by the development of halal tourism. They aim to attract tourists from neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam.
Once Palawan’s establishments become halal-compliant, “you can export to Brunei and Malaysia. Our roll-on roll-off port will be opened… and the products of Palawan can now be sent to Brunei and Malaysia. These countries are looking for animals or ruminants like goats and sheep,” Alejandro Deron, NCMF cultural affairs head in South Luzon, told a business group in Puerto Princesa.
The government has announced that the halal industry is expected to generate P230 billion in trade and investment and create over 120,000 job opportunities for Filipinos in five years.
Sha said the halal industry in Palawan has recognized the emerging opportunities, which is why they have strengthened their activities and linkages to help address poverty and increase the income of those engaged in the local halal industry. – Rappler.com
Gerado C. Reyes Jr. is an Aries Rufo fellow.
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[Pastilan] Duterte, defender of the 1987 Constitution? Pfft.
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Herbie G
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16/01/2024 13:55
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Guia Abogado/Rappler
During the November 2023 FactsFirstPH Roadshow in Cagayan de Oro, journalist Inday Espina Varona, Rappler’s Regions head, dropped this gem: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. somehow managed to give the country a wow moment because his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, set the bar so low – or something to that effect.
It was so low, in fact, that Marcos Jr., whose family is behind one of the darkest periods in Philippine history, only had to stroll in and dazzle us with a few coherent sentences. So, we’ve upgraded from “Duterte mumbles” to “Bongbong Marcos wows,” like going from black and white to 4K Ultra HD.
Politics never fails to entertain. Late last year, we saw some politicians from Davao Oriental province doing a little political pirouette. In a sudden maneuver, they switched political parties. It didn’t surprise us anymore because, in this country, politicians are like collecting party memberships, Pokemon-style.
Known allies of the Duterte political dynasty in Davao Oriental jumped ship on November 24, taking their oath as members of the Martin Romualdez-led Lakas-Christian-Muslim-Democrats.
One of the leaders of this political acrobatics troupe is none other than the vice governor, Nelson Dayanghirang Jr.
Now, the Dayanghirangs are no small potatoes in Davao Oriental. Dayanghirang’s father and namesake was the province’s governor during the entire Duterte administration. Like most local chief executives during that bully of a presidency, he just casually rode the Duterte wave. He was all “cooperative” like most politicians.
As for the younger Dayanhirang, well, Nelson Jr. topped the race for provincial board seats in the 2022 elections, only to find himself ascending to the vice-gubernatorial post via automatic succession when Governor Corazon Malanyaon died last June. Malanyaon was succeeded by her vice governor, Niño Uy.
The recent decision of Nelson Jr.’s group was quite telling. First, they come from the Davao region, which is Dutertelandia. Before November 24, they were members of the Duterte bootlicking Nacionalista Party (NP) and Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago Party (HPP).
Second, they took their oath as members of Lakas-CMD, a political party that was used by Duterte’s daughter Sara as her vehicle during her successful 2022 campaign for the vice presidency.
Sara was briefly its chairperson, but she resigned as a member of Lakas-CMD last May, after her major backer, former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria “Hello, Garci” Arroyo, was booted out as senior deputy speaker for allegedly plotting to oust Speaker Romualdez. Arroyo has denied that.
Third, the Davao Oriental group took their oath as Lakas-CMD members before Romualdez, whose face Sara doesn’t seem to like. Those keeping up with this political drama would know that Sara and Romualdez aren’t exactly exchanging holiday cards.
It’s a political soap opera. Gloria got the boot, Sara resigned, and Romualdez was probably thinking, “Maybe this is my chance for the presidency.” If we are to believe Sara’s father, Romualdez has been salivating over the presidency.
Most Pinoy politicians flip-flop more than a fish out of water. It’s not just a Davao Oriental thing. This is a nationwide epidemic. It’s a broken record playing in every nook and cranny of this country, and nobody seems to know when the needle first scratched it.
In the grand Filipino tradition of political flip-flopping, we are starting to see politicians twirling away from the Dutertes to the tunes of the Marcos Jr.-Romualdez group. I can’t wait to see what political dance they’ll be doing next. What is clear is that in politics, the only constant is change… and a bit of a sense of humor.
They’re putting in a little effort to convince us that they think that the Dutertes aren’t these sacred cows anymore. It’s like they’ve taken a break from the six-year marathon of terror and absurdity, and now they’re trying to do damage control.
The years 2016 to mid-2022 were a period when lawmakers – like many other politicians – lost their self-esteem and became court jesters, and Congress turned into a colossal sit-down puppy, which did exactly what Duterte wanted it to do. It followed everything down to the last letter, no matter how glaringly twisted and ridiculous it was.
Now, they’re discussing proposed resolutions about cooperating with the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the war on drugs when the realization that Duterte is already a powerless has-been finally sunk in. Something like this would have been unthinkable when the bully was in power.
The ex-president, however, can find himself on the side of what’s right at times, but it’s for all for the wrong reasons, as seen in this resurrected move by congressmen to change the Constitution. One doesn’t need a PhD in political science to see what’s off here.
In a Mindanews report on January 10, my friend and idol, journalist Carolyn Arguillas, wrote that Duterte sees no reason for changing the 1987 Constitution because “we have a good Constitution. I find it in perfect condition. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.”
I can’t help but raise an eyebrow when I read the report and go, “Really?” The old man once wanted to change the 1987 Constitution like a status on Facebook. Now, he’s singing a different tune, and it’s got me scratching my head.
So, Duterte says now that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the 1987 Constitution. Perfect condition, he says.
Let’s rewind a bit. Didn’t Duterte spend the early years of his presidency attempting to change that very Constitution? The man even squandered hard-earned taxpayers’ money on a 22-member Consultative Committee, mostly made up of lawyers and political experts he handpicked, because he wanted to switch things up from presidential to federal. But now, he’s not into charter change (Cha-cha) anymore.
He was quoted in the Arguillas report as saying that the purpose of his administration in trying to change the Constitution was “a little bit higher, a noble one.”
Yeah, right, noble. Duterte, the defender of the good ol’ Constitution! Pfft.
Here’s the twist: the only difference now is, it’s not going do the Dutertes any favors. Pastilan. – Rappler.com
Herbie Gomez is Rappler’s Mindanao regional head.
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Former President Digong Duterte should not be trusted. Remember his “jet ski” promise? His mind easily flip-flops, just like that of most Filipino politicians. What he and most Filipino Politicians care about are their convenience, security, and vested interests.
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SCHEDULE: 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship
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jisaga0269
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16/01/2024 14:15
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STAR POWER. Former NBA star Dwight Howard in a practice session with Strong Group.
Strong Group Athletics
Strong Group looks to complete a tournament sweep after wrecking Beirut Sports Club, 94-72, in the knockout semifinals of 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
But the Philippine club team, bannered by the Dwight Howard-Kevin Quiambao tandem, needs to put together another formidable outing as Strong Group faces unbeaten defending champion Al Riyadi of Lebanon in the winner-take-all title match:
A victory will be sweet redemption for Strong Group after a quarterfinal exit last year.
It will also make the team the second Philippine club to rule the tournament after Mighty Sports pulled off the feat in 2020.
Strong Group secured its spot in the final four after outlasting Moroccan squad AS Sale, 92-80, in the knockout quarterfinals of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Led by Dwight Howard and Kevin Quiambao, the Philippine club team vies to stay unbeaten for a spot in the title round. Here’s their semifinal schedule:
Lebanon’s Al Riyadi, another unbeaten squad, battles Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli in the other semifinal match.
The winners will march to the winner-take-all championship showdown the next day.
Strong Group Athletics marched to the knockout round of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship after completing a 5-0 sweep of the eliminations behind the solid plays of former NBA star Dwight Howard, UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, and former Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jordan Heading.
Here’s the Philippine club team’s quarterfinal schedule:
The winner will advance to the knockout semifinal clash the next day.
Other quarterfinal duels pit the Emirates National Team versus the Beirut Club, the Al-Riyadi Club Beirut against Dubai’s Al Nasr Club, and Lebanon’s Homenetmen Club versus Dubai’s Al Wahda Club.
After weeks of high anticipation, former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard is finally suiting up for the Philippines as part of Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship tipping off on Friday, January 19.
Arguably the most decorated import in Philippine basketball history, the 38-year-old center is joined by fellow former NBA players Andray Blatche, who once suited up as Gilas Pilipinas’ former naturalized player, and defensive ace Andre Roberson, who played seven seasons for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Making up the local Filipino cast of Strong Group is another collection of stars, including reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar, and UAAP champion JD Cagulangan.
Import McKenzie Moore rounds out the roster alongside locals Francis Escandor, Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez, and Tony Ynot.
Here is the elimination round schedule for the one-week pocket tournament:
– Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Ad uses AI-edited videos of Henry Omaga-Diaz, Doc Willie Ong
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Lorenz Pasion
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16/01/2024 20:20
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Claim: A news report by ABS-CBN anchor Henry Omaga-Diaz featured cardiologist and online health personality Dr. Willie Ong, also known as Doc Willie, promoting an “innovative” cure for hypertension.
Why we fact-checked this: The video appeared as a reel posted by Facebook user “Inzu thaulestu” on January 2. It has garnered 1,000 likes, 110 comments, 67 shares, and 136,000 views as of writing.
The video shows Omaga-Diaz, a news anchor of ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, supposedly reporting on a cure for hypertension and mentioning boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who allegedly tried the “revolutionary remedy.” The second part of the clip shows Ong supposedly explaining the benefits of the product.
The video is a Facebook ad that, unlike organic social media posts, appears on people’s feeds regardless of virality. Paid ads on Facebook and other social media platforms appear in timelines, sidebars, and reels of targeted groups and do not depend on the number of likes, shares, and engagements for increased visibility.
The ad’s comments section appears to have been disabled, preventing viewers from reading about other people’s comments regarding the product.
Clicking the ‘Learn More’ tab leads viewers to NutriFit, a diet and nutrition consultancy firm website. The firm charges $49 to $99 for courses that include healthy food recipes.
The facts: The ad uses two AI-manipulated video clips of Omaga-Diaz and Ong to make it appear that they are promoting the product and the firm providing nutrition consultancy services.
“This video appears to have been manipulated,” Arlene B. Burgos, head for Engagement and Partnerships of ABS-CBN News Digital, told Rappler in an email.
“It definitely did not come from ABS-CBN News,” Burgos added, referring to the first part of the ad.
AI disinformation: Netherlands-based AI detection tool Sensity found the video featuring Omaga-Diaz as “suspicious” with a 99% confidence level.
“High confidence indicates that the detector has found definite signals of AI generation or manipulation. Minimum confidence for this detector is 50%,” Sensity noted.
Meanwhile, the clip that shows Ong supposedly talking about the product is a re-dubbed version of a 2018 video from Ong’s official YouTube channel, where he gave tips on how to control various ailments such as hypertension and diabetes.
Rappler has previously debunked false claims made through AI-manipulated videos, such as this one using the voices of television news anchors in a fake video report. – Rappler.com
JB R. Deveza is an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow for 2023-2024.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to #FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through our Viber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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Ilocos Norte launches pop song contest in honor of Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee
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Herbie G
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16/01/2024 16:44
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YOUNG PERFORMERS. Young Ilocanos participate during a dance parade as part of the Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals in 2023 in Ilocos Norte.
Ilocos Norte provincial government
ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – The provincial government is set to launch an Ilocano pop song competition this February to honor Adelita R. Bagcal, an Ilocana who was named as one of the 2023 Manlilikha ng Bayan.
In a news conference on Monday, January 15, Aianree Raquel, head of the Ilocos Norte tourism office, said the competition is one of the new categories lined up in celebration of the province’s 206th foundation anniversary.
In February, Ilocos Norte will be celebrating its 206th founding anniversary after it was separated from other provinces up north composed of Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union, known then as the original Provincial de Ilocos.
The separation, which was done through a Spanish royal decree on February 2, 1818, was preceded by local uprisings against the Spanish colonial government because their tobacco, sugarcane wine, and vinegar monopoly.
“We are thankful to the governor for approving this new activity to encourage the use of the Ilocano language, especially now that we have a new GAMABA (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) for oral traditions from Banna,” said Raquel.
Raquel said Bagcal is “one of the inspirations of Tan-ok” this year.
Raquel is referring to the biggest cultural festival in the province, the “Tan-ok ni Ilocano (Greatness of the Ilocano) Festival of Festivals,” which is the highlight of the province’s foundation celebration. In 2023, the event drew around 50,000 spectators.
Aside from honoring Bagcal, among the goals of the songwriting competition is to “provide a new opportunity for songwriters and musicians to create,” said Raquel.
Raquel said the provincial government hopes that a “brand new piece of pop music can represent the growing community of musicians in the province.”
On February 16, the Tan-ok Festival will return on stage to highlight the diverse culture and traditions of the 23 towns and cities in the province. It was first organized in 2011 “to revive the cultural pride and Ilokano identity by focusing on narrative-driven presentations.”
This year, organizers have been encouraging the contingents to have more “diverse presentations of culture” of the province. They have also introduced changes in the criteria for judging and the festival guidelines, Raquel said.
Raquel said one of the changes is allowing “live music” in the performance of each group.
The “story, performance, choreography, production, and originality,” which form part of the criteria for judging the performances, would be equally graded at 20%.
“We are emphasizing originality, on how new their presentation is, and how experimental the ideas of the contingents,” said Raquel. – Rappler.com
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Councilor files complaints against mayor, 12 other local officials in Pampanga town
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Joann Manabat - CMS
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16/01/2024 15:31
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NEW PROJECT. The proposed five-story government center project in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Courtesy of Mabalacat City News
PAMPANGA, Philippines – Local government officials of Mabalacat City, Pampanga, found themselves in the hot seat for alleged grave misconduct, graft and corruption in connection with the acquisition of land and construction of a proposed P2.1-billion five-story government center project.
Another P610 million which was also used to purchase the 2.1-hectare property in Barangay Camachiles (where the proposed government center will be constructed), is also being questioned by Councilor Jun Castro.
Aside from Mayor Crisostomo Garbo and Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino, nine councilors are said to be involved as signatories in the approval and signing of Appropriation Ordinance No. 05 during the 35th regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in March 2023. They are councilors Timothy Paul Llanos Dee, Victor Tiglao II, Noel Castro, Elizabeth Pineda, Roland Peña, Jerry Magsino, Carlo Francis Dizon, Elmer Mendiola, and Hans Christian Balingit.
Castro, who was a former appropriations committee chair, refused to sign the ordinance because of lack of due diligence, while two other councilors, Cherry Manalo and Marjorie Sambo, were absent during the session.
Philreca Representative Presley de Jesus and Sta. Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez filed House Resolution No. 1486 (HR 1486) in November 2023 directing the committee on public accounts to conduct an investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the Mabalacat City government center project.
HR 1486 said that the 2023 annual investment plan of the local government of Mabalacat City did not include the construction of the government center project. It also said that the AIP should show the expenditures of the local government to serve as basis for the preparation of its annual and supplemental budget.
The resolution also said that Garbo allegedly entered into a loan agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) for P2.070 billion to fund the project without securing proper authorization from the city council.
Landbank, in a letter sent to Garbo last October, indicated the conditions for withholding the release of the loan:
Proof of termination, disposal, or dismissal of the cases must be submitted, the letter said, to avail of the loan.
The 2.1-hectare property was owned by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, Incorporated (PLDT). In March 2023, Garbo signed the deed of absolute sale (DOAS) through Resolution No. 155.
Based on the DOAS, the total amount was “P527.8 million with 12% value added tax. However, P610 million was the amount indicated for the acquisition of lot to be used for the proposed government center under the statement of supplemental appropriation programs, projects, and activities.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was also held in July 2023, coinciding with Mabalacat’s 11th cityhood anniversary.
In April 2023, Castro filed a complaint before the Ombudsman against Garbo, Aquino, the 11 councilors, and City Treasurer Marlene Mendoza.
The Office of the Ombudsman, in September 2023, ordered them to file their counter-affidavits for alleged violations of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Castro said a preliminary hearing had been set for January 31 at the Office of the Ombudsman.
“For the information of everybody on the development of the case, we filed a case and then they sent counter affidavits. After they sent their counter affidavits, I also sent mine. And then the Ombudsman asked for the position paper of the respondents. The latest development after the position paper, a preliminary will be held on January 31, 9 am at the Office of the Ombudsman,” said Castro.
In a statement, the city information office said that it has not received any new formal complaint and it refused to participate in the “smear campaign.”
“He (Garbo) will neither engage in unsubstantiated speculation by the councilor nor dignify his unfounded accusations with a response. The camp of the mayor refuses to partake in the smear campaign of the SP member, and remains focused on serving the best interests of the city,” said city information office head Jay Pelayo IV.
The proposed plan to build a new government center was officially announced in October 2023, based on a press statement of the city information office through the Mabalacat City News Facebook page.
If approved, the new government center will house the city hall and other essential government agencies to “easily access vital services in a centralized location.”
The Mabalacat City hall is currently located at the northern part of the city in Xevera Complex, Barangay Tabun. It was inaugurated in 2009. The city hall also has an extension office inside Clark Freeport Zone. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Link for scholarship program posted by fake Landbank page
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Lorenz Pasion
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16/01/2024 20:04
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Claim: Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) posted an application link to a financial scholarship program for elementary, high school, and college students.
Why we fact-checked this: The claim was posted by the Facebook page “Land bank update” on the group “DSWD UPDATE/ SCHOLARSHIP” which has 7,900 members. As of writing, the post has 153 comments, 83 reactions, and 23 shares.
A similar post was made on the group “PRC UPDATES” which has 254,900 members.
The post includes a supposed application link. Upon clicking the link, users will be redirected to another page bearing the Landbank logo and a form asking users to provide their personal information, such as name, mobile number, and email. Sharing personal information may lead to phishing and other fraudulent activities. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)
The facts: Both the Facebook page and the application link offering the scholarship program are fake. Landbank’s official and verified Facebook page is Land Bank of the Philippines, and its website is www.landbank.com.
LANDBANK statement: On Tuesday, January 16, Landbank debunked the claim on its official and verified Facebook page and reminded the public to beware of the scholarship program scam.
“Maging alerto sa mga kumakalat na offers mula sa nagpapakilalang ‘Land bank update’ na FB profile! Ang anumang scholarship program na mula sa kanila ay maaaring SCAM at hindi kailanman konektado sa LANDBANK o sa mga subsidiaries nito,” the post read.
(Be on the alert about offers spreading from the [Facebook] profile ‘Land bank update’! Any scholarship program from this page may be a scam and is never connected with LANDBANK or its subsidiaries,” the post read.
Landbank has previously offered scholarship programs, such as the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program implemented from 2012 to 2021 and the Iskolar ng Landbank Program in 2023. However, there is no information from the official Landbank website about a scholarship program for 2024.
Debunked: Rappler previously fact-checked false claims on supposed scholarship programs from various agencies:
– Owenh Jake Toledo/Rappler.com
Owenh Jake Toledo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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Young Filipino Catholics bring Cebu’s Sinulog and Fiesta Señor to Roblox
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jsitchon0312
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16/01/2024 18:31
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ROBLOX. The developers of the Roblox Filipino Catholics (RFC) community created a virtual replica of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu and its Pilgrim Center on the online game platform known as Roblox.
Roblox Filipino Catholics
CEBU, Philippines – Young Filipino Catholics have managed to reinvent worshiping the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) by bringing devotees at home to a digital replica of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN) on the online game platform Roblox.
The Roblox Filipino Catholics (RFC), a community of young faithfuls, conduct masses and simulate religious celebrations like the Traslacion and the Fiesta Señor in the virtual world of Roblox.
The community started in 2019 and began its formal activities in 2020.
David John Torres, RFC lead administrator and director for external affairs, told Rappler on Tuesday, January 16, that it was an effort to preserve devotions that were set aside during the pandemic and help young Catholics who were isolated at home.
“It was a semblance of normalcy for everyone…Kids would no longer need to go to Cebu, Quiapo, to celebrate these things since they can celebrate online,” Torres added.
As the physical gatherings and celebrations gradually returned, the lead administrator shared that they continued their activities and even accepted requests to hold religious activities upon the request of bishops.
“The bishop of Iligan requested us to do the Diyandi Festival, which we did on the platform,” Torres said.
This year, Lorence Canono, a 19-year-old education student from the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), took on the role of being the lead developer of the Roblox version of the BMSN.
Canono told Rappler in a separate interview that despite not yet having experienced the Fiesta Señor or the Sinulog festival in person, he wanted to give young devotees such as himself the opportunity to witness it in the virtual realm.
“I can see the joy it brings when people are devoting themselves to Santo Niño,” Canono said.
Hence, Canono and his team of developers replicated the BMSN Pilgrim Center, and with the help of fellow RFC members, conducted novena masses on the game platform.
“I encourage the young, the old, the LGBTQIA, and others to join us. We are very inclusive and we are all as one for the celebration of the Santo Niño,” Canono said.
At present, the RFC community has around 4,000 members from different parts of the country, consisting of students, altar servers, members of parish ministries, and members of worship groups.
If you’d like to join the RFC’s religious activities, check out their official Facebook page here. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: PH yet to receive corvettes from South Korea
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Lorenz Pasion
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16/01/2024 15:15
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Claim: The Philippine Navy has received two new warships from South Korea.
Why we fact-checked this: The claim was made in the title of a YouTube video, which has 5,072 views, 133 likes, and nine comments as of writing.
The video’s title says: “Nakakuha ang Philippine Navy ng dalawang bagong mabangis na bapor pandigma mula sa South Korea” (The Philippine Navy has already received two new warships from South Korea).
The bottom line: The Philippines did order two missile corvettes from South Korea, but these are still in production. Contrary to the claim, the Philippines has not yet received the warships. There are also no such announcements from the Korean embassy in the Philippines on its official Facebook page, X (formerly Twitter) page, or website.
In December 2021, the Department of National Defense signed a P28-billion contract with South Korean shipbuilding company Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the acquisition of two brand-new missile corvettes for the Philippine Navy.
In November 2023, HHI officially began the construction of the missile corvettes. The first warship is expected to be delivered to the Philippines by 2025 and the second by 2026.
Modernization program: The acquisition of the two missile corvettes is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program. The warships will be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, and systems for anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare operations.
“These ships will definitely boost the naval defense capabilities of the Philippine Navy, adding value to its thrust of becoming a modern and multi-capable navy,” Navy spokesman Captain Benjo Negranza said.
South Korea and the Philippine Navy: South Korea has been involved in the modernization of the Philippine Navy for years. It has supplied the Philippine Navy with some of its most advanced warships since 2019, namely the two guided missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), and the Pohang-class corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).
Naval News also reported that Manila is expected to receive at least 12 vessels, including offshore patrol vessels, corvettes, and frigates, from South Korea by 2028.
Unrelated clips: The video also shows unrelated clips of different ships. One clip, shown at the video’s 28-second mark, shows the Japanese ship DDG-175 JS Myoko. The JS Myoko is a guided missile destroyer that is currently in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Another ship, shown at the 1:27 mark, is the French frigate FS Chevalier Paul (D621) in service with the French Navy.
Legitimate updates regarding military acquisitions made by the Philippine Navy can be found on its website, official Facebook page, and official X (formerly Twitter) page. – Katarina Ruflo/Rappler.com
Katarina Ruflo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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China warns Philippines not to ‘play with fire’ over president’s Taiwan remarks
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Victor Barreiro Jr.
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16/01/2024 15:59
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Reuters
China summoned the ambassador from the Philippines on Tuesday, January 16, and warned the country “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory.
China was “strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely opposes these remarks,” its foreign ministry spokesperson said, referring to Marcos congratulating Lai on Monday for winning Taiwan’s election and referring to him as its next president.
“The relevant remarks of President Marcos constitute a serious violation of the One China principle and … a serious breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs,” spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing.
“China has lodged a strong protest with the Philippines at the earliest opportunity,” and summoned its ambassador “to give China a responsible explanation,” Mao said.
“We suggest that President Marcos read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the right conclusions.”
The Philippines’ foreign ministry in a statement earlier on Tuesday reaffirmed the country’s “One China policy” and said the message of Marcos intended to recognize the Philippines and Taiwan’s “mutual interests,” including 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the democratically governed island.
It said the message “was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy.”
Asked by Reuters for comment on Beijing’s summoning of the Philippine envoy and China’s rebuke, the office of Marcos reiterated the earlier statement on the “One China policy”.
Beijing’s fury over the remarks is the latest in a succession of clashes between the Philippines and China, which come as Manila bolsters ties with former colonial ruler the United States, including expanding an agreement on Washington’s use of its military bases.
Other leaders have also congratulated Lai on his victory, with many, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, calling for peaceful resolution of tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Separately, Taiwan’s foreign ministry expressed its thanks to Marcos, saying Taiwan and the Philippines “share values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law” and Taiwan would further deepen cooperation and exchanges.”
The Philippines has unofficial ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy. – Rappler.com
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This is how China bullies our country. They were even angry when our President congratulated Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te. It was an act out of official courtesy. The problem with the One China policy is that it is a legal fiction thought out by a bully nation. In reality, there are two China’s. But because of Might, what is considered Legal Fiction has become a Legal Reality.
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Team Lakay coach on Stephan Loman departure: ‘Quality over quantity’
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jisaga0269
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16/01/2024 20:31
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TOGETHER. ONE Championship mixed martial arts stable Team Lakay poses for a photo
ONE Championship
MANILA, Philippines – Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao broke his silence regarding the recent departure of #2-ranked bantamweight Stephen “The Sniper” Loman from his camp.
The soft-spoken head coach has been mum ever since Loman announced that he was leaving the group for good, rendering the squad without a top-ranked fighter for the first time since ONE Championship began its ranking system.
While losing another top fighter hurts, Sangiao’s focus will be on the fighters who remain on the team.
“The strength of a focused and determined team, emphasizing quality over quantity in our approach, is a strong driver for us to reach our holy grail,” he said.
Loman’s departure was a big blow considering that another top-ranked fighter – No. 2-ranked flyweight Danny “The King” Kingad – recently announced that he won’t be donning the Team Lakay red colors anymore.
Instead, he’ll represent Lions Nation MMA when he returns at ONE 165 against Yuya Wakamatsu.
Sangiao, though, isn’t sweating it as his team pivots to their new bloods to carry the torch forward.
His son, Jhanlo “The Machine” Sangiao, is probably one of the best fighters below 21 years old in The Home of Martial Arts, making him one of the most tantalizing prospects on the main roster.
The previous year also saw the rise of several new fighters. Carlo Bumina-ang and Carlos Alvarez emerged as two men who could carry the flag for Team Lakay this year.
Bumina-ang has yet to be defeated at ONE Friday Fights, having gone 3-0 last year. While Alvarez boasts of an impressive 3-1 record in 2023 – all of his wins coming via submission.
For Sangiao, there’s nothing to worry about. He promises to continue to make the Philippines proud.
“We are still here and we are more armed, maybe not in number but in passion and dedication. Team Lakay will be showing fresh faces and a more diverse one. Another new chapter,” he said. – Rappler.com
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Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama apologizes for controversial Sinulog performance
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jsitchon0312
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16/01/2024 15:00
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MAYOR. Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama gestures during an interview with Rappler inside his office in Cebu City on April 19, 2022.
Jacqueline Hernandez
CEBU, Philippines – After members of the Muslim community called out a Sinulog performance for being culturally “insensitive,” Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama issued an apology on behalf of the performers and the Sinulog organizing committee.
“Yeah, we just have to (apologize)…apology is a precious (thing). Sometimes, it is too difficult when pride sets in, but for people with humility, it becomes very cheap….To the Muslim community, I apologize,” the mayor told reporters on Monday, January 15.
Rama explained that the Cebu Technological University’s (CTU) performance, though lacking in precision, likely stemmed from excitement rather than bad intent.
“Excitement, excitement probably was reigning. The objectivity was not…as much as being precise. It ended up, I think ang akong tan-aw, wag’yud toy bad intent tingali oy (from my view, it probably didn’t have any bad intent),” the mayor said.
Rama, the overall chairman of the Sinulog activities, believes that an investigation into the incident is no longer needed, and that it should serve as a learning experience.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in a statement signed by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, had decried the performance as being grossly inappropriate and culturally insensitive.
Ebrahim acknowledged the university’s apology about the controversial “Singkil” performance, but said that it should not be repeated in the future.
Meanwhile, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Director Onasis Balt said in a separate interview that he appreciated the mayor’s apology.
“Ang nagamit kasi duon ay yung cultural, ika nga yung dress ng mga kapatiran na mga Muslim, yun po yung nakasanayan kasi sa mga mata natin. So, dapat kasi hindi na po yun ginagamit,” Balt said.
(What was used was the cultural, as they claimed it to be the dress of our Muslim brethren, that is what we are used to seeing with our eyes. So, it should not have been used.)
He explained that when wearing the traditional attire, one should not hold symbols like the image of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).
Balt advised the non-Muslim community that if they were to have events or programs in the future that involve representing the Muslim faith, they should reach out and coordinate with the NCMF. – Rappler.com
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Philippines reaffirms ‘One China policy’ after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai
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Victor Barreiro Jr.
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16/01/2024 11:31
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SUPPORTING THE VICTOR. Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party celebrate during a rally, following the victory of Lai Ching-te in the presidential elections, in Taipei, Taiwan on January 13, 2024.
Ann Wang/Reuters
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ foreign ministry on Tuesday, January 16, reaffirmed the country’s “One China policy” after its president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., congratulated Taiwan’s new leader Lai Ching-te.
Marcos on Monday congratulated Lai for winning Taiwan’s election, referring to him as its next president.
The message was Marcos’ way of recognizing the Philippines and Taiwan’s “mutual interests”, including the 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the democratically governed island, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the statement said.
Marcos’ comments, posted on social media platform X, are likely to irk Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan's next President.We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.
Other leaders have also congratulated Lai on his victory, with many including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa calling for peaceful resolution of tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The Philippines, which has also expressed concerns over tensions in the Taiwan Strait, has ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy. – Rappler.com
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Yes, no, it depends: A look back on how business leaders view charter change
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Ralf Rivas
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16/01/2024 18:36
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BUSINESS HUB. A view of the Makati City skyline on June 2, 2022.
Mau Victa/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers are laying the groundwork for one of the most divisive means to supposedly rev up the country’s tepid economy.
So far, CEOs and tycoons themselves have yet to speak up on the most recent moves to amend the Constitution via people’s initiative.
In general, past statements of business groups reveal that they have always been open to the idea, citing the Constitution’s explicitly strict limitations that hinder the economy. But at the same time, CEOs have acknowledged that timing is important as well.
Here’s a summary of business groups’ statements on tweaking the Constitution since 2013.
Previous joint statements of business groups show that they value timing.
The MBC and other business groups welcomed talks of amending the Constitution during non-election years.
In 2013, midway through the Aquino administration, there were ongoing talks about relaxing foreign equity participation and land ownership. The Makati Business Club (MBC) and other business groups said that it was “imperative” that the government took advantage of the “narrow window” to amend portions of the Constitution.
In January 2018 – midterm of the Duterte administration – the MBC said that was the best time to revive charter change talks.
“[I]t is our strong position that there is no better time than now to begin the process of updating the outdated economic restrictions in our Constitution. The Philippines has enjoyed enhanced growth prospects and is on the radar screen of the international investment community – and these will be further improved by higher foreign investments coupled with improved environment in doing business in the country,” MBC said then.
But in a statement in January 2021, the Makati Business Club (MBC) and 12 other groups strongly opposed moves to amend the Constitution. At the time, the presidential election was just 15 months away. The revived bid raised concerns that amendments related to term limits would also be introduced.
The business groups, at that time, recommended that elected officials initiate steps for constitutional amendments within 12 months after the elections.
It’s rare for tycoons to speak up on political matters. But in a forum by Stratbase ADR institute in December 2016, or just six months into the Duterte administration, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Enrique Razon expressed support for constitutional amendments.
“We should do what is good for the country and I think an open environment for investment is good for the country and I think there are limitations in our Constitution that make foreign investments uncomfortable. We should release those clauses and allow those people to come in and invest,” said Zobel, who was quoted by the Philippine Star.
Meanwhile, Razon was more frank, noting that the Constitution should be changed often.
“What’s so great about the Constitution anyway? I think we should change it all the time, change it every five years or change it every three years. It’s a piece of paper and what’s the use of it if you don’t follow the laws. We should change it every five years. It’s just a document,” Razon said then.
Over the years, business groups were consistent that they wanted the two chambers of Congress to vote separately on constitutional amendments.
In 2018, MBC said that separate voting secures the autonomy of the Senate and avoids “diluting the voice” of senators in such a “critical process.”
“We understand this to be the intention of the framers of the 1987 Constitution and this is also consistent with the legislative process. The proposed amendments shall then be presented and discussed with the public before seeking approval via nationwide plebiscite,” the MBC said in 2018.
A key provision that is being studied in the latest iteration of charter change is the proposed inclusion of “unless otherwise provided by law” in certain provisions pertaining to foreign ownership. This effectively eases the Constitution and gives new laws much leeway to define ownership restrictions.
In December 2013, under the Benigno Aquino III administration, the MBC and other business groups supported a similar measure pushed by then-speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.
“We believe that this proposal – for the House and the Senate to surgically amend the restrictive economic provisions by inserting the phrase ‘unless otherwise provided by law’…. is a safe, streamlined, and effective way of pursuing this most significant undertaking. Let us set this initiative in motion now and ensure that our country does not miss the boat to national competitiveness and progress,” the statement read.
The MBC went on to emphasize that such inclusion would have to be endorsed by three-fourths of each chamber, get approval from the public through a plebiscite, then have specific laws passed.
The group issued a similar statement in 2018, supporting the inclusion of the phrase.
But in January 2021, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) cautioned that such insertion would weaken the Constitution.
“While it may be the fastest option, inserting the provision ‘unless otherwise provided by law’ in sections of the Constitution that limit foreign equity to 40% in business ventures that are considered of critical interest to the Filipino people, could potentially weaken the country’s highest law by making it easier for ordinary legislation to amend the Constitution,” PCCI said.
Meanwhile, the Management Association of the Philippines proposed the deletion of the phrase “effectively controlled by Filipinos” in Article II, Section 19, and to replace it with the phrase “consistent with its regional and international commitments.”
Business groups have always been supportive of easing economic provisions of the Constitution.
Business groups described the Constitution as “too detailed” and “too restrictive” to “cater to the changing needs and challenges of market fluctuations.”
Here are some of the main themes from statements made in the past decade:
It can be noted, however, that many of these statements were issued prior to reforms.
The following recently enacted laws and regulations have addressed many impediments that ownership restrictions have presented:
Business groups have flagged the economic cost of pushing for constitutional amendments.
Lawmakers, as well as economic agencies like the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), have yet to issue cost estimates for a people’s initiative.
But NEDA has earlier estimated that a constitutional convention would cost between P14 billion to P28 billion for honorarium and allowances of hundreds of delegates involved, for an endeavor that could last almost a year.
The MBC and other business groups earlier said that these funds could already be used to support vital agriculture and transportation projects. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Ad uses AI-edited videos of Henry Omaga-Diaz, Doc Willie Ong
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Lorenz Pasion
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16/01/2024 20:20
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Claim: A news report by ABS-CBN anchor Henry Omaga-Diaz featured cardiologist and online health personality Dr. Willie Ong, also known as Doc Willie, promoting an “innovative” cure for hypertension.
Why we fact-checked this: The video appeared as a reel posted by Facebook user “Inzu thaulestu” on January 2. It has garnered 1,000 likes, 110 comments, 67 shares, and 136,000 views as of writing.
The video shows Omaga-Diaz, a news anchor of ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, supposedly reporting on a cure for hypertension and mentioning boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who allegedly tried the “revolutionary remedy.” The second part of the clip shows Ong supposedly explaining the benefits of the product.
The video is a Facebook ad that, unlike organic social media posts, appears on people’s feeds regardless of virality. Paid ads on Facebook and other social media platforms appear in timelines, sidebars, and reels of targeted groups and do not depend on the number of likes, shares, and engagements for increased visibility.
The ad’s comments section appears to have been disabled, preventing viewers from reading about other people’s comments regarding the product.
Clicking the ‘Learn More’ tab leads viewers to NutriFit, a diet and nutrition consultancy firm website. The firm charges $49 to $99 for courses that include healthy food recipes.
The facts: The ad uses two AI-manipulated video clips of Omaga-Diaz and Ong to make it appear that they are promoting the product and the firm providing nutrition consultancy services.
“This video appears to have been manipulated,” Arlene B. Burgos, head for Engagement and Partnerships of ABS-CBN News Digital, told Rappler in an email.
“It definitely did not come from ABS-CBN News,” Burgos added, referring to the first part of the ad.
AI disinformation: Netherlands-based AI detection tool Sensity found the video featuring Omaga-Diaz as “suspicious” with a 99% confidence level.
“High confidence indicates that the detector has found definite signals of AI generation or manipulation. Minimum confidence for this detector is 50%,” Sensity noted.
Meanwhile, the clip that shows Ong supposedly talking about the product is a re-dubbed version of a 2018 video from Ong’s official YouTube channel, where he gave tips on how to control various ailments such as hypertension and diabetes.
Rappler has previously debunked false claims made through AI-manipulated videos, such as this one using the voices of television news anchors in a fake video report. – Rappler.com
JB R. Deveza is an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow for 2023-2024.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to #FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through our Viber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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Councilor files complaints against mayor, 12 other local officials in Pampanga town
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Joann Manabat - CMS
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16/01/2024 15:31
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NEW PROJECT. The proposed five-story government center project in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Courtesy of Mabalacat City News
PAMPANGA, Philippines – Local government officials of Mabalacat City, Pampanga, found themselves in the hot seat for alleged grave misconduct, graft and corruption in connection with the acquisition of land and construction of a proposed P2.1-billion five-story government center project.
Another P610 million which was also used to purchase the 2.1-hectare property in Barangay Camachiles (where the proposed government center will be constructed), is also being questioned by Councilor Jun Castro.
Aside from Mayor Crisostomo Garbo and Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino, nine councilors are said to be involved as signatories in the approval and signing of Appropriation Ordinance No. 05 during the 35th regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in March 2023. They are councilors Timothy Paul Llanos Dee, Victor Tiglao II, Noel Castro, Elizabeth Pineda, Roland Peña, Jerry Magsino, Carlo Francis Dizon, Elmer Mendiola, and Hans Christian Balingit.
Castro, who was a former appropriations committee chair, refused to sign the ordinance because of lack of due diligence, while two other councilors, Cherry Manalo and Marjorie Sambo, were absent during the session.
Philreca Representative Presley de Jesus and Sta. Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez filed House Resolution No. 1486 (HR 1486) in November 2023 directing the committee on public accounts to conduct an investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the Mabalacat City government center project.
HR 1486 said that the 2023 annual investment plan of the local government of Mabalacat City did not include the construction of the government center project. It also said that the AIP should show the expenditures of the local government to serve as basis for the preparation of its annual and supplemental budget.
The resolution also said that Garbo allegedly entered into a loan agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) for P2.070 billion to fund the project without securing proper authorization from the city council.
Landbank, in a letter sent to Garbo last October, indicated the conditions for withholding the release of the loan:
Proof of termination, disposal, or dismissal of the cases must be submitted, the letter said, to avail of the loan.
The 2.1-hectare property was owned by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, Incorporated (PLDT). In March 2023, Garbo signed the deed of absolute sale (DOAS) through Resolution No. 155.
Based on the DOAS, the total amount was “P527.8 million with 12% value added tax. However, P610 million was the amount indicated for the acquisition of lot to be used for the proposed government center under the statement of supplemental appropriation programs, projects, and activities.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was also held in July 2023, coinciding with Mabalacat’s 11th cityhood anniversary.
In April 2023, Castro filed a complaint before the Ombudsman against Garbo, Aquino, the 11 councilors, and City Treasurer Marlene Mendoza.
The Office of the Ombudsman, in September 2023, ordered them to file their counter-affidavits for alleged violations of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Castro said a preliminary hearing had been set for January 31 at the Office of the Ombudsman.
“For the information of everybody on the development of the case, we filed a case and then they sent counter affidavits. After they sent their counter affidavits, I also sent mine. And then the Ombudsman asked for the position paper of the respondents. The latest development after the position paper, a preliminary will be held on January 31, 9 am at the Office of the Ombudsman,” said Castro.
In a statement, the city information office said that it has not received any new formal complaint and it refused to participate in the “smear campaign.”
“He (Garbo) will neither engage in unsubstantiated speculation by the councilor nor dignify his unfounded accusations with a response. The camp of the mayor refuses to partake in the smear campaign of the SP member, and remains focused on serving the best interests of the city,” said city information office head Jay Pelayo IV.
The proposed plan to build a new government center was officially announced in October 2023, based on a press statement of the city information office through the Mabalacat City News Facebook page.
If approved, the new government center will house the city hall and other essential government agencies to “easily access vital services in a centralized location.”
The Mabalacat City hall is currently located at the northern part of the city in Xevera Complex, Barangay Tabun. It was inaugurated in 2009. The city hall also has an extension office inside Clark Freeport Zone. – Rappler.com
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Ilocos Norte launches pop song contest in honor of Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee
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Herbie G
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16/01/2024 16:44
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YOUNG PERFORMERS. Young Ilocanos participate during a dance parade as part of the Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals in 2023 in Ilocos Norte.
Ilocos Norte provincial government
ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – The provincial government is set to launch an Ilocano pop song competition this February to honor Adelita R. Bagcal, an Ilocana who was named as one of the 2023 Manlilikha ng Bayan.
In a news conference on Monday, January 15, Aianree Raquel, head of the Ilocos Norte tourism office, said the competition is one of the new categories lined up in celebration of the province’s 206th foundation anniversary.
In February, Ilocos Norte will be celebrating its 206th founding anniversary after it was separated from other provinces up north composed of Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union, known then as the original Provincial de Ilocos.
The separation, which was done through a Spanish royal decree on February 2, 1818, was preceded by local uprisings against the Spanish colonial government because their tobacco, sugarcane wine, and vinegar monopoly.
“We are thankful to the governor for approving this new activity to encourage the use of the Ilocano language, especially now that we have a new GAMABA (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) for oral traditions from Banna,” said Raquel.
Raquel said Bagcal is “one of the inspirations of Tan-ok” this year.
Raquel is referring to the biggest cultural festival in the province, the “Tan-ok ni Ilocano (Greatness of the Ilocano) Festival of Festivals,” which is the highlight of the province’s foundation celebration. In 2023, the event drew around 50,000 spectators.
Aside from honoring Bagcal, among the goals of the songwriting competition is to “provide a new opportunity for songwriters and musicians to create,” said Raquel.
Raquel said the provincial government hopes that a “brand new piece of pop music can represent the growing community of musicians in the province.”
On February 16, the Tan-ok Festival will return on stage to highlight the diverse culture and traditions of the 23 towns and cities in the province. It was first organized in 2011 “to revive the cultural pride and Ilokano identity by focusing on narrative-driven presentations.”
This year, organizers have been encouraging the contingents to have more “diverse presentations of culture” of the province. They have also introduced changes in the criteria for judging and the festival guidelines, Raquel said.
Raquel said one of the changes is allowing “live music” in the performance of each group.
The “story, performance, choreography, production, and originality,” which form part of the criteria for judging the performances, would be equally graded at 20%.
“We are emphasizing originality, on how new their presentation is, and how experimental the ideas of the contingents,” said Raquel. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Link for scholarship program posted by fake Landbank page
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Lorenz Pasion
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16/01/2024 20:04
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Claim: Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) posted an application link to a financial scholarship program for elementary, high school, and college students.
Why we fact-checked this: The claim was posted by the Facebook page “Land bank update” on the group “DSWD UPDATE/ SCHOLARSHIP” which has 7,900 members. As of writing, the post has 153 comments, 83 reactions, and 23 shares.
A similar post was made on the group “PRC UPDATES” which has 254,900 members.
The post includes a supposed application link. Upon clicking the link, users will be redirected to another page bearing the Landbank logo and a form asking users to provide their personal information, such as name, mobile number, and email. Sharing personal information may lead to phishing and other fraudulent activities. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)
The facts: Both the Facebook page and the application link offering the scholarship program are fake. Landbank’s official and verified Facebook page is Land Bank of the Philippines, and its website is www.landbank.com.
LANDBANK statement: On Tuesday, January 16, Landbank debunked the claim on its official and verified Facebook page and reminded the public to beware of the scholarship program scam.
“Maging alerto sa mga kumakalat na offers mula sa nagpapakilalang ‘Land bank update’ na FB profile! Ang anumang scholarship program na mula sa kanila ay maaaring SCAM at hindi kailanman konektado sa LANDBANK o sa mga subsidiaries nito,” the post read.
(Be on the alert about offers spreading from the [Facebook] profile ‘Land bank update’! Any scholarship program from this page may be a scam and is never connected with LANDBANK or its subsidiaries,” the post read.
Landbank has previously offered scholarship programs, such as the Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program implemented from 2012 to 2021 and the Iskolar ng Landbank Program in 2023. However, there is no information from the official Landbank website about a scholarship program for 2024.
Debunked: Rappler previously fact-checked false claims on supposed scholarship programs from various agencies:
– Owenh Jake Toledo/Rappler.com
Owenh Jake Toledo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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Young Filipino Catholics bring Cebu’s Sinulog and Fiesta Señor to Roblox
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jsitchon0312
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16/01/2024 18:31
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ROBLOX. The developers of the Roblox Filipino Catholics (RFC) community created a virtual replica of the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu and its Pilgrim Center on the online game platform known as Roblox.
Roblox Filipino Catholics
CEBU, Philippines – Young Filipino Catholics have managed to reinvent worshiping the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) by bringing devotees at home to a digital replica of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN) on the online game platform Roblox.
The Roblox Filipino Catholics (RFC), a community of young faithfuls, conduct masses and simulate religious celebrations like the Traslacion and the Fiesta Señor in the virtual world of Roblox.
The community started in 2019 and began its formal activities in 2020.
David John Torres, RFC lead administrator and director for external affairs, told Rappler on Tuesday, January 16, that it was an effort to preserve devotions that were set aside during the pandemic and help young Catholics who were isolated at home.
“It was a semblance of normalcy for everyone…Kids would no longer need to go to Cebu, Quiapo, to celebrate these things since they can celebrate online,” Torres added.
As the physical gatherings and celebrations gradually returned, the lead administrator shared that they continued their activities and even accepted requests to hold religious activities upon the request of bishops.
“The bishop of Iligan requested us to do the Diyandi Festival, which we did on the platform,” Torres said.
This year, Lorence Canono, a 19-year-old education student from the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), took on the role of being the lead developer of the Roblox version of the BMSN.
Canono told Rappler in a separate interview that despite not yet having experienced the Fiesta Señor or the Sinulog festival in person, he wanted to give young devotees such as himself the opportunity to witness it in the virtual realm.
“I can see the joy it brings when people are devoting themselves to Santo Niño,” Canono said.
Hence, Canono and his team of developers replicated the BMSN Pilgrim Center, and with the help of fellow RFC members, conducted novena masses on the game platform.
“I encourage the young, the old, the LGBTQIA, and others to join us. We are very inclusive and we are all as one for the celebration of the Santo Niño,” Canono said.
At present, the RFC community has around 4,000 members from different parts of the country, consisting of students, altar servers, members of parish ministries, and members of worship groups.
If you’d like to join the RFC’s religious activities, check out their official Facebook page here. – Rappler.com
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[Pastilan] Duterte, defender of the 1987 Constitution? Pfft.
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Herbie G
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16/01/2024 13:55
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Guia Abogado/Rappler
During the November 2023 FactsFirstPH Roadshow in Cagayan de Oro, journalist Inday Espina Varona, Rappler’s Regions head, dropped this gem: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. somehow managed to give the country a wow moment because his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, set the bar so low – or something to that effect.
It was so low, in fact, that Marcos Jr., whose family is behind one of the darkest periods in Philippine history, only had to stroll in and dazzle us with a few coherent sentences. So, we’ve upgraded from “Duterte mumbles” to “Bongbong Marcos wows,” like going from black and white to 4K Ultra HD.
Politics never fails to entertain. Late last year, we saw some politicians from Davao Oriental province doing a little political pirouette. In a sudden maneuver, they switched political parties. It didn’t surprise us anymore because, in this country, politicians are like collecting party memberships, Pokemon-style.
Known allies of the Duterte political dynasty in Davao Oriental jumped ship on November 24, taking their oath as members of the Martin Romualdez-led Lakas-Christian-Muslim-Democrats.
One of the leaders of this political acrobatics troupe is none other than the vice governor, Nelson Dayanghirang Jr.
Now, the Dayanghirangs are no small potatoes in Davao Oriental. Dayanghirang’s father and namesake was the province’s governor during the entire Duterte administration. Like most local chief executives during that bully of a presidency, he just casually rode the Duterte wave. He was all “cooperative” like most politicians.
As for the younger Dayanhirang, well, Nelson Jr. topped the race for provincial board seats in the 2022 elections, only to find himself ascending to the vice-gubernatorial post via automatic succession when Governor Corazon Malanyaon died last June. Malanyaon was succeeded by her vice governor, Niño Uy.
The recent decision of Nelson Jr.’s group was quite telling. First, they come from the Davao region, which is Dutertelandia. Before November 24, they were members of the Duterte bootlicking Nacionalista Party (NP) and Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago Party (HPP).
Second, they took their oath as members of Lakas-CMD, a political party that was used by Duterte’s daughter Sara as her vehicle during her successful 2022 campaign for the vice presidency.
Sara was briefly its chairperson, but she resigned as a member of Lakas-CMD last May, after her major backer, former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria “Hello, Garci” Arroyo, was booted out as senior deputy speaker for allegedly plotting to oust Speaker Romualdez. Arroyo has denied that.
Third, the Davao Oriental group took their oath as Lakas-CMD members before Romualdez, whose face Sara doesn’t seem to like. Those keeping up with this political drama would know that Sara and Romualdez aren’t exactly exchanging holiday cards.
It’s a political soap opera. Gloria got the boot, Sara resigned, and Romualdez was probably thinking, “Maybe this is my chance for the presidency.” If we are to believe Sara’s father, Romualdez has been salivating over the presidency.
Most Pinoy politicians flip-flop more than a fish out of water. It’s not just a Davao Oriental thing. This is a nationwide epidemic. It’s a broken record playing in every nook and cranny of this country, and nobody seems to know when the needle first scratched it.
In the grand Filipino tradition of political flip-flopping, we are starting to see politicians twirling away from the Dutertes to the tunes of the Marcos Jr.-Romualdez group. I can’t wait to see what political dance they’ll be doing next. What is clear is that in politics, the only constant is change… and a bit of a sense of humor.
They’re putting in a little effort to convince us that they think that the Dutertes aren’t these sacred cows anymore. It’s like they’ve taken a break from the six-year marathon of terror and absurdity, and now they’re trying to do damage control.
The years 2016 to mid-2022 were a period when lawmakers – like many other politicians – lost their self-esteem and became court jesters, and Congress turned into a colossal sit-down puppy, which did exactly what Duterte wanted it to do. It followed everything down to the last letter, no matter how glaringly twisted and ridiculous it was.
Now, they’re discussing proposed resolutions about cooperating with the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the war on drugs when the realization that Duterte is already a powerless has-been finally sunk in. Something like this would have been unthinkable when the bully was in power.
The ex-president, however, can find himself on the side of what’s right at times, but it’s for all for the wrong reasons, as seen in this resurrected move by congressmen to change the Constitution. One doesn’t need a PhD in political science to see what’s off here.
In a Mindanews report on January 10, my friend and idol, journalist Carolyn Arguillas, wrote that Duterte sees no reason for changing the 1987 Constitution because “we have a good Constitution. I find it in perfect condition. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.”
I can’t help but raise an eyebrow when I read the report and go, “Really?” The old man once wanted to change the 1987 Constitution like a status on Facebook. Now, he’s singing a different tune, and it’s got me scratching my head.
So, Duterte says now that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the 1987 Constitution. Perfect condition, he says.
Let’s rewind a bit. Didn’t Duterte spend the early years of his presidency attempting to change that very Constitution? The man even squandered hard-earned taxpayers’ money on a 22-member Consultative Committee, mostly made up of lawyers and political experts he handpicked, because he wanted to switch things up from presidential to federal. But now, he’s not into charter change (Cha-cha) anymore.
He was quoted in the Arguillas report as saying that the purpose of his administration in trying to change the Constitution was “a little bit higher, a noble one.”
Yeah, right, noble. Duterte, the defender of the good ol’ Constitution! Pfft.
Here’s the twist: the only difference now is, it’s not going do the Dutertes any favors. Pastilan. – Rappler.com
Herbie Gomez is Rappler’s Mindanao regional head.
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Former President Digong Duterte should not be trusted. Remember his “jet ski” promise? His mind easily flip-flops, just like that of most Filipino politicians. What he and most Filipino Politicians care about are their convenience, security, and vested interests.
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China warns Philippines not to ‘play with fire’ over president’s Taiwan remarks
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Victor Barreiro Jr.
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16/01/2024 15:59
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Reuters
China summoned the ambassador from the Philippines on Tuesday, January 16, and warned the country “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory.
China was “strongly dissatisfied with and resolutely opposes these remarks,” its foreign ministry spokesperson said, referring to Marcos congratulating Lai on Monday for winning Taiwan’s election and referring to him as its next president.
“The relevant remarks of President Marcos constitute a serious violation of the One China principle and … a serious breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to the Chinese side, and a gross interference in China’s internal affairs,” spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing.
“China has lodged a strong protest with the Philippines at the earliest opportunity,” and summoned its ambassador “to give China a responsible explanation,” Mao said.
“We suggest that President Marcos read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the right conclusions.”
The Philippines’ foreign ministry in a statement earlier on Tuesday reaffirmed the country’s “One China policy” and said the message of Marcos intended to recognize the Philippines and Taiwan’s “mutual interests,” including 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the democratically governed island.
It said the message “was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy.”
Asked by Reuters for comment on Beijing’s summoning of the Philippine envoy and China’s rebuke, the office of Marcos reiterated the earlier statement on the “One China policy”.
Beijing’s fury over the remarks is the latest in a succession of clashes between the Philippines and China, which come as Manila bolsters ties with former colonial ruler the United States, including expanding an agreement on Washington’s use of its military bases.
Other leaders have also congratulated Lai on his victory, with many, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, calling for peaceful resolution of tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Separately, Taiwan’s foreign ministry expressed its thanks to Marcos, saying Taiwan and the Philippines “share values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law” and Taiwan would further deepen cooperation and exchanges.”
The Philippines has unofficial ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy. – Rappler.com
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This is how China bullies our country. They were even angry when our President congratulated Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te. It was an act out of official courtesy. The problem with the One China policy is that it is a legal fiction thought out by a bully nation. In reality, there are two China’s. But because of Might, what is considered Legal Fiction has become a Legal Reality.
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Rappler Talk: Rowena Guanzon and her graft case
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Jairo Bolledo
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16/01/2024 15:52
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MANILA, Philippines – Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Rowena Guanzon faces a graft charge for publicizing her vote in the disqualification case of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a resolution, the Office of the Ombudsman approved the filing of a graft case against Guanzon for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 3019 – also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act – that penalizes anomalous transactions, usually involving public money.
Guanzon is indicted under Section 3(k) which prohibits “divulging valuable information of a confidential character…or releasing such information in advance of its authorized release date.”
In this episode of Rappler Talk, the former Comelec commissioner speaks with justice reporter Jairo Bolledo to discuss the story behind her case, as well as her next moves.
Bookmark this page to watch the interview on Tuesday, January 16, at 6 pm. – Rappler.com
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Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama apologizes for controversial Sinulog performance
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jsitchon0312
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16/01/2024 15:00
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MAYOR. Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama gestures during an interview with Rappler inside his office in Cebu City on April 19, 2022.
Jacqueline Hernandez
CEBU, Philippines – After members of the Muslim community called out a Sinulog performance for being culturally “insensitive,” Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama issued an apology on behalf of the performers and the Sinulog organizing committee.
“Yeah, we just have to (apologize)…apology is a precious (thing). Sometimes, it is too difficult when pride sets in, but for people with humility, it becomes very cheap….To the Muslim community, I apologize,” the mayor told reporters on Monday, January 15.
Rama explained that the Cebu Technological University’s (CTU) performance, though lacking in precision, likely stemmed from excitement rather than bad intent.
“Excitement, excitement probably was reigning. The objectivity was not…as much as being precise. It ended up, I think ang akong tan-aw, wag’yud toy bad intent tingali oy (from my view, it probably didn’t have any bad intent),” the mayor said.
Rama, the overall chairman of the Sinulog activities, believes that an investigation into the incident is no longer needed, and that it should serve as a learning experience.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in a statement signed by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, had decried the performance as being grossly inappropriate and culturally insensitive.
Ebrahim acknowledged the university’s apology about the controversial “Singkil” performance, but said that it should not be repeated in the future.
Meanwhile, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Director Onasis Balt said in a separate interview that he appreciated the mayor’s apology.
“Ang nagamit kasi duon ay yung cultural, ika nga yung dress ng mga kapatiran na mga Muslim, yun po yung nakasanayan kasi sa mga mata natin. So, dapat kasi hindi na po yun ginagamit,” Balt said.
(What was used was the cultural, as they claimed it to be the dress of our Muslim brethren, that is what we are used to seeing with our eyes. So, it should not have been used.)
He explained that when wearing the traditional attire, one should not hold symbols like the image of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).
Balt advised the non-Muslim community that if they were to have events or programs in the future that involve representing the Muslim faith, they should reach out and coordinate with the NCMF. – Rappler.com
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Water rationing starts in Bukidnon as wells, faucets dry up due to El Niño
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Herbie G
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16/01/2024 15:13
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LINING UP. Villagers line up for water brought by firemen in Sitio Laruk in Barangay Kisolon, Sumilao in Bukidnon, on January 13, 2024.
BFP-MFS Kisolon
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Dry conditions due to the absence or reduced rainfall over the past three weeks that had dried up water sources compelled at least five towns of Bukidnon to seek the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for water rationing.
Last week, residents with empty water containers started queuing up along the road, waiting for firetrucks from BFP’s municipal stations loaded with about a thousand liters of water.
Deep wells and communal faucets had dried up.
“Dry conditions and lack of rainfall are impacts of El Niño,” said Senior Weather Specialist Anianita Fortich of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) Mindanao office based in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, on Monday, January 15.
In Libona town, Bukidnon, families in Barangay Crossing and Barangay Santa Fe had no other option but to source and pay for water from a municipal system that draws its supply from the Sigmatan River about 20 kilometers away. They used to fetch water from a deep well for free for years, Now, the well has dried up.
Many people have been using the daily water rations provided by the Libona Municipal Fire Station, starting on January 8.
Public school teacher Myrna Inguito Clemen said the last heavy rain they had was brought by Tropical Storm Kabayan (Jelawat) in December, about a month ago. Since then, there has been a shortage of water supply, prompting every household to collect and store water from different sources.
On Saturday, January 13, residents of Sitio Laruk, Barangay Kisolon in Sumilao town queued for water brought by a fire truck from the local fire station.
The towns of Baungon, Manolo Fortich, and Kalilangan have been enduring water supply scarcity, too.
BFP personnel delivered water at the Imbatug Public Market in Baungon town last December 29, upon the request of residents and vendors.
Water was also supplied to the municipal slaughterhouses of Kalilangan and Manolo Fortich towns on December 31.
In a recent forum, Ana Liza Solis, PAGASA assistant chief for weather services, presented a six-month weather forecast for conditions vis a vis the El Niño phenomenon. The presentation showed that Bukidnon, by the end of January 2023, would be under a dry spell together with Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, and Basilan.
Under such a weather condition, rainfall would drop by 21% to 60% within a three-month period.
Twelve other provinces in Mindanao have been experiencing dry conditions since last week. The provinces are the following:
“More areas will experience less rainfall in succeeding months,” Fortich said, even with a shear line weather condition over several areas in Mindanao since January 11.
The shear line has been bringing in strong winds measured at five meters per second from the usual two mps wind speed, aside from light to moderate rain. – Rappler.com
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Philippines reaffirms ‘One China policy’ after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai
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Victor Barreiro Jr.
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16/01/2024 11:31
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SUPPORTING THE VICTOR. Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party celebrate during a rally, following the victory of Lai Ching-te in the presidential elections, in Taipei, Taiwan on January 13, 2024.
Ann Wang/Reuters
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ foreign ministry on Tuesday, January 16, reaffirmed the country’s “One China policy” after its president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., congratulated Taiwan’s new leader Lai Ching-te.
Marcos on Monday congratulated Lai for winning Taiwan’s election, referring to him as its next president.
The message was Marcos’ way of recognizing the Philippines and Taiwan’s “mutual interests”, including the 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the democratically governed island, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,” the statement said.
Marcos’ comments, posted on social media platform X, are likely to irk Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwan's next President.We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead.
Other leaders have also congratulated Lai on his victory, with many including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa calling for peaceful resolution of tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The Philippines, which has also expressed concerns over tensions in the Taiwan Strait, has ties with Taipei, with its Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan serving as a de facto embassy. – Rappler.com
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SCHEDULE: 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship
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jisaga0269
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16/01/2024 14:15
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STAR POWER. Former NBA star Dwight Howard in a practice session with Strong Group.
Strong Group Athletics
Strong Group looks to complete a tournament sweep after wrecking Beirut Sports Club, 94-72, in the knockout semifinals of 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
But the Philippine club team, bannered by the Dwight Howard-Kevin Quiambao tandem, needs to put together another formidable outing as Strong Group faces unbeaten defending champion Al Riyadi of Lebanon in the winner-take-all title match:
A victory will be sweet redemption for Strong Group after a quarterfinal exit last year.
It will also make the team the second Philippine club to rule the tournament after Mighty Sports pulled off the feat in 2020.
Strong Group secured its spot in the final four after outlasting Moroccan squad AS Sale, 92-80, in the knockout quarterfinals of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Led by Dwight Howard and Kevin Quiambao, the Philippine club team vies to stay unbeaten for a spot in the title round. Here’s their semifinal schedule:
Lebanon’s Al Riyadi, another unbeaten squad, battles Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli in the other semifinal match.
The winners will march to the winner-take-all championship showdown the next day.
Strong Group Athletics marched to the knockout round of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship after completing a 5-0 sweep of the eliminations behind the solid plays of former NBA star Dwight Howard, UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, and former Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jordan Heading.
Here’s the Philippine club team’s quarterfinal schedule:
The winner will advance to the knockout semifinal clash the next day.
Other quarterfinal duels pit the Emirates National Team versus the Beirut Club, the Al-Riyadi Club Beirut against Dubai’s Al Nasr Club, and Lebanon’s Homenetmen Club versus Dubai’s Al Wahda Club.
After weeks of high anticipation, former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard is finally suiting up for the Philippines as part of Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship tipping off on Friday, January 19.
Arguably the most decorated import in Philippine basketball history, the 38-year-old center is joined by fellow former NBA players Andray Blatche, who once suited up as Gilas Pilipinas’ former naturalized player, and defensive ace Andre Roberson, who played seven seasons for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Making up the local Filipino cast of Strong Group is another collection of stars, including reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar, and UAAP champion JD Cagulangan.
Import McKenzie Moore rounds out the roster alongside locals Francis Escandor, Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez, and Tony Ynot.
Here is the elimination round schedule for the one-week pocket tournament:
– Rappler.com
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Why hold seminars in other provinces? COA reminds state college not to waste public funds
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Mia Gonzalez
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16/01/2024 14:23
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COA. The Commission on Audit in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, on October 2, 2018.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – State auditors reminded the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) management of its duty to safeguard public funds against wastage after they discovered that the state college spent P1.134 million on seminars or conferences held in resorts in other provinces in 2021 and 2022.
The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the expenditure, citing readily available venues in Mountain Province that could have saved the school around P214,852.78.
COA reminded the management of MPSPC of their duty to “ensure efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in the operations of government.” It also urged them to “safeguard against wastage” of public funds.
According to the audit team, the MPSPC spent P317,934 for its 2021 yearend assessment and 2022 planning at the Palm Grove Hot Springs and Mountain Resort in Tuba, Benguet, in December 2021.
In March 2022, it spent P266,929 for another planning seminar at the G Resort in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
In May 2022, MPSPC’s Office of Students Affairs held a seminar at the Playa Tropical Resort Hotel in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, costing P392,139.78. In the same month, the university conducted its RDE midyear assessment at the Aplaya de Isabelle Resort in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, at a cost of P157,200.
COA said the activities amounted to P988,410 for meals, function rooms and accommodations; P92,492 for meals while in transit; and P52,750 for fuel and car rentals.
According to the state auditors, MPSPC management claimed that they could not avoid holding the seminars in other provinces as the speakers and consultants were supposedly based in those areas. The audit team, however, found out that this was not the case.
“Review of other related supporting documents attached to the disbursement vouchers revealed that all the participants, consultants, and coordinators came from the College,” COA said.
Other than saving money, the audit team also cited the economic significance of choosing local venues, especially in view of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry and other local businesses.
“Patronizing amenities found within the province will help boost the financial economy especially with the effect of the pandemic to the tourism industry resulting in less tourists coming to the province,” the auditors said. – Rappler.com
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I believe that SUCs are not only the one doing this. You may also check other government agencies. Promise. Baka mas malala pa po.
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Kim Dy, Dwight Ramos on same page as athlete couple
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/01/2024 14:49
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COUPLE. Kim Dy and Dwight Ramos.
Kim Dy Instagram page
OKINAWA, Japan – Volleyball superstar Kim Kianna Dy could not be prouder as her boyfriend Dwight Ramos captained the Asia All-Stars in the Japan B. League All-Star Weekend here.
Dy, who recently signed with the PLDT High Speed Hitters, personally flew to be with her beau and watched his side emerge victorious against the Rising Stars, 127-115, on Saturday, January 13.
“It’s my first time in Okinawa and my first time watching the All-Star Game,” Dy said.
“Super happy to be here to support Dwight and I’m proud of him of course, he’s also the captain so it’s a big role,” she added.
The two – who command legions of followers online – have become social media darlings as they juggle their roles as public figures, athletes, role models, and most importantly, a couple.
According to Dy, the two met in June 2019 and officially became a couple at the height of the pandemic on June 13, 2020 after a year of courtship.
“We don’t really think about that,” said Dy when asked about their popularity.
“We just do what we do, what perks come with it, thank you.”
Since they got together, Ramos left Ateneo, suited up for Gilas Pilipinas, and pursued a professional career in the Japan B. League, while Dy underwent knee surgery and changed teams in the PVL.
As the two face the daily grind of being star athletes living thousands of miles away apart, the two are on the same page when it comes to understanding each other’s struggles.
“It helps when someone can relate – the low points that can help bring you back up and she does that. I’m grateful for that,” said Ramos.
“It’s actually easy to have a partner who’s also into sports so they understand the struggles during a bad game,” said Dy.
“They also understand that we can’t be with each other like normal couples do. He understands, I understand. We’re on the same page,” she added.
It showed when Dy asked for Ramos’ advice as she weighed options from other teams after her former PVL squad F2 Logistics Cargo Movers disbanded.
After all, Ramos has a wealth of experience playing for different teams.
Ramos started his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton, transferred to Cal Poly Pomona, and then took his act to the Philippines by committing to Ateneo.
After plans to play for the Blue Eagles fell through as he made the jump to the B. League, Ramos spent his first season in Japan with the Toyama Grouses before he signed with his current team Levanga Hokkaido.
“I just told her when she was looking for her new team to just really feel it and feel who really wants you, which team is really interested in you and which is the best fit for you and PLDT is the one,” said Ramos.
“Glad that she has a new team and excited for her next year.”
The former La Salle standout chose to sign with the High Speed Hitters, joining former F2 Logistics teammates Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron. – Rappler.com
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After campus uproar, Ateneo suspends car park renovation
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Iya Gozum
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11/01/2024 22:09
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ATENEO CAMPUS. The walkway in front of Matteo Ricci Hall of Ateneo de Manila University pictured on February 17, 2023.
Michelle Abad/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) suspended its plan to upgrade and improve the North Carpark inside the campus after at least 800 members of the community rejected the project.
On Thursday, January 11, ADMU president Father Roberto Yap, released a memo announcing the suspension pending consultation with the community.
Yap invited members of the community to a meeting on January 31 envisioned to help them “move forward with forbearance, trust, and care for the common good and our common home.”
“With this forthcoming forum, the North Carpark Upgrade project has been suspended effective 10 January 2024, pending the results of the forum,” the memo read.
The time and venue of said forum are yet to be announced.
The car renovation project caused an uproar in light of planned cutting of 82 trees and what concerned students, faculty, and alumni said as making car-centricity the norm.
In the university’s advisory released in December 2023, they clarified that the trees to be cut were mostly invasive mahogany and gimelina species.
In the memo, Yap apologized for the lack of consultations and clarified that the increase in parking slots is “merely a consequence of better planning and design of the area.”
The memo also acknowledged the need to formulate renovation plans balanced with biodiversity conservation.
Other car parks on campus were also slated to be renovated. While these renovations are in the pipeline, Yap said the university is also taking measures to promote sustainable mobility by increasing the number of electric jeeps inside campus. – Rappler.com
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TNT rookie Kim Aurin proves worth in 1st PBA career start
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delfin.dioquino editor
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15/01/2024 16:48
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ATTACK. Kim Aurin in action for the TNT Tropang Giga in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – A rookie on a six-month deal turned into an unlikely hero for TNT as it snagged the last playoff berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Kim Aurin proved his worth in his first PBA start and fired a season-high 18 points in a 116-96 win over Phoenix on Sunday, January 14, that allowed the Tropang Giga to secure the No. 8 seed in the quarterfinals.
Given the starting chance by head coach Jojo Lastimosa, Aurin shot 6-of-12 from the field, including three triples, in nearly 22 minutes as he helped steer TNT out of danger in what would have been a complicated path to the playoffs.
A loss to the Fuel Masters would have resulted in the Tropang Giga facing sister team NLEX in a do-or-die clash for the last playoff spot.
“I was surprised that I was in the first five,” said the 26-year-old rookie out of Perpetual. “In my mind, I needed to contribute to the team. Coach Jolas trusted me and I needed to repay that.”
Lastimosa has turned to Aurin for an offensive boost as TNT still reels from the absence of former scoring champion Mikey Williams.
The Tropang Giga were also only welcoming back veteran guards Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy from their respective injuries.
His playing time steadily rising, Aurin averages 5.8 points on an impressive 57% shooting from three-point distance (2.33 attempts per game).
“I think he deserves all the minutes that he is getting right now. We talked about starting him because we are looking for a scorer,” said Lastimosa.
“We realized that in the guard spot, we needed a scorer, and with Kim, that’s one of his strongest skills. We know that he can score,” the coach added.
A standout for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 3×3, Aurin got picked 34th overall by the same team in the previous draft, although he was left unsigned by the Gin Kings.
Then came TNT, swooping him up on a six-month deal.
“He has a lot to prove, a lot of people refused to take him. He wanted to play five-on-five and now we’re looking at a guy who’s going to play a little bit more. He deserves what he’s getting right now,” said Lastimosa.
Still, Lastimosa hopes Aurin will continue to step up on both ends as the quarterfinals near.
“His only problem is his defense. Sometimes, he gets lost. He’s still trying to get into the system of how we do things defensively,” said Lastimosa. “There was even a point in the game that I put him out because he made a mistake, but the good thing is he was able to respond.”
For his part, Aurin remains all ears on the coaches’ tabs.
“They keep my mistakes in check every training so I can improve,” said Aurin.
TNT faces a tall order in the quarterfinals as it battles top seed and twice-to-beat Magnolia on Wednesday, January 17, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. – Rappler.com
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Kim Dy expects playful ‘swagger’ as former F2 Logistics teammates clash in PVL
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delfin.dioquino editor
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15/01/2024 20:08
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CHEMISTRY. Kim Dy (second from right) in action for the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
PVL Images
OKINAWA, Japan – Expect playful trash talk between former teammates of the disbanded F2 Logistics Cargo Movers.
Members of the Cargo Movers have found new homes in the PVL, including PLDT High Speed Hitters recruit Kim Kianna Dy, who believes their signature “swagger” will be on full display once the 2024 season starts in February.
Dy will get a chance to go up against former F2 Logistics teammates Dawn Macandili-Catindig (Cignal), Aby Maraño and Ara Galang (Chery Tiggo), Myla Pablo (Petro Gazz), Jolina dela Cruz (Farm Fresh), and Ivy Lacsina (NxLed).
“I have a feeling that there will be staredowns, but we’ll probably laugh it off since we were teammates for eight years, like Dawn and ate Aby” Dy told Rappler as she watched her boyfriend Dwight Ramos participate in the Japan B. League All-Star Weekend here.
“That’s why I’m super excited to face my teammates because we’ve never faced each other,” she added.
PVL | WATCH:STAREDOWNS INCOMING?Kim Kianna Dy believes there will be some playful interactions among her and former F2 Logistics teammates as they scatter around the #PVL2024 season. pic.twitter.com/JUDDiVywod
F2 Logistics, one of the most dominant clubs in Philippine volleyball history, disbanded in December to shift its focus on the grassroots level.
Its success in the defunct Philippine Superliga did not carry to the PVL, with the Cargo Movers failing to reach the playoffs in the recent Second All-Filipino Conference, which turned out to be their final stint in the pro league.
Out of five conferences in the PVL, F2 Logistics made the podium just once.
Dy said she looks forward to a fresh start at PLDT, where she will be teaming up with other Cargo Movers standouts Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron and fellow La Salle product Mika Reyes.
“New team, new system, super excited for the next [season] because I also wasn’t able to play last season,” said Dy.
“I’m just super excited to play with everyone on my new team and my teammates, also ate Kim and Majoy.” – Rappler.com
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Ateneo faculty members, students urge vigilance over suspended car park project
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Russell Ku
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12/01/2024 15:44
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MANILA, Philippines – The suspension of the Ateneo de Manila University’s North Carpark renovation project should not lead to complacency, as those opposed to the move urged continued discussions on the issue.
Ateneo faculty members Remmon Barbaza, Tony La Viña, Arjan Aguirre, and Carmel Abao said this to concerned faculty and student members during a “community kuwentuhan” session on Friday, January 12, where they discussed future action points on the controversial project as students return to campus on Monday, January 15.
“Mahalaga ‘yung ating pakikisangkot kasi nakikinig ang administrasyon kasi natigil [ang proyekto]…. Bukas naman sa pag-uusap pero ‘di natin alam kung hanggang saan ‘yung mangyayari,” Barbaza said.
(Our involvement is important as the administration listened – they suspended the project. They are open to dialogue, but we are not sure until where these dialogues would happen.)
Abao said that the suspension of the project can be an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to engage with each other on the issue and find common ground.
“At the end of the day…developing something within the campus, developing our land resources, [is] not a management prerogative. It’s a community decision,” she added.
The North Carpark renovation project aims to increase parking slots from 161 to 217 and promises to provide “better pedestrian access, covered walkways, improved drainage, better traffic flow, and a rest area for drivers.”
More than 1,200 people have signed an open letter calling for the Ateneo administration to stop the project as of Wednesday, January 10. The plan was suspended a day later, on January 11.
Ateneo plans to hold an open forum on January 31 to discuss the project.
“We hope it will be an opportunity for the stakeholders to share their opinions. The administrators will be there to listen to people,” said Leland dela Cruz, Ateneo assistant vice president for social development, environment, and community engagement.
Dela Cruz added that administration officials are willing to listen to possible options and ideas on the project ahead of the January 31 forum.
During the community session, students and faculty cited the university administration’s lack of transparency on the project.
“Unless they disclose where the finances are coming from, it’s our tuition being used to bulldoze those trees,” said SPARK-Katipunan’s Miguel Angelo Basuel.
Here’s the situation at the Ateneo de Manila University North Carpark on Friday, January 12, a day after ADMU president Fr. Roberto Yap suspended the park renovation project. | via @russellchengku RELATED: https://t.co/FUXI49i4Kq pic.twitter.com/V5Az8nNiye
Physics professor Joel Maquiling questioned university administrators on how they came up with the decision to remove 82 trees.
According to an announcement from the Ateneo student government, the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability had been consulted by the Office of the Vice President of Administration on the matter.
“If you want to use the invasive trees as an issue or as an excuse for it, it should be backed up by good science…. Who was in the committee that sat to approve the removal of these trees?” Maquiling said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Following the discussion, faculty leaders and student representatives discussed possible action points to sustain their calls to stop the car park renovation project before the January 31 forum.
Interdisciplinary studies associate professor Jean Tan suggested “no car to school days” to gather data on mobility and the use of private vehicles in the Ateneo campus.
The Sanggunian’s School of Social Sciences representative Emmanuel Frodo Uranza said that the student government plans to release surveys to obtain insights of the Ateneo community on the issues, but sought help from the Ateneo community to support concerned organizations by amplifying their efforts.
Organizers agreed to prepare a position paper to be given to university administrators, as well as to wear blue armbands and tie trees around the North Carpark area with blue ribbons in the coming weeks to sustain the conversation on the issue. – Rappler.com
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How Philippine economy opened up to the world without charter change
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Lian Buan
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16/01/2024 8:49
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Alejandro Edoria
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines must keep up with the “increasingly globalized age,” reads Resolution No. 6 filed by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Monday, January 15, cementing the Marcos government’s push to propose amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution.
Past attempts at economic charter change (Cha-Cha) have always been based on the argument that the Philippines must relax its rules on foreign ownership to be able to enjoy the benefits of a globalized world.
The Constitution limits foreign ownership in industries, 60% Filipino-40% foreign as a general rule, and absolutely no foreign ownership in mass media.
But several laws and regulations have been passed in recent years that already opened up the Philippine economy to the world without having to amend the Constitution.
There remain oppositions that some of these laws and regulations are unconstitutional for circumventing the limits. Still, the fact that they were passed, and without any Supreme Court decision to the contrary, they stand to be valid.
What are these?
Proposed amendments in Zubiri’s Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 seem to back the Public Service Act (PSA). Remember that groups opposing the PSA said a law cannot allow what the Constitution does not permit. But under the proposed amendments, Section 11 of Article XII on public utilities will insert the clause “unless otherwise provided by law.” This will then give the constitutional greenlight, saying that if a law is passed to allow it, it will be valid.
The resolution also proposes the same clauses to the provisions on basic educational institutions and the advertising industry, so that there is also an opportunity to enact laws to lift or ease the cap on the 60-40% foreign restriction on the former, and the 70-30% on the latter.
If these laws and regulations were passed without Cha-Cha, the question is: what is the need for Cha-Cha at this point? – Rappler.com
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Dipolognons send pawikan hatchlings off to sea
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Herbie G
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16/01/2024 9:55
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BACK TO THE SEA. Marine turtle hatchlings crawl toward the sea after their release on Monday, January 15, 2024.
Gualberto Laput/Rappler
DIPOLOG, Philippines – More than a month after calling on the people to join in protecting pawikan (marine turtle) eggs nests on the city’s coastlines, Mayor Dexter Darel Uy led Dipolognons in releasing at least 118 hatchlings to the sea on Monday, January 15.
“Dipolognons heeded our call for a community-based protection of pawikan nesting areas.” Uy told Rappler. “Now that we have successfully hatched and released the baby turtles back to their habitat, we have shown to the world and ourselves that we can save our environment if we work together.”
Lorenzo Aseniero, city hall’s information officer, said they have invited Dipolognons to witness the release of the Green Sea Turtle hatchlings adding that people must be aware, appreciate, love, and protect the pawikan that in the past couple of years have come back to lay eggs.
Not a few Dipolognons came – they included government employees, fishers, students, parents bringing their children, and even foreign tourists.
“Murag mga gagmay nga tangke de giyera nga galumba ug dagan paingon sa dagat (The hatchlings looked like tiny tanks rushing towards the shore),” said a middle-aged Dipolognon.
A known local artist, Didi Romano and his wife Marietta, also witnessed the release of the hatchlings and told Rappler that Dipolog is blessed with the marine turtles coming back again to lay eggs.
“I have been watching marine turtles since I was a student in the 1950s. I saw marine turtles of all sizes here on our coast before and also when I walked from the highway to Pulauan Wharf in (nearby) Dapitan to get a boat to Dumaguete,” the 75-year-old Didi recalled.
He added that the city government’s effort to educate the people about marine turtles is also teaching them to love and care for the environment. The mayor earlier said the return of the marine turtles indicates that Dipolog’s coastal waters are going back to being healthy.
After leading in the release of the hatchlings, Uy said, “We must learn how to protect our environment and teach the next generations to do so.”
Since late November, five nesting areas with an estimated 250 eggs have been discovered within the foreshore of the 3.2-kilometer Dipolog Sunset Boulevard. Sporadic Green Sea Turtle nestings have been recorded in the past few years within the 7.2-kilometer coastline of the city in Zamboanga del Norte province.
The city government then ordered its environment and natural resources office to cordon off the nesting areas with yellow lines and sought the support of the fishers and residents in coastal areas to help protect the pawikan eggs.
There are five species of marine turtles, five of which – Green Sea Turtles, Olive Ridleys, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Loggerhead – are found in the Philippines. Green Sea Turtle nesting areas are largely in Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga del Sur.
In 2012, the DENR-BMB counted a record high of 19,550 nesting areas throughout the Philippines and a yearly average of two million eggs. Lately, DENR-BMB said nesting areas have dropped to 11,277 while the egg count was reduced by half. – Rappler.com
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Why Canada wants closer ties with the Philippines in 2024
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Bea Cupin
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15/01/2024 10:49
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PH-CANADA TIES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta in September 2023.
Presidential Communications Office
MANILA, Philippines – Canada is eyeing over CAD$15 million (approximately P625.8 million)* in aid for the Philippines over six years, as Ottawa made its pitch to strengthen ties with the Philippines, a minister said during an early January 2024 visit to Manila.
“The Indo-Pacific strategy has a diplomacy component, a trade and investment component, and a significant development component. And that development envelope is for the entire Indo-Pacific region, but of course, the Philippines is part of that region. And so, we expect that some of that take-up will be from the Philippines,” said Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen in a media roundtable on Thursday, January 11.
During Hussen’s visit to the Philippines, he had meetings with several Cabinet officials including Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, among others.
The Indo-Pacific strategy that Hussen was referring to is Canada’s roadmap for its relations with the region, released only in 2023.
The opening paragraphs of the strategy reads: “The Indo-Pacific is rapidly becoming the global centre of economic dynamism and strategic challenge. Every issue that matters to Canadians—including our national security, economic prosperity, respect for international law, democratic values, public health, protecting our environment, the rights of women and girls and human rights—will be shaped by the relationships Canada and its allies and partners have with Indo-Pacific countries.”
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman often simplifies the importance of Philippine-Canadian bilateral ties this way: what happens in the Philippines and the greater Indo-Pacific is “dinner table” talk back at home.
Hussen shares the sentiment. “Really, the familial and people-to-people relationship between the two countries is unparalleled. And it’s a source of pride for so many of us. We are aligned on so many issues,” added the minister, who last visited Manila in 2018 as immigration minister.
Canada is promising CAD$8 million (approximately P333.8 million) over five years to finance climate adaptation, including building “resilience of vulnerable communities by supporting nature-based solutions.” Another CAD$7 million (approximately P292 million) over six years has been earmarked to finance universal health care here.
“The project plans to target vulnerable populations, including women and girls and indigenous people, in four geographically isolated and disaster-prone provinces,” said the Canadian embassy in Manila.
The details of these planned projects have yet to be finalized – Hussen, after all, had just met with key officials in Manila.
The plans are also only the beginning. Canada’s agriculture minister, Lawrence MacAulay, will be visiting the Philippines in February 2024 just as their Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office, a hub for the region, opens in Manila.
Canada is also eyeing a late-2024 visit of the jet-setting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Canada. The two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2024.
The details of a possible visit have yet to be finalized, and negotiations are ongoing, said Canadian Ambassador to Manila David Hartman. “The two countries are working on the technicalities of the visit, but we’re very, very excited to see President Marcos,” he said.
“The President already has existing commitments in the Western Hemisphere, and so the likelihood is that he will be in the neighborhood. So, we’re more or less looking at that time frame,” the ambassador added.
The North American nation has also hyped the “potential” of private investments from Canada, particularly in developing the Philippine energy industry, infrastructure, and agriculture.
“If we’re talking about more resources, it’s not just us picking up our game and increasing those dollars through the Indo-Pacific strategy. We have the opportunity to leverage some of those additional dollars to also unlock private sector dollars from Canada and…really deploy that in the Philippines. So I’m quite excited about the opportunities,” said Hussen.
Hartman emphasized Canada’s interest in critical minerals. “One of the areas that we’re really quite keen to pursue with the government of the Philippines, the people of the Philippines, is the area of critical minerals…. The Philippines is the fifth most mineralized country on Earth. The crass reality is we cannot have a clean energy, a green energy transition without critical minerals,” the ambassador said.
What’s in it for Canada?
“The candid reality is that the global community needs the Philippines. What Canada wants to be able to do is to be able to help the Philippines extract its mineral wealth responsibly, ethically, and in an environmentally sustainable and sound manner. Canada has a tremendous track record of being able to do that for ourselves back home,” he added.
“Critical minerals” include copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements that are key in the shift to renewable or cleaner sources of energy “from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles,” according to the International Energy Agency.
Alignment with its Indo-Pacific strategy, notably, is part of the “next steps” of Canada’s critical minerals strategy.
“So it’s not just through the bilateral envelope. There are opportunities through multilateral envelopes that Canada has put significant dollars in, which are available for the Philippines and other countries. And the Philippines is situated in a way to take advantage of those opportunities. That’s part of the reason why I’m here, to talk about those opportunities,” added Hussen.
Hussen said discussions with Cabinet officials here included how “extensive resources” from Canada’s private sector – including managers of their pension funds – could see the Philippines as “a very favorable market for foreign direct investment, to create win-win situations for both peoples here.”
“And if you look at ASEAN [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations], this is a very favorable market. This is the market and the country that makes a lot of sense for Canadian foreign direct investment into the Philippines. Because, as I said, the affinity between the peoples, the business climate, and the strategic location of the Philippines,” he added.
Earlier, Canada amped up defense ties with the Philippines.
In 2023, the two countries signed a deal that gave Philippine maritime agencies access to Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection system. It was a timely addition to the Philippines’ resources, as it contends with China’s growing aggressive actions in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea or within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Canada also announced plans to eventually sign a Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines. A VFA would make it easier for Canadian troops to participate in joint exercises with other nations, among other things.
China’s actions in the region, after all, are a concern for Ottawa, as expounded in its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Its 2023 strategy document reads: “China’s rapid and dramatic modernization of the People’s Liberation Army, including its offensive technological capabilities and geographic reach, has caught the region’s attention. As China becomes more assertive and grows in influence, Canada is stepping up as a reliable partner in the region to promote security and stability across the region and at home.”
Tensions in the South China Sea, in particular, are of concern not just to Canada but to the world: up to a third of global trade is estimated to pass through the waterway, making the freedom to navigate it crucial to global trade. – Rappler.com
*CAD$1 is approximately = P41.72, as of posting
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Lessons from MMFF’s big winner ‘Rewind’: ‘Story is king, good word of mouth’
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gdecastro0289
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15/01/2024 17:48
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REWIND. Husband-and-wife team Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera reunite in top-grossing comeback film Rewind.
Marian Rivera's Facebook
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Philippines’ biggest film fest, is set to announce this week its record-breaking box office. As of January 14, Sunday, the festival’s gross earnings had climbed to P1.2 billion from P1.069 billion in January 7 or a week before the one-week extension of the MMFF, topping the 2018 MMFF record.
If last year’s edition is any indication, organizers of the MMFF will likely just announce the top four highest in “alphabetical order” to avoid favoring one over another. Last year, the top 4 films were: Mikhail Red’s psychological thriller Deleter starring Nadine Lustre, drama film Family Matters starring Noel Trinidad and Liza Lorena, Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria’s rom-com Labyu with an Accent, and Vice Ganda’s comedy film Partners in Crime with sexy star Ivana Alawi.
Deleter, produced by Viva Films, dominated the 2022 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, winning a total of seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and the Best Actress award for Nadine Lustre. In the 2023 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, GMA Pictures and GMA Current Affairs’ Firefly won Best Picture and Best Screenplay while Pepe Diokno’s historical film GomBurZa produced by Jesuit Communications and two others, took home seven awards.
But it’s clear from how the three-week festival went that the biggest winner is the tearjerker film Rewind, produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema, Dingdong Dantes’ Agostodos Pictures, and Tony Tuviera’s APT Entertainment.
“Of late, movies like Deleter [in MMFF 2022], GomBurZa, and Firefly [in MMFF 2023] gained more viewers after the Gabi ng Parangal [Awards Night]. But the Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes movie Rewind would go on earning more hundreds of millions because of good word of mouth,” wrote MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer, in his blog on posted on his Instagram last Thursday.
The lines in cinemas were often the longest for the comeback reunion movie of Kapuso stars Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, forcing cinema owners to add screen times for Rewind to accommodate demand. Among the 10 films, its official trailers (excluding reposts) have the highest views with 9.8 million on Facebook and 1.9 million on YouTube.
Rewind has reportedly raked in more than half of the MMFF 2023 box office. Kapamilya Kingdom, a blog that reports extensively on ABS-CBN and Kapamilya celebrities, claimed that the movie made P600 million as of January 7. ABS-CBN refuses to comment on this figure, preferring instead to let the MMFF organizers disclose ticket sales. Whether the MMFF organizers will do this for each movie remains to be seen.
The movie’s success is great news to start 2024, both for ABS-CBN and its creditors since the Lopez-led media firm continues to bleed financially (P3.2 billion net loss as of third quarter of 2023). ABS-CBN pivoted into becoming a content provider to various broadcast channels and streaming platforms after losing its franchise in 2020, no thanks to the Duterte administration.
ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak has said on several occasions that the company is now focused on its core strength, which is “in storytelling.”
But as with most successful films, the problem of piracy comes up. It’s the biggest bane of the movie industry.
Star Cinema, with co-producers Agostodos Pictures, and APT Entertainment, thus issued a joint statement last Thursday warning film pirates that they could face nine years in prison and a P1.5-million penalty if caught.
“Our team is constantly monitoring and taking down illegal copies and downloads of our film,” they said, adding that they “are in the process of pursuing legal action against people who have been selling, posting, and sharing the film.”
A good story and word of mouth were also the key reasons for the success of the romance drama Kita Kita, starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. The movie earned over P300 million in 2017 and is still the Philippines’ highest grossing indie movie.
MMFF 2023 organizers said a strong marketing campaign, an industry-wide effort, and better quality films were the key factors for the success of the 49th edition of the festival. With cinema ticket prices no longer affordable to the Filipino masses, the new cinema audience wants movies that are worth the price.
“Content is of primary importance. Story is king. They drive the audience to cinemas and back; not just the stars and popular celebrities,” wrote MMFF’s Ferrer.
Valuable food for thought for the Philippine movie industry, as millions around the world binge on K-dramas. – Rappler.com
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[EDITORIAL] Cha-Cha-pwera!
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Lilibeth Frondoso
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15/01/2024 14:14
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Nico Villarete
Ang lakas ng dating ng isang charter change ad hindi dahil sa Cha-Cha ambition nito kundi dahil sa pang-o-okray nito sa pamana ng EDSA People Power Revolution.
Sa unang kilatis, nakapagtataka kung bakit sa opening move pa lang, ini-echapuwera na ng nagkomisyon ng ad ang mga Pilipinong nag-a-identify sa pamana ng EDSA at ni Ninoy at Cory Aquino – in other words, ang mga “yellows” at “pinks”.
Pero kung ang layunin ay pagbuklurin ang pro-Marcos at pro-Duterte camps, it makes sense, ‘di ba? Sa harap ng napakapublikong alitan ng mga kampong Marcos at Duterte, nais ng ad na pagtibayin ang basis of unity ng dalawang panig at ‘yan ay ang common antipathy nila sa lahat ng bagay na may kaugnayan sa EDSA People Power Revolution. Sa simpleng math, gusto nilang i-preserve ang 31.6 million na bumoto kay President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at sa bise niya na si Sara Duterte. Kahit ang presyo niyan ay ang pag-e-alienate sa 15 million na bumoto kay Leni Robredo.
Ano’t ano man ang political agenda ng ad, dapat itong i-expose dahil sa disinformation at historical revisionism nito – nilalako ng ad ang simplistic na pananaw na kasalanan ng EDSA at ng 1987 Constitution ang masalimuot na mga problema ng pagkabansot ng ekonomiya, kawalan ng agricultural reform, education poverty, at ‘di pagkakapantay-pantay.
Inamin ng PIRMA, ang grupong nasa likod ng ad, na nakikipag-ugnayan ito sa mga lider ng Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso. Ang mismong Lower House sa ilalim ni Speaker Martin Romualdez ang nagtutulak ngayon ng impossible dream sa pamamagitan ng People’s Initiative.
Ang inisyatibong iyan ay kinondena ni Albay Congressman Edcel Lagman na nagsabing binibigyan ng P100 ang mga constituents niya para pumirma sa People’s Initiative. Gumagalaw na raw ang mga coordinator at minomobilize ang mga mayor.
Hindi perpekto ang Konstitusyon na isinilang matapos ang mahabang panahon ng Martial Law at US dominance sa pulitika at ekonomiya. Hindi ba mabuting hakbang na tapusin ang protectionism ng Konstitusyon at gawing responsive sa modernong situwasyon ang economic provisions nito? Ayon sa mga ekspertong nakausap ng Rappler, hindi ito ang tamang panahon. (BASAHIN. EXPLAINER: Is time ripe for economic charter change given the country’s woes?)
Tinatawag na trojan horse ang hakbang ng pagrerebisa ng mga economic provisions nito na nagbabawal ng foreign ownership sa lupa, dahil kapag binuksan mo ang Konstitusyon sa rebisyon, maaari mo ring pakialaman lahat ng ibang probisyon nito tulad ng bicameral system (na isinulong ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na may gusto ng federal unicameral system), lalo na ang term limits sa elected officials.
At ‘yan ang buod ng usapin, lahat sila, walang naririnig kundi ang tawag ng pagpapalawig sa kapangyarihan.
Mukhang matagal nang pinapakuluan ang putahe, dahil nagulat na lang ang Commission on Elections nang nakatanggap ito ng 14.2 bilyong budget para sa plebesito, samantalang ang hiningi lamang nito ay P2.5 bilyon. Bali-balitang tinatarget ng Kamara ang plebescite bago mag-State of the Nation Address sa Hulyo.
Magtatagumpay ba si Marcos, na tila nagbago na ng tono sa Cha-Cha? Ito’y sa kabila ng mahabang listahan ng mga presidenteng nabigo sa Cha-Cha – maliban pa kay Duterte – andiyan si Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, at Benigno Aquino III.
Nabuhayan siguro ng loob sina Romualdez dahil sa Pulse Asia survey na nagsasabing 41% ng mga Pilipino ang pabor sa Cha-Cha. Sabi ni Senadora Imee Marcos, “ang kulit naman,” sa mga nagsasabing pabor ang Pangulo sa charter change.
Sa mga nag-aaksaya ng pera ng bayan at oras ng Kamara: ang daming problema sa bansa na abot-kamay ni Marcos lutasin nang walang Cha-Cha kung may tiyaga lang siya. Andiyan ang taas ng bilihin dahil sa makalumang sistema ng agrikultura, ang education poverty ng mga kabataan, ang korupsiyon sa burukrasya, unemployment, at usad pagong na poverty alleviation. Huwag ding kalimutan ang trapiko na nagbubunsod ng economic losses araw-araw.
Isa rin lang ang masasabi namin, “Ang kulit naman.” – Rappler.com
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Para sa kanila, hindi sila “nag-aaksaya ng pera ng bayan at oras ng Kamara” dahil lang sa Cha-Cha. Ito ay pinakamahalaga upang ma-extend ang “term limits sa elected officials.” Ito ang tunay at ang pinakamahalagang dahilan.
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Butuan youth group launches mobile app junk shop to revolutionize recycling
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Herbie G
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15/01/2024 10:23
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COLLECT. The ScrapCycle team collects recyclables in an establishment in Butuan City.
courtesy of Scarcycle.ph
BUTUAN, Philippines – Butuanons can now turn their trash into cash without the need to visit a junk shop or wait for scrap collectors, as a youth group developed a mobile application junk shop.
Launched in November 2023, the online platform ScrapCycle.ph facilitates the exchange of recyclables for cash, with payments delivered straight to one’s doorstep on the preferred collection date.
Genevieve Navales, one of the founders and a computer science graduate from Caraga State University in Butuan, said the idea for ScrapCycle.ph was conceived during her college years when she and her classmates participated in university competitions.
“Initially, it was just me and my classmates. However, after graduation, we discussed our plans and career paths. I expressed my strong desire to pursue ScrapCycle, believing that even if I found a job, this idea would still linger in my mind. So I decided to take the risk, considering the potential benefits not only for myself but also for the country and Filipinos, providing an essential waste management solution,” she said.
Navales pursued the venture with Jerele Vince Salvaña, a fresh biology graduate from the same university, and Arthur Babor, a professional with 15 years of experience in junk shop operations.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap, making it easy for people to recycle their waste from homes and businesses hassle-free and earn money from it, just like trading with junk shops,” said Navales.
Salvaña, who serves as the group’s marketing officer, said their experience in participating in competitions, and the grants they secured helped them sustain the initial phase of the venture.
Their achievements include winning the Department of Information and Communication Technology’s (DICT) Regional Pitching Competition in the Caraga, representing the region in the Philippine Startup Challenge 7 in 2022, securing the Sanguninang Kabataan’s (SK) TECHPreneurs StartUp seed grant championship in Butuan City, and winning the START Hackathon 2022 by the Development Academy of the Philippines held in Tagaytay.
The process with ScrapCycle.ph starts with users segregating and cleaning recyclables, checking prices in the app, booking a collection date, and waiting for the collector to arrive.
Initially, the group conducts collections every Saturday, with plans to expand to daily collections as they scale up their services.
Salvaña said this testing phase allows them to gather insights into the target market’s needs, fostering continuous app and service enhancements.
With no minimum load requirement and free pick-up collection, ScrapCycle.ph accepts plastics, glass, metals, paper, cardboard, empty polyethylene terephthalate and glass bottles, and electronic waste, offering sellers the option of receiving payments through Gcash or real-time cash during the collection process.
Presently exclusive to Android users, the app has garnered over 1,000 installations with 5-star ratings on Google Play.
The group said they plan to develop an iOS version of the app later this year. To cater to iOS users in the meantime, a Google Form has been created for scheduling collections and trading recyclables.
Salvaña said the launch drew positive feedback from the community and even outside Butuan.
“The impact that we wanted is that when people think of recycling, we hope that in the future they would think of ScrapCycle as the easiest way for them to do so. Also, because of the convenience that we provide and the ease of use of our app, we want to impact the Philippines by changing Filipinos’ mindset about recycling, making them recycle more,” she added.
Kim Beronggoy, one of those who already tried the app, said the idea is very timely.
“This initiative is really nice because at least the recyclables are being used. Our area is cleaner, and we also make money,” Beronggoy said.
Navales said that as ScrapCycle.ph progresses, they plan to introduce additional features to enhance the users’ experience.
“We also want people to feel their growth with ScrapCycle, introducing a feature in our app allowing them to see the accumulated contributions they have made – the amount of waste recycled, carbon emissions saved, energy saved, and the money earned,” she said. – Rappler.com
Ivy Marie Mangadlao is an Aries Rufo fellow.
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Keeping up with the Agassis: A year of polarizing tracks from the Amir of Rap
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Marguerite de Leon
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14/01/2024 14:24
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Now that you’ve read all the year-end essays of the people that matter to you – your fam, your squad, whatever snappy thing kids call their designated peer groups these days – let’s talk about how 2023 was, in ways both funny and laughable, the year of two unlikely people: Carlos Agassi and Sarina Agassi.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the husband-and-wife duo just started churning out singles on a regular basis, blessing our feeds and group chats with much-needed GV and hilarity. Their songs were easy hate-listen fodder, but people connected to them in a way Bible quotes, TikTok dance routines, and Ben&Ben songs just couldn’t.
When the couple first dropped the decidedly risqué “Milk Tea” – and “risqué” is perhaps too tender a descriptor, with the song’s barely-veiled references to, erm, oral matters – I imagine we all thought, “Haha, one-off joke track. Okay, well, moving on.”
Were we wrong. So, so wrong.
The Agassis continued to unilaterally gift us with prolificacy, releasing (pretty much) a tune a week on streaming and socials. Most tracks were accompanied by videos of the couple working the cameras: Carlos and his abs, Sarina and her…whatever snappy thing kids call being “extra” these days. The videos were rife with bling but, you know, domesticated.
A quick Spotify audit shows the Agassis released a total of 25 tracks in 2023. That’s more than two full-length albums’ worth of material. You don’t stretch a joke for that long while keeping a straight face.
So, for what it’s worth: Yes, I think they’re dead serious. Yes, I think they’re really that way. But also: No, I don’t know why people – from both sides of the approval coin – are drawn to their stuff like onlookers to a car crash. I mean, if there was a car crash on every street corner, would you stop and ogle each one?
Well, a lot of us did stop and ogle each one. Perhaps because each car crash, despite sporting the same tells, provides consistent entertainment across an array of touch points.
There’s sex, naturally (“Luluhod Na,” “Tok Tok,” “Pusa”), but also love (a much less gallant brand of it, but oh well – “Babe,” “Lablab,” “Tinarantado”). Often one can detect an ounce or two of misogyny in these – granted, the guy does appear to have his wife’s stamp of approval, nay, active, unbridled participation – and arguing otherwise is like hitting your own head with a chipped brick.
Agassi was, incidentally, called out for the supposed transphobic subtext of “Milk Tea,” a charge he denied and defended by saying it’s “a romantic comedy song” and that art should be “open to interpretation and criticism” (as reported in Inquirer.net).
The gall is, indeed, a thing of wonder.
There’s also the swagger-ific material (“Who Rocks,” “Cute Ako,” “Tabi,” “Meme”), which is practically requisite for hip-hop of a certain bent. Swagger is, of course, intrinsic to the idiom. But like ‘80s- and ‘90s-era professional wrestling, the bluster projected in the Agassis’ material is more blinding than the actual luster. In these songs, Carlos and Sarina are the center of the universe, and they’re not glib about it; they spew it like textbook truth. Which is precisely how you should do swagger material: without breaking character.
And then there’s the topical stuff (“Halimaw,” “Problema,” “Pera,” “Chismosa,” “Plastik,” “OTW,” “Utang,” “Dami Utos”). And by “topical,” we don’t mean Seeger or Dylan verses and rhymes that glimmer with beauty and insight. We mean vitriolic diss tracks of the tallest (and pettiest) order: diatribes against the galling gossipmonger, the beatific backstabber, the leeching liar.
But what takes the cake – the category so obvious it’s a mystery not enough artists do the same – is the seasonal material (“Pasko,” “Happy Birthday,” “Happy New Year”). If Jose Mari Chan can milk Christmas ad infinitum, you’d think artists with serious ambition would explore doing one or two red-letter occasions. I mean, who wouldn’t want to send a YouTube link to “Happy Birthday” to a friend to cheer him up? And this idea of pegging each non-working day (“Walang Pasok”) as a banner occasion worthy of getting enshrined in song? It’s just *chef’s kiss*.
The Agassis’ draw isn’t inexplicable; it’s the same quality that gets people roped in by cult leaders, populist politicians, and pyramid marketers: confidence. And this roping-in occurs despite damning things that stare them right in the face. In the case of the Agassis – and it’s funny considering this is supposedly a music piece, and I’ve held back to the bitter end – the “damning things” mostly involve the music.
The self-styled “Amir of Rap” does have history in the form and it shows, and his wife does display an often-surprising, dulled-blade acumen for spitfire verses. But many of the melodic parts are tone-deaf, several verses (laid atop very basic beats) are off-time, and the chest-thumping moments often fall flat. Similarly, the videos have a handmade, homespun goofiness that runs antithetical to the megalomania.
But the general back-and-forth between online commenters are about the matters of self-awareness: how it’s all calculated, how the baiting is as clear as day. Some days I agree, and other days I don’t.
Today, though, is the day that I allowed the Agassis to get inside my head. As one of their better-known tracks goes, “Ang dami kong problema / dumagdag ka pa.” – Rappler.com
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Royse Tubino joins Choco Mucho, boosts team bid for breakthrough PVL title
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delfin.dioquino editor
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15/01/2024 21:56
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VETERAN. Royse Tubino in action for the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the PVL.
PVL Images
MANILA, Philippines – Choco Mucho added another scoring threat in its bid to capture a maiden championship in the PVL.
The Flying Titans announced the addition of veteran outside hitter Royse Tubino on Monday, January 15, as they continued their roster revamp ahead of the 2024 season.
After one season with PLDT, Tubino joins other new Choco Mucho recruits Mean Mendrez, Mars Alba, and Bia General.
Tubino provides a wealth of experience, having played for numerous teams, including Cignal, Philippine Army, Cagayan Valley, and Sta. Lucia.
A three-time NCAA champion with Perpetual, Tubino beefs up the Flying Titans’ rotation of wing hitters featuring Mendrez, Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, and Des Cheng.
Choco Mucho enters the new season with high hopes after reaching the PVL finals for the first time last year, falling short of the Second All-Filipino Conference crown at the hands of sister team Creamline.
With hopes of breaking through, the Flying Titans parted ways with longtime players Bea de Leon, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, and Caitlyn Viray, and brought in their new recruits. – Rappler.com
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Calapan, Oriental Mindoro barangay councilman stabbed dead in his house
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Chito de la Vega
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15/01/2024 22:53
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FILE PHOTO: Dentist Anacorito Bolor, also known as Dok Ting, of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
photo courtesy of Noel Alamar/Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo
ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines – A bounty of P300,000 has been offered for any information that could lead to the arrest of those who killed dentist-philanthropist Anacorito Bolor in his house in Calapan City Sunday morning, January 14.
Bolor, 63 years old and who is often seen in public events wearing several gold necklaces, bracelets, and rings, was found dead with several stab wounds in his house in Barangay San Vicente, Calapan in Oriental Mindoro on Sunday.
Fondly called Dok Ting, Bolor was a former barangay captain. He was voted a kagawad (councilman) in the recent barangay elections.
Posts in several social media platforms by those who know him called out “Justice for Dok TING.” Among those seeking justice are the city mayor and the civic organization Rotary Club Downtown.
It was Calapan Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo and the Rotary Club which both offered the reward for information which would help solve the killing of Dok Ting.
On her video stament via Calapan Public Information Office the mayor offered P200,000 for the arrest of the suspect, or who can give information to the whereabouts.
“Kung sino man po ang nakakakilala at nalalaman ang kinaroonan ng salarin sa pagpatay sa ating kaibigan, dentist philanrtophist at kasalukuyang barangay official ay maari nung ipag bigay alam sa amin para hustisya kay Dok Ting kaya ako ay naglalaan ng 200 daang libong piso para sa kaagarang ikadarakip ng suspek,” said Morillo.
(To anyone who can provide information on who killed our friend, the dentist philanthropist and barangay official, please give this to the authorities so that we can give justice to the killing got Dok Ting. I am giving P200,000 for information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect.)
The Rotary Club raise the ante by adding P100,000 to the bounty for the arrest of the perpetrators.
Initial reports said that at around 8:30 am, Sunday, Cristeta, Dok Ting’s sister, called him and asked him to come out of his room and join them for breakfast. When there was no reply, the sister asked Dok Ting’s driver to go the room to wake him up. It was the driver who first found out that Dok Ting was killed.
Calapan police chief Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Cruz said the victim’s room was a mess, with his belongings scattered all over. Cruz said this indicated that the room had been searched.
Cruz also confirmed to Rappler that Dok Ting’s jewelry were not in the room. The cops were still determining if there were other valuables missing.
A source from Calapan City, said the victim’s jewelry approximately costs $215,000 or P12 Million.
Investigators also found out the closed circuit television of the house was tampered and its mother board, which stored recorded videos, was missing.
The police are looking at two angles of the killing. First, that the victim and suspect were familiar with each other. The other, that this is a robbery.
Cruz said they were also looking at the possibility that the suspect killed the dentist while stealing those valuables.
As of this writing, the cops in Calapan City said they still had no suspect or person of Interest in the case.
A Special Investigation Task Group Dok Ting was created by the Provincial Police Office of Oriental Mindoro, Cruz said. – Rappler.com
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WATCH: Sneak peek into Sinulog and Fiesta Señor 2024 in Cebu
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jsitchon0312
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15/01/2024 21:22
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CEBU, Philippines – From colorful dance parades to solemn novena masses, the streets of Cebu are expected to be filled with merrymaking locals and proud Santo Niño (Child Jesus) devotees from all over the country come Sunday, January 21.
Tourists and locals alike will have the opportunity to witness ritual dance performances which showcase the heritage and culture of different municipalities and cities in Cebu.
Devotees will get a chance to sing and wave to the “Gozos” or the “Batobalani sa Gugma” (Magnet of Love) during a solemn pontifical mass to be presided over by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Sunday morning.
Large festival floats, costumed higantes (giant puppets), and famous celebrities are also expected to make an appearance during the Sinulog grand parade at the South Road Properties.
Watch this short TikTok video to know more about what’s to come during the 459th Fiesta Señor and Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines. – Rappler.com
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Robi Domingo addresses viral Kathryn Bernardo, Donny Pangilinan video during his wedding
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jreyes0314
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12/01/2024 15:25
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'NO ISSUES, PLEASE.' Robi Domingo addresses the speculations surrounding a viral video of Donny Pangilinan and Kathryn Bernardo taken at his wedding.
MANILA, Philippines – Robi Domingo has come forward to address the speculations on the circulating video of Donny Pangilinan and Kathryn Bernardo taken during his wedding reception.
On January 8, an X user posted a video where Donny Pangilinan is seen assisting Kathryn Bernardo while she danced during Domingo’s wedding reception.
“Hi [Donny Pangilinan], ganito ka pala ‘pag interested ka sa babae (apparently this is how you are when you’re interested in a woman),” they captioned the video.
hi @donnypangilinan ganto ka pala pag interested ka sa babae 🤭#DonnyPangilinan #DONBELLEmpire #DonBelle pic.twitter.com/BL3aDuGAIC
Fans were quick to dismiss the issue and defend Pangilinan, but other netizens speculated on his intentions with Bernardo.
Domingo posted a reply to the now-viral video on January 10, stating that they are all just friends.
Just for the record: we're all friends here. We've got each other's backs. No issues, please. 🫰🏻Also, being the groomsmen, @donny and @Espanto2001 helped us out in taking care of all of the guests. ❤️ https://t.co/76iiNqoDua
“Just for the record: we’re all friends here. We’ve got each other’s backs. No issues, please. Also, being the groomsmen, [Donny] and [Darren Espanto] helped us out in taking care of all of the guests,” Domingo wrote.
TV5 Entertainment reporter MJ Marfori later asked Pangilinan to share his stance on the issue. Pangilinan said that they were all just friends having a great time at Domingo’s wedding.
Pangilinan currently plays Bingo in the series Can’t Buy Me Love. He is also headlining GG The Movie, dubbed the first Esports film in the Philippines. It is set to premiere on January 24.
A post shared by Donny Pangilinan (@donny)
Domingo tied the knot with Maiqui Pineda on January 6. Numerous celebrities were in attendance, including Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Enchong Dee, Bianca Gonzalez, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Piolo Pascual, Daniel Padilla, and Erik Santos, among others. – Rappler.com
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Lessons from MMFF’s big winner ‘Rewind’: ‘Story is king, good word of mouth’
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gdecastro0289
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15/01/2024 17:48
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REWIND. Husband-and-wife team Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera reunite in top-grossing comeback film Rewind.
Marian Rivera's Facebook
The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Philippines’ biggest film fest, is set to announce this week its record-breaking box office. As of January 14, Sunday, the festival’s gross earnings had climbed to P1.2 billion from P1.069 billion in January 7 or a week before the one-week extension of the MMFF, topping the 2018 MMFF record.
If last year’s edition is any indication, organizers of the MMFF will likely just announce the top four highest in “alphabetical order” to avoid favoring one over another. Last year, the top 4 films were: Mikhail Red’s psychological thriller Deleter starring Nadine Lustre, drama film Family Matters starring Noel Trinidad and Liza Lorena, Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria’s rom-com Labyu with an Accent, and Vice Ganda’s comedy film Partners in Crime with sexy star Ivana Alawi.
Deleter, produced by Viva Films, dominated the 2022 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, winning a total of seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and the Best Actress award for Nadine Lustre. In the 2023 MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, GMA Pictures and GMA Current Affairs’ Firefly won Best Picture and Best Screenplay while Pepe Diokno’s historical film GomBurZa produced by Jesuit Communications and two others, took home seven awards.
But it’s clear from how the three-week festival went that the biggest winner is the tearjerker film Rewind, produced by ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema, Dingdong Dantes’ Agostodos Pictures, and Tony Tuviera’s APT Entertainment.
“Of late, movies like Deleter [in MMFF 2022], GomBurZa, and Firefly [in MMFF 2023] gained more viewers after the Gabi ng Parangal [Awards Night]. But the Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes movie Rewind would go on earning more hundreds of millions because of good word of mouth,” wrote MMFF spokesperson Noel Ferrer, in his blog on posted on his Instagram last Thursday.
The lines in cinemas were often the longest for the comeback reunion movie of Kapuso stars Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, forcing cinema owners to add screen times for Rewind to accommodate demand. Among the 10 films, its official trailers (excluding reposts) have the highest views with 9.8 million on Facebook and 1.9 million on YouTube.
Rewind has reportedly raked in more than half of the MMFF 2023 box office. Kapamilya Kingdom, a blog that reports extensively on ABS-CBN and Kapamilya celebrities, claimed that the movie made P600 million as of January 7. ABS-CBN refuses to comment on this figure, preferring instead to let the MMFF organizers disclose ticket sales. Whether the MMFF organizers will do this for each movie remains to be seen.
The movie’s success is great news to start 2024, both for ABS-CBN and its creditors since the Lopez-led media firm continues to bleed financially (P3.2 billion net loss as of third quarter of 2023). ABS-CBN pivoted into becoming a content provider to various broadcast channels and streaming platforms after losing its franchise in 2020, no thanks to the Duterte administration.
ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak has said on several occasions that the company is now focused on its core strength, which is “in storytelling.”
But as with most successful films, the problem of piracy comes up. It’s the biggest bane of the movie industry.
Star Cinema, with co-producers Agostodos Pictures, and APT Entertainment, thus issued a joint statement last Thursday warning film pirates that they could face nine years in prison and a P1.5-million penalty if caught.
“Our team is constantly monitoring and taking down illegal copies and downloads of our film,” they said, adding that they “are in the process of pursuing legal action against people who have been selling, posting, and sharing the film.”
A good story and word of mouth were also the key reasons for the success of the romance drama Kita Kita, starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. The movie earned over P300 million in 2017 and is still the Philippines’ highest grossing indie movie.
MMFF 2023 organizers said a strong marketing campaign, an industry-wide effort, and better quality films were the key factors for the success of the 49th edition of the festival. With cinema ticket prices no longer affordable to the Filipino masses, the new cinema audience wants movies that are worth the price.
“Content is of primary importance. Story is king. They drive the audience to cinemas and back; not just the stars and popular celebrities,” wrote MMFF’s Ferrer.
Valuable food for thought for the Philippine movie industry, as millions around the world binge on K-dramas. – Rappler.com
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Goldwin Monteverde signs 5-year extension to coach UP Fighting Maroons
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delfin.dioquino editor
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15/01/2024 14:48
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MENTOR. Head coach Goldwin Monteverde of the UP Fighting Maroons during the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament.
UAAP
MANILA, Philippines – UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde will be in charge of the Fighting Maroons for the long haul.
The multi-titled tactician inked a five-year extension with the Maroons following a successful run in his first three years at the helm, the team announced on Monday, January 15.
“UP MBT (men’s basketball team) management is committed to establishing continuity in the program to ensure the winning culture developed under Coach Gold is sustained,” said UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol.
A two-time UAAP juniors champion when he coached the NU Bullpups, Monteverde steered UP to its first league crown in 36 years when it edged Ateneo for the Season 84 title in 2022.
The Maroons reached the UAAP finals for three straight seasons with Monteverde calling the shots, just falling short of the Season 86 championship after succumbing to La Salle in December.
“His conduct and demeanor on and off the court has been exemplary and this is the kind of mentorship we believe our players can benefit from,” said UP team manager Agaton Uvero.
Monteverde faces the daunting task of extending the Maroons’ dominance following the exit of Season 85 MVP Malick Diouf and team captain CJ Cansino.
UP also lost prized recruit Jared Bahay, who turned back on his commitment to play for the Maroons.
Expected to show the way for UP in Season 87 this year are the likes of Francis Lopez, JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon, and Gerry Abadiano. – Rappler.com
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Philippines to develop islands in South China Sea – Brawner
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Victor Barreiro Jr.
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15/01/2024 14:40
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BRAWNER. Commission on Appointments confirmed General Romeo Brawner Jr.as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, at the senate on August 30, 2023.
Angie de Silva/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will develop islands in the South China Sea that it considers part of its territory to make them more habitable for troops, Manila’s military chief Romeo Brawner told reporters on Monday, January 15.
The plans come amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, both of whom claim territory in the South China Sea and have traded accusations of aggressive behavior in the strategic waterway.
Apart from the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin, the Philippines occupies eight other features in the South China Sea, and considers them part of its exclusive economic zone.
“We’d like to improve all the nine, especially the islands we are occupying,” Brawner said after attending a command conference led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the military headquarters.
The features include Thitu island, the biggest and most strategically important in the South China Sea. Known locally as Pag-asa, Thitu lies about 300 miles (480 km) west of the Philippine province of Palawan.
The military wants to bring a desalination machine for troops living aboard a warship that the Philippines deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert its sovereignty claim, he said.
Besides the Philippines, Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea, a conduit for goods in excess of $3 trillion every year.
Also included in the military’s modernization plans is the acquisition of more ships, radars, and aircraft as the Philippines shifts its focus to territorial from internal defense, Brawner said. – Rappler.com
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I appreciate both President Marcos Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner for these ideas. I do hope that these ideas will come true.
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Zubiri dances to Cha-Cha: Senate to lead Constitution review on economic provisions
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Bonz Magsambol
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15/01/2024 14:35
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CHA-CHA. Senate President Migz Zubiri says that after meeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the Senate will now take the lead in reviewing the Constitution's economic provisions.
Senate PRIB
MANILA, Philippines – The ambitious push to amend the Constitution appears to be gaining ground as the Senate leadership, which was previously cold about it, now says it will take the lead in reviewing proposals to amend the charter’s economic provisions.
At a press conference on Monday, January 15, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said he met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez on January 5 to raise concerns about the supposed People’s Initiative to revise the Constitution. (READ: Will you sell your soul for P100? Allegations vs charter change bid via people’s initiative)
“The President agreed with us that the proposal was too divisive, and asked the Senate to instead take the lead in reviewing the economic provisions of the Constitution. In this way, we can preserve our bicameral nature of legislation,” Zubiri said.
This is a completely different tune for Zubiri as he was, in the past, totally against Charter change (Cha-cha) even for economic provisions. (READ: Zubiri schools ‘neophyte’ Padilla over canceled Cha-Cha hearing)
“While the Constitution must be reviewed in keeping with the demands of the present and the possibilities of the future, we believe that we must first exhaust all other avenues open to us, through policy-making and legislation,” Zubiri said.
On Monday, Zubiri filed Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, “proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.” He co-authored this with Senators Sonny Angara and Loren Legarda.
The resolution only includes amendments in the operation of public utilities and education services.
“[The] nation’s economic policy must be reframed under the demands of this increasingly globalized age, while still protecting the general policy of Filipino-first that guides the economic provisions of the Constitution,” the resolution read.
“Our children deserve to have access to the best educational institutions, both Filipino and foreign, to ensure that they receive the best training to become globally competitive citizens in the modern world,” it added.
Zubiri said the instruction they got from Marcos was for the Senate to take the lead in reviewing the economic provisions of the Constitution which would be adopted by the House later on.
The Senate review on Cha-cha will be in the context of the Public Service Act (PSA), which was amended to allow foreign ownership in certain public services like airports, railways, expressways and telecommunications.
“The Senate commits that it will work with the House of Representatives to remove all doubts on the constitutionality of the law by ensuring that the liberalized policies contained in the PSA can be implemented and relied on by investors as an enduring policy. It is only in this respect that the Senate can agree to modify the Constitution,” Zubiri said.
Asked if Romualdez was amicable to it, Zubiri didn’t give a direct answer but said it would be best for reporters to ask the House Speaker.
“Best to ask him, I don’t want to put words in his mouth. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. But we’re happy sa kinalabasan ng meeting na ‘yan (of what transpired in the meeting).”
In a statement, Romualdez thanked Zubiri for the Senate’s initiative in filing a Resolution of Both Houses of Congress.
“The synergy between the Senate and the House in passing this Resolution will send a strong signal of unity and purpose. It aligns with the aspirations of the proponents of the ongoing People’s Initiative, who have tirelessly advocated for constitutional reform,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez, however, didn’t categorically say that the House would adopt the Senate version in case it hurdles the upper chamber.
Zubiri’s resolution needs 18 votes from senators. The review will be led by Angara who chairs the finance committee.
The Senate president tried to reassure those wary of Cha-cha that term limits will not be part of the amendments. But critics worry that once Congress green lights the process, it will be all too easy to go beyond economic amendments and sneak in provisions that will allow politicians to stay longer in power. – Rappler.com
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Most notably: “The Senate president tried to reassure those wary of Cha-cha that term limits will not be part of the amendments.” Well and good. How about the House of Representatives? But even if Speaker Romualdez would give the same “reassurance,” both cannot be trusted.
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Dwight Howard a headache? Not at all, says coach Tiu
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Jasmine Payo
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13/01/2024 17:59
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MAIN MAN. Dwight Howard goes for a shot during practice with Strong Group.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS
MANILA, Philippines – While some warned him that Dwight Howard would likely cause him headaches, Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu said it has been all good with the former NBA superstar.
Along with Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center Andray Blatche, Howard has provided quality leadership, Tiu said, as the team gears up for the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on January 19 to 28.
“They’re a big plus to our team and really a big weight off my shoulder,” said Tiu.
“You know, when we talk to Dwight, when we signed him, a lot of people were saying, ‘he’s gonna give you so many problems,’ but he hasn’t given us any problem.”
In his near two-decade stint in the NBA, Howard had reportedly caused management and coaching headaches for some of his teams.
But Tiu has seen none of that from the eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
“He’s been really supportive of what we’ve been doing,” said Tiu.
Howard saw action with the the Taoyuan Leopards in the T1 League in Taiwan last year. But he surprisingly joined Strong Group through Blatche, even quipping that he got on board the team just to eat in the Filipino fast food chain Jollibee.
Recently, Howard also met with Filipino sports icon Manny Pacquiao, playfully challenging the boxing superstar to a three-point contest.
With Howard and Blatche at the helm, along with former Oklahoma City defensive ace Andre Roberson, Strong Group stands as one of the favorites in the tournament featuring top Middle Eastern teams.
“I like the team so far, what we’ve been seeing we have a great group of guys, nobody complains, you know, even Dwight, he listens to everything we’ve asked,” said Tiu.
Other notable players include Mackenzie Moore, Justine Baltazar, UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, and JD Cagulangan, providing a mixture of veteran and young players.
Last year’s team, fielding a different lineup, got ousted in the quarterfinals as Ange Kouame, the centerpiece of the roster, fell ill.
“Modesty aside, we definitely want to win the championship right now,” said Tiu. – Rappler.com
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‘Miracle’: Roger Pogoy returns in time for TNT after health scare
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/01/2024 22:41
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COMEBACK. Roger Pogoy in action for the TNT Tropang Giga in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Roger Pogoy calls it a miracle.
Pogoy came back earlier than anticipated from a health scare as he played his first game of the 2023-2024 PBA season, helping TNT claim a 116-96 win over Phoenix on Sunday, January 14.
Expected to be out for six months after being diagnosed with myocarditis – a condition that weakens the heart and reduce its ability to pump blood – in September, Pogoy delivered 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
His return could not have come at a better time as the Tropang Giga clinched the eighth and last quarterfinal berth in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“This is a miracle. Thank you Lord,” said Pogoy in Filipino.
Pogoy was at a high as he suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup, which the country co-hosted from August to September.
That stint included a momentous victory over China as the Philippines won a World Cup match for the first time since 2014.
He was also supposed to represent the national team in the Asian Games in China, but his diagnosis of the rare heart condition forced him to be sidelined.
“I was shocked because I was fresh from the World Cup. It was the highest level of basketball, then I was suddenly down,” said Pogoy. “I just prayed and asked Lord to take care of me. Whatever his plan was, I just trusted him.”
“When I had my second MRI scan, the doctor cleared me.”
Pogoy, though, knows he has a lot of catching up to do after being away from competitive basketball for four months.
“I’m lucky that my first shot went in. But with my third and fourth shots, I felt that my legs were still weak,” said the Cebuano guard.
Still groping for his old form, Pogoy will be thrown into the fire as TNT battles twice-to-beat Magnolia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, January 17, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. – Rappler.com
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Butuan youth group launches mobile app junk shop to revolutionize recycling
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Herbie G
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15/01/2024 10:23
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COLLECT. The ScrapCycle team collects recyclables in an establishment in Butuan City.
courtesy of Scarcycle.ph
BUTUAN, Philippines – Butuanons can now turn their trash into cash without the need to visit a junk shop or wait for scrap collectors, as a youth group developed a mobile application junk shop.
Launched in November 2023, the online platform ScrapCycle.ph facilitates the exchange of recyclables for cash, with payments delivered straight to one’s doorstep on the preferred collection date.
Genevieve Navales, one of the founders and a computer science graduate from Caraga State University in Butuan, said the idea for ScrapCycle.ph was conceived during her college years when she and her classmates participated in university competitions.
“Initially, it was just me and my classmates. However, after graduation, we discussed our plans and career paths. I expressed my strong desire to pursue ScrapCycle, believing that even if I found a job, this idea would still linger in my mind. So I decided to take the risk, considering the potential benefits not only for myself but also for the country and Filipinos, providing an essential waste management solution,” she said.
Navales pursued the venture with Jerele Vince Salvaña, a fresh biology graduate from the same university, and Arthur Babor, a professional with 15 years of experience in junk shop operations.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap, making it easy for people to recycle their waste from homes and businesses hassle-free and earn money from it, just like trading with junk shops,” said Navales.
Salvaña, who serves as the group’s marketing officer, said their experience in participating in competitions, and the grants they secured helped them sustain the initial phase of the venture.
Their achievements include winning the Department of Information and Communication Technology’s (DICT) Regional Pitching Competition in the Caraga, representing the region in the Philippine Startup Challenge 7 in 2022, securing the Sanguninang Kabataan’s (SK) TECHPreneurs StartUp seed grant championship in Butuan City, and winning the START Hackathon 2022 by the Development Academy of the Philippines held in Tagaytay.
The process with ScrapCycle.ph starts with users segregating and cleaning recyclables, checking prices in the app, booking a collection date, and waiting for the collector to arrive.
Initially, the group conducts collections every Saturday, with plans to expand to daily collections as they scale up their services.
Salvaña said this testing phase allows them to gather insights into the target market’s needs, fostering continuous app and service enhancements.
With no minimum load requirement and free pick-up collection, ScrapCycle.ph accepts plastics, glass, metals, paper, cardboard, empty polyethylene terephthalate and glass bottles, and electronic waste, offering sellers the option of receiving payments through Gcash or real-time cash during the collection process.
Presently exclusive to Android users, the app has garnered over 1,000 installations with 5-star ratings on Google Play.
The group said they plan to develop an iOS version of the app later this year. To cater to iOS users in the meantime, a Google Form has been created for scheduling collections and trading recyclables.
Salvaña said the launch drew positive feedback from the community and even outside Butuan.
“The impact that we wanted is that when people think of recycling, we hope that in the future they would think of ScrapCycle as the easiest way for them to do so. Also, because of the convenience that we provide and the ease of use of our app, we want to impact the Philippines by changing Filipinos’ mindset about recycling, making them recycle more,” she added.
Kim Beronggoy, one of those who already tried the app, said the idea is very timely.
“This initiative is really nice because at least the recyclables are being used. Our area is cleaner, and we also make money,” Beronggoy said.
Navales said that as ScrapCycle.ph progresses, they plan to introduce additional features to enhance the users’ experience.
“We also want people to feel their growth with ScrapCycle, introducing a feature in our app allowing them to see the accumulated contributions they have made – the amount of waste recycled, carbon emissions saved, energy saved, and the money earned,” she said. – Rappler.com
Ivy Marie Mangadlao is an Aries Rufo fellow.
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Matthew Wright remains supportive of ex-team Phoenix
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/01/2024 17:34
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GUNNER. Matthew Wright in action for the Japan B. League Asia All-Stars.
Japan B. League Facebook page
OKINAWA, Japan – Despite playing professionally thousands of miles away in the Land of the Rising Sun, former Phoenix Fuel Masters star Matthew Wright continues to keep tabs on his former team.
The Fuel Masters have been one of the hottest teams in the PBA and Wright is pleased to see them succeed.
“I love it. A part of me is still Phoenix. I gave six years of my life with them and I still keep in touch with them,” Wright told Rappler during a media briefing organized by the Japan B. League here.
“I was in the trenches with those guys for a long time so it’s just hard to forget about your team and just leave. I still keep in contact with them,” he added.
PBA | WATCH:DEEPER THAN SPORTS.Japan B. League Asia All-Star Matthew Wright remains in touch with his former Phoenix Super LPG teammates, expressing his support as the team seeks a top two finish in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. pic.twitter.com/pO9zUqYIVe
Wright played for Phoenix from 2016 to 2022, earning a spot in the Elite Five, a pair of Mythical Second Team honors, and two All-Star Game MVP plums before he parted ways with the squad to sign with the Kyoto Hannaryz.
The Filipino-Canadian guard became the fastest Filipino player to breach the 1,000-point mark in the B. League, taking just 80 games to reach the milestone.
Unlike the Fuel Masters, though, the Hannaryz have been struggling as they sit at 20th place with an 8-20 record.
Even if he is not part of the team anymore, Wright feels proud to have helped lay the groundwork for Phoenix.
“I’m very proud of that organization because I tried my absolute best. [They were] nothing when I first came into the team, one of the worst teams,” said Wright, who scored 8 points in the Asia All-Stars’ 127-115 win against the Rising Stars during the B. League All-Star Weekend at the Okinawa Arena on Saturday, January 13.
“Trying to build something, trying to build a fanbase like Phoenix. I’m very happy to see that.”
It goes beyond basketball for Wright and his former PBA teammates as they get together whenever he visits Manila.
“Our kids play with each other. It’s deeper than just sports,” he said. – Rappler.com
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Kim Dy, Dwight Ramos on same page as athlete couple
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/01/2024 14:49
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COUPLE. Kim Dy and Dwight Ramos.
Kim Dy Instagram page
OKINAWA, Japan – Volleyball superstar Kim Kianna Dy could not be prouder as her boyfriend Dwight Ramos captained the Asia All-Stars in the Japan B. League All-Star Weekend here.
Dy, who recently signed with the PLDT High Speed Hitters, personally flew to be with her beau and watched his side emerge victorious against the Rising Stars, 127-115, on Saturday, January 13.
“It’s my first time in Okinawa and my first time watching the All-Star Game,” Dy said.
“Super happy to be here to support Dwight and I’m proud of him of course, he’s also the captain so it’s a big role,” she added.
The two – who command legions of followers online – have become social media darlings as they juggle their roles as public figures, athletes, role models, and most importantly, a couple.
According to Dy, the two met in June 2019 and officially became a couple at the height of the pandemic on June 13, 2020 after a year of courtship.
“We don’t really think about that,” said Dy when asked about their popularity.
“We just do what we do, what perks come with it, thank you.”
Since they got together, Ramos left Ateneo, suited up for Gilas Pilipinas, and pursued a professional career in the Japan B. League, while Dy underwent knee surgery and changed teams in the PVL.
As the two face the daily grind of being star athletes living thousands of miles away apart, the two are on the same page when it comes to understanding each other’s struggles.
“It helps when someone can relate – the low points that can help bring you back up and she does that. I’m grateful for that,” said Ramos.
“It’s actually easy to have a partner who’s also into sports so they understand the struggles during a bad game,” said Dy.
“They also understand that we can’t be with each other like normal couples do. He understands, I understand. We’re on the same page,” she added.
It showed when Dy asked for Ramos’ advice as she weighed options from other teams after her former PVL squad F2 Logistics Cargo Movers disbanded.
After all, Ramos has a wealth of experience playing for different teams.
Ramos started his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton, transferred to Cal Poly Pomona, and then took his act to the Philippines by committing to Ateneo.
After plans to play for the Blue Eagles fell through as he made the jump to the B. League, Ramos spent his first season in Japan with the Toyama Grouses before he signed with his current team Levanga Hokkaido.
“I just told her when she was looking for her new team to just really feel it and feel who really wants you, which team is really interested in you and which is the best fit for you and PLDT is the one,” said Ramos.
“Glad that she has a new team and excited for her next year.”
The former La Salle standout chose to sign with the High Speed Hitters, joining former F2 Logistics teammates Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: No NATO pledge to defend PH in South China Sea
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Lorenz Pasion
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13/01/2024 18:24
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Claim: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will defend the Philippines against China amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
Why we fact-checked this: The YouTube video containing the claim has 202,80 views, 2,400 likes, and 466 comments as of writing.
The title of the video says, “NATO will defend the Philippines and enter into the South China Sea dispute.”
The bottom line: The Philippines is not a member of NATO and is not entitled to assistance from the alliance.
NATO has not made any statement about defending the Philippines in the South China Sea. No official announcements can be found on its official website, the Philippines’ Department of Defense, or reputable news sources.
The misleading video did not provide proof for its claim, only calling on NATO to examine the possibility of enhancing relations with the Philippines.
About NATO: NATO is a military alliance composed of 31 members across North America and Europe. Formed in 1949, the alliance’s purpose is to “guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.”
Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, the alliance’s founding treaty, says that members agree to help each other if attacked. The Philippines, however, is not a NATO member as membership is only open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.”
Non-NATO ally: The US, a NATO member, considers the Philippines as a major non-NATO ally. According to the US Department of State, this designation grants the Philippines certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation but does not entail any security commitments by the US to the designated country.
As China continues its hostile acts in the South China Sea – despite a 2016 arbitral ruling in the Philippines’ favor – the US vowed to support the Philippines and reiterated its “ironclad” defense commitment. Earlier this month, the Philippines held a two-day joint patrol with the US in the West Philippine Sea, following the first iteration in November 2023.
NATO and China: NATO had previously expressed concern over China’s increasing military growth, and said that its “assertive behavior” poses challenges to “the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to Alliance security.” In 2021, NATO members sent 21 warships into Asian waters for joint operations with regional navies, according to the US Naval Institute.
The German warship Bayern also sailed through the South China Sea that same year, the first deployment of a German warship to the region in almost 20 years, joining other Western countries expanding their military presence in the region to counter China’s influence. – Katarina Ruflo/Rappler.com
Katarina Ruflo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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FACT CHECK: Post on teacher job openings not from DepEd
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Ailla Dela Cruz
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13/01/2024 20:30
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Claim: The Department of Education (DepEd) posted a job advertisement for teaching and non-teaching positions for school year 2024-2025.
Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook post was published by the page, “PRC News Update,” which has 4,500 followers. It has garnered 1,100 reactions, 953 comments, and 8,000 shares as of writing.
The Facebook post claimed that DepEd is hiring 5,000 elementary and high school teachers and 10,000 non-teaching personnel. The post contains a supposed registration link for interested applicants.
The facts: The post advertising supposed job opportunities with DepEd is fake. A closer look at the application link shows that it redirects to a blog site, not the official DepEd website.
In a phone call with Rappler on January 11, a representative of the DepEd central office’s public assistance unit denied the claim, saying that each DepEd division office directly manages the hiring of its teachers and personnel.
“Ang announcement po kasi ng [job openings] natin is per division. Kanya-kanyang hiring po kasi ‘yan kung may open,” the representative said.
(The announcement of [job openings] is [done] per division [office]. It’s up to each division to hire personnel if there is a vacancy.)
Vacancies in the DepEd central office can be found here. Job opportunities in other DepEd division offices are posted on their respective social media accounts.
DepEd also said that announcements are only posted on its official website and social media pages, and that information posted by third-party accounts is not reliable.
Fact-checked: Rappler has published multiple fact checks on fake hiring posts supposedly from government offices:
Similarly, claims on fake application links for scholarships, financial aid, and raffles have been debunked too. These fake links typically require users to provide personal information, putting them at risk of phishing or having their sensitive details stolen. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)
Official accounts: For official updates on DepEd programs and services, refer to its official website, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. – Trisha Nabor/Rappler.com
Trisha Nabor is a Rappler Intern. She is a fourth year Journalism student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa Manila.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to #FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through our Viber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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Robi Domingo addresses viral Kathryn Bernardo, Donny Pangilinan video during his wedding
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jreyes0314
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12/01/2024 15:25
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'NO ISSUES, PLEASE.' Robi Domingo addresses the speculations surrounding a viral video of Donny Pangilinan and Kathryn Bernardo taken at his wedding.
MANILA, Philippines – Robi Domingo has come forward to address the speculations on the circulating video of Donny Pangilinan and Kathryn Bernardo taken during his wedding reception.
On January 8, an X user posted a video where Donny Pangilinan is seen assisting Kathryn Bernardo while she danced during Domingo’s wedding reception.
“Hi [Donny Pangilinan], ganito ka pala ‘pag interested ka sa babae (apparently this is how you are when you’re interested in a woman),” they captioned the video.
hi @donnypangilinan ganto ka pala pag interested ka sa babae 🤭#DonnyPangilinan #DONBELLEmpire #DonBelle pic.twitter.com/BL3aDuGAIC
Fans were quick to dismiss the issue and defend Pangilinan, but other netizens speculated on his intentions with Bernardo.
Domingo posted a reply to the now-viral video on January 10, stating that they are all just friends.
Just for the record: we're all friends here. We've got each other's backs. No issues, please. 🫰🏻Also, being the groomsmen, @donny and @Espanto2001 helped us out in taking care of all of the guests. ❤️ https://t.co/76iiNqoDua
“Just for the record: we’re all friends here. We’ve got each other’s backs. No issues, please. Also, being the groomsmen, [Donny] and [Darren Espanto] helped us out in taking care of all of the guests,” Domingo wrote.
TV5 Entertainment reporter MJ Marfori later asked Pangilinan to share his stance on the issue. Pangilinan said that they were all just friends having a great time at Domingo’s wedding.
Pangilinan currently plays Bingo in the series Can’t Buy Me Love. He is also headlining GG The Movie, dubbed the first Esports film in the Philippines. It is set to premiere on January 24.
A post shared by Donny Pangilinan (@donny)
Domingo tied the knot with Maiqui Pineda on January 6. Numerous celebrities were in attendance, including Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Enchong Dee, Bianca Gonzalez, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Piolo Pascual, Daniel Padilla, and Erik Santos, among others. – Rappler.com
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Miles Ocampo opens up on breakup with Elijah Canlas
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jreyes0314
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12/01/2024 18:46
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NEW BEGINNINGS. Miles Ocampo opens up on her breakup with Elijah Canlas and what it was like to undergo thyroid surgery.
Miles Ocampo's Instagram
MANILA, Philippines – Miles Ocampo has opened up on her breakup with Elijah Canlas two months after it was publicized.
In a YouTube vlog by Karen Davila uploaded on Thursday, January 11, the actress said that she and Canlas have chosen to leave their issues in 2023.
“Of course, sa isang relationship naman, hindi lang naman isang tao. You [both] have to make it work. So syempre, may mag pagkukulang, but I’m happy na naiwan ‘yung lahat ng issues na ‘yun sa 2023,” she said.
(Of course, in a relationship, it isn’t just one person. You both have to make it work. So, of course, there were some shortcomings, but I’m happy we left all those issues in 2023.)
The two have started talking to each other again as friends and kicked off the new year on good terms.
“Syempre hindi rin naman biro ‘yung mga pinagdaanan namin. ‘Yung mga bagay na kaming dalawa lang ang makakaalam at makakasagot sa isa’t isa, so might as well be friends for now,” Ocampo added.
(Of course, the memories we shared together were serious. There are stuff that only the two of us know and can answer, so might as well be friends for now.)
The Batang Quiapo star also shared that Canlas was her true love, her “first boyfriend,” and her “first everything.”
Davila and Ocampo filmed the vlog at Gener Café in Quezon City, which the latter said was introduced to her by Canlas.
The actress also talked about her career thus far, and her surprise at her recent Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) victory.
Ocampo mentioned that she had only attended the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal in December 2023 as a presenter, so her nomination and her eventual win as Best Supporting Actress in A Family of Two came as a complete surprise.
Ocampo also opened up on her papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis. She admitted that she would get easily exhausted while filming for Batang Quiapo. Following her success from the teleserye, the actress had numerous other guestings lined up – all of which she had to cancel to undergo immediate surgery.
“Nalaman ko lang na cancer siya (I only found out it was cancer) after the operation,” the 26-year-old actress shared.
She also had to undergo oral radiation to kill off the remaining cancer cells. Now, however, she is cancer-free.
“I’m cancer-free. But ‘yun na nga, maintenance for life. ‘Yung meds ko, habang buhay na siya (I have to take my meds for life),” she said.
Ocampo and Canlas first publicized their relationship in May 2022. Canlas later revealed in an interview with Ogie Diaz that they had already been together a year before announcing their relationship.
In November 2023, Canlas revealed in an interview with News5 that he and Ocampo had called it quits months ago but have still remained friends.
Ocampo is a 26-year-old actress known for hosting Eat Bulaga!, as well as her role as the young Marites in Batang Quiapo. She recently headlined the 2023 film Missed Connections alongside Chie Filomeno and Kelvin Miranda.
Meanwhile, Canlas stars as Archie Aguerro in the television series Senior High. Just recently, he played Paciano Rizal in the 49th MMFF’s Second Best Picture GomBurZa. – Rappler.com
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‘Our culture is not yours to modify’: Muslim community calls out Sinulog performance in Cebu
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jsitchon0312
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13/01/2024 15:29
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MISREPRESENTATION. The festival queen of the Cebu Technological University Dance Troupe (center) can be seen holding the image of the Child Jesus while dressed in traditional Muslim garments.
Screenshot from Sinulog Foundation Inc. Livestream
CEBU, Philippines – Members of the Muslim community and netizens called out a Sinulog dance performance in Cebu that allegedly misrepresented the culture and religion of the Moro people.
The issue went viral after social media page Ka Fiesta TV posted a video of the performance from the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated’s livestream of the Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines 2024 launching parade on Friday, January 12.
In the video, the performers of the Cebu Technological University (CTU) can be seen wearing traditional Moro garments, representing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“As a Muslim, you are showcasing our Muslim [culture] but not in the right way,” Dr. Ijodin Saripada Mamacol, executive director of the Cebu City Office of the Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), told Rappler on Saturday, January 13.
Mamacol said that members of the Muslim community were offended by the performance and condemned the use of their culture in such a way. The OMAICC head also questioned if the choreographers and organizers consulted the Muslim community before pushing through with the performance.
Mamacol said he plans to meet with the CTU group’s choreographers and the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated to fund out why the incident happened in the first place.
In the comments section of the Ka Fiesta TV post, netizen Ayeeka-Fardah Saripada pointed out that the “Kagapir” dance which the performers seemingly attempted to replicate was wrong and that in all ethnic dances from any tribe in BARMM, men are not supposed to touch women.
“Cebu Technological University, do some research. Our culture is not yours to modify,” Saripada said.
Concerned netizen Jewil Anne Tabiolo told Rappler that she was disheartened to see the lack of foresight that went into the performance.
“The devotion to Santo Niño is an integral part of Cebu’s identity, just as the cultural heritage of our Muslim brothers and sisters belongs uniquely to them…[the performers] could’ve done better without inadvertently causing discomfort or disrespect,” Tabiolo said.
CTU issued a public apology on the incident on Saturday morning, January 13.
“We, the Cebu Technological University (CTU) community, write to express our deepest and most sincere apologies for any offense or disrespect caused by our Sinulog dance presentation during the Sinulog Festival Launching organized by the Sinulog Foundation Inc.,” CTU said.
The university clarified that they did not mean to offend the Muslim community and that inclusivity and understanding are the institution’s core values.
“We are committed to learning from this experience and taking steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. We will be conducting a thorough internal review of our performance practices to identify areas where we can improve our understanding and respect for diverse cultural and religious backgrounds,” CTU said.
The university added that they are eager to engage in open dialogue with the Muslim community and earn back their trust and collaboration in the future.
Rappler has reached out to Elmer “Jojo” Labella, the executive director of Sinulog Foundation, for a comment on the issue but has yet to receive any reply. This story will be updated once he responds. – Rappler.com
Wenilyn Sabalo is an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow for 2023-2024.
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Tamayo, Filipinos show who’s boss in Japan B. League All-Stars
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Jasmine Payo
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13/01/2024 15:32
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BIG GAME. Ryukyuu2019s Carl Tamayo in action in the Japan B. League.
JAPAN B. LEAGUE
OKINAWA, Japan – For the second year in a row, Filipinos in the Japan B. League converged to play in a single game. And yet again, they showed their mastery of basketball in the region.
After all, these standouts were plucked from Manila to showcase their skills and help improve Japanese hoops.
The Filipinos showed who’s boss as the Asia All-Stars fended off the Rising Stars, 127-115, in the Japan B. League All-Star Weekend on Saturday, January 13, at the Okinawa Arena.
“Of course, we were so happy because we finished this one day that we Filipinos [here] have been waiting for…to come together and play and be teammates,” first-time All-Star RJ Abarrientos said after the game.
“We hope to see more of this [in the future].”
Fellow All-Star newbie Carl Tamayo of Ryukyu, showered with adulation by the hometown crowd, was the star of the show after firing 18 points and hauling 2 rebounds.
He also personally fended off the last-gasp Japanese comeback bid, nailing a triple with 31.4 seconds to play to make it 125-115, and a dunk to define the final score.
“I think my teammates gave me the chance to make those shots since it was my home court and I made them, and I’m happy for it,” said Tamayo.
“I just wanted to make shots and show the home crowd that I could score to make them happy too,” he continued.
Trailing by as many as 21 points in the third, the Rising Stars crept to within three, after Kai King caught fire in the payoff period.
His barrage of threes were enough to keep the game within striking distance, but the Asia All-Stars were as prepared to clap back with long bombs of their own.
King, albeit in a losing effort, led the way for the Japanese with 30 points, all of which came from a scintillating 10-of-17 clip from downtown.
Being an exhibition game, the game was not devoid of quirks and funny moments as coach Anthony McHenry decided to field in an all-guard lineup in the second quarter, and an all-big lineup to start the second half.
For the Asia All-Stars, Liu Chuanxing followed Tamayo with 15 points, while Abarrientos, who is playing in his first season in Japan, dished out 10 assists.
On the other hand, Hiroya Kawasanada contributed 21 markers for the Rising Stars.
Asia All Stars 127 – Tamayo 18, Liu C. 15, Lee D. 11, Sotto 9, Slaughter 9, Lee S. 8, Wright 8, Adams 8, Parks 7, Ramos 6, Ravena K. 6, Ravena T. 5, Abarrientos 5, Yang 4, Jang 3, Wang 3, Liu J. 2.
Rising Stars 115 – King 30, Kawasada 21, Sadohara 14, Inoue 9, Kakuda 9, Sea 7, Okada 6, Ueda 4, Lio 4, Hachimura 4, Aratani 3, Yamaguchi 2, Yukawa 2, Watanabe 0.
Quarters: 29-26, 59-47, 94-75, 127-115.
— Rappler.com
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Dwight Howard a headache? Not at all, says coach Tiu
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Jasmine Payo
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13/01/2024 17:59
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MAIN MAN. Dwight Howard goes for a shot during practice with Strong Group.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS
MANILA, Philippines – While some warned him that Dwight Howard would likely cause him headaches, Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu said it has been all good with the former NBA superstar.
Along with Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center Andray Blatche, Howard has provided quality leadership, Tiu said, as the team gears up for the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship on January 19 to 28.
“They’re a big plus to our team and really a big weight off my shoulder,” said Tiu.
“You know, when we talk to Dwight, when we signed him, a lot of people were saying, ‘he’s gonna give you so many problems,’ but he hasn’t given us any problem.”
In his near two-decade stint in the NBA, Howard had reportedly caused management and coaching headaches for some of his teams.
But Tiu has seen none of that from the eight-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
“He’s been really supportive of what we’ve been doing,” said Tiu.
Howard saw action with the the Taoyuan Leopards in the T1 League in Taiwan last year. But he surprisingly joined Strong Group through Blatche, even quipping that he got on board the team just to eat in the Filipino fast food chain Jollibee.
Recently, Howard also met with Filipino sports icon Manny Pacquiao, playfully challenging the boxing superstar to a three-point contest.
With Howard and Blatche at the helm, along with former Oklahoma City defensive ace Andre Roberson, Strong Group stands as one of the favorites in the tournament featuring top Middle Eastern teams.
“I like the team so far, what we’ve been seeing we have a great group of guys, nobody complains, you know, even Dwight, he listens to everything we’ve asked,” said Tiu.
Other notable players include Mackenzie Moore, Justine Baltazar, UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, and JD Cagulangan, providing a mixture of veteran and young players.
Last year’s team, fielding a different lineup, got ousted in the quarterfinals as Ange Kouame, the centerpiece of the roster, fell ill.
“Modesty aside, we definitely want to win the championship right now,” said Tiu. – Rappler.com
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Ancajas gears up for title fight with Inoue in Japan
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Jasmine Payo
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11/01/2024 16:15
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BACK IN FORM. Jerwin Ancajas celebrates as the Filipino fighter returns to his winning ways.
SHOWTIME BOXING
MANILA, Philippines –Jerwin Ancajas didn’t mind waiting for Takuma Inoue’s injury to fully heal in seeking his second world crown in as many divisions. His patience will be rewarded as their battle for Inoue’s World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight belt pushes through on February 24 at the Kokugikan Arena in Ryogoku, Tokyo.
The 12-round bout was supposed to be held last November 25, but the champion’s camp asked for the postponement after Takuma, the younger brother of four-division world champion Naoya Inoue, sustained a left rib fracture during sparring.
Now, Takuma is ready to tangle with Ancajas, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight titlist who finally decided to move up in weight following back-to-back unanimous decision losses to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez.
Ancajas returned to the ring as a super bantam on June 24, 2023, and showed he’s back in prime form with a fifth-round knockout of Colombian Wilner Soto.
As a result, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions head Sean Gibbons was able to work out a title-duel deal between Ancajas and Takuma Inoue.
After a 10-month stay in the United States, Ancajas and his longtime trainer/manager Joven Jimenez were able to return to the Philippines on December 5 and continue their training at Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite.
Jimenez said Ancajas is in high spirits and working hard to reach optimal form before they depart for Japan on February 17.
“Our preparation is going well,” said Jimenez in Filipino. “Jerwin has been sparring with national boxers and right now, he’s already at 134 pounds.”
Ancajas holds a 34-win, 3-loss-2 draw record with 23 knockouts while Inoue totes an 18-1 card with 4 knockouts. – Rappler.com
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Miles Ocampo opens up on breakup with Elijah Canlas
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jreyes0314
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12/01/2024 18:46
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NEW BEGINNINGS. Miles Ocampo opens up on her breakup with Elijah Canlas and what it was like to undergo thyroid surgery.
Miles Ocampo's Instagram
MANILA, Philippines – Miles Ocampo has opened up on her breakup with Elijah Canlas two months after it was publicized.
In a YouTube vlog by Karen Davila uploaded on Thursday, January 11, the actress said that she and Canlas have chosen to leave their issues in 2023.
“Of course, sa isang relationship naman, hindi lang naman isang tao. You [both] have to make it work. So syempre, may mag pagkukulang, but I’m happy na naiwan ‘yung lahat ng issues na ‘yun sa 2023,” she said.
(Of course, in a relationship, it isn’t just one person. You both have to make it work. So, of course, there were some shortcomings, but I’m happy we left all those issues in 2023.)
The two have started talking to each other again as friends and kicked off the new year on good terms.
“Syempre hindi rin naman biro ‘yung mga pinagdaanan namin. ‘Yung mga bagay na kaming dalawa lang ang makakaalam at makakasagot sa isa’t isa, so might as well be friends for now,” Ocampo added.
(Of course, the memories we shared together were serious. There are stuff that only the two of us know and can answer, so might as well be friends for now.)
The Batang Quiapo star also shared that Canlas was her true love, her “first boyfriend,” and her “first everything.”
Davila and Ocampo filmed the vlog at Gener Café in Quezon City, which the latter said was introduced to her by Canlas.
The actress also talked about her career thus far, and her surprise at her recent Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) victory.
Ocampo mentioned that she had only attended the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal in December 2023 as a presenter, so her nomination and her eventual win as Best Supporting Actress in A Family of Two came as a complete surprise.
Ocampo also opened up on her papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis. She admitted that she would get easily exhausted while filming for Batang Quiapo. Following her success from the teleserye, the actress had numerous other guestings lined up – all of which she had to cancel to undergo immediate surgery.
“Nalaman ko lang na cancer siya (I only found out it was cancer) after the operation,” the 26-year-old actress shared.
She also had to undergo oral radiation to kill off the remaining cancer cells. Now, however, she is cancer-free.
“I’m cancer-free. But ‘yun na nga, maintenance for life. ‘Yung meds ko, habang buhay na siya (I have to take my meds for life),” she said.
Ocampo and Canlas first publicized their relationship in May 2022. Canlas later revealed in an interview with Ogie Diaz that they had already been together a year before announcing their relationship.
In November 2023, Canlas revealed in an interview with News5 that he and Ocampo had called it quits months ago but have still remained friends.
Ocampo is a 26-year-old actress known for hosting Eat Bulaga!, as well as her role as the young Marites in Batang Quiapo. She recently headlined the 2023 film Missed Connections alongside Chie Filomeno and Kelvin Miranda.
Meanwhile, Canlas stars as Archie Aguerro in the television series Senior High. Just recently, he played Paciano Rizal in the 49th MMFF’s Second Best Picture GomBurZa. – Rappler.com
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Rising sports power Strong Group joins PVL, takes over embattled Gerflor
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jisaga0269
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13/01/2024 14:58
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POWERHOUSE. Strong Group Athletics-supported players Pia Ildefonso (left) for volleyball and Dwight Howard for basketball
PVL Images, Strong Group Athletics
MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group Athletics continues to make its name known across the Philippine sports scene, as it officially made its mark as the Premier Volleyball League’s newest team, taking over the embattled Gerflor Defenders on Saturday, January 13.
This is the second big move of the Frank Lao-owned organization to start 2024, shortly after making international headlines for convincing former NBA superstar Dwight Howard to join its basketball team in the upcoming 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Strong Group, however, is not making its first foray into professional volleyball as it already supports the upstart Farm Fresh Foxies – a team filled with high-potential talent like Trisha Tubu, Louie Romero, Kate Santiago, and Pia Ildefonso. In a statement, the rising sports entity labeled Farm Fresh as a “sister team.”
At the collegiate level, Strong Group also boosts reigning NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, and retooling programs Letran, UE, and UP.
“Putting up a second team in the Premier Volleyball League is a no-brainer for us. The PVL has been a consistent source of entertainment for fans of all ages, and we are excited to contribute to the league in whatever way we can,” Lao said in a statement.
“Having a second team will lead to more opportunities for Filipino volleyball players and coaches. We believe in the potential of our athletes, and by providing additional platforms for them to showcase their talents, we are contributing to the growth of volleyball in the country.”
With its massive coffers on full display to start the year, Strong Group is expected to provide stability to a growing PVL hassled last year by Gerflor’s delinquent salary issues.
Strong Group’s second entry makes it five new teams in the PVL alongside Farm Fresh, Galeries Tower, Akari, and its own sister team NxLed. – Rappler.com
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As Jokowi nears end of term, Mary Jane Veloso ages in detention
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Michelle Abad
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13/01/2024 20:23
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MOTHER'S APPEAL. Celia Veloso, Mary Jane Veloso's mother, participates in a picket at the Mendiola Peace Arch to hand over a letter of appeal and demand justice for the release of Mary Jane to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on January 10, 2024.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – On Mary Jane Veloso’s 39th birthday, the president of the country she’s been on death row for over a decade was visiting her home country.
Veloso, a Filipino who once sought work in Indonesia, has aged in detention in Yogyakarta. In her mid-20s, the new mother to small children flew to Indonesia in 2010 carrying a suitcase, given to her by her recruiters, that was discovered to have heroin in it. She was arrested and sentenced to death months later for drug smuggling.
Now in the last year of her 30s, Veloso’s sons have become taller than her.
When Indonesian President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, visited Malacañang on Wednesday, January 10, Veloso’s family was in Mendiola, a stone’s throw from the presidential palace, pleading anew for her freedom.
“Iyan na po ibigay ninyong regalo sa kaniyang kaarawan ngayon – ang kaniyang kalayaan (It’s the gift you can give her on her birthday – her freedom),” said Veloso’s mother Celia in a letter to Jokowi.
With Indonesia holding national elections in February, Jokowi’s term is set to end in October. This is Jokowi’s second consecutive term; Indonesia’s constitution prevents him from running for a third.
It was Jokowi’s decision to delay Veloso’s execution in 2015 following the surrender of her recruiters to Philippine police. But with the legal proceedings against her recruiters still ongoing, and an appeal for clemency in limbo, Mary Jane faces the risk of a prolonged wait for an uncertain fate.
Veloso’s case began during the term of former Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, but it was Jokowi who dealt with its developments since he began his first term as president in 2014.
In 2015, the late Philippine president Benigno Aquino III broke diplomatic protocol when he spoke to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to request to turn Veloso into a state witness.
Jokowi put Veloso’s execution on hold to allow her to give testimony in a complaint filed against her recruiters in the Philippines, then-Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario had said.
Almost nine years later, Veloso has not been able to give this testimony to a Philippine court. Through the years, the Philippine and Indonesian governments have worked out the conditions of taking her depositions against her alleged traffickers, Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao.
The latest update from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as of Wednesday was that the legal interrogatories required by the Regional Trial Court handling her case had been sent to Mary Jane for her to answer.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed hope that the progression of the case of Ms. Veloso will merit her clemency at the appropriate time. The Philippine government will continuously exhaust all efforts to assist Ms. Veloso and her family,” said DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in September 2022 urged the Indonesian government to grant executive clemency to Mary Jane.
But overseas Filipino workers’ rights group Migrante International said that this was “nothing new.”
“The Philippine authorities should now demonstrate a more decisive political will to lock in with their Indonesian counterparts on the specific parameters of taking her deposition as soon as possible,” said Migrante in a statement on Thursday, January 11.
“It is disheartening for the Marcos Jr. administration to still rely solely on a lengthy and laborious process that has been obstructed by legal maneuvers over time when it can already do something politically and seek immediate solution through the independent track of clemency,” the group added.
“‘Pag mawala ako at wala [pa rin] si Mary Jane, paano ‘yung dalawa niyang anak (When I’m gone and Mary Jane still isn’t around, what will happen to her two sons)?” Celia said at the picket on Wednesday.
“Sana palayain na po nila dahil matagal na po nagdusa ‘yung anak ko na walang kasalanan (I hope they set her free because my innocent daughter has already suffered for a long time).”
Veloso’s eldest, Mark Daniel, is now 21 years old. He lamented not being able to focus on his studies due to the absence of his mother growing up.
“Nabarkada po…. Maling daan po ‘yung pinuntahan ko. Kasi mahirap po ‘yung walang gumagabay eh (I just loitered around with friends…. I ended up on the wrong path. It’s hard to grow up without a parent guiding you),” Mark Daniel told reporters on Wednesday.
Veloso’s parents and sons were able to visit her in Indonesia twice in 2023 – in June, and for Christmas.
“Pinipilit po niya akong mag-aral ngayon. Humabol daw po ako sa school,” said Mark Daniel. (She’s pressing me to study now. I should catch up, she said.)
Celia said the family noticed that Veloso had lost a lot of weight when they visited in December. For Mark Daniel, it signaled to him that his mother was losing hope, especially as some of her friends in detention had already gained their freedom.
“Masakit po na makita siyang ganoon. Pero palagi po niyang sinasabi sa ‘kin dasal lang po, tapos marami tumutulong sa kaniya. Makakauwi po siya. Palagi po niyang sinasabi ‘yun. Tumawag lang tayo sa taas, matutulungan po tayo,” he said.
(It pains me to see her like that. But she always tells me to keep praying and remember that many people are helping her. She will come home. She always says that. Just pray and we will get help.)
Bilateral talks on energy and security were the highlights of Jokowi’s three-day visit. Migrante expressed disappointment in what they saw was a lacking effort to progress Veloso’s case and also stressed the need for the Philippine government to solve the case in the larger context of addressing human trafficking in Southeast Asia.
“President Marcos should give importance to Mary Jane’s case for the victims of human trafficking, in the context of the need to fight and stop human traffickers and illegal recruiters, and protect victims. They should discuss Mary Jane’s case in the context of fighting human trafficking in the Southeast Asian region,” Migrante International chairperson Joanna Concepcion said in Filipino.
In April 2023, Jokowi granted clemency to Merri Utami, another migrant worker who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling. After being on death row for over 20 years, Utami’s sentence was lowered to life imprisonment. Utami said she was tricked by her boyfriend to bring drugs into the country, according to a Jakarta Post story.
Advocates hope the same can be done before Jokowi leaves office.
“We don’t know who will take Jokowi’s place. How will they deal with Mary Jane’s case, given that Indonesia remains strict about its laws on drug smuggling? That’s why it’s urgent for our President to keep pushing for the humanitarian appeal for clemency,” said Concepcion. – Rappler.com
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Founder of pro-Robredo group denies positioning for Naga’s mayoral race
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Herbie G
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13/01/2024 15:42
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CHIT CHAT. Kusog Bikolandia founder Noel De Luna (center) exchanges pleasantries with Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda (right) and other local politicians during a party in Legazpi City in late December.
Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler
ALBAY, Philippines – The founder of the Bikoleni Movement and Kusog Bikolandia party, which supported the 2022 presidential bid of former vice president Leni Robredo, has denied positioning for the 2025 mayoral race against Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion.
Businessman Noel De Luna said this as talk spread about his emergence as a potential candidate in Robredo’s home city after the former vice president sent him a message during his birthday party at Pepperland Hotel in Legazpi City on December 28.
Robredo thanked De Luna for his support for her presidential campaign and his contribution in unifying local politicians in Camarines Sur through the Bikoleni Movement despite their political differences.
“Ini an bagong brand of politics that we are pushing (This is the brand of new politics that we are pushing),” Robredo said in a video recording played during the event.
The 55-year-old De Luna was also acknowledged by Robredo for supporting her late husband Jesse, a former Naga mayor who served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) until he died in a plane crash during the administration of the late president Benigno Aquino III.
Despite his support for Robredo in 2022, however, De Luna joined the congressional race in the 3rd district of Camarines Sur that same year under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakulang Samahan, a group associated with former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, who graced De Luna’s birthday celebration along with several other local politicians, said he saw Robredo’s statements as a subtle political endorsement.
“Former Vice President Leni Robredo seemingly endorsed our philanthropist friend, Noel De Luna, to run in Naga but it would be better if he joined politics in Albay,” Salceda said.
De Luna, however, said he has no interest in becoming a candidate for a political position in Naga against Legacion, another politician who supported Robredo’s presidential bid.
De Luna said he was too busy with his business ventures to challenge Legacion, whose candidacy he also supported in 2022.
He subsequently wrote a letter to Robredo, a part of which read, “I am writing to dispel rumors about my interest in entering Naga City’s political sphere. I wish to convey that at this moment, my attention and commitments are focused on other equally important aspects of my life exploring my potential in other fields of endeavors, no longer in line with local politics.”
De Luna added, “My various international business ventures demand considerable attention and deep commitments and require substantial focus on their nurturing and great expansion. However, in-depth and numerous discussions with members of my family resulted in the conclusion to forgo any political plans that I may have at this time.”
He, however, said he was committed to remain active in notable programs in Naga, which are dedicated to public service, transparency, accountability, and good governance.
De Luna, a former radio broadcaster and owner of Bicol Bloc Magazine, founded the Kusog Bikolandia in 2018 as a “new breed of political party.” – Rappler.com
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Are signatures for charter change being collected in your area?
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Kaycee
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13/01/2024 14:20
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Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his closing remarks as he wraps up the plenary debates for the 2024 budget, at the House of Representatives on September 28, 2023.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers have turned to the public for support in their latest bid to amend the supreme law of the land.
But the movement to get the people’s initiative running has been marred by allegations of bribery and corruption.
Lawmakers also quietly added P12 billion to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) budget for plebiscites this year. The poll body said only two electoral exercises are on the calendar for 2024 and admitted that the added funds can be used for charter change-related activities.
In several provinces, the call for signatories to the petition to amend the Constitution have been ongoing since the first few days of January. Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares said they noted that some of the efforts began as early as the holidays, with some reportedly distributing aid while collecting signatures.
Kabataan Partylist has collected reports that the movement has been brought down to the barangay-level, allegedly involving even the barangay kagawad, which Rappler obtained. In a statement, the partylist said organizers of the people’s initiative campaign have listed Monday, January 15, as the deadline for collecting signatures.
“This movement is apparently nationwide as congressmen belonging to various political parties have been sent the necessary forms,” said Liberal Party president Edcel Lagman, Albay’s 1st District Representative.
For the People’s Initiative to succeed, signatures of at least 3% of registered voters of every congressional district should be collected. It should also account for 12% of the country’s registered voters, or nearly 8 million signatures based on August 2022 numbers.
Here are some areas where the petition has reportedly already started:
A resident of Barangay Taglatawan in Bayugan City reported to Kabataan Partylist that their purok president or someone who leads their area supposedly “obtained a mandate from the barangay” to do a house-to-house campaign for the petition for charter change.
“It’s evident that the petition lacks clarity regarding its purpose,” the resident said.
Mayors and local officials were allegedly given instructions to collect signatories for the petition in a January 5 meeting, Lagman said. The lawmaker also bared that funds for a P100 bribe per registered voter were supposedly distributed during the meeting, but the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Albay Chapter already denied this.
“We pledged to help gather as much signatures in support of charter amendments, especially after learning from experts how the Constitution’s restrictive provisions hampered our progress as a nation,” said LMP-Albay chapter president Adrian Salceda, who is also mayor of Polangui.
Kabataan Partylist has collected several reports that the signature campaign has reached Bulacan. One report noted that it was the barangay councilor who supposedly sent out orders to collect signatures, but no one clearly explained what the petition was for.
“Ang sinasabi lang galing Comelec (They just said it’s from Comelec),” a resident from Dakila in Malolos said. “I did not [sign] the petition pero marami na silang napapirma dito sa barangay namin (but they already gathered a lot of signatures in our barangay).”
Kabataan also cited a Bulacan resident who said those who collected their signatures said it was from the Office of the Congressman, leading the public to think it was for aid. “Para daw po mapabilis ang talaan ng serbisyo sa aming lugar (They said this is to hasten the documentation of services in our area).”
The People’s Initiative has reached Davao and PBA Partylist Representative Margarita Nograles was named as the one heading the petition in the region, according to Davao 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte. Meanwhile, 3rd District Representative Isidro Ungab said there have been many reports that point to the partylist’s leaders and organizers as “the ones behind the signature campaign.”
Nograles has yet to directly address these allegations.
Ungab said those who signed the petition forms are reportedly given stubs worth around P2,000 to P3,000.
Meanwhile, Duterte warned his constituents that the people’s initiative is “the voice of a few who wanted to perpetuate themselves in power.”
“Do not sell your soul for a mere P100 to P10,000 in exchange for your signature,” Duterte said.
A Northern Samar resident from UEP Zone 2 in Catarman told Kabataan that the one allegedly collecting signatures is the barangay healthcare worker.
“Ang paliwanag nila about sa form ay para daw po masali sa TUPAD ang family members na ilalagay dun, kaya naman ‘yung mom ko nagtiwala agad sa kanila and di na talaga inaral ‘yung mga nakasulat sa form (They explained that the form is so that our family members who will sign it can benefit from TUPAD, so my mom who knows them already trusted them and did not really think much about the form),” the resident said.
TUPAD is one of the programs of the Department of Labor and Employment that provides aid and other opportunities for workers who were displaced because of the pandemic.
In Palawan, 3rd District Representative Jose Alvarez admitted that he is leading the signature campaign, and has expressed confidence that his district has surpassed the 3% threshold.
“We are ready to file this [with the election officer]. Only 3% is needed, but I urged 20% of the voting population to sign,” he told Rappler.
“I met with [local] leaders, gave them the [papers]. Then they asked their sub-leaders to explain to the community. People won’t sign if you don’t explain it to them,” Alvarez added.
In Sorsogon, the Save Gubat Bay Movement (SGBM), a local chapter of fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA, said those in the coastal areas were allegedly being forced to sign the petition for charter change via people’s initiative. In one incident in Cota na Daco town, PAMALAKAYA noted that three government officials along with a lawyer from the provincial government were making the rounds.
“Pinapapirma ang mga mangingisda na hindi man lang ipinaliliwanag kung bakit o ano ang dahilan o ano ang mga dapat baguhin sa Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas at ano ang magiging kapakinabangan nito,” SGBM said.
(Fisherfolk were being forced to sign the petition without even explaining why or what should be amended in the country’s Constitution and how these changes will be benefit them.)
Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel confirmed to Rappler that in his district, the signature campaign has begun.
He insisted, however, that nongovernmental organizations are the ones doing the heavy lifting.
“We consulted with the NGOs, they supported it, but they’re the ones moving. We told them that Congress wants to amend the Constitution to open up the economic provisions, but the movement must come from the people itself, whether they want to amend it or not,” said Pimentel, who headed the PDP-Laban contingent in the House until he resigned from the party in November.
He said the goal is to get 15% of registered voters in his district to sign, five times higher than the 3% threshold.
“The nongovernment groups should submit the signatures between January 14 to 16,” Pimentel said, but claimed that the House had no definite timetable.
An alleged timetable leaked by Kabataan Partylist claimed that the lower chamber is eyeing to have the charter change-related plebiscite by June 17 or ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 3rd State of the Nation Address. – Rappler.com
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The People’s “Paid” Signatures will result in the “Paid” People’s Initiative. If successful, the Philippines will have its First-ever “Paid” Constitution. This incident will prove that it is not only Might that makes Right but also Money. Anyway, the phrase “a government by the People” was joked to become “a government ‘buy’ the People. Sadly, this may become a Reality.
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Thousands witness 48th Sinulog de Kabankalan opening salvo
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Mia Gonzalez
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13/01/2024 14:15
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SADSAD. Sea of devotees of Santo Niu00f1o flock to the city public square of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, to join the religious sadsad on January 12, 2024
Reymund Titong
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Around 6,000 people witnessed the opening salvo of the 48th Sinulog de Kabankalan festival at the city public square of Kabankalan City on Friday, January 12.
Captain Joeland Vinson, Kabankalan City deputy chief of police, said the numbers were based on their ground assessment after throngs flocked to the southern city to witness one of the most celebrated festivals in Negros Occidental.
Vinson said that the opening salvo of the festival was generally peaceful and assured all visitors that they were closely monitoring the peace and order situation to ensure the smooth celebration of the 48th edition of the Sinulog festival.
This year’s festival will run for 10 days, leading to the January 21 festivity.
Compared to previous years, there were changes in the schedule of events, including the pyro-musical competition where 10 participating groups from other cities and towns in the country are expected to join, said Kabankalan City tourism officer-designate Randy Siason.
Sinulog de Kabankalan has a counterpart celebration in Cebu City, and their schedules fall almost on the same dates.
“Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano word “Sulog,” which means movement like that of the river current. It is a nod to the dance steps used during rituals devoted to the Señor Santo Niño.
Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda formally opened the start of the 10-day festival, which was followed by a fireworks display. Various competitions and local bands gave a preview of what activities to expect for the entire duration of the festivity.
Celebrities Rayver Cruz, Martin del Rosario, Liezel Lopez, and Jenniffer Maravilla spiced up the opening salvo as they entertained the city’s residents and visitors.
The religious sadsad in Kabankalan is usually held on the opening day of the 10-day festivity at the city public square, just adjacent to the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.
Sadsad is a Visayan term that means “stomping of the feet,” in which devotees dance and pray their intentions along Guanzon Street in the city while carrying images of the Holy Child.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral’s Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) president Bernadette Ayala told Rappler that the tradition has been in existence for centuries. This stemmed from the botched assault of pirates on coastal residents, who believed that it was the Santo Niño who saved them.
Since then, residents held the Sinulog festival to honor the Holy Child. Villages form groups in colorful costumes and paint their bodies black while dancing on the streets, accompanied by drum beats, to thank their patron saint.
As participating groups dance, the community unites in a shared prayer for blessings of the Holy Child, Ayala said.
Ayala also invited the younger generation to delve into the history of the Sinulog in the southern city, as it is what makes the celebration more significant.
The first of the nine-day novena mass was led by Bishop Louie Galbines on Friday, leading to the feast of Santo Niño on January 21. A fluvial parade and procession of the image of the Holy Child will be held on that day, Ayala said.
One of the most anticipated events is the Sinulog street dance and arena competition, where 10 groups are expected to compete on January 21. Millions of pesos worth of prizes await the winners of this year’s Sinulog festival, Kabankalan city public information head Jake Gonzales told local reporters. – Rappler.com
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DMW, AMLC team up to help victims of illegal recruiters
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Michelle Abad
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13/01/2024 12:11
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AGREEMENT. Anti-Money Laundering Council executive director Matthew David and Department of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge Hans Cacdac sign an agreement to step up efforts against illegal recruitment on January 11, 2024.
Department of Migrant Workers
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) are jointly working on “new mechanisms” to help Filipino workers seeking jobs abroad get their money back from illegal recruiters and scammers.
The DMW and AMLC on Thursday, January 11, signed a memorandum of agreement seeking to ramp up efforts to fight illegal recruitment and human trafficking. In a press briefing on Friday, January 12, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia noted how the AMLC’s capability to freeze accounts of people involved in money laundering would particularly safeguard OFWs’ hard-earned money.
“One of the major challenges faced by AMLC [and] the DMW…is how to restore the amounts of money illegally collected by these illegal recruiters. So this is what we came up with – because AMLC has freeze-order capacities, they can [request] to freeze…track, and forfeit the accounts,” Olalia said in a mix of English and Filipino.
In the DMW, the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau will take charge of the new collaboration with the AMLC.
“Sila lang ‘yung may mandate na kung saan puwede nilang ma-recover ‘yung mga amounts na nakolekta nila, for example, sa ating mga OFWs, no? At ang pinaka-importante nito, maibalik natin, ma-restore natin ‘yung mga pera na siningil ng mga illegal recruiters na ito,” said Olalia.
(They are the only ones with the mandate that would allow them to recover the amounts collected by recruiters, for example, from our OFWs. And the most important part is that we restore the money the illegal recruiters collected.)
Olalia added that in the present handling of illegal recruitment at the DMW, the department cannot track deposits when the money goes out of the Philippines, or when money is transferred through e-wallets like GCash.
He said that the AMLC has “connections” to be able to track these.
Aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) dealing with illegal recruiters often pay up to hundreds of thousands of pesos in processing and placement fees. Some are even deployed through tourist visas, but find that the work promised to them does not exist.
Lisa, not her real name, is a part of a group of Filipinos who sought work in South Korea as seasonal farm workers. The “agent” they spoke to online collected around around P20,000 to P60,000 from the group in 2023. But they were never deployed, and have not been able to recover their money.
Lisa said that the new partnership was a welcome development.
“Mas maganda po para sa aming mga biktima na ini-implement po nila ‘yun (The implementation of these measures is welcome for victims like us),” she said in a phone interview with Rappler on Saturday, January 13.
The group of at least seven Filipinos from various provinces are being sheltered by OFW rights group Migrante International in Manila as they seek redress for their case.
The group has filed a case with the DMW, but they have not gotten any guarantee that they will get their money back from their illegal recruiter. They said the department offered them some financial assistance for the meantime, but for them to even avail this, they needed to submit requirements that they left in their provinces.
Lisa said the multiple requirements to avail of assistance was a big inconvenience for the group, who currently have no income and no way to provide for their families.
Together with Migrante, the group is working on securing funds to return home and retrieve the requirements.
“Sana isa kami sa matulungan [ng agreement] (I hope we will be among those who will receive assistance from the agreement),” Lisa said. – Rappler.com
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Bacolod gets ready for Bacolaodiat Festival
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Herbie G
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13/01/2024 8:00
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STREET DANCE. Young performers in colorful costumes dance on a street in Bacolod during the Bacolaodiat Festival in 2023.
courtesy of Bacolaodiat Incorporated
BACOLOD, Philippines – The Bacolaodiat Festival will make its grand return in Bacolod City next month.
Organizers said the 19th Bacolaodiat Festival, heralding the Year of the Wood Dragon, would focus on the enduring and harmonious bond between the Chinese community and Negrenses throughout the years.
The festival derives its name from the root word “Baco” for Bacolod and “Lao Diat,” Fookien for celebration.
Chinese immigrants who had worked as sugar workers to assist Filipino laborers in producing muscovado sugar began to settle in Negros dates back to 1900.
Since then, Chinese and Filipinos have forged strong alliances in a variety of settings, including the formation of joint ventures in the province.
The Bacolaodiat Festival will light up the streets of Lacson in Bacolod, and the North Capitol Road on February 9-11.
The organizing group, Bacolaodiat Incorporated, said the festival will not only showcase the wood dragon as a lucky Chinese zodiac animal but will also emphasize the harmonious relationship between the Tsinoy (Chinese-Filipino) community and the Negrenses.
Bacolaodiat Festival Chairman John Stephen Sy expressed his optimism about staging larger-scale events during the event compared to previous years, citing the robust partnership with the city government and the local Chinese community.
The organizer has also officially unveiled the official festival logo, soundtrack, and anticipated competitions during the weekly press briefing of Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez on Monday, January 8.
This year’s Bacolaodiat Festival logo features a roaring dragon, the zodiac animal of the year. It also depicts power and strength, embodying the auspicious energy associated with the legendary creature.
“Clutching a gleaming coin in its formidable claws, the dragon symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, inviting abundance into the upcoming year,” read a statement from the organizers.
The city government has committed a P5-million fund to support all the three-day festival events.
The Bacolaodiat Imperial Village, which will showcase different collections of arts and crafts, is expected to be a major festival attraction, including the Chopsticks Alley, where Chinese cooking demonstrations, and food will be set up.
Six groups are also expected to join the annual Lantern and Street Dance competition and the Lunar Music Festival, where revelers can enjoy and immerse themselves.
“In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is believed to be the luckiest, and the Year of the Dragon is predicted to bring luck, wealth, and power,” Sy said. – Rappler.com
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Farm Fresh overhauls roster, signs Jolina dela Cruz, Caitlin Viray, 7 others
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jisaga0269
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13/01/2024 22:25
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FRESH FACES. Former F2 open spiker Jolina dela Cruz and Choco Mucho opposite hitter Caitlin Viray in the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference
PVL Images
MANILA, Philippines – Farm Fresh finally made noise in the star-studded 2024 PVL free agent frenzy, signing former F2 star rookie Jolina dela Cruz and former Choco Mucho opposite hitter Caitlin Viray amid a massive nine-player coup to replenish its roster on Saturday, January 13.
Joining the talented duo is a healthy mix of veterans like middle blocker Elaine Kasilag and setter Anj Legacion, and intriguing prospect hitters like Ypril Tapia and Janel Delerio.
Completing the Foxies’ new signings are middle blocker Jaycel delos Reyes, libero Julia Angeles, and winger Chinnie Arroyo.
The nine new players, particularly Dela Cruz and Viray, are set to boost a promising young core led by super scorer Trisha Tubu, captain setter Louie Romero, powerful hitter Kate Santiago, and fast-rising blocker Pia Ildefonso.
Farm Fresh – backed by new PVL team Strong Group Athletics – found plenty of room to sign nearly an entire team’s worth of players as most of its roster was made up of College of St. Benilde prospects, who must now focus on the upcoming NCAA Season 99 women’s volleyball tournament.
The Foxies are looking to improve on a lackluster 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference campaign, where they finished 10th out of 12 teams with a 2-9 record. – Rappler.com
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Ginebra secures twice-to-beat Comm’s Cup slot, escapes NLEX in Albay thriller
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jisaga0269
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13/01/2024 21:47
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CLUTCH. Ginebra import Tony Bishop attempts a layup over the NLEX defense in the 2024 PBA Commissioner's Cup
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra took its “never say die” attitude to the jam-packed Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi, Albay, forging a 103-99 escape of the NLEX Road Warriors to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs on Saturday, January 13.
Digging back out of an 11-point hole, 68-79, midway through the third quarter, the Gin Kings started the payoff period capping a 12-3 run off a Nards Pinto triple to get back within a single possession, 80-82, at the 11:10 mark.
From there, both squads engaged in a nip-and-tuck showdown as Ginebra entered clutch time clinging to a 98-97 lead after an Anthony Semerad triple for NLEX with 1:42 to play.
Import Tony Bishop, however, gave the crowd favorite Gin Kings a crucial 4-point cushion after isolating and draining a contested three with 1:07 left in regulation, eventually finishing with a game-high 27 points on 12-of-16 shooting.
Ginebra then played the clock game to its favor as NLEX only managed a Deandre Williams-Baldwin dunk at the 11-second mark to get within two, 99-101, before veteran Stanley Pringle set the final score off free throws from a duty foul with 5 ticks left.
Christian Standhardinger and Jamie Malonzo backstopped Bishop with 18 and 16 points, respectively, as Pringle scored 13.
With the win, Ginebra finishes with an 8-3 record in a three-way tie at third place. San Miguel claims the third seed due to a superior quotient and at the same time pushes inferior Meralco out of the twice-to-beat race.
NLEX, at 4-7, now hopes TNT (4-6) loses its last game against Phoenix (8-2) on Sunday, January 14, so it regains its chance at a quarterfinals spot through the eighth-seed playoff.
In the losing effort, Williams-Baldwin tied Bishop with a game-high 27 points, albeit on just an 11-of-28 clip, while star recruit Robert Bolick made up for a 1-of-8 shooting night with a near triple-double of 10 points on 8-of-9 free throws, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Ginebra 103 – Bishop 27, Standhardinger 18, Malonzo 16, Ahanmisi 13, Pringle 13, J.Aguilar 6, Thompson 4, Pinto 3, Pessumal 3, Tenorio 0.
NLEX 99 – Williams-Baldwin 27, Valdez 17, Nermal 15, Semerad 14, Anthony 12, Bolick 8, Rodger 4, Miranda 0.
Quarters: 31-23, 53-54, 77-82, 103-99.
– Rappler.com
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Cruz-Dumont expects UE Warriors to make noise next UAAP season
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Jasmine Payo
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13/01/2024 20:21
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FRESH TALENT. UE guard Jack Cruz-Dumont in UAAP menu2019s basketball action.
UAAP
MANILA, Philippines – Even after University of the East fell short of a UAAP men’s basketball Final Four spot once again, Jack Cruz-Dumont thinks the Red Warriors are primed to make noise in Season 87.
The Filipino-Canadian guard said there’s better understanding among the players, now that the Warriors kept most of their core.
“[Talent] helped us to be able to compete with some of the teams, but this year coming up, the experience, the chemistry of playing with each other [will be better] since we’ll be returning,” Cruz-Dumont told Rappler during an online interview.
“I think that’s gonna get us over the hump and take this team to the next level,” added Cruz-Dumont, a PUMA Philippines Hoops Squad member along with teammate Gjerard Wilson, UP’s Malick Diouf and Chicco Briones, NU’s Jolo Manansala and Patrick Yu, and FEU’s Xyrus Torres and Jorick Bautista.
Cruz-Dumont, who has one more year of eligibility left with UE, will be joined this year by his brother Hunter, a 6-foot-5 swingman who can play for four years.
During Cruz-Dumont’s first UAAP campaign, UE finished sixth with a 4-10 record.
In his debut season, he poured averages of 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Cruz-Dumont said he’s proud of the culture that the team is trying to build for the next few years.
“We emphasize hard work, putting the team first and playing a high energy style of basketball – we’re returning, most of the guys,” said Cruz-Dumont.
“We’re building a great team chemistry and environment. I think that the culture is something that, I think, any player would want to be a part of.” — Rappler.com
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Cruz-Dumont expects UE Warriors to make noise next UAAP season
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Jasmine Payo
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13/01/2024 20:21
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FRESH TALENT. UE guard Jack Cruz-Dumont in UAAP menu2019s basketball action.
UAAP
MANILA, Philippines – Even after University of the East fell short of a UAAP men’s basketball Final Four spot once again, Jack Cruz-Dumont thinks the Red Warriors are primed to make noise in Season 87.
The Filipino-Canadian guard said there’s better understanding among the players, now that the Warriors kept most of their core.
“[Talent] helped us to be able to compete with some of the teams, but this year coming up, the experience, the chemistry of playing with each other [will be better] since we’ll be returning,” Cruz-Dumont told Rappler during an online interview.
“I think that’s gonna get us over the hump and take this team to the next level,” added Cruz-Dumont, a PUMA Philippines Hoops Squad member along with teammate Gjerard Wilson, UP’s Malick Diouf and Chicco Briones, NU’s Jolo Manansala and Patrick Yu, and FEU’s Xyrus Torres and Jorick Bautista.
Cruz-Dumont, who has one more year of eligibility left with UE, will be joined this year by his brother Hunter, a 6-foot-5 swingman who can play for four years.
During Cruz-Dumont’s first UAAP campaign, UE finished sixth with a 4-10 record.
In his debut season, he poured averages of 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Cruz-Dumont said he’s proud of the culture that the team is trying to build for the next few years.
“We emphasize hard work, putting the team first and playing a high energy style of basketball – we’re returning, most of the guys,” said Cruz-Dumont.
“We’re building a great team chemistry and environment. I think that the culture is something that, I think, any player would want to be a part of.” — Rappler.com
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Rappler Recap: Traslacion 2024 and a heated discussion in the Rappler chat app
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Nina Liu
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09/01/2024 23:32
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MANILA, Philippines – Devotion or fanaticism?
Rappler followers, chatting on our new Rappler Community app, discussed this perennial question in live chat sessions on Tuesday, January 9.
Rappler’s Paterno Esmaquel, field reporter for Traslacion 2024, gives a recap of this heated discussion on our new chat app.
In front of the iconic Quiapo Church, he also talks about three changes in the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Watch the recap here. – video by Franz Lopez/Rappler.com
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Tamayo, Filipinos show who’s boss in Japan B. League All-Stars
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Jasmine Payo
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13/01/2024 15:32
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BIG GAME. Ryukyuu2019s Carl Tamayo in action in the Japan B. League.
JAPAN B. LEAGUE
OKINAWA, Japan – For the second year in a row, Filipinos in the Japan B. League converged to play in a single game. And yet again, they showed their mastery of basketball in the region.
After all, these standouts were plucked from Manila to showcase their skills and help improve Japanese hoops.
The Filipinos showed who’s boss as the Asia All-Stars fended off the Rising Stars, 127-115, in the Japan B. League All-Star Weekend on Saturday, January 13, at the Okinawa Arena.
“Of course, we were so happy because we finished this one day that we Filipinos [here] have been waiting for…to come together and play and be teammates,” first-time All-Star RJ Abarrientos said after the game.
“We hope to see more of this [in the future].”
Fellow All-Star newbie Carl Tamayo of Ryukyu, showered with adulation by the hometown crowd, was the star of the show after firing 18 points and hauling 2 rebounds.
He also personally fended off the last-gasp Japanese comeback bid, nailing a triple with 31.4 seconds to play to make it 125-115, and a dunk to define the final score.
“I think my teammates gave me the chance to make those shots since it was my home court and I made them, and I’m happy for it,” said Tamayo.
“I just wanted to make shots and show the home crowd that I could score to make them happy too,” he continued.
Trailing by as many as 21 points in the third, the Rising Stars crept to within three, after Kai King caught fire in the payoff period.
His barrage of threes were enough to keep the game within striking distance, but the Asia All-Stars were as prepared to clap back with long bombs of their own.
King, albeit in a losing effort, led the way for the Japanese with 30 points, all of which came from a scintillating 10-of-17 clip from downtown.
Being an exhibition game, the game was not devoid of quirks and funny moments as coach Anthony McHenry decided to field in an all-guard lineup in the second quarter, and an all-big lineup to start the second half.
For the Asia All-Stars, Liu Chuanxing followed Tamayo with 15 points, while Abarrientos, who is playing in his first season in Japan, dished out 10 assists.
On the other hand, Hiroya Kawasanada contributed 21 markers for the Rising Stars.
Asia All Stars 127 – Tamayo 18, Liu C. 15, Lee D. 11, Sotto 9, Slaughter 9, Lee S. 8, Wright 8, Adams 8, Parks 7, Ramos 6, Ravena K. 6, Ravena T. 5, Abarrientos 5, Yang 4, Jang 3, Wang 3, Liu J. 2.
Rising Stars 115 – King 30, Kawasada 21, Sadohara 14, Inoue 9, Kakuda 9, Sea 7, Okada 6, Ueda 4, Lio 4, Hachimura 4, Aratani 3, Yamaguchi 2, Yukawa 2, Watanabe 0.
Quarters: 29-26, 59-47, 94-75, 127-115.
— Rappler.com
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Thousands witness 48th Sinulog de Kabankalan opening salvo
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Mia Gonzalez
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13/01/2024 14:15
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SADSAD. Sea of devotees of Santo Niu00f1o flock to the city public square of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, to join the religious sadsad on January 12, 2024
Reymund Titong
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Around 6,000 people witnessed the opening salvo of the 48th Sinulog de Kabankalan festival at the city public square of Kabankalan City on Friday, January 12.
Captain Joeland Vinson, Kabankalan City deputy chief of police, said the numbers were based on their ground assessment after throngs flocked to the southern city to witness one of the most celebrated festivals in Negros Occidental.
Vinson said that the opening salvo of the festival was generally peaceful and assured all visitors that they were closely monitoring the peace and order situation to ensure the smooth celebration of the 48th edition of the Sinulog festival.
This year’s festival will run for 10 days, leading to the January 21 festivity.
Compared to previous years, there were changes in the schedule of events, including the pyro-musical competition where 10 participating groups from other cities and towns in the country are expected to join, said Kabankalan City tourism officer-designate Randy Siason.
Sinulog de Kabankalan has a counterpart celebration in Cebu City, and their schedules fall almost on the same dates.
“Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano word “Sulog,” which means movement like that of the river current. It is a nod to the dance steps used during rituals devoted to the Señor Santo Niño.
Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda formally opened the start of the 10-day festival, which was followed by a fireworks display. Various competitions and local bands gave a preview of what activities to expect for the entire duration of the festivity.
Celebrities Rayver Cruz, Martin del Rosario, Liezel Lopez, and Jenniffer Maravilla spiced up the opening salvo as they entertained the city’s residents and visitors.
The religious sadsad in Kabankalan is usually held on the opening day of the 10-day festivity at the city public square, just adjacent to the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.
Sadsad is a Visayan term that means “stomping of the feet,” in which devotees dance and pray their intentions along Guanzon Street in the city while carrying images of the Holy Child.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral’s Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) president Bernadette Ayala told Rappler that the tradition has been in existence for centuries. This stemmed from the botched assault of pirates on coastal residents, who believed that it was the Santo Niño who saved them.
Since then, residents held the Sinulog festival to honor the Holy Child. Villages form groups in colorful costumes and paint their bodies black while dancing on the streets, accompanied by drum beats, to thank their patron saint.
As participating groups dance, the community unites in a shared prayer for blessings of the Holy Child, Ayala said.
Ayala also invited the younger generation to delve into the history of the Sinulog in the southern city, as it is what makes the celebration more significant.
The first of the nine-day novena mass was led by Bishop Louie Galbines on Friday, leading to the feast of Santo Niño on January 21. A fluvial parade and procession of the image of the Holy Child will be held on that day, Ayala said.
One of the most anticipated events is the Sinulog street dance and arena competition, where 10 groups are expected to compete on January 21. Millions of pesos worth of prizes await the winners of this year’s Sinulog festival, Kabankalan city public information head Jake Gonzales told local reporters. – Rappler.com
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Former UP captain CJ Cansino boosts Iloilo in MPBL
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delfin.dioquino editor
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12/01/2024 16:11
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CAPTAIN. CJ Cansino in action for the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament.
UAAP
MANILA, Philippines – Former UP star CJ Cansino will begin his professional career in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as he signed with the Iloilo United Royals.
Iloilo announced the addition of the Fighting Maroons captain on Friday, January 12, as it gears up for the next MPBL season.
Cansino brings with him a wealth of experience after playing in the UAAP finals for four consecutive seasons with UP and the UST Growling Tigers.
He helped the Growling Tigers reach the Season 82 title series and saw action in the last three finals after transferring to UP, winning a historic championship with the Fighting Maroons in Season 84 in 2022.
Regarded one of the best shooters in college, Cansino ended his final season with averages of 10.9 points on a 36% clip from three-point land with 3.1 rebounds as UP fell short of the Season 86 crown against La Salle.
Cansino joins an Iloilo side that hopes to do better this year after an early playoff exit last season.
The Royals reached the MPBL playoffs as the No. 8 team in the South Division, but they got the boot from eventual finalist Bacoor City Strikers, 2-1, in their best-of-three series. – Rappler.com
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Dwight Howard challenges Manny Pacquiao to 3-point contest in meeting
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delfin.dioquino editor
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12/01/2024 13:03
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STARS. Manny Pacquiao (left) with Dwight Howard.
Manny Pacquiao Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines – Pacman meets Superman.
Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao met Dwight Howard as he hosted the former NBA star and members of the Strong Group Athletics at his Makati City home on Thursday, January 11.
In town to bolster the Strong Group crew that will see action in the Dubai International Basketball Championship this month, Howard played chess with Pacquiao and managed to get his shoe signed by the boxing legend.
The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Star – nicknamed “Superman” during his NBA prime – even challenged Pacquiao to a three-point contest.
“Who y’all got? Me and Manny in a three-point [contest]. Y’all think he can beat me?” Howard said in a video posted on Instagram.
Although not known for his long-range game, Howard joined the three-point contest during the All-Star festivities of the T1 League in Taiwan, where he saw action for the Taoyuan Leopards last year.
Pacquiao, of course, is no stranger to basketball after playing briefly in the PBA.
“After Dubai, I’m coming back here and I’m going against you. The real Thrilla in Manila,” added Howard, referencing the historic 1975 heavyweight title fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum.
Howard also joked that he will tap Pacquiao as his trainer for a potential bout with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
“I finally found a trainer to prepare me for this Jake Paul fight,” Howard wrote on X.
Aside from Howard, Pacquiao linked up with other Strong Group reinforcements Andray Blatche, Andre Roberson, and McKenzie Moore, and coaches Charles Tiu and Brian Goorjian.
Strong Group seeks to rule the Dubai tilt scheduled from January 19 to 28 after a quarterfinal exit last year. – Rappler.com
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Siargao’s famous Sugba Lagoon closed for month-long breather
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Herbie G
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13/01/2024 9:29
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DIVE. A tourist dives into the Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Ivy Marie Mangadlao/Rappler
BUTUAN, Philippines – Siargao’s gem, Sugba Lagoon, took a break from tourists as it closed for a month to undergo rehabilitation on Wednesday, January 10.
Known for its clear turquoise waters surrounded by limestone formations and lush vegetation, the lagoon is a natural cove nestled on the island community of Barangay Caub in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.
The yearly closure is based on a local ordinance “declaring 32 days (of) annual tourist holiday and proscribing entrance and other leisure activities within the Sugba lagoon at Barangay Caub every January 10 to February 10 of every year for the repair and maintenance of the tourism facilities and environmental recovery and rehabilitation.”
The annual closure began in 2016 when the local government started rehabilitating the lagoon which suffered from the impact of unregulated tourism.
Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro II compared the one-month closure to a vacation for Sugba Lagoon as he stressed the importance of preserving it.
“If people need rest to recover and be more productive, so does nature. Sugba Lagoon needs to rest to give time for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government unit to review its operations and compliance to ensure we retain its beauty and charm that have attracted thousands of tourists around the world,” Coro said.
The local government reminded tourists that only Sugba Lagoon is closed during this period, and other destinations such as Mangrove Forest, Kawhagan Island, and Pamomoan Island remain open.
Sugba Lagoon is accessible through a 20- to 30-minute boat ride from the town’s port, passing through a vast expanse of mangroves to reach the destination.
The famous lagoon is the highlight in community-based ecotourism tours of Del Carmen under the “Siargao It Up!” Mangrove Management and Social Tourism Program.
In 2018, the program won the Galing Pook Award which recognizes innovation and excellence in local governance under the joint initiative of the Local Government Academy-Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Ford Foundation, and other advocates of good governance from the academe, civil society, and the government.
“The program paved the way for the development of the community-based mangrove tours that provided alternative livelihood to 248 beneficiaries, who are either illegal mangrove cutters and fisherfolk and those affected by commercial fishing,” Galing Pook stated.
According to the Department of Tourism-Caraga, Siargao recorded a total of 234,973 tourist arrivals during the first two quarters of 2023 alone. – Rappler.com
Ivy Marie Mangadlao is an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow.
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[Newspoint] A corrective course in history
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Mia Gonzalez
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13/01/2024 11:00
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David Castuciano
The movie GomBurZa could not have come at a more opportune time.
Done in just the right form and medium, although set more than 150 years ago, it fills a crying need for patriotic inspiration and some understanding of why we remain a ways off our nationalistic and democratic aspirations. Its makers deserve our thanks not only for their timing, but also for being able to package thematic history in two hours without being unfaithful to it or shortchanging the audiences – for leaving out those distracting details school learners are made to memorize and tested for, before they are sent off with passing marks, although lost still in the forest of history, having missed it for the trees.
Indeed, GomBurZa is just the corrective course you need. It resets your sense of history. If you’re sensitive enough and openminded enough as a learner, you will realize that our history is a fateful run of events of our own making; that our past has prompted or influenced or even defined our present, and that our present, once it has itself passed, will do the same to our future; you will detect pivotal points in our nation’s life, and will begin to suspect, only sensibly, that what we are today, where we are today, has to do with the turns we took at those points, if we decided at all to make a turn and not simply stay in place and leave everything to chance. And then, you will also begin to suspect that all histories, all nations’ histories, could only have proceeded in the same way.
The martyrdom, in 1872, of Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and Jacinto Zamora – the first syllables of their surnames were put together, again, as a memory aid, and I do find it quite fetching and useful myself – was precisely one such pivotal point in our history. Those three priests had been campaigning for the secularization, effectively the nationalization, of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, but were indicted for the cardinal crime of mutiny as a rationalization for their execution, Inquisition-fashion, by garrote. In any case, their martyrdom set the stage for the revolution that was to liberate us decisively from Spain – although only to deliver ourselves into the arms of another and even trickier colonialist, but that’s another movie.
Anyway, to continue with the one now showing: It also ties the three priests to our foremost hero, Jose Rizal. He is shown witnessing their execution and suffering the same fate 24 years later, in his case by firing squad. Whether his cinematic portrayal is true to history – a 10-year-old taken along to the garroting by his older bother, Paciano, as it happened a student of Father Burgos’ – is now a point of dispute, which I prefer to leave alone; Rizal’s spiritual connection to those three priests is good enough for me.
I’m similarly uninterested in the dispute over The Cry of Pugad Lawin, which signaled the start of the Philippine Revolution. The cry had gone out in the same year as Rizal’s execution, 1896, preceding it by four months, but its causal connection to Gomburza has never been at issue. That Pugad Lawin climaxed a series of local, regional, and otherwise limited uprisings provoked by the priests’ martyrdom has been established as historical fact. But still, again out of misplaced meticulousness, where and when exactly that signal cry was raised continues to be debated, insistently.
I myself have to confess, though, to a feeling, as I came out of the theater, of wanting more, but it’s not the movie’s fault; it is my own. It’s a feeling that comes from the impatience and sense of regret typical among old men who still haven’t got their special wishes this late in the day and now wonder whether they themselves failed to do their part and are, therefore, undeserving.
But the movie GomBurZa raises in me a new hope and, with it, a more plausible wish. Its makers could be challenged to follow the thread of history two centuries forward into contemporary times and to mount more GomBurZas.
Spared the truth about ourselves, we are deprived of its liberating power. Thus, we continue to suffer subjugation under plundering neocolonialists and their local surrogates, collaborationists, and sundry agents. And knowing all that only too well themselves, those subjugators and plunderers deploy every Information Age weapon at their disposal to falsify history.
That, apart from miseducation, is what we’re now up against. – Rappler.com
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Thanks to writer Vergel Santos for another inspiring article, which is, this time, based on the Gomburza Movie. Surprisingly, President Marcos Jr.’s Disinformation Machinery could not immediately field a counter-movie, perhaps with the title: “Zaburgom.” So, now, does President Marcos Jr. miss his former adviser for Creative Communications?
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Occidental Mindoro officials decry high power rates, seek new suppliers
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Herbie G
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12/01/2024 16:13
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POWER SUPPLY. Linemen of Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative during a feeder reconfiguration operation in August 2023.
OMECO IEC Facebook page
OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, Philippines – After the National Electrification Administration (NEA) boasted about resolving the power crisis in Occidental Mindoro, residents are now complaining about the high power rates.
On Christmas Eve, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda highlighted the agency’s “resolution” of the power supply problems faced by some electric cooperatives in the country as its major accomplishment in 2023.
This includes power supply issues faced by Benguet, Maguindanao, and Occidental Mindoro provinces. In April 2023, the power supply in Occidental Mindoro was stabilized after a period of 20-hour daily blackouts.
Almeda noted in his report to the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Incorporated (Philreca) the improved electricity situation in Occidental Mindoro following the power supply crisis.
“The NEA worked with Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative Inc. (OMECO) and its electricity provider, the Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corporation (OMCPC), to expedite key energy generation projects in the area to secure much-needed power supply,” read part of a NEA statement.
However, Occidental Mindoro Vice Governor Anecita Diana Tayag told Rappler that he did not think the power crisis had been resolved given the high power rates still affecting consumers in the province.
“Naniniwala ako, hindi pa natin nareresolba ang krisis sa kuryente. Patuloy pa po tayong naaapi. Itong napakamahal, nagtaas na presyo ng ating kuryente, isang malaking kaapihan ito. Hindi po affordable ang kuryente natin at kailangan pong maresolba ‘yun,” said Tayag.
(I believe that we still have not resolved the power crisis. We are still being oppressed. These costly electricity bills are huge oppression. Our electricity is not affordable and that should be resolved.)
Tayag said the province cannot rely on government subsidies, and they have to find power suppliers to bring the electricity prices down to affordable levels.
The province is currently suffering a power rate crisis which may last until April or May, Engr. Celso Garcia, OMECO general manager, told the Occidental Mindoro provincial board on Tuesday, January 9.
This is after the OMCPC failed to fulfill its promise to finish the construction of its agrivoltaic farm by December 31, 2023. The solar plant project is one of the three power plants bundled together for the power supply agreement (PSA) with OMECO.
Engineer Antonio Castronuevo of OMCPC said the power plant is 90% finished and set to be tested on Monday, January 15.
However, even if the joint application for the PSA is submitted after completing the plant, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will still require 75 days to process the application, unless the NEA urges the commission to expedite the process.
The delayed construction of the plant led to the ERC vetoing OMCPC’s provisional authority to operate. The provider subsequently entered into an Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA).
Under the EPSA, no government subsidy is granted, including the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME) subsidy that the province enjoys.
With a residential power rate reaching a staggering P20.4910 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in December, OMECO now holds the record for the highest electricity bills among all distribution utilities in the country.
Compared to Meralco’s P11.2584 per kWh December rate for typical households, electricity rates in Occidental Mindoro are around 50% costlier.
Based on ERC’s new implementing guidelines for procurement, execution, and evaluation of PSAs, a full PSA market share of a distribution utility is prohibited. Distribution utilities will be limited to source 50% of power supply contracts of its total demands.
In Occidental Mindoro, all of its three power supply contracts are distributed only by OMECO.
Tayag said the situation of Occidental Mindoro prompted the commission to implement such rules as OMCPC, being the lone power provider of the province, has caused difficulties in their electricity conditions.
“Dahil sa mga shortcomings, lapses ng supplier, [at] hindi siya nagko-comply, taumbayan ho ang nahihirapan. Hindi dapat na mangyayari yun,” said Tayag in reference to OMCPC.
“Kapag iisa ang power provider, kapag hindi siya nakakakolekta ng subsidiya niya, bigla niyang papatayin ang kuryente. Wala tayong [ibang] mabilhan. May pambili tayo, pero wala kang mabilhan ng kuryente,” she added.
(Due to the supplier’s shortcomings, lapses, and non-compliance, consumers are the ones suffering. This shouldn’t be the case. If the sole power provider cannot collect its subsidies, it may cease electricity supply, leaving us with no alternative. Although we have the funds, there is nowhere to purchase electricity.)
Unlike Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro obtains its power supply from six bilateral contracts with independent power producers (IPPs).
The Occidental Mindoro provincial board has urged OMECO to expedite not only the submission of its documents for the joint application but also accelerate their competitive selection process (CSP) to allow for at least one additional power provider, aside from OMCPC, to enter and supply electricity to the province.
Meanwhile, OMECO President Eleanor Costibolo said the definition of monopoly in this context should be examined. She argued that distribution utilities, such as OMECO, are “natural” monopolies due to their exclusive franchises in a given area – distinct from the situation of OMCPC, which is the sole power provider for the province. – with reports from John Emil Flores/Rappler.com
Chris Burnet Ramos is an Aries Rufo fellow.
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No local trial for Rodrigo Duterte as QC prosecutors junk grave threat suit
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Jairo Bolledo
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12/01/2024 16:55
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FORMER PRESIDENT. In this file photo, then-president Rodrigo Roa Duterte attends the 'Salamat PRRD' thanksgiving concert at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on June 26, 2022.
Malacanang
MANILA, Philippines – Former president Rodrigo Duterte will not be brought to trial for his first criminal complaint after Quezon City prosecutors moved to junk the suit filed by ACT Teachers Representative France Castro.
In a resolution dated January 9, the Quezon City prosecutors junked the grave threats complaint “for want of sufficient evidence.”
BREAKING. Rodrigo Duterte avoids local trial after the QC prosecutor's office junked the grave threats complaint filed by Rep. France Castro. The prosecutors junked the complaint "for want of sufficient evidence," in a January 9 resolution. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/PixpHZ2Ijg
Duterte’s first criminal complaint was a test case for the country’s prosecution and justice system. It was not only the first criminal complaint filed after Duterte’s immunity wore off when he stepped down from office in June 2022, but it also provided the chance for Duterte to undergo a court trial for red-tagging and grave threats.
On countless occasions, Duterte had red-tagged progressive individuals, including members of the progressive Makabayan like Castro. In October 2023, Castro filed a criminal complaint against the former president.
Duterte, in his television show, had linked the ACT Teachers lawmaker to the communist armed movement. He added that Castro should be targeted to be killed first.
Duterte’s rants stemmed from the House of Representatives’ rejection of providing confidential funds in 2024 to Sara Duterte’s offices: the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The former chief executive was a no-show during two schedules for the complaint’s preliminary investigation. Last December 15, Castro told reporters Duterte subscribed to his counter-affidavit before Davao prosecutors, citing distance. – Rappler.com
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That video footage, “… during his (Duterte’s) television show, had linked the ACT Teachers lawmaker to the communist armed movement. He added that Castro should be targeted to be killed first.” Is that not enough? We should have a copy of the said Resolution. Otherwise, without such a copy, we may believe that those Prosecutors were appointees of former President Duterte. Is there a compromise between the Marcos-Romualdez and Duterte Political Dynasties to get this result?
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Rappler Recap: Why did Marcos replace Diokno with Recto in the DOF?
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Dwight de Leon
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12/01/2024 18:05
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MANILA, Philippines – The big question after the announcement that lawmaker Ralph Recto would be the new secretary of the Department of Finance is: what will happen to Benjamin Diokno?
We provide you a rundown in this Rappler Recap.
In a press conference on Friday, January 12, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that Diokno was really supposed to retire in the middle of 2023, but “we all ganged up on him and asked him to please continue.”
“He felt that it was time for him to return to his natural habitat in the Bangko Sentral, in the Monetary Board,” Marcos then said, adding that he offered Diokno a post in the Maharlika Investment Corporation, but the latter turned it down.
There were incidents last year indicating that Diokno was not fully in the loop with the inner circle of the administration.
He said he was surprised when Marcos suddenly announced a price ceiling on rice. When Marcos’ cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, expressed openness to the idea to suspend fuel excise tax, he said it was bad for the economy.
But if there ever were rumors that underperformance led to Diokno’s exit in the Cabinet, these were quashed by Marcos’ message of gratitude towards the erstwhile finance chief.
“We had to get our policies on to the right track, and he has done a splendid job as secretary,” Marcos said. “Being one of our country’s pillars of economic management, we shall continue to rely on your expertise and exuberance as member of the [BSP] Monetary Board.” – Rappler.com
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‘Perfect gift’ for Marcos? Group claims Cha-Cha plebiscite eyed before July SONA
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Dwight de Leon
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12/01/2024 16:46
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LOWER HOUSE. The House of Representatives opens its second regular session on Monday morning, July 24, 2023.
Dwight de Leon/Rappler
In perhaps the most ambitious charter change project in years, the House leadership appears to be pushing to make official proposed amendments to the Constitution before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
A timetable leaked by Kabataan Partylist claimed that the lower chamber is eyeing to have the charter change-related plebiscite by June 17.
This timetable was confirmed by Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda in a news briefing on January 18. He said this was what he learned directly from the Cha-Cha proponents at the House.
Reporters have sought confirmation from the offices of House Speaker Martin Romualdez and House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, as well as House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, but all of them have yet to respond. We will update this story with their statements once they do.
Before Kabataan released the timetable, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel, in a separate phone call with Rappler, previously hinted at a potential mid-year plebiscite to ratify changes in the 1987 Constitution.
“Remember that it’s already the [candidacy filing for the 2025 elections] in October, so if we cannot have the plebiscite by July, then this charter change push would be over,” said Pimentel, who was PDP-Laban’s representative to party leaders’ meetings with Romualdez until he resigned in November to join the National Unity Party, the second biggest delegation in Congress.
Kabataan expressed concern that charter change proponents would take advantage of the fact that both the Senate and the House are in joint session during the SONA to kickstart the constituent assembly.
“This is a perfect gift not only for Marcos Jr., but also for his foreign patrons from the US and other monopoly capitalists eager to capture our economy and markets through a reversal of nationalist constitutional provisions on patrimony,” Kabataan said.
Even though the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has only two scheduled plebiscites so far this year, less than the six plebiscites in 2023, Congress raised the poll body’s budget for the conduct of such electoral exercises from P2 billion to P14 billion.
The House is pursuing a people’s initiative route to jumpstart a charter change initiative.
Under this method, 3% of voters in every legislative district of the Philippines, and 12% of the national voting population, must sign a petition in favor of an amendment in the 1987 Constitution.
The petitions circulating nationwide seek to amend the Constitution to allow the House and the Senate to vote as one when a motion to form a constituent assembly is called. In that scenario, the House can force the Senate’s hand, as the 24-member Senate is essentially outnumbered by the 300-plus-member House.
Signature campaigns are already underway in numerous provinces, with Pimentel and Palawan 3rd District Representative Jose Alvarez previously confirming to Rappler that advocates in their districts are eyeing to submit to the Comelec the petition with signatures from January 13 to 16.
The timetable leaked by Kabataan on Friday also listed January 15 as the deadline for the filing of the signatures.
These signature campaigns are already marred with controversy, after Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman alleged that voters in his province were being bribed in exchange for their signatures. Ako Bicol Representative Jil Bongalon and Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda had dismissed these claims.
Charter change proponents have insisted that there is a need to amend or revise the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to make the Philippines friendlier to foreign investors.
The country’s most esteemed economists are divided on the issue. Supporters say new laws are not enough to offset the restrictive economic aspects of the charter, while opponents argue that amending the Constitution is not necessary to attract foreign direct investments.
Some critics also fear that a constituent assembly would pave the way not just for economic amendments, but also changes in the terms of government officials, allowing their longer stay in office. – Rappler.com
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No upset as Meralco survives Terrafirma challenge to stay in hunt for playoff bonus
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delfin.dioquino editor
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12/01/2024 22:57
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REBOUND. Shonn Miller in action for the Meralco Bolts in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco avoided the upset ax and turned back Terrafirma, 109-102, to stay in the hunt for a playoff bonus in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, January 12.
Bong Quinto played his best game of the tournament to complement import Shonn Miller as the Bolts ended the elimination round with an 8-3 record to earn a crack at a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Quinto fired a season-high 20 points on top of 9 assists and 5 rebounds, while Miller supplied 29 points, 21 rebounds, and 3 steals, including a bunch of timely buckets down the stretch that allowed Meralco to erase a slim deficit.
The Dyip grabbed 97-94 lead off a triple from rookie Stephen Holt with under eight minutes left before Miller converted back-to-back baskets that gave the Bolts the upper hand.
Miller then scored the last 4 points of a 10-2 blitz that followed a 98-98 deadlock as Meralco stayed in the mix for the last win-once edge.
The Bolts, though, no longer have control over their chances of clinching the playoff incentive as they need Barangay Ginebra (7-3) to lose its final assignment against NLEX in Albay on Saturday.
Cliff Hodge also came up clutch by scattering 9 of 11 points in the fourth quarter to go with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, while Allein Maliksi (15), Chris Newsome (11), and Chris Banchero (10) also scored in twin digits.
Before Miller and Hodge took over late, Quinto carried the scoring cudgels for Meralco as he eclipsed his previous season-high of 13 points in the first half alone, netting 17 points by halftime.
Holt, the top pick in the previous draft, turned in the finest performance of his PBA career with 26 points on a 5-of-9 clip from long range on top of 5 rebounds and 2 assists.
But Terrafirma failed to capitalize and wrapped up its campaign on an eight-game losing streak for a 2-9 record.
Juami Tiongson had 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals in the defeat, while Javi Gomez de Liaño added 15 points.
Meralco 109 – Miller 29, Quinto 20, Maliksi 15, Newsome 11, Hodge 11, Banchero 10, Black 7, Almazan 4, Bates 2, Rios 0, Caram 0, Pascual 0.
Terrafirma 102 – Holt 26, Tiongson 21, Gomez de Liano 15, De Thaey 7, Alolino 7, Sangalang 5, Calvo 5, Ramos 5, Go 3, Olivario 2, Cahilig 2, Mina 2, Camson 2, Miller 0.
Quarters: 30-31, 59-54, 85-87, 109-102.
– Rappler.com
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June Mar Fajardo back as San Miguel forms deadly twin towers for playoffs
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delfin.dioquino editor
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12/01/2024 22:10
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RETURN. June Mar Fajardo in action for the San Miguel Beermen in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – It only gets better for San Miguel when June Mar Fajardo is around.
Fajardo came back from a six-game absence and helped the Beermen secure a twice-to-beat bonus in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs as he played a key role in a 125-117 win over Blackwater on Friday, January 12.
Complementing import Bennie Boatwright, Fajardo came off the bench and turned in all-around numbers of 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists off the bench after recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him for over a month.
The return of seven-time MVP Fajardo hardly affected the production of Boatwright, who followed up his 51-point explosion against Terrafirma nearly a week ago with 44 points on Friday.
“He makes my job easy because he’s such a great passer. When he gets the ball inside, they have to double him or they go zone,” said Boatwright.
“So all I have to do is space out and he’ll find me. He finds everybody. And if they don’t double, he can go one-on-one and that’s tough to stop. He’s a force to be reckoned with.”
The twin towers of Fajardo and Boatwright provide San Miguel a new dimension as opposing teams pick their poison which player between the two they want to contain.
An agile 6-foot-8 forward, Boatwright can do damage inside and out, as evidence by his combined 15-of-30 shooting from beyond the arc in the last two games.
In three games since he replaced original Beermen import Ivan Aska, Boatwright averaged 40.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Fajardo, meanwhile, is arguably the most unstoppable local when it comes to operating down low – both as a scorer and a facilitator.
Before hurting his hand, Fajardo normed 19.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists, and 1 steal in the first four games of the conference.
“My work is easier. It’s a good thing so I don’t get worn out,” said Fajardo.
San Miguel enters the playoffs on a five-game winning streak needing just one victory to advance to the semifinals. – Rappler.com
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Miles Ocampo opens up on breakup with Elijah Canlas
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jreyes0314
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12/01/2024 18:46
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NEW BEGINNINGS. Miles Ocampo opens up on her breakup with Elijah Canlas and what it was like to undergo thyroid surgery.
Miles Ocampo's Instagram
MANILA, Philippines – Miles Ocampo has opened up on her breakup with Elijah Canlas two months after it was publicized.
In a YouTube vlog by Karen Davila uploaded on Thursday, January 11, the actress said that she and Canlas have chosen to leave their issues in 2023.
“Of course, sa isang relationship naman, hindi lang naman isang tao. You [both] have to make it work. So syempre, may mag pagkukulang, but I’m happy na naiwan ‘yung lahat ng issues na ‘yun sa 2023,” she said.
(Of course, in a relationship, it isn’t just one person. You both have to make it work. So, of course, there were some shortcomings, but I’m happy we left all those issues in 2023.)
The two have started talking to each other again as friends and kicked off the new year on good terms.
“Syempre hindi rin naman biro ‘yung mga pinagdaanan namin. ‘Yung mga bagay na kaming dalawa lang ang makakaalam at makakasagot sa isa’t isa, so might as well be friends for now,” Ocampo added.
(Of course, the memories we shared together were serious. There are stuff that only the two of us know and can answer, so might as well be friends for now.)
The Batang Quiapo star also shared that Canlas was her true love, her “first boyfriend,” and her “first everything.”
Davila and Ocampo filmed the vlog at Gener Café in Quezon City, which the latter said was introduced to her by Canlas.
The actress also talked about her career thus far, and her surprise at her recent Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) victory.
Ocampo mentioned that she had only attended the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal in December 2023 as a presenter, so her nomination and her eventual win as Best Supporting Actress in A Family of Two came as a complete surprise.
Ocampo also opened up on her papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis. She admitted that she would get easily exhausted while filming for Batang Quiapo. Following her success from the teleserye, the actress had numerous other guestings lined up – all of which she had to cancel to undergo immediate surgery.
“Nalaman ko lang na cancer siya (I only found out it was cancer) after the operation,” the 26-year-old actress shared.
She also had to undergo oral radiation to kill off the remaining cancer cells. Now, however, she is cancer-free.
“I’m cancer-free. But ‘yun na nga, maintenance for life. ‘Yung meds ko, habang buhay na siya (I have to take my meds for life),” she said.
Ocampo and Canlas first publicized their relationship in May 2022. Canlas later revealed in an interview with Ogie Diaz that they had already been together a year before announcing their relationship.
In November 2023, Canlas revealed in an interview with News5 that he and Ocampo had called it quits months ago but have still remained friends.
Ocampo is a 26-year-old actress known for hosting Eat Bulaga!, as well as her role as the young Marites in Batang Quiapo. She recently headlined the 2023 film Missed Connections alongside Chie Filomeno and Kelvin Miranda.
Meanwhile, Canlas stars as Archie Aguerro in the television series Senior High. Just recently, he played Paciano Rizal in the 49th MMFF’s Second Best Picture GomBurZa. – Rappler.com
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San Miguel claims playoff bonus in Fajardo return, sends Blackwater to 10th straight loss
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delfin.dioquino editor
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12/01/2024 19:15
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ESCAPE. Bennie Boatwright in action for the San Miguel Beermen in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel earned a coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after picking up a 125-117 win over Blackwater at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, January 12.
Import Bennie Boatwright breached the 40-point mark for the second straight game as he fired 44 points on top of 12 rebounds and 5 assists, pushing the Beermen to an 8-3 record at the end of the elimination round.
Coming off a 51-point masterclass against Terrafirma last Sunday, January 7, Boatwright carried the fight for San Miguel early with 26 points in the first half before the locals – including returning star June Mar Fajardo – delivered late.
The Bossing reduced a lead as big as 17 points to a mere whisker, 106-107, before Fajardo scored a layup that sparked a 12-2 run which practically sealed the victory for the Beermen.
Back from a six-game absence brought by a hand injury, Fajardo finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in 33 minutes off the bench, including the short stab that gave San Miguel its biggest lead of the game at 75-58.
CJ Perez scored 15 points, Terrence Romeo posted 14 points and 6 assists, while Jericho Cruz churned out 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in the win that marked the fifth straight for the loaded Beermen.
Don Trollano added 10 points and 5 rebounds for San Miguel, which is peaking at the right time with the playoffs approaching after dealing with several injuries throughout the eliminations.
Puerto Rican import Chris Ortiz engaged Boatwright in a high-scoring duel by erupting for 43 points, but that still went down the drain as Blackwater concluded the tournament on a 10-game skid and finished with a 1-10 card.
The Bossing, who hold the record for the longest losing streak in PBA history with 29 consecutive losses, currently own the longest active skid in the league.
San Miguel 125 – Boatwright 44, Perez 15, Romeo 14, Cruz 12, Fajardo 11, Trollano 10, Tautuaa 8, Ross 6, Teng 5, Lassiter 0.
Blackwater 117 – Ortiz 43, Hill 14, Suerte 13, Amer 12, Kwukuteye 9, Sena 8, DiGregorio 7, Guinto 4, Ilagan 3, Concepcion 2, Jopia 2, Escoto 0.
Quarters: 27-25, 63-51, 98-86, 125-117.
– Rappler.com
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An edible garden grows in BGC
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Iya Gozum
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12/01/2024 17:13
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JUXTAPOSE. The small urban farm in contrast with the tall buildings in Bonifacio Global City.
Iya Gozum/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – In a small corner of 34th and 5th streets in Bonifacio Global City, leafy greens and flowers grow on raised beds made from recycled wood.
The 1,500-square-meter community garden holds a discreet charm in the vicinity of tall buildings and establishments in the former military base in Taguig. Inside are different varieties of lettuce, tomatoes, herbs like mint and tarragon, and some edible flowers.
People living in the area come and go at the BGC Community Garden, usually with a reusable bag where they can put their green haul for the day. Outside the roads are busy, especially during rush hours.
It was a small oasis in the middle of the city.
“When I did it, I thought it was a temporary thing,” Louie Gutierrez, founder of the BGC Community Garden, told Rappler in an interview.
With the world at a standstill during the pandemic, Gutierrez was looking for something to do. He tinkered with the idea of starting a community garden when he saw an empty lot in their village in Makati.
He didn’t know anything about urban farming and gardening back then. The idea became feasible when the owner of the lot lent it for free to him. It came more alive when it also became an opportunity to provide livelihood for his employees during the lockdown.
Gutierrez found an agriculturist whom they could consult online. When the first harvest came, they gave the produce away to the neighbors, maids, and security guards.
That was in 2020. The lean group of 9 farmers, excluding Gutierrez, now forms the non-government organization Urban Farmers PH.
Fast forward to 2022, they’ve been lent the corner lot in BGC – for free – to create another community garden. Gutierrez said that he floated the idea of “creating an edible garden in the middle of the city” during their talks with the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.
Starting the community garden in BGC was a struggle at first. Seedlings would die. But they started growing flowers, added more vegetation to the land.
“We saw the birds were coming, the bees were coming,” he said. “They were pollinating. We had butterflies, you know, so the ecosystem is growing.”
It has since been an exciting three years managing a community garden and a lean team of urban farmers and volunteers. Gutierrez said he has met and engaged more people through the gardens than in his work overseeing a chain of jewelry stores in malls.
Influencing what customers eat and what they think of the food they eat was also satisfying. For one, a visit to the urban farm would demystify the image of a perfect vegetable.
“You always want to choose the most beautiful carrot…or you get the pricier one and then you realize you know how did they come so perfect because it’s chemically enhanced,” said Gutierrez.
In the garden, tomatoes would grow at different sizes. An eggplant could be a little crooked compared to the others. Gutierrez called them natural beauties.
More than appreciation for the food that grows organically in their farm is the newfound respect for farmers.
“It’s not easy,” Gutierrez said when asked about what he learned about agriculture in the past years. “You really learn how to appreciate what farmers do.”
On a Thursday afternoon, Mary Jane Rusiana, whom they call “Farmer Jen” in the garden, toured Rappler inside the garden.
Glassware lined the shelves in the farm store. Besides picking vegetables, customers can also buy soil, pots, and seedlings from the store.
There are hydroponics and aquaponics setups in the middle of the garden. Next to these are huge pots containing cocopeat and vermicast. Seedlings are nurtured in a small greenhouse. Another greenhouse with long tables and several chairs is being rented for small gatherings. A debutante celebrated her 18th birthday in the greenhouse just recently.
Along the path are round pallet wood tables where people can hang out. The materials they’ve been using are mostly recycled and donated. The wood pallets for the raised beds, for example, were from CW Home Depot.
Rusiana had been with the organization for the past year. It’s been largely fulfilling for her, having studied agribusiness back in her home province in Negros Occidental.
“There are other things to learn here on the farm,” said Rusiana in Filipino. “And all the things I learned before were welcomed in the farm.”
But sustaining the urban farms was not exactly a walk in the park. Rusiana, who manages the farm’s sales, admitted they can’t stay afloat just through customers buying vegetables from them.
Other sources of revenue were the farming workshops they conduct with interested companies and the lease from the greenhouse event space.
They continue to manage as the past three years have shown. All farmers get at least a minimum wage. Rusiano said she stays because she gets fulfillment from her job.
“It makes me happy that people get to pick fresh vegetables,” she said.
After providing fresh produce for people in the nearby communities, the next step would be to close the loop.
Right now, the waste from the garden gets delivered to a manual vermicomposting site.
Their “big crazy idea” for 2024 is to collect the food waste from the establishments in BGC, turn this into compost in the site, and then bring it back to the garden to fertilize the soil.
It’s a circular economy in a nutshell. Gutierrez is hopeful that this could be done in BGC since it’s where “the decision-makers are.”
Meanwhile, those who find themselves walking inside the garden for the first time would hopefully leave with more than fresh greens on hand. That the possibility of starting their own garden in an empty lot near their home germinates.
“Do it in their own communities,” said Gutierrez. – Rappler.com
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Diokno posts long list of achievements before stepping down as finance chief
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Ralf Rivas
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12/01/2024 14:09
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FINANCE CHIEF. The Commission on Appointments confirms the ad interim appointment of Benjamin Diokno as secretary of the Department of Finance, November 23, 2022.
Angie de Silva/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Friday, January 12, expressed confidence in his successor, House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto, saying that he is “pleased” to turn over the Department of Finance (DOF) to the lawmaker.
Diokno is going back to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as a Monetary Board member, according to a statement from the Department of Budget and Management. He served as BSP Governor from 2019 to 2022.
Diokno already sits at the Monetary Board, as one seat is allocated for a Cabinet member.
But before returning to the central bank full-time, the DOF enumerated Diokno’s achievements, noting that he is turning over the post with the Philippines “on solid footing.”
“I am proud knowing that I will be leaving my post at a time when the Philippine economy, in general, and the DOF, in particular, are in a better state of affairs than when I inherited them,” Diokno said.
LOOK: Outgoing Finance Secretary @SecBenDiokno will turnover the @DOF_PH on solid footing to the incoming finance chief. READ: https://t.co/GZagNmT1FI pic.twitter.com/hLXvJWDKdn
Here’s a summary of his achievements:
– Rappler.com
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If CESO-eligible government officials cannot be trusted in the highest positions of the government, then it would be better to scrap the CESO program and save some funds by doing so.
A Politician replaced Diokno – is this a part of the Political Patronage system? Secondly, is there no CESO-eligible Assistant Secretary who is available and qualified?
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Former UP captain CJ Cansino boosts Iloilo in MPBL
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delfin.dioquino editor
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12/01/2024 16:11
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CAPTAIN. CJ Cansino in action for the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament.
UAAP
MANILA, Philippines – Former UP star CJ Cansino will begin his professional career in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as he signed with the Iloilo United Royals.
Iloilo announced the addition of the Fighting Maroons captain on Friday, January 12, as it gears up for the next MPBL season.
Cansino brings with him a wealth of experience after playing in the UAAP finals for four consecutive seasons with UP and the UST Growling Tigers.
He helped the Growling Tigers reach the Season 82 title series and saw action in the last three finals after transferring to UP, winning a historic championship with the Fighting Maroons in Season 84 in 2022.
Regarded one of the best shooters in college, Cansino ended his final season with averages of 10.9 points on a 36% clip from three-point land with 3.1 rebounds as UP fell short of the Season 86 crown against La Salle.
Cansino joins an Iloilo side that hopes to do better this year after an early playoff exit last season.
The Royals reached the MPBL playoffs as the No. 8 team in the South Division, but they got the boot from eventual finalist Bacoor City Strikers, 2-1, in their best-of-three series. – Rappler.com
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Ateneo faculty members, students urge vigilance over suspended car park project
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Russell Ku
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12/01/2024 15:44
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MANILA, Philippines – The suspension of the Ateneo de Manila University’s North Carpark renovation project should not lead to complacency, as those opposed to the move urged continued discussions on the issue.
Ateneo faculty members Remmon Barbaza, Tony La Viña, Arjan Aguirre, and Carmel Abao said this to concerned faculty and student members during a “community kuwentuhan” session on Friday, January 12, where they discussed future action points on the controversial project as students return to campus on Monday, January 15.
“Mahalaga ‘yung ating pakikisangkot kasi nakikinig ang administrasyon kasi natigil [ang proyekto]…. Bukas naman sa pag-uusap pero ‘di natin alam kung hanggang saan ‘yung mangyayari,” Barbaza said.
(Our involvement is important as the administration listened – they suspended the project. They are open to dialogue, but we are not sure until where these dialogues would happen.)
Abao said that the suspension of the project can be an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to engage with each other on the issue and find common ground.
“At the end of the day…developing something within the campus, developing our land resources, [is] not a management prerogative. It’s a community decision,” she added.
The North Carpark renovation project aims to increase parking slots from 161 to 217 and promises to provide “better pedestrian access, covered walkways, improved drainage, better traffic flow, and a rest area for drivers.”
More than 1,200 people have signed an open letter calling for the Ateneo administration to stop the project as of Wednesday, January 10. The plan was suspended a day later, on January 11.
Ateneo plans to hold an open forum on January 31 to discuss the project.
“We hope it will be an opportunity for the stakeholders to share their opinions. The administrators will be there to listen to people,” said Leland dela Cruz, Ateneo assistant vice president for social development, environment, and community engagement.
Dela Cruz added that administration officials are willing to listen to possible options and ideas on the project ahead of the January 31 forum.
During the community session, students and faculty cited the university administration’s lack of transparency on the project.
“Unless they disclose where the finances are coming from, it’s our tuition being used to bulldoze those trees,” said SPARK-Katipunan’s Miguel Angelo Basuel.
Here’s the situation at the Ateneo de Manila University North Carpark on Friday, January 12, a day after ADMU president Fr. Roberto Yap suspended the park renovation project. | via @russellchengku RELATED: https://t.co/FUXI49i4Kq pic.twitter.com/V5Az8nNiye
Physics professor Joel Maquiling questioned university administrators on how they came up with the decision to remove 82 trees.
According to an announcement from the Ateneo student government, the Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila, the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability had been consulted by the Office of the Vice President of Administration on the matter.
“If you want to use the invasive trees as an issue or as an excuse for it, it should be backed up by good science…. Who was in the committee that sat to approve the removal of these trees?” Maquiling said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Following the discussion, faculty leaders and student representatives discussed possible action points to sustain their calls to stop the car park renovation project before the January 31 forum.
Interdisciplinary studies associate professor Jean Tan suggested “no car to school days” to gather data on mobility and the use of private vehicles in the Ateneo campus.
The Sanggunian’s School of Social Sciences representative Emmanuel Frodo Uranza said that the student government plans to release surveys to obtain insights of the Ateneo community on the issues, but sought help from the Ateneo community to support concerned organizations by amplifying their efforts.
Organizers agreed to prepare a position paper to be given to university administrators, as well as to wear blue armbands and tie trees around the North Carpark area with blue ribbons in the coming weeks to sustain the conversation on the issue. – Rappler.com
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Dwight Ramos captains Filipino crew in Japan B. League All-Stars
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Jasmine Payo
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12/01/2024 14:49
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CAPTAIN. Dwight Ramos in action for Levanga Hokkaido in the Japan B. League.
Japan B. League
OKINAWA, Japan – Gilas Pilipinas guard Dwight Ramos leads the Asia All-Stars against Japan’s best rising hoopsters in a clash of styles to open the Japan B. League All-Star games slated here on Saturday, January 13.
Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido), who was named team captain of the squad, headlines a team composed of eight Filipino players, as well as seven other Asian imports at 12:15 pm, Manila time at the Okinawa Arena, one of the sites of the 2023 FIBA World Cup group stage games.
B. League Asian import pioneer Thirdy Ravena (San-En NeoPhoenix) and brother Kiefer (Shiga Lakes) are set to see action along with Kai Sotto (Yokohama B-Corsairs), RJ Abarrientos (Shinshu Brave Warriors), and Ray Parks (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins).
Carl Tamayo (Ryukyu Golden Kings), Roosevelt Adams (Yamagata Wyverns), and Greg Slaughter (RZ Fukuoka) complete the Philippine contingent.
Jae-Min Yang (Sendai 89ers), Wejia Wang (Akita Northern Happinets), Daesung Lee (Seahorses Mikawa), Min Kug Chang (Nagasaki Velca), Chun-Ting Liu (Aomori Wats), Shengzhe Li (Fukushima Firebonds), and Chuanking Liu (Altiri Chiba) round out the roster.
Led by Kai Toews (Alvark Tokyo), the Rising Stars look to upset the Asian imports with a lineup that includes Allen Hachimura (Gunma Crane Thunders) and Yuta Okada (Kyoto Hannaryz).
Also playing are Hayato Yamaguchi (Ibaraki Robots), Sota Okura (Chiba Jets), Kai King (Yokohama B-Corsairs), Shunsuke Ueda (Toyama Grouses), Ryo Sadohara (Fighting Eagles Nagoya), and Fumiya Iio (Osaka Evessa).
Complementing the roster are Taiki Sumida (Saga Ballooners), Hirohide Araya (Nagasaki Velca), Hugh Watanabe (Ryukyu Golden Kings), Soichiro Inoue (Koshigaya Alphas), Hayato Wakugawa, and Koya Kawamata (Shiga Lakes).
After the All-Star Game, the side events kick off where Abarrientos vie to best his opponents in the Skills Challenge. There will also be three-point and dunk contests.
On Sunday, the B. League U18 All-Star Game gets going at 10:45 am Manila time, before the main event — the league’s best squaring off during the B. League All-Star Game at 2:15 pm Manila time.
Kicking off the All-Star festivities is a meet-and-greet event with the All-Stars at the Grand Mer Resort Hotel on Friday, January 12, where fans have a chance to interact with their idols. — Rappler.com
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Where to see the original Santo Niño de Cebu
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Herbie G
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12/01/2024 12:17
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BELIEVERS. Thousands of devotees join the 'Walk with Jesus' or the penitential foot procession from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica Minore del Sto Niño, during the first day of the 458th Fiesta Señor celebration in Cebu City on January 5, 2023.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – Devotees, both young and old, from Cebu and various parts of the world, journey to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to pay homage to the image of the Child Jesus in the days leading up to his feast day.
Due to its cultural and religious significance, many devotees aspire to witness the original image of Santo Niño, seeking a direct connection to the historical and revered figure of the Holy Child.
Fortunately, the four-century-old original wooden image of the Holy Child is accessible to the public.
“We try to correct people that the Augustinians are hiding it. The one they visit is the original image, the one people line up for,” said Father Ion Miranda, one of the priests at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
The original image is encased in bulletproof glass inside the Santo Niño Chapel, located on the right side of the altar.
The Santo Niño Chapel, also known as the “Marble Chapel,” is now the permanent home of the original image of the Child Jesus. It was constructed as a manifestation of love and devotion to the Santo Niño. Joaquin Borromeo served as the architect of the chapel, which was constructed using donations from the devotees.
“If you notice when you visit, try to see the floor; there’s a part that’s already deep. It’s marble, but it has deepened because of the devotees venerating the image,” he said.
The Santo Niño, the religious foundation for the Sinulog festivities, was presented as a baptismal gift by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana of Cebu in 1521.
More than 450 years have passed since the custody of the image was entrusted to the Augustinians. However, Miranda said, it was only 40 years ago that the custody was turned over to the Filipino Augustinians. “Meaning, those assigned here at the Basilica are all Filipino. Before, the priests here were Spaniards,” he said.
While the Augustinian priests conclude the Fiesta Señor celebration in the Basilica during the Hubo mass on a Friday, right after the Feast Day, they continue the celebration in other parts of the country and the world.
The Hubo, which means “undress,” involves removing and changing the attire of the replica of the Holy Child from an elaborate one to a simpler one, symbolizing the conclusion of the Fiesta Señor celebration.
Miranda said after the Hubo, the pilgrim image of the Santos Niño will be taken to Singapore for the Filipino Catholic devotees there and, by tradition, to Ozamiz and other parts of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur.
This year, right after the Hubo, the pilgrim image will also be brought to Ormoc and around the Archdiocese of Cebu. – Rappler.com
Wenilyn Sabalo is an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow.
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Kevin Quiambao absorbing lessons from NBA talent
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Jasmine Payo
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11/01/2024 17:24
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STILL GOING. Kevin Quiambao practices with Strong Group for a Dubai tournament.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS
MANILA, Philippines – Barely two months after winning the UAAP Season 86 Most Valuable Player and the men’s basketball championship with La Salle, Kevin Quiambao seeks to level up even further in his play – courtesy of bona fide NBA talent.
From playing with collegiate teammates, Quiambao now has the luxury of learning under eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard, defensive specialist Andre Roberson, and Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Andray Blatche.
“They hold a huge influence over me knowing that I still have a young career, I learn a lot every day, I just take everything I could learn,” Quiambao told Rappler during Strong Group’s practice session in Makati on Wednesday, January 10.
“I just relish the learning process and whatever they say, I just take advantage of it and I will take their advice for my whole career,” he added.
The Strong Group squad will see action on January 19 to 28 in the 2024 Dubai International Basketball Championship, a pocket tournament featuring some of the best teams in the Middle East.
Still with his La Salle mentor coach Topex Robinson – who’s serving as Strong Group’s deputy – the 6-foot-4 Quiambao is slowly adjusting to the rigors of international basketball as a wing.
“As early as December, coach Charles (Tiu) told me that I cannot play as a four (forward) because it’s the international level,” said Quiambao, who became the first local player since 2015 to earn the UAAP MVP honors after pouring 16.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.9 steals during the eliminations.
He also authored quality stats of 14.7 points and 9.3 rebounds on top of 2.7 assists and 1.7 blocks in the title series, winning the Finals MVP in the Green Archers’ first championship since 2016.
“I’m really a wing, I developed [my skills] every day, adjusted everything to becoming a wing.”
Watch out, UAAP. — Rappler.com
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What you need to know about DepEd’s ‘Catch-up Fridays’
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Bonz Magsambol
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12/01/2024 7:19
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File photo of a student carrying books
Alecs Ongcal/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – To address learning gaps among grade school and high school students, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday, January 12, began its “Catch-up Fridays” program, which dedicates every Friday of the whole school year to reading, values, peace, and health education.
In a memorandum issued on Wednesday, January 10, the DepEd said that all schools in the country should roll out the National Reading Program through activities such as the “Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), Read-A-Thon, fora, and invitation of resource persons.”
“All Fridays throughout the school year shall be designated as Catch-up Fridays, with a focus on operationalizing the National Reading Program (NRP) during the first half of the day’s schedule and on fostering Values, Health, and Peace Education for the second half. Additionally, the Homeroom Guidance Program (HGP) shall also be included in the Catch-up Fridays,” the memorandum read.
According to DepEd, Catch-up Friday is a “learning mechanism intended to strengthen the foundational, social, and other relevant skills necessary to actualize the intent of the basic education curriculum.”
The DepEd also noted that the program is not graded because “its main objective is to reinforce learning.”
Below is the sample schedule for basic education students as provided by the DepEd.
The DepEd said that teachers should engage in collaborative sessions to share best practices in implementing Catch-up Fridays. It added that schools are “highly encouraged to forge and strengthen stakeholder engagement” to gather support and sustain the implementation of the program.
The rollout of the learning program came after the release of Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 rankings which showed that Filipino students lagged behind other countries in reading, mathematics, and science.
The Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries globally in the student assessment conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 15-year-old learners.
At a meeting in Malacañang on Thursday, January 11, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered education officials, led by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, to improve the quality of teaching in schools.
DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said that Marcos wants teachers to have expertise in their subject areas of teaching.
“He emphasized on the necessity of proper training programs for our teachers, of course, hand in hand with teacher welfare,” Poa added. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Ex-president Duterte not appointed House speaker
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Lorenz Pasion
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11/01/2024 14:17
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Claim: Former president Rodrigo Duterte was appointed House Speaker by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Why we fact-checked this: The claim was made in the thumbnail of a YouTube video posted on January 5, which has 75,948 views, 2,600 likes, and 626 comments as of writing.
The video’s thumbnail shows photos of Marcos, Duterte, and Romualdez, with the text, “Bagong Speaker ng Kongreso” (New Congress Speaker). The image is edited to include a document with the word “Approved” and an arrow pointing towards Romualdez, implying that there was a supposed order for Romualdez’s replacement.
The bottom line: It’s impossible for Duterte to be appointed House speaker because he is not an elected member of Congress. Romualdez remains House Speaker of the 19th Congress, as seen on the official website of the House of Representatives.
No authority: There are also no announcements from Radio Television Malacañang and the Offices of the President and Vice President about a supposed order for Duterte’s appointment. Additionally, neither the president nor the vice president of the Philippines has the authority to appoint the House speaker.
Article VI, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution states: “The Senate shall elect its President and the House of Representatives its Speaker, by a majority vote of all its respective Members.” Duterte, being a non-member of Congress, is ineligible for such a vote.
Mere suggestion: No evidence was shown to support the video’s claim. Instead, the narrator merely suggested that Duterte could run in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
The misleading video was posted following remarks from Senator Ronald dela Rosa saying Duterte may run for senator in 2025 if the International Criminal Court (ICC) pushes through with its investigation on the Duterte-era drug war killings. Duterte and Dela Rosa are both subjects of the ICC probe. – Andrei Santos/Rappler.com
Andrei Santos is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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Fiesta Señor 2024 in Cebu begins with a walk of devotion
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jsitchon0312
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11/01/2024 13:01
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FIESTA SEÑOR. Catholic devotees join the 'Walk with Jesus’ or the penitential foot procession from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu on January 11, officially kicking off the 459th Fiesta Señor celebration in Cebu.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – Surrounded by thousands of devotees and their families, the image of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) made its solemn journey from the Fuente Osmeña Circle to its home at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu at dawn on Thursday, January 11.
The procession, known as the “Walk with Jesus,” marks the start of the 459th celebration of Fiesta Señor. A total of nine days of novena masses, followed by a day of vespers, takes place during the celebration and will culminate on January 21.
The entire celebration coincides with the Sinulog festival and has historically drawn in thousands of pilgrims from all over the world due to the religious and spiritual nature of the event.
“Dinhi sa Sugbo (Here in Cebu), all roads lead to Basilica, all roads lead to Santo Niño,” BMSN rector Reverend Father Nelson Zerda said during his homily on the opening mass of the celebration.
According to Zerda, devotees are called to holiness in a similar way that the Gozos, also known as “Bato-Balani sa Gugma (Magnet of Love),” draws people closer to one another when sung together at the Basilica.
Zerda explained that once devotees have been called, they must carry out the mission that achieves the identity of the synodal Church, which is to be of service to one another.
The theme of this year’s Fiesta Señor is “Santo Niño: Magnet of Love in the Synodal Church.”
Twenty-three-year-old Kianree Delos Santos could not contain his excitement as he witnessed the procession and the breathtaking view of devotees expressing their love for the Santo Niño from the streets of Cebu to the Basilica.
“The roads were packed with people who wanted to see the Santo Niño and praise him,” Delos Santos said.
Delos Santos said he was overwhelmed with emotions to be able to share the experience with his family, especially since joining the walk was their annual tradition.
He also took part in the novena mass and kept Zerda’s homily to heart, acknowledging the responsibility of being a servant to others in a synodal church.
In his own way, as a bank account officer of a real estate company, Delos Santos said he strives to assist people, particularly clients, by providing them with options needed to make sound financial decisions.
Roberto Basbas Jr., a 21-year-old accountancy student from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, told Rappler on Thursday that although he couldn’t attend the first day of the novena masses, he felt that he fulfilled his duty as a devotee by participating in the online livestream of the opening mass.
“I could still feel the connection between Santo Niño and me through my prayers during the novena, whether it’s virtual or face-to-face,” Basbas said.
The student has been a proud devotee since his junior high school days and has been attending the masses even in Samar, where he’s from, as it is also celebrated by local churches there.
For Basbas, the most important thing for devotees is their ability to show their faith, which he said is grounded solely in their obedience to Christ and His will. – Rappler.com
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Ex-King Archer son Jacob Cortez tipped to join La Salle
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Jasmine Payo
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11/01/2024 11:49
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CHAMP. San Beda guard Jacob Cortez celebrates winning the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball championship.
NCAA-GMA SPORTS
MANILA, Philippines – Reigning UAAP men’s basketball champion De La Salle University scored a major transferee as San Beda’s Jacob Cortez signified his intention to join the Green Archers, a source with knowledge of the situation told Rappler.
The development came as Cortez, the son of former La Salle superstar Mike Cortez, announced his decision to leave NCAA champion San Beda Red Lions.
“With great difficulty, I have decided that my time as a Red Lion is closing, and would like to officially announce that I will not be playing for San Beda University in their upcoming season,” said Cortez in an Instagram post on Thursday, January 11.
“Challenging, improving, and growing is always my goal, and so I have decided that to achieve this, I need to get out of my comfort zone. With that, I plan to compete in the UAAP.”
A 5-foot-11 guard, Cortez delivered on his promise by helping San Beda capture its first title since 2018 after leading the team in scoring with 13.7 points on top of 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the NCAA championship series against Mapua.
“I have had THE BEST time at San Beda. From playing as a rookie fresh out of high school in an isolating yet invigorating bubble season to helping bring back the crown where it belongs after many have counted San Beda out.”
Cortez’s father Mike, nicknamed the “Cool Cat” during his stint as La Salle’s King Archer, won back-to-back UAAP championships in 2000 and 2001.
The younger Cortez, though, won’t see action yet this year as he needs to serve his residency in UAAP Season 87, likely redshirting along with Kean Baclaan, who’s also speculated to join the Archers after leaving the NU Bulldogs.
Both Cortez and Baclaan are expected to fill in a glaring hole left by the graduation of point guard Evan Nelle.
San Beda nosed out the Mapua Cardinals, who are led by NCAA Season 99 Most Valuable Player Clint Escamis, in three hard-fought games, with the Red Lions emerging victorious, 76-66, in the winner-take-all Game 3 last December.
In 23 games played in Season 99, Cortez normed 15.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Playing high school ball with the University of Santo Tomas, Cortez committed to join San Beda in 2021. — Rappler.com
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Demonizing EDSA? Cha-Cha ad surprises public during primetime TV
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Kaycee
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10/01/2024 15:48
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EDSA-PWERA? Television ad surprised audiences on Tuesday, January 9, during primetime TV.
Screengrab of TV ad
MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos tuned into primetime evening newscasts on Tuesday, January 9, saw a paid advertisement on the supposed “failures” of the 1987 Constitution to highlight the need for charter change.
“Pangako nila pagsulong pero sa pagbuo ng 1987 Constitution, na-Edsa-pwera tayo (They promised us progress but in forming the 1987 Constitution, we were left out),” the commercial’s narrator said, in a word play on EDSA – a reference to the 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos – and etsapuwera, the Filipino term for being excluded or cast aside.
The ad was aired amid questions about the integrity of a fresh charter change bid through people’s initiative. Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman bared over the weekend an alleged plan to bribe voters to sign the petition calling for charter change, while similar campaigns were noted by Senator Imee Marcos and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, among others.
Lawmakers from the House of Representatives have been keen on amending the Constitution, saying they would focus on its economic provisions.
The Cha-Cha ad focuses on the alleged losses the country suffered under the provisions of the 1987 Constitution – from business and economic opportunities to missing out on having quality education.
“Ang pinayaman ng Konstitusyon, mamamakyaw at negosyante (The Constitution enriched wholesalers and businessmen),” the ad claimed, without citing facts or other resources to support this allegation.
Over on X (formerly Twitter), the public who were tuning in to newscasts noted that the ad was aired across ABS-CBN, TV5, and GMA.
It is still unclear which advertising firm is behind the commercial or if it was produced in-house.
One of the commercials aired featured a text saying it was paid for by Gana Atienza Avisado Law Offices. Their clientele includes former Senator Panfilo Lacson, Leyte 4th District Representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, a cousin of Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In an interview on Thursday, January 11, with ANC News Channel, the firm’s managing partner, Evaristo Gana, said the ad was meant to spur public discussion on constitutional amendments.
The Ad Standards Council oversees the self-regulation of advertising stakeholders. Its Code of Ethics specifically states that advertisements “shall not contain messages that deride or otherwise discredit the law and its enforcement.”
Lagman linked the ad to the Marcos family.
“The ‘EDSA-pwera’ charter change ad campaign is part of the Marcos family’s continuing demonization of the EDSA People’s Power Revolution which ousted the Marcos dictatorship and helped install the ‘Cory Constitution’ or the present 1987 Philippine Constitution,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, January 10
“The ad is crudely crafted and there is nothing substantial conveyed in the message,” he added.
Former senator Leila de Lima echoed Lagman, adding that the “trash” ad is “a subtle continued attempt at historical revisionism.”
“This is once again an attempt to muddle facts with relentless lies and false content just to pursue their selfish interests and political agenda. Malinaw ang pakay: Lalo pang lasunin ang diwa ng EDSA habang isinusulong ang charter change (The goal is clear: To further poison the spirit of EDSA while pursuing charter change),” she said in a statement on Thursday.
She said in Filpino that the ad casts doubt on the integrity of the charter change bid, as the argument the ad presents is “based on a defamation, deception, and lies.”
De Lima said that all Filipinos who are conscious of the truth would know who had been cast aside after the EDSA Revolution: “Ang diktador at ang kanyang pamahalaang tadtad ng katiwalian at pang-aabuso (The dictator and his government marked by corruption and abuses).”
De Lima said that the 1987 Constitution was crafted to prevent abuses, especially of those who wish to cling to power.
Kabataan Partylist also slammed the ad and connected it to the Marcos family.
“The TV ad is a pro-dictatorship and Marcos rehabilitation propaganda video packaged as advocacy. In reality, sinusulong lang nito ang pro-oligarch agenda: 100% foreign ownership ng assets, term extensions, at iba pang self-serving revisions (it is pushing for the pro-oligarch agenda: 100% foreign ownership ng assets, term extensions, and other self-serving revisions),” Kabataan said in a statement on Thursday.
The group called the ad “OA” for claiming that the country’s poverty problem is rooted in the Constitution.
“Limang konstitusyon na ang pinagdaanan natin pero di naman niresolba ng bawat Cha-Cha ang dati nang mga suliranin tulad ng kawalan ng lupa, trabaho, industriya, at pati na rin ang laganap na inhustisya, katiwalian, at pagpapakatuta sa dayuhan,” Kabataan said.
(We have gone through five constitutions but Cha-Cha did not solve the problems on land, jobs, industries, as well as widespread injustice, corruption, and subservience to foreigners.)
“Hindi sa EDSA o sa isang dokumento nagmula ang ating mga problema. Matindi na ang krisis sa ekonomya bago pa mag-EDSA People Power. Baon tayo sa utang noon at hanggang ngayon. Hindi pa rin nalulutas ang mga ugat ng rebelyon. Para umunlad ang bansa, hindi Konstitusyon ang bara, kaya hindi rin Cha-Cha ang sagot,” it added.
(Our problems did not sprout from EDSA or any single document. The economic crisis was already severe before before the EDSA People Power. We had been mired in debt long before until now. The roots of teh rebellion had yet to be addressed. The Constiution is not a hindrance to national development, and therefore, Cha-Cha, is also not the answer.)
Akbayan Partylist said in a statement on Thursday that constitutional amendments are not needed for “crucial actions” that the people want.
Akbayan said the people want “their government to impartially enforce all existing laws, tackle inflation, combat corruption, appoint capable officials – especially a competent education secretary – dismantle political dynasties, and hold all extrajudicial killers and plunderers accountable, starting with the Dutertes.”
“Amending the Constitution will not cure the problem of corruption and poverty,” said human rights lawyer and Martial Law victim Neri Colmenares. – With reports from Reuters/Rappler.com
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If I am allowed to revise Cong. Lagman’s statement: “The ad is crudely crafted and there is nothing substantial conveyed in the message” – to: The ad is “rudely” crafted, it is assumed to be substantially paid and it carries a dangerous message. More likely, it is designed by the Marcos-Romualdez Disinformation Machinery.
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FACT CHECK: Kris Aquino is alive
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Ailla Dela Cruz
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11/01/2024 15:00
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Claim: Kris Aquino died on Wednesday, January 3.
Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook post containing the claim has over 1,100 reactions, 343 comments, and 165 shares as of writing. The post originated from a Facebook page named “Philippine Scholar 2023,” which has a substantial following of over 12,000 followers.
The post claimed that Aquino passed away on January 3 and included a link to a blog site.
The facts: Contrary to the claim, Kris Aquino is very much alive. On January 8, her attending nurse, Mike Alayon, shared a photograph on his Facebook account showing Aquino alongside her former partner, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, and her son, Joshua Aquino.
There are also no official news reports confirming the claim.
Health update: Aquino has been battling several autoimmune diseases since 2018. She was first diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria and with erosive gastritis and a gastric ulcer in March 2022.
She has been in the US since June 2022 to receive treatment for her autoimmune diseases.
Aquino last provided an update on her health through an Instagram post on November 26, 2023, where she said that her blood tests revealed “abnormalities.” This was also her last public update on her social media page.
This is not the first time false information about Aquino’s health circulated online. In 2022, Rappler fact-checked and refuted claims of her death:
– Marie Flor Cabarrubias/Rappler.com
Marie Flor Cabarrubias is a Rappler Intern. She is a fourth year Communication Research student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa Manila.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to#FactsFirstPH tipline by messagingRappler on Facebook orNewsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through ourViber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation oneFact Check at a time.
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