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Cone banks on home support to help Gilas get job done vs visiting Taiwanese
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delfin.dioquino editor
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24/02/2024 23:41
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TEAM. Gilas Pilipinas in action in the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
MANILA, Philippines – Tim Cone hopes a mammoth crowd turns up as Gilas Pilipinas plays the first home game of its four-year journey.
The Philippines hosts Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, February 25, to close out the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and Cone wants to bank on their legion of fans to help the team get the job done.
“It would be awesome if we could sell it out and really have everybody come support us,” said Cone before the qualifiers came off the wraps.
“We’re going to need every support we can get, because we’re still searching for ourselves. We have not found ourselves by any means and we do not expect to at this point.”
Building for the next four years with Cone at the helm, the Nationals got off to a rousing start as they coasted to a 30-point road rout of lowly Hong Kong on February 22.
The expectation is for the Philippines to also beat Chinese Taipei convincingly, owing to the disparity in their world rankings, with the Filipinos sitting at No. 38 and the Taiwanese far behind at No. 78.
But Cone is wary of the visitors.
“I’ve been hearing around that we’re such heavy favorites against Taiwan and I’m watching their video and wow, this team is really strong,” said Cone.
“They got good size, they shoot the ball extremely well, they play with pace, and they’ve been together for a long time.”
Chinese Taipei absorbed an 89-69 beating at the hands of New Zealand to open the qualifiers, but not without giving the highly favored Tall Blacks an early scare as the Taiwanese trailed by just a single point at halftime.
One man the Filipinos have to worry about is Liu Cheng, a veteran guard of the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association who scored 20 points with 4 steals against New Zealand.
“It is a team that we’re going to have to really reckon with,” said Cone. – Rappler.com
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Motivated NU puts nightmarish start behind
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Jasmine Payo
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24/02/2024 23:05
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LAST LAUGH. The NU Lady Bulldogs react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament
UAAP Season 86 Media Team
MANILA, Philippines — Following a nightmarish start to the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournament, National University picked up much-needed rebound wins in both the men’s and women’s divisions on Saturday, February 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
While the defending champion NU Bulldogs made quick work of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in straight sets, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, in men’s action, the Lady Bulldogs needed all five sets to down their Ateneo foes, 25-17, 24-26, 26-28, 25-19, 15-7, in the women’s nightcap.
“One of our biggest motivations was our loss to UST,” said NU star Bella Belen as the perennial finalists recovered from a shock straight-set loss to the Tigresses, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, in last week’s opener.
“We’re going through a tough time, but I’m really happy because everyone was fielded. We saw out potential, especially the new ones, and saw what we can still apply in our next game.”
Belen, the UAAP rookie MVP two seasons ago, delivered excellent all-around numbers of 21 points, 24 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions.
And the Lady Bulldogs, last year’s runners-up, needed all of those numbers after lagging two sets to one off a pedestrian showing in the third, where NU committed 10 errors to fall in the extended set, 28-26.
“Maybe from this, we need to look at where we need to improve, what our lapses were, and return to training,” said Belen.
The Lady Bulldogs took control of the fourth set to force the deciding fifth, where Belen showcased her wares and took over, scoring four in the one-sided frame.
NU’s Minierva Maaya struck the dagger when she denied a Lyann de Guzman attack at the net for the final tally.
Returning NU head coach Norman Miguel thinks fatigue may have been a factor as the Lady Bulldogs just came from a busy stretch – a title romp in the UniGames in Dipolog and practice games with top club teams on top of their regular training.
“I think this is unpopular to everybody, but for me, I think we’re just starting to recover from [our hectic schedule],” said Miguel.
In the men’s side, the Bulldogs knew they needed to shake off the complacency they showed in their first game – a 25-23, 26-24, 25-19 defeat to UST in a finals rematch last February 18.
Nico Almendras unleashed 18 points in NU’s quick win against Ateneo, as they look to start a new winning streak.
“We told ourselves not to lose again since we’re the defending champions,” noted Almendras.
“As coach (Dante Alinsunurin) said, we cannot let our opponents catch up, we should remain No. 1.”
Prior to the defeat to the UST Golden Spikers, the Bulldogs rode on a 34-game win streak, and in between those victories were two straight championships.
In the third and final set, the trio of Almendras, Leo Aringo, and rookie Jade Disquitado joined hands to pull away against Ateneo.
Disquitado scored 17 points on 15 attacks and 2 rejections to help NU improve to an even 1-1 record.
“Of course, it’s true, we had a hard time playing since we were expected to play perfectly,” said Alinsunrin.
“We just reminded ourselves that we have another goal, which is to achieve the four-peat.” — Rappler.com
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New Dawn: Cignal’s Catindig flexes defense; Creamline sits recruits in win over Farm Fresh
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jisaga0269
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24/02/2024 22:36
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WINNING START. Creamline spiker Alyssa Valdez (left) and Cignal libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig react in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
PVL Images
MANILA, Philippines – The Cignal HD Spikers are entering a new era with nothing but gold in sight in the PVL.
Already four-time bronze medalists since joining the league in 2021, the perennial contenders kicked off another title-contention bid in style with a four-set win over fellow reloaded squad Akari Chargers, 21-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18, on Saturday, February 24, at the Araneta Coliseum.
Longtime F2 star libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig quickly proved a system shift hardly fazed her elite defensive instincts as she carried the Cignal defense with 22 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions in just her first official game.
Rising star spiker Vanie Gandler, meanwhile, led a balanced scoring effort with 19 points, as the likes of Roselyn Doria (16 points), Ces Molina (16 points), and Ria Meneses (13 points) also stood out.
In the main event, the defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers withstood a stunning, extended first-set loss and prevailed in four against the gutsy Farm Fresh Foxies, 34-36, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, to kick off their title defense bid in character-building fashion.
Three-time MVP Tots Carlos led the way with 19 points on 17 attacks and 2 blocks, same as Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu, while Jema Galanza scored 15 to go with 13 excellent receptions and 6 excellent digs.
Middle blocker Pangs Panaga added 12 points with a game-high 5 blocks as the Cool Smashers patiently await the arrival of new net defender Bea de Leon, libero Denden Lazaro-Revilla, and beach volleyball standout Dij Rodriguez.
Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses explained that the trio are in the final stages of their conditioning process and will debut next Thursday, February 29, against Akari and former Cool Smashers star Celine Domingo.
Domingo, fresh off a title-winning import stint with Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima, played sparingly in Akari’s loss to Cignal after only having one day’s worth of practice.
The Chargers’ other star recruit, former V-League MVP Grethcel Soltones, tallied 14 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs.
In the opening game of the day’s triple-header, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers schooled Strong Group Athletics, 25-12, 25-17, 25-19, to rise to a 2-0 record.
Former league MVP Mylene Paat led the way with 10 points as five others scored at least 5, thanks to the playmaking of Joyme Cagande. – Rappler.com
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World title bid crushed as Ancajas falls to Inoue in 9th round
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delfin.dioquino editor
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24/02/2024 21:32
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FIGHT. Jerwin Ancajas in action against Takuma Inoue in their bout for the WBA bantamweight title.
Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions
TOKYO, Japan – Hoping to regain his world championship status, Jerwin Ancajas instead got stopped for the first time in his career.
Ancajas saw his bid to wrest the World Boxing Association bantamweight title from Takuma Inoue crushed as he suffered a ninth-round knockout loss at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, February 24.
Regarded as the lighter puncher of the two, Inoue landed a perfect body shot that floored the Filipino challenger.
“It (knockout) was a big surprise. I was ready to go the full route,” said Inoue, who regards Ancajas as the best fighter he has ever faced.
Engaging the Japanese champion to a slugfest, the Filipino fell on his knees with a minute left in the ninth round, unable to withstand a string of brutal body shots from Inoue.
The loss marked the third in four fights for Ancajas, who failed to regain lost glory after giving up the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight belt he owned for six years when he bowed to Fernando Martinez in 2022.
Ancajas fell to a 34-4-2 win-loss-draw card, while Inoue hiked his record to 19-1 as he picked up just his fifth knockout victory.
The younger brother of undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya, Inoue successfully defended his WBA title for the first time despite his own concerns.
“I knew coming in tonight that my opponent was going to be the best ever. I was really worried until today,” said Inoue. “I did not really know what to expect and I did not want to bore the audience going into full rounds.”
Inoue proved to be faster than the former IBF super flyweight champion and was ahead on all three scorecards when the fight was stopped with 44 seconds to go in the ninth round.
Ancajas said it was the first time, including sparring, that he got felled by a body shot.
“I couldn’t breathe. It was perfectly timed,” said Ancajas, who bared that he can still feel the pain at the dugout.
Earlier on Saturday, Filipino veteran Jonas Sultan also sustained a stoppage loss as he fell prey to Japanese Riku Masuda in a surprising first-round knockout. – with a report from Delfin Dioquino/Rappler.com
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[OPINION] Elusive justice for Chad Booc and companions
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Mia Gonzalez
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24/02/2024 16:00
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David Castuciano
February 24 this year marks the second anniversary of the killing the New Bataan 5, which includes our clients Lumad teachers Chad Booc and Jurain Ngujo II.
Now known as the New Bataan Massacre, and despite calls for accountability over their deaths, justice remains elusive.
Dr. Raquel Fortun, who examined Chad’s body after his death, said that he likely died instantly after he was pelted with bullets fired with “an intent to kill,” despite the claims of the military that the five, alleged New People’s Army (NPA) members, were killed during an encounter with soldiers in New Bataan town in Davao de Oro.
But what has happened in the two years since their deaths?
When reports first came out of the killing, many groups denounced what had happened, particularly the persistent red-tagging of human rights activists and environmental defenders as well as the culture of impunity that had normalized such violence.
These groups, which included Karapatan, IBON Foundation, Greenpeace, and the UP Cebu Student Council, as well as many individuals, demanded justice for the New Bataan 5, just a handful of the many victims of state-sponsored crackdown against dissenters.
Lumad schools have continued to be forcibly closed down, violating the rights of the Lumad children to an education that, according to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, should be provided in their own languages, and in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of learning and teaching.
Many of these Lumad children have had to enroll in other schools or stop going to school completely, and others are still forcibly displaced from their homes.
Ironically, Chad Booc was our client in the petition we filed against the anti-terrow law. As we argued in that petition we filed for indigenous and Moro peoples and those who worked with them, our clients were going to be targeted by the state because of their activism.
We were proven right.
The culture of impunity continues to pervade the lives of human rights and environmental defenders, especially leaders if indigenous peoples and those who work with them.
In the Cordillera, indigenous rights activists, including Sarah Dekdeken, the secretary general of Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance (CPA), and Windel Bolinget, the Alliance’s Chairperson continue to be charged with cases claiming them to be terrorists.
In June 2023, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) designated four leaders of the CPA, including Bolinget, asserting that they were leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Five months after their designation, the four CPA leaders challenged the ATC designation in court – calling the same arbitrary and unconstitutional, as well as injurious and constituting a violation of their rights. This challenge, which took place in the form of a petition for the issuance of the writs of certiorari, prohibition, and preliminary injunction against the ATC, was filed on the same day three activists (which included Hailey Pecayo, spokesperson of Tanggol Batanggan) secured a victory against two soldiers for trumped-up charges of violation of the Anti-Terror Law.
An anti-terror law complaint against Kenneth Rementilla and Jasmine Rubia, human rights advocates, was junked in November 2023; in addition, environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano were granted a temporary protection order as well as writs of amparo and habeas by the Supreme Court en banc, although arrest warrants were also issued against them for perjury.
Despite this, many human rights activists and indigenous peoples still face constant threats, harassment, intimidation, and other kinds of violence for speaking up against oppressive government policies, and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) continues its practice of red-tagging.
And yes, teachers Chad and Jurain and the rest of their group have yet to access the justice they so deserve, as no one has been held accountable yet for their killing.
We owe it to teachers Chad and Jurain, to their students, to the communities they work with, and to the world they envisioned is possible and the legacy they left behind to keep fighting. We need to work on ensuring that justice is afforded to everyone, and that we create a safer world for all.
Teachers Chad and Jurain may no longer be with us physically, but their work lives on in each and every single one of us. Justice may evade them now, but we will carry the torches, we will continue the fight, and we – as everyone in this struggle for the imagining of a better world – will persist in pursuing justice. – Rappler.com
Tony La Viña teaches constitutional law at the University of the Philippines and several Mindanao law schools. He is former dean of the Ateneo School of Government.
Joy Reyes is a climate justice lawyer affiliated with the Manila Observatory and the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center. She’s currently in Scotland taking up her MSc in Global Environment, Politics, and Society at the University of Edinburgh.
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It looks like nothing has changed from Duterte to Marcos Jr.’s administration: “… many human rights activists and indigenous peoples still face constant threats, harassment, intimidation, and other kinds of violence for speaking up against oppressive government policies, and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) continues its practice of red-tagging.” So sad.
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You can now book a private dining omakase experience at home by Kazunori
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Steph Arnaldo
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24/02/2024 19:20
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MANILA, Philippines – Put this on your 2024 foodie bucket list ASAP: a private dining omakase experience served in your home, helmed by Chef Kazunori of the eponymous Japanese fine dining gem along Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.
Kazunori has pulled out all the stops for Omotenashi, a refined, one-of-a-kind, private dining experience that branches out beyond the restaurant’s four walls.
The name comes from the Japanese term inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony – a cultural concept of hospitality, mindfulness, attentiveness, and sincere service in one. Its attention to detail, simplicity, and elegance is evident in Kazunori’s dishes, ambiance, and service, all replicated at an intimate location most convenient for guests.
Imagine sitting down in your dining room (or any chosen private venue), surrounded by friends and/or family, awaiting a surprise Japanese menu carefully curated by Chef Kazunori.
Your table is tailored according to preplanned bespoke dining arrangements, meticulously set by Kazunori’s team. From the floral arrangements and centerpieces to the tablecloth, napkins, dinnerware, ceramics, and name tags, all customer-facing details are taken care of and personally customized to your liking. Either a simple, elaborate, or festive dinner – it’s up to you.
Omotenashi’s service is as hands-on as possible – constant refills of beverages and in-depth explanations of every dish and its alcohol pairing, which in my experience, deepens one’s appreciation for the process behind every course.
Mounting Kazunori’s premium dining experience off-site is no joke, though. According to Ryan Cruz, founder and CEO of Kazunori, there are several elements needed to pull off the experience, including the menu selection, event styling, proper storage, and logistics. That’s why an ocular is usually needed first to estimate the space available, the equipment needed, and to see if the place can accommodate appropriately.
“We must be well-equipped and have strong back-end support for mobilization. Adapting to different kitchen environments and ensuring the quality of ingredients can pose challenges when trying to deliver a high-level dining experience outside of a professional restaurant setting,” Cruz said, sharing the challenge in replicating their dishes outside the restaurant.
“Operating a restaurant is tough enough, even in an environment that is familiar to you. That’s why we have a specially-designed mobile kitchen truck that contains all the critical equipment needed to ensure the proper execution of the dishes,” he added.
Plus, no dinner menu is the same, Chef Kazunori guaranteed. Developing the concept is a thoughtful process, he said, that involves “considering the seasons, guest preferences, and even age and nationality,” as well as allergies and dietary concerns.
“This approach ensures that our menu resonates with a broad audience while still representing the experience that we want to give,” he said. Each curated course menu first goes through a series of tastings under a tight R&D process before anything is released.
It’s a process of discernment, creativity, and resourcefulness, with Chef Kazunori highlighting only the best air-flown seafood from Japan and produce, depending on what’s in season. The choices go beyond the typical salmon or ikura – you’ll be exposed to non-mainstream Japanese ingredients and proteins, like properly sourced Kawagishi and Hitachi wagyu, Bafun uni, Matsutake mushrooms, Hamo fish, or Kobakogani (female snow) crabs.
It was a mind-opening culinary experience, with each course piquing my curiosity and satisfying my palate at the same time. It was my first time to try different Japanese fish, like monkfish liver, rockfish, gizzard shad, and anago (saltwater eel), all of which shone in their own right, prepared with precision, simplicity, and respect. Everything was visually appealing, too.
It was a 10-course, seafood-forward menu, with a standout beef entrée that is rightfully a signature mainstay – the Wagyu Beef Sukiyaki, an indulgent Japanese dish of thinly-sliced Wagyu beef, lightly grilled and served with a raw egg yolk and a sweet and soy-infused broth. The beef is buttery, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth heaven, magnified by the frothy sweet-savory sukiyaki sauce that’s made richer with the egg yolk whisked in. There wasn’t enough rice to sop up that sauce with!
The first course set the tone in terms of freshness and simplicity – the bright Nama Maki (fresh raw oysters air-flown from Hokkaido), rich yet mild Ankimo (monkfish liver) that’s hailed the “foie gras of the sea,” and Kohada Mozuku (gizzard shad with vinegared seaweed).
I also enjoyed the plump chewiness of Hokki Aburi Sashimi, which is seared surf clam. The delicate Kinki Soup was a light but flavorful palate cleanser – the fatty and slightly sweet fish went well with the comforting and clear seafood broth.
Of course, it’s not omakase without sushi! Only the best was served by Chef Kazunori tableside: the medium fatty Chutoro Nigiri is made from sushi rice mixed with red vinegar that’s aged five years, topped with tonburi, which is a vegan “land caviar” from the Japanese cypress tree. The freshly sliced chutoro is everything you’d expect from the freshest catch – clean, fresh, and tender.
The Otoro Aburi is the fattiest part of the tuna, and this one just disappeared in my mouth in seconds (unfortunately)! I wanted more time to savor the high-grade, super fatty bluefin tuna belly – which is mildly torched – but it just melted away effortlessly; it was rich, buttery, slightly sweet, and almost creamy.
Kazunori’s signature Kuma Nabe is well-known for its adorable gelatin bear that morbidly turns into soup once the hot broth is poured into your personal wok. It becomes a delicately flavorful fish stock for fresh veggies and seafood to be cooked in by you, ala hot pot – there’s radish, shitake, namayuba, mizuno, and yuzu chicken balls, among others. They’re served with umami-rich dipping sauces made with miso and spicy radish, and a seafood kamameshi rice bowl for some carbs.
Omotenashi offers three curated packages that clients can choose from – the plated full-service option for groups of 10-20 people, which includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert; a more casual buffet option; and the omakase, which is a “leave it up to the chef” experience. Here, the flow of the multicourse meal is left totally in the hands of Chef Kazunori and his team.
Kazunori, which opened in 2017, was named after Chef Kuramochi Kazunori. It houses the daytime Kazu Café, the main dining area featuring traditional washoku (cuisine staples), and the sushi bar for evening omakases. Kazunori uses premium ingredients air-flown from Toyosu Market and selected by resident sushi master, Chef Saito Takeru.
Kazunori is under Nippon Hasha, the restaurant group behind Mendokoro Ramenba, Ramen Yushoken, and Marudori.
To book Omotenashi for your private parties or intimate events, you can message Kazunori on Instagram. – Rappler.com
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DOH, FDA advise against gluta IV drip for skin whitening
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Kaycee
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24/02/2024 21:14
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Shutterstock
MANILA, Philippines – After photos of Mariel Rodriguez’s glutathione drip session at the Senate made rounds online, Senator Robinhood Padilla shrugged off critics of his wife saying she just “loves to promote good looks and good health.”
But the Philippines has not approved any glutathione products or injectables for cosmetic purposes.
Injectable glutathione, however, is used as a supplementary treatment for patients diagnosed with certain types of cancer, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“The Department of Health (DOH) does not support the use of glutathione for skin whitening,” the department said in a statement on Saturday, February 24 – days after Rodriguez’s post went viral.
A 2019 advisory from the FDA also warned the public against using glutathione as a beauty product since there are no available guidelines on its use. The DOH reiterated on Saturday that there are no clinical studies to prove that injectable glutathione can help with skin whitening.
“Avoid buying injectable products online and from being lured to a promising effect of medicines as beauty products,” FDA Advisory No. 2019-182 read.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Rodriguez noted that the treatment “helps in [so] many ways,” from whitening to affecting one’s immunity.
However, the FDA has cited possible negative side effects that may result from using glutathione, especially when combined with injectable vitamin C, such as possibly getting skin cancer, the formation of kidney stones if the person’s urine is acidic, and hemodialysis for those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
“Other potential risks include transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis C and B. This is of particular concern when non-medical practitioner administers this treatment or done in a non-sterile facility,” the 2019 FDA advisory read.
Senator Nancy Binay, who chairs the upper chamber’s ethics and privileges committee, raised the alarm on Friday, February 23, since the showbiz personality and her clinic did not notify the Senate that she planned on conducting the IV drip session inside the government building.
The senator also noted that it was done “without the proper medical advice from a licensed health professional.”
Senator Nancy Binay on gluta drip session of Mariel Rodriguez at the Senate. “As public figures, sana aware din tayo sa responsabilidad natin sa publiko… Isipin din natin may kasamang kapanagutan ang pagiging artista, lalo na kung senador ang asawa mo.” @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/RM3bvG05Or
Rappler has reached out to Rodriguez’s IV drip provider – Luxe in Drip PH – via phone call on Saturday morning, but they said the management will reach out soon. We will update this story once they do.
IV drips have gained popularity in the Philippines, with several clinics offering a variety of glutathione IV drip procedures. The DOH called on those who experience negative side effects from injectables, including those involving glutathione procedures, to report their experience to the FDA and seek legal help on top of medical attention, should it be needed. – with reports from Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Chinese Taipei – FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
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delfin.dioquino editor
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25/02/2024 19:00
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FIBA
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas reasserted its might over its pool assignments in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The Philippines decimated Chinese Taipei, 106-53, to complete a two-game sweep of the first window, with Kai Sotto and Justin Brownlee fueling a strong start on Sunday, February 25, at the PhilSports Arena.
Vintage Japeth in the building 💪 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/3OhqDfGvWT
Carl Tamayo getting a little mean in Pasig 😳 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/eCyTBsC2oi
This Kai pass fake and dime is *chef's kiss* 👨🍳 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/4ZoMsWaVgq
The Kai x Justin connection is immaculate 🤝#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/PNs0ssTZFu
Kai out here doing his best Hakeem and Dikembe impression 😮💨#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/yh28tRX6aW
Kai swat. Dwight jam. Gilas Pilipinas get it done on both ends 😤#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/JeTqIP5AO3
It cannot be denied that Gilas Pilipinas gives Filipino fans so much joy every time it wins games.
And the Nationals hope to provide the same feeling as they shoot for a successful homestand against Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday, February 25, to wrap up the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Fans are expected to pack the venue with a chance to witness the national team play at home for the first time in five months since the Philippines defended its turf against China to conclude the FIBA World Cup in September.
The battle against the Taiwanese also marks the homecoming game of beloved naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who missed action for the last four months since he led the squad to the Asian Games gold medal in October.
Despite his lengthy hiatus, Brownlee took charge for the Philippines in its 94-64 demolition of Hong Kong last February 22 with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.
Count on Brownlee to put on a show for Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra fans alike.
“We’re happy that he is back and we think he’ll play better against Taiwan and as we go forward,” said head coach Tim Cone.
Aside from Brownlee, the Nationals rely on the likes Kai Sotto to sustain his solid play as big men June Mar Fajardo (calf) and AJ Edu (knee) continue to sit out due to their respective injuries.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto frolicked inside the paint against Hong Kong, putting up a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds with 2 blocks.
For the visitors, Liu Cheng is expected to show the way after netting 20 points and 4 steals in an 89-69 loss to New Zealand in their Asia Cup Qualifiers opener.
Game time is 7:30 pm. – Rappler.com
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Sultan suffers shock KO loss to Japanese prospect
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Jasmine Payo
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24/02/2024 18:40
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STUNNED. Filipino boxer Jonas Sultan writhes in pain after a shock loss to Japanese Riku Masuda.
WENDELL ALINEA/MP PROMOTIONS
TOKYO, Japan – Jonas Sultan got caught by a perfect body shot and suffered a shocking first-round knockout loss to Japanese prospect Riku Masuda on Saturday night, February 24, at the Kokugikan Arena here.
As Sultan threw a right, Masuda sneaked in a wicked left straight to the liver that sent the Filipino down for the first time in his career.
Although writhing in pain, Sultan tried to get up, but failed to beat the count and dropped to 19-7 with 11 knockouts.
“I tried to shake it off, but I really can’t breathe. Masakit talaga (It really hurts),” said Sultan, a two-time world title challenger who admitted that he got confident as he was in great shape.
Masuda only had four fights and a 3-1 record before their bantamweight 8-rounder in the undercard of the Takuma Inoue-Jerwin Ancajas battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight crown.
According to Sultan, he did not get jet-lagged despite arriving from the United States only late Thursday with Brendan Gibbons.
Junnie Navarro, Sultan’s manager who flew in from Manila to lend his support consoled his distraught ward.
“It was a lucky shot. It happened and it’s about bouncing back,” said Navarro, who promised to arrange a comeback fight for Sultan in Zamboanga in August. – Rappler.com
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Good, bad news as Alex Eala crashes out of W75 Porto quarters
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Jasmine Payo
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24/02/2024 16:45
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HIT. Alex Eala goes for a forehand in singles action.
ALEX EALA FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – The good news is that Alex Eala showed she has improved tremendously since she last faced former world No. 50 Anna Bondar.
The bad news is that Eala’s improvement is still not enough to overcome the 26-year-old Hungarian.
Eala fell anew to Bondar, this time in three sets, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1, on Friday, February 23, in the quarterfinals of the ITF W75 Porto in Portugal.
Two years ago, Bondar handed the Filipina teen the worst loss of her pro career – a double bagel, 6-0, 6-0 – in the WTA Madrid qualifiers.
Eala had her chances against the second-seeded Bondar, but the Hungarian’s experience and composure carried her through against the 18-year-old Filipina.
The first set was a seesaw battle with Bondar drawing first blood and racing ahead to 2-0. Eala finally got herself going when she swept the next three games to take a 3-2 advantage.
Bondar, however, reestablished her control of the match and regained the lead at 4-3. Although Eala managed to even the count at 4-4, Bondar broke Eala a third time and ended the set in the 10th game.
The second set appeared like a sequel of the opening set with Bondar once again gaining a 2-0 lead, then Eala fighting back to surge ahead at 3-2.
After the world No. 188 Filipina extended her lead to 4-2, Bondar bounced back to retake the lead at 5-4 and 6-5.
But Eala showed a lot of heart and forced a tiebreak where she dominated and jumped to 5-1, a lead which was too much for Bondar to overcome as the match extended to a deciding third set.
The fight back in the second set turned out to be Eala’s final stand.
Bondar, owner of one WTA singles title who has played in all the Grand Slam events, showed she had some gas left in the tank in the third set, dominating a fading Eala, who seemingly expended all her energy in winning the previous set.
The seasoned Bondar erected a 4-0 cushion before Eala finally got to the scoreboard in the fifth game.
That was the only time Bondar allowed her to score. The Hungarian finally ended the match in the seventh game after two hours and 17 minutes.
Eala will have little time to lick her wounds as she is slated to see action on February 26 in the ITF W50 1st Empire Women’s Indoor 2024 in Trnva, Slovakia. – Rappler.com
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‘No days off’ pay off for Yude, Adamson in breakthrough win over Almadro’s UP
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Jasmine Payo
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24/02/2024 17:57
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FIRST WIN HIGH. Adamson spiker Lucille Almonte (17) reacts in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament
UAAP Season 86 Media Team
MANILA, Philippines — After steering the Adamson Baby Falcons to a perfect run for their first UAAP girls’ volleyball crown, JP Yude knows that coaching in the collegiate ranks will be an altogether different challenge.
But thankfully, Yude didn’t have to wait too long for a breakthrough win in women’s action as his Lady Falcons downed the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 25-22, 28-26, on Saturday, February 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Yude took down a seasoned coach in UP’s Oliver Almadro, who has UAAP championships under his belt after mentoring the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s and women’s volleyball squads.
“By the grace of God, I think I’m doing great. No days off but at least, I could develop my skills as a coach, growing [inside the court] as well,” Yude told reporters after the game.
“Like what I’ve said, I’d just rest after the season.”
Yude knows the need to work extra hours, with the Lady Falcons hardly seen as strong contenders this season. But with the help of graduating Lucille Almonte and Mayang Nuique, as well as Ishie Lalongisip, he hopes Adamson can pull off some surprises.
The team, however, will need to compensate for the loss of veteran Honey Toring, who suffered an ACL injury before the season.
Adamson bounced back from a 25-16, 25-16, 25-18 opening-day loss to defending champion La Salle with Lalongisip delivering an all-around game of 12 points, 16 excellent digs, and 7 excellent receptions.
Nuique, on the other hand, contributed 12 points as the Lady Falcons improved to a 1-1 record.
In winning the three sets, the Lady Falcons showed composure against a pesky Maroons side, which fell to 0-2.
Late in the third set, Adamson almost blew a 20-18 advantage, when the Maroons tied the contest at 26-all.
The Adamson coaching staff, though, was able to convert on a successful challenge, correctly calling a net touch on UP’s Niña Ytang that would have equalized the game at 27-all.
Ytang unleashed a team-high 18 markers, including 6 of the Maroons’ 8 blocks. UP’s middle blocker was the lone double digit scorer for the Maroons.
“We will work it out every day, we will work hard for it because nobody will just hand out easy wins, there are more challenges to come,” said Yude after Adamson wrapped up the contest in an hour and 42 minutes.
“But still, the character and attitude will always be tested since the skills are already there.” — Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Chinese Taipei – FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
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delfin.dioquino editor
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25/02/2024 19:00
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FIBA
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas reasserted its might over its pool assignments in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The Philippines decimated Chinese Taipei, 106-53, to complete a two-game sweep of the first window, with Kai Sotto and Justin Brownlee fueling a strong start on Sunday, February 25, at the PhilSports Arena.
Vintage Japeth in the building 💪 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/3OhqDfGvWT
Carl Tamayo getting a little mean in Pasig 😳 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/eCyTBsC2oi
This Kai pass fake and dime is *chef's kiss* 👨🍳 #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/4ZoMsWaVgq
The Kai x Justin connection is immaculate 🤝#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/PNs0ssTZFu
Kai out here doing his best Hakeem and Dikembe impression 😮💨#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/yh28tRX6aW
Kai swat. Dwight jam. Gilas Pilipinas get it done on both ends 😤#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/JeTqIP5AO3
It cannot be denied that Gilas Pilipinas gives Filipino fans so much joy every time it wins games.
And the Nationals hope to provide the same feeling as they shoot for a successful homestand against Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday, February 25, to wrap up the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Fans are expected to pack the venue with a chance to witness the national team play at home for the first time in five months since the Philippines defended its turf against China to conclude the FIBA World Cup in September.
The battle against the Taiwanese also marks the homecoming game of beloved naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who missed action for the last four months since he led the squad to the Asian Games gold medal in October.
Despite his lengthy hiatus, Brownlee took charge for the Philippines in its 94-64 demolition of Hong Kong last February 22 with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.
Count on Brownlee to put on a show for Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra fans alike.
“We’re happy that he is back and we think he’ll play better against Taiwan and as we go forward,” said head coach Tim Cone.
Aside from Brownlee, the Nationals rely on the likes Kai Sotto to sustain his solid play as big men June Mar Fajardo (calf) and AJ Edu (knee) continue to sit out due to their respective injuries.
The 7-foot-3 Sotto frolicked inside the paint against Hong Kong, putting up a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds with 2 blocks.
For the visitors, Liu Cheng is expected to show the way after netting 20 points and 4 steals in an 89-69 loss to New Zealand in their Asia Cup Qualifiers opener.
Game time is 7:30 pm. – Rappler.com
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Remembering Butz Aquino, leader of the August Twenty-One Movement that defied Marcos Sr.
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lkyu0285
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24/02/2024 18:13
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MARTYRDOM. Family members, former government officials, and supporters celebrate a mass led by Bishop Socrates Villegas to commemorate the 40th year of the death of former senator Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Jr. at the Sto Domingo Church in Quezon City on August 21, 2023.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – “He was really willing to die for the country.”
That was how veterans of the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) described their leader, Butz Aquino, the brother of democracy icon Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and the one who galvanized the nation in the wake of Ninoy’s assassination.
On Saturday, February 24, ATOM members – some of whom marched at the frontlines of the EDSA revolution – gathered at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani. Their mission: to keep the memory of their fight against the dictator alive, especially now that another Marcos walks the halls of Malacañang.
They spoke of the day Ninoy was shot dead. They spoke of the confusion and anger and snap election that followed. But most of all, they spoke of Butz.
“We did not stop [after] the assassination of Ninoy. It took Butz Aquino to carry the torch, to continue the struggle, and to openly defy the Marcos dictatorship,” said Archie Ventosa.
Butz Aquino wasn’t always an opposition figure. He even showed a distaste for politics, which he called “a ballgame of the rich.” Before he led marches against Ferdinand E. Marcos, Butz was part of Mofire, a company that made fiberglass products. But after his brother Ninoy was assassinated, he gathered his closest associates to try to piece together who was behind the killing.
From there, ATOM was born.
ATOM veterans recalled the many protests that Butz led, the most massive and difficult of which was the “Tarlac to Tarmac” run. An estimated 500,000 people marched from Ninoy’s home province of Tarlac all the way to the international airport in Manila, where he was shot on the tarmac – a grueling 120-kilometer stretch.
At Meycauayan, Bulacan, the military blocked the path, and a tense standoff between protesters and stern-faced soldiers ensued. Carla, an ATOM member who joined the march, explained how Butz turned to the protesters and asked whether they’d be ready to stand with him until the military men let them pass.
“Siyempre naman, nagtapang-tapangan kami,” Carla said. “‘Kung nasaan ka, Butz, nandoon din kami!‘”
(Of course, we acted tough. ‘We’ll stand with you, Butz, wherever you are!’)
As ATOM’s head, Butz was undauntable, something he seemed to inspire in those around him.
“‘Pag hindi takot ang tatay ko, hindi rin ako matatakot, plus ‘pag magkasama tayong lahat, nawawala ‘yung takot (When my father isn’t scared, I don’t feel fear either, plus when you’re with everyone, that fear disappears),” Jackie Aquino, Butz’ daughter, said. “Naisip ko, ready na ako (I thought I was ready) to die for my country. Really, I was at that time.”
Two years later, on February 22, 1986, Butz Aquino would again play a part in a protest against Marcos Sr. – except this one would spark the bloodless revolution that ousted the dictator.
Butz and several ATOM members were at a dinner party to celebrate the birthday of another member, Mildred Juan, when rumors broke out that Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos had rebelled against Marcos. Butz scrambled to get a landline connection in his Mofire office to verify the news.
“We went to [the office], all 10 of us. We never had dessert,” Juan said, jokingly.
After Butz had confirmed the defection of Marcos’ top men with then Supreme Court justice Cecila Muñoz-Palma, he went straight to Camp Aguinaldo.
History often credits the late Manila archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin for being the first public figure to call upon the people to gather in EDSA, but according to ATOM members, Butz Aquino was the first to galvanize the public. On air, Butz told all ATOM members and Filipinos to gather at the Isetann department store in Cubao.
“Si Butz ang unang nagtawag sa EDSA,” Juan said. “Ayaw namin mapalitan ang history na ‘yun.”
(It was Butz who first made the call to head to EDSA. We don’t want that part of history to be revised.)
Minutes later, Cardinal Sin also called upon the masses to gather near Camp Aguinaldo to protect Enrile and Ramos. The rest, as they say, is history. Over the next three days, more than 2 million Filipinos flooded EDSA, kicking off the People Power Revolution that toppled the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
But as the years stretched into decades, and the memories of Martial Law horrors faded, members of ATOM pleaded to keep Butz Aquino’s spirit alive. (READ: For them in 2024, there’s no forgetting the EDSA revolution)
“It doesn’t have to stop with Butz Aquino. It doesn’t have to stop with Cory Aquino. It doesn’t have to stop with us, the veterans of ATOM,” said Ventosa.
“Let the torch be passed from generation to generation,” he said. “Continue carrying the torch. Continue the struggle. Continue the fight. Because we should continue telling the truth. – Rappler.com
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Agree: “Let the torch be passed from generation to generation.” But who would lead the EDSA movement under the realm of Marcos Jr.? Would it result in another Marcos hastily leaving Malacañang? Or would it rather be a Duterte?
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‘This cannot be our reality’: De Lima honors drug war victims on 7th arrest anniversary
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Jairo Bolledo
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24/02/2024 18:43
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FREE AT LAST. Former senator Leila de Lima attends a thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Quezon City on February 24, 2024, marking the seventh anniversary of her arrest and incarceration at Camp Crame.
Jire Carreon/ Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – On the seventh anniversary of her arrest, former senator Leila de Lima paid tribute to victims of the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs, noting that injustice continues to persist.
De Lima, who’s commemorating her arrest for the first time as a free woman, said her temporary freedom, while cherished, is not the end of the struggle.
“Injustice continues to cast a long shadow over our nation, its darkness deepened by the countless Filipinos who perished in the brutal war on drugs. Their stories cry out for justice, yet accountability remains an elusive dream. Those responsible walk free, shielded by impunity, while families mourn and communities bear the scars of a senseless tragedy. This cannot be our reality,” the former lawmaker said in a statement on Saturday, February 24.
De Lima said her fight for justice continues and doesn’t end with her release. She said the memory of the innocent victims of injustices and the yearning of the people for a nation that respects human rights fuel her dedication.
“I call upon all Filipinos to join me in this fight. Let us use our voices, our votes, and our collective action to build a nation where freedom is not a privilege but a birthright, and justice is not a distant dream but a lived reality,” De Lima added.
On Saturday, De Lima attended a Mass in Quezon City presided by activist-priest Robert Reyes. The priest said he was glad De Lima was able to attend his Mass outside of detention since they held Mass inside her detention facility in the last six years.
“But now, we are happy. Leila is not in jail. We’re celebrating her seventh anniversary of imprisonment not in jail, but outside jail, and soon, walking as a free person once the case is dropped. And we pray and offer this Mass that soon and soon, very soon, that the last case will finally be dismissed,” the priest said during the start of the Holy Mass.
The former opposition lawmaker was a staunch critic of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his drug war. As a senator, De Lima headed the probe into Duterte’s drug war, which took the lives of at least 6,000 people – 30,000, if vigilante-style killings are included, according to human rights groups. De Lima even presented during the Senate probe self-confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) member Edgar Matobato, who confirmed they took orders from Duterte.
But the tension between De Lima and Duterte did not just start there. When De Lima was still the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, she also probed the killings of the so-called DDS. Whistleblowers from the said group alleged they carried out kill orders from Duterte himself.
Under Duterte, three drug charges were filed against De Lima. The cases stemmed from the accusation that she allegedly enabled the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison when she was justice secretary, supposedly to fund her 2016 senatorial campaign.
Seven years ago, on the morning of February 24, 2017, De Lima was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and was detained at the PNP Custodial Center inside Camp Crame.
While detained, De Lima saw the dismissal of two of her drug cases. The first drug charge was junked in 2021, while the other was dismissed last May. The third and last drug charge is still pending before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 but is expected to reach a decision this year.
For the duration of De Lima’s trial, at least 13 witnesses have so far recanted their allegations against De Lima. This includes alleged Visayas drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, who said he was “coerced, pressured, intimidated, and seriously threatened,” and former corrections chief Rafael Ragos, the prosecution’s star witness.
Muntinlupa City RTC Branch 206 Presiding Judge Gener Gito granted De Lima’s bail petition on November 13, 2023, paving the way for the former lawmaker’s temporary freedom. The judge said in his decision that De Lima and her co-accused should be allowed to post bail “as the prosecution was not able to discharge its burden of establishing that the guilt of the said accused is strong.”
At present, De Lima serves as spokesperson of the Liberal Party after her appointment in December 2023. – Rappler.com
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This is a very inspiring statement from Former Senator Leila De Lima: “I call upon all Filipinos to join me in this fight. Let us use our voices, our votes, and our collective action to build a nation where freedom is not a privilege but a birthright, and justice is not a distant dream but a lived reality.” But who would lead the Filipino People? Will the former Senator lead them?
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Sultan suffers shock KO loss to Japanese prospect
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Jasmine Payo
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24/02/2024 18:40
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STUNNED. Filipino boxer Jonas Sultan writhes in pain after a shock loss to Japanese Riku Masuda.
WENDELL ALINEA/MP PROMOTIONS
TOKYO, Japan – Jonas Sultan got caught by a perfect body shot and suffered a shocking first-round knockout loss to Japanese prospect Riku Masuda on Saturday night, February 24, at the Kokugikan Arena here.
As Sultan threw a right, Masuda sneaked in a wicked left straight to the liver that sent the Filipino down for the first time in his career.
Although writhing in pain, Sultan tried to get up, but failed to beat the count and dropped to 19-7 with 11 knockouts.
“I tried to shake it off, but I really can’t breathe. Masakit talaga (It really hurts),” said Sultan, a two-time world title challenger who admitted that he got confident as he was in great shape.
Masuda only had four fights and a 3-1 record before their bantamweight 8-rounder in the undercard of the Takuma Inoue-Jerwin Ancajas battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight crown.
According to Sultan, he did not get jet-lagged despite arriving from the United States only late Thursday with Brendan Gibbons.
Junnie Navarro, Sultan’s manager who flew in from Manila to lend his support consoled his distraught ward.
“It was a lucky shot. It happened and it’s about bouncing back,” said Navarro, who promised to arrange a comeback fight for Sultan in Zamboanga in August. – Rappler.com
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‘No days off’ pay off for Yude, Adamson in breakthrough win over Almadro’s UP
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Jasmine Payo
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24/02/2024 17:57
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FIRST WIN HIGH. Adamson spiker Lucille Almonte (17) reacts in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament
UAAP Season 86 Media Team
MANILA, Philippines — After steering the Adamson Baby Falcons to a perfect run for their first UAAP girls’ volleyball crown, JP Yude knows that coaching in the collegiate ranks will be an altogether different challenge.
But thankfully, Yude didn’t have to wait too long for a breakthrough win in women’s action as his Lady Falcons downed the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 25-22, 28-26, on Saturday, February 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Yude took down a seasoned coach in UP’s Oliver Almadro, who has UAAP championships under his belt after mentoring the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s and women’s volleyball squads.
“By the grace of God, I think I’m doing great. No days off but at least, I could develop my skills as a coach, growing [inside the court] as well,” Yude told reporters after the game.
“Like what I’ve said, I’d just rest after the season.”
Yude knows the need to work extra hours, with the Lady Falcons hardly seen as strong contenders this season. But with the help of graduating Lucille Almonte and Mayang Nuique, as well as Ishie Lalongisip, he hopes Adamson can pull off some surprises.
The team, however, will need to compensate for the loss of veteran Honey Toring, who suffered an ACL injury before the season.
Adamson bounced back from a 25-16, 25-16, 25-18 opening-day loss to defending champion La Salle with Lalongisip delivering an all-around game of 12 points, 16 excellent digs, and 7 excellent receptions.
Nuique, on the other hand, contributed 12 points as the Lady Falcons improved to a 1-1 record.
In winning the three sets, the Lady Falcons showed composure against a pesky Maroons side, which fell to 0-2.
Late in the third set, Adamson almost blew a 20-18 advantage, when the Maroons tied the contest at 26-all.
The Adamson coaching staff, though, was able to convert on a successful challenge, correctly calling a net touch on UP’s Niña Ytang that would have equalized the game at 27-all.
Ytang unleashed a team-high 18 markers, including 6 of the Maroons’ 8 blocks. UP’s middle blocker was the lone double digit scorer for the Maroons.
“We will work it out every day, we will work hard for it because nobody will just hand out easy wins, there are more challenges to come,” said Yude after Adamson wrapped up the contest in an hour and 42 minutes.
“But still, the character and attitude will always be tested since the skills are already there.” — Rappler.com
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Good, bad news as Alex Eala crashes out of W75 Porto quarters
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Jasmine Payo
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24/02/2024 16:45
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HIT. Alex Eala goes for a forehand in singles action.
ALEX EALA FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – The good news is that Alex Eala showed she has improved tremendously since she last faced former world No. 50 Anna Bondar.
The bad news is that Eala’s improvement is still not enough to overcome the 26-year-old Hungarian.
Eala fell anew to Bondar, this time in three sets, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-1, on Friday, February 23, in the quarterfinals of the ITF W75 Porto in Portugal.
Two years ago, Bondar handed the Filipina teen the worst loss of her pro career – a double bagel, 6-0, 6-0 – in the WTA Madrid qualifiers.
Eala had her chances against the second-seeded Bondar, but the Hungarian’s experience and composure carried her through against the 18-year-old Filipina.
The first set was a seesaw battle with Bondar drawing first blood and racing ahead to 2-0. Eala finally got herself going when she swept the next three games to take a 3-2 advantage.
Bondar, however, reestablished her control of the match and regained the lead at 4-3. Although Eala managed to even the count at 4-4, Bondar broke Eala a third time and ended the set in the 10th game.
The second set appeared like a sequel of the opening set with Bondar once again gaining a 2-0 lead, then Eala fighting back to surge ahead at 3-2.
After the world No. 188 Filipina extended her lead to 4-2, Bondar bounced back to retake the lead at 5-4 and 6-5.
But Eala showed a lot of heart and forced a tiebreak where she dominated and jumped to 5-1, a lead which was too much for Bondar to overcome as the match extended to a deciding third set.
The fight back in the second set turned out to be Eala’s final stand.
Bondar, owner of one WTA singles title who has played in all the Grand Slam events, showed she had some gas left in the tank in the third set, dominating a fading Eala, who seemingly expended all her energy in winning the previous set.
The seasoned Bondar erected a 4-0 cushion before Eala finally got to the scoreboard in the fifth game.
That was the only time Bondar allowed her to score. The Hungarian finally ended the match in the seventh game after two hours and 17 minutes.
Eala will have little time to lick her wounds as she is slated to see action on February 26 in the ITF W50 1st Empire Women’s Indoor 2024 in Trnva, Slovakia. – Rappler.com
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Results, team standings: UAAP Season 86 volleyball
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Jasmine Payo
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05/05/2024 21:02
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ROARING. NU's Bella Belen (left) and Alyssa Solomon react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals
UAAP Season 86 Media Team
MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments reach a tipping point with the men’s and women’s finals!
LOOK: UAAP volleyball championship schedule
Here are the results in the men’s and women’s divisions:
MAY 15
May 11
MAY 8
MAY 5
MAY 4
MAY 8
MAY 5
MAY 4
** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated
APRIL 27
APRIL 24
APRIL 21
APRIL 20
APRIL 17
APRIL 14
APRIL 13
APRIL 10
APRIL 9
APRIL 4
APRIL 3
MARCH 24
MARCH 23
MARCH 20
First round
MARCH 17
MARCH 16
MARCH 13
MARCH 10
MARCH 9
MARCH 6
MARCH 3
MARCH 2
FEBRUARY 28
FEBRUARY 25
FEBRUARY 24
FEBRUARY 21
FEBRUARY 18
FEBRUARY 17
** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated
APRIL 27
APRIL 24
APRIL 21
APRIL 20
APRIL 17
APRIL 14
APRIL 13
APRIL 10
APRIL 9
APRIL 4
APRIL 3
MARCH 24
MARCH 23
MARCH 20
First round
MARCH 17
MARCH 16
MARCH 13
MARCH 10
MARCH 9
MARCH 6
MARCH 3
MARCH 2
FEBRUARY 28
FEBRUARY 25
FEBRUARY 24
FEBRUARY 21
FEBRUARY 18
FEBRUARY 17
– Rappler.com
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Petals and rhythm: Baguio’s Panagbenga parade energizes city with festive flair
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Mia Gonzalez
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24/02/2024 11:47
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FESTIVE. Vibrant colors at the Panagbenga parade on February 24, 2024. Mia Magdalena Fokno
Mia Magdalena Fokno
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The streets of Baguio City once again turned into a vibrant tableau on Saturday, February 24, as the 28th Panagbenga Festival Grand Street Dance Parade unfolded, showcasing a rich blend of culture, art, and community spirit under the theme “Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom.”
Cordillera police estimated that 15,400 spectators gathered early Saturday morning along the route of the parade to witness the event organized by the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Incorporated (BFFFI), which features performances from local and international participants.
The parade also features the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) with its color guard, band, and cadets in a display of discipline and tradition.
City officials, department heads, and guests, alongside delegations from Baguio’s sister cities, including GongJu, Yeonsu-Gu, and Taebaek in the Republic of Korea; and Honolulu, Hawaii, add to the international flair of the event.
The PMA Marching Band led the procession, followed by the Saint Louis University Marching Band and participants in both the drum and lyre dance and festival dance categories.
Six elementary schools, including Baguio Central School and Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, compete in the drum and lyre category, while the festival dance category expands the cultural showcase with entries from Baguio City National High School-Special Program for the Arts and various groups representing regions across the Philippines.
BFFFI Executive Chairman Anthony de Leon highlighted the increased participation in this year’s event, particularly in the float parade on February 25, which features 34 floats across small, medium, and large categories.
“The hard work and long hours of preparation promise a memorable event for both participants and spectators,” De Leon said at the Kapihan sa Baguio media conference prior to the parades.
De Leon praised the efforts of the organizing team, noting the significant increase in float entries compared to previous years.
Security and crowd control are priorities, with 1,753 cops, police interns, volunteers, and medical personnel deployed along the parade route. Police Lieutenant Colonel Zacarias Dausen, chief of the Baguio City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit, advised visitors to consider alternative transportation options due to expected heavy traffic and re-routing in the Central Business District area.
Following the parade, the city will continue to buzz with festivities, including the Session Road in Bloom event, culminating in a grand closing ceremony featuring a Philippine Military Academy silent drill and fireworks display on March 3. – Rappler.com
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New feat as EJ Obiena resets Asian indoor record in Germany tilt
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delfin.dioquino editor
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24/02/2024 14:05
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SOAR. The Philippines' Ernest John Obiena in action during the men's pole vault final in the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Marton Monus/REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines – Both the Asian indoor and outdoor pole vault records now belong to EJ Obiena.
Obiena continued his stellar start to the year as he picked up his second straight gold medal after ruling the ISTAF Indoor Berlin in Germany on Friday, February 23 (Saturday, February 24, Manila time).
Dominating the nine-man field, Obiena cleared 5.93m to shatter the previous Asian indoor record of 5.92m set by Kazakhstan’s Igor Potapovich in 1998 and his own national indoor record of 5.91m he notched in 2022.
It was also Potapovich’s record that Obiena broke when the Filipino star reset the Asian record – indoor or outdoor – with a 5.93m clearance in the Golden Roof Challenge in 2021.
Obiena has smashed that Asian record multiple times as it now stands at 6.00m.
The USA’s Olen Tray Oates finished a far second with 5.75m as he failed to challenge Obiena, while Poland’s Robert Sobera placed third with 5.66m, edging Germany’s Torben Blech for the bronze via countback.
Needing just a single attempt in each of the last three heights, Oates hit a snag after committing a foul on his first crack at 5.82m – a height that Obiena easily surpassed in just one try.
Oates upped the ante by moving up to 5.88m but to no avail as he exhausted his last two attempts.
Although already secured of his second crown in the Berlin meet in four years, Obiena raised the bar and successfully cleared 5.93m after two tries.
Obiena last ruled the Berlin tilt in 2021 before he settled for fourth place in 2022 and a runner-up finish to world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden in 2023.
It has been a promising buildup for the Paris Olympics as Obiena also topped his first event of the year, the Memorial Josip Gasparac in Osijek, Croatia, three days prior.
Obiena heads to Glasgow, Scotland, for the World Indoor Championships on March 3. – Rappler.com
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[OPINION] ‘Edsa-Pwera’ and the waning of a Constitution
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Mia Gonzalez
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24/02/2024 13:00
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Alyssa Arizabal
“Panahon na para itama and hindi patas na Konstitusyon.” That’s the battle cry of the commercial that heralded the latest version of charter change. Yes, it tells the public that there’s inequality because the Constitution is itself unequal. And yes, it completely ignores that the Constitution has an “equal protection” clause. But those behind the ad don’t care. They just need to inflame the public. Social media scans show there’s a slew of accounts running the same narrative against the Constitution, and of course EDSA.
It’s a potent strategy. The error of past Cha-Chas was that they were too cerebral. This one doesn’t make the same mistake. Of course, it incorporates economic thinking like, “We need to change it (the Constitution) because it has failed.” The reason? Because “35 years after the 1987 Constitution, nearly 80% consider themselves poor or near poor,” “our economy has fallen behind”, and “education has deteriorated”. Yes, it’s all non-sequitur but, what matters is that it triggers outrage. Troll farms need fuel.
So far, public reaction is muted. This favors the proponents and should alarm those against. It indicates that the combo of disinformation, economic punditry, and a huge war chest can’t be stopped by the same strategies that defeated Cha-Chas of the past. Calls to defend EDSA, the status quo, and the sanctity of the Constitution lack the power they once had. Worse, some approaches tend to “educate” the public, telling it to “do the right thing” but, are silent on what the public needs to hear.
Trolls farms exploited this during the 2022 campaign. We know how that ended. Whether it’s here, the US, Indonesia, or Argentina, disinformation operators draw from the same winning playbook: use nuggets of truth to prey on desperation. This works so well largely because the other (or “good”) side is often unwilling or unable to put the public first. Troll farms know that “good” political or financial leaders are often paralyzed by the fear of being called “populist” (or any other “ist” for that matter).
That’s where “Edsa-pwera” draws its power. For 37 years, despite what the 1987 Constitution commanded, we’ve asked the farmer, the worker, the middle-class, and the MSMEs to “wait.” “Wait” because we needed to chase the numbers. “Wait” because the economy is not yet ready. “Wait” because in truth, we quietly judged that their pleas made little “economic sense.”
There’s a limit to the public’s patience. After 37 years, they have a right to resist calls for empty veneration. The Cha-Cha ad promises to uplift the ordinary Filipino. Who can say no to that? To say “stick with the Constitution” sounds like we are fine with how things are. “Ginagawa naman namin ang tama, pero walang nagbabago,” so said an old lady I met during the 2022 campaign.
To win the public back requires honesty and, more difficultly, humility. We need to accept that as a nation, we did get some things wrong. Post-EDSA economic policy did tend to favor the ultra-rich, while the tricycle driver remained a tricycle driver. We deemed it proper (or “efficient”) to keep taxing entrepreneurs and income earners, robbing public school teachers of the right to strike, and to deny farmers what they were promised. We prioritized “development” that turned public parks and open spaces into malls and condos that ordinary Filipinos could barely afford. Is a city really “global” if the people who make it run can’t afford to live in it?
These are the “wedges” that disinformation operators are exploiting. They did it to win elections. Now they’re using it to fuel “Edsa-pwera.” Surviving this firehose of disinformation also requires keeping things digestible. Changing the Constitution is a national conversation, not a lecture. Arguments will be more effective if they leverage shared experience, or suffering. Fortunately, as to the latter, the middle-class and MSMEs have more in common with the masa than dynasties. We commute for hours and can’t afford to live near our workplaces because of high property prices. Now we’re told opening land ownership to foreigners will help?
Most important of all, against disinformation, we must realign with the people we claim to fight for. This means reconsidering devotion to theories that have alienated the commuter, the worker, and the farmer. Concepts like “trickle-down economics” or beliefs that say concentration of wealth at the top is healthy must be revisited. The public has seen enough of the bias that views incentives and bonuses to the top 1% as “economically sound” whereas wage hikes are dismissed as recipes for “catastrophe.” Democracies will remain vulnerable to disinformation with their continuing failure (or is it refusal?) to address huge wealth gaps.
This constitutional moment is a reckoning. But it doesn’t have to be one-sided. With humility and a genuine commitment to put the common Filipino first, manufactured hate can be shifted towards the proper targets. If this Constitution is to be changed, then so be it. But, not by tactics fueled by disinformation and manufactured hate. Still, the Resistance, if it is to be effective, must be willing to give the public what it has been denied since 1987. If the public is to “fight to preserve” the Constitution, give them something to fight for first. – Rappler.com
John Molo practices commercial law and teaches Constitutional Law in several schools. He chairs the Political Law Cluster of UP Law and has argued several cases before the Philippine Supreme Court. He is a Trustee of the Philippine Bar Association and is a past president of the Harvard Law School Alumni Association. He has lectured across the region on topics involving Disinformation.
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I agree: “… the Resistance, if it is to be effective, must be willing to give the public what it has been denied since 1987.” But first, we must undo how the triumvirate of Corruption, Repression, and Disinformation has poisoned the People’s minds. It is such a triumvirate that misled the People to believe what it has been denied since 1987, and worse, that it has to fight to preserve the ruling Marcos-Romualdez Political Dynasty. Secondly and lastly, later on, we need to look into “systemic weaknesses,” which may eventually lead to another social catastrophe.
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[Newspoint] Wrong hands
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Mia Gonzalez
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24/02/2024 10:45
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Raffy de Guzman
When politicians woo you for your vote, they tell you that when you wake up one morning soon you will feel better about yourself; you will find a job if you have none, and if you happen to be so fortunate as to already have one, however modest-paying, you will be even more fortunate – you can expect a higher wage, indeed a better deal all in all as a worker, and you and your family will thus begin to be lifted from the poverty you have wallowed in all your lives.
And how you always fall for that pitch! I guess, having been fooled too often, instead of wising up, you become more desperate and even easier to fool.
The last previous president, Rodrigo Duterte, promised you the shortest time between sleeping poor and awaking content, and, if you had anything to be thankful for, it was that you awoke at all. His regime of murder and corruption and national betrayal – of which his ceding to China of our resource-rich western sea, one of our last hopes, was the worst of it – got you in a far worse situation than you’ve ever been since the Martial-Law presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos. Duterte’s idea of efficiency was 20,000 dead in his drug war in his first year in office.
After him, you elected Marcos’ own son, Junior, perhaps in the blind hope that he and his family, heirs to the $10 billion his father had plundered, if not to the blood sins of torture and murder committed during his dictatorship, would have become satiated and contrite. He promised you rice at a miraculous price of P20 a kilo – it now costs up to more than three times that. He built a fund to invest for you; but not only did he build it with money from state banks that lend to the smallest borrowers, he is risking that money in a game meant to be played by nations who have money to burn and therefore have infinitely better chances of winning than you, who have no money period.
And to keep you dreaming on ever more desperately, the people you voted to Congress, under the speakership of the President’s cousin Martin Romualdez, are now asking you to allow them to tinker with the Constitution, promising, again, that, once they’re done with it, you will feel better about yourself.
Of course, charter change – or “Cha-Cha,” as it is so appropriately, frivolously short-named, for a dance – is no original hogwash itself. It has been on the agenda of every president desiring to cling on to power, and every one of them has desired that. Thanks to interventions that I can only presume divinely inspired, it has never caught on. But with a new trick deployed this time, you never know.
That trick is called “people’s initiative.” It tries to fool you into thinking that it is you yourselves who want your Constitution changed. If enough of you sign up – enough is 12% of the nation’s electorate, with at least 3% of each district’s – Cha-Cha proceeds. In fact, it was your congressional representatives who hatched the plot and are now pushing it to you, making you own it.
At the outset, the Senate appeared set to strike down the misrepresented initiative, although more for self-preservation than for any noble sense. It rejects the House’s interpretation of the law governing the voting on issues debated and resolved in joint session, issues precisely like those regarding constitutional change.
The House insists that in such a case all 24 senate votes are equal to only as many House votes out of a total of 300-plus. To be fair, that surely makes a joke of the principle of equality between the two houses. The principle has been routinely observed by proportional representation, itself justified by a senator’s seating by a national vote and a House member’s by a mere district vote.
The senators also fear that, once the Constitution is laid open to tinkering, the possibility arises of their own house becoming dissolved in a single-house legislature, a common feature in similar plots in the past, because it makes for an arrangement conducive to fraternization among dynastic leaders and a longer stay in power for incumbents, themselves dynastic delegates.
But since talks began between Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Speaker Romualdez, the Senate has seemed open to a compromise. Its hearings suddenly tend to proceed from the premise that, after all, there might be things in the Constitution that need changing. And the news media mostly go along, propagating a discourse that dodges the basic and urgent question:
Should the Constitution be changed – now?
Understandably, those who don’t want to hear the right answer to that question will not have that all-too-easy question dwelt on. And these conscious avoiders are the very possessors of those contaminated hands itching obsessively to tinker with the constitution.
Is there any more compelling reason to say no to Cha-Cha? – Rappler.com
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Thanks to writer Vergel Santos for another enlightening and inspiring article. Indeed, if I am allowed to borrow a phrase from him and use it to describe our pro-Cha-Cha politicians, it would be written like this: Pro-Cha-Cha politicians “… are the very possessors of those contaminated hands itching obsessively to tinker with the constitution.”
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TIMELINE: The arrest and detention of director Jade Castro, companions
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Jairo Bolledo
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24/02/2024 13:00
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DETAINED. File photo of film director Jade Castro.
Jade Castro's Facebook
Film director Jade Castro‘s arrest and detention renewed criticisms against local law enforcement.
Due to the arrest of Castro and his companions, the film and entertainment industry – from directors to actors and actresses – mobilized to question their detention and called for their release.
Rappler lists down all the events and developments in the Jade Castro case. This story will be updated as more information comes in.
Castro and friends – Ernesto Orcine, Noel Mariano, and Dominic Ramos – arrive in Mulanay, Quezon Province to attend the Cocolunay Festival. The said festival, held every February 4, pays “homage to the town’s origin, rooted in the humble coconut, and expresses deep gratitude to its Patron Saint Peter.”
As reported by ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, a closed circuit television (CCTV) captures Castro and his friend’s car passing through a Mulanay road at around 7 pm. At around 7:25 pm, Castro alights from their vehicle and films the rehearsal of a local pageant in Mulanay town plaza.
Castro and his friends also spend the night with two Mulanay town officials.
Less than an hour away from Mulanay, in Catanauan town, four persons wearing bonnets burn down a modern jeepney owned by Gumaca Transport Service Cooperative. Witnesses say the perpetrators are also armed.
Carl Villanueva, the jeepney’s driver, says they were told by the suspects to leave the vehicle, and the burning of the jeepney follows.
Quezon Province police arrive at the resort where Castro and his friends are staying. The police say they acted on a tip that four men, who are persons of interest in the alleged arson, checked in, in the said resort.
The police talk to Castro and companions and leave. Six hours later, the same police officers invite the four to the police station to answer more questions. The four voluntarily go to the station. They are detained.
Castro and his companions are arrested without a warrant.
In his X account (formerly Twitter), Castro claims innocence and says they were arrested for an alleged crime that happened in Catanauan.
INOSENTE KAMI! nagbabakasyon lang kaming magkakaibigan sa mulanay quezon pero inaresto kami sa krimen na nangyari sa catanauan https://t.co/Sjqo4cXe2D
At past 5 am, Castro again posts on X. The director confirms they were nabbed without a warrant over alleged arson.
Guys sorry di maka reply bawal celphone. Opo warrantless arrest arson
Various organizations issue statements in support of Castro and companions.
The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) says Castro is “an important voice of the Philippine Independent Cinema” and vouches for his good character. Another group, DAKILA, urges Philippine authorities to keep their probe into the case transparent.
“As an advocate for justice, we urge an immediate, fair, and transparent investigation by Philippine authorities, trusting in our legal system to protect the rights of those in custody,” DAKILA says.
Calabarzon regional police director Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas tells Rappler that the probable cause in Castro’s arrest is the identification made by the driver and conductor of the burned vehicle.
“Well, ang basis natin doon is tama ‘yong pag-aresto ng pulis natin kasi within the prescribed period naman noong inaresto sila. ‘Di naman kami nag-lapse doon sa oras (Well, our basis was, our arresting police personnel did not err in the arrest because it happened within the prescribed period),” Lucas tells Rappler.
Under the Rules of Court, a person may be arrested without a warrant if he/she is caught in the act, if there’s a probable cause to believe that a crime was committed, or if the person is a fugitive. Hot pursuit is done under the second category, or when there is probable cause.
The validity period, or the time limit from when the crime was committed to arrest suspects, varies per circumstance, and depends on the court’s discretion on what is “immediate” in a given context.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno pays a visit to the four detainees. Diokno also talks with Castro’s legal counsels.
Department of Justice spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano says Castro and his friends waived their rights to undergo inquest proceedings under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code “in order to submit a counter affidavit where the prosecutor will evaluate their defenses.”
However, Castro’s lawyers tell Rappler that although Castro signed the waiver, it was not informed consent.
“By without ‘informed consent’ it means these tourists may not have been fully informed of the consequences or effects, or they may not have fully comprehended what the waiver of Art. 125 is,” Carmela Peña, one of Castro’s counsels, says.
The film director’s present counsels are not yet involved in the preliminary investigation at this time, and get on board only on February 5.
In an X post, Diokno announces his visit to Castro and companions, and questions the legality of the arrest. Peña confirms to Rappler that Diokno becomes part of Castro’s legal team.
Nagbiyahe tayo dito sa Quezon Province upang malaman mismo kay Jade Castro at kanyang mga kasama kung paano nauwi sa detensyon ang kanilang bakasyon. Base sa mga na gather natin, sila ay naging biktima ng baluktot na pagpapatupad ng batas. pic.twitter.com/lfZWC12aTe
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros slams the arrest of Castro and his companions, particularly the police’s “aresto now, paliwanag later” (arrest now, explain later) practice.
Hontiveros announces she filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 928 to launch a probe into the four’s controversial arrest.
“Mismong mga LGU officials ng Mulanay, Quezon ang nagsabi na nasa kabilang bayan noon sila Direk Jade, at may CCTV na nagpapatunay diyan. Pero iginigiit ng PNP na hindi daw puwedeng pagkatiwalaan ang CCTV ng lokal na pamahalaan. Hindi lang nakaka-alarma ang pahayag na ‘yan mula sa mga tagapagpatupad ng batas, nakakabawas rin ito ng tiwala ng publiko,” the senator says.
The prosecution indicts Castro and friends for destructive arson.
Peña tells Rappler that the prosecution finds probable cause to indict the director and his companions over the allegations against them. The indictment means the case will proceed to court.
Jasper Castro, the director’s brother, issues a statement airing their family’s disappointment: “We were hoping that the prosecutor would dismiss the case and my brother and his friends could go home. But we are still optimistic that when this reaches the court, the judge will clearly see that my brother and his friends are innocent. We hope for continuous support from the public until Direk Jade and his friends are set free.”
Diokno, meanwhile, says that the filing of the case in court provides several avenues for the director to be released. This includes the immediate dismissal of the case due to lack of probable cause, temporary freedom through bail, or quashal (dismissal) of the case, Diokno explains.
The House of Representatives’ committee on public order and safety holds an inquiry into the arrest of Castro and his companions.
During the hearing, Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonjon Pordan and Police Captain Daniel dela Cruz of Catanauan, Quezon police say they did not retrieve any physical evidence from the crime scene that will link the four detainees to the alleged crime.
Pordan reiterates that the arrests were made only on the basis of the identification of the witnesses. – Rappler.com
Error.
Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines.
Noted: “Pero iginigiit ng PNP na hindi daw puwedeng pagkatiwalaan ang CCTV ng lokal na pamahalaan.” So why should businesses buy CCTVs if the PNP will not believe them? This is a good case to follow through. I just hope that in the end they would not be presented in another false and deceptive surrender ceremony.
How does this make you feel?
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New feat as EJ Obiena resets Asian indoor record in Germany tilt
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delfin.dioquino editor
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24/02/2024 14:05
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SOAR. The Philippines' Ernest John Obiena in action during the men's pole vault final in the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
Marton Monus/REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines – Both the Asian indoor and outdoor pole vault records now belong to EJ Obiena.
Obiena continued his stellar start to the year as he picked up his second straight gold medal after ruling the ISTAF Indoor Berlin in Germany on Friday, February 23 (Saturday, February 24, Manila time).
Dominating the nine-man field, Obiena cleared 5.93m to shatter the previous Asian indoor record of 5.92m set by Kazakhstan’s Igor Potapovich in 1998 and his own national indoor record of 5.91m he notched in 2022.
It was also Potapovich’s record that Obiena broke when the Filipino star reset the Asian record – indoor or outdoor – with a 5.93m clearance in the Golden Roof Challenge in 2021.
Obiena has smashed that Asian record multiple times as it now stands at 6.00m.
The USA’s Olen Tray Oates finished a far second with 5.75m as he failed to challenge Obiena, while Poland’s Robert Sobera placed third with 5.66m, edging Germany’s Torben Blech for the bronze via countback.
Needing just a single attempt in each of the last three heights, Oates hit a snag after committing a foul on his first crack at 5.82m – a height that Obiena easily surpassed in just one try.
Oates upped the ante by moving up to 5.88m but to no avail as he exhausted his last two attempts.
Although already secured of his second crown in the Berlin meet in four years, Obiena raised the bar and successfully cleared 5.93m after two tries.
Obiena last ruled the Berlin tilt in 2021 before he settled for fourth place in 2022 and a runner-up finish to world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden in 2023.
It has been a promising buildup for the Paris Olympics as Obiena also topped his first event of the year, the Memorial Josip Gasparac in Osijek, Croatia, three days prior.
Obiena heads to Glasgow, Scotland, for the World Indoor Championships on March 3. – Rappler.com
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Ticket prices, how to watch: Gilas Pilipinas at FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers
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delfin.dioquino editor
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16/02/2024 22:05
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AIM. Dwight Ramos in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
FIBA
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino hoop fans are in for a treat as Gilas Pilipinas returns to the grind in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
For the first window, the Nationals start their campaign with an away game in Hong Kong at the Tsuen Wan Stadium at 8 pm on February 22 before they host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena at 7:30 pm on February 25.
The opening window of the qualifiers marks the return of naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who served a three-month suspension after leading the Philippines to a historic Asian Games crown.
Also back in the fold are the likes of Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao – players who are considered the future of the national team.
With head coach Tim Cone underscoring the importance of the big picture, the Nationals hope to gain ground for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July.
Here are ways to watch Gilas Pilipinas’ first two games in the Asia Cup Qualifiers:
Gilas Pilipinas will play its first home game since it beat China in the FIBA World Cup in September as it hosts Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Here are the ticket prices available at SM Tickets:
Free TV viewers can catch the games live on One Sports and RPTV, while Cignal subscribers can also watch on One Sports+.
Pilipinas Live will stream the games on its website and mobile application.
Fans can also catch Rappler Sports’ live updates on game days.
– Rappler.com
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TIMELINE: The arrest and detention of director Jade Castro, companions
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Jairo Bolledo
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24/02/2024 13:00
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DETAINED. File photo of film director Jade Castro.
Jade Castro's Facebook
Film director Jade Castro‘s arrest and detention renewed criticisms against local law enforcement.
Due to the arrest of Castro and his companions, the film and entertainment industry – from directors to actors and actresses – mobilized to question their detention and called for their release.
Rappler lists down all the events and developments in the Jade Castro case. This story will be updated as more information comes in.
Castro and friends – Ernesto Orcine, Noel Mariano, and Dominic Ramos – arrive in Mulanay, Quezon Province to attend the Cocolunay Festival. The said festival, held every February 4, pays “homage to the town’s origin, rooted in the humble coconut, and expresses deep gratitude to its Patron Saint Peter.”
As reported by ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol, a closed circuit television (CCTV) captures Castro and his friend’s car passing through a Mulanay road at around 7 pm. At around 7:25 pm, Castro alights from their vehicle and films the rehearsal of a local pageant in Mulanay town plaza.
Castro and his friends also spend the night with two Mulanay town officials.
Less than an hour away from Mulanay, in Catanauan town, four persons wearing bonnets burn down a modern jeepney owned by Gumaca Transport Service Cooperative. Witnesses say the perpetrators are also armed.
Carl Villanueva, the jeepney’s driver, says they were told by the suspects to leave the vehicle, and the burning of the jeepney follows.
Quezon Province police arrive at the resort where Castro and his friends are staying. The police say they acted on a tip that four men, who are persons of interest in the alleged arson, checked in, in the said resort.
The police talk to Castro and companions and leave. Six hours later, the same police officers invite the four to the police station to answer more questions. The four voluntarily go to the station. They are detained.
Castro and his companions are arrested without a warrant.
In his X account (formerly Twitter), Castro claims innocence and says they were arrested for an alleged crime that happened in Catanauan.
INOSENTE KAMI! nagbabakasyon lang kaming magkakaibigan sa mulanay quezon pero inaresto kami sa krimen na nangyari sa catanauan https://t.co/Sjqo4cXe2D
At past 5 am, Castro again posts on X. The director confirms they were nabbed without a warrant over alleged arson.
Guys sorry di maka reply bawal celphone. Opo warrantless arrest arson
Various organizations issue statements in support of Castro and companions.
The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) says Castro is “an important voice of the Philippine Independent Cinema” and vouches for his good character. Another group, DAKILA, urges Philippine authorities to keep their probe into the case transparent.
“As an advocate for justice, we urge an immediate, fair, and transparent investigation by Philippine authorities, trusting in our legal system to protect the rights of those in custody,” DAKILA says.
Calabarzon regional police director Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas tells Rappler that the probable cause in Castro’s arrest is the identification made by the driver and conductor of the burned vehicle.
“Well, ang basis natin doon is tama ‘yong pag-aresto ng pulis natin kasi within the prescribed period naman noong inaresto sila. ‘Di naman kami nag-lapse doon sa oras (Well, our basis was, our arresting police personnel did not err in the arrest because it happened within the prescribed period),” Lucas tells Rappler.
Under the Rules of Court, a person may be arrested without a warrant if he/she is caught in the act, if there’s a probable cause to believe that a crime was committed, or if the person is a fugitive. Hot pursuit is done under the second category, or when there is probable cause.
The validity period, or the time limit from when the crime was committed to arrest suspects, varies per circumstance, and depends on the court’s discretion on what is “immediate” in a given context.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno pays a visit to the four detainees. Diokno also talks with Castro’s legal counsels.
Department of Justice spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano says Castro and his friends waived their rights to undergo inquest proceedings under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code “in order to submit a counter affidavit where the prosecutor will evaluate their defenses.”
However, Castro’s lawyers tell Rappler that although Castro signed the waiver, it was not informed consent.
“By without ‘informed consent’ it means these tourists may not have been fully informed of the consequences or effects, or they may not have fully comprehended what the waiver of Art. 125 is,” Carmela Peña, one of Castro’s counsels, says.
The film director’s present counsels are not yet involved in the preliminary investigation at this time, and get on board only on February 5.
In an X post, Diokno announces his visit to Castro and companions, and questions the legality of the arrest. Peña confirms to Rappler that Diokno becomes part of Castro’s legal team.
Nagbiyahe tayo dito sa Quezon Province upang malaman mismo kay Jade Castro at kanyang mga kasama kung paano nauwi sa detensyon ang kanilang bakasyon. Base sa mga na gather natin, sila ay naging biktima ng baluktot na pagpapatupad ng batas. pic.twitter.com/lfZWC12aTe
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros slams the arrest of Castro and his companions, particularly the police’s “aresto now, paliwanag later” (arrest now, explain later) practice.
Hontiveros announces she filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 928 to launch a probe into the four’s controversial arrest.
“Mismong mga LGU officials ng Mulanay, Quezon ang nagsabi na nasa kabilang bayan noon sila Direk Jade, at may CCTV na nagpapatunay diyan. Pero iginigiit ng PNP na hindi daw puwedeng pagkatiwalaan ang CCTV ng lokal na pamahalaan. Hindi lang nakaka-alarma ang pahayag na ‘yan mula sa mga tagapagpatupad ng batas, nakakabawas rin ito ng tiwala ng publiko,” the senator says.
The prosecution indicts Castro and friends for destructive arson.
Peña tells Rappler that the prosecution finds probable cause to indict the director and his companions over the allegations against them. The indictment means the case will proceed to court.
Jasper Castro, the director’s brother, issues a statement airing their family’s disappointment: “We were hoping that the prosecutor would dismiss the case and my brother and his friends could go home. But we are still optimistic that when this reaches the court, the judge will clearly see that my brother and his friends are innocent. We hope for continuous support from the public until Direk Jade and his friends are set free.”
Diokno, meanwhile, says that the filing of the case in court provides several avenues for the director to be released. This includes the immediate dismissal of the case due to lack of probable cause, temporary freedom through bail, or quashal (dismissal) of the case, Diokno explains.
The House of Representatives’ committee on public order and safety holds an inquiry into the arrest of Castro and his companions.
During the hearing, Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonjon Pordan and Police Captain Daniel dela Cruz of Catanauan, Quezon police say they did not retrieve any physical evidence from the crime scene that will link the four detainees to the alleged crime.
Pordan reiterates that the arrests were made only on the basis of the identification of the witnesses. – Rappler.com
Error.
Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines.
Noted: “Pero iginigiit ng PNP na hindi daw puwedeng pagkatiwalaan ang CCTV ng lokal na pamahalaan.” So why should businesses buy CCTVs if the PNP will not believe them? This is a good case to follow through. I just hope that in the end they would not be presented in another false and deceptive surrender ceremony.
How does this make you feel?
|
Rappler
|
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/timeline-arrest-detention-director-jade-castro-companions/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR16GfAnThbaKZRD1yJv8V10Fyp3kwY53jVMHrz_uwdeaIrBjtQt52eJMUY_aem_aetyH-mlt_3v5VmLqEHD3w
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GAME SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference
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jisaga0269
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27/04/2024 22:53
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PVL Images
The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) heads to another title showdown between the league’s top sister teams!
Defending champion Creamline and sister squad Choco Mucho dispute the PVL All-Filipino championship for the second straight conference in a best-of-three series. Here’s the schedule:
It’s all even again for the top four teams.
The semifinalists of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference battle in a single round-robin, where the top two teams will advance to the best-of-three finals. Here’s the schedule:
Near-daily volleyball is back to satisfy fans’ hunger for action as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) releases its 2024 All-Filipino Conference schedule, starting on February 20.
The development comes after the UAAP also released its Season 86 men’s and women’s volleyball tournament schedules on a Wednesday-Saturday-Sunday rotation.
The PVL, meanwhile, stays in its usual Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday slate, kicking off Tuesday, February 20, at the PhilSports Arena with a double-header featuring newcomers Strong Group Athletics and Capital1 taking on contenders Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, respectively.
Capping off the conference’s first week is an appearance at the Araneta Coliseum, with reloaded Farm Fresh challenging the Creamline dynasty in the 6 pm triple-header main event.
Fans outside NCR, however, will have fewer chances to see their favorite PVL stars live unlike the past conference, as only the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal and the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna are the announced venues away from Metro Manila.
The season-starting All-Filipino Conference is scheduled to run for three months until May 14 at the maximum, unless plans change.
Other notable elimination round matches are Choco Mucho vs. Petro Gazz on February 27, Petro Gazz vs Creamline on April 6, PLDT vs Chery Tiggo featuring multiple former F2 Logistics veterans on April 16, and the Creamline-Choco Mucho finals rematch on April 18.
Here is the entire conference schedule, as of Wednesday, February 14:
– Rappler.com
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Cone, Gilas staying patient as Brownlee shakes off rust from hiatus
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 20:21
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FAN FAVORITE. Justin Brownlee and Gilas Pilipinas wave to the crowd after winning over Hong Kong in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – Tim Cone and Gilas Pilipinas are in no rush to see Justin Brownlee regain his old, lethal form.
Brownlee, after all, just returned to competitive action for the first time in four months, helping Gilas Pilipinas coast to a 94-64 win over Hong Kong on Thursday, February 22, for a fine start in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The beloved naturalized player earned the go signal from FIBA to suit up for the Nationals again after failing a doping test in the Asian Games as he served a voluntary suspension that started from November and ended in February.
“We’re obviously willing to be patient for him and we know how good he is, how good of a teammate he is,” said Cone, who also coaches the Barangay Ginebra import in the PBA.
“He’s the lifeblood of this team. We’re happy that he’s back.”
Despite being away from competitive basketball for one-third of a year, Brownlee still delivered, doing it all on both ends as he posted a staggering plus-minus of +38.
Brownlee finished with a team-high 16 points on top of 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in 27:20 minutes of action – the most by any Filipino player as Cone allowed him to find his footing.
“He hasn’t played a game in four months so he had a lot of rust to brush off and that’s why we continued to play him in the fourth quarter,” said Cone.
“I turned to the bench and said, ‘We’re going to keep Justin in there so we can continue to get his rhythm.’ So it was great to see him in the second half really get his rhythm and be the Justin that we know.”
Brownlee is set for a homecoming game as the Filipinos host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Sunday, February 25, and Cone expects him to in a deadlier shape.
“We think he’ll play better against Taiwan and as we go forward. He has that history, he has that pedigree already,” Cone said. – Rappler.com
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How Cory Aquino, Cardinal Sin blocked Cha-Cha a decade after EDSA
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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24/02/2024 10:30
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Cory Aquino and Luneta images from Wikimedia Commons
“A sleeping giant is awakened,” the New York Times declared back then.
It was September 21, 1997, and around half a million Filipinos flocked to Rizal Park, site of the biggest rallies against dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, to wage a new battle.
Eleven years after the strongman’s downfall, Filipinos heeded the call of two democracy icons – former president Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin – to oppose moves to change the Constitution under Aquino’s successor, Fidel V. Ramos.
As in the People Power Revolution of February 25, 1986, Filipinos clutched their rosaries and chanted their protests at the same time, as Church and civil society groups formed a potent force against the powers that be.
The Luneta prayer rally of 1997 “was the largest public demonstration” since the EDSA revolt of 1986, the Chicago Tribune reported, as the event made headlines worldwide.
The combined forces of Aquino and Sin – and the use of prayer as protest, a powerful weapon in this Catholic-majority country – meant it was only a matter of time before Ramos relented.
Aquino, a devout Catholic, used religious imagery as she appealed to Filipino sensibilities.
“Today, there is a dark wind blowing across our country again… the wind of ambition, a gathering storm of tyranny,” Aquino said at the 1997 prayer rally against charter change, popularly known in the Philippines as Cha-Cha.
Referring to the “flame of freedom” that burned at EDSA, the former president added, “We are here to shield that flame so that the light of democracy will not go out in our country again.”
Concluding her speech, Aquino directly addressed “the man I supported in 1992, my friend, our President, Fidel V. Ramos.”
Aquino and Sin supported different candidates in the 1992 presidential election, the first electoral exercise after the fall of Marcos. While Aquino backed her former military chief Ramos, Sin was said to have supported House Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr., a claim that he denied.
In an Easter pastoral letter, however, Sin had urged voters to choose candidates “who not only respect but also espouse” Catholic teachings, according to UPI. It was seen as a dig at Ramos, who would later become the Philippines’ first and, so far, only Protestant president.
Aquino told Ramos during the Luneta rally: “No work is ever finished, and good work is hard to let go. But you made your name in history even before you became President, when you joined the people’s fight for democracy, and stood by me in its defense.”
Aquino continued: “You will be remembered for the stability you established, for the economic progress you achieved; above all, for the confidence you restored in our country throughout the world. The downturn of the economy will pass, but the gratitude of the nation will abide for the man who raised it up and held it there.”
Saying Ramos has already done much for the country, she emphasized to her successor that “the real saviors of this country are the people and not any of us.”
“Trust the good people of our country to continue your good work. I trusted in you when my term was over. Trust in the Filipino,” Aquino said.
The day of the prayer rally, September 21, was also the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law under the Marcos dictatorship.
During the Luneta rally, Aquino also paid homage to Sin, whom she called “the godfather of Filipino freedom.”
It was Sin’s appeal on church-run Radio Veritas on February 22, 1986, that prompted Filipinos to flock to EDSA to protect rebel soldiers and, eventually, to stage a revolt against the Marcos regime. Sin, a native of Aklan and a former archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo, was also one of the staunchest critics of the Marcos dictatorship.
In his own speech, Sin reminded Filipinos of “‘the ear-popping, electric-shock, sexual-assault, cigarette-burning’ tortures of the Marcos era,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
“Let us pray for our president. I pray for him every day. I do not even pray for my own mother every day,” Sin said.
It was also eight months before the May 1998 elections that would elect Ramos’ successor, the second presidential election after the fall of Marcos. Sin said that Ramos “will not be a lame-duck president” if he “respects our newfound unity.”
Sin said that instead of changing the charter, Ramos should “turn around the downward trend of the economy, prepare for droughts caused by the effects of El Niño, safeguard the May elections, and address the problem of poverty.”
“It was the sort of advice that might have encouraged Ramos to snap at a news conference a few hours earlier: ‘I am still the president of the Philippines,’” the Chicago Tribune reported.
Ramos ended up stopping efforts to amend the charter, which would have lifted the single-term limit under the Constitution of 1987.
As quoted on the newspaper Today on September 20, a day before the Luneta rally, Ramos said: “I am not running for reelection. Period. Period. Period.”
The late veteran journalist Amando Doronila, in his article “The Crisis of Succession” for the journal Public Policy, wrote in late 1997: “The unequivocal declaration helped defuse a looming confrontation between the Ramos government and a broad multisectoral coalition – led by Cardinal Jaime Sin, the politically influential Roman Catholic archbishop of Manila, and former president Corazon Aquino, Ramos’ immediate predecessor – that was opposed to tampering with the Constitution.”
Doronila pointed out that Ramos’ September 20 announcement, on the eve of the Luneta rally, “was clearly intended to defuse what the coalition had called a new demonstration of people power reminiscent of the People Power Revolution that deposed President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.”
Doronila called the rally “a turning point for a disengagement between the regime and the popular coalition.”
“It demonstrated the capacity of the Church and Mrs. Aquino to mobilize people against perceived threats to political liberties, particularly against moves that appeared to lead to the return of the Marcos-style rule,” Doronila wrote.
He added, “The point was made: if the campaign orchestrated by officials close to President Ramos had gone ahead, it would have provoked political turbulence.”
Fast-forward to the present day, or 27 years after the Luneta prayer rally of 1997, the son and namesake of dictator Marcos is now the Philippine president. Forces associated with Marcos and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, are making another push for charter change.
As they did nearly three decades ago under Ramos, Church and civil society groups are working together again.
On Thursday, February 22, a coalition called Siklab – “Simbahan at Komunidad laban sa Cha-Cha” – marched in Manila to oppose charter change. Prominent convenors of the group include Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Bishop Jonel Milan, former government peace adviser Teresita Quintos-Deles, and Senator Risa Hontiveros.
But the landscape is now vastly different: the opposition is weak or even nonexistent, the Catholic Church has lost much of its influence in politics, and the fear of the return of “Marcos-style rule,” to borrow a term from Doronila, is gone.
The President, after all, is now a Marcos.
Let the numbers serve as a reality check.
If Mass attendance is an indication of Church influence, for example, then the Church has truly lost much of its clout. From 64% in 1991, the percentage of Filipinos who go to Mass weekly has gone down to 38% as of December 2022, according to polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS).
Public perception of Marcos has also been reversed through the years. From 52% in 1986, the percentage of Filipinos who believe Marcos was “a thief of the nation’s wealth” went down to 48% in 1995, then slipped to 38% in 2016, and went further below to 19% in 2022, the SWS reported.
Will the anti-charter change movement still succeed as it did under Aquino and Sin?
What will it take for such movement to prosper in the current political landscape?
Let’s have a deeper conversation in the #faith channel of the new Rappler Communities app. – Rappler.com
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Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines.
So, former President Ramos tried to change the Philippine Constitution for his own interest. Former president Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin blocked his action. But these two heroes are gone to help us in the recent anti-Cha-Cha move. Hence, we would like to have new leaders for this present undertaking.
How does this make you feel?
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Rappler
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NAIA is 4th worst airport in Asia. Can its new operator turn things around?
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lkyu0285
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24/02/2024 9:33
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STRANDED. Hundreds of passengers crowd the NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City following the suspension of flights due to technical issues on January 1, 2023.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) once again has the unwelcome distinction of being named among the worst airports in the world. But with the airport soon to be in the hands of San Miguel and the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), can NAIA finally become a world-class gateway?
In a study by business finance and lending research and information provider BusinessFinancing.co.uk, NAIA ranked as the fourth worst airport in Asia for business travelers, with an average rating of 2.78 over 10. Only Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (2.72/10), Kazakhstan’s Almaty International Airport (2.62/10), and Kuwait International Airport (1.69/10) ranked worse.
The study used passenger reviews from aviation customer review site Skytrax. Ratings from reviewers tagged as “business travelers” were then averaged to produce a ranked list of airports around the world and specific regions.
NAIA has garnered a long list of bad titles – from one of the “most stressful” airports in Asia to being downright the world’s worst airport. Despite being the country’s main international gateway, NAIA has suffered from underinvestment and mismanagement. The result: delayed flights, long lines, power outages, and even cash-gobbling security personnel.
But there is hope. The Philippine airport’s much-needed rehab is finally happening. Behind it is a consortium that includes San Miguel and IIAC, the state-owned operator of South Korea’s main airport. IIAC has only a 10% ownership stake in the consortium, but it serves as its operations and maintenance partner.
And as it happens, Incheon Airport ranks as the 20th best airport in the world for business travelers, according to the same study.
So what can one of the worst airports learn from one of the best?
To understand, let’s start with the South Korean airport’s beginnings.
Plans for a new international airport for Korea date back to the late 1980s, after the existing Gimpo International Airport had reached capacity. Like NAIA, the Gimpo International Airport was right in the country’s capital region, Seoul. But this convenient location in the city also left little room for expansion and created noise pollution for nearby residential areas.
When it became clear that South Korea needed another international airport, the government eventually settled on a site more than 50 kilometers away from Seoul’s center. Construction for Incheon International Airport began on November 1992 on reclaimed land.
The airport opened for business in March 2001 with a passenger capacity of about 30 million per year, similar to NAIA’s current annual capacity. Since then, the IIAC has turned it into one of the world’s busiest and biggest airports, turning a profit of more than 860 billion South Korean won in pre-pandemic 2019 and now boasting an annual passenger capacity of 77 million.
The key was continuous expansion and modernization. Since it opened in 2001, Incheon International Airport has undergone multiple construction phases, with each increasing the airport’s capacity. It’s currently wrapping up its fourth construction phase, which adds a fourth runway, expands the airport’s second terminal, and builds more car parking facilities.
Incheon Airport also leans heavily on technology. For instance, it’s expanding its baggage transport system to a whopping 184 kilometers in length and intends to use a camera-based automatic tag reader to recognize and sort baggage. The airport also has a “Smart Pass,” which allows passengers to use their phones to scan their passport, biometrics, and boarding pass in advance, speeding up the immigration process.
The Incheon International Airport Corporation is no stranger to foreign airport projects. The IIAC aided in the master plan of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and served as a construction project management consultant for the Puerto Princesa Airport in Palawan. The IIAC is also the operator of the Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4 and the Hang Nadim International Airport in Indonesia.
In contrast to the Incheon International Airport, NAIA has invested pitifully little in upgrading its facilities over the years. From 2010 to 2023, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) allotted only a total capital outlay of P27.09 billion, or P2.08 billion per year. (READ: [Vantage Point] Underspending left NAIA to rot)
In fact, the failure to upgrade NAIA’s facilities was partly behind the continuous power outages that have plagued the airport. Since the latest outage on June 9, 2023, MIAA has sworn to improve passenger boarding bridges, air conditioning, electrical works, and taxiways, among others.
Now, how will San Miguel and IIAC go about the NAIA rehabilitation?
Although NAIA’s new operator will be responsible for upgrading the airport’s runways, four terminals, and other facilities, the government did not outline exactly what structures or improvements need to be made. Rather, the consortium is expected to meet certain benchmarks and performance indicators, such as raising airport capacity from 35 million passengers a year to 62 million, and speeding up air traffic movements per hour from 40 to 48.
“We have a performance indicator on availability of parking. So you should be able to find parking within X amount. When you enter the airport, you should line up within a certain amount. You go through immigration, you go through security; there’s also an amount of time that’s prescribed for that. When you’re arriving, there’s a prescribed amount of time when the first and last baggage from the plane to the conveyor should come up,” Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development TJ Batan explained in a press conference.
There are many ways to meet these targets. For instance, the Manila International Airport Consortium – which made an unsuccessful unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate NAIA – bared a three-phased plan that aims to make operations more efficient, rather than adding more runways to the already-cramped airport area.
The plan includes flexible self check-ins, automated boarding gates, dynamic wayfinding and flight info displays, upgrades to the airfield, cross-terminal transportation, renovations to the airport facade, the expansion of all four terminals, and the creation of more taxiways and waiting bays.
Meanwhile, we aren’t too sure yet what San Miguel and IIAC’s plans are. There have been no specifics shared publicly, and the consortium has yet to hold a press conference.
The question now is, can the Incheon International Airport Corporation bring the same technological and operational prowess that it showed in developing the South Korean airport to the Philippines’ ailing international gateway? – Rappler.com
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‘Long ways to go’: Cone still sees room for improvement after Gilas rout
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 0:50
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COMMAND. Head coach Tim Cone in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – The perfectionist that he is, coach Tim Cone sees plenty of room for improvement even after Gilas Pilipinas’ dominant debut in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The Philippines’ 94-64 demolition of host Hong Kong on Thursday, February 22, showed Cone both the good and the bad as they aim to build for the future with more important games coming up.
Expected to coast to a lopsided win, world No. 38 Philippines struggled to pull away early as Hong Kong punched above the weight of its No. 119 ranking as it trailed by just two possessions, 37-41, at the end of the first half.
“First half, everybody was tentative, everybody was trying hard but they were tentative, and we were missing shots we should have made,” Cone told Filipino reporters here.
“We were a little over-extended defensively, just all the things we weren’t supposed to be doing, we were doing in the first half. I just couldn’t get our minds settled and on the game itself.”
“I think it’s just that first game jitters playing together.”
The Filipinos, though, turned things around after the break and opened the floodgates behind a 30-9 blast in the third quarter.
Forcing the hosts to miss 12 of their 15 shots and cough up 5 turnovers in the third period, the Philippines turned defense into offense to build a commanding 71-46 lead.
When the dust settled, four players scored in double figures for the Filipinos: Justin Brownlee (16), Kevin Quiambao (15), Kai Sotto (13), and Jamie Malonzo (11).
“That’s more of what we want from this team – to create more offense from our defense, not just trying to come up and take quick shots. In that regard, the second half was better,” said Cone.
“But it’s obvious to anybody, I think we have a long ways to go.”
A more fearsome foe awaits Gilas Pilipinas as it hosts Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Sunday, February 25, to close out the first window.
Chinese Taipei, which finished fourth in the last Asian Games which the Philippines ruled, is determined for a bounce-back win after dropping its Asia Cup Qualifiers opener by way of an 89-69 loss to New Zealand.
“We need to play a lot, lot better than we did tonight,” said Cone. – Rappler.com
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How Cory Aquino, Cardinal Sin blocked Cha-Cha a decade after EDSA
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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24/02/2024 10:30
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Cory Aquino and Luneta images from Wikimedia Commons
“A sleeping giant is awakened,” the New York Times declared back then.
It was September 21, 1997, and around half a million Filipinos flocked to Rizal Park, site of the biggest rallies against dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, to wage a new battle.
Eleven years after the strongman’s downfall, Filipinos heeded the call of two democracy icons – former president Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin – to oppose moves to change the Constitution under Aquino’s successor, Fidel V. Ramos.
As in the People Power Revolution of February 25, 1986, Filipinos clutched their rosaries and chanted their protests at the same time, as Church and civil society groups formed a potent force against the powers that be.
The Luneta prayer rally of 1997 “was the largest public demonstration” since the EDSA revolt of 1986, the Chicago Tribune reported, as the event made headlines worldwide.
The combined forces of Aquino and Sin – and the use of prayer as protest, a powerful weapon in this Catholic-majority country – meant it was only a matter of time before Ramos relented.
Aquino, a devout Catholic, used religious imagery as she appealed to Filipino sensibilities.
“Today, there is a dark wind blowing across our country again… the wind of ambition, a gathering storm of tyranny,” Aquino said at the 1997 prayer rally against charter change, popularly known in the Philippines as Cha-Cha.
Referring to the “flame of freedom” that burned at EDSA, the former president added, “We are here to shield that flame so that the light of democracy will not go out in our country again.”
Concluding her speech, Aquino directly addressed “the man I supported in 1992, my friend, our President, Fidel V. Ramos.”
Aquino and Sin supported different candidates in the 1992 presidential election, the first electoral exercise after the fall of Marcos. While Aquino backed her former military chief Ramos, Sin was said to have supported House Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr., a claim that he denied.
In an Easter pastoral letter, however, Sin had urged voters to choose candidates “who not only respect but also espouse” Catholic teachings, according to UPI. It was seen as a dig at Ramos, who would later become the Philippines’ first and, so far, only Protestant president.
Aquino told Ramos during the Luneta rally: “No work is ever finished, and good work is hard to let go. But you made your name in history even before you became President, when you joined the people’s fight for democracy, and stood by me in its defense.”
Aquino continued: “You will be remembered for the stability you established, for the economic progress you achieved; above all, for the confidence you restored in our country throughout the world. The downturn of the economy will pass, but the gratitude of the nation will abide for the man who raised it up and held it there.”
Saying Ramos has already done much for the country, she emphasized to her successor that “the real saviors of this country are the people and not any of us.”
“Trust the good people of our country to continue your good work. I trusted in you when my term was over. Trust in the Filipino,” Aquino said.
The day of the prayer rally, September 21, was also the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law under the Marcos dictatorship.
During the Luneta rally, Aquino also paid homage to Sin, whom she called “the godfather of Filipino freedom.”
It was Sin’s appeal on church-run Radio Veritas on February 22, 1986, that prompted Filipinos to flock to EDSA to protect rebel soldiers and, eventually, to stage a revolt against the Marcos regime. Sin, a native of Aklan and a former archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo, was also one of the staunchest critics of the Marcos dictatorship.
In his own speech, Sin reminded Filipinos of “‘the ear-popping, electric-shock, sexual-assault, cigarette-burning’ tortures of the Marcos era,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
“Let us pray for our president. I pray for him every day. I do not even pray for my own mother every day,” Sin said.
It was also eight months before the May 1998 elections that would elect Ramos’ successor, the second presidential election after the fall of Marcos. Sin said that Ramos “will not be a lame-duck president” if he “respects our newfound unity.”
Sin said that instead of changing the charter, Ramos should “turn around the downward trend of the economy, prepare for droughts caused by the effects of El Niño, safeguard the May elections, and address the problem of poverty.”
“It was the sort of advice that might have encouraged Ramos to snap at a news conference a few hours earlier: ‘I am still the president of the Philippines,’” the Chicago Tribune reported.
Ramos ended up stopping efforts to amend the charter, which would have lifted the single-term limit under the Constitution of 1987.
As quoted on the newspaper Today on September 20, a day before the Luneta rally, Ramos said: “I am not running for reelection. Period. Period. Period.”
The late veteran journalist Amando Doronila, in his article “The Crisis of Succession” for the journal Public Policy, wrote in late 1997: “The unequivocal declaration helped defuse a looming confrontation between the Ramos government and a broad multisectoral coalition – led by Cardinal Jaime Sin, the politically influential Roman Catholic archbishop of Manila, and former president Corazon Aquino, Ramos’ immediate predecessor – that was opposed to tampering with the Constitution.”
Doronila pointed out that Ramos’ September 20 announcement, on the eve of the Luneta rally, “was clearly intended to defuse what the coalition had called a new demonstration of people power reminiscent of the People Power Revolution that deposed President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.”
Doronila called the rally “a turning point for a disengagement between the regime and the popular coalition.”
“It demonstrated the capacity of the Church and Mrs. Aquino to mobilize people against perceived threats to political liberties, particularly against moves that appeared to lead to the return of the Marcos-style rule,” Doronila wrote.
He added, “The point was made: if the campaign orchestrated by officials close to President Ramos had gone ahead, it would have provoked political turbulence.”
Fast-forward to the present day, or 27 years after the Luneta prayer rally of 1997, the son and namesake of dictator Marcos is now the Philippine president. Forces associated with Marcos and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, are making another push for charter change.
As they did nearly three decades ago under Ramos, Church and civil society groups are working together again.
On Thursday, February 22, a coalition called Siklab – “Simbahan at Komunidad laban sa Cha-Cha” – marched in Manila to oppose charter change. Prominent convenors of the group include Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Bishop Jonel Milan, former government peace adviser Teresita Quintos-Deles, and Senator Risa Hontiveros.
But the landscape is now vastly different: the opposition is weak or even nonexistent, the Catholic Church has lost much of its influence in politics, and the fear of the return of “Marcos-style rule,” to borrow a term from Doronila, is gone.
The President, after all, is now a Marcos.
Let the numbers serve as a reality check.
If Mass attendance is an indication of Church influence, for example, then the Church has truly lost much of its clout. From 64% in 1991, the percentage of Filipinos who go to Mass weekly has gone down to 38% as of December 2022, according to polling firm Social Weather Stations (SWS).
Public perception of Marcos has also been reversed through the years. From 52% in 1986, the percentage of Filipinos who believe Marcos was “a thief of the nation’s wealth” went down to 48% in 1995, then slipped to 38% in 2016, and went further below to 19% in 2022, the SWS reported.
Will the anti-charter change movement still succeed as it did under Aquino and Sin?
What will it take for such movement to prosper in the current political landscape?
Let’s have a deeper conversation in the #faith channel of the new Rappler Communities app. – Rappler.com
Error.
Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines.
So, former President Ramos tried to change the Philippine Constitution for his own interest. Former president Corazon Aquino and Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin blocked his action. But these two heroes are gone to help us in the recent anti-Cha-Cha move. Hence, we would like to have new leaders for this present undertaking.
How does this make you feel?
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Rappler
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https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/how-cory-aquino-cardinal-sin-blocked-charter-change-1997/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2mvXDbkJWgBXEy9ps1QgP05HUdqf3u2Vsr0L73boTvYdNB1TtXi0tj0VE_aem_i7rog_pFli9HyQPGRbtGjg
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Rediscovering Nonó: Local art, history comes alive in Angono’s night at the museum
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Chito de la Vega
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24/02/2024 10:00
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Angono Cultural Heritage Office (ACHO) head James Owen Saguinsin explains Pitok Blanco’s “Mamumukot”, the museum’s centerpiece, to young visitors during the nightly exhibition on February 10.
Lance Arevada/rappler
RIZAL, Philippines – Angono’s lakeside has been a popular spot for both residents and visitors to enjoy leisure activities during sunset. But as dusk settles, the town’s vibrant history takes the center stage for people to rediscover the town’s artistic roots.
As part of its National Arts Month celebration, the town’s Nonó Museum of Art History launched its limited Night at the Museum event every Saturday evening in February, from 7 pm to 9 pm, for locals to better appreciate the pieces of history in its collection.
The lakeside town of Angono – which claims the title Art Capital of the Philippines – is the home of the country’s finest maestros, including National Artists Botong Francisco and Lucio San Pedro, and is a haven of art galleries and museums.
Opened in 2023, the Nonó, based on the supposed etymology of Angono meaning “dwarf,” was built to showcase the town’s history of arts and culture under the management of Angono Cultural Heritage Office (ACHO).
James Owen Saguinsin, ACHO head and arts professor, said the place serves as a space for art appreciation among locals, as opposed to the belief that museums are only for tourists and enthusiasts.
“In Angono, it should not be the case. The people of Angono should know how much the artists here have thrived and appreciate our long history of art,” he told Rappler in a mix of English and Filipino.
Unlike the movie of the same name, Saguinsin said the stories of Angono’s history in their collection comes alive through the imagination of visitors at their Night at the Museum.
He said the museum became successful over the past year to attract visitors from nearby communities and those who came all the way from Metro Manila, far from its original intent of having students as target audience.
The Nonó features works of Juan Senson and Pedro Piñon, its earliest masters during the Spanish period, like a mural replica of Senson’s “Vista Parcial del Pueblo de Angono y Laguna de Bay (Partial View of Angono and Lake of Bay)” and Piñon’s 1890s self-portrait on tin sheet.
The museum’s centerpiece is Pitok Blanco’s “Mamumukot (Fisherman),” a rare oil on plywood artwork in the 1950’s and was uncovered by ACHO in poor condition in 2019.
Visitors can also look at the vast mural of the map of the old Hacienda Angono in the colonial era, highlighting places in the town being called before as “monte jumana (stinky mountain),” “arroyo camarones (creek shrimp),” among others.
Miniature bust sculptures of the country’s heroes made by local artist Francisco Senson are also in the museum’s collection, along with old pictures of the town and a pageant costume worn by Kapuso personality and Angono native Herlene Budol.
The ACHO conceptualized the nightly exhibition, accompanied by Saguinsin’s short lecture on the collection, from its understanding that the pieces are best viewed at night with spotlights working unlike when it is directly hit by sunlight during the day.
The office also considered extending the museum’s operating hours to accommodate people coming home from school and work, which has proven beneficial as evidenced by the continued presence of many visitors in the evening.
John Carl, a college student who likes the arts, brought along his friends to Nonó to see its collection. “I feel glad and overwhelmed because I now know about Angono’s history where I live now,” he said in Filipino during the exhibition on February 10.
Meanwhile, Sammie, a local who lived near the museum, also went to Nonó to know more about the town since she does not have any idea about its history.
“I learned more about the town now, and I didn’t expect that visitors from other places would come here to see these beautiful paintings,” she said in Filipino.
Saguinsin explained that their initiatives are all for the younger generations of aspiring artists in the art capital to discover their roots and shape their identities.
“We are old, and what we’re trying to do is to promote our story. If there are visual reminders like that (in the museum), children will remember, and the story of Angono will continue to come alive,” he explained.
Pursuing their mission to preserve Angono’s identity, Saguinsin said, “If no one tells the story, no one will remember; they will forget. And a town that forgets doesn’t know where to go moving forward.”
The last February exhibition of the Nonó’s Night at the Museum will happen this Saturday, February 24. You can check ACHO’s Facebook page for more details about their initiatives. – Rappler.com
Lance Arevada is a campus journalist at the Ateneo de Manila University. The Managing Editor of Matanglawin Ateneo, he is also an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024.
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‘Appreciate and learn’: Project Gunita launches Metro Manila info map on EDSA Revolution
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Waya Lao
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24/02/2024 9:59
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MANILA, Philippines – Did you know that we regularly pass by certain spots in Metro Manila that have a rich history of dissent?
In commemoration of the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, Project Gunita released a map to pinpoint important landmarks and locations in Metro Manila linked to the Martial Law years and the Marcos dictatorship.
This effort is part of the #RoadToEDSA campaign which features a series of infographics on events and location maps relevant to the 1986 uprising that restored democracy to the country.
Metro Manila is so far the most documented region in the Philippines linked to the EDSA People Power movement. Project Gunita said that there are still gaps in terms of making history more accessible to the people even in urban areas.
“We can share this information to popularize it because it’s a waste if we just gatekeep this, right? I guess a lot of the times…it’s only kept within academic circles, fellow enthusiasts, historians – they know it, but when it comes to the people who are really interested in these topics,” Project Gunita co-founder Sarah Gomez said in a mix of Filipino and English.
“We want them to be interested, we want them to learn more about their history, appreciate and learn,” Gomez added.
Project Gunita co-founder Karl Patrick Suyat said in a mix of Filipino and English, “I think the biggest gain of the entire map in terms of making history more accessible – not just resources – but making history itself more accessible, is letting people in Metro Manila know that EDSA was not just in EDSA or the protest movement against Marcos was not just in Mendiola for that matter.”
The #RoadToEDSA campaign aims to debunk misconceptions about the movement, among them, that the uprising only happened in just a matter of days. Project Gunita said it wanted to highlight the buildup of significant events during the Marcos dictatorship through mapping several hotspots where these events happened.
“Through the maps, we hope to also focus on those little events that I guess pushed it forward. It’s really trying to show that it’s really several movements that converged and culminated into EDSA that ended it all,” Gomez said.
A separate location map of Cebu was launched on February 21. These two maps were released under the campaign to signify two capitals of resistance relevant to the history of the anti-dictatorship struggle: Manila being the center of power, and Cebu as the center of opposition.
The Manila map consists of 28 significant locations in Quezon City, Manila, Makati, and Taguig, among others – each representing areas with important historical context.
You may access the full description of the Metro Manila map here.
Here are additional information on some locations.
Ugarte Field in Makati, now known as the Ayala Triangle , was one of the important sites of protest actions against the Marcos dictatorship. For instance, one major campaign rally of the Cory Aquino-Salvador Laurel tandem in 1986 took place there.
“‘Yung mga confetti rallies dati at mga kampanya ni Cory, sa Ugarte lagi ginaganap. Hindi siya sa EDSA…. But in the days, weeks, and years leading to EDSA, ang laki ng papel na ginampanan [ng lugar na ito] sa people’s movement,” Suyat said.
(The confetti rallies and the campaign of Cory all happened at Ugarte. Not in EDSA…. But in the days, weeks, and years leader to EDSA, this place played a significant role in the people’s movement.)
Gomez also added that given the history of these confetti rallies, Makati was considered a rally zone and center of dissent, paving the way for other opposition parties to stage their campaigns there.
The Corinthian Gardens gate in White Plains, Quezon City, was also a significant landmark after one of its walls was crashed into by a military tank in an attempt to avoid the crowd in Ortigas and proceed to Camp Aguinaldo.
This happened following the order to attack Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame on February 24, 1986.
On February 24, 1986, reinforcement troops from Marcos-Ver forces attempted to use tear gas on nuns and civilians to try to disperse the crowd and make their way to Camp Aguinaldo.
The attempt failed due to “sudden changes of wind” that blew the tear gas to the soldiers, Project Gunita said.
Panay Avenue became a historical symbol of battle during the last days of the Marcos dictatorship. According to the post, people massed up in this area to add civilian forces to the rebel soldiers who were trying to take over Channel 9 and Channel 4.
In particular, the Tropical Hut restaurant at the corner of Panay and Bohol Avenue, which stands to this day, was a place where people gathered and witnessed the firefights between Marcos forces and rebels on the last days of the dictatorship.
According to Project Gunita, this project does not end in the EDSA commemoration. They are still in the process of researching and collating archives to add more locations and historical context that have yet to be uncovered, especially in other provinces.
“This isn’t just a Manila experience. We’ve seen a lot of propaganda being put out there saying that EDSA is a Metro Manila experience, that the abuses are mainly in the National Capital Region (NCR)…but it’s not really about being in the capital, because there are a lot of abuses, a lot of movements in the countryside that aren’t reported; that aren’t popularized,” Gomez said.
She encouraged Filipinos to make use of the map to visit these sites in Metro Manila to learn more about the history of the People Power Movement.
“Even if they see the map late, it’s okay. I guess this is also a way for us to let people commemorate EDSA, even if it’s not the anniversary,” Gomez said.
“Let’s not always forget about the ‘people’ in People Power. And when you make all of these places more closer to the people, it’s making them closer to their own story,” Suyat added. – Rappler.com
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NAIA is 4th worst airport in Asia. Can its new operator turn things around?
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lkyu0285
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24/02/2024 9:33
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STRANDED. Hundreds of passengers crowd the NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City following the suspension of flights due to technical issues on January 1, 2023.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) once again has the unwelcome distinction of being named among the worst airports in the world. But with the airport soon to be in the hands of San Miguel and the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), can NAIA finally become a world-class gateway?
In a study by business finance and lending research and information provider BusinessFinancing.co.uk, NAIA ranked as the fourth worst airport in Asia for business travelers, with an average rating of 2.78 over 10. Only Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (2.72/10), Kazakhstan’s Almaty International Airport (2.62/10), and Kuwait International Airport (1.69/10) ranked worse.
The study used passenger reviews from aviation customer review site Skytrax. Ratings from reviewers tagged as “business travelers” were then averaged to produce a ranked list of airports around the world and specific regions.
NAIA has garnered a long list of bad titles – from one of the “most stressful” airports in Asia to being downright the world’s worst airport. Despite being the country’s main international gateway, NAIA has suffered from underinvestment and mismanagement. The result: delayed flights, long lines, power outages, and even cash-gobbling security personnel.
But there is hope. The Philippine airport’s much-needed rehab is finally happening. Behind it is a consortium that includes San Miguel and IIAC, the state-owned operator of South Korea’s main airport. IIAC has only a 10% ownership stake in the consortium, but it serves as its operations and maintenance partner.
And as it happens, Incheon Airport ranks as the 20th best airport in the world for business travelers, according to the same study.
So what can one of the worst airports learn from one of the best?
To understand, let’s start with the South Korean airport’s beginnings.
Plans for a new international airport for Korea date back to the late 1980s, after the existing Gimpo International Airport had reached capacity. Like NAIA, the Gimpo International Airport was right in the country’s capital region, Seoul. But this convenient location in the city also left little room for expansion and created noise pollution for nearby residential areas.
When it became clear that South Korea needed another international airport, the government eventually settled on a site more than 50 kilometers away from Seoul’s center. Construction for Incheon International Airport began on November 1992 on reclaimed land.
The airport opened for business in March 2001 with a passenger capacity of about 30 million per year, similar to NAIA’s current annual capacity. Since then, the IIAC has turned it into one of the world’s busiest and biggest airports, turning a profit of more than 860 billion South Korean won in pre-pandemic 2019 and now boasting an annual passenger capacity of 77 million.
The key was continuous expansion and modernization. Since it opened in 2001, Incheon International Airport has undergone multiple construction phases, with each increasing the airport’s capacity. It’s currently wrapping up its fourth construction phase, which adds a fourth runway, expands the airport’s second terminal, and builds more car parking facilities.
Incheon Airport also leans heavily on technology. For instance, it’s expanding its baggage transport system to a whopping 184 kilometers in length and intends to use a camera-based automatic tag reader to recognize and sort baggage. The airport also has a “Smart Pass,” which allows passengers to use their phones to scan their passport, biometrics, and boarding pass in advance, speeding up the immigration process.
The Incheon International Airport Corporation is no stranger to foreign airport projects. The IIAC aided in the master plan of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and served as a construction project management consultant for the Puerto Princesa Airport in Palawan. The IIAC is also the operator of the Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 4 and the Hang Nadim International Airport in Indonesia.
In contrast to the Incheon International Airport, NAIA has invested pitifully little in upgrading its facilities over the years. From 2010 to 2023, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) allotted only a total capital outlay of P27.09 billion, or P2.08 billion per year. (READ: [Vantage Point] Underspending left NAIA to rot)
In fact, the failure to upgrade NAIA’s facilities was partly behind the continuous power outages that have plagued the airport. Since the latest outage on June 9, 2023, MIAA has sworn to improve passenger boarding bridges, air conditioning, electrical works, and taxiways, among others.
Now, how will San Miguel and IIAC go about the NAIA rehabilitation?
Although NAIA’s new operator will be responsible for upgrading the airport’s runways, four terminals, and other facilities, the government did not outline exactly what structures or improvements need to be made. Rather, the consortium is expected to meet certain benchmarks and performance indicators, such as raising airport capacity from 35 million passengers a year to 62 million, and speeding up air traffic movements per hour from 40 to 48.
“We have a performance indicator on availability of parking. So you should be able to find parking within X amount. When you enter the airport, you should line up within a certain amount. You go through immigration, you go through security; there’s also an amount of time that’s prescribed for that. When you’re arriving, there’s a prescribed amount of time when the first and last baggage from the plane to the conveyor should come up,” Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development TJ Batan explained in a press conference.
There are many ways to meet these targets. For instance, the Manila International Airport Consortium – which made an unsuccessful unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate NAIA – bared a three-phased plan that aims to make operations more efficient, rather than adding more runways to the already-cramped airport area.
The plan includes flexible self check-ins, automated boarding gates, dynamic wayfinding and flight info displays, upgrades to the airfield, cross-terminal transportation, renovations to the airport facade, the expansion of all four terminals, and the creation of more taxiways and waiting bays.
Meanwhile, we aren’t too sure yet what San Miguel and IIAC’s plans are. There have been no specifics shared publicly, and the consortium has yet to hold a press conference.
The question now is, can the Incheon International Airport Corporation bring the same technological and operational prowess that it showed in developing the South Korean airport to the Philippines’ ailing international gateway? – Rappler.com
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GAME SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball
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jisaga0269
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08/05/2024 20:35
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It’s down to the last two teams standing as the University of Santo Tomas and National University battle for the UAAP volleyball championship in both the women’s and men’s divisions!
The league’s best separate themselves from the pack as the Final Four showdown kicks off! Here’s the schedule:
UAAP Season 86 volleyball action intensifies as the second round of the men’s and women’s divisions begins on Wednesday, March 20.
The contenders will separate themselves from the pack, with each game determining which teams will make the Final Four. Here’s the schedule:
Volleyball action is back in the UAAP!
Stars from both men’s and women’s divisions are set to ply their growing skill sets once again in front of thousands of fans, beginning on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, both at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Here are the first-round schedules for both divisions:
*The March 13 games will be played at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Notable matches include women’s champion La Salle’s debut against contending Adamson on Saturday, 4 pm, at MOA, while men’s three-time defending titlist NU rolls into an immediate finals rematch with UST on Sunday, 12 pm, also at the same venue.
La Salle and NU – finalists in the last two women’s tournaments with one title won each – will wrap up their first-round schedule on March 16, 2 pm at Araneta. – Rappler.com
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There’s gold in Sagada, but miners barely get by. Now they want more support.
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Iya Gozum
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24/02/2024 8:00
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HAND OF GOLD. A woman's hand sluicing gold ore at midday inside a processing plant in Sagada's Minahang Bayan in February 2024.
Iya Gozum/Rappler
In a small-scale mine here in Sagada, fool’s gold shimmers along an inclined sluice, where women like Viernesa Lingwa, 50, use running water to wash down ore.
Going through the usual motions of sluicing and panning inside the 24-hour processing plant, they will soon recover gold.
The ball mill makes an incessant noise while churning ore. Men haul sacks of ore and put them inside the mill, then shovel the crushed ore onto huge plastic tubs.
When not sluicing ore, Lingwa, along with the two other middle-aged women in the plant, take turns cooking for the other miners in the plant. Work in the Minahang Bayan (people’s small-scale mining area) is seasonal. They have work now because there’s gold to recover.
Over the years since mining activities started around 1986, Sagada miners have been working to make the most out of the gold mined in their area, without the use of harmful chemicals like mercury.
Outside, it’s dry and cold. Even at high noon, the mountain breeze is cool. The earth is loose going down the mining site. Some workers lie on sacks or on the earth to sleep under the shade of trees.
High in the mountains surrounding the small-mining area are houses, paddies, and cemented stairs. A few miles away is Bomod-ok Falls; sometimes the sound of waterfalls can be heard from a distance.
Her father’s generation used mercury when they mined in the area once before, said Lingwa. Mercury is commonly used in small gold mines because it separates gold from other sediments and forms an amalgam. The amalgam is heated and mercury is released into the environment.
However, exposure to mercury puts people’s health at risk. It could enter water sources and contaminate food.
The use of the chemical didn’t take off in Sagada. Miners said mercury is not compatible with the refined texture of Sagada’s gold.
While safer and more environment-friendly, the work remains physically taxing. Without mercury, miners have to sluice and pan for hours. But this paved the way to the employment of more women like Lingwa. It has helped increase household income.
“Noong nagkaroon na ng gilingan, nagkaroon ng mga babae. Mas matiyaga ang mga babae,” Lingwa told Rappler.
(When we had processing plants, women came. Women persevere more.)
Miners would use a pan to swirl ore with water until gold, because of its density, remains at the bottom of the pan free from other sediments.
Sluicing, meanwhile, makes use of an angled platform with carpets. Miners wash down ore through these platforms with running water. Gold particles are captured on the carpets.
Lingwa said that unlike in farming, they have the benefit of having a roof over their heads. They also have protective gear like boots and gloves. For every shift, they earn P300. It’s not much, Lingwa said, but it helps them get by.
Work inside the plant goes for 24 hours. There are three shifts. Miners are not restricted to one particular job per shift. Lingwa said she likes going at her own pace at work. The women, who often come in threes per shift, take turns cooking in the kitchen located at the corner of the plant.
Etag, or smoked pork, hang on a strip of wood. Pots, covered in black soot, contain rice, fish, and corn cooked with condensed milk and buko pandan. Black coffee simmers in a kettle beside the rice. Boxes of vegetables and stacks of wood fuel lie beside sacks of ore.
The two other women during Lingwa’s shift were Fabiola Lay-os and Pacita Banluyan. Lay-os was manning the kitchen during lunch hour, while Banluyan was sluicing for gold.
The problem with these manual methods is that the miners do not recover as much gold as they should.
Most of the gold they mine remain in the residues or tailings. Because of the traditional methods they use, Sagada miners can only extract free gold, or those that are not chemically bound. They sell the tailings to other parties who have access to processing equipment which can recover lingering gold.
In other parts of Cordillera, large-scale mines like Lepanto in Benguet profit from deposits of gold because they have the advantage of having the technical know-how and equipment. In general, the Philippines ranks 25th out of 123 countries with gold reserves around the world.
Meanwhile, the odds are stacked against small-scale miners working with what little they have.
That’s why there’s a pressing need to give more attention to small-scale miners. Geologist professor Jill Gabo-Ratio said further research and knowledge-sharing would be beneficial to the community.
“If we can help them by studying gold textures, grain size, and refractoriness, we can avoid the trial-and-error system that only adds to pollutants and miners’ expenses,” she told Rappler.
Gabo-Ratio is the officer-in-charge deputy director for academic affairs at the National Institute of Geological Sciences in University of the Philippines Diliman.
She said it’s also important to determine how much gold remains in the tailings – and then eventually find more efficient ways to extract the gold.
“Yaman din lamang na kinuha na nila from the ground, mas maganda na masulit ‘yung efficiency of extraction,” she said.
(Since they already extracted it from the ground, it’s better to get the most out of the extraction and make it efficient.)
More than 30 provinces across the country are engaged in small-scale gold mining, employing 300,000 to 500,000 people, according to a report of the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. It gives livelihood to around two million people.
The gross production value of small-scale gold mining reached P21.86 billion in 2022. But the sector remains largely informal.
Most of them, like Lingwa, Lay-os, and Banluyan, mine to support themselves and their families with little discretionary income.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has said that they are undertaking a review of laws to modernize the industry and protect small-scale miners.
“A properly regulated small-scale mining industry will benefit the community in terms of job creation and livelihood, and the country in terms of mining assets and taxes,” said Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David in a statement last October 2023.
“More importantly, it will address the violation of environmental laws and mining regulations, and minimize environmental risks and promote mine safety.”
Mining in Sagada goes back decades, but it was only in 2021 that the Minahang Bayan was formally recognized by the Philippine government through a provisional contract.
Mathew Malicdan, the president of the small miners association known as the Northern Sagada Small-scale Miners Association Incorporated, started working in the mines when he was still a high school student. In the ’80s, Malicdan’s father worked in the mines when it was not yet allowed by the elders.
At 53, Malicdan is now a tunnel owner in the Minahang Bayan after working in a gold mine in the Middle East and a diamond mine in Africa.
But his problem now is making sure Sagada miners do not endanger the legality of their operations by selling gold in the black market.
The black market, according to locals, consists of both Filipino and Chinese gold traders. In other small-scale mines, some traders give away mercury for free to expedite gold recovery.
Other miners find these transactions in the black market simpler: no documents and permits are required.
“Dahil nga ligal na tayo, lumugar tayo sa ligal,” he told Rappler. (Because we’re already legal, let’s do things legally.)
Malicdan recalls the long process of finally getting their operations legalized, when they started collecting funds back in 2018 to process documents needed for their application.
During the pandemic in 2020, their application for a 10-hectare Minahang Bayan zone was approved. In 2023, their contract was regularized. It was the first Minahang Bayan to be approved in the Mountain Province.
Under Republic Act 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, gold from small-scale mining can only be sold to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Abigail Ocate, project manager of planetGOLD Philippines, said there are many reasons why some miners prefer the old way of selling gold in the black market rather than to BSP.
There’s a minimum processing fee of P1,600. The nearest gold buying station of BSP is in Baguio City, which is six hours away from Sagada.
This is a pain point that BSP has acknowledged, said Ocate, which is why they are exploring partnerships with financial institution Cebuana Lhuillier which can be accredited to buy gold.
The law has prescribed that the BSP should establish as many gold buying stations to “fully service” small-scale mines across the Philippines.
The planetGOLD Philippines is a project assisting artisanal and small-scale gold miners by non-profit organization Artisanal Gold Council, funded by the Global Environment Facility.
Their program helps mining towns like Sagada legally operate, such as in applying for a small-scale mining contract. They also aid miners organize into an effective association that can teach them how to improve gold production and recovery.
But this requires a lot of money, and small-scale miners subsist on low wages. Because of poverty, some miners get stuck in a vicious cycle, abetted by traders from the black market.
Ocate said some traders give loans to miners. “That’s what they use as incentives in the black market: ‘I’ll loan you money, then sell me your gold.'”
Funds are necessary to get permits and the equipment to mine gold, as well as comply with all the regulations.
In communities they’ve been engaged with, Ocate and her team found that some had pooled and spent millions to hire consultants to help them petition for a declaration of a Minahang Bayan.
“All the things we want to happen in the sector – to formalize them, to make them follow environmental and safety standards – for that to happen, they need capital,” said Ocate.
Sagada is a mountain town steeped in tradition. They hold their elders’ judgment with utmost respect.
Previously, PlanetGOLD had proposed constructing a leaching facility within the Minahang Bayan, but the elders wouldn’t hear any of it because it would make use of cyanide. Any mention of chemical use and the elders shake their heads.
The use of cyanide in a leaching facility helps extract gold more efficiently by turning gold into liquid. Through adsorption, gold is made to stick to coal. The coal undergoes a cold wash to remove impurities, then a hot wash. The solution from the hot wash goes through electrolysis leading to recovery of pure gold.
Out of respect for the elders, the mining association is trying workarounds to improve gold recovery.
The association is exploring a possible partnership with a leaching facility in Itogon, Benguet, used by the Loacan Itogon Pocket Miners’ Association (LIPMA).
During a February 13 meeting in an inn along Sagada-Besao Road, Malicdan and Emy Dongail talked about identifying the people who still prefer the black market so they can have discussions with them.
Dongail is one of several women in the mining association where she serves as secretary-general.
Even among miners, there is apprehension about using the leaching facility in Itogon. Dongail said that according to miners, the design of the facility may not be appropriate for their tailings which are of a different nature compared to those in Benguet.
Ocate explained that the design of the facility does not matter; it’s the length of processing time and the amount of cyanide to be used that matter. These are factors that can be adjusted when they use the leaching facility.
The night ended with two important resolutions: talk to hesitant miners prior to a bigger association meeting; quell people’s concerns over the leaching facility by telling them that they are to transport and process the tailings themselves because they own the wealth.
One of the most fulfilling parts of the job for Ocate is seeing communities identify with the work they do.
Their program started just when the mining town decided to have their mine declared as a Minahang Bayan. There is so much to do and many things to think about.
But they’ve come a long way now.
Mining started without the elders’ approval and without permits from bureaucratic government institutions.
Now they’re talking about how best to extract all the wealth from the sediments they mined, sluiced, and panned with their hands. – Rappler.com
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There’s gold in Sagada, but miners barely get by. Now they want more support.
|
Iya Gozum
|
24/02/2024 8:00
|
HAND OF GOLD. A woman's hand sluicing gold ore at midday inside a processing plant in Sagada's Minahang Bayan in February 2024.
Iya Gozum/Rappler
In a small-scale mine here in Sagada, fool’s gold shimmers along an inclined sluice, where women like Viernesa Lingwa, 50, use running water to wash down ore.
Going through the usual motions of sluicing and panning inside the 24-hour processing plant, they will soon recover gold.
The ball mill makes an incessant noise while churning ore. Men haul sacks of ore and put them inside the mill, then shovel the crushed ore onto huge plastic tubs.
When not sluicing ore, Lingwa, along with the two other middle-aged women in the plant, take turns cooking for the other miners in the plant. Work in the Minahang Bayan (people’s small-scale mining area) is seasonal. They have work now because there’s gold to recover.
Over the years since mining activities started around 1986, Sagada miners have been working to make the most out of the gold mined in their area, without the use of harmful chemicals like mercury.
Outside, it’s dry and cold. Even at high noon, the mountain breeze is cool. The earth is loose going down the mining site. Some workers lie on sacks or on the earth to sleep under the shade of trees.
High in the mountains surrounding the small-mining area are houses, paddies, and cemented stairs. A few miles away is Bomod-ok Falls; sometimes the sound of waterfalls can be heard from a distance.
Her father’s generation used mercury when they mined in the area once before, said Lingwa. Mercury is commonly used in small gold mines because it separates gold from other sediments and forms an amalgam. The amalgam is heated and mercury is released into the environment.
However, exposure to mercury puts people’s health at risk. It could enter water sources and contaminate food.
The use of the chemical didn’t take off in Sagada. Miners said mercury is not compatible with the refined texture of Sagada’s gold.
While safer and more environment-friendly, the work remains physically taxing. Without mercury, miners have to sluice and pan for hours. But this paved the way to the employment of more women like Lingwa. It has helped increase household income.
“Noong nagkaroon na ng gilingan, nagkaroon ng mga babae. Mas matiyaga ang mga babae,” Lingwa told Rappler.
(When we had processing plants, women came. Women persevere more.)
Miners would use a pan to swirl ore with water until gold, because of its density, remains at the bottom of the pan free from other sediments.
Sluicing, meanwhile, makes use of an angled platform with carpets. Miners wash down ore through these platforms with running water. Gold particles are captured on the carpets.
Lingwa said that unlike in farming, they have the benefit of having a roof over their heads. They also have protective gear like boots and gloves. For every shift, they earn P300. It’s not much, Lingwa said, but it helps them get by.
Work inside the plant goes for 24 hours. There are three shifts. Miners are not restricted to one particular job per shift. Lingwa said she likes going at her own pace at work. The women, who often come in threes per shift, take turns cooking in the kitchen located at the corner of the plant.
Etag, or smoked pork, hang on a strip of wood. Pots, covered in black soot, contain rice, fish, and corn cooked with condensed milk and buko pandan. Black coffee simmers in a kettle beside the rice. Boxes of vegetables and stacks of wood fuel lie beside sacks of ore.
The two other women during Lingwa’s shift were Fabiola Lay-os and Pacita Banluyan. Lay-os was manning the kitchen during lunch hour, while Banluyan was sluicing for gold.
The problem with these manual methods is that the miners do not recover as much gold as they should.
Most of the gold they mine remain in the residues or tailings. Because of the traditional methods they use, Sagada miners can only extract free gold, or those that are not chemically bound. They sell the tailings to other parties who have access to processing equipment which can recover lingering gold.
In other parts of Cordillera, large-scale mines like Lepanto in Benguet profit from deposits of gold because they have the advantage of having the technical know-how and equipment. In general, the Philippines ranks 25th out of 123 countries with gold reserves around the world.
Meanwhile, the odds are stacked against small-scale miners working with what little they have.
That’s why there’s a pressing need to give more attention to small-scale miners. Geologist professor Jill Gabo-Ratio said further research and knowledge-sharing would be beneficial to the community.
“If we can help them by studying gold textures, grain size, and refractoriness, we can avoid the trial-and-error system that only adds to pollutants and miners’ expenses,” she told Rappler.
Gabo-Ratio is the officer-in-charge deputy director for academic affairs at the National Institute of Geological Sciences in University of the Philippines Diliman.
She said it’s also important to determine how much gold remains in the tailings – and then eventually find more efficient ways to extract the gold.
“Yaman din lamang na kinuha na nila from the ground, mas maganda na masulit ‘yung efficiency of extraction,” she said.
(Since they already extracted it from the ground, it’s better to get the most out of the extraction and make it efficient.)
More than 30 provinces across the country are engaged in small-scale gold mining, employing 300,000 to 500,000 people, according to a report of the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. It gives livelihood to around two million people.
The gross production value of small-scale gold mining reached P21.86 billion in 2022. But the sector remains largely informal.
Most of them, like Lingwa, Lay-os, and Banluyan, mine to support themselves and their families with little discretionary income.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has said that they are undertaking a review of laws to modernize the industry and protect small-scale miners.
“A properly regulated small-scale mining industry will benefit the community in terms of job creation and livelihood, and the country in terms of mining assets and taxes,” said Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David in a statement last October 2023.
“More importantly, it will address the violation of environmental laws and mining regulations, and minimize environmental risks and promote mine safety.”
Mining in Sagada goes back decades, but it was only in 2021 that the Minahang Bayan was formally recognized by the Philippine government through a provisional contract.
Mathew Malicdan, the president of the small miners association known as the Northern Sagada Small-scale Miners Association Incorporated, started working in the mines when he was still a high school student. In the ’80s, Malicdan’s father worked in the mines when it was not yet allowed by the elders.
At 53, Malicdan is now a tunnel owner in the Minahang Bayan after working in a gold mine in the Middle East and a diamond mine in Africa.
But his problem now is making sure Sagada miners do not endanger the legality of their operations by selling gold in the black market.
The black market, according to locals, consists of both Filipino and Chinese gold traders. In other small-scale mines, some traders give away mercury for free to expedite gold recovery.
Other miners find these transactions in the black market simpler: no documents and permits are required.
“Dahil nga ligal na tayo, lumugar tayo sa ligal,” he told Rappler. (Because we’re already legal, let’s do things legally.)
Malicdan recalls the long process of finally getting their operations legalized, when they started collecting funds back in 2018 to process documents needed for their application.
During the pandemic in 2020, their application for a 10-hectare Minahang Bayan zone was approved. In 2023, their contract was regularized. It was the first Minahang Bayan to be approved in the Mountain Province.
Under Republic Act 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, gold from small-scale mining can only be sold to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Abigail Ocate, project manager of planetGOLD Philippines, said there are many reasons why some miners prefer the old way of selling gold in the black market rather than to BSP.
There’s a minimum processing fee of P1,600. The nearest gold buying station of BSP is in Baguio City, which is six hours away from Sagada.
This is a pain point that BSP has acknowledged, said Ocate, which is why they are exploring partnerships with financial institution Cebuana Lhuillier which can be accredited to buy gold.
The law has prescribed that the BSP should establish as many gold buying stations to “fully service” small-scale mines across the Philippines.
The planetGOLD Philippines is a project assisting artisanal and small-scale gold miners by non-profit organization Artisanal Gold Council, funded by the Global Environment Facility.
Their program helps mining towns like Sagada legally operate, such as in applying for a small-scale mining contract. They also aid miners organize into an effective association that can teach them how to improve gold production and recovery.
But this requires a lot of money, and small-scale miners subsist on low wages. Because of poverty, some miners get stuck in a vicious cycle, abetted by traders from the black market.
Ocate said some traders give loans to miners. “That’s what they use as incentives in the black market: ‘I’ll loan you money, then sell me your gold.'”
Funds are necessary to get permits and the equipment to mine gold, as well as comply with all the regulations.
In communities they’ve been engaged with, Ocate and her team found that some had pooled and spent millions to hire consultants to help them petition for a declaration of a Minahang Bayan.
“All the things we want to happen in the sector – to formalize them, to make them follow environmental and safety standards – for that to happen, they need capital,” said Ocate.
Sagada is a mountain town steeped in tradition. They hold their elders’ judgment with utmost respect.
Previously, PlanetGOLD had proposed constructing a leaching facility within the Minahang Bayan, but the elders wouldn’t hear any of it because it would make use of cyanide. Any mention of chemical use and the elders shake their heads.
The use of cyanide in a leaching facility helps extract gold more efficiently by turning gold into liquid. Through adsorption, gold is made to stick to coal. The coal undergoes a cold wash to remove impurities, then a hot wash. The solution from the hot wash goes through electrolysis leading to recovery of pure gold.
Out of respect for the elders, the mining association is trying workarounds to improve gold recovery.
The association is exploring a possible partnership with a leaching facility in Itogon, Benguet, used by the Loacan Itogon Pocket Miners’ Association (LIPMA).
During a February 13 meeting in an inn along Sagada-Besao Road, Malicdan and Emy Dongail talked about identifying the people who still prefer the black market so they can have discussions with them.
Dongail is one of several women in the mining association where she serves as secretary-general.
Even among miners, there is apprehension about using the leaching facility in Itogon. Dongail said that according to miners, the design of the facility may not be appropriate for their tailings which are of a different nature compared to those in Benguet.
Ocate explained that the design of the facility does not matter; it’s the length of processing time and the amount of cyanide to be used that matter. These are factors that can be adjusted when they use the leaching facility.
The night ended with two important resolutions: talk to hesitant miners prior to a bigger association meeting; quell people’s concerns over the leaching facility by telling them that they are to transport and process the tailings themselves because they own the wealth.
One of the most fulfilling parts of the job for Ocate is seeing communities identify with the work they do.
Their program started just when the mining town decided to have their mine declared as a Minahang Bayan. There is so much to do and many things to think about.
But they’ve come a long way now.
Mining started without the elders’ approval and without permits from bureaucratic government institutions.
Now they’re talking about how best to extract all the wealth from the sediments they mined, sluiced, and panned with their hands. – Rappler.com
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Legacy in ink: Nonoy Estarte’s life, works get recognition in Cagayan de Oro
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Herbie G
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24/02/2024 8:30
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HONORED. A portrait of the self-taught artist, the late Pennessencio “Nonoy” Capot Estarte, and tribute materials made in his honor.
courtesy of Paolo Gabunilas
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – It has been nine months since the self-taught artist, Pennessencio “Nonoy” Estarte, was laid to rest, yet the kind of life he led continues to garner accolades because he etched cultural meanings to his work.
Sixteen of Estarte’s pen and ink sketches, depicting places and events of historical significance in Cagayan de Oro, are on exhibit at the City Museum along Fernandez Street in time for National Arts Month, starting this week and running until April 30.
Nicolas Aca, chairperson of the Cagayan de Oro Cultural and Historical Commission (CCHC), said on Thursday, February 22, that the artworks on exhibit were Estarte’s creations months before his passing.
These were originally intended to be part of an art exhibit to raise funds for the Cagayan de Oro-based artist’s medical expenses, he said. Estarte, a person with a spinal curvature who had experienced breathing difficulties for years, died on May 22, 2023.
Estarte was born on August 1, 1950, in the village of Buug, Ipil town in the now Zamboanga Sibugay province. He left his hometown in 1977 due to personal safety concerns after he exposed abuses of government officials in his illustrations that were surreptitiously published and circulated there.
That year, he traveled to Cagayan de Oro and became an illustrator at the Jesuit-run Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan’s Philippine Folklore and Folklife Center under the mentorship of the late Jesuit priest Francisco Demetrio, a renowned historian.
Estarte’s artworks would later be printed in 15 volumes of Father Demetrio’s Dictionary of Folk Beliefs and Customs, and in the Illustrated Folktales series.
As a young man, his enrollment application was turned down by a Manila-based school of fine arts allegedly because of his physical condition. The setback did not prevent him from pursuing his passion, and his artworks soon gained international exposure through German publications.
Years later, he became a resident artist and, subsequently, assistant curator at XU-Ateneo’s Museo de Oro. He retired early in 2003 due to his deteriorating health, after 26 years of service to the Jesuit-run university.
“This exhibit is a tribute to Nonoy Estarte’s well-lived life,” said Aca. “This time, these artworks are no longer for sale.”
Aca said he was uncertain though if these would be kept in the City Museum. A family member has been designated as caretaker of the Estate art collection, he added.
Cris Rollo, the country program manager of the UN Habitat and former chairman of the Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), said, “I pay tribute to his (Estarte’s) profound influence in the Mindanao art scene by sharing some of his last works richly illustrated in paintings of its myths and legends of which he had deep knowledge and love.”
At the opening of the Saulog Exhibit on Monday, February 19, the city government, through Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy, presented the family of the late septuagenarian artist with an official citation. Resolutions from the city council and the CCHC, both acknowledging the late artist’s contributions to the city’s culture and history, were read.
Local officials commended Estarte’s initiatives for imparting artistic skills and instilling a love for culture and local history among the youth. – Rappler.com
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Kai Sotto keys in on defense, rebounding for Gilas Pilipinas
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 10:03
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SLAM. Kai Sotto in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – Kai Sotto knows there are ways to make his presence felt when his offense is not clicking.
The 7-foot-3 big man used his length to full effect as he cleaned the glass and challenged shots to help Gilas Pilipinas breeze past host Hong Kong, 94-64, at the start of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday, February 22.
He finished with a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds on top of 2 blocks in a little over 20 minutes of play, stepping up in the absence of injured big men June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu.
“There are games when your shots are not falling or when you’re out of luck, but the only thing you can control is your effort so I start on defense and rebounding,” said Sotto in Filipino.
Injuries to Fajardo (calf) and Edu (knee) depleted the Filipinos’ frontcourt unit, but Sotto showed he is capable of holding the fort.
With Sotto serving as the last line of defense, Hong Kong scored just 22 points in the paint, 28 less than the Philippines’ tally – a stark contrast that made the difference as the Filipinos won by almost the same number of points.
“I have the same mentality no matter if they’re playing or not: to just work hard when it comes to the court,” said Sotto, referring to Fajardo and Edu. “I just give my best.”
Although pitted against a lowly Hong Kong side ranked 119th in the world, Sotto and No. 38 Philippines came to play.
The Filipinos dropped a 30-9 bomb in the third quarter to break the game wide open as the new era under head coach Tim Cone started on a promising note.
“Like coach Tim said, this game was a test for us. We’re the ones who are going to be judged, not our opponents, because we all know that we’re a better team compared to Hong Kong,” said Sotto.
“It was a test of character for us. We picked it up in the second half after a slow first half and we won.”
To close out the opening window of the qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas returns home to host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, February 25.
And Sotto cannot wait to test his mettle against more capable foes.
“I’m excited to face Taiwan. They’re a better team. Looking forward to it,” said Sotto. – Rappler.com
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Filipinos online slam Mariel Rodriguez for ‘disrespectful’ IV drip post inside Senate
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Russell Ku
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23/02/2024 21:43
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APPOINTMENT. In this now-deleted Instagram post, Filipino actress and host Mariel Rodriguez Padilla does an IV glutathione drip session inside the office of Senator Robin Padilla
Mariel Rodriguez's Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino host and actress Mariel Rodriguez Padilla is under fire over a social media post of her undergoing an intravenous therapy (IV) glutathione drip session inside the office of her husband, Senator Robin Padilla.
Social media users were quick to criticize Rodriguez after screenshots of posts of her drip session circulated online. The posts were taken as the actress attended a Senate plenary session to support the passage of the Eddie Garcia Bill on third and final reading on Monday, February 19.
“I had an appointment…but I was going to be late. So I had it done in my husband’s office,” she wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post.
Just in: Mariel Padilla proudly conducts a gluta drip session at the Senate office of her husband, Robin Padilla. The Instagram post has already been deleted after receiving backlash. pic.twitter.com/F1WK2ZLvhQ
The way Mariel Padilla decided to have her iv drip session in one of the Senate offices is outrageous. pic.twitter.com/qXH1uwiDfI
Filipinos online said Rodriguez’s drip session was “disrespectful” and a “mockery” of the Senate. One user even said that the viral post showed “Philippine politics truly is a circus.”
What bothers me is the fact na walang second thoughts sa paggawa nito? Like, walang small voice inside their head na, “hmmm parang ang kapal natin dito?”. This on top of Biana Manalo’s Malacañang birthday party, Philippine politics truly is a circus. https://t.co/liMuDNdaO5
Mag asawang salot. Laki ng kaltas sa tax tapos yan lang makikita mong ginagawa sa senado. Mga basura https://t.co/vktPLsvbd7
This is disrespectful to the institution and UNETHICAL https://t.co/AnI38z1hL3
just another entitled wife of a politician doing disservice to the nation and making public offices a mockery.Iba talaga sila…Sana bago saksakan ang katawan ng kung ano-ano, patabain din ang utak at kamalayan like delicadeza, konting kahihiyan naman po diyan. https://t.co/3VGkhTmOux
Senator Robin Padilla shrugged off the criticisms in a statement sent to reporters Friday.
“Nakakatawa naman po ang political isyu na ‘yan, my goodness. Kung may nakita po silang masama sa larawan na ‘yan, paumanhin po (This political issue is funny, my goodness. If anyone sees something wrong with the photo, I apologize),” he said.
Padilla added that his wife had “no intention to disrespect,” explaining that she “loves to promote good looks and good health.”
Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay said in a separate statement on Friday that the Senate should look into the issue as “it involves issues of conduct, integrity, and reputation of the institution; and matters that concern health and safety.”
“Nakakabother lang dahil yung IV procedure was done inside the Senate premises na walang abiso mula sa clinic…. As public figures, sana aware din tayo sa responsabilidad natin sa publiko. We might be promoting something na ipinagbabawal at iligal, at akala ng mga tao [okay] lang,” she said.
(It’s bothering that the IV procedure was done inside the Senate premises without advice from the clinic. As public figures, I hope we are aware of our responsibilities to the public. We might be promoting something forbidden and illegal, and people think that it’s okay.)
The Department of Health earlier warned the public against taking IV glutathione as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the treatment.
The FDA also issued an advisory in 2019 against using injectable glutathione for skin lightening.
“Side effects on the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening include toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Also of concern is the possibility of Stevens Johnson Syndrome,” according to the advisory. – with reports from Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
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For Senator Robin Padilla, the issue is “nakakatawa.” Did he mean “funny”? If an act that gives the impression that a Senatorial Office has also become a business promotion office is funny for him, then that is who Senator Robin Padilla is. This is the result of the “mixing of business and politics,” which many politicians widely but secretly and subtly practice. Unfortunately and sadly, the principal cause of this is the purpose of corruption. In fairness to the said senator, at least he did apologize.
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OFWs return to Israel even after war trauma for the sake of kids, family
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Michelle Abad
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23/02/2024 15:52
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On October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on Israel, Jimmy Pacheco was taken hostage, and Angenica Aguirre’s sister Angelyn was killed.
Jimmy and his wife Clarice, and Angenica and Angelyn were in touch that day. Clarice and Angenica were worried by the sudden stop in messages received from their loved ones, only to find out later that Jimmy was taken, while Angelyn stayed with her Israeli employer until they both died.
Israel-based caregivers Jimmy, Angenica, and Angelyn were just some of the hundreds of Filipinos caught in the crossfire of Israel’s war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. And if one were to count Filipinos affected by the conflict, the number may reach up to 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and over 100 Filipinos in Palestine, multiplied by their distressed families.
The Philippine and Israeli governments have pledged support to the Filipinos escaping the conflict – the latter even promising lifetime benefits. But even with the financial and livelihood support, Jimmy and Angenica still found that the best way to keep providing for their families was to return to Israel.
Angenica, 35, and Angelyn, 33, come from a family of 10 in Pangasinan. While the eight siblings are tightly knit, Angenica said she was closest to Angelyn.
They grew especially close when they lived with their aunt in their college years. Angenica was the first to fly to Israel to work as a caregiver, and her younger sister followed her some time later. The two became their family’s breadwinners.
In a commemorative event for her sister and the three other OFWs confirmed dead in the attack on November 28, Angenica recalled how she and her sister were messaging each other from their respective kibbutz or villages. The last thing Angelyn told her was that there was no lock in their bomb shelter, and that she was scared.
Angenica was able to come home by the end of October. She saw Angelyn only days later, when she came home in a box.
Angenica knew she was going to return to Israel, despite her mother’s disapproval. She said that it was more than a job, and that she could not bear to leave her ward, whom she saw as the grandfather she never had growing up.
Her whole family brought her to the airport in January. After checking in, she went out to them to say goodbye once more.
“They told me to always take care of myself and not to worry too much since we could count the days until we would see each other again. They told me to be strong,” she told Rappler in a call from Israel.
But upon landing in Israel, Angenica felt two things: fear and sadness. She was still in disbelief that her sister was gone.
Angenica was back in her daily routine with her ward, an 89-year-old, whom she bathed, fed, put to bed, and accompanied in the facility they relocated to after the attack.
But still, she was alone. Her ward, affected by dementia, was no longer capable of having conversations about what she was going through. While there were a few Filipinos in the same facility, everyone was busy with work. Her closest friends in Israel lived an hour away.
Angenica is now based in central Israel – far from the ongoing aggression in the north and the south, and as Israel intensifies attacks on Palestine. No more did she wake up to sounds of rockets in her kibbutz just over a kilometer away from Gaza, the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Her trauma remained nonetheless. She was afraid of going outside, crowds, and traveling anywhere alone.
“I get paranoid sometimes. What if someone barges in, or knocks and breaks down the door?” she said.
Despite these fears, she has returned out of love for her ward and her family, for whom she was the sole breadwinner after Angelyn’s passing. Even if she knew she would be safer and happier in the Philippines, she needed to be in Israel.
Angenica said she will stay in Israel until her ward passes. In the event he does, she won’t be going home then either.
“I plan to migrate elsewhere. If there is an opportunity to transfer to another country, I will go there first, because I saw how hard life is in the Philippines,” she said.
She pointed to the high cost of goods, and not being able to save anything if one did not own a business. Expenses for her family were especially high now, as her brother has medical needs for his kidney and eyes.
Of the equivalent of P70,000 she earns monthly, P30,000 goes to the family’s daily needs, while P20,000 goes to her brother’s medical expenses. Her siblings are in and out of work, and even when they do have jobs, these aren’t enough to sustain them all, she said.
For Clarice Pacheco, she had to endure 49 days of not knowing if her husband was alive.
She would later find out that when Jimmy was in captivity, he ate only once a day, and sometimes resorted to eating tissue paper to survive. When one loses someone like this temporarily, it’s difficult to imagine sending them back to where it all happened. But Clarice did.
Jimmy and Clarice met when the former was a college student, and the latter was working at a fast food chain. They met and grew close through Jimmy’s cousin, who was her coworker.
Jimmy was studying to be a seaman, but things took a turn when Clarice became pregnant with twins. Neither of them were able to finish school, but they needed to decide how they were going to provide for their two boys.
Clarice encouraged Jimmy to go abroad, even though he didn’t like the idea. She had no clue about the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine, but she wanted him to go because “life here in the Philippines was so difficult.” She had a new job working in a casino, while he worked in agriculture. But the future seemed bleak for their children.
Jimmy left in 2018. At this point, their twins were five years old, and another baby was on the way.
In their calls, Clarice learned about the conflict. “At first, I was always nervous because of the rockets. But as time went on, even as they said there were rockets, they had an iron dome to escape to anyway. This calmed me, which is why I never expected what happened [in October],” Clarice told Rappler.
Clarice found out that her husband was taken hostage when a family friend who was also a caregiver in Israel sent her a pixelated video of him following the October 7 attack. “When it’s your husband, you know. You know, even when the video isn’t clear.”
“I actually blamed myself when he was taken hostage because I was the one who pushed him to go there,” said Clarice. While she worried for her husband’s well-being, she was also terrified of being left to provide for their three children all by herself.
Jimmy was among 24 hostages freed on the first day of the truce, November 24. It was Clarice who confirmed to Philippine authorities that her husband was free, as one of her in-laws sent a photo to their family group chat of a skinny, unshaven Jimmy in a vehicle, smiling.
“I was the only one awake then, and I was crying of so much joy. My in-laws heard me, and we were celebrating so loudly. We couldn’t sleep that night, even my children,” she said.
Weeks later, Jimmy was home for Christmas. The family received at least P170,000 from the Philippine government. From their home in Cagayan Valley, they took the kids on vacation in Ilocos and Baguio. For the first time, they spent the holidays as a complete family.
Even on the day Clarice held her husband again, she knew that he was decided on going back.
Their children were promised scholarships from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, though as of posting, Clarice said that these were still being processed. Initial support from the Israeli government also came in, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pesos.
“He thought about the future of the children for when they go to college. And I realized how difficult life really is here in the province,” she said.
They understood that Israel would provide Jimmy benefits for a lifetime as a victim of war. But according to Clarice, Jimmy still wanted to work. He also worried that Israel’s law that served as the basis for these benefits might change.
“He did not want to depend on the benefits. He wants to work while the children are still small. He wants to provide for them so that they can have something they can call their own,” she said.
But why Israel, of all places? Clarice said that Jimmy had simply gotten used to working there, as he has only known work abroad in Israel.
Jimmy was back in Israel by February 2. With the financial assistance they received, the couple put up a business, Jimmy Pacheco’s Frozen Store, in Santa Ana, Cagayan.
According to University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco, OFWs migrating back abroad after returning to the Philippines is not new. The Philippines may be physically safer, but it did not mean security for the OFWs who fled the crises.
“This is a recurring pattern already, with regard to previous crises which have occurred which concern overseas Filipino workers,” she said.
Franco, who has written about labor export, pointed to the Lebanon war in 2006, when some 10,000 Filipinos fled the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, but there was also a “massive return.”
A more recent example is the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed at least 2.3 million OFWs to return to the Philippines. In a 2021 study by the Center for Migrant Advocacy, OFWs had difficulties finding work in the health sector during the pandemic due to competition with local workers, and having needed skills but lacking certain documentary requirements.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s policy restricting health worker deployment was also criticized – and while not all health workers seeking overseas employment may have been returned migrants, Franco said they were still willing to risk their lives to take care of COVID-19 patients as long as the job was abroad. (READ: Nursing in the UK, where the risks seemed more worth it)
“And you really cannot blame them. And the fact that they’re willing to sort of be in a place where there’s precarity because of the war, and not be here in the country shows that their livelihood and their families’ welfare are more important,” said Franco.
She also noted how migration and diplomacy are intimately linked.
“When the Philippines had to decide on certain matters…people were wondering why it took us some time on whether to issue sanctions, not just here in Israel but in other periods of conflict elsewhere. It’s because it’s not easy for us,” she said, adding that while sending workers to Israel may have been a diplomatic strategy, the country also needed to do it to provide jobs for these workers.
Franco emphasized that Filipinos simply need better salaries and more decent jobs, “because these are things that will make them stay.”
Clarice understands that Jimmy had to leave her side again. After all, it’s for their children. But if there was an opportunity for him to return home for good, she would have him stay in a heartbeat.
“If we only had enough for our children’s education, I would prefer that we all stay together,” she said. – Rappler.com
All quotes have been translated into English.
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No confirmed religious leader joining Duterte Prayer Rally in Cebu
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jsitchon0312
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23/02/2024 20:01
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Former president Rodrigo Duterte addreses the crowd during the 'Prayer Rally' against charter change, along San Pedro Street in Davao City on January 28, 2024.
Screenshot from Rody Duterte Fac
CEBU CITY, Philippines – It is hyped as the Cebu Duterte Prayer Rally set Sunday, February 25, at the South Road Properties. But with less than two days before the affair, it seemed no religious leader is going to show up.
Members of different Duterte support groups announced in a press conference on Tuesday, February 20, that they would conduct a prayer rally calling on the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be transparent on the alleged “signature-buying” campaign for the amendment of the Constitution.
Officials and political figures like Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez are invited to the event.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his sons, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, are also expected to attend the prayer rally.
But there was no confirmation of who among Cebu’s religious leaders was attending.
Rappler reached out Friday, February 23, to the secretariat of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and to leaders of other local churches, all said they have yet to receive an invitation to the event.
“We will be sending letters,” Ruben Virtucio of the Professionals for Sara Nation said when asked if they have invited church leaders to the prayer rally.
Rappler visited the Cebu Archbishop’s Palace, Cebu Conference of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (CCI-UCCP), and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Diocese of Cebu to ask if they received invitations.
“We did not receive any invitation letter,” said Father Alberto Cabag Jr. of the Office of the Archbishop’s Secretariat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu told Rappler on Friday.
“We have not received [a letter] yet,” Father Abed Echual of the IFI Cathedral in Cebu told Rappler on the same day.
“We did not receive an invitation in the past few days,” Pastor David Estoye of UCCP Cebu said.
On Friday afternoon, Cathy Cortes Maluya, overall chairman of the prayer rally, told Rappler that they have invited members of the Iglesia ni Cristo and “other Catholic churches.”
“Igo ra man to sila nireceive sa among invitations, wala gyud mi direct nga (count),” Maluya said.
(They just received our invitations, we don’t really have a direct count.)
The prayer rally in Cebu will be held on the same day the nation commemorates the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution and for good reason, organizers said.
“We are having a prayer rally on the 25th of February, a date which in our history is very significant because that’s the first time demonstrably civilian authority was insisted,” Cebu Duterte Prayer Rally convener Irene Caballes said.
Caballes, who is part of the Cebu Coalition for Transparency, Accountability, Peace, and Security (TAPS), explained that the rally will serve as a gathering for citizens to urge the administration to shed light on issues and claims that the people’s initiative is a “government’s initiative”.
Last January 28, the former president also led a prayer rally in Davao against the people’s initiative campaign for the amendment of the constitution.
On the same day, Marcos led a “Bagong Pilipinas” concert in Manila to cement the administration’s commitment to “transform the nation”.
The simultaneous rallies sparked debates and questions into the current “relationship” status of the Uniteam tandem.
“As the leader of the nation, he should also be praying,” Caballes said, inviting the incumbent president to the prayer rally. – Rappler.com
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If only PACQ is not in hiding, more likely, he would lead Digong’s Prayer Rally. As shown in the picture above, it is amusing to see former President Digong in “prayer” mode. With all his verbal attacks against some religious authorities, I doubt the sincerity behind his prayers, or perhaps it is another “God” to whom he is praying.
hahahhah. I can’t agree more. Matapos nyang tawaging stupid.. . .. Kaninong Diyos nga ba sya nagdadasal. Yung partner nya e Appointed Son of God daw!!!
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Meet The Juans, the band that serves as their listeners’ wingmen in love
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jreyes0314
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23/02/2024 21:28
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Jharwin Castaneda
MANILA, Philippines – Throughout their nine-year career, The Juans have already perfected the art of hugot.
Having started out with more upbeat, dance-worthy songs when they first began making music, The Juans didn’t actually plan on being known for making heartbreak anthems. The four-piece band even attests that hugot seemed to have just found its way to their music, and they’re happy about that.
“It’s been amazing to see how it’s helped us connect with our Filipino fans, sharing stories in our lyrics that everyone can relate to. In a way, diving into hugot has brought us closer to our listeners, weaving our experiences together through music in a way we never imagined,” The Juans’ leader Carl Guevarra told Rappler.
It was in 2019 when their songs “Hindi Tayo Pwede” and “Hatid” suddenly began to strike a chord with Filipinos and their love lives – cementing their legacy from then on as the band with the mission of “connecting people through hugot and bringing them to a place of healing.”
It had then come as a surprise that, come 2024, The Juans momentarily set aside their “hugot kings” image for a change to play matchmakers for their listeners.
The Juans shared that when they were in their studio working on their latest single “pwede ba kitang ligawan?”, they came up with the idea of having their fans answer an online form titled, “Tulungan ka naming umamin (We’ll help you confess).” Fans simply had to tell The Juans how they met their crush, and if they would be open to confessing their feelings either online or in person.
Enter Rex and Patricia.
During their set at the recently concluded UP Fair: Hiwaga, The Juans helped Rex confess to his longtime crush, Patricia, in front of the fair’s crowd. It was a big moment for everyone on stage, with Rex mustering the courage to pop the question, and The Juans talking Rex through the whole thing.
So, when Rex asked Patricia, “Pwede ba kitang ligawan (Can I court you)?” the crowd could finally quit holding their breaths and let out loud cheers as Patricia gave him a resounding “yes!”
The video had gone viral on social media overnight, and The Juans are more than happy to have been able to play a part in Rex and Patricia’s love story.
“Showcasing our kilig side, aside from our usual hugot heartbreak songs, has been such a refreshing experience! It’s like a breath of fresh air to be able to inspire people to express and confess their love openly. There’s something truly special about spreading joy and encouraging others to embrace those fluttery feelings. It’s a whole new vibe for us, and we’re loving every moment of it!” Carl said.
“pwede ba kitang ligawan?” is a song for those struggling with modern pick-up line culture, and for those who need an extra push to express their feelings. According to songwriter Japs Mendoza, the song is meant to embody two roles: The Juans as your manliligaw and The Juans as your wingman.
“The lyrics could emphasize sincerity, thoughtfulness, and respect in courtship, highlighting qualities that set apart meaningful connections from casual flirtations. The aim is to reassure listeners that they don’t have to conform to traditional pickup lines or bravado to express interest in someone; instead, they can rely on sincerity and genuine gestures, like those portrayed by The Juans in the song,” the band told Rappler.
Of course, every eager lover needs a wingman, and The Juans have already stepped up to be just that to enthusiastically give you advice, or even give you the nudge that you need to approach the person of your dreams.
“This message reinforces the idea that navigating relationships isn’t just about romantic pursuits but also about the bonds of friendship and support that accompany the journey. The song could celebrate the power of solidarity, illustrating how having a reliable wingman can make all the difference in the pursuit of love,” they added.
And for those who are planning to confess their feelings to their crush soon, The Juans have a simple, tried and tested piece of advice: just be as authentic as you can be.
“Speak from the heart and express your feelings openly and sincerely. It’s important to be clear and direct about your intentions so that your crush understands where you’re coming from. Remember, honesty and authenticity are key ingredients in building meaningful connections. So, go ahead, lay down your feelings with sincerity, and who knows, you might just get that sweet ‘yes’ you’ve been praying for!” said The Juans.
But despite The Juans now having a steady music career and a large base of listeners who will stick by whatever new sounds the band would like to try, they had really just started out as “Simpleng Juans” with a dream. The band admitted that they knew committing to music was a risky move, but they were willing to put in all the work it would take to get themselves out there.
“In our early days, we knew the struggle firsthand. We’d perform at gigs where we’d only get paid in coins, and sometimes, only a handful of people would show up to watch us play. But you know what? Those tough times taught us something invaluable. We made a pact with ourselves: even if just one person was willing to listen to us, we’d keep going and give it our all…. We hustled hard, organizing our own shows, events, and creating content until slowly but surely, doors started opening for us,” Carl said.
Now, The Juans are even set to go on their own US and Canada tour – a dream come true for the well-loved Pinoy band.
As Carl, Japs, Chael, and RJ continue to live out their dreams together as The Juans, they can only hope to serve as a safe space for listeners through their music.
“In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, hugot music offers a sanctuary – a safe haven where we can feel understood, accepted, and validated. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s hope and light waiting to be discovered,” Carl said. – Rappler.com
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Swirling again! Rita’s Philippines returns in March
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Steph Arnaldo
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23/02/2024 14:58
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MANILA, Philippines – After a series of closures and mini reopenings, Italian frozen custard chain Rita’s is finally relaunching in the Philippines in March.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, February 22, the brand announced its return to the local dessert scene with four new locations opening from March to May, just in time for the country’s hot months.
Rita’s clarified that it won’t be returning to its old stores at UP Town Center and Ayala Malls The 30th.
“We are coming back! We’re reopening in new locations to serve you your favorite Italian ice, Gelati, Misto, Frozen Drinks, and more,” Rita’s wrote.
In the comments section, Rita’s Philippines announced that The Podium and SM City Fairview will be two of the four new branches.
Rita’s Philippines’ last Facebook post was in April 2022, advertising the online delivery of its frozen custard tubs and pints. In March that year, Rita’s announced that it was reopening briefly at its UP Town Center branch, two months after its permanent closure in January.
The Philippine franchise of Rita’s Italian Ice shut down on January 15, 2022, after seven years of business. It opened its first Metro Manila branch at Greenhillls, San Juan in 2014, and then at UP Town Center in 2015, followed by other branches at Alabang Town Center, Greenhills, and SM Mall of Asia.
Rita’s Italian Ice, founded 30 years ago in Pennsylvania, has over 600 stores around the United States and several internationally, including in China and Canada.
The “cool treats” brand specializes in its famous Italian ice, a creamy, slushy frozen custard made fresh daily with real fruit and in over 65 flavors. Customers can customize their own Rita’s cup by choosing from the frozen custard selection and a wide variety of toppings, syrups, candies, and fruits. – Steph Arnaldo/Rappler.com
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Quiboloy camp receives Senate panel subpoena
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Herbie G
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23/02/2024 14:06
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CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has served a subpoena to Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy in connection with a Senate investigation into allegations of human trafficking, sexual abuse, violence, and other abuses against the preacher and his group.
The subpoena was received by one of Quiboloy’s lawyers from Davao, Marie Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes, at 1:30 pm on Thursday, February 22.
A copy of the document showed that the self-styled preacher, who proclaimed himself as the “appointed son of God,” was “commanded and required to appear” before a Senate committee chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros at 10 am on March 5.
The Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality has scheduled its third hearing on the alleged abuses in the KOJC on March 5.
The subpoena was issued based on provisions in the Senate’s rules of procedures governing inquiries in aid of legislation.
The Senate sergeant-at-arms served the subpoena a day after Hontiveros warned that she would cite Quiboloy in contempt and have him arrested if he failed to show up at the March 5 Senate hearing.
Hontiveros’ warning was in response to Quiboloy’s statement, through an audio recording, that circulated on social media that he was in hiding because of a supposed plot to abduct and assassinate him. The recording circulated on Facebook and was also posted on the YouTube page of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the media arm of KOJC.
Responding to Quiboloy’s statement, Hontiveros said, “Our next hearing is on March 5, and if Mr. Quiboloy does not show up, I will cite him in contempt and have him arrested.”
She brushed aside Quiboloy’s assassination and conspiracy theories, warning him that defiance would have serious consequences.
In the recording, Quiboloy alleged that his constitutional rights were being violated and that he and other KOJC leaders had been marked for assassination by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Responding to the preacher’s pronouncements, the US embassy in Manila said, “For more than a decade, Apollo Quiboloy engaged in serious human rights abuses, including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old, and he is currently on the FBI’s Most Wanted List. We are confident that Quiboloy will face justice for his heinous crimes.”
Quiboloy and several of his church associates have been wanted in the US since late 2021, after they were indicted by a federal grand jury in the District Court for the Central District of California for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, marriage fraud, fraud and misuse of visas, bulk cash smuggling, promotional money laundering, concealment money laundering, and international promotional money laundering. – Rappler.com
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It looks like the “Self-Appointed Son of God” will imitate the “hide and seek” scheme of former HOR Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. When it comes to this game, who will be the better player between these two?
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Valiant legions: UST students, alumni rally behind embattled TomasinoWeb
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pfkahanap0307
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23/02/2024 16:59
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MANILA, Philippines – Hundreds of University of Santo Tomas (UST) students and alumni have expressed their support for TomasinoWeb, a student-run media organization, since it temporarily stopped its social media operations on Monday, February 19.
TomasinoWeb is prohibited from posting on their social media platforms after the resignation of its adviser Leo Laparan II, who is also a journalism instructor at the university and a desk editor at The Philippine Star.
Laparan’s resignation came after university officials forced the organization to take down a photo of several students wearing their “Type B” uniform entering a convenience store. The school uniform resembled the uniform of the store employees.
The image, according to the UST administration, invited “public ridicule.”
Several UST alumni have signed a petition calling out the university for its repressive policies, and urging all officials “involved in this blatant case of campus repression” to step down from their position.
“We, Thomasian alumni, believe that the gagging of the campus press through OSA (Office for Student Affairs) is just a symptom of a much more malignant disease in UST, one that has plagued the university since its establishment under colonial rule,” said the petition, which was first circulated on Wednesday, February 21.
As of this writing, the petition has 868 signatories, including former TomasinoWeb members who are now working for national media outlets. The petition can be accessed via standwithtomasinoweb.com.
Meanwhile, officers of the university’s Central Student Council posted a statement through their personal accounts, describing TomasinoWeb’s case as part of “a continuous pattern of repression faced by student organizations and formations within the university.”
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Other student organizations in UST also released statements, calling on the university to uphold campus press freedom.
The UST Journalism Society, the official student organization of journalism students, expressed its solidarity with Laparan and TomasinoWeb in their fight against censorship.
“That such a harmless photo became the source of vexation within certain quarters on campus speaks volumes about official culture in the university,” it said in a statement.
Student leaders from different programs in the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, which houses the university’s journalism program, highlighted that the forced takedown of TomasinoWeb’s photo “is not an isolated case of censorship” by the UST administration.
Editors of several college-based student publications in UST also crafted a joint statement, showing support for the media organization. “This censorship of TomasinoWeb violates all the values we hold in the university,” they said.
“If the 3Cs – Competence, Commitment, and Compassion – are blatantly disregarded by the people who have instilled these values unto us, we will lose the essence of these values and what we hold ourselves to be.”
Thomasians are also taking their calls for campus press freedom and students’ rights outside social media. Several student-initiated events will be held in the UST campus, hoping to shed more light on TomasinoWeb’s situation.
Some student activists held a “one-minute silence” at the UST Grandstand as a form of symbolic action against UST’s censorship.
LOOK: UST student activitists hold a brief “silent protest” at the the UST Grandstand on Friday, Feb. 23. This comes in light of the Office for Student Affairs-TomasinoWeb issue and a student-activist receiving a show-cause letter for joining an organization not recognized by… pic.twitter.com/pNmLpLggXr
Others will also be joining a prayer vigil to be held in front of the university’s Arch of the Centuries “as a prayer for justice and democracy.”
However, the administration is reportedly exerting efforts to reduce the possibility of holding mobilizations inside the campus.
According to an update by The Flame, the official student publication of the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, multiple sources have disclosed that university officials raised the possibility of canceling an upcoming concert organized by their local student council “to preempt possible protests against the takedown of the 7-Eleven photo of TomasinoWeb.”
BREAKING: The Office for Student Affairs (OSA) dangles the possibility of canceling the Faculty of Arts and Letters' (AB) concert to preempt possible protests against the takedown of the 7-Eleven photo of TomasinoWeb, multiple sources tell The Flame. pic.twitter.com/3ZQdQ8YNNa
Even students and officials from other universities have taken a stance on the issue.
The student media office of De La Salle University (DLSU) sent an email to students, assuring them that “they have the right to explore different issues and perspectives with critical thinking and respect.”
DLSU’s statement had some UST students wishing that their own university would allow them to have the same freedom.
Isang kapatunayan na napagiiwanan na tayo. Mas nauna pang gumawa ng statement ang ibang university? And they plan on protecting campus journalism and freedom. And look at where we still are. https://t.co/JUf0ZCTg3i
Even if this law is toothless in enforcing journalistic freedoms, this is a good thing still. Students can then hold the university to account. I wish I could say the same elsewhere. https://t.co/DroScQLMY7
nauna pang gumawa ng gumawa ng statement yung ibang university. ano na? ang lungkot lang kasi this is probably another one of the issues of the university na never nilang i-aaddress, dahil iintayin at hahayaan lang nilang makalimutan na ito ng mga tao. 😵💫 https://t.co/6qk7yIRf15
Other student publications and organizations from different universities across the country posted statements on their social media, joining TomasinoWeb’s call for a free student press.
The photo takedown revived discussions on the Campus Journalism Act and why it has to be amended due to flaws that could compromise campus press freedom.
In 2021, former Kabataan representative Sarah Elago renewed her push for House Bill No. 319 or the Campus Press Freedom bill, seeking to give better protection for campus journalists, but it was not passed into law.
The UST Office of the Secretary General told reporters that “collaborative efforts are being undertaken” to resolve the matter involving TomasinoWeb. – Rappler.com
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Be The Good: Leo Laparan II on standing up for campus press freedom
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Pia Ranada
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23/02/2024 13:22
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MANILA, Philippines – When the University of Santo Tomas (UST) decided to pressure its students’ digital media organization TomasinoWeb to take down one of its photos from Facebook, TomasinoWeb’s publications adviser Leo Laparan II drew a line. He called the action a “clear illustration of censorship” and stepped down from his post.
Laparan, a journalism lecturer at the university and a working journalist, is our guest in the latest episode of Be The Good, Rappler’s show about people on a mission.
Rappler community lead Pia Ranada asks Laparan about how the takedown of the photo unfolded behind-the-scenes, what he thinks of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, and why he felt it was important to stand up for UST students’ freedoms. (READ: Thomasian student activist receives show-cause letter from UST administration)
Rappler digital communications specialist Tricia Kahanap provides an overview of how the online conversations about the TomasinoWeb photo takedown have developed and how far the issue has gotten both online and offline, among students, journalists, and beyond.
Catch the interview at 7 pm on Friday, February 23, on this page and on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook pages. – Rappler.com
Be The Good is Rappler’s community show featuring advocacies and causes. We help you get smarter about movements to support. We amplify changemakers in communities and get critical about the solutions and causes they push for.
Watch other Be The Good episodes:
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Meet The Juans, the band that serves as their listeners’ wingmen in love
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jreyes0314
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23/02/2024 21:28
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Jharwin Castaneda
MANILA, Philippines – Throughout their nine-year career, The Juans have already perfected the art of hugot.
Having started out with more upbeat, dance-worthy songs when they first began making music, The Juans didn’t actually plan on being known for making heartbreak anthems. The four-piece band even attests that hugot seemed to have just found its way to their music, and they’re happy about that.
“It’s been amazing to see how it’s helped us connect with our Filipino fans, sharing stories in our lyrics that everyone can relate to. In a way, diving into hugot has brought us closer to our listeners, weaving our experiences together through music in a way we never imagined,” The Juans’ leader Carl Guevarra told Rappler.
It was in 2019 when their songs “Hindi Tayo Pwede” and “Hatid” suddenly began to strike a chord with Filipinos and their love lives – cementing their legacy from then on as the band with the mission of “connecting people through hugot and bringing them to a place of healing.”
It had then come as a surprise that, come 2024, The Juans momentarily set aside their “hugot kings” image for a change to play matchmakers for their listeners.
The Juans shared that when they were in their studio working on their latest single “pwede ba kitang ligawan?”, they came up with the idea of having their fans answer an online form titled, “Tulungan ka naming umamin (We’ll help you confess).” Fans simply had to tell The Juans how they met their crush, and if they would be open to confessing their feelings either online or in person.
Enter Rex and Patricia.
During their set at the recently concluded UP Fair: Hiwaga, The Juans helped Rex confess to his longtime crush, Patricia, in front of the fair’s crowd. It was a big moment for everyone on stage, with Rex mustering the courage to pop the question, and The Juans talking Rex through the whole thing.
So, when Rex asked Patricia, “Pwede ba kitang ligawan (Can I court you)?” the crowd could finally quit holding their breaths and let out loud cheers as Patricia gave him a resounding “yes!”
The video had gone viral on social media overnight, and The Juans are more than happy to have been able to play a part in Rex and Patricia’s love story.
“Showcasing our kilig side, aside from our usual hugot heartbreak songs, has been such a refreshing experience! It’s like a breath of fresh air to be able to inspire people to express and confess their love openly. There’s something truly special about spreading joy and encouraging others to embrace those fluttery feelings. It’s a whole new vibe for us, and we’re loving every moment of it!” Carl said.
“pwede ba kitang ligawan?” is a song for those struggling with modern pick-up line culture, and for those who need an extra push to express their feelings. According to songwriter Japs Mendoza, the song is meant to embody two roles: The Juans as your manliligaw and The Juans as your wingman.
“The lyrics could emphasize sincerity, thoughtfulness, and respect in courtship, highlighting qualities that set apart meaningful connections from casual flirtations. The aim is to reassure listeners that they don’t have to conform to traditional pickup lines or bravado to express interest in someone; instead, they can rely on sincerity and genuine gestures, like those portrayed by The Juans in the song,” the band told Rappler.
Of course, every eager lover needs a wingman, and The Juans have already stepped up to be just that to enthusiastically give you advice, or even give you the nudge that you need to approach the person of your dreams.
“This message reinforces the idea that navigating relationships isn’t just about romantic pursuits but also about the bonds of friendship and support that accompany the journey. The song could celebrate the power of solidarity, illustrating how having a reliable wingman can make all the difference in the pursuit of love,” they added.
And for those who are planning to confess their feelings to their crush soon, The Juans have a simple, tried and tested piece of advice: just be as authentic as you can be.
“Speak from the heart and express your feelings openly and sincerely. It’s important to be clear and direct about your intentions so that your crush understands where you’re coming from. Remember, honesty and authenticity are key ingredients in building meaningful connections. So, go ahead, lay down your feelings with sincerity, and who knows, you might just get that sweet ‘yes’ you’ve been praying for!” said The Juans.
But despite The Juans now having a steady music career and a large base of listeners who will stick by whatever new sounds the band would like to try, they had really just started out as “Simpleng Juans” with a dream. The band admitted that they knew committing to music was a risky move, but they were willing to put in all the work it would take to get themselves out there.
“In our early days, we knew the struggle firsthand. We’d perform at gigs where we’d only get paid in coins, and sometimes, only a handful of people would show up to watch us play. But you know what? Those tough times taught us something invaluable. We made a pact with ourselves: even if just one person was willing to listen to us, we’d keep going and give it our all…. We hustled hard, organizing our own shows, events, and creating content until slowly but surely, doors started opening for us,” Carl said.
Now, The Juans are even set to go on their own US and Canada tour – a dream come true for the well-loved Pinoy band.
As Carl, Japs, Chael, and RJ continue to live out their dreams together as The Juans, they can only hope to serve as a safe space for listeners through their music.
“In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, hugot music offers a sanctuary – a safe haven where we can feel understood, accepted, and validated. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s hope and light waiting to be discovered,” Carl said. – Rappler.com
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Cone, Gilas staying patient as Brownlee shakes off rust from hiatus
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 20:21
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FAN FAVORITE. Justin Brownlee and Gilas Pilipinas wave to the crowd after winning over Hong Kong in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – Tim Cone and Gilas Pilipinas are in no rush to see Justin Brownlee regain his old, lethal form.
Brownlee, after all, just returned to competitive action for the first time in four months, helping Gilas Pilipinas coast to a 94-64 win over Hong Kong on Thursday, February 22, for a fine start in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The beloved naturalized player earned the go signal from FIBA to suit up for the Nationals again after failing a doping test in the Asian Games as he served a voluntary suspension that started from November and ended in February.
“We’re obviously willing to be patient for him and we know how good he is, how good of a teammate he is,” said Cone, who also coaches the Barangay Ginebra import in the PBA.
“He’s the lifeblood of this team. We’re happy that he’s back.”
Despite being away from competitive basketball for one-third of a year, Brownlee still delivered, doing it all on both ends as he posted a staggering plus-minus of +38.
Brownlee finished with a team-high 16 points on top of 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in 27:20 minutes of action – the most by any Filipino player as Cone allowed him to find his footing.
“He hasn’t played a game in four months so he had a lot of rust to brush off and that’s why we continued to play him in the fourth quarter,” said Cone.
“I turned to the bench and said, ‘We’re going to keep Justin in there so we can continue to get his rhythm.’ So it was great to see him in the second half really get his rhythm and be the Justin that we know.”
Brownlee is set for a homecoming game as the Filipinos host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Sunday, February 25, and Cone expects him to in a deadlier shape.
“We think he’ll play better against Taiwan and as we go forward. He has that history, he has that pedigree already,” Cone said. – Rappler.com
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People Power through eyes of faith: ‘EDSA was an act of God’
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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23/02/2024 21:10
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MANILA, Philippines – Politicians through the years have framed the People Power Revolution of 1986 as mere political power play between the Marcos and Aquino families.
But is this all that there is?
In this video report, Rappler senior multimedia reporter Paterno Esmaquel II visits EDSA Shrine – now the spiritual center of the 1986 revolt – to listen to Filipinos who view EDSA through the eyes of faith.
Sister Cho Borromeo, an 80-year-old member of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, recounts her experience facing imminent death while facing soldiers at EDSA exactly 38 years ago. To this day, she is firm in her conviction that “EDSA was an act of God.”
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, whose father battled the Marcos dictatorship, emphasizes the role of the Catholic Church as “conscience” of the Filipino people.
To watch the vlog, click the YouTube link at the topmost part of this page. – Rappler.com
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No confirmed religious leader joining Duterte Prayer Rally in Cebu
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jsitchon0312
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23/02/2024 20:01
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Former president Rodrigo Duterte addreses the crowd during the 'Prayer Rally' against charter change, along San Pedro Street in Davao City on January 28, 2024.
Screenshot from Rody Duterte Fac
CEBU CITY, Philippines – It is hyped as the Cebu Duterte Prayer Rally set Sunday, February 25, at the South Road Properties. But with less than two days before the affair, it seemed no religious leader is going to show up.
Members of different Duterte support groups announced in a press conference on Tuesday, February 20, that they would conduct a prayer rally calling on the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be transparent on the alleged “signature-buying” campaign for the amendment of the Constitution.
Officials and political figures like Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez are invited to the event.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his sons, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, are also expected to attend the prayer rally.
But there was no confirmation of who among Cebu’s religious leaders was attending.
Rappler reached out Friday, February 23, to the secretariat of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and to leaders of other local churches, all said they have yet to receive an invitation to the event.
“We will be sending letters,” Ruben Virtucio of the Professionals for Sara Nation said when asked if they have invited church leaders to the prayer rally.
Rappler visited the Cebu Archbishop’s Palace, Cebu Conference of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (CCI-UCCP), and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Diocese of Cebu to ask if they received invitations.
“We did not receive any invitation letter,” said Father Alberto Cabag Jr. of the Office of the Archbishop’s Secretariat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu told Rappler on Friday.
“We have not received [a letter] yet,” Father Abed Echual of the IFI Cathedral in Cebu told Rappler on the same day.
“We did not receive an invitation in the past few days,” Pastor David Estoye of UCCP Cebu said.
On Friday afternoon, Cathy Cortes Maluya, overall chairman of the prayer rally, told Rappler that they have invited members of the Iglesia ni Cristo and “other Catholic churches.”
“Igo ra man to sila nireceive sa among invitations, wala gyud mi direct nga (count),” Maluya said.
(They just received our invitations, we don’t really have a direct count.)
The prayer rally in Cebu will be held on the same day the nation commemorates the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution and for good reason, organizers said.
“We are having a prayer rally on the 25th of February, a date which in our history is very significant because that’s the first time demonstrably civilian authority was insisted,” Cebu Duterte Prayer Rally convener Irene Caballes said.
Caballes, who is part of the Cebu Coalition for Transparency, Accountability, Peace, and Security (TAPS), explained that the rally will serve as a gathering for citizens to urge the administration to shed light on issues and claims that the people’s initiative is a “government’s initiative”.
Last January 28, the former president also led a prayer rally in Davao against the people’s initiative campaign for the amendment of the constitution.
On the same day, Marcos led a “Bagong Pilipinas” concert in Manila to cement the administration’s commitment to “transform the nation”.
The simultaneous rallies sparked debates and questions into the current “relationship” status of the Uniteam tandem.
“As the leader of the nation, he should also be praying,” Caballes said, inviting the incumbent president to the prayer rally. – Rappler.com
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If only PACQ is not in hiding, more likely, he would lead Digong’s Prayer Rally. As shown in the picture above, it is amusing to see former President Digong in “prayer” mode. With all his verbal attacks against some religious authorities, I doubt the sincerity behind his prayers, or perhaps it is another “God” to whom he is praying.
hahahhah. I can’t agree more. Matapos nyang tawaging stupid.. . .. Kaninong Diyos nga ba sya nagdadasal. Yung partner nya e Appointed Son of God daw!!!
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Filipinos online slam Mariel Rodriguez for ‘disrespectful’ IV drip post inside Senate
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Russell Ku
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23/02/2024 21:43
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APPOINTMENT. In this now-deleted Instagram post, Filipino actress and host Mariel Rodriguez Padilla does an IV glutathione drip session inside the office of Senator Robin Padilla
Mariel Rodriguez's Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino host and actress Mariel Rodriguez Padilla is under fire over a social media post of her undergoing an intravenous therapy (IV) glutathione drip session inside the office of her husband, Senator Robin Padilla.
Social media users were quick to criticize Rodriguez after screenshots of posts of her drip session circulated online. The posts were taken as the actress attended a Senate plenary session to support the passage of the Eddie Garcia Bill on third and final reading on Monday, February 19.
“I had an appointment…but I was going to be late. So I had it done in my husband’s office,” she wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post.
Just in: Mariel Padilla proudly conducts a gluta drip session at the Senate office of her husband, Robin Padilla. The Instagram post has already been deleted after receiving backlash. pic.twitter.com/F1WK2ZLvhQ
The way Mariel Padilla decided to have her iv drip session in one of the Senate offices is outrageous. pic.twitter.com/qXH1uwiDfI
Filipinos online said Rodriguez’s drip session was “disrespectful” and a “mockery” of the Senate. One user even said that the viral post showed “Philippine politics truly is a circus.”
What bothers me is the fact na walang second thoughts sa paggawa nito? Like, walang small voice inside their head na, “hmmm parang ang kapal natin dito?”. This on top of Biana Manalo’s Malacañang birthday party, Philippine politics truly is a circus. https://t.co/liMuDNdaO5
Mag asawang salot. Laki ng kaltas sa tax tapos yan lang makikita mong ginagawa sa senado. Mga basura https://t.co/vktPLsvbd7
This is disrespectful to the institution and UNETHICAL https://t.co/AnI38z1hL3
just another entitled wife of a politician doing disservice to the nation and making public offices a mockery.Iba talaga sila…Sana bago saksakan ang katawan ng kung ano-ano, patabain din ang utak at kamalayan like delicadeza, konting kahihiyan naman po diyan. https://t.co/3VGkhTmOux
Senator Robin Padilla shrugged off the criticisms in a statement sent to reporters Friday.
“Nakakatawa naman po ang political isyu na ‘yan, my goodness. Kung may nakita po silang masama sa larawan na ‘yan, paumanhin po (This political issue is funny, my goodness. If anyone sees something wrong with the photo, I apologize),” he said.
Padilla added that his wife had “no intention to disrespect,” explaining that she “loves to promote good looks and good health.”
Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay said in a separate statement on Friday that the Senate should look into the issue as “it involves issues of conduct, integrity, and reputation of the institution; and matters that concern health and safety.”
“Nakakabother lang dahil yung IV procedure was done inside the Senate premises na walang abiso mula sa clinic…. As public figures, sana aware din tayo sa responsabilidad natin sa publiko. We might be promoting something na ipinagbabawal at iligal, at akala ng mga tao [okay] lang,” she said.
(It’s bothering that the IV procedure was done inside the Senate premises without advice from the clinic. As public figures, I hope we are aware of our responsibilities to the public. We might be promoting something forbidden and illegal, and people think that it’s okay.)
The Department of Health earlier warned the public against taking IV glutathione as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the treatment.
The FDA also issued an advisory in 2019 against using injectable glutathione for skin lightening.
“Side effects on the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening include toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Also of concern is the possibility of Stevens Johnson Syndrome,” according to the advisory. – with reports from Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
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Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines.
For Senator Robin Padilla, the issue is “nakakatawa.” Did he mean “funny”? If an act that gives the impression that a Senatorial Office has also become a business promotion office is funny for him, then that is who Senator Robin Padilla is. This is the result of the “mixing of business and politics,” which many politicians widely but secretly and subtly practice. Unfortunately and sadly, the principal cause of this is the purpose of corruption. In fairness to the said senator, at least he did apologize.
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https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/filipinos-online-reactions-mariel-rodriguez-padilla-iv-drip-post-senate-building/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0TZWE0nxX637rIDAuPVn4cbxLJjqu9Mk3vJJo0AzfXdiLL1biS_XrWMb4_aem_e8nLG8PbFlorDhMJWeoOpw
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Filipinos online slam Mariel Rodriguez for ‘disrespectful’ IV drip post inside Senate
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Russell Ku
|
23/02/2024 21:43
|
APPOINTMENT. In this now-deleted Instagram post, Filipino actress and host Mariel Rodriguez Padilla does an IV glutathione drip session inside the office of Senator Robin Padilla
Mariel Rodriguez's Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino host and actress Mariel Rodriguez Padilla is under fire over a social media post of her undergoing an intravenous therapy (IV) glutathione drip session inside the office of her husband, Senator Robin Padilla.
Social media users were quick to criticize Rodriguez after screenshots of posts of her drip session circulated online. The posts were taken as the actress attended a Senate plenary session to support the passage of the Eddie Garcia Bill on third and final reading on Monday, February 19.
“I had an appointment…but I was going to be late. So I had it done in my husband’s office,” she wrote in a now-deleted Instagram post.
Just in: Mariel Padilla proudly conducts a gluta drip session at the Senate office of her husband, Robin Padilla. The Instagram post has already been deleted after receiving backlash. pic.twitter.com/F1WK2ZLvhQ
The way Mariel Padilla decided to have her iv drip session in one of the Senate offices is outrageous. pic.twitter.com/qXH1uwiDfI
Filipinos online said Rodriguez’s drip session was “disrespectful” and a “mockery” of the Senate. One user even said that the viral post showed “Philippine politics truly is a circus.”
What bothers me is the fact na walang second thoughts sa paggawa nito? Like, walang small voice inside their head na, “hmmm parang ang kapal natin dito?”. This on top of Biana Manalo’s Malacañang birthday party, Philippine politics truly is a circus. https://t.co/liMuDNdaO5
Mag asawang salot. Laki ng kaltas sa tax tapos yan lang makikita mong ginagawa sa senado. Mga basura https://t.co/vktPLsvbd7
This is disrespectful to the institution and UNETHICAL https://t.co/AnI38z1hL3
just another entitled wife of a politician doing disservice to the nation and making public offices a mockery.Iba talaga sila…Sana bago saksakan ang katawan ng kung ano-ano, patabain din ang utak at kamalayan like delicadeza, konting kahihiyan naman po diyan. https://t.co/3VGkhTmOux
Senator Robin Padilla shrugged off the criticisms in a statement sent to reporters Friday.
“Nakakatawa naman po ang political isyu na ‘yan, my goodness. Kung may nakita po silang masama sa larawan na ‘yan, paumanhin po (This political issue is funny, my goodness. If anyone sees something wrong with the photo, I apologize),” he said.
Padilla added that his wife had “no intention to disrespect,” explaining that she “loves to promote good looks and good health.”
Meanwhile, Senator Nancy Binay said in a separate statement on Friday that the Senate should look into the issue as “it involves issues of conduct, integrity, and reputation of the institution; and matters that concern health and safety.”
“Nakakabother lang dahil yung IV procedure was done inside the Senate premises na walang abiso mula sa clinic…. As public figures, sana aware din tayo sa responsabilidad natin sa publiko. We might be promoting something na ipinagbabawal at iligal, at akala ng mga tao [okay] lang,” she said.
(It’s bothering that the IV procedure was done inside the Senate premises without advice from the clinic. As public figures, I hope we are aware of our responsibilities to the public. We might be promoting something forbidden and illegal, and people think that it’s okay.)
The Department of Health earlier warned the public against taking IV glutathione as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the treatment.
The FDA also issued an advisory in 2019 against using injectable glutathione for skin lightening.
“Side effects on the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening include toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Also of concern is the possibility of Stevens Johnson Syndrome,” according to the advisory. – with reports from Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
Error.
Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines.
For Senator Robin Padilla, the issue is “nakakatawa.” Did he mean “funny”? If an act that gives the impression that a Senatorial Office has also become a business promotion office is funny for him, then that is who Senator Robin Padilla is. This is the result of the “mixing of business and politics,” which many politicians widely but secretly and subtly practice. Unfortunately and sadly, the principal cause of this is the purpose of corruption. In fairness to the said senator, at least he did apologize.
How does this make you feel?
|
Rappler
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https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/filipinos-online-reactions-mariel-rodriguez-padilla-iv-drip-post-senate-building/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3iPFdXSfm51mjViF8ck6ulkgJ1uqFHkMCG9YoWK2JmOXAwDDydFVF9JpA_aem_SFVrBmrXm3h-73toBSuf9Q
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People Power through eyes of faith: ‘EDSA was an act of God’
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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23/02/2024 21:10
|
MANILA, Philippines – Politicians through the years have framed the People Power Revolution of 1986 as mere political power play between the Marcos and Aquino families.
But is this all that there is?
In this video report, Rappler senior multimedia reporter Paterno Esmaquel II visits EDSA Shrine – now the spiritual center of the 1986 revolt – to listen to Filipinos who view EDSA through the eyes of faith.
Sister Cho Borromeo, an 80-year-old member of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, recounts her experience facing imminent death while facing soldiers at EDSA exactly 38 years ago. To this day, she is firm in her conviction that “EDSA was an act of God.”
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, whose father battled the Marcos dictatorship, emphasizes the role of the Catholic Church as “conscience” of the Filipino people.
To watch the vlog, click the YouTube link at the topmost part of this page. – Rappler.com
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Rappler
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Cone, Gilas staying patient as Brownlee shakes off rust from hiatus
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 20:21
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FAN FAVORITE. Justin Brownlee and Gilas Pilipinas wave to the crowd after winning over Hong Kong in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – Tim Cone and Gilas Pilipinas are in no rush to see Justin Brownlee regain his old, lethal form.
Brownlee, after all, just returned to competitive action for the first time in four months, helping Gilas Pilipinas coast to a 94-64 win over Hong Kong on Thursday, February 22, for a fine start in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The beloved naturalized player earned the go signal from FIBA to suit up for the Nationals again after failing a doping test in the Asian Games as he served a voluntary suspension that started from November and ended in February.
“We’re obviously willing to be patient for him and we know how good he is, how good of a teammate he is,” said Cone, who also coaches the Barangay Ginebra import in the PBA.
“He’s the lifeblood of this team. We’re happy that he’s back.”
Despite being away from competitive basketball for one-third of a year, Brownlee still delivered, doing it all on both ends as he posted a staggering plus-minus of +38.
Brownlee finished with a team-high 16 points on top of 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in 27:20 minutes of action – the most by any Filipino player as Cone allowed him to find his footing.
“He hasn’t played a game in four months so he had a lot of rust to brush off and that’s why we continued to play him in the fourth quarter,” said Cone.
“I turned to the bench and said, ‘We’re going to keep Justin in there so we can continue to get his rhythm.’ So it was great to see him in the second half really get his rhythm and be the Justin that we know.”
Brownlee is set for a homecoming game as the Filipinos host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Sunday, February 25, and Cone expects him to in a deadlier shape.
“We think he’ll play better against Taiwan and as we go forward. He has that history, he has that pedigree already,” Cone said. – Rappler.com
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Alex Eala gears up for payback in W75 Porto quarters
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Jasmine Payo
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23/02/2024 15:32
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FOCUSED. Alex Eala reacts during a singles match in the ITF W75 Porto in Portugal.
ALEX EALA FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – There’s one more reason for Alex Eala to feel pumped up after clinching a quarterfinal berth in the ITF W75 Porto in Portugal.
Eala – who surprisingly scored an easy 6-0, 6-3 victory over eighth seed Katarina Zavatska of Ukraine in the second round on Thursday, February 22 – booked a quarterfinal date against Anna Bondar of Hungary.
But on top of vying for a final four spot, the matchup may also serve as another motivation for Eala as Bondar dealt the Filipina teen the most lopsided loss of her pro career.
In April 2022, a then 16-year-old Eala faced off against a 24-year-old Bondar in the qualifiers of the WTA Madrid.
Eala was just two weeks removed from winning the ITF W25 Chiang Rai crown in Thailand, while Bondar was playing the best tennis of her career and was on the cusp of making it to the top 50 in the world.
Bondar quickly showed her top form, dealing Eala a double bagel, 6-0, 6-0 – still the worst loss the Filipina has suffered in her pro career.
Eala, though, hopes to show how much she has grown after winning in dominant fashion over Zavatska, who previously ranked 103 in the world and has reached the main draw of the French Open and the US Open.
It took Eala just 20 minutes to win the first set, breaking the 24-year-old Ukrainian three times while not facing any break point.
Eala scored 24 points while limiting Zavatska to just 5 points the entire opening set.
The second set was more competitive, at least until the halfway point. Eala and Zavatska exchanged service breaks and remained tied until 3-3.
Eala then stepped up an extra gear that Zavatska could not keep pace with. The Filipina blanked the Ukrainian the rest of the way to close the second set in the ninth game and finish the match in an hour and 14 minutes.
With the victory, Eala gets a chance to avenge her sorry loss to Bondar as the two square off on Friday, February 23, at the Complexo de Ténis de Monte Aventino in Porto, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.
Eala has been in razor sharp form so far in Porto, winning her matches in straight sets in the first two rounds, while the second-seeded Bondar came back from a set down in the previous round before clipping Sinja Kraus of Switzerland, who retired after the second game of the third set.
Bondar, of course, will have the advantage in experience. The 26-year-old Hungarian already has one WTA singles title to her name and has played in all Grand Slam events, even advancing to the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.
Eala also saw action in doubles on Thursday, but she and Ali Collins of Great Britain fell to second seeds Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany and Alicia Barnett of Great Britain, 6-3, 6-4. – Rappler.com
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Underdog Ancajas takes swing at Inoue’s world bantamweight belt in Tokyo
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Jasmine Payo
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23/02/2024 17:32
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FIGHT ON. Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas (right) and Japanese title holder Takuma Inoue both check in at 117.75 pounds during the official weigh-in.
WENDELL ALINEA/MP PROMOTIONS
TOKYO, Japan – The time has come for Jerwin Ancajas to claim another world crown.
A pumped up Ancajas goes after Takuma Inoue’s World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight crown on Saturday night, February 24, at the Kokugigan Arena here.
Despite having the longer experience and stronger power, Ancajas has been tagged the underdog against Inoue, younger brother of pound-for-pound No. 1 Naoya Inoue.
Oddsmakers put Ancajas at +225 against -275 for Inoue, who’ll be staking the 118-pound title for the first time.
“I want to bring home the crown. I want to be world champion again,” said Ancajas who reigned for six years in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight division before outgrowing it.
Both Ancajas and Inoue tipped the scales at 117.75 pounds during Friday’s official weigh-in at the Tokyo Dome Hotel, allhough the Filipino had to strip bare.
According to Ancajas, who intends to climb the ring at least 135 pounds, he must beat Inoue not only for personal glory but to give the Philippines its first world boxing champion this year.
Although he did not promise a knockout, Ancajas, owner of a 34-win, 3-loss, 2-draw card with 23 knockouts, said he will pour it all if given the chance to cut short the 12-round bout originally scheduled November 15 but got pushed back after Inoue sustained a fractured rib during training.
An added motivation for Ancajas is his growing family, with his wife Ruth pregnant with their fifth child.
According to Joven Jimenez, Ancajas’ longtime trainer and manager, they’ve prepared hard for this fight, spending the last two months at their Survival Camp in Magallanes.
“We’re prepared for whatever Inoue will bring in the ring,” said Jimenez.
While Ancajas and Jimenez are wary of the outcome, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons is optimistic the Filipino southpaw will end up the new world champion.
“Not just 100 percent, but I’m 110 percent certain Jerwin will win,” said Gibbons, who bared that the three-knockdown rule has been waived for the card put up by Ohashi Promotions.
Inoue said Ancajas is the best fighter he has ever faced, but he’s ready to spring some surprises that will catch the Filipino off guard.
American Mark Nelson will be the third man in the ring while South Korean Kim Byung Woo, Italian Luigi Boscarelli, and American Alex Levin will be the judges.
Former world title challenger Jonas Sultan, meanwhile, tangles with Japanese prospect Riku Masuda in the undercard.
Sultan, holder of a 19-6 card with 11 knockouts, needs an impressive win over Masuda, 3-1 with 3 knockouts, to get back in line for a world title eliminator.
Junnie Navarro, Sultan’s manager, flew in from the Philippines late Thursday to lend support to his fellow Zamboangueno. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Unregistered cataract ‘cure’ not promoted by health TV show
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Lorenz Pasion
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23/02/2024 18:20
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Claim: Eyes Blue, which claims to treat cataracts and blurry eyes, was promoted in the health program Salamat Dok.
Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook video bearing the claim has 643,000 views, 4,500 reactions, and 2,800 comments as of writing.
A clip from an episode of Salamat Dok was inserted at the beginning of the video, bordered by text and images advertising Eyes Blue.
At the 1:57 and 2:08 timestamps, other clips featuring the product were inserted, promoting Eyes Blue as an effective cure for cataracts and blurry eyes. A small graphic with the text “FDA Approved” can be seen over these videos.
The post also included a link to a website for customers to buy the product.
The facts: The Salamat Dok program does not endorse the product. The misleading ad uses clips from the episode titled “The cataracts of Evelyn Macapobre,” which was posted on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel on May 12, 2019.
The original clip talked about the case of 61-year-old Evelyn Macapobre and her experience with getting diagnosis and treatment for cataracts. There was no mention of the supposed cataract cure. The misleading ad merely spliced together clips from the health program with other videos promoting Eyes Blue, creating the impression that Salamat Dok is talking about the product.
Surgery as treatment: A cataract refers to the clouding of the lens of the eye, which is the clear portion of the eye that helps to focus light. Symptoms include blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. The condition can lead to vision loss over time. In the Philippines, cataracts are among the main causes of visual impairment among Filipinos.
While Eyes Blue claims to treat cataracts in only two weeks, only surgery can fully remove cataracts, according to health institutes such as the Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins University.
Not FDA registered: Eyes Blue is not included in the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s list of approved drug products, despite the supposed “FDA Approved” graphic in the misleading video.
Previous false claims: Rappler has fact-checked similar supposed health treatments and cures that are not registered with the FDA:
– Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza/Rappler.com
Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza 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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OFWs return to Israel even after war trauma for the sake of kids, family
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Michelle Abad
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23/02/2024 15:52
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On October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on Israel, Jimmy Pacheco was taken hostage, and Angenica Aguirre’s sister Angelyn was killed.
Jimmy and his wife Clarice, and Angenica and Angelyn were in touch that day. Clarice and Angenica were worried by the sudden stop in messages received from their loved ones, only to find out later that Jimmy was taken, while Angelyn stayed with her Israeli employer until they both died.
Israel-based caregivers Jimmy, Angenica, and Angelyn were just some of the hundreds of Filipinos caught in the crossfire of Israel’s war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. And if one were to count Filipinos affected by the conflict, the number may reach up to 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and over 100 Filipinos in Palestine, multiplied by their distressed families.
The Philippine and Israeli governments have pledged support to the Filipinos escaping the conflict – the latter even promising lifetime benefits. But even with the financial and livelihood support, Jimmy and Angenica still found that the best way to keep providing for their families was to return to Israel.
Angenica, 35, and Angelyn, 33, come from a family of 10 in Pangasinan. While the eight siblings are tightly knit, Angenica said she was closest to Angelyn.
They grew especially close when they lived with their aunt in their college years. Angenica was the first to fly to Israel to work as a caregiver, and her younger sister followed her some time later. The two became their family’s breadwinners.
In a commemorative event for her sister and the three other OFWs confirmed dead in the attack on November 28, Angenica recalled how she and her sister were messaging each other from their respective kibbutz or villages. The last thing Angelyn told her was that there was no lock in their bomb shelter, and that she was scared.
Angenica was able to come home by the end of October. She saw Angelyn only days later, when she came home in a box.
Angenica knew she was going to return to Israel, despite her mother’s disapproval. She said that it was more than a job, and that she could not bear to leave her ward, whom she saw as the grandfather she never had growing up.
Her whole family brought her to the airport in January. After checking in, she went out to them to say goodbye once more.
“They told me to always take care of myself and not to worry too much since we could count the days until we would see each other again. They told me to be strong,” she told Rappler in a call from Israel.
But upon landing in Israel, Angenica felt two things: fear and sadness. She was still in disbelief that her sister was gone.
Angenica was back in her daily routine with her ward, an 89-year-old, whom she bathed, fed, put to bed, and accompanied in the facility they relocated to after the attack.
But still, she was alone. Her ward, affected by dementia, was no longer capable of having conversations about what she was going through. While there were a few Filipinos in the same facility, everyone was busy with work. Her closest friends in Israel lived an hour away.
Angenica is now based in central Israel – far from the ongoing aggression in the north and the south, and as Israel intensifies attacks on Palestine. No more did she wake up to sounds of rockets in her kibbutz just over a kilometer away from Gaza, the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Her trauma remained nonetheless. She was afraid of going outside, crowds, and traveling anywhere alone.
“I get paranoid sometimes. What if someone barges in, or knocks and breaks down the door?” she said.
Despite these fears, she has returned out of love for her ward and her family, for whom she was the sole breadwinner after Angelyn’s passing. Even if she knew she would be safer and happier in the Philippines, she needed to be in Israel.
Angenica said she will stay in Israel until her ward passes. In the event he does, she won’t be going home then either.
“I plan to migrate elsewhere. If there is an opportunity to transfer to another country, I will go there first, because I saw how hard life is in the Philippines,” she said.
She pointed to the high cost of goods, and not being able to save anything if one did not own a business. Expenses for her family were especially high now, as her brother has medical needs for his kidney and eyes.
Of the equivalent of P70,000 she earns monthly, P30,000 goes to the family’s daily needs, while P20,000 goes to her brother’s medical expenses. Her siblings are in and out of work, and even when they do have jobs, these aren’t enough to sustain them all, she said.
For Clarice Pacheco, she had to endure 49 days of not knowing if her husband was alive.
She would later find out that when Jimmy was in captivity, he ate only once a day, and sometimes resorted to eating tissue paper to survive. When one loses someone like this temporarily, it’s difficult to imagine sending them back to where it all happened. But Clarice did.
Jimmy and Clarice met when the former was a college student, and the latter was working at a fast food chain. They met and grew close through Jimmy’s cousin, who was her coworker.
Jimmy was studying to be a seaman, but things took a turn when Clarice became pregnant with twins. Neither of them were able to finish school, but they needed to decide how they were going to provide for their two boys.
Clarice encouraged Jimmy to go abroad, even though he didn’t like the idea. She had no clue about the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine, but she wanted him to go because “life here in the Philippines was so difficult.” She had a new job working in a casino, while he worked in agriculture. But the future seemed bleak for their children.
Jimmy left in 2018. At this point, their twins were five years old, and another baby was on the way.
In their calls, Clarice learned about the conflict. “At first, I was always nervous because of the rockets. But as time went on, even as they said there were rockets, they had an iron dome to escape to anyway. This calmed me, which is why I never expected what happened [in October],” Clarice told Rappler.
Clarice found out that her husband was taken hostage when a family friend who was also a caregiver in Israel sent her a pixelated video of him following the October 7 attack. “When it’s your husband, you know. You know, even when the video isn’t clear.”
“I actually blamed myself when he was taken hostage because I was the one who pushed him to go there,” said Clarice. While she worried for her husband’s well-being, she was also terrified of being left to provide for their three children all by herself.
Jimmy was among 24 hostages freed on the first day of the truce, November 24. It was Clarice who confirmed to Philippine authorities that her husband was free, as one of her in-laws sent a photo to their family group chat of a skinny, unshaven Jimmy in a vehicle, smiling.
“I was the only one awake then, and I was crying of so much joy. My in-laws heard me, and we were celebrating so loudly. We couldn’t sleep that night, even my children,” she said.
Weeks later, Jimmy was home for Christmas. The family received at least P170,000 from the Philippine government. From their home in Cagayan Valley, they took the kids on vacation in Ilocos and Baguio. For the first time, they spent the holidays as a complete family.
Even on the day Clarice held her husband again, she knew that he was decided on going back.
Their children were promised scholarships from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, though as of posting, Clarice said that these were still being processed. Initial support from the Israeli government also came in, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pesos.
“He thought about the future of the children for when they go to college. And I realized how difficult life really is here in the province,” she said.
They understood that Israel would provide Jimmy benefits for a lifetime as a victim of war. But according to Clarice, Jimmy still wanted to work. He also worried that Israel’s law that served as the basis for these benefits might change.
“He did not want to depend on the benefits. He wants to work while the children are still small. He wants to provide for them so that they can have something they can call their own,” she said.
But why Israel, of all places? Clarice said that Jimmy had simply gotten used to working there, as he has only known work abroad in Israel.
Jimmy was back in Israel by February 2. With the financial assistance they received, the couple put up a business, Jimmy Pacheco’s Frozen Store, in Santa Ana, Cagayan.
According to University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco, OFWs migrating back abroad after returning to the Philippines is not new. The Philippines may be physically safer, but it did not mean security for the OFWs who fled the crises.
“This is a recurring pattern already, with regard to previous crises which have occurred which concern overseas Filipino workers,” she said.
Franco, who has written about labor export, pointed to the Lebanon war in 2006, when some 10,000 Filipinos fled the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, but there was also a “massive return.”
A more recent example is the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed at least 2.3 million OFWs to return to the Philippines. In a 2021 study by the Center for Migrant Advocacy, OFWs had difficulties finding work in the health sector during the pandemic due to competition with local workers, and having needed skills but lacking certain documentary requirements.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s policy restricting health worker deployment was also criticized – and while not all health workers seeking overseas employment may have been returned migrants, Franco said they were still willing to risk their lives to take care of COVID-19 patients as long as the job was abroad. (READ: Nursing in the UK, where the risks seemed more worth it)
“And you really cannot blame them. And the fact that they’re willing to sort of be in a place where there’s precarity because of the war, and not be here in the country shows that their livelihood and their families’ welfare are more important,” said Franco.
She also noted how migration and diplomacy are intimately linked.
“When the Philippines had to decide on certain matters…people were wondering why it took us some time on whether to issue sanctions, not just here in Israel but in other periods of conflict elsewhere. It’s because it’s not easy for us,” she said, adding that while sending workers to Israel may have been a diplomatic strategy, the country also needed to do it to provide jobs for these workers.
Franco emphasized that Filipinos simply need better salaries and more decent jobs, “because these are things that will make them stay.”
Clarice understands that Jimmy had to leave her side again. After all, it’s for their children. But if there was an opportunity for him to return home for good, she would have him stay in a heartbeat.
“If we only had enough for our children’s education, I would prefer that we all stay together,” she said. – Rappler.com
All quotes have been translated into English.
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ABS-CBN, PLDT didn’t tell banks why they scrapped Sky Cable deal
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Ralf Rivas
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23/02/2024 18:30
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If you’re wondering why the sale of Sky Cable by ABS-CBN to PLDT fell through, you’re not alone.
Creditors of ABS-CBN were also curious.
The Lopezes were selling Sky Cable for P6.75 billion to extinguish some loan obligations as a result of financial stress caused by former president Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades and Congress denying it a franchise renewal.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) president and CEO TG Limcaoco told Rappler that details of the fallout were not disclosed to them, no explanations, whatsoever.
“We were informed of the news the evening of February 21, the same time the press release was given out. They didn’t explain why,” Limcaoco said at the sidelines of a BPI event on Thursday, February 22.
Limcaoco, however, did not express concern over the matter and just reiterated the publicly available facts, noting that it was business as usual for both BPI and ABS-CBN.
“Our exposure to ABS-CBN remains. It remains to be the same company three, six months ago, so for us, it’s business as usual as well,” Limcaoco said.
Rappler also reached out to Unionbank executives, but they could not comment on the matter “at this time,” as both PLDT and ABS-CBN also did not disclose details of why the deal failed.
Based on ABS-CBN’s latest financial statement, ABS-CBN’s loans totaled P17.4 billion, bulk of which, or P16.2 billion, are non-current loans or are not due soon.
The financial statement mentions other banks, including Security Bank, Philippine National Bank, and BDO, but these loans have either been settled or have longer tenors. Borrowings from Unionbank and BPI are the most recent ones and comprise bulk of the borrowings.
Of ABS-CBN’s total loans, P4.5 billion is Sky Cable’s borrowings.
In 2021, ABS-CBN was able to arrange a debt standstill deal with creditors by putting up some assets for collateral.
According to ABS-CBN’s financial statement, the company paid BPI and Unionbank a total of P6.5 billion between 2020 to 2022.
How will ABS-CBN pay up now with the sale getting canceled? This is the question banks are asking.
Media observers and financial analysts whom Rappler sought for comment also expressed surprise over the scrapping of the deal since it came late in the acquisition stage – even more so since regulators had just approved it last January. Some of them are wondering whether there was a renegotiation of the deal related to Sky Cable’s debts that prompted both to back out.
ABS-CBN has been clear that it is no longer seeking a broadcast franchise and is instead pushing for more digital offerings and deals with other networks and streaming services.
As of the first nine months of 2023, ABS-CBN incurred a net loss of P1.1 billion, lower than the P3.3 billion bleeding during the same period a year ago.
Meanwhile, revenues reached P4.7 billion, a 65% dip abetted by the absence of political ads during the period.
So far, PLDT has issued just a one-sentence statement regarding the matter, as opposed to ABS-CBN’s press release which basically told Sky Cable subscribers not to cut the cord just yet. Both companies, however, said that it was a mutual decision. – Rappler.com
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TNT subscribers are about to get more affordable ‘Sulit Saya’ data offers
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Julian Cirineo
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22/02/2024 17:05
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True to its promise of bringing ‘saya’ to Filipino consumers through affordable services, TNT the Philippines’ biggest mobile brand, has unveiled its latest ‘Sulit Saya’ offers to cater to the ‘budgetropa’ in everyone.
With TNT’s ‘Sulit Saya’ offers, it is a lot easier to stay within one’s budget while keeping connected to the whole tropa and never missing out on all the fun times. Here are TNT’s latest ‘Sulit Saya’ offers the ‘budgetropas’ can rely on:
Running out of load but still need to quickly check your Facebook and other apps for an important message or update? TNT has got your back with ‘Utang Na Load,’ which lets you conveniently borrow P5 for 100 MB worth of Facebook access, or P10 for 200 MB open access data, valid for 1 day. ‘Utang Na Load’ will simply charge whatever you borrowed on your next top-up and will help tide you over until then.
If you need a budget-friendly all-in-one combo, Surf Saya 30 might just be perfect for you. It comes with a total of 1.2 GB and UNLI CALLS & TEXTS TO ALL valid for three days. The promo is inclusive of 450 MB for all sites plus 750 MB (250 MB per day) for go-to apps like Facebook, Messenger, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Instagram, and TikTok. With SurfSaya 30, you can stay connected with your tropa anytime and anywhere, keep updated on the latest online buzz and trends, cheer up your loved ones with funny and viral memes, follow your favorite celebrities and idols, and more.
Going through a rough day? Sometimes, a good dose of laughter from your favorite movies or teleseryes is enough to lighten up your day. With TNT GIGA Video 60, you can stream your favorite shows without worrying about data because it comes with a total of 5 GB, which is inclusive of 2 GB for all sites and apps; 1 GB every day for YouTube, Netflix, Smart Livestream, and iWantTFC; plus, UNLI TEXTS TO ALL, valid for 3 days.
Need to spend the whole day online? You can rely on UNLI 5G 99, which comes with Unli 5G and 4G data valid for a whole day, so you can accomplish your to-do list– from catching up with your tropa, completing your school and work requirements, promoting your online business, or ranking up on your favorite mobile game with your squad.
Budgetropas and TNT subscribers may conveniently avail of these offers on the Smart App, which is downloadable on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei Mobile Services.
“With ‘Sulit Saya’ offers, TNT reinforces its commitment to deliver superior mobile experiences through affordable services and offers powered by our world-class network,” said Alex O. Caeg, head of consumer business-individual at Smart.
“Our Budgetropa represents Filipino value-seekers, who can always turn to TNT to give them affordable and easy access to what makes them happy online,” said Kristine A. Go, SVP for consumer wireless business.
“Our subscribers can rely on TNT to lighten their life’s load and enjoy all their favorite online activities without feeling the pinch on their pocket. Indeed, Sasaya Na Yan with TNT!,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and head of prepaid and content at Smart.
For more updates on the latest TNT offers visit https://tntph.com/Pages/kadiskarte#sulitoffers and follow TNT on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. – Rappler.com
PRESS RELEASE
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ABS-CBN, PLDT didn’t tell banks why they scrapped Sky Cable deal
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Ralf Rivas
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23/02/2024 18:30
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If you’re wondering why the sale of Sky Cable by ABS-CBN to PLDT fell through, you’re not alone.
Creditors of ABS-CBN were also curious.
The Lopezes were selling Sky Cable for P6.75 billion to extinguish some loan obligations as a result of financial stress caused by former president Rodrigo Duterte’s tirades and Congress denying it a franchise renewal.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) president and CEO TG Limcaoco told Rappler that details of the fallout were not disclosed to them, no explanations, whatsoever.
“We were informed of the news the evening of February 21, the same time the press release was given out. They didn’t explain why,” Limcaoco said at the sidelines of a BPI event on Thursday, February 22.
Limcaoco, however, did not express concern over the matter and just reiterated the publicly available facts, noting that it was business as usual for both BPI and ABS-CBN.
“Our exposure to ABS-CBN remains. It remains to be the same company three, six months ago, so for us, it’s business as usual as well,” Limcaoco said.
Rappler also reached out to Unionbank executives, but they could not comment on the matter “at this time,” as both PLDT and ABS-CBN also did not disclose details of why the deal failed.
Based on ABS-CBN’s latest financial statement, ABS-CBN’s loans totaled P17.4 billion, bulk of which, or P16.2 billion, are non-current loans or are not due soon.
The financial statement mentions other banks, including Security Bank, Philippine National Bank, and BDO, but these loans have either been settled or have longer tenors. Borrowings from Unionbank and BPI are the most recent ones and comprise bulk of the borrowings.
Of ABS-CBN’s total loans, P4.5 billion is Sky Cable’s borrowings.
In 2021, ABS-CBN was able to arrange a debt standstill deal with creditors by putting up some assets for collateral.
According to ABS-CBN’s financial statement, the company paid BPI and Unionbank a total of P6.5 billion between 2020 to 2022.
How will ABS-CBN pay up now with the sale getting canceled? This is the question banks are asking.
Media observers and financial analysts whom Rappler sought for comment also expressed surprise over the scrapping of the deal since it came late in the acquisition stage – even more so since regulators had just approved it last January. Some of them are wondering whether there was a renegotiation of the deal related to Sky Cable’s debts that prompted both to back out.
ABS-CBN has been clear that it is no longer seeking a broadcast franchise and is instead pushing for more digital offerings and deals with other networks and streaming services.
As of the first nine months of 2023, ABS-CBN incurred a net loss of P1.1 billion, lower than the P3.3 billion bleeding during the same period a year ago.
Meanwhile, revenues reached P4.7 billion, a 65% dip abetted by the absence of political ads during the period.
So far, PLDT has issued just a one-sentence statement regarding the matter, as opposed to ABS-CBN’s press release which basically told Sky Cable subscribers not to cut the cord just yet. Both companies, however, said that it was a mutual decision. – Rappler.com
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Valiant legions: UST students, alumni rally behind embattled TomasinoWeb
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pfkahanap0307
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23/02/2024 16:59
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MANILA, Philippines – Hundreds of University of Santo Tomas (UST) students and alumni have expressed their support for TomasinoWeb, a student-run media organization, since it temporarily stopped its social media operations on Monday, February 19.
TomasinoWeb is prohibited from posting on their social media platforms after the resignation of its adviser Leo Laparan II, who is also a journalism instructor at the university and a desk editor at The Philippine Star.
Laparan’s resignation came after university officials forced the organization to take down a photo of several students wearing their “Type B” uniform entering a convenience store. The school uniform resembled the uniform of the store employees.
The image, according to the UST administration, invited “public ridicule.”
Several UST alumni have signed a petition calling out the university for its repressive policies, and urging all officials “involved in this blatant case of campus repression” to step down from their position.
“We, Thomasian alumni, believe that the gagging of the campus press through OSA (Office for Student Affairs) is just a symptom of a much more malignant disease in UST, one that has plagued the university since its establishment under colonial rule,” said the petition, which was first circulated on Wednesday, February 21.
As of this writing, the petition has 868 signatories, including former TomasinoWeb members who are now working for national media outlets. The petition can be accessed via standwithtomasinoweb.com.
Meanwhile, officers of the university’s Central Student Council posted a statement through their personal accounts, describing TomasinoWeb’s case as part of “a continuous pattern of repression faced by student organizations and formations within the university.”
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Other student organizations in UST also released statements, calling on the university to uphold campus press freedom.
The UST Journalism Society, the official student organization of journalism students, expressed its solidarity with Laparan and TomasinoWeb in their fight against censorship.
“That such a harmless photo became the source of vexation within certain quarters on campus speaks volumes about official culture in the university,” it said in a statement.
Student leaders from different programs in the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, which houses the university’s journalism program, highlighted that the forced takedown of TomasinoWeb’s photo “is not an isolated case of censorship” by the UST administration.
Editors of several college-based student publications in UST also crafted a joint statement, showing support for the media organization. “This censorship of TomasinoWeb violates all the values we hold in the university,” they said.
“If the 3Cs – Competence, Commitment, and Compassion – are blatantly disregarded by the people who have instilled these values unto us, we will lose the essence of these values and what we hold ourselves to be.”
Thomasians are also taking their calls for campus press freedom and students’ rights outside social media. Several student-initiated events will be held in the UST campus, hoping to shed more light on TomasinoWeb’s situation.
Some student activists held a “one-minute silence” at the UST Grandstand as a form of symbolic action against UST’s censorship.
LOOK: UST student activitists hold a brief “silent protest” at the the UST Grandstand on Friday, Feb. 23. This comes in light of the Office for Student Affairs-TomasinoWeb issue and a student-activist receiving a show-cause letter for joining an organization not recognized by… pic.twitter.com/pNmLpLggXr
Others will also be joining a prayer vigil to be held in front of the university’s Arch of the Centuries “as a prayer for justice and democracy.”
However, the administration is reportedly exerting efforts to reduce the possibility of holding mobilizations inside the campus.
According to an update by The Flame, the official student publication of the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, multiple sources have disclosed that university officials raised the possibility of canceling an upcoming concert organized by their local student council “to preempt possible protests against the takedown of the 7-Eleven photo of TomasinoWeb.”
BREAKING: The Office for Student Affairs (OSA) dangles the possibility of canceling the Faculty of Arts and Letters' (AB) concert to preempt possible protests against the takedown of the 7-Eleven photo of TomasinoWeb, multiple sources tell The Flame. pic.twitter.com/3ZQdQ8YNNa
Even students and officials from other universities have taken a stance on the issue.
The student media office of De La Salle University (DLSU) sent an email to students, assuring them that “they have the right to explore different issues and perspectives with critical thinking and respect.”
DLSU’s statement had some UST students wishing that their own university would allow them to have the same freedom.
Isang kapatunayan na napagiiwanan na tayo. Mas nauna pang gumawa ng statement ang ibang university? And they plan on protecting campus journalism and freedom. And look at where we still are. https://t.co/JUf0ZCTg3i
Even if this law is toothless in enforcing journalistic freedoms, this is a good thing still. Students can then hold the university to account. I wish I could say the same elsewhere. https://t.co/DroScQLMY7
nauna pang gumawa ng gumawa ng statement yung ibang university. ano na? ang lungkot lang kasi this is probably another one of the issues of the university na never nilang i-aaddress, dahil iintayin at hahayaan lang nilang makalimutan na ito ng mga tao. 😵💫 https://t.co/6qk7yIRf15
Other student publications and organizations from different universities across the country posted statements on their social media, joining TomasinoWeb’s call for a free student press.
The photo takedown revived discussions on the Campus Journalism Act and why it has to be amended due to flaws that could compromise campus press freedom.
In 2021, former Kabataan representative Sarah Elago renewed her push for House Bill No. 319 or the Campus Press Freedom bill, seeking to give better protection for campus journalists, but it was not passed into law.
The UST Office of the Secretary General told reporters that “collaborative efforts are being undertaken” to resolve the matter involving TomasinoWeb. – Rappler.com
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Military launches airstrike after fierce clashes in Negros Occidental
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Herbie G
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23/02/2024 16:29
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NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The military launched an airstrike on Thursday, February 22, in Sitio Mansulao, Barangay Pinapugusan, Escalante City, following sporadic armed clashes between state forces and a suspected band of New People’s Army (NPA) members.
At least 300 people were evacuated to safer grounds before the airstrike, and they were given appropriate assistance by the City Social Development Office (CSWDO), the military said on Friday, February 23.
Escalante City Mayor Beboy Yap declared a suspension of classes on Friday in eight villages in the northern city of Negros Occidental, including schools in Libertad, Pinapugasan, Binaguiohan, Paitan, Dian-ay, Magsaysay, Malasibog, and Tamlang.
Meanwhile, the group Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) condemned the military airstrike, resulting in evacuations and class cancellations, citing Geneva Convention protocols.
“Under Protocol 2 of the Geneva Convention, indiscriminate attacks are prohibited for failing to distinguish combatants and civilians alike,” a portion of the group’s statement read.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, 3rd Infantry Division public information office chief, told Rappler that the airstrike was launched by the military at around 7 pm on Thursday, to finish off members of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front (NNF), allegedly harassing and demanding food from villagers in the area.
A series of encounters started around 11 am on Wednesday, February 21, in the same village, resulting in the deaths of three suspected rebels and the wounding of three operating troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion and one Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member.
The military only identified the three rebel fatalities – two males and a female – as Michael, Jose, and Jandy, said to be aliases.
Javines said they were alarmed when villagers informed them of the presence of at least eight NPA rebels demanding food in the area, prompting them to conduct security patrols.
The military found high-powered firearms, one handgun, anti-personnel mines, mobile phones, personal belongings, and NPA documents from the first encounter site.
Javines said the band of rebels in the area was likely protecting a high-ranking guerilla who allegedly came into the area to strengthen the NNF, one of the guerrilla fronts in Negros that state forces had declared to have dismantled in 2021.
Javines said the military did not violate any law, and they conducted risk assessments before the airstrike, including mapping out farms and evacuating community members.
“Even without the airstrike, people will tend to vacate their abode because if their residences are just adjacent to the encounter site, it’s better to ensure their safety,” Javines said.
NPA’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command-Negros Island spokesperson Ka Maoche Legislador denied the military’s claim that there were eight armed encounters before the airstrike.
Legislador said that among all the encounters, only Wednesday’s armed engagement was legitimate along the border of communities of Barangay San Isidro in Toboso town and Barangay Mansulao of Escalante City.
“As clarified by the RJPC-NPA (Roselyn Jean Pelle Command), there was no firefight in the area yesterday morning. Instead, over 10 bombs were dropped on Sitio Mansulao, part of Escalante City, between 6 to 9 in the morning, damaging livelihoods and the environment,” he said. – Rappler.com
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Student leaders: Extend causes beyond campus borders
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Chay Hofilena
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23/02/2024 13:39
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YOUTH. Students during Move PH event u201cBy the youth, for the youthu201d at Rappler office, February 17.
Chris Burnet Ramos/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – During a recent gathering of almost a hundred youth leaders and campus journalists at the Rappler office, students agreed they should organize into alliances to create awareness about key issues beyond their respective campuses.
During a panel discussion on Saturday, February 17, in Move PH’s “By the youth, for the youth” on-ground event, Explained PH editor-in-chief Archie Bergosa stressed the importance of consistently organizing students to bring their causes outside their usual communities.
For example, the battle against the cutting of 83 trees in the North Carpark of Ateneo de Manila University also jibed with similar, if not the same, issues beyond the campus – transport and climate crises – thus making the extension of the cause crucial.
For Bergosa, it’s important for students to foster a sense of community among stakeholders because doing so will create allies among those who support the same advocacies.
Blue Mobility president and co-founder Maxine Cuartero said it is important to acknowledge both differences and similarities in mindsets between parties involved – especially between the youth and administration officials – and find opportunities to organize both communities effectively.
University of the Philippines (UP) student regent Sofia Jan Trinidad said during the panel discussion that challenges inside campuses can only be addressed by consultations with students themselves. They will only get to understand pressing issues in their communities if student councils present their campaigns to the student community.
Trinidad, who was also one of the mobilizers for the housing of Palestinian refugees in their campus, said that push back against anti-student policies by the university administration is important, too.
Students, she said, must insist on asserting their space on campus. “Hindi kami nag-a-adjust. We assert our space in the university and this should also be a practice sa atin na in-a-assert natin ‘yung sarili natin sa society, kung saan tayo nakatira, kasi kabataan tayo, they put prime sa atin bilang youth, [bilang] mga kabataan na pag-asa tayo ng bayan, pero bakit parang wala silang tiwala sa kakayahan natin or ni-li-limit nila ‘yung kaya nating gawin,” said Trinidad.
(We don’t adjust. We assert our space in the university and this should also be a practice among us that we assert ourselves in society, or wherever we live, because we are the youth, they put [primary importance to] us as the country’s future, but why does it seem like they don’t trust our capabilities or limit what we can do?)
Heather Andres, a development studies student, highlighted three “baby steps” that could help grow democratic campus spaces for students: consistent student clamor, maximized communication with the administration, and genuine organization of the student body.
“We’re not backing down from what you’re telling us,” she said, referring to university administrations. Being the school’s biggest stakeholders, she said that students must not let their concerns be set aside in academic spaces. University boards should hear students who want to uphold their welfare.
Marcuz Red Tevez from the National Teachers College also shared the importance of the government’s reallocation and prioritization of the budget for education. An insufficient budget allocated to education institutions is the root cause of all problems in the sector, he said.
A sufficient budget for schools and universities, he said, will provide wider educational access to students from remote provinces. He emphasized that it will not only improve facilities and quality education to schools, but also provide higher wages for teachers and professors.
Last week, students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines protested against looming commercialization of campus services after House committee on higher and technical chairperson Representative Mark Go said that state universities should not always rely on the national government for their budgets.
During the deliberation on the National Polytechnic University bills, he argued that income-generating projects must be done by these universities to help the state address budget issues.
Students then slammed the lawmaker, saying that commercialization of campuses only allows the national government to “escape its responsibility” of prioritizing funds for state universities and colleges. – Rappler.com
Chris Burnet Ramos is a campus journalist from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). A senior news writer of The Communicator, he is also an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024.
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Underdog Ancajas takes swing at Inoue’s world bantamweight belt in Tokyo
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Jasmine Payo
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23/02/2024 17:32
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FIGHT ON. Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas (right) and Japanese title holder Takuma Inoue both check in at 117.75 pounds during the official weigh-in.
WENDELL ALINEA/MP PROMOTIONS
TOKYO, Japan – The time has come for Jerwin Ancajas to claim another world crown.
A pumped up Ancajas goes after Takuma Inoue’s World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight crown on Saturday night, February 24, at the Kokugigan Arena here.
Despite having the longer experience and stronger power, Ancajas has been tagged the underdog against Inoue, younger brother of pound-for-pound No. 1 Naoya Inoue.
Oddsmakers put Ancajas at +225 against -275 for Inoue, who’ll be staking the 118-pound title for the first time.
“I want to bring home the crown. I want to be world champion again,” said Ancajas who reigned for six years in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight division before outgrowing it.
Both Ancajas and Inoue tipped the scales at 117.75 pounds during Friday’s official weigh-in at the Tokyo Dome Hotel, allhough the Filipino had to strip bare.
According to Ancajas, who intends to climb the ring at least 135 pounds, he must beat Inoue not only for personal glory but to give the Philippines its first world boxing champion this year.
Although he did not promise a knockout, Ancajas, owner of a 34-win, 3-loss, 2-draw card with 23 knockouts, said he will pour it all if given the chance to cut short the 12-round bout originally scheduled November 15 but got pushed back after Inoue sustained a fractured rib during training.
An added motivation for Ancajas is his growing family, with his wife Ruth pregnant with their fifth child.
According to Joven Jimenez, Ancajas’ longtime trainer and manager, they’ve prepared hard for this fight, spending the last two months at their Survival Camp in Magallanes.
“We’re prepared for whatever Inoue will bring in the ring,” said Jimenez.
While Ancajas and Jimenez are wary of the outcome, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons is optimistic the Filipino southpaw will end up the new world champion.
“Not just 100 percent, but I’m 110 percent certain Jerwin will win,” said Gibbons, who bared that the three-knockdown rule has been waived for the card put up by Ohashi Promotions.
Inoue said Ancajas is the best fighter he has ever faced, but he’s ready to spring some surprises that will catch the Filipino off guard.
American Mark Nelson will be the third man in the ring while South Korean Kim Byung Woo, Italian Luigi Boscarelli, and American Alex Levin will be the judges.
Former world title challenger Jonas Sultan, meanwhile, tangles with Japanese prospect Riku Masuda in the undercard.
Sultan, holder of a 19-6 card with 11 knockouts, needs an impressive win over Masuda, 3-1 with 3 knockouts, to get back in line for a world title eliminator.
Junnie Navarro, Sultan’s manager, flew in from the Philippines late Thursday to lend support to his fellow Zamboangueno. – Rappler.com
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Valiant legions: UST students, alumni rally behind embattled TomasinoWeb
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pfkahanap0307
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23/02/2024 16:59
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MANILA, Philippines – Hundreds of University of Santo Tomas (UST) students and alumni have expressed their support for TomasinoWeb, a student-run media organization, since it temporarily stopped its social media operations on Monday, February 19.
TomasinoWeb is prohibited from posting on their social media platforms after the resignation of its adviser Leo Laparan II, who is also a journalism instructor at the university and a desk editor at The Philippine Star.
Laparan’s resignation came after university officials forced the organization to take down a photo of several students wearing their “Type B” uniform entering a convenience store. The school uniform resembled the uniform of the store employees.
The image, according to the UST administration, invited “public ridicule.”
Several UST alumni have signed a petition calling out the university for its repressive policies, and urging all officials “involved in this blatant case of campus repression” to step down from their position.
“We, Thomasian alumni, believe that the gagging of the campus press through OSA (Office for Student Affairs) is just a symptom of a much more malignant disease in UST, one that has plagued the university since its establishment under colonial rule,” said the petition, which was first circulated on Wednesday, February 21.
As of this writing, the petition has 868 signatories, including former TomasinoWeb members who are now working for national media outlets. The petition can be accessed via standwithtomasinoweb.com.
Meanwhile, officers of the university’s Central Student Council posted a statement through their personal accounts, describing TomasinoWeb’s case as part of “a continuous pattern of repression faced by student organizations and formations within the university.”
pic.twitter.com/JhynGXYnp4
pic.twitter.com/BhTZ5hSBZl
pic.twitter.com/UV0xOKOnYE
pic.twitter.com/dngj2meChN
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Other student organizations in UST also released statements, calling on the university to uphold campus press freedom.
The UST Journalism Society, the official student organization of journalism students, expressed its solidarity with Laparan and TomasinoWeb in their fight against censorship.
“That such a harmless photo became the source of vexation within certain quarters on campus speaks volumes about official culture in the university,” it said in a statement.
Student leaders from different programs in the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, which houses the university’s journalism program, highlighted that the forced takedown of TomasinoWeb’s photo “is not an isolated case of censorship” by the UST administration.
Editors of several college-based student publications in UST also crafted a joint statement, showing support for the media organization. “This censorship of TomasinoWeb violates all the values we hold in the university,” they said.
“If the 3Cs – Competence, Commitment, and Compassion – are blatantly disregarded by the people who have instilled these values unto us, we will lose the essence of these values and what we hold ourselves to be.”
Thomasians are also taking their calls for campus press freedom and students’ rights outside social media. Several student-initiated events will be held in the UST campus, hoping to shed more light on TomasinoWeb’s situation.
Some student activists held a “one-minute silence” at the UST Grandstand as a form of symbolic action against UST’s censorship.
LOOK: UST student activitists hold a brief “silent protest” at the the UST Grandstand on Friday, Feb. 23. This comes in light of the Office for Student Affairs-TomasinoWeb issue and a student-activist receiving a show-cause letter for joining an organization not recognized by… pic.twitter.com/pNmLpLggXr
Others will also be joining a prayer vigil to be held in front of the university’s Arch of the Centuries “as a prayer for justice and democracy.”
However, the administration is reportedly exerting efforts to reduce the possibility of holding mobilizations inside the campus.
According to an update by The Flame, the official student publication of the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters, multiple sources have disclosed that university officials raised the possibility of canceling an upcoming concert organized by their local student council “to preempt possible protests against the takedown of the 7-Eleven photo of TomasinoWeb.”
BREAKING: The Office for Student Affairs (OSA) dangles the possibility of canceling the Faculty of Arts and Letters' (AB) concert to preempt possible protests against the takedown of the 7-Eleven photo of TomasinoWeb, multiple sources tell The Flame. pic.twitter.com/3ZQdQ8YNNa
Even students and officials from other universities have taken a stance on the issue.
The student media office of De La Salle University (DLSU) sent an email to students, assuring them that “they have the right to explore different issues and perspectives with critical thinking and respect.”
DLSU’s statement had some UST students wishing that their own university would allow them to have the same freedom.
Isang kapatunayan na napagiiwanan na tayo. Mas nauna pang gumawa ng statement ang ibang university? And they plan on protecting campus journalism and freedom. And look at where we still are. https://t.co/JUf0ZCTg3i
Even if this law is toothless in enforcing journalistic freedoms, this is a good thing still. Students can then hold the university to account. I wish I could say the same elsewhere. https://t.co/DroScQLMY7
nauna pang gumawa ng gumawa ng statement yung ibang university. ano na? ang lungkot lang kasi this is probably another one of the issues of the university na never nilang i-aaddress, dahil iintayin at hahayaan lang nilang makalimutan na ito ng mga tao. 😵💫 https://t.co/6qk7yIRf15
Other student publications and organizations from different universities across the country posted statements on their social media, joining TomasinoWeb’s call for a free student press.
The photo takedown revived discussions on the Campus Journalism Act and why it has to be amended due to flaws that could compromise campus press freedom.
In 2021, former Kabataan representative Sarah Elago renewed her push for House Bill No. 319 or the Campus Press Freedom bill, seeking to give better protection for campus journalists, but it was not passed into law.
The UST Office of the Secretary General told reporters that “collaborative efforts are being undertaken” to resolve the matter involving TomasinoWeb. – Rappler.com
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Take note, mountaineers: Pulag’s Akiki Trail closed due to forest fire
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Miriam Grace Go
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23/02/2024 16:24
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Mount Pulag image from Unsplash
BAGUIO, Philippines – There will be no climbing to the top of Mount Pulag after the Panagbenga, at least via one of the trails.
The Mount Pulag Protected Landscape Area Management Office said on Friday, February 23, that entry to the highest mountain in Luzon will not be allowed, at least via the Akiki Trail, due to a forest fire reported at Lower Eddet in Kabayan, Benguet.
Smoke from the forest fire is seen to have affected the trail, the office said.
Those planning to climb via the Babadak Trail or the southern ingress are allowed to proceed, but with caution, the MPPLAMO said. The smoke from the other side might affect the visibility at the summit.
It asked the trekkers to use the tower site as their vantage point.
During the last long weekend prior to Chinese New Year, about 800 climbers were said to have reached the summit of Mt. Pulag.
This was said to be 10 times the number of climbers allowed during the pre-dawn summit.
The MPPLAMO has yet to give their reply to the complaint of overcrowding at the top.
At least six fires in the province are said to have been ignited because of the lack of rains recently.
The fire in Barangay Ambuklao in Bokod town on Thursday was said to have been contained by the Bureau of Fire Protection Bokod and the Philippine Army.
Other forest fires in Bokod were reported in sitios Banao and Bisal in Barangay Bobok, and Sitio Yapas in Barangay Bisal. The fires have affected almost 300 hectares.
Other forest fires reported were in Sitio Binungaan in Tinongdan, Itogon, and Barangay Camp 4 in Tuba town in Benguet. – Rappler.com
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OFWs return to Israel even after war trauma for the sake of kids, family
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Michelle Abad
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23/02/2024 15:52
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On October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on Israel, Jimmy Pacheco was taken hostage, and Angenica Aguirre’s sister Angelyn was killed.
Jimmy and his wife Clarice, and Angenica and Angelyn were in touch that day. Clarice and Angenica were worried by the sudden stop in messages received from their loved ones, only to find out later that Jimmy was taken, while Angelyn stayed with her Israeli employer until they both died.
Israel-based caregivers Jimmy, Angenica, and Angelyn were just some of the hundreds of Filipinos caught in the crossfire of Israel’s war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. And if one were to count Filipinos affected by the conflict, the number may reach up to 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and over 100 Filipinos in Palestine, multiplied by their distressed families.
The Philippine and Israeli governments have pledged support to the Filipinos escaping the conflict – the latter even promising lifetime benefits. But even with the financial and livelihood support, Jimmy and Angenica still found that the best way to keep providing for their families was to return to Israel.
Angenica, 35, and Angelyn, 33, come from a family of 10 in Pangasinan. While the eight siblings are tightly knit, Angenica said she was closest to Angelyn.
They grew especially close when they lived with their aunt in their college years. Angenica was the first to fly to Israel to work as a caregiver, and her younger sister followed her some time later. The two became their family’s breadwinners.
In a commemorative event for her sister and the three other OFWs confirmed dead in the attack on November 28, Angenica recalled how she and her sister were messaging each other from their respective kibbutz or villages. The last thing Angelyn told her was that there was no lock in their bomb shelter, and that she was scared.
Angenica was able to come home by the end of October. She saw Angelyn only days later, when she came home in a box.
Angenica knew she was going to return to Israel, despite her mother’s disapproval. She said that it was more than a job, and that she could not bear to leave her ward, whom she saw as the grandfather she never had growing up.
Her whole family brought her to the airport in January. After checking in, she went out to them to say goodbye once more.
“They told me to always take care of myself and not to worry too much since we could count the days until we would see each other again. They told me to be strong,” she told Rappler in a call from Israel.
But upon landing in Israel, Angenica felt two things: fear and sadness. She was still in disbelief that her sister was gone.
Angenica was back in her daily routine with her ward, an 89-year-old, whom she bathed, fed, put to bed, and accompanied in the facility they relocated to after the attack.
But still, she was alone. Her ward, affected by dementia, was no longer capable of having conversations about what she was going through. While there were a few Filipinos in the same facility, everyone was busy with work. Her closest friends in Israel lived an hour away.
Angenica is now based in central Israel – far from the ongoing aggression in the north and the south, and as Israel intensifies attacks on Palestine. No more did she wake up to sounds of rockets in her kibbutz just over a kilometer away from Gaza, the besieged Palestinian enclave.
Her trauma remained nonetheless. She was afraid of going outside, crowds, and traveling anywhere alone.
“I get paranoid sometimes. What if someone barges in, or knocks and breaks down the door?” she said.
Despite these fears, she has returned out of love for her ward and her family, for whom she was the sole breadwinner after Angelyn’s passing. Even if she knew she would be safer and happier in the Philippines, she needed to be in Israel.
Angenica said she will stay in Israel until her ward passes. In the event he does, she won’t be going home then either.
“I plan to migrate elsewhere. If there is an opportunity to transfer to another country, I will go there first, because I saw how hard life is in the Philippines,” she said.
She pointed to the high cost of goods, and not being able to save anything if one did not own a business. Expenses for her family were especially high now, as her brother has medical needs for his kidney and eyes.
Of the equivalent of P70,000 she earns monthly, P30,000 goes to the family’s daily needs, while P20,000 goes to her brother’s medical expenses. Her siblings are in and out of work, and even when they do have jobs, these aren’t enough to sustain them all, she said.
For Clarice Pacheco, she had to endure 49 days of not knowing if her husband was alive.
She would later find out that when Jimmy was in captivity, he ate only once a day, and sometimes resorted to eating tissue paper to survive. When one loses someone like this temporarily, it’s difficult to imagine sending them back to where it all happened. But Clarice did.
Jimmy and Clarice met when the former was a college student, and the latter was working at a fast food chain. They met and grew close through Jimmy’s cousin, who was her coworker.
Jimmy was studying to be a seaman, but things took a turn when Clarice became pregnant with twins. Neither of them were able to finish school, but they needed to decide how they were going to provide for their two boys.
Clarice encouraged Jimmy to go abroad, even though he didn’t like the idea. She had no clue about the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine, but she wanted him to go because “life here in the Philippines was so difficult.” She had a new job working in a casino, while he worked in agriculture. But the future seemed bleak for their children.
Jimmy left in 2018. At this point, their twins were five years old, and another baby was on the way.
In their calls, Clarice learned about the conflict. “At first, I was always nervous because of the rockets. But as time went on, even as they said there were rockets, they had an iron dome to escape to anyway. This calmed me, which is why I never expected what happened [in October],” Clarice told Rappler.
Clarice found out that her husband was taken hostage when a family friend who was also a caregiver in Israel sent her a pixelated video of him following the October 7 attack. “When it’s your husband, you know. You know, even when the video isn’t clear.”
“I actually blamed myself when he was taken hostage because I was the one who pushed him to go there,” said Clarice. While she worried for her husband’s well-being, she was also terrified of being left to provide for their three children all by herself.
Jimmy was among 24 hostages freed on the first day of the truce, November 24. It was Clarice who confirmed to Philippine authorities that her husband was free, as one of her in-laws sent a photo to their family group chat of a skinny, unshaven Jimmy in a vehicle, smiling.
“I was the only one awake then, and I was crying of so much joy. My in-laws heard me, and we were celebrating so loudly. We couldn’t sleep that night, even my children,” she said.
Weeks later, Jimmy was home for Christmas. The family received at least P170,000 from the Philippine government. From their home in Cagayan Valley, they took the kids on vacation in Ilocos and Baguio. For the first time, they spent the holidays as a complete family.
Even on the day Clarice held her husband again, she knew that he was decided on going back.
Their children were promised scholarships from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, though as of posting, Clarice said that these were still being processed. Initial support from the Israeli government also came in, amounting to hundreds of thousands of pesos.
“He thought about the future of the children for when they go to college. And I realized how difficult life really is here in the province,” she said.
They understood that Israel would provide Jimmy benefits for a lifetime as a victim of war. But according to Clarice, Jimmy still wanted to work. He also worried that Israel’s law that served as the basis for these benefits might change.
“He did not want to depend on the benefits. He wants to work while the children are still small. He wants to provide for them so that they can have something they can call their own,” she said.
But why Israel, of all places? Clarice said that Jimmy had simply gotten used to working there, as he has only known work abroad in Israel.
Jimmy was back in Israel by February 2. With the financial assistance they received, the couple put up a business, Jimmy Pacheco’s Frozen Store, in Santa Ana, Cagayan.
According to University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco, OFWs migrating back abroad after returning to the Philippines is not new. The Philippines may be physically safer, but it did not mean security for the OFWs who fled the crises.
“This is a recurring pattern already, with regard to previous crises which have occurred which concern overseas Filipino workers,” she said.
Franco, who has written about labor export, pointed to the Lebanon war in 2006, when some 10,000 Filipinos fled the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, but there was also a “massive return.”
A more recent example is the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed at least 2.3 million OFWs to return to the Philippines. In a 2021 study by the Center for Migrant Advocacy, OFWs had difficulties finding work in the health sector during the pandemic due to competition with local workers, and having needed skills but lacking certain documentary requirements.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s policy restricting health worker deployment was also criticized – and while not all health workers seeking overseas employment may have been returned migrants, Franco said they were still willing to risk their lives to take care of COVID-19 patients as long as the job was abroad. (READ: Nursing in the UK, where the risks seemed more worth it)
“And you really cannot blame them. And the fact that they’re willing to sort of be in a place where there’s precarity because of the war, and not be here in the country shows that their livelihood and their families’ welfare are more important,” said Franco.
She also noted how migration and diplomacy are intimately linked.
“When the Philippines had to decide on certain matters…people were wondering why it took us some time on whether to issue sanctions, not just here in Israel but in other periods of conflict elsewhere. It’s because it’s not easy for us,” she said, adding that while sending workers to Israel may have been a diplomatic strategy, the country also needed to do it to provide jobs for these workers.
Franco emphasized that Filipinos simply need better salaries and more decent jobs, “because these are things that will make them stay.”
Clarice understands that Jimmy had to leave her side again. After all, it’s for their children. But if there was an opportunity for him to return home for good, she would have him stay in a heartbeat.
“If we only had enough for our children’s education, I would prefer that we all stay together,” she said. – Rappler.com
All quotes have been translated into English.
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Alex Eala gears up for payback in W75 Porto quarters
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Jasmine Payo
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23/02/2024 15:32
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FOCUSED. Alex Eala reacts during a singles match in the ITF W75 Porto in Portugal.
ALEX EALA FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – There’s one more reason for Alex Eala to feel pumped up after clinching a quarterfinal berth in the ITF W75 Porto in Portugal.
Eala – who surprisingly scored an easy 6-0, 6-3 victory over eighth seed Katarina Zavatska of Ukraine in the second round on Thursday, February 22 – booked a quarterfinal date against Anna Bondar of Hungary.
But on top of vying for a final four spot, the matchup may also serve as another motivation for Eala as Bondar dealt the Filipina teen the most lopsided loss of her pro career.
In April 2022, a then 16-year-old Eala faced off against a 24-year-old Bondar in the qualifiers of the WTA Madrid.
Eala was just two weeks removed from winning the ITF W25 Chiang Rai crown in Thailand, while Bondar was playing the best tennis of her career and was on the cusp of making it to the top 50 in the world.
Bondar quickly showed her top form, dealing Eala a double bagel, 6-0, 6-0 – still the worst loss the Filipina has suffered in her pro career.
Eala, though, hopes to show how much she has grown after winning in dominant fashion over Zavatska, who previously ranked 103 in the world and has reached the main draw of the French Open and the US Open.
It took Eala just 20 minutes to win the first set, breaking the 24-year-old Ukrainian three times while not facing any break point.
Eala scored 24 points while limiting Zavatska to just 5 points the entire opening set.
The second set was more competitive, at least until the halfway point. Eala and Zavatska exchanged service breaks and remained tied until 3-3.
Eala then stepped up an extra gear that Zavatska could not keep pace with. The Filipina blanked the Ukrainian the rest of the way to close the second set in the ninth game and finish the match in an hour and 14 minutes.
With the victory, Eala gets a chance to avenge her sorry loss to Bondar as the two square off on Friday, February 23, at the Complexo de Ténis de Monte Aventino in Porto, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.
Eala has been in razor sharp form so far in Porto, winning her matches in straight sets in the first two rounds, while the second-seeded Bondar came back from a set down in the previous round before clipping Sinja Kraus of Switzerland, who retired after the second game of the third set.
Bondar, of course, will have the advantage in experience. The 26-year-old Hungarian already has one WTA singles title to her name and has played in all Grand Slam events, even advancing to the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.
Eala also saw action in doubles on Thursday, but she and Ali Collins of Great Britain fell to second seeds Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany and Alicia Barnett of Great Britain, 6-3, 6-4. – Rappler.com
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Search operations end in landslide-devastated Davao de Oro village
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Herbie G
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23/02/2024 14:35
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Philippine Army rescuers and government responders conduct search and rescue efforts in Barangay Masara, Davao de Oro on February 10, 2024.
Philippine Army Facebook page
DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines – After 15 days of search for survivors and bodies in the February 6 landslide in the mining village of Masara in Maco town, Davao de Oro, the local government announced the termination of retrieval work on Thursday, February 22.
The local government also announced the lifting of class suspensions in seven schools in Masara and neighboring villages, which had taken effect earlier.
The local government reported that responders recovered 98 bodies during the 15-day operation, while eight people remain missing.
In a statement, Maco Mayor Volter Rimando the local incident management team had “completed retrieval and debris clearing at ground zero, covering the entire landslide area down to ground level.”
Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga, meanwhile, lauded the landslide responders for their “extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism.”
“We honor the extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism witnessed during the Masara landslide incident. The collaborative response of emergency teams, volunteers, donors, and incident management teams from local and national government agencies, as well as private stakeholders, was marked by dedication and courage,” the town government said.
Local officials also noted that the response team members did their work despite challenging conditions and terrain risks.
To conclude the 15-day search, a Catholic mass attended by local government officials and disaster team workers was held at the site of the deadly landslide in Barangay Masara. – Rappler.com
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Quiboloy camp receives Senate panel subpoena
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Herbie G
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23/02/2024 14:06
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CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has served a subpoena to Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy in connection with a Senate investigation into allegations of human trafficking, sexual abuse, violence, and other abuses against the preacher and his group.
The subpoena was received by one of Quiboloy’s lawyers from Davao, Marie Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes, at 1:30 pm on Thursday, February 22.
A copy of the document showed that the self-styled preacher, who proclaimed himself as the “appointed son of God,” was “commanded and required to appear” before a Senate committee chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros at 10 am on March 5.
The Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality has scheduled its third hearing on the alleged abuses in the KOJC on March 5.
The subpoena was issued based on provisions in the Senate’s rules of procedures governing inquiries in aid of legislation.
The Senate sergeant-at-arms served the subpoena a day after Hontiveros warned that she would cite Quiboloy in contempt and have him arrested if he failed to show up at the March 5 Senate hearing.
Hontiveros’ warning was in response to Quiboloy’s statement, through an audio recording, that circulated on social media that he was in hiding because of a supposed plot to abduct and assassinate him. The recording circulated on Facebook and was also posted on the YouTube page of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the media arm of KOJC.
Responding to Quiboloy’s statement, Hontiveros said, “Our next hearing is on March 5, and if Mr. Quiboloy does not show up, I will cite him in contempt and have him arrested.”
She brushed aside Quiboloy’s assassination and conspiracy theories, warning him that defiance would have serious consequences.
In the recording, Quiboloy alleged that his constitutional rights were being violated and that he and other KOJC leaders had been marked for assassination by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Responding to the preacher’s pronouncements, the US embassy in Manila said, “For more than a decade, Apollo Quiboloy engaged in serious human rights abuses, including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old, and he is currently on the FBI’s Most Wanted List. We are confident that Quiboloy will face justice for his heinous crimes.”
Quiboloy and several of his church associates have been wanted in the US since late 2021, after they were indicted by a federal grand jury in the District Court for the Central District of California for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, marriage fraud, fraud and misuse of visas, bulk cash smuggling, promotional money laundering, concealment money laundering, and international promotional money laundering. – Rappler.com
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It looks like the “Self-Appointed Son of God” will imitate the “hide and seek” scheme of former HOR Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. When it comes to this game, who will be the better player between these two?
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Coast Guard’s hero canines awarded for finding landslide survivors, cadavers
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Chay Hofilena
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22/02/2024 12:00
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RECOGNITION. Hero dogs of the Coast Guard are recognized for their heroic contribution to the search, rescue, and retrieval operations in Masara, site of a landslide that killed nearly a hundred people in Davao de Oro province on February 6.
anonicalsalvie
DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines – Four of the Coast Guards’ rescue dogs – Appa, Britney, Tiffa and Ivy – were conferred awards for their heroic contribution in the 15-day search, rescue, and retrieval operation in the mining village of Masara, site of a horrible landslide that killed nearly a hundred people in Davao de Oro province on February 6.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Coast Guard working dogs Appa, Britney, Tiffa, and Ivy, and express gratitude to all those involved in the collaborative search, rescue, and retrieval operations. The community now sees canines as crucial assets, especially in vital search and rescue operations aimed at saving lives,” said the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao in a statement.
During the awarding ceremony on February 21, it was Appa who was recognized as the star among the four dog awardees for locating a three-year-old girl survivor who was trapped in the rubble for three days. Appa’s handler, Coast Guard Police Officer 2 Alfie Baba, was also awarded, the Coast Guard said.
The other hero dogs, Britney, Tiffa, and Ivy, who traveled from Southwestern Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, were also awarded along with their handlers for finding many cadavers in the landslide area.
Davao de Oro Vice Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, in his appreciation post, said Appa’s presence in the search and rescue efforts was a “big ease” for landslide responders in finding survivors and cadavers in the rubble.
“Based on science, dogs have 200 million olfactory receptors in their nose, making their sense of smell about 40 times greater than that of the average human. Even dogs can be a hero too. Thank you APPA! We are all indebted to your heroic service,” said Vice Governor Uy.
Vice President Sara Duterte graced the awarding ceremony held at the Coast Guard’s headquarters in Sasa Wharf in Davao City on February 21. – Rappler.com
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Baguio City marks 15th Ibaloy Day with call for unity, cultural preservation
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Mia Gonzalez
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23/02/2024 13:33
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OFFERING. Elders Felix Siplat and Vicky Makay offer prayers and tapuey (rice wine) for a successful Ibaloy Day
Mia Magdalena Fokno
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Onjon ni Ivadoy gathered in Ibaloy Park to celebrate the 15th Ibaloy Day on Friday, February 23, an event dedicated to reminding the next generation of Ibalois of their colorful history and the importance of preserving their culture.
The theme for this year, “Semek mo, ipa’sas mo,” translates to “show your love,” encapsulating the day’s spirit of cultural pride and communal unity.
Bacuio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led the event, where Benguet Representative Eric Go Yap, former Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso, and other local officials were also in attendance.
In her video message, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Executive Director Mervyn Espadero highlighted the Ibaloy people’s pioneering role in championing indigenous rights, dating back to the era of Mateo Cariño, who valiantly defended the land rights of the Ibaloy during the American colonial period.
This year’s Ibaloy Day featured a parade through Session Road, the traditional “owik” ritual – a pig butchering ceremony believed to bring blessings – and performances by Ibaloy musicians.
The day also marked the celebration alongside the city’s first Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Councilor Maximo Hilario Edwin Jr., who is a former president of the Onjon ni Ivadoy Association and plays a crucial role in advocating for the respect and integration of indigenous traditions within Baguio’s evolving society.
Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas, in his message, stressed the importance of cultural identity and tradition among Ibaloys, highlighting the challenge of modern developments that threaten these practices.
Diclas extended his deepest appreciation to the Onjon ni Ivadoy, Inc., and all partners for their continued celebration of Ibaloy Day, which serves as a venue to inspire and educate about the rich Ibaloy history and culture.
Magalong emphasized the spirit of solidarity, urging the Ibaloy community to unite and be selfless in their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage.
“The way to invoke our right is for the Ibaloy to be not only united but also to manifest solidarity. We cannot be divisive and think of our personal interests,” Magalong said, calling on the community to mentor young Ibaloy leaders and to rise up for their righs.
The celebration also coincided with International Native Title Day, commemorating the US Supreme Court’s recognition of the native land title of Cariño on February 23, 1909.
This dual celebration underscores the city’s commitment to honoring its indigenous heritage, further solidified by the local government’s declaration of February 23 as Ibaloi Day in 2009 and the institutionalization of the celebration as a regular city event through Ordinance No. 09 (Series of 2013).
Edwin, for his part, highlighted the significance of his role in ensuring that the collective interests of the indigenous community are considered in city ordinances.
“Today, as we celebrate both Ibaloy Day and International Native Title Day, we acknowledge our past struggles for recognition and renew our pledge to safeguard our cultural legacy for generations to come,” he said. – Rappler.com
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Supreme Court: Cagayan governor, counsel guilty of indirect contempt
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Jairo Bolledo
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23/02/2024 15:08
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LOCAL EXEC. Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba during Day 2 of the Agos Summit on Disaster Preparedness at SM Aura Premier's Samsung Hall in Taguig City on July 8, 2017.
Alecs Ongcal/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) said it found Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba and his lawyer guilty of indirect contempt and ordered them to pay fine in relation to a petition they filed in 2023.
The High Court ordered Mamba and his legal counsel, Macalintal Law Office, to both pay a P30,000-fine after they were found guilty of indirect contempt.
“After a punctilious review of the records, numerous news reports that the Court takes judicial notice of, and Gov. Mamba and Macalintal Law Office’s assertions in their Compliance…the Court is convinced that Gov. Mamba and Macalintal Law Office should be cited in indirect contempt under Rule 71, Section 3(c) and (d) of the Rules of Court,” the SC said.
Rule 71, section 3(c) of the Rules of Court defines indirect contempt as “any abuse of or any unlawful interference with the processes or proceedings of a court not constituting direct contempt under section 1 of this Rule.” Section 3(d) of the same rules also considers indirect contempt as “any improper conduct tending, directly or indirectly, to impede, obstruct, or degrade the administration of justice.”
The Court also gave a stern warning to Mamba and his counsel “that a repetition of the same or similar act in the future shall be dealt with more severely.” The High Court added that Mamba’s petition is now terminated and the previous temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the court is now dissolved.
In 2023, the Cagayan provincial government under Mamba was at the center of a House of Representatives’ inquiry into alleged illegal expenditures during the 2022 campaign period. After he failed to justify the absence of Cagayan provincial hall officials at the House hearing, Mamba was held in contempt by the lower chamber and ordered him arrested.
The governor was released on August 24, 2023 after he secured a TRO from the High Court.
Mamba was invited by the House committee on public accounts and committee on suffrage and electoral reforms over the alleged illegal election acts committed in Cagayan during the 2022 campaign period. The governor snubbed the inquiry, noting that Cagayan 3rd District Representative Joseph Lara – the proponent of the resolutions that called for the hearings – is the spouse of a defeated Cagayan gubernatorial candidate.
The governor also raised a concern over the sub judice rule, which “restricts comments and disclosures pertaining to the judicial proceedings in order to avoid prejudging the issue.” Mamba said the alleged vote buying was already raised as in issue before the High Court in a separate case, hence, he cannot comment.
After Mamba was held in contempt, 50 personnel and five officers led by Cagayan police chief Colonel Julio Gorospe Jr. served the contempt and detention against the governor in his residence in Tuao, Cagaya,n on August 19, 2023. Gorospe left the residence, but armed men remained stationed outside the governor’s house.
This prompted Mamba to file a petition for the issuance of a TRO and/or writ of preliminary injunction, claiming that his liberty was restrained by “illegally-issued and unconstitutional” orders. On August 24, the court issued a TRO that prevented the implementation of the orders. But before proper service of the TRO to the parties, Mamba surrendered to the lower chamber.
Mamba filed a manifestation and motion to withdraw on August 29, and cited the following reasons:
In response, the SC issued a show cause order that required Mamba and his counsel to explain why they should not be held in contempt. Mamba’s explanation includes the claim that he did not voluntarily surrender, but rather his liberty was already restrained by the police on August 19, among others.
The SC found Mamba and his counsel’s explanation unsatisfactory. “[I]t can be reasonably deduced that Gov. Mamba’s change of tune in the Compliance is but a flimsy attempt to absolve himselffrom a contempt citation,” the High Court said.
The High Court also noted that Mamba and his counsel sought immediate action for the issuance of the TRO, but “could not show the same modicum of urgency by immediately manifesting to the Court any supervening event that would materially affect the proceedings before the Court.”
The SC also received a letter from Cagayan congressman Lara, who told the Court that Mamba uttered “unfounded accusations or allegations or words tending to besmirch the [J]udiciary [that] were done willfully and for an illegitimate or improper purpose” in multiple instances.
The High Court said the claim was docketed as a separate administrative matter, and directed Mamba to explain within 30 days why he should not be held in indirect contempt.
Mamba allegedly made the remarks in question in the April 29, 2022, May 4, 2022, and May 5, 2022 episodes of radio program Caygandang Cagayan, and during a flag ceremony on August 7, 2023 at the Cagayan provincial capitol grounds. – Rappler.com
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Vice Media to no longer publish content on website – report
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Angelo Gonzales
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23/02/2024 14:43
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MANILA, Philippines – The Guardian on Friday, February 23, reported that embattled media group Vice Media will no longer be publishing content on its website Vice.com, and will lay off hundreds of employees, following job cuts in April 2023 and November 2023.
The information came out as a result of a leaked memo sent to staffers by Vice Media chief Bruce Dixon. A copy of the memo was posted by tech journalist Brian Merchant on X:
Just incredible. The CEO of VICE is giving up on one of the most popular global media brands, firing its journalists and shutting down https://t.co/GmyWzePFeU in order to "transition to a studio model" which means… what? Posting brand stuff to Instagram? pic.twitter.com/EbvS2ZLjN9
“This decision was not made lightly, and I understand the significant impact it will have on those affected,” Dixon said in the memo.
Vice plans to put more emphasis on its “social channels,” where it will continue to push out content. It also plans to partner with “established media companies” to distribute content as part of its transition to a “studio model.”
Refinery29, a media brand also owned by Vice, will be pushing out “social first” content as well.
Facing bankruptcy, Vice was acquired by Fortress Investment Group in 2023. Dixon said in his note that plans to sell the business are in “advanced discussions,” and that more will be announced in the coming weeks. – Rappler.com
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Be The Good: Leo Laparan II on standing up for campus press freedom
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Pia Ranada
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23/02/2024 13:22
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MANILA, Philippines – When the University of Santo Tomas (UST) decided to pressure its students’ digital media organization TomasinoWeb to take down one of its photos from Facebook, TomasinoWeb’s publications adviser Leo Laparan II drew a line. He called the action a “clear illustration of censorship” and stepped down from his post.
Laparan, a journalism lecturer at the university and a working journalist, is our guest in the latest episode of Be The Good, Rappler’s show about people on a mission.
Rappler community lead Pia Ranada asks Laparan about how the takedown of the photo unfolded behind-the-scenes, what he thinks of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, and why he felt it was important to stand up for UST students’ freedoms. (READ: Thomasian student activist receives show-cause letter from UST administration)
Rappler digital communications specialist Tricia Kahanap provides an overview of how the online conversations about the TomasinoWeb photo takedown have developed and how far the issue has gotten both online and offline, among students, journalists, and beyond.
Catch the interview at 7 pm on Friday, February 23, on this page and on Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook pages. – Rappler.com
Be The Good is Rappler’s community show featuring advocacies and causes. We help you get smarter about movements to support. We amplify changemakers in communities and get critical about the solutions and causes they push for.
Watch other Be The Good episodes:
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Swirling again! Rita’s Philippines returns in March
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Steph Arnaldo
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23/02/2024 14:58
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MANILA, Philippines – After a series of closures and mini reopenings, Italian frozen custard chain Rita’s is finally relaunching in the Philippines in March.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, February 22, the brand announced its return to the local dessert scene with four new locations opening from March to May, just in time for the country’s hot months.
Rita’s clarified that it won’t be returning to its old stores at UP Town Center and Ayala Malls The 30th.
“We are coming back! We’re reopening in new locations to serve you your favorite Italian ice, Gelati, Misto, Frozen Drinks, and more,” Rita’s wrote.
In the comments section, Rita’s Philippines announced that The Podium and SM City Fairview will be two of the four new branches.
Rita’s Philippines’ last Facebook post was in April 2022, advertising the online delivery of its frozen custard tubs and pints. In March that year, Rita’s announced that it was reopening briefly at its UP Town Center branch, two months after its permanent closure in January.
The Philippine franchise of Rita’s Italian Ice shut down on January 15, 2022, after seven years of business. It opened its first Metro Manila branch at Greenhillls, San Juan in 2014, and then at UP Town Center in 2015, followed by other branches at Alabang Town Center, Greenhills, and SM Mall of Asia.
Rita’s Italian Ice, founded 30 years ago in Pennsylvania, has over 600 stores around the United States and several internationally, including in China and Canada.
The “cool treats” brand specializes in its famous Italian ice, a creamy, slushy frozen custard made fresh daily with real fruit and in over 65 flavors. Customers can customize their own Rita’s cup by choosing from the frozen custard selection and a wide variety of toppings, syrups, candies, and fruits. – Steph Arnaldo/Rappler.com
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Swirling again! Rita’s Philippines returns in March
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Steph Arnaldo
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23/02/2024 14:58
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MANILA, Philippines – After a series of closures and mini reopenings, Italian frozen custard chain Rita’s is finally relaunching in the Philippines in March.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, February 22, the brand announced its return to the local dessert scene with four new locations opening from March to May, just in time for the country’s hot months.
Rita’s clarified that it won’t be returning to its old stores at UP Town Center and Ayala Malls The 30th.
“We are coming back! We’re reopening in new locations to serve you your favorite Italian ice, Gelati, Misto, Frozen Drinks, and more,” Rita’s wrote.
In the comments section, Rita’s Philippines announced that The Podium and SM City Fairview will be two of the four new branches.
Rita’s Philippines’ last Facebook post was in April 2022, advertising the online delivery of its frozen custard tubs and pints. In March that year, Rita’s announced that it was reopening briefly at its UP Town Center branch, two months after its permanent closure in January.
The Philippine franchise of Rita’s Italian Ice shut down on January 15, 2022, after seven years of business. It opened its first Metro Manila branch at Greenhillls, San Juan in 2014, and then at UP Town Center in 2015, followed by other branches at Alabang Town Center, Greenhills, and SM Mall of Asia.
Rita’s Italian Ice, founded 30 years ago in Pennsylvania, has over 600 stores around the United States and several internationally, including in China and Canada.
The “cool treats” brand specializes in its famous Italian ice, a creamy, slushy frozen custard made fresh daily with real fruit and in over 65 flavors. Customers can customize their own Rita’s cup by choosing from the frozen custard selection and a wide variety of toppings, syrups, candies, and fruits. – Steph Arnaldo/Rappler.com
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Greggy Araneta’s son is new president of Araneta Properties
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gdecastro0289
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23/02/2024 10:23
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ARA. From left: Araneta Properties Inc. (ARA) chairman Gregorio "Greggy" Araneta III, ARA President Crisanto Roy Alcid, and ARA Treasurer Luis Marcos Araneta.
Cropped screenshot of Ayala Land Inc. handout
MANILA, Philippines – How difficult is it to work for the companies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s brother-in-law, Gregorio “Greggy” Araneta III?
Apparently, one needs to have a lot of stamina and energy to be able to cope with the work load.
In one of those rare instances that a publicly listed company disclosed the reason for the resignation of its high-ranking executives, Araneta Properties Incorporated told the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, February 22, that its president Crisanto Roy Alcid, had resigned.
The reason? Too much work.
“We wish to inform you that due to the vast amount of work associated with Gregorio Araneta, Inc. and the Gregorio Araneta III group of companies, Mr. Crisanto Roy Alcid has tendered his resignation as the president of Araneta Properties Inc. (the “Corporation”) which the Board of Directors has accepted. The resignation shall take effect the end of business day on February 21, 2024,” Araneta Properties said in its disclosure.
Most corporate disclosures on changes in high-ranking officials often just say “personal” or “retirement” under the column on Reason for resignation/cessation, so this particular disclosure is uncommon.
As of December 2022, Araneta Properties had 30 employees: 7 executives and managers; 5 consultants, and 18 rank-and-file plus supervisors.
Luis Marcos Araneta, treasurer of Araneta Properties, was elected president replacing Alcid effective Thursday. Luis is the youngest son of Greggy and Irene Marcos Araneta, the President’s younger sister.
Luis, who is in his late 30s, is married to television and event host Alexandra Rocha Araneta.
A post shared by Alexandra Rocha Araneta (@xandrarocha)
Alcid, however, will stay with the company after he was elected treasurer vice Luis Araneta.
Luis has a Business Administration in Management degree from the private school, Pace University, in New York City. He was elected director of Araneta Properties in 2012 and has served as business development manager of the real estate company.
His younger brother is Alfonso Araneta, an executive in various companies of the Gregorio Araneta III group of companies.
Alcid, who is in his mid-50s, has a Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University and completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. He was previously connected with Ayala Land, Asiatrust Development Bank, and Citibank NA.
One the major projects of Araneta Properties is the high-end subdivision Colinas Verdes Residential Estates in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. This is a joint venture with Sta. Lucia Land, Incorporated.
As landowner, Araneta Properties gets 40% of net proceeds from sale of real properties while Sta. Lucia, which is responsible for the subdivision development of Colinas Verdes, gets 60%.
The three phases of Colinas Verdes have been completed, and 78 subdivided lots have been sold. Colinas, however, was still operating at a loss as of third quarter of 2023.
The company is hoping that the completion of the MRT-7 rail project connecting Quezon City to Norzagaray, Bulacan, will boost the real estate business in the area.
In 2022, Araneta Properties formed a joint venture with Ayala Land Incorporated (ALI) – Altaraza Development Corporation(ADC) – to develop 600 hectares of land in San Jose del Monte. Altaraza will invest P20 billion for this development, which includes expanding ALI’s Altaraza, a mixed-used 40-hectare estate launched by ALI in 2014.
Most of Araneta Properties’ land assets are in Bulacan, and in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, the home province of the Marcoses.
Araneta Properties accumulated its land bank in San Jose del Monte through the years from various entities, including Rodolfo Cuenca (50,094 square meters); Insular Life Assurance Company (580,154 sqm); BDO Strategic Holdings Incorporated (926,550 sqm); and Don Manuel Corporation (410,377 sqm).
Not to be confused with Araneta Properties is Araneta City in Cubao, which is under the Araneta Group of companies led by its CEO/President/Chairman Jorge L. Araneta with Judy Araneta Roxas as vice-chairman.
Aside from being chairman/CEO/director of Araneta Properties, Greggy Araneta held the following posts as of December 2022:
Greggy is a certified Blue Eagle. He has an economics degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. He also studied at the University of San Francisco. – Rappler.com
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After NAIA, Laguindingan Airport modernization coming as Swiss challenge underway
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lkyu0285
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23/02/2024 12:50
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PRE-PANDEMIC TIMES. The Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental in pre-COVID-19 times.
Froilan Gallardo/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Just days after it named a winning bidder for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport rehabilitation project, the government is busy drumming up interest in the modernization and expansion of another airport: the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is now inviting bidders from the private sector to submit comparative proposals for the “upgrade, expansion, operations, and maintenance” of the Laguindingan Airport.
In a process called a “Swiss challenge,” these submitted proposals will go head-to-head with the deal offered by Aboitiz InfraCapital, which has original proponent status over the project. A Swiss challenge allows other companies to submit proposals for a project to compete with the one submitted by the original proponent, who will then have the right to present an even better deal.
The modernization of the Laguindingan Airport is one of the infrastructure flagship projects of the government. According to bid documents, the airport developer is expected to do the following over a 30-year concession period:
The National Economic and Development Authority Board approved the negotiated parameters, terms, and conditions for the P12.75-billion Laguindingan Airport project just a month ago in January 2024. Meanwhile, Aboitiz InfraCapital gained original proponent status in 2019 when it submitted a P42.7-billion unsolicited proposal to upgrade, expand, maintain, and operate the airport for 35 years.
Laguindingan Airport is a relatively new airport that started operations in 2013. It handles mostly domestic flights and serves as a major gateway to the Northern Mindanao region. It has a design capacity of about 1.6 million passengers per year. – Rappler.com
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Kai Sotto keys in on defense, rebounding for Gilas Pilipinas
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 10:03
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SLAM. Kai Sotto in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – Kai Sotto knows there are ways to make his presence felt when his offense is not clicking.
The 7-foot-3 big man used his length to full effect as he cleaned the glass and challenged shots to help Gilas Pilipinas breeze past host Hong Kong, 94-64, at the start of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday, February 22.
He finished with a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds on top of 2 blocks in a little over 20 minutes of play, stepping up in the absence of injured big men June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu.
“There are games when your shots are not falling or when you’re out of luck, but the only thing you can control is your effort so I start on defense and rebounding,” said Sotto in Filipino.
Injuries to Fajardo (calf) and Edu (knee) depleted the Filipinos’ frontcourt unit, but Sotto showed he is capable of holding the fort.
With Sotto serving as the last line of defense, Hong Kong scored just 22 points in the paint, 28 less than the Philippines’ tally – a stark contrast that made the difference as the Filipinos won by almost the same number of points.
“I have the same mentality no matter if they’re playing or not: to just work hard when it comes to the court,” said Sotto, referring to Fajardo and Edu. “I just give my best.”
Although pitted against a lowly Hong Kong side ranked 119th in the world, Sotto and No. 38 Philippines came to play.
The Filipinos dropped a 30-9 bomb in the third quarter to break the game wide open as the new era under head coach Tim Cone started on a promising note.
“Like coach Tim said, this game was a test for us. We’re the ones who are going to be judged, not our opponents, because we all know that we’re a better team compared to Hong Kong,” said Sotto.
“It was a test of character for us. We picked it up in the second half after a slow first half and we won.”
To close out the opening window of the qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas returns home to host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, February 25.
And Sotto cannot wait to test his mettle against more capable foes.
“I’m excited to face Taiwan. They’re a better team. Looking forward to it,” said Sotto. – Rappler.com
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[In This Economy] Small wins matter in the fight against Martial Law denialism
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Chay Hofilena
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23/02/2024 12:48
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DR CASTUCIANO
Almost two years into the Marcos Jr. administration, there are continuing efforts to whitewash the Martial Law dictatorship (1972-1986) and, at the same time, downplay the importance of the EDSA People Power Revolution (February 22-25, 1986).
For instance, in September 2023, the Department of Education dropped the term “diktadurang Marcos” (Marcos dictatorship) and instead just put “diktadura” in the new MATATAG basic education curriculum.
On the face of it, this seems an innocuous edit. But it’s particularly pernicious because it’s a form of institutionalized whitewashing. Teachers all over the nation will have to use this whitewashed term.
Meanwhile, In February 2024, PHLPost created commemorative stamps to mark the hundredth birthday of Juan Ponce Enrile, Marcos Sr.’s former defense minister.
Said Postmaster General Luis Carlos, “Living to 100 years old is one of life’s greatest achievements, and definitely a milestone worth celebrating. We pay tribute to JPE whose political career has spanned over six decades…. His collective wisdom and experience is an inspiration to us all.”
But should we glorify the man whose fake ambush was used to justify the declaration of Martial Law on September 23, 1972, and who later became a top crony who profited immensely from various logging concessions that accelerated deforestation?
And then, of course, in October 2023, President Marcos Jr. excluded February 25, 2024 as a public holiday that’s supposed to mark the 38th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. We knew something like this would happen when Marcos won the presidency in May 2022.
Data can shed light on why it’s so easy for the regime to glorify Martial Law and downplay People Power.
The graph below summarizes findings in a new paper titled, “They Never Left: Popular Impressions of Ferdinand E. Marcos as President After February 1986.” This was authored by SWS fellows Jorge Tigno, Geoffrey Ducanes, Steven Rood, and Vladymir Joseph Licudine, and published in September 2023.
In at least four surveys starting in 1986, SWS was able to conduct polls asking Filipinos about their sentiments about Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Interestingly, just a few years after EDSA, Filipinos’ perceptions of Marcos Sr. significantly and undeniably became more positive.
For the claim that Marcos Sr. was “caring for friends who enriched themselves by pocketing government funds,” 70% agreed in 1986, but only 50% agreed in 1995, just nine years later. That’s a statistically significant drop.
As for the statement that Marcos Sr. was a “severe, brutal or oppressive president,” 45% agreed in 1986 (not even a majority), and only 39% agreed in 1995.
On the flip side of the coin, too many people placed Marcos Sr. in a positive light too quickly.
In 1986, 39% agreed that Marcos Sr. was a “defender of the poor and oppressed”, and 42% agreed that he was “true to the duties of a patriotic president.” In 1995, 55% and 57% (more than half) agreed with these statements, respectively.
Fast forward to 2022, a lot more people agreed that Marcos Sr. was “good,” while much fewer agreed that he was “bad.” This may be because the SWS survey was done in June 2022, when Marcos Jr. had already won the presidency.
But at the same time, the proliferation of disinformation and influencer campaigns between 2016 and 2022, as well as the poor teaching of Philippine history over many decades, may also have contributed to this lamentable outcome.
On top of everything, the Marcos Jr. administration is actively, if not aggressively, triggering authoritarian nostalgia by reviving many policies of Marcos Sr.
Examples include the Kadiwa stores, Masagana 99, the “golden age of infrastructure,” Maharlika Investment Fund, and Bagong Pilipinas (obviously a callback to Marcos Sr.’s Bagong Lipunan).
The task before historians and educators these days is tougher than ever. Everything is stacked against those who want to spread facts and truths about Martial Law and EDSA.
But…not exactly everything. Here and there, there are pockets of resistance offering glimpses of hope.
For one, more and more academics are pushing back by writing new books and articles about the Martial Law dictatorship. These include Marcos Lies (by researchers of the UP Third World Studies Center), The Marcos Era: A Reader (edited by Leia Castañeda Anastaco and Jojo Abinales), and my very own False Nostalgia: The Marcos “Golden Age” Myths and How to Debunk Them (published by Ateneo University Press).
I’m happy to share that in the first year since it was published, False Nostalgia has had four print runs already, and is constantly out of stock in online shops. But I’m most elated by the fact that public school teachers are sending me photos of them using the book as a reference in their Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) classes. A small win, but it’s nothing short of elating. And I hope many more teachers and students get to use the book.
But just like what I said last year, books won’t be nearly enough. We need to create and amplify content on social media platforms where most Gen Zs get their information.
We also need to do more of these discussions in person. It’s one thing to like and share each other’s social media posts or attend talks in Zoom, another if we get to converse with one another, face-to-face.
Here, I try to do my fair share. In 2023, I brought False Nostalgia to 14 talks all over the country, including Los Baños, Iloilo, Bacolod, Baguio, Naga, and Metro Manila of course. Just yesterday, I came from Palawan State University, which hosted a whole-day series of talks on various aspects of Martial Law and the EDSA commemoration.
It’s not always easy to organize talks and fora on Martial Law issues, because in many cases such discussions are being actively repressed by education authorities who try to toe the administration’s line. That is why schools and student orgs and NGOs that actually get to do these talks are to be commended for their bravery and commitment to the truth.
Interestingly, most of my book talks over the past year were hosted by private schools and universities which are not beholden to education officialdom. In a recent talk at Assumption College, for example, I was heartened by the fact that senior high school students taking up Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) converted their classrooms into museum exhibits about various aspects of Martial Law, and these exhibits were toured by their non-HUMSS peers. What a creative and fun way for students to engage!
I’m come to realize over the past year that if we are to make any headway, we need to embed and institutionalize the teaching of Martial Law history in curricula. But I hope this can be done by the Department of Education most of all. At the same time, I hope they can also permanently include online literacy and fact-checking in the new basic education curriculum.
At the higher education level, Martial Law must be a required subject just like the Life and Works of Rizal.
In coming years, expect even more efforts on the part of the Marcoses and their friends to lionize the Marcoses and erase any hint of the dictatorship’s gross abuses and corruption. But I also hope we can boost the resistance and rope in as many people as possible.
A hard task, but one that’s not impossible. – Rappler.com
JC Punongbayan, PhD is an assistant professor at the UP School of Economics and the author of False Nostalgia: The Marcos “Golden Age” Myths and How to Debunk Them. The book is available on Lazada, Shopee, Fully Booked, and Solidaridad Bookshop.
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I agree: “A hard task, but one that’s not impossible.” Perhaps a better approach would be systematic planning and efficient and effective implementation of such a plan.
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Life on tracks: The journey of Santa Mesa’s oldest railway trolley pusher
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Herbie G
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23/02/2024 12:02
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TROLLEY. Rodolfo Maurillo and his two-decade-old trolley behind him at the PNR rails in Santa Mesa, Manila.
courtesy of Rafaela Abucejo
MANILA, Philippines – Besides the looming wipeout of traditional jeepneys through the public utility vehicle modernization program, another form of transportation is wary of being stamped out through modernization.
This time, it’s Manila’s illegal transport service, considered as among the world’s most dangerous commutes – the trolleys on Philippine National Railways (PNR).
“Patay! Hindi ‘ata makakatapos ang anak ko (It’s doomed! My son won’t graduate now),” said Rodolfo “Sangkay” Maurillo, reacting when he heard about the PNR’s railroad improvement project through the construction of North-South Commuter Railways (NCSR).
Tatay Sangkay, as his student passengers call him, is a 64-year-old trolley pusher who was among the pioneers of the bizarre transport method in their community in 1979.
His vehicle is a manually pushed handmade wooden cart that plies along the PNR tracks from Santa Mesa to Pandacan station, sending passengers for five to seven minutes from point to point.
In a 2018 article on Yahoo! Finance, the illegal service was dubbed “the world’s most dangerous commute.”
There’s no holding back for Tatay Sangkay to walk on a tightrope every day, pushing his two-decade-old trolley, because it means food on the table. In his case, however, there’s no table to be served food as he lives in a very small shanty alone that he built beside the pile of lumber to be used for the new rails’ construction.
Since he moved to Manila from Leyte around 1979, his family has lived in an informal settlement site in Santa Mesa. In 2007, however, a design company for condominiums demolished their houses and force-relocated their community to Bocaue, Bulacan. This is also the year when his wife gave birth to their only child.
Tatay Sangkay found no opportunities for job openings or any livelihood in the relocation site, so he traveled back to Manila that same year to find a job. Having nowhere to live, the wooden trolley is what he considered his home. The cart has become both his bed and house for 16 years until building his small shelter last year.
Passengers in those times, he said, were still looking for trolleys to ride, so he continued the illegal service even if his wife and infant were left in Bulacan.
Being the oldest trolley pusher in the area, the loud horns of an approaching PNR train do not disconcert him anymore. By pushing the cart carrying, at most, eight people for a single trip, his perseverance to generate income and send money to his family every weekend is what keeps him strong in making ends meet.
Passengers, he said, prefer a trolley ride to other transports to escape the traffic jams of Manila with less smoke and pollution while traveling.
“Ako, masigasig ako kahit matanda na ako (I am still enthusiastic despite my age),” he said.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Tatay Sangkay was earning around P500 daily. For around P7 to P10 per head, he gave a ride to passengers for a whole day. But before he could earn this much, he had to risk his and his passengers’ lives by dangerously traversing the track where a PNR train shuttles.
In times of pitfall when a train is heading in their direction, he swiftly lifts and carries the trolley to the other side of the track. But once, he and his passengers faced a terrifying moment when two trains approached them from both directions. In a split-second decision, they positioned themselves in the middle of the tracks, along with the trolley, as the trains, each traveling at around 40 kilometers per hour, passed by.
Such precarious situations led the PNR management to ban their operations on the railways in 2019, said Tatay Sangkay. Trolley pushers then negotiated for the continuation of their presence on the tracks, for it being their lone means of living. He claimed they were allowed to return to the dangerous service but limited their operations to certain hours.
Now, Tatay Sangkay and other trolley owners can only operate from 7 am to 8 am, and 4 pm onwards. The limited hours left a huge impact on their incomes because even if the fare has increased to P20 per passenger, he now earns only a maximum of P200 for a day or two.
Seeing his son’s commitment to finish his studies keeps Tatay Sangkay moving forward. The 17-year-old, who is now in senior high school, is bent on pursuing a degree in information technology (IT).
He said thinking about his child’s dedication motivates him on every trip, making him somewhat immune to challenges like heat, danger, and physical constraints while doing push-and-runs on the rail tracks.
“Iniisip ko kasi ‘yung anak ko. ‘Yung anak ko kasi nangako siya sakin: ‘Pa, mag-aaral ako nang mabuti.’ […] Kailangan malakas pakiramdam mo dito. E ako, ingat na ingat din ako kasi sabi ng anak ko, ‘‘Pa, mag-ingat ka, ‘tutuloy ko pagaaral ‘ko.’ Sabi ko, ‘Sige kung ‘yan ang gusto mo.’ Kaya di ako sumusuko dito,” he said.
(I think about my son because he promised me: ‘Pa, I’ll be good in my studies.’ You need to have a strong feeling here. I, myself, I’m always being careful here because my son said, ‘Pa, always watch yourself out, I will continue to study.’ I then replied, ‘I’m okay with that if that’s what you want.’ That’s why I never give up.)
Ellen Ayubit, 67, who was among the relocated families in 2007 with Tatay Sangkay, has been admiring his perseverance for years of pushing trolleys despite its dangers. Working hard to provide education to his son every day, she praised the trolley pusher for working despite his age instead of being a bystander.
But Ayubit, who sees Tatay Sangkay as family, said she always worries when he comes back late from Pandacan to Santa Mesa, fearing that he might have an accident, especially when crossing the bridge over the Pasig River in Paco.
For the construction of NSCR, an elevated, double-track, and electrified train system will be built directly on top of the existing tracks of PNR. The modernization means a total wipeout of the unofficial transport culture in the area, a livelihood that became the bread and butter of a community for almost half a century.
Tatay Sangkay said he hopes that despite the ongoing construction at Alabang Station, his income from pushing trolleys will be enough to support his son’s college expenses and graduation. If trolley-pushing is banned, he said he would switch to pedicab driving, borrowing a sidecar to continue providing for his family.
“Nangangamba rin ako syempre kasi kahit papaano, ‘yung kita ko dito sa riles, sarili kasi eh. Wala akong bina-boundary-han. E nanghihinayang din ako. Ngayon, kung talagang gusto nila [gawin] ‘yung riles, patigilan na kami, wala kaming magagawa. Syempre gobyerno na ‘yun,” he said.
“Kung talagang gusto nila [kami] mapaalis, tumulong sa isang taong kagaya ko, senior [citizen], mabigyan man lang ho ng kahit kaunting kabuhayan, okay na ako. Wala na akong kahilingan,” he added.
(I still fear because at least, what I earn here on the rails is mine. I’m not paying through a boundary system. I feel sorry for its loss. Now, if the government persists in working the rails and banning us, we cannot do anything. They’re the government. If they really want to ban us and help senior citizens like me, a small livelihood will do. I’m okay with that. I have no other wishes.)
When asked how he stays strong, he said praying before each trip gives him the strength to carry on. He also said he believes the rosary hanging on his trolley keeps him safe, along with his family’s trust in him and their faith in God. –with reports from Precious Altura/Rappler.com
Chris Burnet Ramos is a campus journalist from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). A senior news writer for The Communicator, he is also an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024.
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https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/journey-santa-mesa-manila-oldest-railway-trolley-pusher/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR18VIrzTxPvjhJ7wW73Bry1OfXtZTVRsyc2XB_378vz8Kb5ig14venO0gA_aem_5nADgCwnKPB2kXWnu0ON0A
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LIST: Wage hike bills to be tackled by House
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Kaycee
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23/02/2024 10:10
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WAGE. In this file photo, workers march to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board NCR office in Manila to call for an increase in the daily minimum wage, on March 21, 2023.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives will finally sit down and discuss the nine proposed measures seeking to increase wages across the country on Wednesday, February 28.
“Matagal na natengga ang wage bills dito sa kamara (Wage bills have long been suspended in the House),” Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas said in a press conference on Thursday, February 22.
“Ini-expect natin the current House will make moves kasi matagal na eh. Nakapasa na sa Senado, tayo na lang hinihintay (We expect the current House to make moves because it’s been a long time coming. The measure already passed in the Senate, they just are waiting for us to),” she added.
The Senate on Monday, February 19, unanimously approved on third and final reading the bill that seeks to give a P100-daily increase to minimum wage earners in the country. (READ: CONTEXT: Can a P100 daily wage increase hurt the poor?)
Some House lawmakers have raised concern that implementing salary increases would need further studies. Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin noted that while the meager P100 daily increase would not be of a big help considering the rising prices of commodities, there might be smaller businesses that may not be able to afford the salary hike. (READ: Can the Philippines afford a P100 national minimum wage hike?)
Meanwhile, Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo said that a P100-hike for workers nationwide may not be enough for some as the cost of living varies from area to area.
“We want the wage measure to be equitable and considerate of diverse economic conditions throughout the country,” Quimbo said on Wednesday.
Here’s a rundown of the bills that are on the agenda of the House labor and employment committee.
– Rappler.com
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[In This Economy] Small wins matter in the fight against Martial Law denialism
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Chay Hofilena
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23/02/2024 12:48
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DR CASTUCIANO
Almost two years into the Marcos Jr. administration, there are continuing efforts to whitewash the Martial Law dictatorship (1972-1986) and, at the same time, downplay the importance of the EDSA People Power Revolution (February 22-25, 1986).
For instance, in September 2023, the Department of Education dropped the term “diktadurang Marcos” (Marcos dictatorship) and instead just put “diktadura” in the new MATATAG basic education curriculum.
On the face of it, this seems an innocuous edit. But it’s particularly pernicious because it’s a form of institutionalized whitewashing. Teachers all over the nation will have to use this whitewashed term.
Meanwhile, In February 2024, PHLPost created commemorative stamps to mark the hundredth birthday of Juan Ponce Enrile, Marcos Sr.’s former defense minister.
Said Postmaster General Luis Carlos, “Living to 100 years old is one of life’s greatest achievements, and definitely a milestone worth celebrating. We pay tribute to JPE whose political career has spanned over six decades…. His collective wisdom and experience is an inspiration to us all.”
But should we glorify the man whose fake ambush was used to justify the declaration of Martial Law on September 23, 1972, and who later became a top crony who profited immensely from various logging concessions that accelerated deforestation?
And then, of course, in October 2023, President Marcos Jr. excluded February 25, 2024 as a public holiday that’s supposed to mark the 38th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. We knew something like this would happen when Marcos won the presidency in May 2022.
Data can shed light on why it’s so easy for the regime to glorify Martial Law and downplay People Power.
The graph below summarizes findings in a new paper titled, “They Never Left: Popular Impressions of Ferdinand E. Marcos as President After February 1986.” This was authored by SWS fellows Jorge Tigno, Geoffrey Ducanes, Steven Rood, and Vladymir Joseph Licudine, and published in September 2023.
In at least four surveys starting in 1986, SWS was able to conduct polls asking Filipinos about their sentiments about Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Interestingly, just a few years after EDSA, Filipinos’ perceptions of Marcos Sr. significantly and undeniably became more positive.
For the claim that Marcos Sr. was “caring for friends who enriched themselves by pocketing government funds,” 70% agreed in 1986, but only 50% agreed in 1995, just nine years later. That’s a statistically significant drop.
As for the statement that Marcos Sr. was a “severe, brutal or oppressive president,” 45% agreed in 1986 (not even a majority), and only 39% agreed in 1995.
On the flip side of the coin, too many people placed Marcos Sr. in a positive light too quickly.
In 1986, 39% agreed that Marcos Sr. was a “defender of the poor and oppressed”, and 42% agreed that he was “true to the duties of a patriotic president.” In 1995, 55% and 57% (more than half) agreed with these statements, respectively.
Fast forward to 2022, a lot more people agreed that Marcos Sr. was “good,” while much fewer agreed that he was “bad.” This may be because the SWS survey was done in June 2022, when Marcos Jr. had already won the presidency.
But at the same time, the proliferation of disinformation and influencer campaigns between 2016 and 2022, as well as the poor teaching of Philippine history over many decades, may also have contributed to this lamentable outcome.
On top of everything, the Marcos Jr. administration is actively, if not aggressively, triggering authoritarian nostalgia by reviving many policies of Marcos Sr.
Examples include the Kadiwa stores, Masagana 99, the “golden age of infrastructure,” Maharlika Investment Fund, and Bagong Pilipinas (obviously a callback to Marcos Sr.’s Bagong Lipunan).
The task before historians and educators these days is tougher than ever. Everything is stacked against those who want to spread facts and truths about Martial Law and EDSA.
But…not exactly everything. Here and there, there are pockets of resistance offering glimpses of hope.
For one, more and more academics are pushing back by writing new books and articles about the Martial Law dictatorship. These include Marcos Lies (by researchers of the UP Third World Studies Center), The Marcos Era: A Reader (edited by Leia Castañeda Anastaco and Jojo Abinales), and my very own False Nostalgia: The Marcos “Golden Age” Myths and How to Debunk Them (published by Ateneo University Press).
I’m happy to share that in the first year since it was published, False Nostalgia has had four print runs already, and is constantly out of stock in online shops. But I’m most elated by the fact that public school teachers are sending me photos of them using the book as a reference in their Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) classes. A small win, but it’s nothing short of elating. And I hope many more teachers and students get to use the book.
But just like what I said last year, books won’t be nearly enough. We need to create and amplify content on social media platforms where most Gen Zs get their information.
We also need to do more of these discussions in person. It’s one thing to like and share each other’s social media posts or attend talks in Zoom, another if we get to converse with one another, face-to-face.
Here, I try to do my fair share. In 2023, I brought False Nostalgia to 14 talks all over the country, including Los Baños, Iloilo, Bacolod, Baguio, Naga, and Metro Manila of course. Just yesterday, I came from Palawan State University, which hosted a whole-day series of talks on various aspects of Martial Law and the EDSA commemoration.
It’s not always easy to organize talks and fora on Martial Law issues, because in many cases such discussions are being actively repressed by education authorities who try to toe the administration’s line. That is why schools and student orgs and NGOs that actually get to do these talks are to be commended for their bravery and commitment to the truth.
Interestingly, most of my book talks over the past year were hosted by private schools and universities which are not beholden to education officialdom. In a recent talk at Assumption College, for example, I was heartened by the fact that senior high school students taking up Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) converted their classrooms into museum exhibits about various aspects of Martial Law, and these exhibits were toured by their non-HUMSS peers. What a creative and fun way for students to engage!
I’m come to realize over the past year that if we are to make any headway, we need to embed and institutionalize the teaching of Martial Law history in curricula. But I hope this can be done by the Department of Education most of all. At the same time, I hope they can also permanently include online literacy and fact-checking in the new basic education curriculum.
At the higher education level, Martial Law must be a required subject just like the Life and Works of Rizal.
In coming years, expect even more efforts on the part of the Marcoses and their friends to lionize the Marcoses and erase any hint of the dictatorship’s gross abuses and corruption. But I also hope we can boost the resistance and rope in as many people as possible.
A hard task, but one that’s not impossible. – Rappler.com
JC Punongbayan, PhD is an assistant professor at the UP School of Economics and the author of False Nostalgia: The Marcos “Golden Age” Myths and How to Debunk Them. The book is available on Lazada, Shopee, Fully Booked, and Solidaridad Bookshop.
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I agree: “A hard task, but one that’s not impossible.” Perhaps a better approach would be systematic planning and efficient and effective implementation of such a plan.
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AboitizPower shows love as it powers and empowers communities
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gbarrientos0280
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14/02/2024 8:00
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In this journey called life, we encounter different kinds of love, and for AboitizPower, it’s one that’s directed towards the community and the Philippines.
AP shows its love to the community by empowering the homes of Filipinos, with its purpose to “Transform Energy for a Better World.” For decades, the company has provided stable, affordable, and sustainable energy while playing its part in responding to the country’s rising power demand and supporting economic growth.
While we strive for a balanced energy mix, we also pursue a brighter tomorrow for our host communities by contributing to local taxes and employment and providing them with livelihood, training, and aid packages.
Among our initiatives is a partnership with DORECO, where we turned over medical equipment for the communities of Davao Oriental to promote proactive health monitoring and support emergency response. The supplies include blood pressure monitoring devices, medical manikins, and spineboards.
Meanwhile, AP subsidiary Therma Visayas marked the 7th year of its Carbon Sink Management Program with 770,000 trees planted en route to achieving a 10-year one million trees target through 2027. Under the program, some 277 tree farm partners earn from payments to their seedlings, maintenance services, fruits, and trees.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the company reiterates its devotion to uplifting the lives of every Filipino, with its main agenda to provide reliable power for the good of the people and the world. – Rappler.com
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GAME SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball
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jisaga0269
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08/05/2024 20:35
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It’s down to the last two teams standing as the University of Santo Tomas and National University battle for the UAAP volleyball championship in both the women’s and men’s divisions!
The league’s best separate themselves from the pack as the Final Four showdown kicks off! Here’s the schedule:
UAAP Season 86 volleyball action intensifies as the second round of the men’s and women’s divisions begins on Wednesday, March 20.
The contenders will separate themselves from the pack, with each game determining which teams will make the Final Four. Here’s the schedule:
Volleyball action is back in the UAAP!
Stars from both men’s and women’s divisions are set to ply their growing skill sets once again in front of thousands of fans, beginning on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, both at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Here are the first-round schedules for both divisions:
*The March 13 games will be played at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Notable matches include women’s champion La Salle’s debut against contending Adamson on Saturday, 4 pm, at MOA, while men’s three-time defending titlist NU rolls into an immediate finals rematch with UST on Sunday, 12 pm, also at the same venue.
La Salle and NU – finalists in the last two women’s tournaments with one title won each – will wrap up their first-round schedule on March 16, 2 pm at Araneta. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Hontiveros did not order subpoena for Sara Duterte
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Lorenz Pasion
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23/02/2024 11:42
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Claim: Senator Risa Hontiveros has issued a subpoena to Vice President Sara Duterte in relation to recent controversies surrounding Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the YouTube video bearing the claim has gained 5,464 views, 269 likes, and 125 comments.
The video’s title reads: “VP Sara isa-subpoena na rin ni Hontiveros dahil sa witness kay Quiboloy? DDS umalma!”
(VP Sara will also be subpoenaed by Hontiveros because of the witness in the Quiboloy case? DDS dismayed!)
Senate vs. Quiboloy: A subpoena was only issued against Quiboloy, not the Vice President. On February 19, the Senate issued a subpoena to the controversial preacher, who ignored the upper chamber’s hearings led by Hontiveros on his alleged human rights abuses.
During a Senate committee hearing last February 19, former KOJC members came forward to claim “sexual abuses, human trafficking, labor exploitation, and other physical abuses” in the religious group and its media arm, the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
Witness testimony: The video’s narrator highlighted the testimony of a witness named “Rene,” who claimed to have seen Duterte and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, receiving various firearms from Quiboloy after leaving Glory Mountain, a vast property in Davao City owned by the controversial religious leader.
“Minsan po pumupunta doon si former president Rodrigo Duterte at former Davao mayor Sara Duterte. ‘Pag umalis na po sila sa Glory Mountain, dala na po nila ang mga bag na siya pong mga bag na nilalagyan po ng mga baril,” the witness said.
(Sometimes, former president Rodrigo Duterte and former Davao mayor Sara Duterte go there. When they leave Glory Mountain, they take bags with them that contain guns.)
During the hearing, Hontiveros questioned the witness on his statement, but did not indicate any intention to issue a subpoena against Duterte.
In December 2023, a Rappler report revealed that the former president had registered about 358 firearms two weeks before his presidential term ended.
Response to allegations: In a statement on February 21, the Vice President chose not to directly address the allegation, brushing it off as just another attempt by presidential aspirants to discredit her.
She neither confirmed nor denied the visit to Glory Mountain, instead saying she predicts “more cases, investigations, witnesses, allegations, attacks, and harangues” against her in the lead up to the 2028 presidential elections.
Quiboloy has also slammed the Senate inquiry, accusing Hontiveros of violating his constitutional rights. In January, an audio recording surfaced of Quiboloy calling the Senate’s inquiry “bogus.”
In 2022, Quiboloy and two of his associates, Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag, were included on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most-wanted list. – 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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New system, same skills: Ex-F2 setters Fajardo, Alba shine as PLDT, Choco Mucho cruise
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jisaga0269
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22/02/2024 20:43
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STAR SETTERS. PLDT setter Kim Fajardo and Choco Mucho playmaker Mars Alba react in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference
PVL Images
MANILA, Philippines – Setters are on-court extensions of coaches in the world of volleyball and carry tremendous responsibilities in-game, but Kim Fajardo and Mars Alba quickly proved that they can thrive in whatever system they are placed in.
In the continuation of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, February 22, Fajardo and the PLDT High Speed Hitters gave a snapshot of their massive title-contender potential as they blew out the upstart Galeries Highrisers after a first-set scare, 25-22, 25-6, 25-9.
The former F2 setter repaid head coach Rald Ricafort’s trust to immediately put her in the starting lineup, as she finished with 11 excellent sets and helped wingers like Savie Davison (19 points) and Jules Samonte (15 points) get into their offensive rhythm all game long.
The same could be said in the second game of the double-header at the FilOil EcoOil Centre as Alba, another ex-F2 playmaker, shone in her new role with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who drubbed the Nxled Chameleons, 25-12, 25-22, 25-18.
Alba, a former UAAP Finals MVP with La Salle, tallied 18 excellent sets as usual starter Deanna Wong sat out due to a knee injury.
Reigning PVL MVP Sisi Rondina was the main beneficiary of Alba’s playmaking, tallying 17 points in just three sets, while star opposite Kat Tolentino added 12.
The sophomore setter admitted to being nervous after learning that she will take the place of Wong, one of the PVL’s most popular players, but was thankful that Wong and the rest of Choco Mucho were nothing but supportive in her Flying Titans debut.
“Of course, there’s pressure, but I just took it as a challenge given that the [setter] position for last conference’s silver medalists is a tough one to fill,” Alba said in Filipino. “I’m also thankful of ate Deanna because she was guiding me throughout the game.”
Fajardo was likewise thankful of her new teammates and coaches as she mapped her way around a new system after seven years donning the F2 colors.
“At first, I had a hard time adjusting, but eventually it became easy thanks to everyone around me,” she said in Filipino. “I’m happy with the result of our first game, but we have so much left to polish.”
Moving forward, both PLDT and Choco Mucho are expected to be legitimate threats to the PVL All-Filipino throne currently held by the Creamline Cool Smashers, but Fajardo and Alba – both championship-winning setters – are more than ready for the challenges ahead.
“I think having her smarts is a really big thing that we take advantage of,” Davison, last conference’s top scorer, said of Fajardo. “Her being a setter, her being offensive (minded) is one thing, but her talking to everyone and telling us what to do and what to run is a really good sign of leadership on the court.”
“[Mars] is getting there. We’re seeing good things, but still some things to correct,” Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino of Alba. “I hope she keeps it up so our games get better and better soon.” – Rappler.com
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Apolinario rises from knockdown to stop Thai, earns world title shot
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Jasmine Payo
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22/02/2024 21:22
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UNBEATEN. Dave Apolinario (second from right) celebrates with his team after stopping Thai foe Tanes Ongjunta.
Sanman Boxing
TOKYO, Japan – Dave Apolinario rebounded from a third-round knockdown and knocked out Thai Tanes Ongjunta in the fourth on Thursday night, February 22, to extend his winning streak to 20 at the Korakuen Hall here.
More important, Apolinario lined himself up for a world title crack this year.
Apolinario tagged the Thai with a head punch only to be caught by a counter right by Ongjunta coming from the ropes.
Apolinario dropped to his knees and was given the count. The pride of Maasim, Sarangani and General Santos City bided his time to clear his mind.
A clash of heads then occurred before the round ended with the Thai sustaining a deep cut on the left eyebrow.
Having recovered his poise, Apolinario dropped Ongjunta with a left straight, but the Thai was able to beat the count. Living up to his moniker, Dobermann, Apolinario went all out and again floored Ongjunta with a right uppercut.
The Thai gamely tried to stand, but again fell to his knees and became Apolinario’s 14th knockout victim. Ongjunta, a two-time Southeast Asian Games silver medalist, tumbled to 12-2 with 6 knockouts.
Sanman Boxing head JC Manangquil said a world title fight in any of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies will be worked out for Apolinario this year.
According to Mike Pelayo, who co-manages Apolinario, it was the first time for the former International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight champion to suffer a knockdown.
Apolinario said he was shaken a bit, but warded it off as he knew that a world title shot is at stake.
He will get it, for sure. – Rappler.com
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LIST: Wage hike bills to be tackled by House
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Kaycee
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23/02/2024 10:10
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WAGE. In this file photo, workers march to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board NCR office in Manila to call for an increase in the daily minimum wage, on March 21, 2023.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives will finally sit down and discuss the nine proposed measures seeking to increase wages across the country on Wednesday, February 28.
“Matagal na natengga ang wage bills dito sa kamara (Wage bills have long been suspended in the House),” Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas said in a press conference on Thursday, February 22.
“Ini-expect natin the current House will make moves kasi matagal na eh. Nakapasa na sa Senado, tayo na lang hinihintay (We expect the current House to make moves because it’s been a long time coming. The measure already passed in the Senate, they just are waiting for us to),” she added.
The Senate on Monday, February 19, unanimously approved on third and final reading the bill that seeks to give a P100-daily increase to minimum wage earners in the country. (READ: CONTEXT: Can a P100 daily wage increase hurt the poor?)
Some House lawmakers have raised concern that implementing salary increases would need further studies. Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin noted that while the meager P100 daily increase would not be of a big help considering the rising prices of commodities, there might be smaller businesses that may not be able to afford the salary hike. (READ: Can the Philippines afford a P100 national minimum wage hike?)
Meanwhile, Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo said that a P100-hike for workers nationwide may not be enough for some as the cost of living varies from area to area.
“We want the wage measure to be equitable and considerate of diverse economic conditions throughout the country,” Quimbo said on Wednesday.
Here’s a rundown of the bills that are on the agenda of the House labor and employment committee.
– Rappler.com
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Kai Sotto keys in on defense, rebounding for Gilas Pilipinas
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 10:03
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SLAM. Kai Sotto in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – Kai Sotto knows there are ways to make his presence felt when his offense is not clicking.
The 7-foot-3 big man used his length to full effect as he cleaned the glass and challenged shots to help Gilas Pilipinas breeze past host Hong Kong, 94-64, at the start of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Thursday, February 22.
He finished with a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds on top of 2 blocks in a little over 20 minutes of play, stepping up in the absence of injured big men June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu.
“There are games when your shots are not falling or when you’re out of luck, but the only thing you can control is your effort so I start on defense and rebounding,” said Sotto in Filipino.
Injuries to Fajardo (calf) and Edu (knee) depleted the Filipinos’ frontcourt unit, but Sotto showed he is capable of holding the fort.
With Sotto serving as the last line of defense, Hong Kong scored just 22 points in the paint, 28 less than the Philippines’ tally – a stark contrast that made the difference as the Filipinos won by almost the same number of points.
“I have the same mentality no matter if they’re playing or not: to just work hard when it comes to the court,” said Sotto, referring to Fajardo and Edu. “I just give my best.”
Although pitted against a lowly Hong Kong side ranked 119th in the world, Sotto and No. 38 Philippines came to play.
The Filipinos dropped a 30-9 bomb in the third quarter to break the game wide open as the new era under head coach Tim Cone started on a promising note.
“Like coach Tim said, this game was a test for us. We’re the ones who are going to be judged, not our opponents, because we all know that we’re a better team compared to Hong Kong,” said Sotto.
“It was a test of character for us. We picked it up in the second half after a slow first half and we won.”
To close out the opening window of the qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas returns home to host Chinese Taipei at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, February 25.
And Sotto cannot wait to test his mettle against more capable foes.
“I’m excited to face Taiwan. They’re a better team. Looking forward to it,” said Sotto. – Rappler.com
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Just like home: Gilas Pilipinas buoyed by Filipino fans’ love in Hong Kong
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delfin.dioquino editor
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23/02/2024 8:44
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SUPPORT. Fans in Hong Kong show their support for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
FIBA
HONG KONG – Count on Filipino fans to make Gilas Pilipinas feel like playing at home even when the game is on the road.
The Philippines’ 94-64 romp of Hong Kong on Thursday, February 22, to kick off its FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers campaign hardly felt like an away game as Filipinos packed the Tsuen Wan Stadium to support their compatriots.
From the shootaround to the final buzzer, the partisan Filipino crowd showed how much love it has for the visiting national team, which drew inspiration from the cheers to turn a close game at halftime to a lopsided win.
“We always travel very well because we always have a crowd and I think that’s a big advantage that we have over other teams,” said head coach Tim Cone.
“No matter where we play, there’s always a crowd that’s going to be behind us, always cheering.”
Barangay Ginebra stars Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson, as well as Japan B. League standouts Dwight Ramos and Kai Sotto were among the crowd favorites as they drew the loudest cheers whenever they made plays.
One fan even brought a sign that read “I love you, Papa Dwight,” flashing it with a photo of the dashing guard.
Refusing to let their supporters down, the four played prominent roles in the win that saw the Filipinos outscore the hosts, 30-9, in the third quarter to pull away after holding a slim 41-37 lead at the break.
Brownlee finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, Sotto posted 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks, Ramos put up 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Thompson paired his 9 assists with 5 points.
“[We] made a couple of nice plays and that really got [the fans] cheering hard and it kind of lifted our spirits and we got some momentum and that kind of keyed our run there in the third quarter,” said Cone.
After the game, the players accommodated requests for photos and signed mementos on their way to the team bus to further make their supporters’ day.
“We know they had to spend their hard-earned money to watch the game and so we truly appreciate them there,” said Cone. – Rappler.com
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Bicol, a Filipino Catholic powerhouse, gets a new archbishop
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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23/02/2024 7:16
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SHEPHERD. Archbishop-elect Rex Andrew Alarcon is set to preside over the Ecclesiastical Province of Caceres, covering all six civil provinces of Bicol.
Nikko Balbedina/CBCP News
MANILA, Philippines – From nearby Camarines Norte where he is the outgoing prelate, Bishop Rex Andrew Alarcon is moving to the center of Catholic devotion of his home region Bicol.
Pope Francis named Alarcon on Thursday, February 22, as the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres, a Catholic territory that covers three districts in the province of Camarines Sur. While he heads the Catholic Church only in these districts, the archbishop of Caceres is considered the “first among equals” among the seven bishops of Bicol.
Alarcon replaces Rolando Octavus Tria Tirona, a native of Sampaloc, Manila, who served as Caceres archbishop from 2012 until his retirement this year at the age of 77.
“Salamat sa Diós! Viva la Virgen! (Thanks be to God! Long live the Virgin!)” announced the Archdiocese of Caceres in a post on its Facebook page shortly after the Vatican made the appointment public at 7 pm (Manila time) on Thursday.
Born in Daet, Camarines Norte, the 53-year-old Alarcon was the Philippines’ youngest bishop when he was ordained in 2019. He currently chairs the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
He finished high school and philosophy courses at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga, studied theology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, and later obtained a licentiate in church history at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Alarcon’s appointment is made more significant by the fact that Bicol – known for its deep and widespread devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia – is the Philippine region with the highest percentage of Catholics.
Bicol’s Catholic population, according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, stands at 5.67 million or 93.5% of total residents. Bicol is followed only by Eastern Visayas at 92.3% and Calabarzon at 89.2%.
Throughout the Philippines, the percentage of Catholics is 78.8% – making Bicol an ecclesiastical powerhouse in this predominantly Catholic country.
Catholic devotion in Bicol comes in full force every third Saturday of September when they celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a 313-year-old image that devotees believe to be miraculous.
The patroness of Bicol is housed in the Basilica Minore and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga.
Wherever they are found in the world, Bicolanos affectionately call Our Lady of Peñafrancia their “Ina” – their mother. Among the public figures who pray to Our Lady of Peñafrancia fiesta is former vice president Leni Robredo, who hails from Naga. Former senator Leila de Lima, who was born in Iriga, Camarines Sur, is also among the Bicolanos devoted to “Ina.”
The Archdiocese of Caceres, one of the country’s oldest dioceses, holds a place of honor in church history in the Philippines.
The archdiocese follows the old name of Naga City, Camarines Sur – “Nueva Caceres” – which, in turn, was named after a Spanish city in 1595. The archdiocese was founded that same year, less than two decades after the Philippines’ first diocese – Manila – was established in 1579.
As Caceres archbishop, Alarcon will preside over the Ecclesiastical Province of Caceres, which covers the six civil provinces of Bicol: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.
These provinces correspond to seven Catholic dioceses: the Archdiocese of Caceres (covering Districts III, IV, and V of Camarines Sur), the Diocese of Daet (covering Camarines Norte), the Diocese of Libmanan (covering Districts I and II, and Gainza town of District III, in Camarines Sur), the Diocese of Legazpi (covering Albay), the Diocese of Sorsogon (covering Sorsogon), the Diocese of Virac (covering Catanduanes), and the Diocese of Masbate (covering Masbate).
According to Canon 436 of the Code of Canon Law, a metropolitan – that is, an archbishop who presides over an ecclesiastical province – can provide oversight of the “suffragan” dioceses entrusted to him.
The metropolitan is allowed, for instance, “to exercise vigilance so that the faith and ecclesiastical discipline are observed carefully and to inform the Roman Pontiff of abuses, if there are any” in the suffragan dioceses. In Alarcon’s case, these are the dioceses of Daet, Libmanan, Legazpi, Sorsogon, Virac, and Masbate.
“The metropolitan has no other power of governance in the suffragan dioceses. He can perform sacred functions, however, as if he were a bishop in his own diocese in all churches, but he is first to inform the diocesan bishop if the church is the cathedral,” the Code of Canon Law states.
The metropolitan “also meets with the suffragan bishops to discuss matters of importance to the region,” CBCP News explained.
Poverty and natural calamities are among the perennial problems and points for discussion among church leaders in Bicol. – Rappler.com
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Why Canada chose Manila as its Indo-Pacific Agriculture office HQ
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Bea Cupin
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23/02/2024 8:46
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CANADA-PH TIES. Canada's Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay meets with Filipino business leaders during a visit to Manila.
Lawrence MacAulay's Twitter
MANILA, Philippines – It was through a story about seed potatoes that Canadian Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, explained to Filipino journalists his country’s history of helping farmers in countries like the Philippines.
MacAulay, himself once a potato seed farmer, said it was “touching” to be presented a bag of potatoes grown from Canadian potato seed brought to the Philippines many years back. The potato seed happened to come from Prince Edward Island, where MacAulay hails from.
“Some farmers drove us 10 hours to get here. And the fact is, they understood so well how much good seed, good genetics in hogs, no matter what sector you’re talking about – when you have the proper seed, it increased the production immensely. And we want to help in so many areas in this area, in this part of the world,” said MacAulay, who is in Manila for the launch of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) on February 21.
The office, based in the Canadian embassy here, will serve the entire Indo-Pacific. Its establishment is part of Canada’s bigger vision – to improve and expand its ties with the region.
“Yes, we want to sell. But we also want to make sure that we help the area grow…. If you have the top quality seed, you generally produce a much richer and a more abundant crop.And that’s what we want to see in all of this area in the Indo-Pacific,” added MacAulay.
The new office in Manila isn’t a literal physical space but the presence of experts across different fields in agriculture and agri-food. Diedrah Kelly, previously Canada’s ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is executive director of the new office.
MacAulay said Canada’s “great relationship” with the Philippines was one of the reasons why the hub is located in Manila. Ottawa is also keen on expanding its ties with Manila, in trade, aid, and defense.
The Canadian minister also sees helping the local farmers as among Canada’s “obligations.”
“I saw a bunch of farmers today. I don’t know what their financial situation is. But I know one thing – that it will improve. With people like [Kelly] and other people that will be working with her… to make sure that farmers have the best opportunity to succeed,” he said.
In a release, the Canadian embassy in the Philippines said the new office would “leverage Canada’s expertise as a world leader in food safety and sustainability with that of our Indo-Pacific partners to tackle common challenges.”
That Canada wants to involve itself more in the region is a matter of choice and necessity. As it stands, the Indo-Pacific accounts for a third of the world’s economic activity. Southeast Asia, the region the Philippines belongs to, is projected to have the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040.
“We are committed to our partnership in the region and I can tell you – we are here to stay,” MacAulay told an audience of Canadian officials and agriculture industry officials during a reception at the Manila Peninsula.
The IPAAO’s focus won’t just be on productivity – the goal is also to help farmers, growers, and producers figure out more efficient methods to handle “environmental issues properly.”
IPAAO team members will be based at the Canadian embassy located in Makati City. – Rappler.com
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Repelled? BFAR ship still patrolling Bajo de Masinloc, says PH Coast Guard
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Bea Cupin
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22/02/2024 12:49
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Fisherfolks from the Association of Masinloc Fishermen tow and release an 18-foot symbolic maritime bouy afloat at the West Philippine Sea in Masinloc in Zambales on November 6, 2023.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday, February 22, that its Chinese counterpart is being “inaccurate” in claiming that it had “repelled” a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship that was patrolling Bajo de Masinloc, a feature some 100 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.
According to a report by Chinese state-run Global Times, the China Coast Guard (CCG) said it had “repelled” the BFAR ship when it “illegally intruded into waters adjacent to China’s Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea.”
“Huangyan Dao” is China’s name for Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal.
“This statement is inaccurate,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a message to reporters.
“The BFAR vessel, BRP DATU SANDAY, continues to patrol the waters of Bajo De Masinloc. Currently, the BFAR vessel is actively ensuring the security of Filipino fishermen in that area,” Tarriela added.
Tarriela also noted that Philippine media were embedded in the BFAR ship and that “their forthcoming reports upon completion of the mission will confirm the accuracy of our statement.”
Bajo de Masinloc is a shoal that is considered as historical fishing grounds of Filipino, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese fishermen. BFAR and PCG vessels are typically close to the shoal’s waters to patrol the area and to bring supplies to Filipino fishermen, who stay for weeks at sea.
It is one of the flashpoints of tensions between China and other claimant states, including the Philippines.
China claims practically the entire South China Sea, including waters within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as its own – even if a 2016 arbitral ruling deemed this claim invalid.
Bajo de Masinloc also happens to be the apparent focus of the Philippines’ “transparency initiative” in the West Philippine Sea, referring to its strategy of exposing – through statements, images, and reports from independent media – China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea.
In January 2024, officials from Manila and Beijing met in Shanghai to discuss rising tensions in the South China Sea, particularly in Ayungin Shoal where a World War II-era vessel that was intentionally run aground in 1999 serves as a military outpost. The two countries agreed to improve maritime communications between diplomats and even between their respective coast guards. – Rappler.com
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IN PHOTOS: Headshots of the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates
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Ysa Abad
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22/02/2024 12:26
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MANILA, Philippines – The search for the next Miss Universe Philippines title holder is heating up as the organization released on Wednesday, February 21, the candidates’ official headshot pictures.
Initially, 55 candidates were introduced by the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization as the candidates for their pageant’s 2024 edition.
However, on Thursday, February 22, Natasha Jung, the delegate from Kananga announced her withdrawal from the competition.
“As of the moment, I would like to prioritize my personal growth and commitments, and not further involve the organization on the matter,” she wrote in a social media post. Notably, Jung’s headshot photo wasn’t uploaded by the MUPH organization on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the 2024 competition is faring up to be an interesting edition as it marked several firsts in the pageant’s history. To note, this year’s delegates were chosen through the Accredited Partners Program, wherein only accredited partners approved by the MUPH organization selected the candidates from their respective localities through local pageants or appointments.
Also for the first time, the 2024 roster also includes candidates representing overseas Filipino communities, such as Australia, northern and southern California, Florida, Hawaii, Miami, Sydney, the United Kingdom, Virginia, and Washington.
The Miss Universe 2024 pageant will also be the first edition without age restrictions for the candidates. This comes after mothers and wives were welcomed into the competition starting 2023.
As of writing, the organization has yet to announce additional details for its national pageant. Fifty-four candidates are competing in the hopes of succeeding Makati’s Michelle Dee, who finished in the Top 10 of the international edition.
Familiar names among this year’s hopefuls are pageant veterans Victoria Velasquez Vincent (Miss Universe Philippines-Charity 2021), Kris Tiffany Janson (Miss Intercontinental 2014 2nd runner-up), Stacey Gabriel (Binibining Pilipinas 2022 2nd runner-up), Ahtisa Manalo (Miss International 2018 1st runner-up), and Christi McGarry (Miss Intercontinental 2015 1st runner-up).
Here are the official photos of the delegates posted by the MUPH organization:
– Rappler.com
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PLDT-Sky Cable deal not pushing through
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Ralf Rivas
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22/02/2024 9:44
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MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pangilinan’s PLDT is not acquiring the Lopezes’ Sky Cable after all.
In a stock exchange filing on Thursday, February 22, Sky Cable’s parent company ABS-CBN said the two companies mutually decided not to proceed with the P6.75-billion deal, which was supposed to be finalized this March.
PLDT also issued a one-sentence statement without elaborating on the reason for the fallout.
Following the development, Sky Cable’s TV service will continue. Meanwhile, its broadband and fiber service will remain unaffected.
Had the deal pushed through, ABS-CBN would have been required to fold Sky Cable’s channel offerings.
“We thank all our Sky subscribers for their continued patronage and support. We remain committed to providing the same level of customer experience and service for both our cable and internet services,” ABS-CBN’s statement read.
This is not the first time that PLDT has set its eyes on Sky Cable. Recall that in 2020, PLDT chairman Manny Pangilinan sought to buy the Lopezes’ Sky Cable, but later pulled out over risks of antitrust regulators flagging monopoly issues.
PLDT has Cignal TV, which is also in the business of providing paid television.
In 2022, Cignal TV attempted to buy 38.9% of Sky Cable for P2.86 billion. This bid, however, was scrapped due to political pressure, alongside the landmark deal that was supposed to consolidate the media resources of ABS-CBN and TV5.
The latest deal struck last March 2023 got the nod of the Philippine Competition Commission. – Rappler.com
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