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AboitizPower shows love as it powers and empowers communities	gbarrientos0280	14/02/2024 8:00	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 PRESS RELEASE BrandRap is the platform for your brand’s next big story. Every day, we collaborate with our partners to create stories that are informative, relevant, and effective. If you want to amplify your message, engage the right audience, and expand your social reach online, we’d like to help. Email us at sales@rappler.com. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/aboitizpower-shows-love-powers-empowers-communities-2024/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2xiNOfXtaW9XW7q8wXsjni6mbTN6ZwCBHuhTaROOcSSnVzOltrY3OmIsE_aem_dQKCuEG9ZmH9PkBVkQPNow	1
IN PHOTOS: PH’s Gwendolyne Fourniol’s performance in 71st Miss World so far	Ysa Abad	21/02/2024 14:56	PH BET. Gwendolyn Fourniol represented the Philippines at the 71st edition of Miss World held in India on March 9, 2024. Gwendolyne Fourniol's Instagram MANILA, Philippines – After a series of delays, Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol is now all set to vie for the country’s second blue crown. Initially, Gwendolyne was supposed to compete in the pageant’s 71st edition in December 2023 when it was still scheduled at the India International Centre in Delhi, India. However, the Miss World organization announced that the finals will be moved at a later date. The pageant is now set to be held on March 9, 2024 in Mumbai, India. Prior to flying to India, the beauty queen has been sharing snippets of her pageant journey. In her official headshot photo for the competition, Gwendolyne looked regal in a blue tube bejeweled dress. “Being in Miss World is a passion turned reality,” she said in her introduction video, where she also expounded on her advocacy for education. “Join me in my journey and let’s all ignite that passion for education, to help empower generations,” she captioned the post. Since the beauty queen from Negros Occidental was crowned in June 2022, she had been focused on working with the Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, a charity organization that sends underprivileged children to school. It is also the same foundation that helped Gwendolyne’s mother to go to school. In a January 2023 post, the Philippine delegate shared that she’s spearheading the “Bridge the Gap, Build the Future” project with ERDA Foundation. “By building the Learning Hub, and providing opportunities for growth to the community around it, I hope to do my humble part in bridging the gap in education in my own country so that I may be able to help less privileged children build their own bigger and brighter futures,” she wrote. Even her entry for the pageant’s Head-to-Head challenge focused on Sustainable Development Goal number 4 or Quality Education. “Together, we can build a world where education is a fundamental and universal right, fostering progress for generations to come,” she said. During her first days in India, Gwendolyne has been updating fans with the pre-pageant activities she’s taking part in, as well as bonding with her fellow Miss World candidates. “Can’t wait to make unforgettable memories and represent the Philippines with pride,” she wrote in one of her posts. During the pageant’s opening ceremony on February 20, Gwendolyne was a stunner in her costume that represents the “Filipina’s craft spirit of dignity, growth, and joy.” The beauty queen noted that the hand-embroidered ensemble was inspired from Hiligaynon’s authentic Ilonggo textiles. The piece was adorned with colorful embellishments while the whole look was completed with a crowned headpiece and golden palaspas. Moreover, the ensemble also paid homage to the competition’s host country, India, as it incorporated a traditional print called ikat. Gwendolyne is competing in the hopes of winning the Philippines’ second Miss World crown, following Megan Young’s win in 2013. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/photos-gwendolyne-fourniol-performance-pre-pageant-miss-world-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3lVT_yr1ELWMOWnbLlC9ydFEbAtGi0WCbrtT9oBbser7K0Z2YRK3pITEE_aem_doS7MaGO_Fy_kpxt_v-uzw	1
REVIEW: ‘I Am Not Big Bird’ is playful, but still emotionally flaccid	Marguerite de Leon	21/02/2024 15:12	Spoilers ahead. When one takes a look at the place of sex in the current makeup of local cinema, one will discover that it figures mostly in Vivamax, the local streaming platform churning out movies that are 90% sex and 10% storyline — the “New Bomba,” as some might point out. It’s a haven for original Filipino content, only that content demands a lot more substance and discerning hold of the craft. Raunchy but emotionally flat, Vivamax movies chiefly disappoint because they often overlook how fun sex can get, failing to explore its intimacy and richness, and merely present it as nothing but a requirement to satisfy a quota for explicit scenes. Here lies the advantage of I Am Not Big Bird, the latest film directed by Victor Villanueva, best known for Patay na si Hesus, for how it leans on its absurd and phallic humor, and it’s exciting to see this kind of work with mainstream backing. At the center of the sausage fest is Luis Carpio (Enrique Gil, in his comeback project), whose lack of confidence, mainly due to his dick being under the average size, has cost him his relationship with longtime partner Cathy (Ashley Rivera). Left dejected, he shows up to a night out with his friends (Red Ollero and Nikko Natividad), whom he rarely hangs out with, inviting them to a trip to Thailand shouldering all expenses. So off they go to Thailand, with Luis, or “Carps” to his friends, hoping to become the “bigger man,” whatever that means. The trio, who are seeking to enjoy their vacation, meet Prajak Tithi (Pepe Herrera), the suspicious tourist guide, and later discover that Carps is a doppelganger of Big Bird (also played by Gil), a porn star known for his massive cock, who has gone missing. Although it takes a while before the film gets to this detail, it is loads of fun to see how the Thai public conflictingly reacts to seeing Big Bird again, depicting how the porn actor has set insane criteria for what being masculine means. Contrary to the library of Vivamax movies, I Am Not Big Bird actually knows how to talk about sex. Despite its outlandish approach, it doesn’t steep itself in awkward thrusting and grunting by awkward actors caught in awkward positions. And the film works best when it is gooning and being silly. Prime example of which is when the three friends, after outrunning a bevy of people tailing them, figure in a heated argument, without their pants on. Alongside porn producers and drug dealers hunting Big Bird, there’s also the club entertainer ejecting bananas out of her vagina. At one point, Big Bird’s dangly schlong is even used as a handshake. And, hello, a drug-induced Ganesha? But out of all its gimmicks, I particularly find the brief reference to Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus so intelligent because of its specificity. And seeing Gil this relaxed and outside of his usual love team roles is pretty refreshing, and the film makes the right decision by privileging his chemistry with Ollero and Natividad and just allowing them to have a good time. Gil still has it, and it seems like his comeback can be much bigger, given that he lands the right project and works with producers or writers, who can actually think of better ways to harness his talent. For all its slapstick comedy, I Am Not Big Bird still ushers some insights about sex as a natural need (or even adventure), sex as a source of exploitation, censorship, and how ridiculous sex standards breed a culture of toxic masculinity. But the material falters when it turns earnest and begins to explain its point, especially in the third act, where it loses its steam. Carps’s sudden realization about how he treats his pals and ex-girlfriend, with a whole montage dedicated to it, doesn’t quite land, precisely because we don’t know much about these relationships to warrant such an emotional pivot. Tied to this problem is the film’s overall pacing. At the start, there is so much lingering in ways that feel so touristy, populated by drone shots of Thailand that could have been trimmed, before the storyline moves forward, only to rush some plot points in the final act, as if trying to search for something that can stand in for narrative dimension. Of course, it’s alright to be messy, considering what the film hopes to penetrate, but it won’t work at the expense of coherence. And despite the texture of ‘90s-era comedy that the film guns for, it’s apparent that some visual choices demand more polishing. I Am Not Big Bird is strongest when it forgoes being serious and hinges on its absurdity, the very detail that it could have harnessed further. It’s way more fun when it commits to being unapologetic, instead of pushing for an emotional note that ends up so flaccid, ultimately failing to climax. The good thing, though, is at least it’s not your typical Vivamax movie, which is notorious for being bad — and not even enjoyably bad. – Rappler.com I Am Not Big Bird is now out in local cinemas. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/review-i-am-not-big-bird-playful-emotionally-flaccid/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2hGTnHxo5IoIFSch0G2wugc0rAuIipxERKZUFrsGBxFkkEUbWNTPlQl00_aem_kHK0d9Q1xR_ojNT2f42m_w	1
FACT CHECK: PH senators’ annual budget not P6 billion	Lorenz Pasion	21/02/2024 11:10	Claim: Senators receive an allocated budget of P3 billion to P6 billion annually throughout their term. Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook video bearing the claim was posted on January 27. As of writing, it has 515,000 views, 5,900 reactions, and 1,200 comments. The video claims that because senators feared losing their annual budget of P3 billion to P6 billion, they opposed the recent bid for charter change by the House of Representatives through a people’s initiative. The facts: While senators have access to various funds used for legislative activities, staff salaries, and office expenses, there is no set amount of P3 billion to P6 billion individually allocated to each senator. A report by the Commission on Audit (COA) on the itemized list of expenses of the Senate in 2020 – the latest report available – reveals that the offices of all 24 senators spent a total of P2.26 billion. Of that amount, over P1 billion was allocated for staff salaries while P78.5 million was earmarked for the lawmakers’ salaries, with former Senate president Tito Sotto earning the highest with P3.9 million. The report also shows that each senator spent between P65 million to P116 million in 2020. Additionally, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2020 shows that the Senate was allocated a budget of P9.45 billion, covering general administration and support and operations, including locally-funded projects. In the 2024 budget, the Senate has an allocated budget of P13 billion. This covers the implementation of regular programs and locally-funded projects. This debunks the video’s claim that each senator receives P3 billion to P6 billion annually, which would have meant an allocation of P36 billion to P144 billion for all 24 senators. Funding source: Historically, senators have obtained funding for their projects through two primary mechanisms: the GAA and the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). The GAA is the national budget passed by Congress, which includes funding for various government programs and initiatives. Senators do not receive individual separate allocations within the GAA; rather, they must propose projects that fall within existing budget lines and pass through the appropriate committees. Once approved, the projects are administered by relevant government agencies. On the other hand, PDAF provides senators with a lump sum allocation, allowing them to select projects without going through the regular budget process. Unlike the GAA, senators have sole discretion in their allocation and use. After the “pork barrel” scam scandal in 2013, however, the PDAF was abolished and deemed unconstitutional. Senators’ salary: In 1989, under the administration of former president Corazon Aquino, the Philippines enacted Republic Act 6758, which set the salary grade system that determines the appropriate compensation for government personnel, including officials and employees. According to the budget department, senators fall within the Salary Grade (SG) 31 category, with monthly salaries ranging from P278,434 to P318,806. Meanwhile, the Senate president, who heads the upper chamber, receives a monthly salary of between P331,954 to P381,748 within the SG 32 bracket. Bid for charter change: All members of the Senate signed a manifesto last January 23 rejecting the bid of the lower chamber to push for people’s initiatives (PI) in amending the Philippine Constitution. It was reported that the PI signature-gathering process was marred by allegations of vote-buying and misuse of government resources. Senators worried that the initiative was tainted and did not reflect the genuine will of the people. The Senate further asserted that the House was trying to bypass existing constitutional amendment processes, such as a constitutional convention or Congress voting jointly. This raised concerns about transparency and adherence to the rule of law. – Jerry Yubal Jr./Rappler.com Jerry Yubal Jr. is a campus journalist from the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City Main Campus. The executive editor of Amaranth, he is also an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024. Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to#FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through our Viber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/philippine-senators-annual-budget-not-six-billion/	1
FACT CHECK: Defense chief Gibo Teodoro did not declare war on China	Lorenz Pasion	21/02/2024 14:38	Claim: Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. declared war on China. Why we fact-checked this: The claim was made in the title and thumbnail of a YouTube video posted on February 11, which has gained 49,116 views, 1,300 likes, and 419 comments as of writing. The video’s title reads: “Nag panic na China! PBBM nagulat kay Gibo! Nagdeklara ng pananakop! May magaganap na gyera dito!” (China panics! PBBM surprised by Gibo! [He] declared war! There will be a war here!) The bottom line: No official statements from Teodoro nor the Department of National Defense (DND) support the video’s claim. The video’s narrator merely talked about China’s warning to the Philippines on the issue of Taiwan, a democratically-governed island that China claims as part of its territory, following Teodoro’s order to heighten military presence in Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost island province closest to Taiwan. Teodoro made the order following his visit to the military’s naval detachment on Mavulis Island on February 6. In a statement, the Naval Forces Northern Luzon said the defense chief also “called for the development of more structures, noting that Batanes is the ‘spearhead’ of the Philippines as far as the northern baseline is concerned.” In line with Teodoro’s orders, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido said Batanes residents are being urged to become Army reservists. However, Galido emphasized that the military is not planning to deploy the reservists, but is only “encouraging” Filipinos in Batanes to “volunteer, to be [a] patriot and be a reservist.” Galido added that Batanes residents could help inform the military amid the ongoing hostilities between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea. China-Taiwan relations: Teodoro’s order to boost military presence in Batanes drew criticism from China, which warned the Philippines not to “play with fire” on the issue of Taiwan. In a statement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told the Philippines to “tread carefully.” “I want to stress again that the Taiwan question is at the heart of China’s core interests and is a red line and bottom line that must not be crossed,” he added. In response, the DND said: “Batanes is Philippine territory and China has no business warning the Philippines about what it does within its territory.” Beijing issued a similar warning to Manila in January, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory. China said Marcos’ remarks constitute a violation of the One China principle and a “gross interference in China’s internal affairs.” The Philippines’ foreign affairs department, however, reaffirmed the country’s One China policy, under which the Philippines recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole Chinese government. – 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. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/defense-chief-gibo-teodoro-did-not-declare-war-china/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3BNtcjy5eUqQp3c-B3qHKO9eJFEZD8v-xN_CFgApfZ_adeV98FkaIka-M_aem_tXjOHaVcOBATU06tpK21Eg	1
On hero ball and wish lists: Lessons learned from Gilas past	Jasmine Payo	11/02/2024 15:13	FAN FAVORITE. Jordan Clarkson and Gilas Pilipinas acknowledge the crowd after a game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, FIBA MANILA, Philippines – 2024 signaled a fresh start for the Gilas Pilipinas program. Although the coach and the players are not totally new, the program is, and it ushers in a new system, environment, and end objective. In what is another reboot to Gilas Pilipinas, Tim Cone was appointed permanent national team head coach, and he subsequently named just 12 players who will form the core of the national team. The idea is to keep the 12 together for the next four years, with the hope of qualifying and advancing deep in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Although Cone left a window for additions in case of injuries to the core, he also emphasized that for the most part, he will stick with the 12 in the tournaments that Gilas Pilipinas will be joining, beginning with the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers this February. There have been skepticism about the rationale in sticking to just 12 players and questions about why certain players were not included. Names such as Rhenz Abando, Justine Baltazar, and Jordan Heading have been frequently mentioned. Other notable omissions are Thirdy Ravena, who has been on a tear in the Japan B. League, leading his club, the San-En NeoPhoenix, to the top of the standings, and Matthew Wright, hands down the best Filipino player in Japan the past two seasons. Angelo Kouame has been a force for the UB Chartres Métropole in the French League Division 3 and should have been a worthy consideration for the lone naturalized player spot that has been allotted to the recently reinstated Justin Brownlee. But it is hard to argue with the wisdom of a coach who is largely considered the best in the local shores and who has already proven he could also triumph in the international arena. One can only hope that this latest iteration of Gilas Pilipinas will be run and supported by people who will have the patience, the thoroughness and the discipline to stick to the program and allow it to run its course as designed by Cone and his brain trust. There were a number of circumstances in the previous versions of Gilas that should not plague Cone’s program for it to be successful. Cone, being the astute and grizzled tactician that he is, may have probably already studied his Gilas history to know the things that worked and things that could have been done better. An early positive sign for Tim Cone is that he seemed to have filled up his 12-man roster with the players on his wish list. This was rarely the case for previous Gilas programs. Tab Baldwin had his hands tied behind his back when he was deputized in 2015 to helm the Gilas team that was vying to win the solitary Asian ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Baldwin was deprived of the opportunity to tap any of the players from the San Miguel teams. Marc Pingris eventually joined the national team and once again took on the role of the defensive anchor of the team, the only one from the SMC bloc who chose country over club. Credit goes to Baldwin who, despite the lack of materials, still steered Gilas to a runner-up finish in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, just a game short of earning an Olympic spot The 2013 Gilas had its own share of limitations as Chot Reyes was only allowed to pick one player per PBA team based on the parameters set by the pro league for the national squad. Since 2008, there have been close to 10 versions of Gilas Pilipinas that have been assembled. None of these teams stayed together for four years. The longest a squad stayed together was Gilas 1.0, which was formed in 2008 under coach Rajko Toroman with the aim of qualifying for the London Olympics by winning the 2011 FIBA Asia Olympic qualifiers held in Wuhan, China. But the team that was fielded in the qualifiers was not composed exclusively of those who were part of the Toroman pool. PBA players Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Jimmy Alapag were inserted months before the qualifiers, practically relegating to the sidelines the three-year preparation that was intended to make the players one cohesive unit. Gilas 2.0 under Reyes ran from the time they won the SEABA and the Jones Cup in 2012 to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Baldwin’s Gilas 3.0 had an even shorter life span, lasting from 2015 to 2016. Since then, there have been nine coaches who have been given the head coaching mantle of Gilas, with Reyes the longest tenured, handling the program two more times, from 2016-2018 and from 2022-2023. Cone himself was appointed Gilas coach twice, the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the 2023 Asian Games. Both instances, Gilas brought home the gold. If Cone manages to maintain his program until 2027, he would become the longest-serving national team coach in the last 70-plus years. The age-old dilemma of the Gilas program has been the PBA’s unwillingness to make a radical change in its calendar to allow the national team more time to prepare. The PBA can mount press conferences all day long, mouth platitudes declaring its full commitment to the Gilas program and publicly declare plans to adjust league schedules to give the national team more time to prepare. At this point, everyone knows these are all lip service. The Gilas team under coach Yeng Guiao was given just 10 full days of training to prepare for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. That team lost its first two games by an average deficit of 52 points. Cone recognizes the hand he has been dealt with. “We are trying to minimize the amount of preparation that we need to get into each window,” Cone said. “We are going to prepare for only seven days for the first window [of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers], 10 days for the second, and five days for the third.” Cone hopes that by not having a revolving-door policy in the national pool, the 12 players selected will eventually establish chemistry which will cover up for the short preparation time they will be given by the PBA. In the closing minutes of the game between Gilas Pilipinas and the Dominican Republic during the opening playdate of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the Dominicans scored on well-run plays while the Filipinos failed to convert from their isolations and forced attempts. The visitors escaped with a close 87-81 victory. In Brownlee, Cone will have a clutch player who can take over a game but still play within the system. The resident Ginebra import, in fact, has always been known for his willingness to blend with teammates. To describe him as perfect for the kind of national team Cone envisions would be stating the obvious. Brownlee has an Asian Games gold medal as proof of that. In the past two editions of the FIBA World Cup, the Gilas teams played with an over-reliance on their go-to stars, Andray Blatche in 2019 and Jordan Clarkson in 2023. It was similar to a boxer telegraphing his attack, and the Gilas squads wound up getting read like alphabet by opposing teams. Both squads operated within systems that were predictable and seemed out of touch with the dynamics and nuances of the international game. Cone displayed both imagination and guile when he led the Philippines to its first Asian Games gold medal in 61 years, without totally veering away from his magic that has always worked in the PBA. He wins more than he talks and is not known to invite drama nor call attention to himself. But Cone has not been tested in FIBA-level events and in competitions outside of the Asian region. Whether his formula for the new Gilas program will work will be known in the coming months. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/lessons-learned-from-past/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3L97AVNhmHeOZ7Uj9gQgLD8u3bnRAQQVZ4UxoSdLHUk9s__XfaK2PIJfA_aem_8yVBsWHIymJLeSfvOvqurw	1
Meet some of the first couples who received Quezon City’s ‘right to care’ card	Russell Ku	18/02/2024 10:25	JR Tabor and Jeremy Abrogar receive their "right to care" cards from the Quezon City government on February 17, 2024. Russell Ku/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – As a new batch of LGBTQ+ couples sealed their commitment to each other in Quezon City (QC), 15 pairs finally received their right to make healthcare decisions for one another as they became the first batch to receive the city’s “right to care” card on Saturday, February 17. QC gender and development head Janete Oviedo said Saturday marked the first day of distribution for the “right to care” cards, which also marked the city’s fourth commitment ceremony. “We will start calling people who have ‘right to care’ cards for distribution. It will be given in the Gender and Development Office in Quezon City Hall,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino. Oviedo added that those who have yet to receive their cards have their own copies of the special power of attorney contracts which can be shown to hospitals in the city. The program was formally introduced during QC Pride in June 2023, with the first batch of couples signing their special power of attorney contracts in August. The ordinance for the program was also passed in October 20, 2023, with officials still drafting its implementing rules and regulations. Rappler talked to some of the couples who were filled with joy and excitement after receiving the card. Transgender woman Richard Ella and her partner Lester Paradero said that they felt “lucky” to be among the first QC residents to receive their own “right to care” cards. “Happy [ako] kasi…ako na lang po magdedesisyon para sa partner ko. At the same time, napakalayo ng pamilya [ni Lester] sa amin. Nasa Batangas ‘yung family niya na tawagan in case [may emergency],” Ella said. (I’m happy since I can make decisions for my partner. At the same time, Lester’s family is far from us. His family is in Batangas should we need to call them in case of emergencies.) The couple have been together for four years and decided to attend this year’s commitment ceremony to renew their vows for one another when they went to the event in 2021. They hope to start a business together to get “stable income” as Lester is earning money through contractual jobs. 35-year-old Leslie Ampo-an and her boyfriend Ash Musnit said that they were happy to finally receive the card as they witnessed their LGBTQ+ friends being denied by their family to visit their partners. “Bilang mga mahihirap na mamamayan ng Quezon City, nakapahirap po para sa amin na kahit mag-pacheck-up pa man lang. So importante na meron ‘right to care’ card kasama ng partner namin kasi there are instances po na may nangyayari sa amin pero never po nakikialam ‘yung partner,” Ampo-an said. (As we are among the marginalized sectors in Quezon City, it’s hard for us to even get ourselves a check-up. So it’s important that we have a “right to care” card with our partners since there are instances that something happens to us, but our partners can’t get involved.) JR Tabor and Jeremy Abrogar said they felt their bond got stronger when they finally got the card as they marked their 18th year as a couple this February. “Ngayon, mas safer na kami sa isa’t isa…kasi at least kahit malayo man kami sa family namin, at least mayroon ganitong card na kahit papaano na makakaensure kami na may right decision-maker para sa amin,” Tabor said. (We feel safer with each other because even if our families are far away from each other, at least there is this card that would ensure us that there is a right decision-maker for us.) Oviedo said more than 700 couples have signed up for the “right to care” card as of February 2024. Despite this development, city workers are still actively working to get LGBTQ+ couples in the city to sign up for the card. Workers were giving documents for the “right to care” card to interested couples in the commitment ceremony, with an orientation set for February 24. QC government workers are also giving documents for the city’s “right to care” card to interested couples. The card was introduced last year during QC Pride. It hopes to provide LGBTQ+ couples in the city with the right to make healthcare decisions for each other.15 couples… pic.twitter.com/dStFCmc5q5 Among those who received documents during the commitment ceremony was Kurt Mante and his 21-year-old girlfriend Nicole Delgado. The couple said that this was their first time hearing about the program and are undecided on signing up for the card. “‘Di ko pa masyado maintindihan. Kailangan ko ng explanation para ma-go din tayo parehas. (I don’t understand it that much. I need an explanation so that we both have the go [signal]),” Delgado said. Oviedo said that the QC government plans to do orientations in all of the city’s barangays. She added that they have also connected with LGBTQ+ organizations to also orient their members on the “right to care” card. Those who wish to avail of Quezon City’s “right to care card” can register by going to the Quezon City gender and development council office or through bit.ly/RightToCareReg. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/lgbtq-couples-receive-quezon-city-right-care-card-february-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR084uNY2-u0DBVjCIX0EAgbFrEB4vPaiGifzlihjJfykW1nwLlCQSUMEBg_aem_h-F9znZciTqqZdDDsx6xdg	1
[OPINION] In the Philippines, the fight for the climate is a fight against state violence	Marguerite de Leon	21/02/2024 13:31	Alejandro Edoria/Rappler On September 2 last year, the Filipino environmental activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro disappeared. Castro and Tamano had been working with communities in Manila Bay whose homes and livelihoods were threatened by reclamation projects, including the ongoing construction of the New Manila International Airport. Three days after their disappearance, their mothers and a group of civil society and church representatives met with police to file a report, but were instead told by officers that the activists were connected to the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of a communist insurgency ongoing in the Philippines since the 1960s. A few weeks later, the National Security Council announced that Castro and Tamano had sought help from authorities to exit the communist underground and were being held in a safe house for their protection. Human rights organizations, however, were suspicious – in the Philippines, one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental defenders, activists like Castro and Tamano are far more likely to be killed by state forces than by communist fighters. The state often justifies these extrajudicial murders by “red-tagging” victims, associating them with the underground Left to justify their deaths. On September 19, the truth surfaced at a press conference convened by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, a body set up by former President Rodrigo Duterte to combat communist insurgency. Though state representatives continued to insist that Castro and Tamano were underground leftists, the two women bravely contradicted the state line in front of news media, saying they had been abducted by the military, threatened with death, and forced to surrender. “We want to show today the state’s blatant fascism towards activists, who only want to fight for Manila Bay,” said Castro. At present, they are continuing their work with communities in Manila Bay – Castro as a community organizer with the Alliance for the Defense of Livelihood, Housing, and Environment in Manila Bay (AKAP KA Manila Bay), Tamano as program director of the Community and Church Program for Manila Bay of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum – despite persecution by state forces, who have filed a perjury case against them. Even as the global community made commitments in last year’s COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels, Filipino activists like Castro and Tamano find their efforts to protect the environment constantly threatened by a repressive state. Though President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has paid lip service to the need to take “appropriate and responsible action to mitigate…the effects of climate change,” such promises are belied by ongoing state investment in massive infrastructure projects with incredibly deleterious environmental impacts. The case of the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) is instructive. According to a Global Witness report, the $15-billion mega-development project – managed by the Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corporation and given the green light by the government in September 2019 – stands to displace at least 700 families, disrupt complex coastal ecosystems (including the migratory route of more than 50 million waterbirds), and lead to the felling of hundreds of mangrove trees, whose root systems play a key role in mitigating flooding in the typhoon-prone country. The Dutch dredging giant Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has signed a contract worth €1.5 billion to undergo the first phase of the airport’s construction, a sum insured by the Dutch state via its export credit agency Atradius Dutch State Business (Atradius DSB). The approval process for the NMIA was littered with irregularities, as San Miguel bought up a smaller firm with landholdings in the area and used its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) as cover for construction, despite the fact that this company’s ECC made no mention of either the airport or San Miguel. Soon, armed soldiers were going door-to-door telling residents to leave to make way for the project, in a blatant convergence of state impunity with corporate interests. This conjunction of massive infrastructural spending for a project ostensibly meant to “develop” the Philippines, but one which instead lines the pockets of corrupt politicians and corporate elites, is emblematic of a larger pattern in Philippine history. Ferdinand Marcos, father of current president “Bongbong” Marcos, infamously declared martial law in 1972 and proceeded to plunder the coffers of the state while filling national positions with his relatives and cronies. Flashy infrastructure projects such as the San Juanico Bridge and the Philippine Heart Center served as both visual emblems of his drive to create a “New Society” and convenient mechanisms for his systematization of national theft. To manage the threats to his regime presented by communist rebels and Muslim separatists, Marcos – backed by tremendous amounts of US military aid – both expanded the army and weaponized a variety of paramilitary death squads still in state employ today. More recently, former president Rodrigo Duterte has invoked the threats of rampant drug-use and leftist subversion to justify a massive campaign of state-sponsored killings that has left thousands dead, while simultaneously pushing massive infrastructure developments under his “Build, Build, Build” program. Armed state and extra-state forces have consistently silenced dissent from community members who resist the opening up of more and more of the Philippines’ green spaces to aggressive development. The fight for climate justice in the Philippines, therefore, is as much a fight against the authoritarian overreach of the Philippine state, the collusion between corporate interests and an oligarchic ruling class of family dynasties, and the militarized manufacture of community “consent” as it is a fight for transition away from fossil fuels, the protection of endangered ecosystems, and the reduction of carbon emissions. As the bravery of Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro shows us, there will always be environmental defenders who stand up against state impunity. But for the Philippines to build a more sustainable future for its people and environment, the state must stop killing those who are protecting both. – Rappler.com Ethan Chua is an international student from the Philippines currently pursuing their second year Master’s in International and World History at the London School of Economics. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I agree: “The fight for climate justice in the Philippines, therefore, is as much a fight against the authoritarian overreach of the Philippine state, the collusion between corporate interests and an oligarchic ruling class of family dynasties, and the militarized manufacture of community ‘consent.'” But what can we do? How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/voices/imho/opinion-philippines-fight-for-climate-against-state-violence/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1wGRw3MJileoVjKmy2-JA27LjLqQ31cgWkJzFzwNDQKRX-KyJu33B9JDY_aem_u8zietE_12qZAkiQrhXpzA	1
Lawmaker: With no one withdrawing PI signatures, Senate should drop probe	Kaycee	21/02/2024 12:51	MANILA, Philippines – With no one coming forward to withdraw their signatures on people’s initiative forms, a House member urged the Senate to drop the probe on the public petition. “I could be wrong pero wala pa pong nahanap na witness that would particularly support the allegations against PI. Naglabas na tayo ng withdrawal forms and wala pa rin nagwi-withdraw. I think by now, some people would know ‘yung decision po nila kung gusto o ayaw nila sa PI,” 1-RIDER Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said in a press conference on Tuesday, February 20. (I could be wrong but they have yet to find a witness that would particularly support the allegations against PI. We’ve also put out withdrawal forms and no one is withdrawing their signatures. I think by now, some people would have a firm decision on whether or not they want to be part of the PI.) The public petition asks both houses of Congress to vote on charter amendments jointly, which the Senate fears as they would be outnumbered by the over 300 votes of House lawmakers. Gutierrez said that while they respect the autonomy of the Senate, the inquiry has had “far-reaching effects” becoming more prevalent, among them the growing rift between lawmakers from both houses of Congress who have been engaged in a word war in the past weeks. After Senator Ronald dela Rosa noted that some individuals wanted to withdraw their signatures, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) released a withdrawal form for those who wish to remove their signatures from the public petition. The Comelec on Tuesday also said they have yet to receive reports from their offices regarding signature withdrawals. “Comelec’s acceptance of withdrawal forms is for recording purposes only and shall not be construed as formal action by the Commission on the signature sheets or petition for people’s initiative,” the poll body said on February 15. Comelec has temporarily suspended all proceedings related to the people’s initiative, which essentially meant that they stopped accepting signature forms pending a review of the rules surrounding the process. House members have repeatedly called on their colleagues in the upper chamber to put their investigation on hold since the Comelec’s decision essentially put the people’s initiative up in the air. So far, the Senate has had three hearings on the PI where both Speaker Martin Romualdez and PBA partylist workers have been linked to the signature drive. With the PI investigation and hearings on the Resolution of Both Houses No. (RBH) 6, which details the proposed economic amendments to the Constitution, happening simultaneously, House lawmakers are urging their counterparts to focus on the latter instead. “If we can work – RBH6 on their part and RBH7 on our part – this would now be the focus. I don’t think there’s any more reason for either chamber of Congress to be up in arms about PI,” Gutierrez said. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/no-withdrawal-signature-people-initiative-lawmaker/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR38lSJjGIKRGeg_7DS_QVACPuQoeiYh-iFaEBBrWaW43eEmbMnWc3TdSqs_aem_TzeMZi1di90BL49MU-i8Qw	1
Misamis Oriental-owned telephone company shuts down after 7 decades	Herbie G	21/02/2024 10:25	CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The provincial government-owned telephone company, Misamis Oriental Telephone System Incorporated (Misortel), has ceased operations after 74 years of service. The closure, attributed to substantial losses in recent years, marks the end of an era for thousands of subscribers who once solely relied on its services, particularly before the widespread use of cellphones and other modern means of telecommunications. Despite generating millions in revenues annually, Misortel had been operating at a deficit, relying on provincial government subsidies to sustain its day-to-day activities. Engineer Marlon Libago, the officer-in-charge of Misortel, who confirmed the closure on Tuesday, February 20, said Misortel no longer upgraded its system by acquiring cutting-edge technologies and procured up-to-date equipment to be competitive with the country’s leading telecom giants. Misortel’s financial status was included in the Commission on Audit (COA) annual report on the provincial government of Misamis Oriental in 2022. The report showed that the income of Misortel, particularly communication network fees, dropped by P644,138 because its collection of P2,286,941 that year was lower compared to the P2,931,079 in 2021. In fact, Misortel posted a net loss of P478,273 in 2022 after P2,765,214 expenses were incurred on line maintenance and equipment repairs that year, the COA document showed. The provincial telephone system posted net incomes of P10,823 in 2021 and P2,129,881 in 2020. In 2021, Misortel paid its last and final annual loan amortization of P384,347 with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for its P40.480-million 10-year loan that was granted to the provincial government in 2011. It was intended for Misortel to migrate into a digital technology then known as the New Generation Network (NGN). Misortel started in 1950 with a franchise to operate “a wire or wireless communication system” under the Public Service Commission that was created by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 146 or Public Service Law. It was the only telephone system in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental then until 2008 when five telephone companies came in. In 1998, Misortel had 12,439 active telephone lines consisting of 7,541 residential and 4,898 commercial subscribers, including offices of government agencies, in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. In an interview with local broadcaster Strong Radio, Libago said they sent notices to subscribers that telephone landlines would be cut off on February 20, and they may settle their accounts directly at the office of the treasurer at the provincial capitol in Cagayan de Oro. “When I assumed [as Misortel head] over a year ago, there were already less than a hundred subscribers,” he said. He said they further lost many subscribers to fires, mostly in Cagayan de Oro. Restoring the lines, he explained, had been hindered by Misortel’s financial and personnel constraints. Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia, who chairs the provincial local enterprises management board, assured all 40 Misortel regular employees affected by the closure would be absorbed by the provincial government. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Goodbye, Misamis Oriental Telephone System Incorporated (Misortel). I hope that what Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia promised to all 40 Misortel regular employees affected by the closure will be fulfilled. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/misamis-oriental-telephone-company-shuts-down-february-20-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3DQn6ndpLVcu1aZqgYRgoay80atGhGFtxC8Nqku9AoTzXFAG9v54orhw4_aem_qLcrYJzHDNkHS0G4sE9YRg	1
Armyworms attack Zamboanga del Norte rice fields	Herbie G	21/02/2024 11:26	INFESTATION. A man shows armyworms he found on a rice field in Zamboanga del Norte. Gualberto Laput/ Rappler ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines – The Provincial Agriculturist’s Office of Zamboanga del Norte has expressed alarm as it embarked on a province-wide mobilization to mitigate the damage caused by armyworms, which have infested the province’s rice fields for a week now. Provincial Agriculturist Maybel Bustalino told Rappler on Tuesday, February 20, that the armyworms have already damaged at least 445 hectares of the province’s more than 16,000 hectares of rice fields in at least seven municipalities and Dapitan City. The municipalities include Roxas, Pinan, Katipunan, Rizal, Sindangan, Liloy, and Siocon. The province comprises 25 municipalities and two cities. Although the infested areas represent only about 2% of the province’s total rice fields, Bustalino said the damage has already reached P15.5 million in the last seven days. They received pesticides from the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Office in Pagadian City, and have already been distributing them to farmers in infested areas since Friday, February 16. “Our reaction has to be immediate because these armyworms can consume a whole hectare of rice plantation in two days if left unattended,” Bustalino said. She also told her agriculturists in the field to instruct farmers to conduct “blanket spraying” of insecticides not just “spot spraying,” and to closely monitor their rice plantations because the armyworms are sneaky, “they can hide on other crops nearby and return to the rice plantations.” “The spraying should be done late in the afternoon because armyworms are nocturnal; they feed at night,” Bustalino said. She said they are now waiting for reports from the affected areas to know if the armyworm attack has been effectively controlled. The last devastating attack of armyworms in Zamboanga del Norte was in the late 1980s, damaging the province’s corn plantations. Bustalino said, “Armyworms are always there during the prolonged dry season, but it is now that they have gone up to alarming infestation level.” Zamboanga del Norte, an agricultural province, was among the 10 poorest provinces in the country from 1998 up to 2021, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In 2012, the province slightly went up to the 5th poorest with 50.3% poverty incidence or more than half of its one million population being poor. Today, the province’s rice production is barely enough for its consumption, which compels the province to regularly buy rice from neighboring provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/armyworms-attack-zamboanga-del-norte-rice-fields-february-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1pfMu23XFi3umN3FUYKQwCUVYRb9fGeWoiFtSnVxJfnbr7hD3JunvQMxk_aem_aeqX0rb653Qp383ii6bLVw	1
Puerto Princesa’s battle: Safeguarding its mangrove forests	Herbie G	21/02/2024 9:30	MANGROVE TOURISM. Tourists visit the old Mangrove Forest, a major source of income for tour guides and boatmen of the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Association in Sabang, Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City. Gerardo C. Reyes Jr./Rappler PALAWAN, Philippines – The lush mangroves of Palawan not only enrich the biodiversity but also serve as crucial shields against storms and a lifeline for fisheries. Urbanization and human activities, however, have resulted in the alarming depletion of these vital ecosystems, particularly in areas like Puerto Princesa. To combat this degradation, Puerto Princesa residents have institutionalized an annual activity for the past 20 years. Every February, they unite in a mass mangrove planting event, symbolizing their “Love Affair With Nature,” and value the importance of safeguarding and rehabilitating mangrove habitats for the well-being of both marine life and coastal communities. Some 8,000 seedlings were planted by residents led by Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron in Iwahig on February 14, Valentine’s Day, with the aim to rejuvenate denuded mangrove zones located 20 kilometers away from the city center. Palawan boasts vast coastal waters spanning some 11,690 square kilometers, while Puerto Princesa alone encompasses 330,000 hectares, making them among the richest fishing grounds in the country. Fish catch data showed staggering annual yields, with Puerto Princesa accounting for 67,350 tons and Palawan contributing 50,251 metric tons. Palawan serves as a primary source of galunggong (round scads) for the Navotas fish port in Metro Manila, supplying 95% of the demand, according to Roberto Abrera, chief of the Fish Production and Support Services Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Palawan. Abrera said large pelagic fish like yellowfin tuna and blue marlin, which feed on round scads, have been observed returning to Mindoro Strait. Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, a mangrove scientist based in Iloilo City who serves as the chief mangrove advisor of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL)-Philippines, stressed the importance of mangroves in the country’s food security. She explained that these are the most vital components of the coastal ecosystem and among the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems. She pushed for the establishment of coastal greenbelts to protect coastal communities from storm surges while allowing the denuded mangroves to recover. Through this, more mangrove forests along the coasts can be established, Primavera said. “In Thailand, there are one to two kilometers of greenbelt in front of their shrimp ponds. In the Philippines, maybe five meters at most, or even zero, behind the fishponds. Even though we have so many laws dating back to 1975, these are really being breached, rather than complied with,” she said. Primavera said mangroves provide valuable resources beyond coastal protection, including raw materials, food, erosion control, maintenance for fisheries, and carbon sequestration. She cited a 2011 published study by American environmental and resource economist and Colorado State University professor Edward B. Barbier to point out that the ecosystem benefits of mangroves amount to some US$14,166 to $16,142 per hectare. On Puerto Princesa’s west coast, local boatmen and tour guides earn income from tourists who visit biologically rich and diverse mangrove areas. Lutchie Cacho-Abad, vice president of Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Association, said they earn P35,000 from an average of 80 to 100 tourists daily, charging P350 per head for a tour within their Community-Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) area. Informal settlers, however, pose one of the biggest threats to mangroves in Puerto Princesa and Palawan. The city government of Puerto Princesa has surveyed 9,500 informal settler families in the city and found that 84% of them have been living along the coastal or mangrove areas. To address the problem, city hall has strengthened the enforcement of environmental and anti-squatting laws and ordinances. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), headed by Carlo Gomez, along with sections such as Bantay Gubat, Bantay Dagat, and Bantay Bakawan, has been tasked with implementing laws to deter further destruction. Another office, the Drive Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates (DAPSSAS), led by Alex Hermoso, is responsible for dismantling and demolishing illegally built structures. – Rappler.com Gerardo C. Reyes Jr. is a community journalist at Palawan Daily News and an Aries Rufo journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/puerto-princesa-battle-safeguarding-mangrove-forests/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3qStepxl7cVvsAZ-6U6Pan-CQkuxwQYEbksr6lgJ5R_0mqtqmvJo0JoKI_aem_cuJcTjN5AezOazV1HuvGvg	1
GAME SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers	delfin.dioquino editor	16/02/2024 16:38	FIBA MANILA, Philippines – Four months after its historic title run in the Asian Games, Gilas Pilipinas begins another quest as it kicks off its campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this February. Bunched in Group B, the Philippines will play Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in a pair of home-and-away games for the first window. Familiarity will not be an issue for the Nationals, with head coach Tim Cone bringing in members of his Asiad squad – among then June Mar Fajardo, Justin Brownlee, and Scottie Thompson – to form the core of his 12-man lineup. Young stars Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao are also in the fold, giving Gilas Pilipinas a fine blend of experience and youth. With Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong ranked 78th and 119th in the world, respectively, No. 38 Philippines is expected to come out of the first window unscathed. Here’s the game schedule: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/philippine-team-games-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-schedule-february-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2zPk6T7smr6U1lYmVbsK1yL_955jzrOOVAd6JOkzCtQ10nK2TlaLlQ8MY_aem_dy9YaOia2zEghl1hnrLjJQ	1
With closure of Sky Cable, ANC offers paid subscription online in bid to stay afloat	gdecastro0289	21/02/2024 9:36	ANC PRESTIGE. Lopez-led ABS-CBN Corp.'s ABS-CBN News Channel is now offering paid subscription of all its shows via ANC Prestige, with Sky set to end its cable operations on February 26, 2024. ABS-CBN Corporate Communications ABS-CBN Corporation and PLDT Incorporated disclosed on February 22, Thursday, that they would no longer proceed with the sale of Sky Cable to PLDT. In a joint press release on Thursday, February 22, the two companies said they have “mutually decided not to proceed with the sale of Sky Cable to PLDT under the Sale and Purchase Agreement signed by and among the parties in March 2023.” No reason was cited in their stock exchange disclosures. Regulators had approved that transaction last month. Rappler was informed that the ANC Prestige subscription offer will continue, despite this development. Read the latest development here: PLDT-Sky Cable deal not pushing through MANILA, Philippines – With the closure of Sky Cable just before midnight (11:59) on Monday, February 26, ABS-CBN Corporation’s ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) is now offering paid subscription on YouTube for its whole program line-up in the hope that this will help keep it afloat. After the Philippine Competition Commission approved PLDT Incorporated’s acquisition of Sky’s broadband business last month, the Lopez family’s Sky Cable will no longer be a cable tv provider effective February 27, Tuesday, but its Sky Fiber broadband will continue as part of tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan’s PLDT’s broadband business. This means that ANC, which started in 1996 as the Sarimanok News Channel, will lose a key source of funding. Sky Cable was supporting ANC to the tune of around P100 million yearly for ANC’s content, although the amount had to be reduced as ABS-CBN faced financial difficulties following the loss of its broadcast franchise in 2020, a source told Rappler. Without this support, ANC will have to find other revenue sources to survive as a news channel. ABS-CBN previously said the sale of Sky Cable to PLDT was a “strategic decision” to maintain competitiveness, and to allow it to focus its resources on content creation. On January 29, ABS-CBN issued a statement saying that ANC will continue its operations even with the end of Sky Cable’s operations. “ANC programs will continue to be seen on air through our partner cable TV providers nationwide and online via the ANC 24/7 YouTube channel, the ABS-CBN news website (news.abs-cbn.com), and on social media. It will also be on iWantTFC and The Filipino Channel,” it said. In a press release on February 20, Tuesday, ABS-CBN said the following shows that used to be “exclusive only to cable subscribers” will now be available via a “livestream member subscription called ANC Prestige” on its YouTube Channel: Among its most popular shows is Headstart hosted by veteran journalist Karen Davila, who has 3.6 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), 823,000 on Facebook, 624,000 on Instagram, and 1.83 million subscribers on YouTube. ANC’s morning show Market Edge, hosted by business journalist Michelle Ong, has a following in the business community. Veteran journalist Tony Velasquez, aka “Kakan Turing” on X (formerly Twitter), also has a fan base. It's been a great ride, 18 years in the saddle… Privileged to have had a front row seat as a witness to major events that have shaped the country. Wherever the winds of change take us, ANC will strive to give its viewers comprehensive news & analyseshttps://t.co/GTYfird1PY ABS-CBN said the subscription fee for ANC Prestige varies per country or territory. In the Philippines, it is P99 per month. Those who want to subscribe should look for and tap the “Join” button and enter the payment method as prompted. ABS-CBN said ANC Prestige members will also have “exclusive access to on-demand business news, lifestyle, and exclusive members-only perks like photos and videos, badges, and emojis.” Even with ANC Prestige, there will still be videos on demand (VODs) as well as livestream of some ANC programs starting Tuesday “until further notice,” an ABS-CBN source told Rappler. Sky Cable pioneered in cable services over 30 years ago. For a long time, it was the Philippines’ leading cable provider until PLDT’s cable business, Cignal TV Incorporated, overtook it in 2015. Prior to the rise of the internet as source of news, ANC was the go-to news channel of many overseas Filipinos via ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). Many subscribed to cable providers in order to watch news about the Philippines on TFC. ABS-CBN also sold ANC’s news program The World Tonight to foreign news organizations like Japan’s NHK, which aired the show nightly and also translated it to Japanese. The rise of the internet, however, allowed people to watch shows without having to pay for cable, leading to the decline of cable tv worldwide. Many news organizations, not only in the Philippines but around the world, are having difficulties as revenues from Meta (formerly Facebook) fell in 2023 after it ended its support for Instant Articles, Bulletin, and breaking news indicators. These tools used to be one of the main sources of revenues for news publishers as these allowed them to “sell ads in their articles and keep the revenue,” Meta said when it was launched in 2015. Meta, however, gave it up saying it wanted to focus on its “core business.” It also said this was in response to what its “users want,” which, it said, was “creator-driven content, especially video.” Meta said in March 2023 that netizens’ habits were changing, noting that the proportion of adults using Facebook for news fell from 45% to 30% from 2016 to 2022. “Only 13% of US adults prefer to use social media for news, with 33% preferring television, 23% news websites or apps, 7% radio, and 5% print,” Meta had said. It also said many Facebook users “think there is ‘too much’ news on Facebook.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	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EJ Obiena opens 2024 in style with golden vault in Croatia	delfin.dioquino editor	21/02/2024 12:11	CELEBRATE. The Philippines' EJ Obiena in action during the men's pole vault competition in the 19th Asian Games. PSC-POC Media Pool MANILA, Philippines – EJ Obiena started the new year just like he ended the last one: with a gold medal dangling around his neck. Obiena opened the indoor season in style as he ruled the Memorial Josip Gasparac in Croatia on Tuesday, February 20 (Wednesday, February 21, Manila time). Back in action after capping a stellar 2023 with a breakthrough Asian Games crown in Hangzhou, China, in September, the Filipino pole vault star added another title to his collection by setting a new meet record of 5.83m. Obiena needed just one try to clear 5.83m as he shattered the previous meet record of 5.72m set by Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis and Poland’s Piotr Lisek last year. Portugal’s Pedro Buaro settled for silver with 5.73m, while the USA’s Olen Tray Oates bagged bronze with 5.61m. Currently ranked second in the world behind reigning Olympic champion Armand Duplantis of Sweden, Obiena skipped the first four heights before getting himself on the board by leaping past 5.51m in a single attempt. The Asian record holder took two tries at 5.73m prior to securing the top prize at 5.83m as Buaro bowed out. Hoping to push himself in his first event in five months as he gears up for the Paris Olympics, Obiena gave 5.93m a shot but to no avail. Obiena was accompanied by coach Vitaly Petrov in Croatia as he competed against Saudi Arabia’s Hussain Al-Hizam and China’s Huang Bokai, who also train under the Ukrainian mentor. Al-Hizam (5.51m) and Huang (5.31m) finished fourth and seventh, respectively. Up next for Obiena is the ISTAF Indoor in Berlin, Germany, on February 23 before he goes to Glasgow, Scotland, for the World Indoor Championships on March 3. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/results-ej-obiena-memorial-josip-gasparac-croatia-february-20-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3awX-SBInrPAlf5Wc9AcpTKl4Qytn-iAgmOEEuwjA5TmTv7wrslUah8Cg_aem_xL-JEzTvBMVmfpDv9mtTCg	1
Sara Duterte on getting ‘bags of guns’ from Quiboloy: I’m a target of presidential aspirants	Bonz Magsambol	21/02/2024 11:20	SARA DUTERTE. Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as education secretary on June 19, 2024. Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page Vice President Sara Duterte has been consistent in her messaging in the face of issues and allegations against her: They are linked to the 2028 presidential elections. This was how Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the allegation made by witness Alias “Rene” at a Senate inquiry, that she and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, had left controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy’s vast property in Davao City with bags of assorted firearms. The Vice President did not directly address the allegation, which she dismissed as just another attack against her by presidential aspirants. “Sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, naging kagawian na ang pag-atake at pagbato ng sari-saring isyu laban sa Bise Presidente. Marahil, sapagkat ang Bise Presidente ang tumatayong pangunahing hadlang sa mga nangangarap maging pangulo,” Duterte said in a statement on Tuesday, February 21. (In the history of the Philippines, it’s been a tradition to attack and throw issues against the vice president. Perhaps, because the Vice President is the primary obstacle to those who aspire to be president.) Going with her logic, one wonders whether she can now relate to her predecessor, Leni Robredo, who was the favorite punching bag of her father and his minions during his presidency. In her statement, Duterte did not confirm nor deny the visit to Glory Mountain – a vast property owned by Quiboloy that sits on the slopes of Mount Apo, in Barangay Tamayo in Davao City’s Calinan District. Instead, the Vice President predicted even “more cases, investigations, witnesses, allegations, attacks, and harangues” against her in the coming years, apparently referring to the lead up to the 2028 presidential elections. She is seen as among the front-runners for president, based on her public approval and trust ratings. “Panahon ngayon ng aking pagtatrabaho. Tutuparin ko ang sinumpaang tungkulin. Uunahin ko ang mga tunay na suliranin. Uunahin ko ang Pilipino,” she said in her statement, echoing her earlier messages. (It’s time to work. I will accomplish my sworn duty. I will prioritize the real problem. I will prioritize Filipinos.) In her January statements on the International Criminal Court probe into her father’s drug war, and also on the bid for charter change via people’s initiative, she made the same reiteration: “Unahin muna natin ang Pilipinas (Let’s put the Philippines first).” Such statement from Duterte is not new. It can be recalled that at the height of the issue on controversial funds, she released statements on the matter branding those who questioned her 2022 confidential funds use as “enemies of peace.” (READ: In confidential funds fiasco, Sara Duterte resorts to personal attacks vs critics) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I agree: “Such statement from Duterte is not new.” It is now her turn to be her enemies’ “favorite punching bag.” Secondly: “In her statement, Duterte did not confirm nor deny the visit to Glory Mountain.” This is also expected. So she now has the whole experience of being her enemies’ “favorite punching bag.” But those enemies should be careful, cautious, and alert when “Sara strikes back.” They should not underestimate the wrath of the Duterte Political Dynasty. Remember former President Digong’s statement: “Kill, kill, kill.” Sara’s statement might be worse, like “Overkill, overkill, overkill.” How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/sara-duterte-dodges-issue-bags-guns-apollo-quiboloy/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0EW8fD4E9pI4HLLQlTuULzoeye3AfqoRYtl-ifu5wWIS93SDzrnjIvE-c_aem_1PcsImnQ0jLv7rudTsbCpA	1
Sara Duterte on getting ‘bags of guns’ from Quiboloy: I’m a target of presidential aspirants	Bonz Magsambol	21/02/2024 11:20	SARA DUTERTE. Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as education secretary on June 19, 2024. Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page Vice President Sara Duterte has been consistent in her messaging in the face of issues and allegations against her: They are linked to the 2028 presidential elections. This was how Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the allegation made by witness Alias “Rene” at a Senate inquiry, that she and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, had left controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy’s vast property in Davao City with bags of assorted firearms. The Vice President did not directly address the allegation, which she dismissed as just another attack against her by presidential aspirants. “Sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, naging kagawian na ang pag-atake at pagbato ng sari-saring isyu laban sa Bise Presidente. Marahil, sapagkat ang Bise Presidente ang tumatayong pangunahing hadlang sa mga nangangarap maging pangulo,” Duterte said in a statement on Tuesday, February 21. (In the history of the Philippines, it’s been a tradition to attack and throw issues against the vice president. Perhaps, because the Vice President is the primary obstacle to those who aspire to be president.) Going with her logic, one wonders whether she can now relate to her predecessor, Leni Robredo, who was the favorite punching bag of her father and his minions during his presidency. In her statement, Duterte did not confirm nor deny the visit to Glory Mountain – a vast property owned by Quiboloy that sits on the slopes of Mount Apo, in Barangay Tamayo in Davao City’s Calinan District. Instead, the Vice President predicted even “more cases, investigations, witnesses, allegations, attacks, and harangues” against her in the coming years, apparently referring to the lead up to the 2028 presidential elections. She is seen as among the front-runners for president, based on her public approval and trust ratings. “Panahon ngayon ng aking pagtatrabaho. Tutuparin ko ang sinumpaang tungkulin. Uunahin ko ang mga tunay na suliranin. Uunahin ko ang Pilipino,” she said in her statement, echoing her earlier messages. (It’s time to work. I will accomplish my sworn duty. I will prioritize the real problem. I will prioritize Filipinos.) In her January statements on the International Criminal Court probe into her father’s drug war, and also on the bid for charter change via people’s initiative, she made the same reiteration: “Unahin muna natin ang Pilipinas (Let’s put the Philippines first).” Such statement from Duterte is not new. It can be recalled that at the height of the issue on controversial funds, she released statements on the matter branding those who questioned her 2022 confidential funds use as “enemies of peace.” (READ: In confidential funds fiasco, Sara Duterte resorts to personal attacks vs critics) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I agree: “Such statement from Duterte is not new.” It is now her turn to be her enemies’ “favorite punching bag.” Secondly: “In her statement, Duterte did not confirm nor deny the visit to Glory Mountain.” This is also expected. So she now has the whole experience of being her enemies’ “favorite punching bag.” But those enemies should be careful, cautious, and alert when “Sara strikes back.” They should not underestimate the wrath of the Duterte Political Dynasty. Remember former President Digong’s statement: “Kill, kill, kill.” Sara’s statement might be worse, like “Overkill, overkill, overkill.” How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/sara-duterte-dodges-issue-bags-guns-apollo-quiboloy/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1rYopft1Su-53ASIQsGcvx6KNca8aJbMc9bwfG75aC5kmM6q3oSGeZTNQ_aem_ABQ9fnGpw5ksElAwR_Cqtg	1
Malacañang helps fast-track anti-doping requirements as PH faces int’l sports ban	jisaga0269	20/02/2024 22:54	ELITE. The country's best athletes brace for a busy year. REUTERS, FIBA, PFF MANILA, Philippines – All hands are now on deck as the Philippines continues to face the looming threat of a possible blanket ban in all major international events following a suspension call by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to the country’s alleged noncompliance of requirement. In a last-minute undertaking headed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO), the Office of the President has also lent needed resources to comply with the WADA code and eliminate the risk of the country’s flag not flying in any sporting event. “We are working with Malacañang with the legislative requirements of WADA. The help of Malacañang is greatly appreciated,” said PSC chairman Dickie Bachmann at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum on Tuesday, February 20. The former basketball executive added that the WADA ultimatum, which had a February 13 deadline and has been hastily appealed by the PSC, puts a bigger spotlight on the need to fund and empower undermanned PHI-NADO as it caters to the anti-doping needs of thousands of athletes. “Right now, we treat PHI-NADO like an NSA (national sports association). We just fund them. I think they need to be more independent,” said Bachmann, citing the importance of Malacañang’s full support more particularly in funding. “A perfect example is Indonesia which was non-compliant in 2021. They were forced to establish their own organization (like PHI-NADO),” added PHI-NADO officer Nathan Vasquez. Bachmann added that the PSC, PHI-NADO, and all other stakeholders are now “doing everything they could” to make sure every anti-doping measure is in place before WADA representatives inspect this March. “Other countries within Southeast Asia are also experiencing it right now. That’s why we would look at this as an opportunity. Now we have the stakeholders that are more conscious on what needs to be done,” said PSC executive director Paulo Tatad. “The Office of the President is helping us and the POC and the NSAs are more collaborative. If we have that in place, rest assured we will not have these administrative issues moving forward,” he added. Among critical WADA requirements are “effective, intelligent, and proportionate” doping test distribution plans, sharing and maintaining training pool athletes’ lists, and timely prosecution of doping cases. In the event of a WADA ban, Filipino athletes may still compete in international competitions like the 2024 Paris Olympics. They, however, may not be considered as representatives of the Philippines. Sports officials also risk losing WADA funding and other privileges, the country also is in danger of not qualifying to host any regional, continental, and world championship events. Prior to the February appeal, the Philippines already had four months’ notice to iron out its anti-doping measures. The PSC, however, remains unfazed, encouraging athletes to keep moving with their respective qualifying bids to various events. “Nothing is jeopardized. And we are confident that this will be resolved. But we need to prove ourselves,” said Tatad. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/malacanang-assists-anti-doping-requirements-philippine-commission-appeals-wada-ban-threat/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0xDTV6HNVB0EwODse4kuZQaN8CTss_bT9QujggW91NUPHVQmz3tNZ0CBc_aem_EKZuBXKFLixBwVXfMP2CaA	1
With closure of Sky Cable, ANC offers paid subscription online in bid to stay afloat	gdecastro0289	21/02/2024 9:36	ANC PRESTIGE. Lopez-led ABS-CBN Corp.'s ABS-CBN News Channel is now offering paid subscription of all its shows via ANC Prestige, with Sky set to end its cable operations on February 26, 2024. ABS-CBN Corporate Communications ABS-CBN Corporation and PLDT Incorporated disclosed on February 22, Thursday, that they would no longer proceed with the sale of Sky Cable to PLDT. In a joint press release on Thursday, February 22, the two companies said they have “mutually decided not to proceed with the sale of Sky Cable to PLDT under the Sale and Purchase Agreement signed by and among the parties in March 2023.” No reason was cited in their stock exchange disclosures. Regulators had approved that transaction last month. Rappler was informed that the ANC Prestige subscription offer will continue, despite this development. Read the latest development here: PLDT-Sky Cable deal not pushing through MANILA, Philippines – With the closure of Sky Cable just before midnight (11:59) on Monday, February 26, ABS-CBN Corporation’s ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) is now offering paid subscription on YouTube for its whole program line-up in the hope that this will help keep it afloat. After the Philippine Competition Commission approved PLDT Incorporated’s acquisition of Sky’s broadband business last month, the Lopez family’s Sky Cable will no longer be a cable tv provider effective February 27, Tuesday, but its Sky Fiber broadband will continue as part of tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan’s PLDT’s broadband business. This means that ANC, which started in 1996 as the Sarimanok News Channel, will lose a key source of funding. Sky Cable was supporting ANC to the tune of around P100 million yearly for ANC’s content, although the amount had to be reduced as ABS-CBN faced financial difficulties following the loss of its broadcast franchise in 2020, a source told Rappler. Without this support, ANC will have to find other revenue sources to survive as a news channel. ABS-CBN previously said the sale of Sky Cable to PLDT was a “strategic decision” to maintain competitiveness, and to allow it to focus its resources on content creation. On January 29, ABS-CBN issued a statement saying that ANC will continue its operations even with the end of Sky Cable’s operations. “ANC programs will continue to be seen on air through our partner cable TV providers nationwide and online via the ANC 24/7 YouTube channel, the ABS-CBN news website (news.abs-cbn.com), and on social media. It will also be on iWantTFC and The Filipino Channel,” it said. In a press release on February 20, Tuesday, ABS-CBN said the following shows that used to be “exclusive only to cable subscribers” will now be available via a “livestream member subscription called ANC Prestige” on its YouTube Channel: Among its most popular shows is Headstart hosted by veteran journalist Karen Davila, who has 3.6 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), 823,000 on Facebook, 624,000 on Instagram, and 1.83 million subscribers on YouTube. ANC’s morning show Market Edge, hosted by business journalist Michelle Ong, has a following in the business community. Veteran journalist Tony Velasquez, aka “Kakan Turing” on X (formerly Twitter), also has a fan base. It's been a great ride, 18 years in the saddle… Privileged to have had a front row seat as a witness to major events that have shaped the country. Wherever the winds of change take us, ANC will strive to give its viewers comprehensive news & analyseshttps://t.co/GTYfird1PY ABS-CBN said the subscription fee for ANC Prestige varies per country or territory. In the Philippines, it is P99 per month. Those who want to subscribe should look for and tap the “Join” button and enter the payment method as prompted. ABS-CBN said ANC Prestige members will also have “exclusive access to on-demand business news, lifestyle, and exclusive members-only perks like photos and videos, badges, and emojis.” Even with ANC Prestige, there will still be videos on demand (VODs) as well as livestream of some ANC programs starting Tuesday “until further notice,” an ABS-CBN source told Rappler. Sky Cable pioneered in cable services over 30 years ago. For a long time, it was the Philippines’ leading cable provider until PLDT’s cable business, Cignal TV Incorporated, overtook it in 2015. Prior to the rise of the internet as source of news, ANC was the go-to news channel of many overseas Filipinos via ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). Many subscribed to cable providers in order to watch news about the Philippines on TFC. ABS-CBN also sold ANC’s news program The World Tonight to foreign news organizations like Japan’s NHK, which aired the show nightly and also translated it to Japanese. The rise of the internet, however, allowed people to watch shows without having to pay for cable, leading to the decline of cable tv worldwide. Many news organizations, not only in the Philippines but around the world, are having difficulties as revenues from Meta (formerly Facebook) fell in 2023 after it ended its support for Instant Articles, Bulletin, and breaking news indicators. These tools used to be one of the main sources of revenues for news publishers as these allowed them to “sell ads in their articles and keep the revenue,” Meta said when it was launched in 2015. Meta, however, gave it up saying it wanted to focus on its “core business.” It also said this was in response to what its “users want,” which, it said, was “creator-driven content, especially video.” Meta said in March 2023 that netizens’ habits were changing, noting that the proportion of adults using Facebook for news fell from 45% to 30% from 2016 to 2022. “Only 13% of US adults prefer to use social media for news, with 33% preferring television, 23% news websites or apps, 7% radio, and 5% print,” Meta had said. It also said many Facebook users “think there is ‘too much’ news on Facebook.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	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Let’s view Filipino cinema’s piracy culture through a different lens	Marguerite de Leon	20/02/2024 17:33	Nico Villarete/Rappler In 2019, independent drama John Denver Trending was released to critical acclaim, resonating with audiences across the region for its story that could happen to anybody. The titular character finds himself embroiled in a social media scandal after a video of him beating up a classmate is taken out of context and posted on Facebook for the world. Nearly five years after its release, John Denver trends once again – but this time, because a pirated copy of the film was passed around online. Director Arden Rod Condez saw the Google Drive link on his own Twitter timeline – published by an archive account with over 20,000 followers – and was initially filled with frustration. “In fact, had it happened maybe four or five years ago, I would have been furious,” he told Rappler in an interview. But after giving it a bit of think, he decided he had to let go. “A lot of people always ask me kung saan ba siya mapapanood or makikita, so ayan (where they could watch the movie, so) I guess it came to a point where I decided that other people should be able to watch it. Hindi na rin siya siguro maiiwasan (I guess it can no longer be avoided),” Condez said. Soon, he broadcast his blessing on his official Twitter, acknowledging that he had unknowingly achieved something other directors consider a bucket list item: his work had finally been bootlegged. This stance is shocking, coming from a creative in the field. Public service announcements and memeable ad campaigns have ceaselessly reiterated that piracy is stealing, stealing is against the law, and piracy is a crime. According to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the underground industry of pirated media has resulted in P38.2-billion worth of losses and landed the country on international watchlists for IP rights. But as existing debates try to strike a balance between ensuring accessibility and adhering to ethical standards, one can only wonder: in today’s economy, who has the right to watch films, and why do we think we can dictate that? A 2005 research work by Tilman Baumgärtel reports that the practice of optical media piracy accelerated in the Philippines back in the early 1990s, with the deregulation of information and the ease of law enforcement in the Global North. Technological advancements soon proliferated, such as access to the internet as well as computers, disk burners, and scanners that made it even easier to reproduce media. The shift to digital saw spliced, pitched, and distorted clips circulating on YouTube, TikTok, and messaging apps such as Telegram and Viber. It’s no surprise then that a recent YouGov 2022 Piracy Landscape Survey revealed that the Philippines is not only the highest consumer of pirated content in the region but also the lowest consumer of legitimate media. Despite strict efforts to crack down on its operations, the pirated media industry prevails due to an unwavering demand for increasingly inaccessible films. With cinema ticket prices soaring to almost unjust prices and streaming platforms carrying limited options for viewing, piracy serves as the “great equalizer,” democratizing access to a scarce resource and the many benefits that come with watching it. Hailing from a small town in Sultan Kudarat, Rappler’s in-house critic Lé Baltar grew up with very little access to any form of media. “But in spite of that, there was piracy – pirated DVDs of Filipino action movies, mostly by FPJ,” she shared. “I don’t think it’ll be possible for me to learn everything I know about cinema without pirated media, because before you venture into writing about films, of course, you have to consume them first.” Pirated DVDs also provided her family and neighbors with an avenue for community, as they congregated around their TV to watch. In a place without any theaters, this is as close to the sacred feeling of sitting across someone at a cinema. While pirated markets would sell typical Hollywood blockbusters, albeit long before their domestic theatrical release, the streets of Quiapo and Metrowalk were also lined with hard-to-find titles: black and white movies from the silent era, cult classics from esoteric directors, and the occasional experimental fare too raunchy for wide releases. “In my formative years as a filmmaker, I would go to Quiapo and look for the latest Cuaron and Fincher movies,” Condez shared. “Meron din dating mga collection na multiple films in one DVD tapos may mga theme siya, like a common actor or director. When I was 22, namili ako ng mga Fellini na film.” In an era where anything can disappear into the ether without proper preservation efforts, piracy keeps labors of love from turning into lost media. (There also used to be pirated DVD collections featuring multiple films under specific themes, such as a common actor or director. When I was 22, I’d buy pirated Fellini films.) Of course, filmmaking is still an enterprise that banks on the time, talent, and effort of people who need to make a return on their investment. Even independent projects today require millions of pesos for production and distribution, which are frequently acquired through the generosity and support of funders and grants. If the revenues and turnout continue to dwindle, filmmakers will either be forced to produce low-budget output or lose the motivation and resources to work at all. When Theodore Boborol was tapped by Star Cinema to launch the next generation of romantic comedy stars with Vince and Kath and James, he was disappointed by the instances of piracy he witnessed during the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. “Nahuhurt ako kasi pagkatapos pa lang ng premiere, after one day, makikita mo na siya sa Facebook. Nakakatakot for my career lalo na kapag nakakaapekto yung box office sa kita ng movie. How would the producers trust me? How would they get me again?” he said. (I would feel so hurt, because just a day after the premiere, you’d see the film uploaded on Facebook. Piracy was frightening for my career, especially when it affects the movie’s box office sales.) Government officials have failed to adapt existing anti-piracy regulations for the digital age: to this day, the Intellectual Property Code that was enacted in 1998 has not been amended to encompass online content. “In terms of trying to monitor [online piracy], I doubt if the government has the technology or the sense of urgency,” Boborol lamented. “Dati, nakakakita ka pa ng mga OMB (Optical Media Board) na nangunguna sa mga raid, or mga anti-piracy commercials na pinapaikot dati. Pero ngayon, every time na may pirated online, ang IT department [ng production company] ang in charge sa paghuli.” Offenders are rarely, if ever, caught, and only have to switch to another account under a different username to evade charges. (Back in the day, the Optical Media Board still monitored acts of piracy and conducted raids, and there used to be anti-piracy commercials on air. But now, every time something is pirated online, it’s the production company’s IT department in charge of catching the culprits.) While it’s easy to immediately peg the responsibility on individual actors alone, it seems unfair to punish them without addressing why they resort to piracy in the first place. Currently, some state initiatives in place include “anti-piracy campaigns, capacity building, and information exchange” – all of which fail to address the issue of inaccessibility and reach crowds in far-flung areas who may need these interventions the most. An obvious way to address the issue is to explore and expand alternative distribution methods. As Condez posed, “If gusto ng mga tao na manood ng pelikula, bakit hindi ginagawan ng paraan para maabot (If people want to watch movies, why aren’t efforts being made to make movies accessible)?” And yet, screenings are often concentrated in prominent malls in urban areas, failing to reach public venues like town plazas and community halls, in classrooms, or fundraising events. Condez’s own experience while promoting John Denver Trending proves that these ideas could be sustainable: “After Cinemalaya, we rented a LED wall and sound system and in one day, we had four screenings from morning until evening. Six thousand people came para lang manood kasi kilala nila yung bida (just to watch and because they knew the lead actor) and it was shot in our hometown. Meron talaga silang interes (There was real interest),” he shared. This also requires improving our currently non-existent system of selling and promoting local films, both to streaming platforms and international distribution companies. “Films from other countries like those shown in [film festivals] Cannes and Berlin, meron silang mga distributor and sales agent agad na magbebenta sa kanila sa iba’t ibang film territories (they already have distributors and sales agents who would sell the film to different film territories),” Condez said. Unfortunately, clients here often lowball directors and producers: Condez recalls a popular figure in the industry who had wondered why Filipino films have to be made in the first place when there was supposedly no international demand. Such mindsets reveal the deeper roots of the issue at hand: Filipino society’s lack of appreciation for the arts. Despite the fact that creative industries accounted for 7.3% of the economy and amounted to P1.6 trillion last 2022, artists have historically been undervalued and their concerns have gone underrepresented. “Support should really happen from the beginning, not just when films are produced,” Baltar said. “Alongside financial support, pathways for filmmakers should be in place, from pitching to marketing.” If the government fails to adjust budgets to uplift filmmakers from all over the country and pass the necessary legislation to protect their rights, the cycle will only repeat itself. “The problem stops for good when the government finally understands the merit in actively shaping our culture and our cinema, and finally cares for its artists and its people. But to this day, we don’t really understand its roots,” Baltar shared. Overall, it is difficult to lean towards any extreme when assessing the topic of piracy: sure, the end doesn’t justify the means, but what other means do these people have? We would love to live in an ideal world where everyone can afford the P600-price attached to a single ticket or secure career opportunities that didn’t require them to camcord for easy money. But this is reality – and unless we accept the very real motivations behind the dissemination of pirated media, we won’t be able to address the problem at the source. “Siguro, titigil lang ang piracy pag mayaman na ang tao, pag meron silang ibang opportunity to earn,” Boborol said. “Feel ko naman yung namimirata at nagcicirculate ng movies sa Facebook at nagpapasend sa GCash, hindi na kasi nila naiisip ang appreciation for the film or yung value niya as an art form. Iniisip nila na kailangan nilang mabuhay at kailangan nilang kumita.” (I suppose piracy will only come to an end when people become well-off, when pirates find other means to earn. I feel like pirates and people who circulate movies on Facebook or through GCash don’t really factor in how much they appreciate the film or the film’s value as an art form. What matters to them is that they need to make a living.) – Rappler.com Angel Martinez is a cultural critic and social trendspotter with a degree in Communications Technology Management from Ateneo de Manila University. Her essays on the internet, identity, and their intersections have been featured in VICE, i-D, Rappler, CNN Philippines, and The Philippine STAR. When she’s not knee-deep in the written word, she enjoys reciting the entire press conference scene from Notting Hill and cuddling with the two best dogs in the world. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/view-filipino-cinema-piracy-culture-through-different-lens/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR27f9dvbw_zjGFULDD9-1U9xXwsaAJn0SlSheDZLJNkrcF8WZycX1CDnAg_aem_3ES82GJJb7a2kUToL0WyDQ	1
Ticket prices, how to watch: Gilas Pilipinas at FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers	delfin.dioquino editor	16/02/2024 22:05	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 Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/philippine-team-games-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-ticket-prices-how-where-watch-february-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR11I_zg9w6r-G-E1Z5iBOnUOkP3HAfqyLj-LmxFHW6kQ_b8_2dLGG176g8_aem_1FfVcyH_I-PRroe8mp4jUg	1
Philippine schools gradually transition to old academic calendar	Bonz Magsambol	20/02/2024 17:25	CLASSES. Students of Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School in Manila on the first day of SY 2023-24, on August 29, 2023. Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, February 20, announced that schools are gradually transitioning to the old academic calendar, where classes begin in June and go on break from April to May. The gradual transition will officially begin in academic year 2024 to 2025, with school opening on July 29 and end of school year on May 16, 2025. The DepEd earlier made a”minor” tweak in the current school year by adjusting the end of school year to May 31 instead of June 14. This was contained in DepEd Order No. 3, series of 2024. “Magiging gradual ‘yung shift ng ating school calendar back to the usual April-May break. Mag-end tayo ng May 31, pero magstart pa rin tayo around July 29. And then slowly, i-move natin siya back until bumalik tayo sa normal na April-May break,” DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa told reporters. (The shift to the school calendar back to the usual April-May break will be gradual. We will end on May 31, but we will open around July 29. And then slowly, we will move it back until we return to the normal April-May break.) Poa said the decision to revert to the old academic calendar was based on consultations done by DepEd. “This is a decision made by the people,” he added. JUST IN. The DepEd announces that schools in the Philippines will GRADUALLY revert to old academic calendar starting SY 2024-2025: School opening – July 29; end – May 16.By SY 2026-2027, schools will open by June already, with break on April to May. @rapplerdotcom The education official said that by school year 2026 to 2027, schools would open in June and end in April, based on DepEd’s projected timeline. By school year 2027 to 2028, schools would open in June and end in March. The school opening in the Philippines was moved to October, instead of June, in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and remote learning was implemented. In the succeeding years, it was moved to August. The reversion to the old academic calendar was triggered by public clamor because the summer months of April and May are not conducive to learning. In 2023, a hundred of students from the Gulod National High School Mamatid Extension in Cabuyao, Laguna, were hospitalized due to dehydration after a surprise fire drill. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There was no public clamor. Not even any broad consultation that we know of, just the whims of a few. . How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/schools-gradually-transition-old-academic-calendar/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1ZxYs7QAmRS9R-K4z6iCBZB0Ax9-B0MrtXUsAb5QOJf0xc558vAlWLgLs_aem_R0BdFopnR7HVxSL14DSxfA	1
Activists slapped with defamation case for exposing ‘abduction’ post bail	Jairo Bolledo	20/02/2024 21:03	ACTIVISTS. Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamayo arrive at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) headquarters escorted by local government officials from Bulacan, where they will be officially turnover and released to the custody of the CHR, on September 19, 2023. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Young environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, who exposed their alleged abduction, posted bail over the grave oral defamation case filed against them by a military officer. Castro and Tamano paid P18,000 each for the bail set by Doña Remedios Trinidad Municipal Trial Court Judge Jonna Sorallo Veridiano. The said judge issued a warrant against the young activists in an order dated February 2. Meanwhile, the arraignment and pre-trial for the case were also set on March 15, at 8:30 am. LOOK: Environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano pose for a photo after posting bail for their grave oral defamation charge. They will no longer be arrested since the release orders were already issued for them by the Bulacan local court. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/mAwlIOVYzq Back in January, the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors indicted or pushed the grave oral defamation case against the two for “embarrassing and putting [the Armed Forces of the Philippines] in bad light” in the press conference where they accused the military of abducting them. If found guilty, grave oral defamation has a maximum punishment of six-month imprisonment. The arrest warrant also came shortly after the Supreme Court (SC) granted the protective writs petitioned by the two. On February 15, the High Court said the SC magistrates moved to grant the writs of amparo and habeas data petitions filed by Castro and Tamano, on top of a temporary protection order. A writ of amparo is a legal remedy, which is usually a protection order in the form of a restraining order. The writ of habeas data, meanwhile, compels the government to destroy information that could cause harm. (READ: Supreme Court to finish review on protective writs by early 2024) Meanwhile, with the issuance of the protection order, all the respondents in the SC petition – mostly law enforcers – were prohibited “from entering within a radius of one kilometer from the persons, places of residence, school, work, or present locations, of petitioners, as well as those of their immediate families.” Castro and Tamano, who were doing ground work on a reclamation in Bataan province, were first reported abducted by progressive groups in September last year. Their disappearance prompted the probe of the Commission on Human Rights. Later, security officials announced that Castro and Tamano were already “safe and sound” because they allegedly “voluntarily surrendered” to the military. But when the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) held a presser to present the two as alleged surrenderees, Castro and Tamano went off-script and belied claims they had surrendered. Because of the two’s revelations that blindsided the NTF-ELCAC, they were slapped with a perjury complaint filed by Lieutenant Colonel Ronnel B. dela Cruz of the Philippine Army. Although the DOJ prosecutors dismissed the perjury, they moved to indict Castro and Tamano in the slander or grave oral defamation case. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. The action of the DOJ prosecutors, which dismissed the perjury but indicted Castro and Tamano in the slander or grave oral defamation case, is a win-win solution. The SC victory did favor Castro and Tamano, but the DOJ prosecutors cannot have complainant Lieutenant Colonel Ronnel B. Dela Cruz of the Philippine Army go empty-handed. The latter did suffer from being defamed for being upended by Castro and Tamano. More than that, it is the image of the Philippine Army that is being tarnished by conducting a “false” and “deceptive” surrender ceremony. Hence, both the officer and the institution that he represents badly need such a win-win solution and a relief to the pain that both suffered. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/jonila-castro-jhed-tamano-warrant-arrest-after-supreme-court-victory/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2L4iciIuhvSiD6hoab8GYHvYRo61t987TzDF0wApE9QpmtR9gYF7VhhQI_aem_fTYxX_uWJWJ8GeqMMqxlCQ	1
GAME SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball	jisaga0269	08/05/2024 20:35	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 Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/uaap/men-women-volleyball-games-schedule-season-86-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR14VDJ8FW5Xj71YiXNEwJjJo_eJQgrv-FOt1jJVsj0K0qWpk_ztMvcN73o_aem_Pl5Mz5jKAKVTQBtlRTyaYw	1
[WATCH] Carpio on People’s Initiative: ‘Nothing to do with economic provisions’	jsitchon0312	20/02/2024 21:06	CEBU, Philippines – Retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio slammed efforts to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative as having “nothing to do” with reforms to the Philippine economy. “The proponents blame the economic provisions of the Constitution for our low foreign direct investments, for our high unemployment, and, of course, low economic growth… I think this is very easy to expose as false,” Carpio said during a forum organized by the University of the Philippines Political Science Society in Cebu on Tuesday, February 20. The retired justice argued that the Philippines already has one of the most liberal foreign investment laws in Southeast Asia. According to him, one of the more recent developments in opening the economy to foreign investments include the amended Public Service Act. Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed the law amending the Public Service Act on March 21, 2022, allowing full foreign ownership in telecommunication companies, major shipping and transport industries, and airlines. “There’s a little misunderstanding here that is very disturbing. President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) said, and I quote, ‘I want to open the economy to foreign investments, except in critical areas such as power generation.’ Power generation has been open to 100% foreign ownership for the longest time,” Carpio said. Carpio cited a 2012 Supreme Court decision in the case of IDEALS Inc. v. PSALM that allowed 100% foreign ownership of power generation from dams or hydropower plants. To address the low foreign direct investment, Carpio said, the country should address the “real causes” of the economic problem without resorting to charter change. In a 15-page document authored by Carpio, he listed down high power costs, lengthy bureaucratic regulations, poor infrastructure development, and an absence of the rule of law as primary hindrances to increased foreign investments. On the absence of the rule of law, Carpio brought up how Duterte threatened Manila Water with expropriation after winning a P7.39 billion award in an international arbitration against the national government. The case stemmed from the government’s failure to pay for the company’s losses from 2015 to 2017 as the government disallowed Manila Water from implementing rate hikes. “The poor Manila Water complied and revised (the agreement) and did not collect the award, they waived the award, and that scared away existing and potential foreign investors because for them the rule of law is sacrosanct,” Carpio said. Besides claims supporting an “economic charter change”, Carpio also criticized the validity of the proposed changes of the current people’s initiative. Carpio, reiterating his sentiments in an ABS-CBN News Channel interview on January 25, said that the people’s initiative proponents are pushing for a revision, which the Supreme Court ruled in Lambino v. Comelec in 2006 that only amendments can be made through the people’s initiative. “An amendment is a simple change in the Constitution that does not affect basic principles like the checks and balances or the separation of powers…if it is changed, that is a revision,” Carpio said during the forum. He added that there is also no enabling law for the implementation of the people’s initiative provision in the constitution as the Supreme Court ruled in Santiago v. Comelec that the Initiative and Referendum Act was “inadequate to cover the system of initiative to amend the constitution.” On January 29, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) halted proceedings related to the people’s initiative to review its guidelines. As of this writing, majority leaders in the House of Representatives have filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, mirroring the Senate’s RBH No. 6, in an effort to expedite the process of amending the Constitution. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/video-antonio-carpio-people-initiative-charter-change-nothing-do-economic-provisions/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1BvnFNWChNlWQYLDOmA-IY79FLNdpaf4zjHWy6-INV0F3rEEck0az_KSs_aem_cTQas3bVW3D5RxiYZ6GqmA	1
Growing local support for ICC doesn’t convince Marcos to change stance	Jairo Bolledo	20/02/2024 21:39	CHIEF EXECUTIVE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the launching of the 2023 Mariano Marcos State University-Philippine Rice Research Institute rice paddy art in September 2023. Presidential Communications Office The growing support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into drug war killings in the Philippines has not changed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on the matter. Marcos reiterated his reservation about the probe, particularly on the issue of jurisdiction, when asked if there’s been any change in his position, given the current public clamor. “It opens a Pandora’s box. It’s still those questions of jurisdiction and sovereignty. I haven’t yet seen a sufficient answer for it. Until then, I do not recognize their jurisdiction in the Philippines. I cannot, that seems to be the only logical conclusion that could come to from that situation,” Marcos told reporters on Tuesday, February 20. Separate surveys conducted by polling firms Social Weather Stations (SWS) and OCTA revealed the increasing trend in favor of the ICC probe. The ICC investigation centers on the killings during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor, and under his bloody drug war that took almost 30,000 lives, according to several human rights groups. The SWS survey conducted in December 2023 showed that 25% of Filipinos “strongly approve” of the probe. This number grew from 20% in March 2023. In addition, from 25%, the number of Filipinos who “somewhat approve” of the investigation grew to 28%. On whether the government should allow the probe, 26% of Filipinos “strongly approve” of the Marcos administration allowing the investigation. This number grew from 21% in March 2023. Meanwhile, the OCTA survey, also conducted in December 2023, showed that majority of Filipino adults, or 59%, are in favor of rejoining the ICC. The survey also showed that 55% of adult Filipinos are in favor of the government cooperating with the ICC. When asked if there’s a possibility he would change his mind if more evidence surfaced, the President replied: “No. It’s not about the evidence. It’s about the jurisdiction of the ICC in the Philippines. They could produce as much evidence as they want. But they could not act upon it in the Philippines, that is the point.” Marcos seemed tough with his decision on the ICC, but there were instances in the past where public demand changed his position. When there was a clamor against jeepney consolidation, Marcos extended the deadline for doing so from January 31 to April 30. The same thing happened when Marcos’ pet project, the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), was met with criticism. In October 2023, the President suspended the project’s implementation, citing a need for further study. When talking about the ICC probe, Marcos always raises his concern about the court’s jurisdiction. The Rome Statute, which established the ICC, is, however, clear: the ICC still has jurisdiction over the Philippines. Article 127 of the statute states that all proceedings prior to the withdrawal of a nation from the treaty remain valid. The Philippines’ own Supreme Court affirmed this principle and noted that the Philippines is still obliged to cooperate with the ICC. Despite Marcos’ concerns about jurisdiction, his administration actually still has an indefinite position on whether or not it would cooperate with the probe. There were pronouncements made by Marcos himself and members of his Cabinet that showed a bit of leniency towards the probe in 2022. Then Marcos said in January that his government “will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts.” The President said this, given information that ICC investigators had already entered the Philippines, and after the Duterte camp made speculations about a forthcoming ICC arrest warrant. Nevertheless, the ball is now in Marcos’ hands because his government can cooperate with the ICC, even without necessarily rejoining the international court. Lawyers of drug war victims dubbed this the low-hanging fruit that Marcos can easily pick. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I doubt President Marcos Jr. will immediately pick that easy-to-pick “low-hanging fruit.” His “indecisiveness” may be a ploy to persuade or force Duterte to the negotiating table with more advantageous terms. Or it could be that he is just slow in analyzing the situation and, hence, slow in his decision-making about this issue. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/growing-local-support-icc-probe-drug-war-does-not-convince-marcos-jr-change-stance/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0M7Ld6eUkkZU3DkZC-OS0uuIfYHifqBmv58v--bMy1_Wd3fQ38bcwYUkg_aem_P7mIGHQEXM2VGOlFiP24IQ	1
[OPINION] Marcos can thank Duterte and EDSA’s failed promises for family’s restoration	Glenda Gloria	20/02/2024 14:00	President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has survived policy missteps, weathered a sharp erosion in public approval over his handling of inflation, and appears impervious to withering attacks from his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte. And two years after his election, majority of Filipinos – 64% according to a December 2023 OCTA survey – believe that the country is headed in the right direction under his presidency. It’s almost inconceivable that 38 years ago, millions of Filipinos occupied a nondescript stretch of highway known as EDSA and ousted the President’s father and namesake from power. But to ascribe the Marcos restoration to the family’s cunning only reinforces the myth, foisted at the height of Martial Law, that the Marcoses were destined to rule our land. For while it is true that sustained, below-the-radar efforts were undertaken to rehabilitate the family name, the Marcoses were the main beneficiaries of frustration by attrition, the build-up of public resentment over the failure of post-EDSA administrations to live up to the ideals and promises of the 1986 Revolution. The frustration erupted in 2016 with the election of Duterte, a self-styled populist outsider and, ironically, a political beneficiary of EDSA. Waylaid were the political parties, personalities, and families who wrapped themselves for decades in EDSA yellow and whose political fortunes rose after the revolution. For six year, Duterte exploited the public’s resentment to suppress critics. He showed contempt for an independent press by mobilizing a captive House to revoke the franchise of ABS-CBN and attempting to shut down Rappler. He deployed the powers of the presidency to demonize and quash political enemies. He wielded his high approval ratings as a mandate to pursue his illiberal agenda. Those who fought the Marcos dictatorship and lived through the nightmare that was Martial Law could only shake their heads at this cruel twist of fate. A people who had toppled a dictatorship were now rooting for another tyrant. And this tyrant, swept to power by the freedoms restored by the EDSA Revolution, employed the tools of democracy to undermine democracy while the old political elite and most of the new ones who rode on the revolution’s coattails either stood silently or egged him on. But there was logic to this madness. Duterte appeared to be paving the way for his chosen successor, his daughter Sara Duterte. She could cruise through the presidential elections and rule unchallenged for another six years. Like Marcos the father, Duterte also saw the presidency as the family’s birthright, and the country a kingdom to rule. But fate and politics played a cruel joke on Duterte. If President Marcos Jr. sees a nation embracing his family’s return to power, he owes a lot to the failed promises of EDSA, a pliant political and economic elite, and Duterte. The significance of EDSA has already faded by the time Duterte came to power. The historic event, once observed with prayers and street parties, is now treated as an ordinary holiday, an opportunity to cool off in one of the malls located on what was once hallowed ground. The revolution’s significance has also been rewritten: from triumph to tragedy, from one of liberation to oppression, from a people’s struggle to the dominance of the elite. In these false narratives, the restoration is not the result of political maneuvering but karmic reckoning, cosmic payback for the injustice and suffering borne by the Marcoses. But these narratives were not intended to rectify historical errors. They were meant to exonerate those who plundered the nation and denied the people their freedoms. How deeply held are these narratives? If we consider President Marcos Jr.’s victory as a referendum on EDSA, these narratives have already gained a foothold, especially for the generations born after 1986. In a survey conducted by Pulse Asia in April 2022, a month before the elections, Marcos Jr. garnered majority of the votes in nearly all age groups. The only exception were voters aged 65 and above, where he secured 47 per cent. For the generations born after 1986, his preference ranged from 58 per cent (25-34 age group) and 72 per cent (18-24 age group). For the youth leaders who have taken on the mantle as torchbearers of EDSA’s legacy, the challenge of remolding minds and overcoming biases against the revolution would require more than rallies and TikTok dance contests. It demands rebuilding a movement and reigniting passions. But movements cannot be rebuilt or passions reignited with rancor or arrogance. Claims of moral ascendance hides hypocrisy. A movement cannot be genuine when it is underpinned by contempt for the people, casually dismissed as bobotantes each time they vote for candidates other than the ones of our choosing. This has been the biggest weakness of the kakampink movement, and it persists until now. Most EDSA veterans and their acolytes continue to cling to the stubborn belief that history’s arc bends backwards and only in the direction of the self-righteous. The political conditions that lit the flame of EDSA have changed. But social inequality and poverty remain. Such a movement must seek to address these long-festering concerns. A retelling must embody the hope for a better future, not a yearning for a once glorious past. Lastly, the EDSA story must be retold plainly, without embellishment and the near religious reverence accorded to personalities. After all, EDSA is the story of a people. It is their story and it must be told from their perspective. They must tell their own stories and in the process, reclaim the narrative. – Rappler.com Joey Salgado is a former journalist, and a government and political communications practitioner. He served as spokesperson for former Vice President Jejomar Binay. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I agree: “… EDSA is the story of a people. It is their story and it must be told from their perspective. They must tell their own stories and in the process, reclaim the narrative.” But what if such people have minds that were and still are corrupted, repressed, and disinformed by the Marcos-Romualdez Political Dynasty? How would they tell the story in which they are told to forget or remember but in its twisted version? What kind of narrative will they reclaim? How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-marcos-can-thank-duterte-failed-edsa-promises-family-restoration/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0ZOtzqib3UXuPYRH32Xs58Q7vc1tgGQX0X-lUt2DuWzyqFG-3BfPHnnRI_aem_2ZD2o6R4pF53oxWeZH8ICg	1
FACT CHECK: Senators not the only Filipinos eligible to run for President, VP	Lorenz Pasion	20/02/2024 18:48	Claim: Senators are the only individuals eligible to run for president or vice president of the Philippines. Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook video bearing the claim, posted on January 29 by the page “Pilipinas” with over 758,000 followers, has gained 413,000 views, 5,900 reactions, 461 comments, and over 1,100 shares as of writing. The video talks about the supposed reasons why senators opposed the House of Representatives’ push for charter change through a people’s initiative. It claimed that senators have a 12-year term and are the only candidates eligible to run for president and vice president in national elections. The facts: Senators are not the only individuals eligible to contend for the top two highest posts in the country. Article VII, Sections 2 and 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that an individual who is a natural-born Filipino citizen, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years old on election day, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years preceding the election, are eligible to run for the positions of president and vice president. Contrary to the claim, the Constitution does not require anyone to have prior senatorial experience before running for office. Take for example former president Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who served as mayors of Davao City before pursuing the two highest executive positions in the country. Terms of office: Senators have a six-year term, not 12 years, according to Article VI, Section 4 of the Constitution. Senators are prohibited from serving more than two consecutive terms. Voluntarily stepping down from the position for any length of time is not considered an interruption in the continuity of their service for the entire elected term. Charter change: The video was uploaded amid the rift between the two houses of Congress over talks on amending the 1987 Constitution. House lawmakers have expressed support for charter change through a people’s initiative, which has been marred by allegations of bribery and corruption. Senators, meanwhile, rejected the supposed people’s initiative as a “brazen attempt to violate the Constitution.” – Jerry Yubal Jr./Rappler.com Jerry Yubal Jr. is a campus journalist from the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City Main Campus. The executive editor of Amaranth, he is also an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024. Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to#FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through our Viber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/senators-not-only-filipinos-eligible-run-president-vp/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Y8WUXPDpm_HSYNEx8OecxgXCM5wvFVXiYA9zaQDHjXiCQ-5zhhwBIz5g_aem_8oZFCipopr9jbkeHu67bZw	1
RESULTS: February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination	Vixey Marie	20/02/2024 18:03	The following is a press release from the Professional Regulation Commission. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 1,594 out of 3,594 passed the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination given by the Board for Master Plumbers in N. C. R., Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Rosales and Tacloban this February 2024. The members of the Board for Master Plumbers who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Reynald B. Ilagan, Chairman; Hon. Pedrito D. Camilet, Jr. and Hon. Jaime Jajay E. Cruz, Members. The results were released in two (2) working days after the last day of examination. Starting April 8, 2024, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in thesaid examination will be announced later. The top performing schools in the February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination as per Commission Resolution No. 2017-1058(C) series of 2017: The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places in the February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination are: Check out the full list of passers here: Check out the performance of schools here: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/results-master-plumbers-licensure-examination-february-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1zkULeVA5kcfNIOxRf7orYZImnw2R28RUh48TK-PHz64SxdtMttYM9TtA_aem_Gj80kxIcl2pM70qT9QFC0g	1
Boni Ilagan and Joel Lamangan on ‘Spirit of the Glass’: Pushing back hard on red-tagging	Marguerite de Leon	20/02/2024 16:41	“The idea for the play started to brew when the Komisyon [sa] Wikang Filipino came up with that ridiculous act of banning books in their inventory that were written by some of the best authors we have. That was in 2022,” Boni Ilagan tells Rappler, when asked about Spirit of the Glass, the latest play he has written, set to run this March 8-10 at the University of the Philippines-Diliman IBG-KAL Theater. “My actual writing, however, started in 2023 when the National Commission for Culture and the Arts announced that it was accepting proposals for theater productions that would tackle, among others, the implications of the Anti-Terror Act on society. I wrote intermittently because of commitments. But all told, I must have spent a month doing the first draft. The rewriting took longer,” Ilagan adds. Directed by Joel Lamangan and produced by Tag-ani Performing Arts Society, the show tracks the lives of two college instructors seeking shelter in a friend’s ancestral home, after being red-tagged and harassed by state forces because of their book manuscripts, which are supposedly slated for publication. I spoke to Ilagan and Lamangan via email and Zoom about Spirit of the Glass, the state of human rights in the country, and what we could do to protect creatives producing critical art. This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. The play is about two college instructors red-tagged and harassed by state forces. How important is it that we continue to stage stories like this, given the human rights situation under the current government? Boni Ilagan: It is absolutely important to push back hard on red-tagging and all human rights violations, especially given the gravity of state terrorism by way of weaponizing laws and outright brute force. It becomes all the more imperative that artists create protest works and join in the mass movement to uphold dissent and the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. Joel Lamangan: It is very important because red-tagging is a means of identifying or calling people names without proper investigation, restriction of what they are doing, especially political moves, especially political plays, especially cultural expressions that would say the truth about what is happening. If you do that, you are being red-tagged and that is bad. Red-tagging is bad. Red-tagging is putting people on the spot. I mean, accusing people of things that they say they do, but they are not. They are just exposing truths. They are just saying what must be said. Recently, both of you worked on ‘Oras de Peligro.’ How is it doing another project with each other? Boni Ilagan: People might think that Direk Joel and I are always in agreement as we collaborate on a project, simply because we’ve gone through the same experience and continue to share the same politics. Even as we were both activists and political prisoners in the 1970s, he could come on strong on some points about which I differ. He has a way of picking one’s brain that pushes the person to think, “Teka muna, talaga bang ganoon ka-mali ang sinulat ko (Wait a second, was what I wrote really that wrong)?” We disagree a lot, not on the intention, but on the effect. Still, I know what he is after, which is the good of a project on whose outcome we both rise or fall. At the end of the day, however, we try our best to reach a common ground. Joel Lamangan: It’s always an honor to be working on a Boni Ilagan script because he always says something about what is happening in the country. It’s always about injustice. It’s always about oppression and things like [that]. So it’s an honor and privilege to do it, whether it’s a play, a film, or a television show. After reading the material, is there any difference in how you approach it as a director? Joel Lamangan: A play is a totally different medium. It has its own discipline. It’s totally different. I started in theater. Then I went to television and film. Theater for me is more interesting to do, though less ang mga nakakapanood nito (fewer people get to watch it). It is more powerful. You can say anything. In film, you have the MTRCB to confront. If the state thinks that what you did is a security risk, you have the MTRCB to confront. You have the government to confront. In [a] play, there’s nothing like that. You can say anything you like, expose anything you like. And that for me is a privilege. In this play, the actors are very good. I picked them up. I have worked with them before. And I think they can deliver what Boni Ilagan would like to deliver for them. How are the rehearsals? Joel Lamangan: Smooth naman ang takbo ng rehearsals namin (The rehearsals are going smoothly). Everything is provided for. We are being given what we need. Smooth, from the actors, to the staff, to the people behind the scenes, to the stage management, to the production management, everything runs smoothly. We know how fragile the current time is when it comes to preserving and defending history, so what do you hope for the audience to get from this staging? Boni Ilagan: I hope to impart to the audience a perspective on history and its lessons from the lived struggles of our people, not academic but definitely personal, something that springs from the heart and exudes feelings of fear, anger, defiance, love, and that which could connect with their own humanity. Joel Lamangan: Well, the audience will get that there are people na nire-red-tag (who are being red-tagged) as of now. As a matter of fact, this is more recent, about the novels that were red-tagged by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. The audience will know na meron [nang red-tagging] noon (that there used to be red-tagging before), and they will know how to confront it. They will now know [it from] the other side, rather than the side only of the government saying [that] red-tagging is good. How do you think we can continue to protect artists, especially those who produce critical works, against threats from state forces? Boni Ilagan: I think the first line of defense of artists is their art and their perseverance in creating truthful art for the people no matter the situation. If they falter in creating, then they lose their momentum as well as their position of strength. Everybody else could help protect them by supporting their works and letting it be known that people’s artists have the people’s patronage. Joel Lamangan: I have been in this business for so long. I have been in this struggle for so long. I have been doing this since the ’70s — directing plays [and] movies. Now, you can only protect yourself if you are the ones creating it. By really creating the truth. I mean, by telling the truth. If the [state] forces would be against you, there will be some people that will help you in expressing what you would like to express. Sad to know na malakas ang fascism sa bayan na ito. Malakas ang hindrance sa mga artist na gawin nila ang gusto nilang gawin, lalo na ang totoo. (Sad to know that fascism abounds in this country. Artists are very much hindered from doing what they want to do, especially if the work is truthful.) Nagkakaroon ng isyu kung ano ba ang totoo (What is true an what isn’t has become an issue). The real artist who talks about an issue in their work should serve the interests of many, not just a few. There are several truths around. You just have to pick and choose the truth that you would like to say in any medium of artistic expression, whether it’s film, theater, visual arts, dance, or music. There are truths around you and you can make use of this artistic expression to tell the truth of what is happening in the country. Sad to know, maraming hindi magandang nangyayari kaya ‘yun ang lumalabas sa lahat ng artistic expression (a lot of ugly things are happening, and that’s what’s being reflected in our artistic expression). – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/theater/interview-boni-ilagan-joel-lamangan-spirit-of-the-glass-pushing-back-red-tagging/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0e_U1cH3PLKLIH3JGD2H4RlQb-hpP5WPs1rYl3BWzMXhPY6TfV6VxDuos_aem_75r0jVQ8MtsAJgptv_0GyQ	1
Princes of disguise: Rivermaya revisit fabled back catalog in reunion show	Marguerite de Leon	20/02/2024 13:51	Jasper Lucena The Rivermaya “reunion” show – quotes in deference to the still-active trio that continues to write and perform under that name – was truly something else. The sound was punchy, the visuals tasteful, and the “classic” quartet’s vigor palpable for the entirety of the just-under-three-hour performance. No one can argue with nostalgia; nostalgia is like an Instagram filter that casts everything in a way more interesting light. And that filter was dialed to max even before Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon took the stage a little past 8 pm Saturday (February 17) at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Their loyal fans were prepared to like everything with zero reluctance, and, had the foursome simply gone through the motions, everyone would have still eaten from the palms of their hands. Which is why kudos are due to the guys, because “going through the motions” clearly wasn’t the order of the day. Delay- and reverb-riddled textures punctured the charitably windy night, swelling into the opening notes of deep cut “Monopoly.” It was a brave choice for an intro – a slow burn rather than an in-your-face bang – and one that, along with pick-up number “Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo,” would spell the tenor of the entire night. That tenor is, of course, the tenor of constraint: the main constraint being that, technically, this lineup only wrote, recorded, and performed together for the duration of three albums: 1994’s Rivermaya (along with guitarist Perf de Castro), 1996’s Trip, and 1997’s Atomic Bomb. There are well-loved cuts from the band’s oeuvre that simply didn’t exist in this reality, and those obviously didn’t make the cut, save for two numbers: “Nerbyoso” from It’s Not Easy Being Green (1999) and “You’ll Be Safe Here” from Between the Stars and Waves (2003). The former was special because Bamboo doesn’t actually sing on the record, and the latter was special because it’s evidence that the band still mattered beyond the “classic” era. There are way stronger post-Bamboo tunes, I feel, but it was a few days past Valentine’s, so Rico’s solo piano-driven performance of “You’ll Be Safe Here” was entirely called for. And anyway, I only discuss timeline matters because diehards love to split hairs about who sang what, who wrote which, and who played guitar on this-and-that. I respect that – there are other music nerds who’d split much thinner strands of hair, if you catch my drift – but the real strength of the show wasn’t its loyalty to their canon. In fact, it’s the contrary: it’s the ability to build on the bones of the past while filling those bones with fresh flesh and a brand-new body. It’s also the aptitude for keeping things kinetic enough that, even during non-singles, the audience is kept in rapt attention. To illustrate: even with Blanco’s guitar cutting off during the first half of “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” it was still an easy shoo-in as crowd-pleaser. It was one of the big ones on Atomic, after all. But because of the band’s commitment to delivering a take-no-prisoners show, even lesser-known tunes like “Princess of Disguise” and “Ballroom Dancing” – a Britpop-flavored rocker and a tango-tinged dancehall banger, respectively – are imbued with a gravity they previously didn’t enjoy. The reunion was a beautiful negotiation of musicianship and fan service. Escueta’s inspired drumming – and surprise turn at the mic, singing a verse on the Blanco-helmed “Panahon Na Naman” – was a joy to behold. Azarcon, meanwhile, was MVP material – I’ve been telling people this over the weekend – and he was clearly having the best time: dancing and prancing and sprinting and killing it. Mañalac was a rabid hybrid of frontman and hypeman, a singer for whom hyperbole is a dagger to wield proudly. Whether it’s oddball gems like “Sunny Days” or sure-shot hits like “Ulan” – which to my mind suffered from an unnecessary rearrangement, losing some of its bite, but no matter – Bamboo could be counted on to deliver the goods. He’s a reliable technician, but also an unshakable shaman who understands the importance of rallying a crowd. Then there’s Rico Blanco, whose byline populates their best-loved material, and whose discomfort at taking on new roles in the past has been well-documented. In a 2017 Esquire story, he reiterates, “You have to understand that [Trip] was a documentation of me learning to play the guitar.” That’s a sweet sentiment to revisit at this juncture, because this show mirrors the pressures of that time, i.e., filling in the shoes of a more technical predecessor. But however his pronouncements strike you – “I’m not a musician’s musician,” he told me in 2020 for an NME story, adding “If you don’t like me, nothing I ever do will make you like me” – he clearly wasn’t playing like it’s 1996. Occasional rough edges notwithstanding, he’s arguably Rivermaya’s most colorful guitar player, and his arrangement ideas unflaggingly err on the side of melody. The solo on “Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo” was like candy; the contentious-but-triumphant fretwork on “214” lilting; and the harder-edged take on “Elesi” rousing. Dude can play, hard stop. And man, can he sing, too. One of this lineup’s greatest strengths is how Blanco and Mañalac’s individual styles have always warred and sparred, but also gelled and glued. That contrast peaks in songs like the aforementioned “Elesi” and “Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo,” but also on tunes like “Hilo” and “Kundiman,” where the tension is more marked during call-and-response moments. Rivermaya also enjoyed a leg up, truth be told, with the baton of Mel Villena casting its fairy dust. He did arrange strings for Atomic songs in the past – most notably on Azarcon-penned tearjerkers “If” and “Luha” – but hearing those arrangements played live (and mic’d beautifully, too) was life-affirming. The understated visuals also deserve praise, with the video-wall projections favoring monochrome renders that cloaked the guys in a dreamlike haze. That said, though, the theatrics towards the end – the Higantes-style dolls that accompanied “Mabuhay,” the drum battery that played along to “Awit ng Kabataan,” the fireworks that punctuated “214,” the amped-up string work on “Himala,” the fanfare during closing number “Kisapmata” – were a stirring way to cap an already-riveting evening. The snags mid-show – chief among them the audio cutting off completely during “20 Million,” forcing the band to do it over – were addressed with class. At some point, the boys descended into the crowd to high-five friends and supporters, omitting the anxiety a quarter-hour interruption would have otherwise caused. If we can all agree that Rivermaya is an evolving cavalry – with this particular quartet being the most successful sub-troop – it’s easy to picture a follow-up show focused on a different era. But for a first local turn for Live Nation, it’s a daring mount. A beloved band who delivered their most recognizable tunes, but also took a spirited chance on deep cuts – the sum total amounting to a nostalgia reel, a postcard, a shared prayer. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/princes-disguise-rivermaya-revisit-fabled-back-catalog-reunion-show/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Ie44nwAsESMirhJVia_9HHxG3Vv5Trf3AEIXGo3tSp90l3skDBN8kMu8_aem_F-j2RgPusIRoPjr_3HDGpQ	1
Cebu archbishop, governor ask National Museum to return stolen church panels	Chito de la Vega	20/02/2024 23:14	PROTECT HERITAGE. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia reads the General Welfare clause of the Local Government Code to cite as one of her legal bases in the Capitol’s push for the return of panels stolen from the heritage church of Boljoon, Cebu. With her are (right) Capitol consultant for heritage and museums Jose Eleazar Bersales and consultant lawyer Ben Cabrido Jr. rappler.com CEBU, Philippines – The removal of four wooden relief panels from the pulpit of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santissima in Boljoon, Cebu constitutes sacrilege, said Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma. It also robbery and not just theft, said lawyer Ben Cabrido Jr., a consultant of the Cebu provincial government. Leaders of Cebu have issued separate calls for the immediate return of the four panels stolen in the late 1980s and thought lost for decades before they reemerged when they were donated to the National Museum of the Philippines by private collectors Edwin and Aileen Bautista. “They are integral to the patrimony of the church as part of her missionary work and thus considered sacred,” Palma said in his statement released Tuesday, February 20. “They should never have been treated, then or now, as mere artworks for exhibition in museums, much less for private appreciation by the collectors who purchased them. For these panels are considered in the ecclesial rite as tools of evangelization.” The panels are sacred objects, Palma said, because they were on the pulpit “where for centuries, Augustinian friars delivered sermons to the faithful.” “(T)the Archdiocese of Cebu hereby asserts its ownership of these panels and requests their immediate return to Boljoon at the pulpit where they were surreptitiously removed,” Palma said in his statement posted on the official Facebook page of the Archdiocese of Cebu. Palma also requested that “a proper venue for constructive dialogue be provided” on the terms of the parties. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday invited National Museum officials to come to Cebu so that she can bring them to the Boljoon church and start a “constructive dialogue” on the return of the panels. “We extend our assurance to Governor Gwen Garcia, Mayor Jojie Derama, Archbishop Jose Palma, and the community of Boljoon that the NMP is eager to engage in constructive dialogue and exchange of technical assistance to facilitate sharing the four panels with the people of Cebu as soon as possible,” the NMP said in a statement released on Monday afternoon. Palma, Garcia, Derama, the Cebu Provincial Board, and Boljoon Municipal Council all agreed the panels should be returned to Boljoon and installed on the pulpit. Garcia welcomed the offer by NMP for a “constructive dialogue” but said that the Capitol’s position was that these panels should be returned to their “rightful place,” installed on the pulpit in the Boljoon church. “These are supposed to be immovable objects that should not have been extricated from the pulpit, part and parcel of the pulpit itself,” she said. Garcia said she will send a letter to the NMP to ask for the return of the panels. Capitol consultant for heritage and museums Jose Eleazar Bersales said that when the panels are returned, they will be installed in place of the copies that have been put up there. In its statement, the NMP said “our donors procured these specific panels through legitimate means, highlighting their commitment to ethical acquisition.” The agency also said that church artifacts have “dynamic ownership and circulation.” There is no such thing, Cabrido said during Monday’s press conference called by Garcia at the Capitol. Since there was an act of force in detaching the panel, it is considered robbery “that is continuing until such time it was discovered in February 2024.” Those who possess the panels can be held liable for fencing or robbery, Cabrido said. “There is no such thing as dynamic ownership because ownership cannot be transferred through theft or through robbery,” he said. “Even if they will say that we bought this from this person, it will not change the character of that thing and make it a valid object in a contract. There was no point in the dynamic transfers of these four artifacts that would convert these into a legal object.” Even NMP officials can be held liable, he said. “Illicit acts are not state acts. You cannot invoke that these things are acts of the state, it will be accounted to you personally. Therefore I would like to warn National Museum officials to take heed of this warning from the Provincial Government,” Cabrido said. On the NMP’s statement that it would “continue to pursue preventive conservation measures necessary to prepare them for public display in due course,” Garcia said this expertise was not exclusive to the agency. “The conservation of heritage sites, structures, relics, the tangibles and intangibles is now part of our own Cebuano culture as well. It is a way of life for us,” Garcia said, enumerating Capitol programs throughout her term in promoting culture and heritage. Garcia also assured the NMP that these relics will be protected when they are installed at the pulpit. Derama said the municipal government will help the parish in protecting its properties. He said that the town spent what it won from a Capitol tourism program to help improve the parish museum. He said in an interview Monday that they would also help in improving its security. The panels were stolen during the time when Fr. Faustino Cortes was the parish priest. Palma said there were no records in the archdiocese of Cortes “requesting approval to deconsecrate them for removal, much less conveyance to third parties in exchange for monetary purposes of the parish.” If there were one, this wouldn’t have been approved. Fr. Brian Brigoli, chairman of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, said conditions today are different from the time when the panels were stolen. This will not happen again, he told Rappler. There are laws, both civil and ecclesiastical, and implementers of laws to make sure Church heritage is protected, Brigoli added. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. If this story reaches the courts, it will be well worth readers’ attention. It will be a legal battle between the Provincial Government of Cebu and the Archdiocese of Cebu versus the National Museum of the Philippines. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/cebu-archbishop-governor-ask-national-museum-to-return-stolen-church-panels/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3nA-srd4CtPltsDZg2Yu1AylWYeT2zpE3x6d7i7bw7DP2b_s3v96W_iZc_aem_KpGARbsvN_2o30HLwC8A7A	1
Philippines’ joint air patrol with US to ‘protect territory’	Victor Barreiro Jr.	20/02/2024 14:57	JOINT AIR PATROL. FA-50s of the Philippine Air Force fly with a B-52H bomber aircraft of the United States Pacific Air Force during the Maritime Cooperative Activity on February 19 over the West Philippine Sea. Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook Page. A joint air patrol by the Philippines with the United States was aimed at protecting territory and national interests in the South China Sea, a Philippine military official said Tuesday, February 20, after Beijing accused Manila of stirring up trouble. Philippine fighter jets and a US bomber plane flew together over the South China Sea on Monday, more than a week after their navies held joint maritime exercises in the face of simmering tensions over territorial claims in the area. “This is to enhance both armed forces’ interoperability and enhance the capabilities of our air force (in) performing its mandate of protecting our territory, sovereign rights, and national interests,” armed forces public affairs chief Xerxes Trinidad said. China’s military earlier accused the Philippines of “stirring up trouble” by conducting a joint air patrol with “extraterritorial countries” and then openly “hyping it up.” Its Southern Theater Command said it organized frontline naval and air forces to closely monitor the joint drills on Monday, and that troops “maintained a high degree of vigilance to resolutely defend national sovereignty.” China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of commercial shipping annually, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Philippine ties with China have deteriorated this past year at a time when Manila is expanding its longstanding defense relationship with former colonial power the United States under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Philippines refrained from joint air and sea exercises in the South China Sea under his anti-US predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who advocated closer relations with Beijing and saw defense activities with Washington as provocative. Trinidad said the Philippines expects to carry out more joint maritime activities with its ally and other “like-minded” partners to keep a peaceful Indo-Pacific. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/joint-air-patrol-with-us-protect-territory/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3GoxKXj2OJDj_5YpV8XGueCeIsdnVeiaedIihkgmlYDfDonU3_WPVwu6s_aem_uIzMBY_JtctpE0ejg5akkg	1
Malacañang helps fast-track anti-doping requirements as PH faces int’l sports ban	jisaga0269	20/02/2024 22:54	ELITE. The country's best athletes brace for a busy year. REUTERS, FIBA, PFF MANILA, Philippines – All hands are now on deck as the Philippines continues to face the looming threat of a possible blanket ban in all major international events following a suspension call by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to the country’s alleged noncompliance of requirement. In a last-minute undertaking headed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO), the Office of the President has also lent needed resources to comply with the WADA code and eliminate the risk of the country’s flag not flying in any sporting event. “We are working with Malacañang with the legislative requirements of WADA. The help of Malacañang is greatly appreciated,” said PSC chairman Dickie Bachmann at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum on Tuesday, February 20. The former basketball executive added that the WADA ultimatum, which had a February 13 deadline and has been hastily appealed by the PSC, puts a bigger spotlight on the need to fund and empower undermanned PHI-NADO as it caters to the anti-doping needs of thousands of athletes. “Right now, we treat PHI-NADO like an NSA (national sports association). We just fund them. I think they need to be more independent,” said Bachmann, citing the importance of Malacañang’s full support more particularly in funding. “A perfect example is Indonesia which was non-compliant in 2021. They were forced to establish their own organization (like PHI-NADO),” added PHI-NADO officer Nathan Vasquez. Bachmann added that the PSC, PHI-NADO, and all other stakeholders are now “doing everything they could” to make sure every anti-doping measure is in place before WADA representatives inspect this March. “Other countries within Southeast Asia are also experiencing it right now. That’s why we would look at this as an opportunity. Now we have the stakeholders that are more conscious on what needs to be done,” said PSC executive director Paulo Tatad. “The Office of the President is helping us and the POC and the NSAs are more collaborative. If we have that in place, rest assured we will not have these administrative issues moving forward,” he added. Among critical WADA requirements are “effective, intelligent, and proportionate” doping test distribution plans, sharing and maintaining training pool athletes’ lists, and timely prosecution of doping cases. In the event of a WADA ban, Filipino athletes may still compete in international competitions like the 2024 Paris Olympics. They, however, may not be considered as representatives of the Philippines. Sports officials also risk losing WADA funding and other privileges, the country also is in danger of not qualifying to host any regional, continental, and world championship events. Prior to the February appeal, the Philippines already had four months’ notice to iron out its anti-doping measures. The PSC, however, remains unfazed, encouraging athletes to keep moving with their respective qualifying bids to various events. “Nothing is jeopardized. And we are confident that this will be resolved. But we need to prove ourselves,” said Tatad. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/malacanang-assists-anti-doping-requirements-philippine-commission-appeals-wada-ban-threat/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3MZvV7wPfQdWcVoyeobHUBYeulCzOY-LUWywe6kqyiNexHH3fIk-2Wa5g_aem_Sq6A7OIIj3B2xk1j-m4lIA	1
Fresh start: What the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers mean to Gilas Pilipinas	delfin.dioquino editor	18/02/2024 12:13	TWIN TOWERS. Kai Sotto (right) and AJ Edu in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. FIBA MANILA, Philippines – A fresh start awaits Gilas Pilipinas as FIBA begins a new cycle starting with the Asia Cup Qualifiers. Back in action after their historic Asian Games title romp, the Nationals will tangle with Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei on February 22 and 25, respectively, for the first window as part of Group B, which also includes New Zealand. What is the significance of the Asia Cup Qualifiers? Teams are allowed to parade different sets of lineups for each of the three windows: February 2024, November 2024, and February 2025. In fact, the Philippines fielded 30 different players across its six games in the qualifiers of the previous Asia Cup – the most by any participating teams in that edition. Out of those 30 players, only nine made the 2022 Asia Cup roster. But this time, things are expected to be different as head coach Tim Cone – tapped by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to handle the national team for the long run – plans to keep his 12-man core together for the next four years. “This team is going to stay together through every window. We play Southeast Asian Games, we play Asian Games, we play World Cup qualifiers, we play FIBA Cup qualifiers, we want to keep this team intact,” said Cone. “Because every time we play, we will grow from either the success or the failure that we have.” That means program cornerstones Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao will be able to play alongside each other regularly leading up to the FIBA World Cup in 2027. Sure, there will be roster changes due to injuries and age – Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo are already 35 and 34, respectively – but essentially, Cone wants to foster continuity that the program lacked in past years. “If you need to tweak it here and there with personnel changes, then you do that. If I need to tweak the system a little bit, I’ll make tweaks in the system,” said Cone. “But the foundation will be there. The foundation of the players will be there, the foundation will be there.” Cone and Gilas intend to use the Asia Cup Qualifiers to build for the Riga, Latvia leg of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in July. Having last sent a men’s basketball team to the Olympics in 1972, the Philippines will need to defy the odds if it wants to end that decades-long absence in the Paris Games. Waiting for the Filipinos in the first stage of the OQT are world No. 8 Latvia and world No. 23 Georgia, teams which both made it past the opening round of the last World Cup. Latvia notably finished fifth in its World Cup debut despite playing without Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzinigs, only narrowly missing the final four after an 81-79 loss to eventual champion Germany in the quarterfinals. Aside from Porzingis, Latvia boasts of other current and former NBA talents in Charlotte Hornets forward Davis Bertans, Rodions Kurucs, and Dairis Bertans. Meanwhile, Georgia placed 16th in the World Cup behind Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze, San Antonio Spurs big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Tornike Shengelia, who suited up for the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls. Beating Latvia and Georgia will be a tall order, so it is pivotal for Gilas to make progress as early as possible. “We’ll use this first window, we’ll use the preparation time in this window to get to a certain level and bring that level into the OQT and be able to play Latvia and Georgia and improve from there,” said Cone. If the Philippines secures a top-two finish in its OQT group, it will advance to the crossover semifinals against the top two squads from other group composed of world No. 12 Brazil, No. 17 Montenegro, and No. 67 Cameroon. Only the winner of that OQT leg will punch a ticket to Paris. Out of the 24 participating teams in this edition of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, 16 will qualify for the official tournament set in 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 24 squads are divided into six groups, with the top two from each group advancing directly to the Asia Cup and the six third-placed teams vying for the four remaining spots. Considering the caliber of teams the Philippines will go up against in Group B – world No. 21 New Zealand, No. 78 Chinese Taipei, and No. 119 Hong Kong – reaching the Asia Cup for the eighth straight edition should be a doable task. Qualifying for the Asia Cup, though, is one thing, going deep into the tournament is another. The previous Asia Cup proved to be a wake-up call for the Philippines as it missed the top eight for the first time in 15 years. Gilas endured its worst finish since it placed ninth in the 2007 edition after a 102-81 blowout loss to Japan in their playoff for the quarterfinals. Ending its run with a 1-3 record, the Philippines beat only India and averaged a losing margin of 17.7 points against Lebanon, New Zealand, and Japan. The upcoming Asia Cup gives Gilas a shot at redemption and a chance to solidify its place among the best in the continent, counting its Asian Games triumph. Behind only 16-time champion China for most Asia Cup titles with five, the Philippines came close to the crown when it finished second in 2013 and 2015, but it has since lost its touch, settling for seventh in 2017 and ninth in 2022. With a clear program in place and a formidable roster assembled, it is high time for Gilas to become a consistent force in the international scene. – Rappler.com Error. 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16 years after landslide in Davao de Oro, residents suffer same fate. Whose fault is it?	Iya Gozum	20/02/2024 12:43	DISASTER. The landslide in Masara, Maco in Davao de Oro, as seen during an aerial inspection on February 7, 2024. Office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao The February 6 landslide in Davao de Oro harks back to a similar disaster in 2008, when residents of Barangay Masara, Maco struggled with a deadly landslide due to heavy rainfall. Sixteen years ago, the regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) already declared the village a no-build zone. Successive geohazard mapping and assessment by the regional office of the environment department and the MGB “consistently show[ed]” that the area was “highly susceptible to landslides.” The MGB said in a recent statement that they recommended back then the immediate relocation of Barangay Masara. History repeats itself – first, as tragedy, the second time, as a result of negligence. If geohazard mapping was done more than a decade ago, and the area was already found to be highly susceptible to landslides, why didn’t the lessons stick? The landslide that occurred in Barangay Masara last February 6 killed residents and miners on a bus going to a gold mine. As of Sunday, February 18, the death toll had climbed to 93, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), with 35 injured. The number of missing people was down to eight. Back in 2008, Senator Pia Cayetano said that the tragedy could have been avoided or mitigated if safety precautions had been undertaken. “What’s the use of geohazard mapping if it can’t be implemented?” she said back then. Hazard mapping is one of the ways to minimize landslide risks. It should help local government units determine areas under their jurisdiction where it’s not safe for people to live or work. (READ: Gov’t should use scientific data in hazard maps – Lagmay) However, despite having completed geohazard mapping and assessment, the MGB can only make recommendations. It’s the local government’s responsibility to implement no-build zones or relocate communities at risk. Local governments have always had a hard time enforcing the no-build zones in high-risk areas, Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) told Rappler in a message. Phivolcs deals with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, as well as communities affected by natural disasters like landslides. (READ: How Phivolcs’ Dynaslope helps avert disasters in landslide-prone areas) “These individuals are reluctant to leave high-risk zones due to their livelihood,” said Bacolcol. The Phivolcs director referred to past experiences recommending no entry and no permanent habitation inside permanent danger zones (PDZs). Despite this, government still has to evacuate residents in PDZs, such as when volcanoes are close to erupting or when strong typhoons are coming. But Bacolcol said they’re not blaming residents. “Essentially, to ensure that people do not return inside the PDZs, local government units should guarantee a source of livelihood, which is not easy in some areas,” he said. Establishing an early warning system in the community can also help address this, said Bacolcol. “If people refuse to relocate, they should be informed and made to understand the risks of staying in high-risk zones,” he said. However, while this huge responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of local governments, they are also looking to the national government for support. According to various reports, Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga said they’re still waiting for the MGB to recommend suitable relocation sites for affected residents. Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga only repeated the obvious but seldom-applied principle: the need to integrate hazard maps in decision-making. “A hazard does not have to become a disaster,” she said. But ensuring people’s security during disasters doesn’t stop after mapping hazards. People are naturally wired to think about the jobs that feed them, the houses that keep them safe. According to Science Secretary Renato Solidum, there’s a discrepancy between risk appreciation and livelihood opportunity. Why leave a place when there are no guarantees of making a living? In the same way that safer relocation sites are not yet identified, residents would not give up the houses they already have. And without available sites, they wouldn’t even have other choices. A multi-agency briefing on the landslide will be organized soon, a DENR official told Rappler. A red flag for concerned environmentalists was the occurrence of the landslide in close proximity to a gold mine. Environmental groups have called for “a swift and independent investigation to determine the full extent of accountability” of APEX Mining Company Incorporated (AMCI), led by business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. That mining operations were allowed in an area declared a no-build zone is cause for alarm, environmental network Kalikasan PNE said in a statement last February 15. While AMCI has “distanced itself” from claims that its operations played a part in the disaster, environmentalists said the company must still be held liable for not giving adequate measures to protect workers and communities. A company disclosure from AMCI released February 12 said nine employees were recovered dead from the landslide site. One was injured. Nine more employees are missing and unaccounted for. “The Maco incident is another stark reminder of how companies have joined forces with complicit government agencies to the detriment of local communities,” Kalikasan PNE said. “This has all taken place under the framework of the Mining Act of 1995, which has historically provided little space for communities and civil society to assert their right to a clean, healthy, and safe environment against the profiteering of multinational companies and local oligarchs.” However, another environmental organization pointed out that the extractive industry is on the receiving end of “unwarranted criticism.” “Such misrepresentation impedes necessary interventions and hampers effective resource allocation on the ground,” said Felix Vitangcol, secretary-general of the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship. Search and rescue teams from the provincial, local, and AMCI continue operations in the incident site. Because of the incident, mining operations have been limited, with milling activities reduced within the range of 50% to 80%. AMCI said they are expecting lower volume of gold and silver produced and sold by next shipment. When things go back to normal, the company said, “strategies will be implemented to address production gaps once the rescue, retrieval and clearing operations have been completed.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/years-after-landslide-davao-de-oro-residents-suffer-same-fate/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2lKUJspwBpgg5o7zZR-frqiwq7XS9zBK52e25vG21_H-9tancoIeqD22Q_aem_4mo9i4KHljcKgFotbMARng	1
All for growing Philippine volleyball: PVL sets no limit to foreign coaches arrival	jisaga0269	15/02/2024 16:52	FOREIGN FLAVOR. PVL coaches (from bottom, clockwise) Tai Bundit, Godfrey Okumu, Taka Minowa, Hideo Suzuki, Koji Tsuzurabara PVL Images/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – In the last few years, the PVL has expanded its borders to an international audience, with great results to show for it. Since the inception of the first Invitational Conference in 2022, the league has routinely attracted foreign teams and coaches to test the limits of Philippine volleyball and further hone their growing skill sets. The league even made history in the 2023 Invitationals after Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze dethroned the Creamline Cool Smashers in the knockout final to become the first-ever non-Filipino PVL champion. Kicking off the 2024 season, the league’s international integration shows no signs of slowing down, as the contending Petro Gazz Angels tapped Koji Tsuzurabara as their new head coach, while the upstart Farm Fresh Foxies brought in Kurashiki’s head coach Hideo Suzuki as consultant. Unlike professional basketball leagues, where handing foreigners the head coach title is outright illegal unless loophole tactics are used, the PVL is not going through all that trouble to limit the spread of overseas strategists, at least for now. “I hope there will be no limits in the future, because at the end of the day, that is a transfer of technologies,” league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo said in Filipino during the 2024 All-Filipino Conference press launch last Wednesday, February 14. “We don’t have a [volleyball] coaches’ union and the hirings are encouraged by the PNVF (Philippine National Volleyball Federation), so right now, there’s no limit to getting foreign coaches or consultants.” Apart from Tsuzurabara and Suzuki, other foreigners currently sharing their knowledge in the league are multi-time UAAP and PVL champion Tai Bundit for Rebisco teams Creamline and Choco Mucho, former UP head coach Godfrey Okumu for Galeries Tower, and ex-Ageo Medics coach Taka Minowa for Nxled. Only Minowa – also the Akari franchise’s director of volleyball operations – holds a head coach title while the rest are either assistants or consultants. Last PVL All-Filipino Conference, Akari also employed Jorge Souza de Brito as chief tactitian before he resigned at the tournament’s conclusion. De Brito nonetheless still holds the Philippine women’s national team head coach position, with fellow Brazilian Sergio Veloso as his counterpart in the men’s team – a testament to the PNVF’s desire to keep bringing in foreigners. “The great thing about foreign coaches, they always have a tendency to bring in new technology, new ideas to their players” Malonzo continued. “Hopefully, those ideas translate to the games, and if you see the games, they really move differently, especially Japanese coaches who focus on floor defense.” “Technically, while coach Okumu is Kenyan, he is also immersed in the Japanese system. It’s beautiful for the Philippine volleyball market. It’s a big thing for us.” The same way imports force and encourage Filipino players to elevate their games, foreign coaches are expected to do the same for local tacticians, all in the spirit of elevating Philippine volleyball as a whole. “For me, I’m challenged to do better because I really want to improve my teaching ways,” Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino. “That’s so I can translate better to my players the things I want to happen inside the court.” “I’m happy because in time, more players will adapt to better systems with international coaches,” he continued. “That’s why we hold leagues in the Philippines in the first place, so the game and the players can keep growing, and I’m just happy foreign coaches are here to help that cause.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/volleyball/premier-league-sets-no-limit-arrival-foreign-coaches/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2SnQq-jYg1LIhoVYgG1HbUAZ4AxVCaHfwivxg-JMIIVjMF5qh_H9S8yJk_aem_dL5e8noju_gM2gV2fEBEFw	1
Out with injury, AJ Edu aims to be ‘good to go’ for Olympic qualifiers	delfin.dioquino editor	19/02/2024 19:27	YOUNG GUN. AJ Edu of Gilas Pilipinas. Inspire Sports Academy's Facebook page MANILA, Philippines – Expect AJ Edu to be back in action for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in July as he misses Gilas Pilipinas’ first event of the year. Edu will sit out the opening window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this February after suffering a torn meniscus while playing for the Toyama Grouses in the Japan B. League back in December. “Hopefully, I’ll recover in a month or two and finish out my season in the B. League. I’ll be good to go for the OQTs,” Edu said on Monday, February 19, in a press conference arranged by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Although set to miss the games against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei on Thursday, February 22, and Sunday, February 25, respectively, Edu has been a sponge in practice as he learns the system of head coach Tim Cone. The 6-foot-10 big man joined the national team in its four-day training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna and will fly with the squad for their away game in Hong Kong. “Really blessed to have the opportunity to still be out here and support the team and just learn the system and what coach Tim has envisioned for this squad,” said Edu. Edu, 24, is considered one of the cornerstones of the national team program alongside fellow young guns Kai Sotto, 21, Kevin Quiambao, 22, Carl Tamayo, 23, and Dwight Ramos, 25. They are expected to play together for the next four years leading up to the FIBA World Cup in 2027, with Cone planning to keep his 12-man lineup – which is also composed of veterans from the PBA – intact for the long haul. “When coach Tim called me and told me about the plan that he has, I’m just really excited,” said Edu. “I think we got a great group of players, some veterans, and also some guys that we’re building for the future with. Just really excited for what is to come.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/aj-edu-out-injury-aims-good-to-go-fiba-olympic-qualifying-tournament-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1TyQPGiCD7S45bcSCnzTMtXWTTIHTzhR6bNSJV4lIkGYQlGsHJZfJ8YIg_aem_0xlVeq6x7s-d523iWvt9fg	1
10 anti-Valentine’s Day songs that would leave Cupid scratching his head	Marguerite de Leon	11/02/2024 12:23	ELY BUENDIA. The former Eraserheads frontman speaks up. File photo by Martin San Diego/Rappler Contrary to popular belief, love does not always conquer all, neither does it usually last. It’s a fact of life. So here, for those who are not in a romantic mood this love month, is a playlist composed of Filipino songs that go against the Valentine’s tradition. If you’ve had enough of the mushy stuff, this is for you. Ebe Dancel wrote this bittersweet song about being in a “love motel” with an unrequited love. It closes with one of the most epic lines in Pinoy music: “Ayoko nang mag-isa / Ayoko na, na, na, na, yeah.” From the compilation album Offshore Music Vol. 2, the song uses metaphor and symbolism to portray a romantic relationship that has clearly become uncertain and is now on the verge of ending. Composed by Jim Paredes, this heartfelt ballad about a fading love is beautifully depicted in the lines, “Parang isang kandila na nagdadala / Ng ilaw at liwanag / Nauubos din sa magdamag.” Whether you’re in a relationship limbo or just want to unwind after a long day, this track from Peryodiko’s self-titled album is the song for you. Since winning the grand prize in the 1998 Metropop Song Festival, this song has become a beloved OPM classic with its witty lyrics that uses metaphor and cultural references to express the narrator’s feelings of isolation and longing for love. Feeling tired or unhappy in your relationship? It could be time to break up. As the lyric of the song goes, “Wag na nating patagalin / ‘Di ka masaya / Pagod na ako / Tapusin na natin ito.” Released in 2005, this post-breakup song, from Paramita’s debut album Tala, reflects on the themes of longing and letting go. Indulge in nostalgia with this sentimental song that explores how drinking brings back memories that you’d rather forget. There are many songs of heartbreak from the Manila Sound era, but this one is a personal favorite. Last on the list is a quintessential anti-romantic song with social commentary that rejects the traditional wishy-washy love songs played during Valentine’s Day. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/anti-valentines-day-songs-would-leave-cupid-scratching-head/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawEgFgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSX53LGSEHlBM6tRiV5jcjz9eU4QNbjlZI8Y4XhPi5hPqx5i-3hcEiCl5w_aem_nL5awP4odN1dNRKrEq4hjw	1
Malacañang helps fast-track anti-doping requirements as PH faces int’l sports ban	jisaga0269	20/02/2024 22:54	ELITE. The country's best athletes brace for a busy year. REUTERS, FIBA, PFF MANILA, Philippines – All hands are now on deck as the Philippines continues to face the looming threat of a possible blanket ban in all major international events following a suspension call by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to the country’s alleged noncompliance of requirement. In a last-minute undertaking headed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO), the Office of the President has also lent needed resources to comply with the WADA code and eliminate the risk of the country’s flag not flying in any sporting event. “We are working with Malacañang with the legislative requirements of WADA. The help of Malacañang is greatly appreciated,” said PSC chairman Dickie Bachmann at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum on Tuesday, February 20. The former basketball executive added that the WADA ultimatum, which had a February 13 deadline and has been hastily appealed by the PSC, puts a bigger spotlight on the need to fund and empower undermanned PHI-NADO as it caters to the anti-doping needs of thousands of athletes. “Right now, we treat PHI-NADO like an NSA (national sports association). We just fund them. I think they need to be more independent,” said Bachmann, citing the importance of Malacañang’s full support more particularly in funding. “A perfect example is Indonesia which was non-compliant in 2021. They were forced to establish their own organization (like PHI-NADO),” added PHI-NADO officer Nathan Vasquez. Bachmann added that the PSC, PHI-NADO, and all other stakeholders are now “doing everything they could” to make sure every anti-doping measure is in place before WADA representatives inspect this March. “Other countries within Southeast Asia are also experiencing it right now. That’s why we would look at this as an opportunity. Now we have the stakeholders that are more conscious on what needs to be done,” said PSC executive director Paulo Tatad. “The Office of the President is helping us and the POC and the NSAs are more collaborative. If we have that in place, rest assured we will not have these administrative issues moving forward,” he added. Among critical WADA requirements are “effective, intelligent, and proportionate” doping test distribution plans, sharing and maintaining training pool athletes’ lists, and timely prosecution of doping cases. In the event of a WADA ban, Filipino athletes may still compete in international competitions like the 2024 Paris Olympics. They, however, may not be considered as representatives of the Philippines. Sports officials also risk losing WADA funding and other privileges, the country also is in danger of not qualifying to host any regional, continental, and world championship events. Prior to the February appeal, the Philippines already had four months’ notice to iron out its anti-doping measures. The PSC, however, remains unfazed, encouraging athletes to keep moving with their respective qualifying bids to various events. “Nothing is jeopardized. And we are confident that this will be resolved. But we need to prove ourselves,” said Tatad. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/malacanang-assists-anti-doping-requirements-philippine-commission-appeals-wada-ban-threat/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0iZ0wwVusOt3l5DCZvBhs2G9alHZNdiN1o1stEWYrcN1WohNtrpWv5gCI_aem_rhEgLlMhzg6sTmaxfAFEvA	1
Frustrated murder complaint filed against suspect in Subic road violence incident	Joann Manabat - CMS	20/02/2024 11:51	ROAD RAGE. A portion of the video shows an SUV ramming a compact car from behind while the two victims are seen standing nearby. Screengrab via Facebook PAMPANGA, Philippines – The victims of a road violence incident in Subic Freeport in Zambales have filed a frustrated murder complaint against a female suspect in Bataan on Monday, February 19. Lawyer Norman Pamintuan, 70, and his personal assistant, Jennnifer Flores, 37, filed the complaint against Joan Montes before the prosecutor’s office in Balanga town. Montes is said to be a former client of Pamintuan. Based on the report obtained by Rappler, on February 16, Pamintuan was driving a Hyundai Eon with Flores, on their way to Binictican Housing, when Joan Montes, who was driving a Toyota Fortuner, allegedly followed them and then hit their car. Montes maneuvered her SUV and hit the victim’s compact car, as seen in a viral video uploaded on Facebook. Pamintuan and Flores managed to get out of the car when the suspect rammed the Eon several times before fleeing the scene. Pamintuan, a retired judge, said that the action of the suspect is “a clear case of frustrated murder with intent to kill,” the report said. Flores told Rappler in an interview that Montes should be “held accountable for what she had done.” “Kilala namin siya. Isa siya sa mga client ni Attorney (We know here. She’s among the clients of Attorney),” she said. Flores said that Pamintuan had to withdraw from Montes’ estafa case as he fell ill and had to be hospitalized in July 2023. Flores said that the car was damaged but neither of them sustained injuries. She added prior to the incident, they attended a hearing in San Felipe, Zambales. Pamintuan had previously filed alarm and scandal, malicious mischief and threat, and carnapping complaints against Montes in September 2023, according to the police report. In December 2023, the same Fortuner was also involved in a vehicular accident in Subic. Based on the vehicle’s records, it is registered to Toyota Financial Services Philippines and leased to another individual at the time of the accident but it was driven by Montes, the report also said. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II has ordered an investigation into the incident. Rappler reached out to LTO Central Luzon Director Ronnie Montejo. We will update this story once we receive his response. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/suspect-subic-road-violence-incident-frustrated-murder-complaint/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR24pm1RCPxtMG_guzXnnxPKtoLwA3Ga2oJVmjAr6Aea1i0-TEQOyyQcmfY_aem_DGBqf316Ebef1YnveKQ7GA	1
Serious film industry concerns brought to light at Free the Artist Movement forum	Steph Arnaldo	20/02/2024 18:32	CALL TO ACTION. Attendees take their stand on industry concerns. Luna Coscolluela/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Artist welfare organization Free the Artist Movement held a forum called “Cinema at Katotohanan: Usaping Pelikula at Isyung Panlipunan” on Sunday, February 18 at the Gateway Gallery to discuss matters surrounding the film industry. “We are going to take a closer look at pressing issues concerning the entertainment industry and the country,” actress Astarte Abraham said in her introduction to the event. The forum focused on how the economy and the country’s current laws and regulations affect the film industry and its operations. Industry members shared their ideas on how to enact change and current measures they are taking to achieve their goals. “We are faced with some challenges: the state of the economics of artistic creation and marketing in the country today,” filmmaker Malu Maniquis said. She highlighted “the prohibitive cost of producing [films] due to taxation, prohibitive ticket prices, and the plight of workers in production” as some of the industry’s main concerns. The organization presented a comparison of ticket prices throughout the years. They stated that tickets were priced from P80 to P100 in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and P250 in 2019, and are currently priced between P300 and P700. They also listed the tax rates imposed on the different aspects of movie production, which range from 5% to 30%. Lawyer Willamore Parada explained the role of taxation on the industry. “Historically, the Philippine movie industry is probably the most overtaxed in the world,” he said. The current laws on taxation affecting the industry make it more difficult for filmmakers to fund film production as well as keep films in cinemas. He brought up The Film Development Council of the Philippines, a national agency intended to secure the interests of the film industry, as one existing structure that can help alleviate the industry of its problems. “The closest to providing fiscal incentive to the film industry…is the Film Development Council of the Philippines, dahil meron silang (because they have) power to provide tax incentives,” Parada explained. However, he explained that, while there are currently proposed tax measures to support the film industry, they are yet to be approved and implemented. “Panaginip palang po iyan (That is still a dream),” he said. Attorney Kathy Panguban also discussed the recent attempts at charter change (Cha-Cha) and explained why this should matter to members of the film industry. “Any changes can be made to the Constitution once it is opened up for amendments or revisions,” she said. “Lahat puwede mabago (Everything can be changed).” The forum ended with a discussion led by actor and director Joel Lamanagan on the possible solutions to these issues. “Nakita natin ang problema: amusement tax, ang taas ng bayad sa sine, walang nag-proproduce, walang trabaho…napakaraming problema (We have seen the problems: amusement tax, high ticket prices, lack of production, lack of jobs…there are so many problems),” he said. “Ano ang maaaring gawin ng industriya? (What can the industry do)?” “Baka kailangan natin ng isang alyansa [ng mga organisasyon sa industriya] (Maybe we need an alliance of the different organizations in the industry),” actress Lui Manansala suggested. She highlighted how the film industry is currently divided into different organizations without a uniting structure and an alliance would allow them all to come together. “Para mas madaling pagkaisahin sila (So it will be easier to unite them all),” she said. Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Director General Manny Morfe and actor Rez Cortez echoed the call for cooperation in the industry and shared their current efforts to push for this. “Kami sa Film Academy naniniwala sa unity (We in the Film Academy believe in unity),” Morfe said on behalf of his organization. “Dapat magkaroon ng summit [para mag-usap ang] bawat sektor sa paggawa ng pelikulang Pilipino para malaman kung ano ba ang gusto natin,” Cortez stated. (There should be a summit where each sector of the film industry can talk with each other, to find out what our needs are.) He acknowledged that this would be no easy feat and stated that FAP is currently in the process of communicating with government agencies to ask for support in making this happen. While there is still a long way to go before the film industry can achieve the change its members are hoping for, there is a continuous effort to make it happen. On February 12, the Senate approved the third and final reading of the Eddie Garcia Bill, which is meant to ensure the rights and welfare of workers in the industry. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/serious-film-industry-concerns-philippines-free-the-artist-movement-forum/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Jp7QoFPA2t1KcpRUWkmgv1-PhuWjLRtKPSgaK_UCgTuYjp2BqkwXXghw_aem_2yxFhiRkjIBvKaJgavMDuQ	1
Philippine schools gradually transition to old academic calendar	Bonz Magsambol	20/02/2024 17:25	CLASSES. Students of Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School in Manila on the first day of SY 2023-24, on August 29, 2023. Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, February 20, announced that schools are gradually transitioning to the old academic calendar, where classes begin in June and go on break from April to May. The gradual transition will officially begin in academic year 2024 to 2025, with school opening on July 29 and end of school year on May 16, 2025. The DepEd earlier made a”minor” tweak in the current school year by adjusting the end of school year to May 31 instead of June 14. This was contained in DepEd Order No. 3, series of 2024. “Magiging gradual ‘yung shift ng ating school calendar back to the usual April-May break. Mag-end tayo ng May 31, pero magstart pa rin tayo around July 29. And then slowly, i-move natin siya back until bumalik tayo sa normal na April-May break,” DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa told reporters. (The shift to the school calendar back to the usual April-May break will be gradual. We will end on May 31, but we will open around July 29. And then slowly, we will move it back until we return to the normal April-May break.) Poa said the decision to revert to the old academic calendar was based on consultations done by DepEd. “This is a decision made by the people,” he added. JUST IN. The DepEd announces that schools in the Philippines will GRADUALLY revert to old academic calendar starting SY 2024-2025: School opening – July 29; end – May 16.By SY 2026-2027, schools will open by June already, with break on April to May. @rapplerdotcom The education official said that by school year 2026 to 2027, schools would open in June and end in April, based on DepEd’s projected timeline. By school year 2027 to 2028, schools would open in June and end in March. The school opening in the Philippines was moved to October, instead of June, in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and remote learning was implemented. In the succeeding years, it was moved to August. The reversion to the old academic calendar was triggered by public clamor because the summer months of April and May are not conducive to learning. In 2023, a hundred of students from the Gulod National High School Mamatid Extension in Cabuyao, Laguna, were hospitalized due to dehydration after a surprise fire drill. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There was no public clamor. Not even any broad consultation that we know of, just the whims of a few. . How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/schools-gradually-transition-old-academic-calendar/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1dtDzwRTOisMNI4TkY4uW8taHPgegpG0CJoVXkG3iFvl7pWgqmzLlCg64_aem_XPBsqU7JLBF0FfQvW3vVgA	1
Activists slapped with defamation case for exposing ‘abduction’ post bail	Jairo Bolledo	20/02/2024 21:03	ACTIVISTS. Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamayo arrive at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) headquarters escorted by local government officials from Bulacan, where they will be officially turnover and released to the custody of the CHR, on September 19, 2023. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Young environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, who exposed their alleged abduction, posted bail over the grave oral defamation case filed against them by a military officer. Castro and Tamano paid P18,000 each for the bail set by Doña Remedios Trinidad Municipal Trial Court Judge Jonna Sorallo Veridiano. The said judge issued a warrant against the young activists in an order dated February 2. Meanwhile, the arraignment and pre-trial for the case were also set on March 15, at 8:30 am. LOOK: Environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano pose for a photo after posting bail for their grave oral defamation charge. They will no longer be arrested since the release orders were already issued for them by the Bulacan local court. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/mAwlIOVYzq Back in January, the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors indicted or pushed the grave oral defamation case against the two for “embarrassing and putting [the Armed Forces of the Philippines] in bad light” in the press conference where they accused the military of abducting them. If found guilty, grave oral defamation has a maximum punishment of six-month imprisonment. The arrest warrant also came shortly after the Supreme Court (SC) granted the protective writs petitioned by the two. On February 15, the High Court said the SC magistrates moved to grant the writs of amparo and habeas data petitions filed by Castro and Tamano, on top of a temporary protection order. A writ of amparo is a legal remedy, which is usually a protection order in the form of a restraining order. The writ of habeas data, meanwhile, compels the government to destroy information that could cause harm. (READ: Supreme Court to finish review on protective writs by early 2024) Meanwhile, with the issuance of the protection order, all the respondents in the SC petition – mostly law enforcers – were prohibited “from entering within a radius of one kilometer from the persons, places of residence, school, work, or present locations, of petitioners, as well as those of their immediate families.” Castro and Tamano, who were doing ground work on a reclamation in Bataan province, were first reported abducted by progressive groups in September last year. Their disappearance prompted the probe of the Commission on Human Rights. Later, security officials announced that Castro and Tamano were already “safe and sound” because they allegedly “voluntarily surrendered” to the military. But when the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) held a presser to present the two as alleged surrenderees, Castro and Tamano went off-script and belied claims they had surrendered. Because of the two’s revelations that blindsided the NTF-ELCAC, they were slapped with a perjury complaint filed by Lieutenant Colonel Ronnel B. dela Cruz of the Philippine Army. Although the DOJ prosecutors dismissed the perjury, they moved to indict Castro and Tamano in the slander or grave oral defamation case. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. The action of the DOJ prosecutors, which dismissed the perjury but indicted Castro and Tamano in the slander or grave oral defamation case, is a win-win solution. The SC victory did favor Castro and Tamano, but the DOJ prosecutors cannot have complainant Lieutenant Colonel Ronnel B. Dela Cruz of the Philippine Army go empty-handed. The latter did suffer from being defamed for being upended by Castro and Tamano. More than that, it is the image of the Philippine Army that is being tarnished by conducting a “false” and “deceptive” surrender ceremony. Hence, both the officer and the institution that he represents badly need such a win-win solution and a relief to the pain that both suffered. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/jonila-castro-jhed-tamano-warrant-arrest-after-supreme-court-victory/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR22Ql6NvEerzFr3uQbTNB4ymiqN9GYCp3ECfZzs22QwXwFA_RiZm7AKeHg_aem_yaUkesJ45SrcpxWF3cvB6A	1
[WATCH] Carpio on People’s Initiative: ‘Nothing to do with economic provisions’	jsitchon0312	20/02/2024 21:06	CEBU, Philippines – Retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio slammed efforts to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative as having “nothing to do” with reforms to the Philippine economy. “The proponents blame the economic provisions of the Constitution for our low foreign direct investments, for our high unemployment, and, of course, low economic growth… I think this is very easy to expose as false,” Carpio said during a forum organized by the University of the Philippines Political Science Society in Cebu on Tuesday, February 20. The retired justice argued that the Philippines already has one of the most liberal foreign investment laws in Southeast Asia. According to him, one of the more recent developments in opening the economy to foreign investments include the amended Public Service Act. Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed the law amending the Public Service Act on March 21, 2022, allowing full foreign ownership in telecommunication companies, major shipping and transport industries, and airlines. “There’s a little misunderstanding here that is very disturbing. President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) said, and I quote, ‘I want to open the economy to foreign investments, except in critical areas such as power generation.’ Power generation has been open to 100% foreign ownership for the longest time,” Carpio said. Carpio cited a 2012 Supreme Court decision in the case of IDEALS Inc. v. PSALM that allowed 100% foreign ownership of power generation from dams or hydropower plants. To address the low foreign direct investment, Carpio said, the country should address the “real causes” of the economic problem without resorting to charter change. In a 15-page document authored by Carpio, he listed down high power costs, lengthy bureaucratic regulations, poor infrastructure development, and an absence of the rule of law as primary hindrances to increased foreign investments. On the absence of the rule of law, Carpio brought up how Duterte threatened Manila Water with expropriation after winning a P7.39 billion award in an international arbitration against the national government. The case stemmed from the government’s failure to pay for the company’s losses from 2015 to 2017 as the government disallowed Manila Water from implementing rate hikes. “The poor Manila Water complied and revised (the agreement) and did not collect the award, they waived the award, and that scared away existing and potential foreign investors because for them the rule of law is sacrosanct,” Carpio said. Besides claims supporting an “economic charter change”, Carpio also criticized the validity of the proposed changes of the current people’s initiative. Carpio, reiterating his sentiments in an ABS-CBN News Channel interview on January 25, said that the people’s initiative proponents are pushing for a revision, which the Supreme Court ruled in Lambino v. Comelec in 2006 that only amendments can be made through the people’s initiative. “An amendment is a simple change in the Constitution that does not affect basic principles like the checks and balances or the separation of powers…if it is changed, that is a revision,” Carpio said during the forum. He added that there is also no enabling law for the implementation of the people’s initiative provision in the constitution as the Supreme Court ruled in Santiago v. Comelec that the Initiative and Referendum Act was “inadequate to cover the system of initiative to amend the constitution.” On January 29, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) halted proceedings related to the people’s initiative to review its guidelines. As of this writing, majority leaders in the House of Representatives have filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, mirroring the Senate’s RBH No. 6, in an effort to expedite the process of amending the Constitution. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/video-antonio-carpio-people-initiative-charter-change-nothing-do-economic-provisions/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR09_UAGjwLlXqxk8bm7gA3UEaiN_azVJue7Xh7Gc1cpslp9_HNa1saX8hY_aem_f0IogzoaE6KjqzctYMnvbQ	1
Over 200,000 records of students, parents exposed in unsecured DepEd database	Victor Barreiro Jr.	20/02/2024 17:54	MANILA, Philippines – A total of 210,020 records and documents related to a database apparently connected to the Online Voucher Application (OVAP) program of the Department of Education (DepEd) were found to have been unsecured and not password-protected, a security researcher with VPN Mentor reported on Tuesday, February 20. In the report, security researcher Jeremiah Fowler noted the unsecured database – 153.76 GB in size – held “numerous documents that contained PII (personally identifiable information), including tax filings, voucher applications, parent or guardian consent forms, financial assistance, local government certifications, certificates of employment, death certificates, and other notarized or official documents.” The OVAP is the digital platform set up by the DepEd and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) for applying for financial aid. Speaking with Rappler, Fowler said that while the database has since been secured after he reported it to the DepEd and the National Privacy Commission, “there is no indication of how long it was exposed or who may have accessed these documents.” When it was unsecured, the database could have been a potential vector to allow for financial fraud and identity theft if the data was exfiltrated or copied. The PIIs and photos of the students, being crucial for verifying the identity of a voucher applicant, could also put the students at risk of impersonation. Said Fowler in his report, “Children’s personal data is particularly sensitive, presenting a lifelong risk due to its vulnerability to future exploitation. Protecting children’s data is crucial as it safeguards their privacy, prevents potential harm, and helps establish a secure foundation for their future digital interactions and identities.” The full report is available here. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Attention to VP and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte and Undersecretary Nolasco Mempin (Administration): The Filipino People, especially the affected students and parents, deserve to know why this happened and how it can be prevented. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/technology/records-students-parents-exposed-unsecured-aid-voucher-program-database/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3MIjrjqeg-tAFt_yaI8ZnzEbMY3-HBadIvaxIKK60MN1lQiyozFCpenzg_aem_a4Pm-Ip_6E3TNmrMFSH5eg	1
Growing local support for ICC doesn’t convince Marcos to change stance	Jairo Bolledo	20/02/2024 21:39	CHIEF EXECUTIVE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the launching of the 2023 Mariano Marcos State University-Philippine Rice Research Institute rice paddy art in September 2023. Presidential Communications Office The growing support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into drug war killings in the Philippines has not changed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on the matter. Marcos reiterated his reservation about the probe, particularly on the issue of jurisdiction, when asked if there’s been any change in his position, given the current public clamor. “It opens a Pandora’s box. It’s still those questions of jurisdiction and sovereignty. I haven’t yet seen a sufficient answer for it. Until then, I do not recognize their jurisdiction in the Philippines. I cannot, that seems to be the only logical conclusion that could come to from that situation,” Marcos told reporters on Tuesday, February 20. Separate surveys conducted by polling firms Social Weather Stations (SWS) and OCTA revealed the increasing trend in favor of the ICC probe. The ICC investigation centers on the killings during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor, and under his bloody drug war that took almost 30,000 lives, according to several human rights groups. The SWS survey conducted in December 2023 showed that 25% of Filipinos “strongly approve” of the probe. This number grew from 20% in March 2023. In addition, from 25%, the number of Filipinos who “somewhat approve” of the investigation grew to 28%. On whether the government should allow the probe, 26% of Filipinos “strongly approve” of the Marcos administration allowing the investigation. This number grew from 21% in March 2023. Meanwhile, the OCTA survey, also conducted in December 2023, showed that majority of Filipino adults, or 59%, are in favor of rejoining the ICC. The survey also showed that 55% of adult Filipinos are in favor of the government cooperating with the ICC. When asked if there’s a possibility he would change his mind if more evidence surfaced, the President replied: “No. It’s not about the evidence. It’s about the jurisdiction of the ICC in the Philippines. They could produce as much evidence as they want. But they could not act upon it in the Philippines, that is the point.” Marcos seemed tough with his decision on the ICC, but there were instances in the past where public demand changed his position. When there was a clamor against jeepney consolidation, Marcos extended the deadline for doing so from January 31 to April 30. The same thing happened when Marcos’ pet project, the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), was met with criticism. In October 2023, the President suspended the project’s implementation, citing a need for further study. When talking about the ICC probe, Marcos always raises his concern about the court’s jurisdiction. The Rome Statute, which established the ICC, is, however, clear: the ICC still has jurisdiction over the Philippines. Article 127 of the statute states that all proceedings prior to the withdrawal of a nation from the treaty remain valid. The Philippines’ own Supreme Court affirmed this principle and noted that the Philippines is still obliged to cooperate with the ICC. Despite Marcos’ concerns about jurisdiction, his administration actually still has an indefinite position on whether or not it would cooperate with the probe. There were pronouncements made by Marcos himself and members of his Cabinet that showed a bit of leniency towards the probe in 2022. Then Marcos said in January that his government “will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts.” The President said this, given information that ICC investigators had already entered the Philippines, and after the Duterte camp made speculations about a forthcoming ICC arrest warrant. Nevertheless, the ball is now in Marcos’ hands because his government can cooperate with the ICC, even without necessarily rejoining the international court. Lawyers of drug war victims dubbed this the low-hanging fruit that Marcos can easily pick. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I doubt President Marcos Jr. will immediately pick that easy-to-pick “low-hanging fruit.” His “indecisiveness” may be a ploy to persuade or force Duterte to the negotiating table with more advantageous terms. Or it could be that he is just slow in analyzing the situation and, hence, slow in his decision-making about this issue. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/growing-local-support-icc-probe-drug-war-does-not-convince-marcos-jr-change-stance/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0KWluYBKjT1PtmAMTzKACh3fCuv1np53wsT3KXBZCPx14iTIbCOfP0XkY_aem_yOcHIjy5aKimkaLTuFxHpQ	1
P19 daily minimum wage hike approved in Davao Region	Michelle Abad	20/02/2024 18:03	JOB FAIR. People attend the Toril District Jobs Fair at Crossing Bayabas Gym, Toril, Davao City, on February 9, 2024. City Government of Davao MANILA, Philippines – Minimum wage earners in Davao Region are set to benefit from a P19-increase in their daily wages after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved the hike on February 13. The increase will begin on March 6 or 15 days after Wage Order No. RB XI-22 was published on February 19. The order also provided for an additional P19 as a second tranche, effective September 1. The new increase brings daily minimum wages in Davao Region to P462 for non-agriculture workers and P457 for agriculture workers in the first tranche. When the order is fully implemented in September, it will be further increased to P481 for the non-agriculture sector and P476 for the agriculture sector. Some 132,347 minimum wage earners are expected to benefit from the wage hike. The Department of Labor and Employment also reported that around 316,558 full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum may also indirectly benefit from upward adjustments. The RTWPB also approved Wage Order No. RB XI-DW-03, which increases monthly minimum wages for domestic workers by P500 to P1,000. Before the order, the minimum monthly salary of domestic workers in Davao was P4,500 regardless of area. For chartered cities and first-class municipalities, the minimum monthly wage for domestic workers will be increased to P6,000, while other municipalities will get an increase of up to P5,000 a month. Around 64,111 domestic workers are expected to benefit from the increases. Days before the wage order was released, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, in a press briefing on February 8, mentioned the upcoming wage increase for Davao Region after a number of regional boards approved wage hikes in 2023. In January, tens of thousands of families were affected by shear line rains that poured down on Davao. “Siguro medyo naging maingat sa pagsasaalang-alang ng anumang karagdagan…o kaya naman sa pananaw ng iba, lalo na mga maliliit na kompanya, pabigat sa kanila,” Laguesma had said. (They were likely cautious about approving any increase…or for some, especially for small companies, that may have been a burden.) Laguesma said that there was a need to consider not just the needs of workers but also the capacity of employers. On Monday, February 19, the Senate approved on third and final reading a bill seeking a P100 across-the-board increase for minimum wages in the private sector. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/business/daily-minimum-wage-hike-approved-davao-region-february-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1HZsJcVPMN8lZXmMLORacXD4cpohBmC7FZsiWFRlhXtWuZlT-dkmoyIbk_aem_iPO8kaZa1Mw0o7i_kzxKpw	1
Harsh welcome: Petro Gazz, Chery Tiggo school PVL newcomers Strong Group, Capital1	jisaga0269	20/02/2024 20:34	FIERY-RED DEBUT. Chery Tiggo spiker Ara Galang reacts in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference. PVL Images MANILA, Philippines – The revamped Petro Gazz Angels kicked off the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a bang, blowing out the debuting Strong Group Athletics, 25-12, 25-20, 25-12, on Tuesday, February 20. Nicole Tiamzon made the most of an extended opportunity, finishing as the game’s lone double-digit scorer with 15 points off 13 attacks and 2 aces. Her fellow UP alumna Marian Buitre chipped in 8, while highly anticipated PVL debutant Brooke Van Sickle scored 7 with 10 excellent digs. The kickoff double-header’s second game was no better in terms of parity, as the Chery Tiggo Crossovers mauled the PVL’s other newcomers Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-6, 25-15, 25-15, as former F2 stars Aby Maraño and Ara Galang debuted for their new squad. In a team filled with star spikers, Galang stood out with a game-high 12 points on 9 attacks, 2 aces, and 1 block. Former MVP Mylene Paat scored 11, while Maraño chipped in 6. Head coach Kungfu Reyes lauded all his players in the win, and enjoyed having a “good problem” in terms of balancing his rotations moving forward. “It’s a bit of a headache, but it’s good for me,” he said in Filipino. “Our gauge here will be who is 100% [healthy], who has matchup advantages, and who performed well in training. It’s great that all my players are reliable, and we will go to whomever is most consistent.” “It’s great that my new teammates are easy to get along with, so I didn’t have a hard time,” Galang added. “I’m excited for every game and every training with them along with me.” Meanwhile, Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara noted that his team needed plenty of improvements despite the strong debut, saying that first-game jitters got the better of them at some points. “Today is my first game in the PVL. Everyone, all players were too nervous during their game,” he lamented. “There were some bad moments and there were a lot of mistakes. They didn’t have a rhythm. It was so-so.” Petro Gazz will enjoy a one-week break before having its first serious challenge in last season’s finalist Choco Mucho next Tuesday, February 27, 6 pm, at the PhilSports Arena. Chery Tiggo, meanwhile, will continue testing the league newcomers’ mettle as it takes on Strong Group at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, February 24, 2 pm. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/volleyball/premier-league-game-results-petro-gazz-chery-tiggo-strong-group-capital1-february-20-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1UE9nJF2LCznhb11uRfNlgujMhJZch5hcx7eop0Xmkt_p9B_UGXNrA3YY_aem_R0OWSLZ3KTo5QvSaX0SB4Q	1
Growing local support for ICC doesn’t convince Marcos to change stance	Jairo Bolledo	20/02/2024 21:39	CHIEF EXECUTIVE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the launching of the 2023 Mariano Marcos State University-Philippine Rice Research Institute rice paddy art in September 2023. Presidential Communications Office The growing support for the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into drug war killings in the Philippines has not changed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on the matter. Marcos reiterated his reservation about the probe, particularly on the issue of jurisdiction, when asked if there’s been any change in his position, given the current public clamor. “It opens a Pandora’s box. It’s still those questions of jurisdiction and sovereignty. I haven’t yet seen a sufficient answer for it. Until then, I do not recognize their jurisdiction in the Philippines. I cannot, that seems to be the only logical conclusion that could come to from that situation,” Marcos told reporters on Tuesday, February 20. Separate surveys conducted by polling firms Social Weather Stations (SWS) and OCTA revealed the increasing trend in favor of the ICC probe. The ICC investigation centers on the killings during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s time as Davao City mayor, and under his bloody drug war that took almost 30,000 lives, according to several human rights groups. The SWS survey conducted in December 2023 showed that 25% of Filipinos “strongly approve” of the probe. This number grew from 20% in March 2023. In addition, from 25%, the number of Filipinos who “somewhat approve” of the investigation grew to 28%. On whether the government should allow the probe, 26% of Filipinos “strongly approve” of the Marcos administration allowing the investigation. This number grew from 21% in March 2023. Meanwhile, the OCTA survey, also conducted in December 2023, showed that majority of Filipino adults, or 59%, are in favor of rejoining the ICC. The survey also showed that 55% of adult Filipinos are in favor of the government cooperating with the ICC. When asked if there’s a possibility he would change his mind if more evidence surfaced, the President replied: “No. It’s not about the evidence. It’s about the jurisdiction of the ICC in the Philippines. They could produce as much evidence as they want. But they could not act upon it in the Philippines, that is the point.” Marcos seemed tough with his decision on the ICC, but there were instances in the past where public demand changed his position. When there was a clamor against jeepney consolidation, Marcos extended the deadline for doing so from January 31 to April 30. The same thing happened when Marcos’ pet project, the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), was met with criticism. In October 2023, the President suspended the project’s implementation, citing a need for further study. When talking about the ICC probe, Marcos always raises his concern about the court’s jurisdiction. The Rome Statute, which established the ICC, is, however, clear: the ICC still has jurisdiction over the Philippines. Article 127 of the statute states that all proceedings prior to the withdrawal of a nation from the treaty remain valid. The Philippines’ own Supreme Court affirmed this principle and noted that the Philippines is still obliged to cooperate with the ICC. Despite Marcos’ concerns about jurisdiction, his administration actually still has an indefinite position on whether or not it would cooperate with the probe. There were pronouncements made by Marcos himself and members of his Cabinet that showed a bit of leniency towards the probe in 2022. Then Marcos said in January that his government “will not lift a finger to help any investigation that the ICC conducts.” The President said this, given information that ICC investigators had already entered the Philippines, and after the Duterte camp made speculations about a forthcoming ICC arrest warrant. Nevertheless, the ball is now in Marcos’ hands because his government can cooperate with the ICC, even without necessarily rejoining the international court. Lawyers of drug war victims dubbed this the low-hanging fruit that Marcos can easily pick. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I doubt President Marcos Jr. will immediately pick that easy-to-pick “low-hanging fruit.” His “indecisiveness” may be a ploy to persuade or force Duterte to the negotiating table with more advantageous terms. Or it could be that he is just slow in analyzing the situation and, hence, slow in his decision-making about this issue. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/growing-local-support-icc-probe-drug-war-does-not-convince-marcos-jr-change-stance/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR38TJ4Yigmhuf4oV8Ug8FdHURq6PBDJEoID4OcZu3zfWGDZdatyPgqVXYY_aem_Z3cJYqUMGmQbMWiLjigiAQ	1
Activists slapped with defamation case for exposing ‘abduction’ post bail	Jairo Bolledo	20/02/2024 21:03	ACTIVISTS. Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamayo arrive at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) headquarters escorted by local government officials from Bulacan, where they will be officially turnover and released to the custody of the CHR, on September 19, 2023. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Young environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, who exposed their alleged abduction, posted bail over the grave oral defamation case filed against them by a military officer. Castro and Tamano paid P18,000 each for the bail set by Doña Remedios Trinidad Municipal Trial Court Judge Jonna Sorallo Veridiano. The said judge issued a warrant against the young activists in an order dated February 2. Meanwhile, the arraignment and pre-trial for the case were also set on March 15, at 8:30 am. LOOK: Environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano pose for a photo after posting bail for their grave oral defamation charge. They will no longer be arrested since the release orders were already issued for them by the Bulacan local court. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/mAwlIOVYzq Back in January, the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors indicted or pushed the grave oral defamation case against the two for “embarrassing and putting [the Armed Forces of the Philippines] in bad light” in the press conference where they accused the military of abducting them. If found guilty, grave oral defamation has a maximum punishment of six-month imprisonment. The arrest warrant also came shortly after the Supreme Court (SC) granted the protective writs petitioned by the two. On February 15, the High Court said the SC magistrates moved to grant the writs of amparo and habeas data petitions filed by Castro and Tamano, on top of a temporary protection order. A writ of amparo is a legal remedy, which is usually a protection order in the form of a restraining order. The writ of habeas data, meanwhile, compels the government to destroy information that could cause harm. (READ: Supreme Court to finish review on protective writs by early 2024) Meanwhile, with the issuance of the protection order, all the respondents in the SC petition – mostly law enforcers – were prohibited “from entering within a radius of one kilometer from the persons, places of residence, school, work, or present locations, of petitioners, as well as those of their immediate families.” Castro and Tamano, who were doing ground work on a reclamation in Bataan province, were first reported abducted by progressive groups in September last year. Their disappearance prompted the probe of the Commission on Human Rights. Later, security officials announced that Castro and Tamano were already “safe and sound” because they allegedly “voluntarily surrendered” to the military. But when the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) held a presser to present the two as alleged surrenderees, Castro and Tamano went off-script and belied claims they had surrendered. Because of the two’s revelations that blindsided the NTF-ELCAC, they were slapped with a perjury complaint filed by Lieutenant Colonel Ronnel B. dela Cruz of the Philippine Army. Although the DOJ prosecutors dismissed the perjury, they moved to indict Castro and Tamano in the slander or grave oral defamation case. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. The action of the DOJ prosecutors, which dismissed the perjury but indicted Castro and Tamano in the slander or grave oral defamation case, is a win-win solution. The SC victory did favor Castro and Tamano, but the DOJ prosecutors cannot have complainant Lieutenant Colonel Ronnel B. Dela Cruz of the Philippine Army go empty-handed. The latter did suffer from being defamed for being upended by Castro and Tamano. More than that, it is the image of the Philippine Army that is being tarnished by conducting a “false” and “deceptive” surrender ceremony. Hence, both the officer and the institution that he represents badly need such a win-win solution and a relief to the pain that both suffered. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/jonila-castro-jhed-tamano-warrant-arrest-after-supreme-court-victory/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2vtmKxx2BtSHJHOSVijNOE4TsvlaFOHpeSuH6m7jGECfbnhAE1JwZR_UQ_aem_0IL-mP8Nh1DTCsN_9CWzTw	1
RESULTS: February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination	Vixey Marie	20/02/2024 18:03	The following is a press release from the Professional Regulation Commission. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 1,594 out of 3,594 passed the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination given by the Board for Master Plumbers in N. C. R., Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Rosales and Tacloban this February 2024. The members of the Board for Master Plumbers who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Reynald B. Ilagan, Chairman; Hon. Pedrito D. Camilet, Jr. and Hon. Jaime Jajay E. Cruz, Members. The results were released in two (2) working days after the last day of examination. Starting April 8, 2024, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in thesaid examination will be announced later. The top performing schools in the February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination as per Commission Resolution No. 2017-1058(C) series of 2017: The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places in the February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination are: Check out the full list of passers here: Check out the performance of schools here: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/results-master-plumbers-licensure-examination-february-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2ltJU0XvDMBhS0fnE4CEB4MfvOAbU6Mdr1f6n9pwKDxPhRm2kOncf4CTo_aem_Tt6zYoUl9zxz4lu2wOtt1Q	1
[OPINION] Marcos can thank Duterte and EDSA’s failed promises for family’s restoration	Glenda Gloria	20/02/2024 14:00	President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has survived policy missteps, weathered a sharp erosion in public approval over his handling of inflation, and appears impervious to withering attacks from his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte. And two years after his election, majority of Filipinos – 64% according to a December 2023 OCTA survey – believe that the country is headed in the right direction under his presidency. It’s almost inconceivable that 38 years ago, millions of Filipinos occupied a nondescript stretch of highway known as EDSA and ousted the President’s father and namesake from power. But to ascribe the Marcos restoration to the family’s cunning only reinforces the myth, foisted at the height of Martial Law, that the Marcoses were destined to rule our land. For while it is true that sustained, below-the-radar efforts were undertaken to rehabilitate the family name, the Marcoses were the main beneficiaries of frustration by attrition, the build-up of public resentment over the failure of post-EDSA administrations to live up to the ideals and promises of the 1986 Revolution. The frustration erupted in 2016 with the election of Duterte, a self-styled populist outsider and, ironically, a political beneficiary of EDSA. Waylaid were the political parties, personalities, and families who wrapped themselves for decades in EDSA yellow and whose political fortunes rose after the revolution. For six year, Duterte exploited the public’s resentment to suppress critics. He showed contempt for an independent press by mobilizing a captive House to revoke the franchise of ABS-CBN and attempting to shut down Rappler. He deployed the powers of the presidency to demonize and quash political enemies. He wielded his high approval ratings as a mandate to pursue his illiberal agenda. Those who fought the Marcos dictatorship and lived through the nightmare that was Martial Law could only shake their heads at this cruel twist of fate. A people who had toppled a dictatorship were now rooting for another tyrant. And this tyrant, swept to power by the freedoms restored by the EDSA Revolution, employed the tools of democracy to undermine democracy while the old political elite and most of the new ones who rode on the revolution’s coattails either stood silently or egged him on. But there was logic to this madness. Duterte appeared to be paving the way for his chosen successor, his daughter Sara Duterte. She could cruise through the presidential elections and rule unchallenged for another six years. Like Marcos the father, Duterte also saw the presidency as the family’s birthright, and the country a kingdom to rule. But fate and politics played a cruel joke on Duterte. If President Marcos Jr. sees a nation embracing his family’s return to power, he owes a lot to the failed promises of EDSA, a pliant political and economic elite, and Duterte. The significance of EDSA has already faded by the time Duterte came to power. The historic event, once observed with prayers and street parties, is now treated as an ordinary holiday, an opportunity to cool off in one of the malls located on what was once hallowed ground. The revolution’s significance has also been rewritten: from triumph to tragedy, from one of liberation to oppression, from a people’s struggle to the dominance of the elite. In these false narratives, the restoration is not the result of political maneuvering but karmic reckoning, cosmic payback for the injustice and suffering borne by the Marcoses. But these narratives were not intended to rectify historical errors. They were meant to exonerate those who plundered the nation and denied the people their freedoms. How deeply held are these narratives? If we consider President Marcos Jr.’s victory as a referendum on EDSA, these narratives have already gained a foothold, especially for the generations born after 1986. In a survey conducted by Pulse Asia in April 2022, a month before the elections, Marcos Jr. garnered majority of the votes in nearly all age groups. The only exception were voters aged 65 and above, where he secured 47 per cent. For the generations born after 1986, his preference ranged from 58 per cent (25-34 age group) and 72 per cent (18-24 age group). For the youth leaders who have taken on the mantle as torchbearers of EDSA’s legacy, the challenge of remolding minds and overcoming biases against the revolution would require more than rallies and TikTok dance contests. It demands rebuilding a movement and reigniting passions. But movements cannot be rebuilt or passions reignited with rancor or arrogance. Claims of moral ascendance hides hypocrisy. A movement cannot be genuine when it is underpinned by contempt for the people, casually dismissed as bobotantes each time they vote for candidates other than the ones of our choosing. This has been the biggest weakness of the kakampink movement, and it persists until now. Most EDSA veterans and their acolytes continue to cling to the stubborn belief that history’s arc bends backwards and only in the direction of the self-righteous. The political conditions that lit the flame of EDSA have changed. But social inequality and poverty remain. Such a movement must seek to address these long-festering concerns. A retelling must embody the hope for a better future, not a yearning for a once glorious past. Lastly, the EDSA story must be retold plainly, without embellishment and the near religious reverence accorded to personalities. After all, EDSA is the story of a people. It is their story and it must be told from their perspective. They must tell their own stories and in the process, reclaim the narrative. – Rappler.com Joey Salgado is a former journalist, and a government and political communications practitioner. He served as spokesperson for former Vice President Jejomar Binay. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I agree: “… EDSA is the story of a people. It is their story and it must be told from their perspective. They must tell their own stories and in the process, reclaim the narrative.” But what if such people have minds that were and still are corrupted, repressed, and disinformed by the Marcos-Romualdez Political Dynasty? How would they tell the story in which they are told to forget or remember but in its twisted version? What kind of narrative will they reclaim? How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-marcos-can-thank-duterte-failed-edsa-promises-family-restoration/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1qFTXCCniU_AZdY7MiQM0joy7FP1mxVkGxOyQHupekQOF2iaT5GIID23M_aem_jeUo4sVFCxBgko3QT9o95A	1
Harsh welcome: Petro Gazz, Chery Tiggo school PVL newcomers Strong Group, Capital1	jisaga0269	20/02/2024 20:34	FIERY-RED DEBUT. Chery Tiggo spiker Ara Galang reacts in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference. PVL Images MANILA, Philippines – The revamped Petro Gazz Angels kicked off the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference with a bang, blowing out the debuting Strong Group Athletics, 25-12, 25-20, 25-12, on Tuesday, February 20. Nicole Tiamzon made the most of an extended opportunity, finishing as the game’s lone double-digit scorer with 15 points off 13 attacks and 2 aces. Her fellow UP alumna Marian Buitre chipped in 8, while highly anticipated PVL debutant Brooke Van Sickle scored 7 with 10 excellent digs. The kickoff double-header’s second game was no better in terms of parity, as the Chery Tiggo Crossovers mauled the PVL’s other newcomers Capital1 Solar Spikers, 25-6, 25-15, 25-15, as former F2 stars Aby Maraño and Ara Galang debuted for their new squad. In a team filled with star spikers, Galang stood out with a game-high 12 points on 9 attacks, 2 aces, and 1 block. Former MVP Mylene Paat scored 11, while Maraño chipped in 6. Head coach Kungfu Reyes lauded all his players in the win, and enjoyed having a “good problem” in terms of balancing his rotations moving forward. “It’s a bit of a headache, but it’s good for me,” he said in Filipino. “Our gauge here will be who is 100% [healthy], who has matchup advantages, and who performed well in training. It’s great that all my players are reliable, and we will go to whomever is most consistent.” “It’s great that my new teammates are easy to get along with, so I didn’t have a hard time,” Galang added. “I’m excited for every game and every training with them along with me.” Meanwhile, Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara noted that his team needed plenty of improvements despite the strong debut, saying that first-game jitters got the better of them at some points. “Today is my first game in the PVL. Everyone, all players were too nervous during their game,” he lamented. “There were some bad moments and there were a lot of mistakes. They didn’t have a rhythm. It was so-so.” Petro Gazz will enjoy a one-week break before having its first serious challenge in last season’s finalist Choco Mucho next Tuesday, February 27, 6 pm, at the PhilSports Arena. Chery Tiggo, meanwhile, will continue testing the league newcomers’ mettle as it takes on Strong Group at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, February 24, 2 pm. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/volleyball/premier-league-game-results-petro-gazz-chery-tiggo-strong-group-capital1-february-20-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3i7DB57lpsL_vSC9rTfCGDvZxcLob36W4npAWQctaB3TGbgXi1gSWdi4Y_aem_sFWm1FGviP8etu3vCF_5Aw	1
FACT CHECK: Senators not the only Filipinos eligible to run for President, VP	Lorenz Pasion	20/02/2024 18:48	Claim: Senators are the only individuals eligible to run for president or vice president of the Philippines. Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook video bearing the claim, posted on January 29 by the page “Pilipinas” with over 758,000 followers, has gained 413,000 views, 5,900 reactions, 461 comments, and over 1,100 shares as of writing. The video talks about the supposed reasons why senators opposed the House of Representatives’ push for charter change through a people’s initiative. It claimed that senators have a 12-year term and are the only candidates eligible to run for president and vice president in national elections. The facts: Senators are not the only individuals eligible to contend for the top two highest posts in the country. Article VII, Sections 2 and 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that an individual who is a natural-born Filipino citizen, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years old on election day, and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years preceding the election, are eligible to run for the positions of president and vice president. Contrary to the claim, the Constitution does not require anyone to have prior senatorial experience before running for office. Take for example former president Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who served as mayors of Davao City before pursuing the two highest executive positions in the country. Terms of office: Senators have a six-year term, not 12 years, according to Article VI, Section 4 of the Constitution. Senators are prohibited from serving more than two consecutive terms. Voluntarily stepping down from the position for any length of time is not considered an interruption in the continuity of their service for the entire elected term. Charter change: The video was uploaded amid the rift between the two houses of Congress over talks on amending the 1987 Constitution. House lawmakers have expressed support for charter change through a people’s initiative, which has been marred by allegations of bribery and corruption. Senators, meanwhile, rejected the supposed people’s initiative as a “brazen attempt to violate the Constitution.” – Jerry Yubal Jr./Rappler.com Jerry Yubal Jr. is a campus journalist from the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City Main Campus. The executive editor of Amaranth, he is also an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024. Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to#FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through our Viber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/senators-not-only-filipinos-eligible-run-president-vp/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0f8fjijv9U018jtbMwzLuA1d6V-_BF20V4kYO_lwFCfRT1dS0l7ofaQcQ_aem_IEKSjgVwfCpBOb9xxquGIA	1
RESULTS: February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination	Vixey Marie	20/02/2024 18:03	The following is a press release from the Professional Regulation Commission. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 1,594 out of 3,594 passed the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination given by the Board for Master Plumbers in N. C. R., Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Rosales and Tacloban this February 2024. The members of the Board for Master Plumbers who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Reynald B. Ilagan, Chairman; Hon. Pedrito D. Camilet, Jr. and Hon. Jaime Jajay E. Cruz, Members. The results were released in two (2) working days after the last day of examination. Starting April 8, 2024, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in thesaid examination will be announced later. The top performing schools in the February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination as per Commission Resolution No. 2017-1058(C) series of 2017: The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places in the February 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination are: Check out the full list of passers here: Check out the performance of schools here: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/results-master-plumbers-licensure-examination-february-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0iCzQ7USZyaRQfbipYaYPmfLJtj8t3BfT3VZ6c_sFAZr2LFptWEQU4jdg_aem_XVKZAr517c8g233GK-GqVQ	1
Philippine schools gradually transition to old academic calendar	Bonz Magsambol	20/02/2024 17:25	CLASSES. Students of Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School in Manila on the first day of SY 2023-24, on August 29, 2023. Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, February 20, announced that schools are gradually transitioning to the old academic calendar, where classes begin in June and go on break from April to May. The gradual transition will officially begin in academic year 2024 to 2025, with school opening on July 29 and end of school year on May 16, 2025. The DepEd earlier made a”minor” tweak in the current school year by adjusting the end of school year to May 31 instead of June 14. This was contained in DepEd Order No. 3, series of 2024. “Magiging gradual ‘yung shift ng ating school calendar back to the usual April-May break. Mag-end tayo ng May 31, pero magstart pa rin tayo around July 29. And then slowly, i-move natin siya back until bumalik tayo sa normal na April-May break,” DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa told reporters. (The shift to the school calendar back to the usual April-May break will be gradual. We will end on May 31, but we will open around July 29. And then slowly, we will move it back until we return to the normal April-May break.) Poa said the decision to revert to the old academic calendar was based on consultations done by DepEd. “This is a decision made by the people,” he added. JUST IN. The DepEd announces that schools in the Philippines will GRADUALLY revert to old academic calendar starting SY 2024-2025: School opening – July 29; end – May 16.By SY 2026-2027, schools will open by June already, with break on April to May. @rapplerdotcom The education official said that by school year 2026 to 2027, schools would open in June and end in April, based on DepEd’s projected timeline. By school year 2027 to 2028, schools would open in June and end in March. The school opening in the Philippines was moved to October, instead of June, in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and remote learning was implemented. In the succeeding years, it was moved to August. The reversion to the old academic calendar was triggered by public clamor because the summer months of April and May are not conducive to learning. In 2023, a hundred of students from the Gulod National High School Mamatid Extension in Cabuyao, Laguna, were hospitalized due to dehydration after a surprise fire drill. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There was no public clamor. Not even any broad consultation that we know of, just the whims of a few. . How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/schools-gradually-transition-old-academic-calendar/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3wmWGhdvaMuGCAVsHJuwE0cW6WyZnsgHDanFjl1T4mDTquN7tfdikCNc0_aem_OwgySxpo5iVI_YoYZL-GTA	1
Princes of disguise: Rivermaya revisit fabled back catalog in reunion show	Marguerite de Leon	20/02/2024 13:51	Jasper Lucena The Rivermaya “reunion” show – quotes in deference to the still-active trio that continues to write and perform under that name – was truly something else. The sound was punchy, the visuals tasteful, and the “classic” quartet’s vigor palpable for the entirety of the just-under-three-hour performance. No one can argue with nostalgia; nostalgia is like an Instagram filter that casts everything in a way more interesting light. And that filter was dialed to max even before Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon took the stage a little past 8 pm Saturday (February 17) at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Their loyal fans were prepared to like everything with zero reluctance, and, had the foursome simply gone through the motions, everyone would have still eaten from the palms of their hands. Which is why kudos are due to the guys, because “going through the motions” clearly wasn’t the order of the day. Delay- and reverb-riddled textures punctured the charitably windy night, swelling into the opening notes of deep cut “Monopoly.” It was a brave choice for an intro – a slow burn rather than an in-your-face bang – and one that, along with pick-up number “Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo,” would spell the tenor of the entire night. That tenor is, of course, the tenor of constraint: the main constraint being that, technically, this lineup only wrote, recorded, and performed together for the duration of three albums: 1994’s Rivermaya (along with guitarist Perf de Castro), 1996’s Trip, and 1997’s Atomic Bomb. There are well-loved cuts from the band’s oeuvre that simply didn’t exist in this reality, and those obviously didn’t make the cut, save for two numbers: “Nerbyoso” from It’s Not Easy Being Green (1999) and “You’ll Be Safe Here” from Between the Stars and Waves (2003). The former was special because Bamboo doesn’t actually sing on the record, and the latter was special because it’s evidence that the band still mattered beyond the “classic” era. There are way stronger post-Bamboo tunes, I feel, but it was a few days past Valentine’s, so Rico’s solo piano-driven performance of “You’ll Be Safe Here” was entirely called for. And anyway, I only discuss timeline matters because diehards love to split hairs about who sang what, who wrote which, and who played guitar on this-and-that. I respect that – there are other music nerds who’d split much thinner strands of hair, if you catch my drift – but the real strength of the show wasn’t its loyalty to their canon. In fact, it’s the contrary: it’s the ability to build on the bones of the past while filling those bones with fresh flesh and a brand-new body. It’s also the aptitude for keeping things kinetic enough that, even during non-singles, the audience is kept in rapt attention. To illustrate: even with Blanco’s guitar cutting off during the first half of “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” it was still an easy shoo-in as crowd-pleaser. It was one of the big ones on Atomic, after all. But because of the band’s commitment to delivering a take-no-prisoners show, even lesser-known tunes like “Princess of Disguise” and “Ballroom Dancing” – a Britpop-flavored rocker and a tango-tinged dancehall banger, respectively – are imbued with a gravity they previously didn’t enjoy. The reunion was a beautiful negotiation of musicianship and fan service. Escueta’s inspired drumming – and surprise turn at the mic, singing a verse on the Blanco-helmed “Panahon Na Naman” – was a joy to behold. Azarcon, meanwhile, was MVP material – I’ve been telling people this over the weekend – and he was clearly having the best time: dancing and prancing and sprinting and killing it. Mañalac was a rabid hybrid of frontman and hypeman, a singer for whom hyperbole is a dagger to wield proudly. Whether it’s oddball gems like “Sunny Days” or sure-shot hits like “Ulan” – which to my mind suffered from an unnecessary rearrangement, losing some of its bite, but no matter – Bamboo could be counted on to deliver the goods. He’s a reliable technician, but also an unshakable shaman who understands the importance of rallying a crowd. Then there’s Rico Blanco, whose byline populates their best-loved material, and whose discomfort at taking on new roles in the past has been well-documented. In a 2017 Esquire story, he reiterates, “You have to understand that [Trip] was a documentation of me learning to play the guitar.” That’s a sweet sentiment to revisit at this juncture, because this show mirrors the pressures of that time, i.e., filling in the shoes of a more technical predecessor. But however his pronouncements strike you – “I’m not a musician’s musician,” he told me in 2020 for an NME story, adding “If you don’t like me, nothing I ever do will make you like me” – he clearly wasn’t playing like it’s 1996. Occasional rough edges notwithstanding, he’s arguably Rivermaya’s most colorful guitar player, and his arrangement ideas unflaggingly err on the side of melody. The solo on “Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo” was like candy; the contentious-but-triumphant fretwork on “214” lilting; and the harder-edged take on “Elesi” rousing. Dude can play, hard stop. And man, can he sing, too. One of this lineup’s greatest strengths is how Blanco and Mañalac’s individual styles have always warred and sparred, but also gelled and glued. That contrast peaks in songs like the aforementioned “Elesi” and “Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo,” but also on tunes like “Hilo” and “Kundiman,” where the tension is more marked during call-and-response moments. Rivermaya also enjoyed a leg up, truth be told, with the baton of Mel Villena casting its fairy dust. He did arrange strings for Atomic songs in the past – most notably on Azarcon-penned tearjerkers “If” and “Luha” – but hearing those arrangements played live (and mic’d beautifully, too) was life-affirming. The understated visuals also deserve praise, with the video-wall projections favoring monochrome renders that cloaked the guys in a dreamlike haze. That said, though, the theatrics towards the end – the Higantes-style dolls that accompanied “Mabuhay,” the drum battery that played along to “Awit ng Kabataan,” the fireworks that punctuated “214,” the amped-up string work on “Himala,” the fanfare during closing number “Kisapmata” – were a stirring way to cap an already-riveting evening. The snags mid-show – chief among them the audio cutting off completely during “20 Million,” forcing the band to do it over – were addressed with class. At some point, the boys descended into the crowd to high-five friends and supporters, omitting the anxiety a quarter-hour interruption would have otherwise caused. If we can all agree that Rivermaya is an evolving cavalry – with this particular quartet being the most successful sub-troop – it’s easy to picture a follow-up show focused on a different era. But for a first local turn for Live Nation, it’s a daring mount. A beloved band who delivered their most recognizable tunes, but also took a spirited chance on deep cuts – the sum total amounting to a nostalgia reel, a postcard, a shared prayer. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/princes-disguise-rivermaya-revisit-fabled-back-catalog-reunion-show/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1b0U_oqBjvttI4EXckHlQ9N2tXbFO12Tr1YI9zzDuVy-PZaBJyPGBqnoo_aem_6XuLHjBCIxkhKxAPlU9QPQ	1
Iligan loses over half of its tap water to pipe leaks, audit report shows	Herbie G	20/02/2024 14:17	Shutterstock MANILA, Philippines – State auditors have called out the Iligan City Waterworks System (ICWS) for losing more than half of the water it produces due to leaks. The situation in Iligan, ironically dubbed as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” has worsened to the point where an audit team discovered a small tilapia pond built by residents to utilize water from a leaking ICWS pipe in the village of Ubaldo Laya. In a 94-page report released on February 14, the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed that only 53.6 million liters out of the 150.7 million liters produced by ICWS reach households and other establishments in Iligan daily. Auditors noted that 97 million liters of water are lost daily due to leaking old pipes, which remain unrepaired due to ICWS’ losses. These daily water losses account for 64% of ICWS’ non-revenue water. According to Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) standards, non-revenue water exceeding 25% of production is considered “excessive” and warrants immediate survey and repair efforts. Out of 941 respondents across 26 barangays surveyed, 770, or 81.8%, told the audit team that they were experiencing frequent water supply disruptions, with 72 households facing daily shortages. ICWS officials admitted that water losses resulted from leaks in aging underground pipes, which could not be located due to limited manpower and equipment. Despite the agency’s efforts to persuade the city government to allocate funds for necessary network rehabilitation, no support was received. The report stemmed from an audit conducted between April and December 2023 by a COA team investigating Iligan’s water supply issues, collaborating with various private entities under the commission’s initiative to engage citizens in government project audits. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/iligan-loses-over-half-of-its-tap-water-to-pipe-leaks-audit-report-shows/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3GWzN2VPvMzGNuPchdEw02iHDz0jig2bkeq7iHSVmsxmcv4ohS-_VYzJc_aem_z5EPkF71WuyuJlLAbYtRKA	1
Philippines’ joint air patrol with US to ‘protect territory’	Victor Barreiro Jr.	20/02/2024 14:57	JOINT AIR PATROL. FA-50s of the Philippine Air Force fly with a B-52H bomber aircraft of the United States Pacific Air Force during the Maritime Cooperative Activity on February 19 over the West Philippine Sea. Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook Page. A joint air patrol by the Philippines with the United States was aimed at protecting territory and national interests in the South China Sea, a Philippine military official said Tuesday, February 20, after Beijing accused Manila of stirring up trouble. Philippine fighter jets and a US bomber plane flew together over the South China Sea on Monday, more than a week after their navies held joint maritime exercises in the face of simmering tensions over territorial claims in the area. “This is to enhance both armed forces’ interoperability and enhance the capabilities of our air force (in) performing its mandate of protecting our territory, sovereign rights, and national interests,” armed forces public affairs chief Xerxes Trinidad said. China’s military earlier accused the Philippines of “stirring up trouble” by conducting a joint air patrol with “extraterritorial countries” and then openly “hyping it up.” Its Southern Theater Command said it organized frontline naval and air forces to closely monitor the joint drills on Monday, and that troops “maintained a high degree of vigilance to resolutely defend national sovereignty.” China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of commercial shipping annually, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Philippine ties with China have deteriorated this past year at a time when Manila is expanding its longstanding defense relationship with former colonial power the United States under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Philippines refrained from joint air and sea exercises in the South China Sea under his anti-US predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who advocated closer relations with Beijing and saw defense activities with Washington as provocative. Trinidad said the Philippines expects to carry out more joint maritime activities with its ally and other “like-minded” partners to keep a peaceful Indo-Pacific. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/joint-air-patrol-with-us-protect-territory/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0ezPx3idHzVJgm5nlp93NJzZvSvCTmOLOIeyn45GobJIXqXUPVGhxEOFA_aem_lKSJc4cLzPtdUKW1ZFNWXQ	1
MILF’s party flexes muscle ahead of filing of candidacy certificates	Herbie G	20/02/2024 12:07	BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag 'Al Haj Murad' Ebrahim DAVAO, Philippines – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s political arm, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), has started strengthening its support base ahead of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the Muslim-majority region’s first parliamentary elections next year. The UBJP mobilized its supporters through a grand assembly held at the Cotabato City State University (CSU) on Saturday, February 17. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a five-year-old special autonomous political territory currently governed by an interim transition authority, will hold its first regional elections in May 2025, simultaneously with the country’s midterm elections. UBJP, the region’s ruling party, is working to win as many seats as possible in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi, as well as parts of Cotabato province, which comprise BARMM’s special geographic area. The 80-member BARMM Parliament comprises 40 party representatives, 32 district representatives, and eight sectoral representatives. Presently, the BTA is predominantly composed of MILF members holding 41 seats, while the remaining 39 were nominees. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, who is also the leader of the MILF, said his group wants to sustain the momentum and the gains seen in the region since its creation in 2019. “The result of the 2025 parliamentary elections is very important. It relies not only on the composition of parliament but also on the continuity of what was started as fruits of the peace process, borne out by the reforms we initiated in politics, its system, and governance,” Ebrahim said. Ebrahim also called on UBJP members to heed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a historic, peaceful, honest, and credible parliamentary election. The region has a history of critical and conflict-ridden elections, which required heightened security measures. Murad said he anticipates the youth vote in 2025 to determine the future of the BARMM. “Let this be your battle now. This is no longer for us. This is for your future, for your children and the next generations,” Ebrahim addressed the youth sector during the Cotabato City gathering. Ebrahim and other BARMM officials would end their terms of office as members of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on June 30, 2025. The UBJP has claimed that 20,000 people in various areas in the BARMM and other regions joined the political party. “They have voluntarily rallied behind our cause, as they did since the start of the peace process,” said Mohajirin Ali, the party’s spokesperson. Murad retained his position as the UBJP chairman, with BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal as vice chairman for Central Mindanao, and Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua as the party’s secretary-general. The UBJP, through secret balloting, also elected the following party officers: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/milfs-party-flexes-muscle-ahead-filing-candidacy-certificates/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0pliMejI0wxac3UKPw0mCa1mgT4cYT6Cu7ly_gEUYUgrcav4WB3y7-nqI_aem_RzZJOMHnDSQVrkEUID2wYw	1
DepEd director files libel complaints vs 4 radio commentators in Iloilo	Herbie G	20/02/2024 13:38	Shutterstock BACOLOD, Philippines – The director of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas has filed libel and other complaints against four commentators of the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) in Iloilo City. The complaints were filed separately by DepEd Regional Director Ramir Uytico on January 23, but the respondents said on Monday, February 19, that they only learned about it when they received subpoenas from the local prosecutor’s office last week. The complaints for libel, violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, Safe Spaces Act, and Data Privacy Act were filed by Uytico against Henry Lumawag, Novie Guazo, Regan Arlos, and Vincent Isarel “Don” Dolido. Uytico, in his complaint, said the commentators criticized him on air in 2023 about issues and concerns regarding principals, teachers, and public schools, and used words that “maligned, demeaned, and damaged my person, character, and honor.” He said he was called agiii (gay), tikoh (crooked), and gwapa-gwapa (pretty), which he felt were “very wrong.” Uytico criticized the commentators for being on-air bullies and “homophobic,” who resorted to “sexist slurs” to make him a laughingstock. Uytico also accused the commentators of non-adherence to ethical standards for broadcasting, putting him in a bad light, and portraying him as corrupt, which he further claimed “has no basis under the existing facts.” Lumawag hosts the radio program Palabra de Honor; Guazo and Arlos host Straight to the Point; and Dolido is the anchorman of Targetanay sa Udto, all being aired by RMN-Iloilo. The radio hosts and commentators said they were caught by surprise when they received separate subpoenas, directing them to submit their respective counter-affidavits. Lumawag was ordered to appear before Prosecutor Noel Siosan Jr. on February 20, while Guazo and Arlos were directed to go to Prosecutor Kareen de la Cruz on February 23. Meanwhile, Dolido was ordered to appear before Prosecutor Gladys Pearl Palarica, also on February 23. “One complainant, four respondents, three prosecutors, but the same complaints. This can be called a filing spree. Harassment, indeed,” said Guazo, who is also the program director of RMN-Iloilo. Guazo said they were prepared to defend themselves even in court. RMN, he said, has assured to provide them with all the legal assistance they need. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/deped-director-files-libel-complaints-radio-commentators-iloilo-city/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Jr9CsPqeTxySBLGj5Ndw0TkSHdw2X_r1jfoyZAUzRMkMhrp73HNGreD0_aem_0eLsxOJxuZ2BVZxxvROGDA	1
Fresh start: What the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers mean to Gilas Pilipinas	delfin.dioquino editor	18/02/2024 12:13	TWIN TOWERS. Kai Sotto (right) and AJ Edu in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. FIBA MANILA, Philippines – A fresh start awaits Gilas Pilipinas as FIBA begins a new cycle starting with the Asia Cup Qualifiers. Back in action after their historic Asian Games title romp, the Nationals will tangle with Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei on February 22 and 25, respectively, for the first window as part of Group B, which also includes New Zealand. What is the significance of the Asia Cup Qualifiers? Teams are allowed to parade different sets of lineups for each of the three windows: February 2024, November 2024, and February 2025. In fact, the Philippines fielded 30 different players across its six games in the qualifiers of the previous Asia Cup – the most by any participating teams in that edition. Out of those 30 players, only nine made the 2022 Asia Cup roster. But this time, things are expected to be different as head coach Tim Cone – tapped by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to handle the national team for the long run – plans to keep his 12-man core together for the next four years. “This team is going to stay together through every window. We play Southeast Asian Games, we play Asian Games, we play World Cup qualifiers, we play FIBA Cup qualifiers, we want to keep this team intact,” said Cone. “Because every time we play, we will grow from either the success or the failure that we have.” That means program cornerstones Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao will be able to play alongside each other regularly leading up to the FIBA World Cup in 2027. Sure, there will be roster changes due to injuries and age – Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo are already 35 and 34, respectively – but essentially, Cone wants to foster continuity that the program lacked in past years. “If you need to tweak it here and there with personnel changes, then you do that. If I need to tweak the system a little bit, I’ll make tweaks in the system,” said Cone. “But the foundation will be there. The foundation of the players will be there, the foundation will be there.” Cone and Gilas intend to use the Asia Cup Qualifiers to build for the Riga, Latvia leg of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in July. Having last sent a men’s basketball team to the Olympics in 1972, the Philippines will need to defy the odds if it wants to end that decades-long absence in the Paris Games. Waiting for the Filipinos in the first stage of the OQT are world No. 8 Latvia and world No. 23 Georgia, teams which both made it past the opening round of the last World Cup. Latvia notably finished fifth in its World Cup debut despite playing without Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzinigs, only narrowly missing the final four after an 81-79 loss to eventual champion Germany in the quarterfinals. Aside from Porzingis, Latvia boasts of other current and former NBA talents in Charlotte Hornets forward Davis Bertans, Rodions Kurucs, and Dairis Bertans. Meanwhile, Georgia placed 16th in the World Cup behind Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze, San Antonio Spurs big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Tornike Shengelia, who suited up for the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls. Beating Latvia and Georgia will be a tall order, so it is pivotal for Gilas to make progress as early as possible. “We’ll use this first window, we’ll use the preparation time in this window to get to a certain level and bring that level into the OQT and be able to play Latvia and Georgia and improve from there,” said Cone. If the Philippines secures a top-two finish in its OQT group, it will advance to the crossover semifinals against the top two squads from other group composed of world No. 12 Brazil, No. 17 Montenegro, and No. 67 Cameroon. Only the winner of that OQT leg will punch a ticket to Paris. Out of the 24 participating teams in this edition of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, 16 will qualify for the official tournament set in 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The 24 squads are divided into six groups, with the top two from each group advancing directly to the Asia Cup and the six third-placed teams vying for the four remaining spots. Considering the caliber of teams the Philippines will go up against in Group B – world No. 21 New Zealand, No. 78 Chinese Taipei, and No. 119 Hong Kong – reaching the Asia Cup for the eighth straight edition should be a doable task. Qualifying for the Asia Cup, though, is one thing, going deep into the tournament is another. The previous Asia Cup proved to be a wake-up call for the Philippines as it missed the top eight for the first time in 15 years. Gilas endured its worst finish since it placed ninth in the 2007 edition after a 102-81 blowout loss to Japan in their playoff for the quarterfinals. Ending its run with a 1-3 record, the Philippines beat only India and averaged a losing margin of 17.7 points against Lebanon, New Zealand, and Japan. The upcoming Asia Cup gives Gilas a shot at redemption and a chance to solidify its place among the best in the continent, counting its Asian Games triumph. Behind only 16-time champion China for most Asia Cup titles with five, the Philippines came close to the crown when it finished second in 2013 and 2015, but it has since lost its touch, settling for seventh in 2017 and ninth in 2022. With a clear program in place and a formidable roster assembled, it is high time for Gilas to become a consistent force in the international scene. – Rappler.com Error. 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16 years after landslide in Davao de Oro, residents suffer same fate. Whose fault is it?	Iya Gozum	20/02/2024 12:43	DISASTER. The landslide in Masara, Maco in Davao de Oro, as seen during an aerial inspection on February 7, 2024. Office of the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao The February 6 landslide in Davao de Oro harks back to a similar disaster in 2008, when residents of Barangay Masara, Maco struggled with a deadly landslide due to heavy rainfall. Sixteen years ago, the regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) already declared the village a no-build zone. Successive geohazard mapping and assessment by the regional office of the environment department and the MGB “consistently show[ed]” that the area was “highly susceptible to landslides.” The MGB said in a recent statement that they recommended back then the immediate relocation of Barangay Masara. History repeats itself – first, as tragedy, the second time, as a result of negligence. If geohazard mapping was done more than a decade ago, and the area was already found to be highly susceptible to landslides, why didn’t the lessons stick? The landslide that occurred in Barangay Masara last February 6 killed residents and miners on a bus going to a gold mine. As of Sunday, February 18, the death toll had climbed to 93, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), with 35 injured. The number of missing people was down to eight. Back in 2008, Senator Pia Cayetano said that the tragedy could have been avoided or mitigated if safety precautions had been undertaken. “What’s the use of geohazard mapping if it can’t be implemented?” she said back then. Hazard mapping is one of the ways to minimize landslide risks. It should help local government units determine areas under their jurisdiction where it’s not safe for people to live or work. (READ: Gov’t should use scientific data in hazard maps – Lagmay) However, despite having completed geohazard mapping and assessment, the MGB can only make recommendations. It’s the local government’s responsibility to implement no-build zones or relocate communities at risk. Local governments have always had a hard time enforcing the no-build zones in high-risk areas, Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) told Rappler in a message. Phivolcs deals with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, as well as communities affected by natural disasters like landslides. (READ: How Phivolcs’ Dynaslope helps avert disasters in landslide-prone areas) “These individuals are reluctant to leave high-risk zones due to their livelihood,” said Bacolcol. The Phivolcs director referred to past experiences recommending no entry and no permanent habitation inside permanent danger zones (PDZs). Despite this, government still has to evacuate residents in PDZs, such as when volcanoes are close to erupting or when strong typhoons are coming. But Bacolcol said they’re not blaming residents. “Essentially, to ensure that people do not return inside the PDZs, local government units should guarantee a source of livelihood, which is not easy in some areas,” he said. Establishing an early warning system in the community can also help address this, said Bacolcol. “If people refuse to relocate, they should be informed and made to understand the risks of staying in high-risk zones,” he said. However, while this huge responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of local governments, they are also looking to the national government for support. According to various reports, Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga said they’re still waiting for the MGB to recommend suitable relocation sites for affected residents. Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga only repeated the obvious but seldom-applied principle: the need to integrate hazard maps in decision-making. “A hazard does not have to become a disaster,” she said. But ensuring people’s security during disasters doesn’t stop after mapping hazards. People are naturally wired to think about the jobs that feed them, the houses that keep them safe. According to Science Secretary Renato Solidum, there’s a discrepancy between risk appreciation and livelihood opportunity. Why leave a place when there are no guarantees of making a living? In the same way that safer relocation sites are not yet identified, residents would not give up the houses they already have. And without available sites, they wouldn’t even have other choices. A multi-agency briefing on the landslide will be organized soon, a DENR official told Rappler. A red flag for concerned environmentalists was the occurrence of the landslide in close proximity to a gold mine. Environmental groups have called for “a swift and independent investigation to determine the full extent of accountability” of APEX Mining Company Incorporated (AMCI), led by business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. That mining operations were allowed in an area declared a no-build zone is cause for alarm, environmental network Kalikasan PNE said in a statement last February 15. While AMCI has “distanced itself” from claims that its operations played a part in the disaster, environmentalists said the company must still be held liable for not giving adequate measures to protect workers and communities. A company disclosure from AMCI released February 12 said nine employees were recovered dead from the landslide site. One was injured. Nine more employees are missing and unaccounted for. “The Maco incident is another stark reminder of how companies have joined forces with complicit government agencies to the detriment of local communities,” Kalikasan PNE said. “This has all taken place under the framework of the Mining Act of 1995, which has historically provided little space for communities and civil society to assert their right to a clean, healthy, and safe environment against the profiteering of multinational companies and local oligarchs.” However, another environmental organization pointed out that the extractive industry is on the receiving end of “unwarranted criticism.” “Such misrepresentation impedes necessary interventions and hampers effective resource allocation on the ground,” said Felix Vitangcol, secretary-general of the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship. Search and rescue teams from the provincial, local, and AMCI continue operations in the incident site. Because of the incident, mining operations have been limited, with milling activities reduced within the range of 50% to 80%. AMCI said they are expecting lower volume of gold and silver produced and sold by next shipment. When things go back to normal, the company said, “strategies will be implemented to address production gaps once the rescue, retrieval and clearing operations have been completed.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/years-after-landslide-davao-de-oro-residents-suffer-same-fate/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2IcI74O6gd1pn-uq4gAJo1j0qIP8NKY7La4iVvLb2AwXLUufqSxvcMFQY_aem__uPG13hKE57WImLQYrMbEg	1
GAME SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference	jisaga0269	27/04/2024 22:53	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 Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/volleyball/game-schedule-premier-league-all-filipino-conference-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2eHCpHhT3K8r1YOtWAtxQaGBx_6A0BECa691fRdNlGHdTxw08XltUZ-qU_aem_Jj1XUktYFqY_kWZ1R_6dLQ	1
CATCH UP: Recapping PVL teams’ player moves after wild 2023 offseason	jisaga0269	17/02/2024 10:00	NEW HOMES. (L-R, from top row) Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Caitlin Viray, Aby Marano, Bea de Leon, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Grethcel Soltones, and Ara Galang pose for photos during the 2024 PVL Media Day sessions PVL Images/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Hard-hitting volleyball is back for the first time in 2024 as the new PVL All-Filipino Conference kicks off at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, February 20. Mighty dynasty Creamline is once again set to defend its crown, this time against two new teams and many other familiar faces – albeit dressed in different colors after arguably the most frenzied and most high-profile free agency period in league history to cap off 2023. As the taraflex courts are rolled out once again, take a look back at how PVL teams fared in the chaotic, year-ending scramble, and how they are expected to perform in this upcoming 2024 season. The following are arranged by the final team records in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference: Key additions: Bea de Leon, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Dij RodriguezKey departures: Celine Domingo, Jia de Guzman (Japan V. League import)Key holdovers: Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Kyle Negrito, Michele Gumabao Dynasty, super team, empire. Whatever you want to call it, Creamline is again the team to beat in the new All-Filipino Conference. Briefly bogged down by the departures of former MVPs Celine Domingo and Jia de Guzman, the Cool Smashers quickly rebounded by snagging sister team Choco Mucho’s leaders Bea de Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, before scouring the sands to land beach volleyball standout Dij Rodriguez. There’s not much else to be said. It is once again a championship-or-bust campaign for the almighty seven-time PVL champions. Key additions: Royse Tubino, Mars Alba, Bia General, Mean MendrezKey departures: Caitlin Viray, Bea de Leon, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Des Cheng (injured)Key holdovers: Sisi Rondina, Kat Tolentino, Isa Molde, Cherry Nunag, Deanna Wong After its first-ever finals and podium finish, Choco Mucho is determined to keep shaking off the “little sister” tag. Despite losing vocal leaders Bea de Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla to their ates in Creamline, the Flying Titans quickly rebounded with a free agency signing quartet, bannered by veteran spiker Royse Tubino, and fearless young setter Mars Alba. Choco Mucho is here to stay as a contender, and its arsenal is more than enough to go for gold this time around. Key additions: Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Jovelyn FernandezKey departures: Bia General, Gelai Nunag, Rachel Anne Daquis (on leave)Key holdovers: Vanie Gandler, Ces Molina, Ria Meneses, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Gel Cayuna Cignal has a proverbial glass ceiling to break, and it looks like it has found the perfect set of tools for the job. Often settling for bronze-medal finishes in recent years, the HD Spikers are shoring up their already potent defenses with top libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, a perfect complement to their array of offensive powerhouses like MVP Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, and the fast-rising Vanie Gandler. There will be no silver linings this time around. Only gold will do for this Cignal batch. Key additions: Aby Maraño, Ara Galang, Jeanette VillarealKey departures: NoneKey holdovers: Eya Laure, Mylene Paat, Pauline Gaston, Cess Robles, Jen Nierva, Jasmine Nabor Fierce just got fiercer for former PVL champion Chery Tiggo. Already led by former MVP Mylene Paat and super rookie Eya Laure, the Crossovers just got a double shot of veteran savvy in new captain Aby Maraño and her fellow former F2 partner-in-crime Ara Galang. Chery Tiggo’s quest back on top continues, with a lot of skill, swag, and star power to boot. Key additions: Kianna Dy (injured), Majoy Baron, Kim FajardoKey departures: Mika Reyes (injured)Key holdovers: Savannah Davison, Kath Arado, Dell Palomata, Erika Santos, Rhea Dimaculangan Following F2’s disbandment, PLDT was aptly one of the first ones to ring players’ phones, and to its delight, the perfect trio of stars answered the calls. Once she fully heals, super scorer Kianna Dy will serve as the perfect opposite hitter complement to top outsides Savannah Davison and Erika Santos, while Majoy Baron will nicely fill in the middle blocker spot left by injured captain Mika Reyes. Setter Rhea Dimaculangan, meanwhile, will carry a lighter playmaking load as overqualified backup Kim Fajardo completes the former F2 troika for PLDT. Like sister team Cignal, PLDT is never too far away from breaking through to the contenders’ upper rungs, and the same will still ring true this new conference. Key additions: Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips (returning), Myla Pablo (returning), Mich Morente, Joy Dacoron, coach Koji TsuzurabaraKey departures: Grethcel Soltones, Heather Guino-oKey holdovers: Jonah Sabete, Djanel Cheng, Remy Palma, Nicole Tiamzon, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas The 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference is shaping up to be mere pit stop for Petro Gazz. After a subpar 6-5 record and sixth-place finish, the Angels have refueled with a plethora of new signings and returnees, most notably Fil-Am standout Brooke Van Sickle, former Korean V. League import MJ Phillips, two-time MVP Myla Pablo, and new Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara. As expected of a perennial contender, Petro Gazz is once again back to compete with the best and be the best. Key additions: Grethcel Soltones, Celine Domingo, Max JuangcoKey departures: Justine Jazareno (on leave), Coach Jorge Souza de BritoKey holdovers: Faith Nisperos, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Fifi Sharma, Erika Raagas, Trisha Genesis There seems to be no stopping Akari’s rise as the PVL’s new dark horse contender. After a franchise-best seventh-place finish in the previous All-Filipino tilt, the Chargers have gone all in, signing former V-League MVP Grethcel Soltones and ex-Finals MVP Celine Domingo to bolster multiple facets in both offense and defense. It will surely be crowded at the top, but Akari is hell-bent on crashing that party soon. Key additions: Ivy Lacsina, Jaila AtienzaKey departures: Judith Abil, Janine NavarroKey holdovers: Kamille Cal, Jho Maraguinot, Lycha Ebon, Rachel Jorvina, Krich Macaslang Unlike its playoff-hunting sister team Akari, Nxled will more than likely keep its focus on developing its growing talent core this conference and beyond. To their credit, the Chameleons are definitely on the right track after luring their own former F2 standout in young blocker Ivy Lacsina, who showed off as a potentially serviceable winger in her final conference as a Cargo Mover. Nxled is by no means a title contender yet. That doesn’t mean it should be ignored by those that are. Key additions: Caitlin Viray, Jolina dela Cruz (injured), Lorene Toring (injured), Elaine KasilagKey departures: College of St. Benilde players (Gayle Pascual, Jade Gentapa, Sophia Mondonedo, etc.)Key holdovers: Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Louie Romero, Pia Ildefonso, Alyssa Bertolano Don’t let young Farm Fresh fool you, it is hungry for wins, and it will stand toe-to-toe with anyone in its way, contender or otherwise. Arguably the most intriguing of the PVL’s new teams, the Foxies are gearing up for a massive leap in the standings with an outstanding off-season haul of breakout opposite hitter Caitlin Viray, veteran blocker Elaine Kasilag, and former collegiate standouts Jolina dela Cruz and Lorene Toring. Brimming with youth and clear-cut potential, Farm Fresh will surely threaten the league’s established powers very, very soon. Key additions: Shola Alvarez, France Ronquillo, Alyssa EroaKey departures: NoneKey holdovers: Dimdim Pacres, Rapril Aguilar, Roma Joy Doromal, Fhen Emnas, Carly Hernandez The horizon remains foggy for upstart Galeries Tower after its debut conference, but the skies will always clear up for those who weather the storms. Currently a hodgepodge of veterans and prospects, the Highrisers made earnest attempts in the free agent bidding wars and landed more role players like Alyssa Eroa and former F2 hitter Shola Alvarez. Galeries has shown an on-court fire better than its 1-10 debut record shows. Time will tell if it can find its winning blueprint in this intensely competitive league. Key additions: Coach Roger Gorayeb, Ja Lana, Jel Quizon, Heather Guino-o, Jorelle Singh, Bingle Landicho, Janine Navarro, Aiko Urdas One of the two debuting teams this All-Filipino Conference, Capital1 has immediately shown a serious desire to compete with the PVL’s best. After tapping legendary coach Roger Gorayeb to command its kickoff campaign, the Solar Spikers put together an intriguing mix of role players-turned-top options like Heather Guino-o and Jorelle Singh, and young collegiate standouts like Ja Lana and Jel Quizon. Capital1 will surely capitalize on its new spot in the PVL, and entertaining games may very well be in store for the debutant squad. Key additions: Lilet Mabbayad, Jana Sta. Maria, Vira May Guillema, Dolly Verzosa, Sarah Verutiao Undisputedly the bigger mystery of the two new PVL teams, renowned basketball big-spender Strong Group Athletics is not banking on major name recall in its first foray into volleyball. Straight-up called a bunch of “no-names” by assistant team manager Kiara Cruz, Strong Group’s possible top options hail from the NCAA and a variety of lower-level leagues like Manny Pacquiao’s fledgling Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association. Hey, who knows? Maybe the “no-names” can introduce themselves under the brighter lights of the PVL with some huge upsets. No one is unbeatable in sports. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/volleyball/recap-premier-league-teams-moves-2023/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR14EhFoEk73AuSByYigB5y6jlygpj6Qb5YwBDASvB8UpqUF1RE294ytcKU_aem_xLA1Xqw4GsEFIRMZqFywbw	1
Gorayeb vows no bottom finish in PVL return with debuting Capital1	Jasmine Payo	25/01/2024 16:01	NEW SQUAD. Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb (left) faces the media together with team owners Milka (center) and Mandy Romero in an introductory press conference. PVL IMAGES MANILA, Philippines – Coach Roger Gorayeb returns to pro volleyball action with Capital1 Power Spikers, quickly setting modest but competitive goals for the newest team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). “I’m saying it now, I don’t want our team to end up in the bottom, even if we only have three weeks left before the competition,” Gorayeb said in Filipino during the team’s introductory press conference at Milky Way Café in Makati City on Thursday, January 25. The PVL All-Filipino Conference kicks off on February 20 at the Araneta Coliseum, with Capital1 taking over the slot left by F2 Logistics, which surprisingly disbanded last December. Heather Guino-o, Rovie Instrella, Jannine Navarro, Aiko Urdas, and Jorelle Singh are among the 23 pool of players Gorayeb tapped due to their experience. Gorayeb last mentored the PLDT High Speed Hitters inside the Ilocos PVL bubble in 2021. The champion coach said he only recently decided to return to the pro circuit after a three-year hiatus, accepting the offer after a strong pitch from team owners and sisters Milka and Mandy Romero. The two are daughters of sports patron Mikee Romero, the 1Pacman Representative who owns the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA, and previously Harbour Centre in the defunct Philippine Basketball League. He’s also among the managers of the La Salle Green Archers and the Philippine men’s basketball team. PVL \| WATCH: The Romero sisters talk about setting the team’s culture and managing the team from a former athlete’s point of view. #PVL2024 pic.twitter.com/S24w87iZYU “As you know, my reputation is I’m strict in practice,” said Gorayeb in Filipino. “I don’t want to dampen the enthusiasm of the owners, and I told them, ‘Di tayo magpapatalo ha (We won’t back down)!’ By all means… I told them, ‘Papatayin ko mga player na ‘to! May pampa-ospital pa naman kami (We’ll tire out our players, we’ll all be taking care of them anyway),” he added in jest. The Romeros said the goal is also to inspire more young volleyball players. “What we want to promise is to put on a good show,” said Capital1 team owner Milka Romero. “Hopefully, we’ll also be able to get our fans. We want them to enjoy this game, to inspire future volleyball players, women in sports.” PVL \| WATCH:SportsVision chief Ricky Palou explains why Capital1 was awarded the slot left by F2 Logistics over three other bidders. #PVL2024 pic.twitter.com/5IL3SrbJ2A – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/volleyball/gorayeb-vows-no-bottom-finish-premier-league-return-debuting-capital1-power-spikers-february-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3BfoEMPC1XRHVFPMMvDKa_-hY7uY4WAgpF6wbRWslpC8zU8u8PNnRU4zM_aem_E47o23F_b1Q-l0F0wdMNVg	1
Ancajas underdog vs Inoue in world title battle in Tokyo	Jasmine Payo	17/02/2024 20:19	BACK-TO-BACK. Jerwin Ancajas absorbs another resounding loss to Fernando Martinez in their rematch. Showtime Boxing Twitter page MANILA, Philippines – Jerwin Ancajas will be the underdog when he seeks Takuma Inoue’s World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight crown on Saturday, February 24, at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. Latest figures on betting sites put Ancajas at +250, meaning a $100 bet on the Filipino challenger becomes $250 if he wins. Takuma, younger brother of four-division world champion Naoya Inoue, was installed a -250 favorite, meaning a $250 bet on the Japanese will earn $100 if he prevails. For Ancajas, the former longtime International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion, and his trainer/manager Joven Jimenez, the odds hardly matter. They’ve trained long and hard for the fight originally set November 15 but got pushed back after Inoue sustained a fractured rib during training. Jimenez believes their preparations, which started in Las Vegas last June and picked up last December at the Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite, would be enough to put Ancajas back at the helm despite a 16-month layoff. Ancajas reigned at the 115-pound division from 2016 to 2020 before eventually outgrowing it and absorbing back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez. In his return on June 24, 2023, Ancajas fought at 121 pounds and stopped Wilner Soto in the fifth round. Now, Ancajas is dropping to 118, where his punching power that has knocked out 23 of his 34 victims in a record that also included 3 losses and 2 draws, would be felt more. Although Takuma is a light puncher (18-1, 4 knockouts), Jimenez said Ancajas won’t rush in and would measure up the Japanese’ prowess in the early rounds. Like Jimenez, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons believes that Takuma is a “very winnable” fight for Ancajas. Team Ancajas will be leaving for Tokyo on Sunday morning, February 18, and will train right away so as not to gain weight. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/boxing/jerwin-ancajas-underdog-vs-takuma-inoue-world-title-battle-tokyo-february-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2BYJWELns6S-Vd5Y4xJ1UqF4AMroA0ekrPO50DiTB6L_rSyM9yYrqaNKE_aem_lP952YBJQ_C4pa2Ua56Qdw	1
Meet some of the first couples who received Quezon City’s ‘right to care’ card	Russell Ku	18/02/2024 10:25	JR Tabor and Jeremy Abrogar receive their "right to care" cards from the Quezon City government on February 17, 2024. Russell Ku/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – As a new batch of LGBTQ+ couples sealed their commitment to each other in Quezon City (QC), 15 pairs finally received their right to make healthcare decisions for one another as they became the first batch to receive the city’s “right to care” card on Saturday, February 17. QC gender and development head Janete Oviedo said Saturday marked the first day of distribution for the “right to care” cards, which also marked the city’s fourth commitment ceremony. “We will start calling people who have ‘right to care’ cards for distribution. It will be given in the Gender and Development Office in Quezon City Hall,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino. Oviedo added that those who have yet to receive their cards have their own copies of the special power of attorney contracts which can be shown to hospitals in the city. The program was formally introduced during QC Pride in June 2023, with the first batch of couples signing their special power of attorney contracts in August. The ordinance for the program was also passed in October 20, 2023, with officials still drafting its implementing rules and regulations. Rappler talked to some of the couples who were filled with joy and excitement after receiving the card. Transgender woman Richard Ella and her partner Lester Paradero said that they felt “lucky” to be among the first QC residents to receive their own “right to care” cards. “Happy [ako] kasi…ako na lang po magdedesisyon para sa partner ko. At the same time, napakalayo ng pamilya [ni Lester] sa amin. Nasa Batangas ‘yung family niya na tawagan in case [may emergency],” Ella said. (I’m happy since I can make decisions for my partner. At the same time, Lester’s family is far from us. His family is in Batangas should we need to call them in case of emergencies.) The couple have been together for four years and decided to attend this year’s commitment ceremony to renew their vows for one another when they went to the event in 2021. They hope to start a business together to get “stable income” as Lester is earning money through contractual jobs. 35-year-old Leslie Ampo-an and her boyfriend Ash Musnit said that they were happy to finally receive the card as they witnessed their LGBTQ+ friends being denied by their family to visit their partners. “Bilang mga mahihirap na mamamayan ng Quezon City, nakapahirap po para sa amin na kahit mag-pacheck-up pa man lang. So importante na meron ‘right to care’ card kasama ng partner namin kasi there are instances po na may nangyayari sa amin pero never po nakikialam ‘yung partner,” Ampo-an said. (As we are among the marginalized sectors in Quezon City, it’s hard for us to even get ourselves a check-up. So it’s important that we have a “right to care” card with our partners since there are instances that something happens to us, but our partners can’t get involved.) JR Tabor and Jeremy Abrogar said they felt their bond got stronger when they finally got the card as they marked their 18th year as a couple this February. “Ngayon, mas safer na kami sa isa’t isa…kasi at least kahit malayo man kami sa family namin, at least mayroon ganitong card na kahit papaano na makakaensure kami na may right decision-maker para sa amin,” Tabor said. (We feel safer with each other because even if our families are far away from each other, at least there is this card that would ensure us that there is a right decision-maker for us.) Oviedo said more than 700 couples have signed up for the “right to care” card as of February 2024. Despite this development, city workers are still actively working to get LGBTQ+ couples in the city to sign up for the card. Workers were giving documents for the “right to care” card to interested couples in the commitment ceremony, with an orientation set for February 24. QC government workers are also giving documents for the city’s “right to care” card to interested couples. The card was introduced last year during QC Pride. It hopes to provide LGBTQ+ couples in the city with the right to make healthcare decisions for each other.15 couples… pic.twitter.com/dStFCmc5q5 Among those who received documents during the commitment ceremony was Kurt Mante and his 21-year-old girlfriend Nicole Delgado. The couple said that this was their first time hearing about the program and are undecided on signing up for the card. “‘Di ko pa masyado maintindihan. Kailangan ko ng explanation para ma-go din tayo parehas. (I don’t understand it that much. I need an explanation so that we both have the go [signal]),” Delgado said. Oviedo said that the QC government plans to do orientations in all of the city’s barangays. She added that they have also connected with LGBTQ+ organizations to also orient their members on the “right to care” card. Those who wish to avail of Quezon City’s “right to care card” can register by going to the Quezon City gender and development council office or through bit.ly/RightToCareReg. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/lgbtq-couples-receive-quezon-city-right-care-card-february-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR15J8nIHys0eAa4wTNh6kCMKhvnzxyX8J3pYCd5JUKcI36HqVd59KPmqYw_aem_zNQqiq7ajAUOsshO9VDXqg	1
Ticket prices, how to watch: Gilas Pilipinas at FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers	delfin.dioquino editor	16/02/2024 22:05	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 Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/philippine-team-games-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-ticket-prices-how-where-watch-february-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0wWXhapZQ1bH_uZmLzr32hdicKet5vbcJY9ZlxvfL6bs_Tr8D76DmRg1A_aem_qivdStaoxW3ewUz9I7cfCQ	1
FACT CHECK: Value of peso against dollar already declining during Marcos years	Lorenz Pasion	20/02/2024 12:04	Claim: The value of the peso against the US dollar started declining during the administration of former president Corazon Aquino. During the administration of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, the peso-dollar exchange rate was at P1 per dollar. Why we fact-checked this: The claim can be found in a video uploaded on February 8 by the YouTube channel “KAPATID AVINIDZ,” with 6,874 views, 604 likes, and 99 comments as of writing. At the 1:47 mark, the narrator says: “Matapos kumampi ang maraming Pilipino sa isang mangmang at sinungaling na lider [referring to Aquino who was shown at 1:51], nagsimulang bumaba ang kalidad ng ating gobyerno. Nagsimulang bumaba at bumaba ang halaga ng piso, na dati noong panahon ni Marcos, ay halos kasing-value, kasing-value na ng dolyar.” (After many Filipinos sided with a leader who was an ignoramus and a liar, the quality of our government started going down. The value of the peso started declining, whereas before, during Marcos’ time, it had almost the same value as the dollar.) The video was posted two weeks before the commemoration of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution which overthrew the Marcos dictatorship. The facts: The value of the peso against the dollar was already declining under the Marcos administration, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showing the monthly peso-dollar exchange rates from 1945 onwards. For December 1965, the month when the Marcos administration started, the average peso-dollar exchange rate was already at P3.91 to $1. By February 1986, when Marcos was ousted and Aquino became president, the average exchange rate was at P20.46 to $1 (month-end exchange rate for February 1986 was at P21.98 to $1). Contrary to the claim, the Philippine peso never achieved the P1 to $1 exchange rate during the Marcos years. According to BSP data, the average exchange rate was at P2 per dollar from 1945 to 1959, the highest level the Philippine peso has ever reached since 1945. Previous related fact-checks: Rappler has fact-checked similar claims as far back as 2019, when various Facebook pages falsely claimed that the exchange rate during the Marcos years was P1.50 to P2 per dollar. This was usually presented as proof of the late dictator’s supposed “achievements.” (READ: Marcos years marked ‘golden age’ of PH economy? Look at the data) Rappler has also fact-checked claims from the YouTube channel “KAPATID AVINIDZ” several times before: – Percival Bueser/ Rappler.com Percival Bueser 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. You may also report dubious claims to #FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. You may also report through our Viber fact check chatbot. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/value-peso-against-dollar-already-declining-during-marcos-years/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3d4K8p2putq_pEmXlzbB0jge2TV1JoCy3PWxkwxJG0HByWSOYVj2HPSYU_aem_EfhApaNRzSDnIJyyKjyfvg	1
UST orders TomasinoWeb to take down photo ‘ridiculing’ students	pfkahanap0307	19/02/2024 21:47	MANILA, Philippines – TomasinoWeb, the digital student media organization of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), temporarily stopped social media operations after the resignation of its publication adviser on Monday, February 19. This comes after the university’s Office for Student Affairs (OSA) ordered the organization to delete a photo of students from the College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) entering a convenience store inside the campus. OSA said the image caused “public ridicule.” The picture was a part of TomasinoWeb’s social media post on Thursday, February 15, which featured students from different colleges wearing their “Type B” uniforms, which are typically worn from Ash Wednesday until the end of the second semester. According to a report by The Varsitarian, there were jokes that compared the Type B uniform of the CICS students to those of convenience store employees. UST journalism instructor Leo Laparan II, who is also a desk editor at The Philippine Star, said in his resignation letter that “the recent turn of events has rendered my position in the student organization immaterial and insignificant moving forward.” “I felt like I was trampled upon with what happened. Natapakan yung pagka-journalist ko sa nangyari because that is a clear illustration of censorship,” he told reporters in an interview. Laparan will continue teaching journalism classes at the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters. Fr. Louie Coronel, UST’s secretary-general, told Rappler in an email on Tuesday, February 20, that “collaborative efforts are being undertaken to resolve the matter,” and that they “value the inputs shared on various platforms” as these help them deliberate on the matter. According to the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, having an adviser is only optional for student publications at the tertiary level. But technically, TomasinoWeb is not a student publication. Under UST guidelines, they are classified as a student organization. TomasinoWeb, like other student organizations, follows guidelines set by the OSA. Student publications, on the other hand, report to the Office of the Secretary-General. According to rules laid out by the OSA, when the adviser of a student organization resigns, it should “cease to post anything until such time that a new adviser is appointed.” Those who violate the policies may not be accredited to operate in the following academic year. How does this technicality affect the work of a student media organization? For TomasinoWeb president Jan Carlo Zamora, this means that they have no true freedom as part of the campus press. “We are not truly free to write and create content because we are subjected to checks by the office, while other student publications can be as expressive as they want,” he told Rappler in an interview. Laparan shared the same sentiment, adding that until it could operate “devoid of external forces,” TomasinoWeb cannot fulfill its true purpose. “I don’t think that it’s going to work because a media organization cannot fulfill its purpose, its duty to inform the public if there’s going to be intervention,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. Zamora hopes that Laparan’s resignation will serve as a call for university officials to create an environment where students can freely express themselves, and organizations like TomasinoWeb can start discussions on pressing campus issues. “His resignation, while a very huge loss to the organization, shall start a university-wide call for a better administration and for an environment where students can express themselves to their fullest,” he said. “TomasinoWeb has been in a very long standing fight for press freedom, only to end up like this.” Miguel Angelo Sumalinog, the organization’s executive editor, also urged the public to help call for press freedom, as it “goes beyond the matter of the issue inside the campus but to a national level as well.” But this is not the first time that UST’s student organizations have experienced intervention from university administrators. Laparan said that in December 2023, the OSA flagged the organization’s post about the jeepney modernization program, saying that this could be misinterpreted as the university’s stand on the controversy. Organizations also called out the university in 2020 for implementing stricter rules for social media posting. Back then, student leaders had to submit Permission to Post forms to their dean, Student Welfare and Development coordinator, and the OSA before releasing any publicity material or announcement online. The Varsitarian said in a report that those who fail to comply with the requirement will be reprimanded, and their accreditation to operate may be suspended or revoked. Processes like these, according to the National Union of Students in the Philippines, are “roundabout methods of legitimizing and extending student repression through online means.” While they are looking for a new adviser, TomasinoWeb will continue to post updates on its website, especially during UAAP Season 86 and the upcoming student council elections in UST. Its officers are also coordinating with its alumni and other press freedom advocates to discuss the next steps for their organization. On Wednesday, February 21, hundreds of UST alumni signed a petition showing solidarity with TomasinoWeb and urging the university administration to end their “repressive, arbitrary, and outdated policies.” “It is clear that what brought UST public ridicule is not TomasinoWeb’s photo but the university itself and its refusal to uphold and recognize students’ rights,” the petition said. Interested alumni can still sign the petition through standwithtomasinoweb.com. Progressive groups were also quick to show support for the student media. Just hours after Laparan’s resignation, student activists held a protest outside the university to call for campus press freedom. Progressive groups were also quick to show support for the student media. Just hours after Laparan’s resignation, student activists held a protest outside the university to call for campus press freedom. Student activists gather outside the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on Monday, February 19, to call for campus press freedom.This comes after TomasinoWeb, UST’s digital media organization, was forced to take down a photo of students from the College of Information and… pic.twitter.com/p4VlLgsA6n In a statement, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines slammed UST for its order, as well as its “long history of academic freedom violations and disregard of genuine student concerns.” Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines blasted UST for the imposed takedown and its “elitist stance,” urging them to protect press freedom and “uphold the dignity of work and honor the workers’ contributions to the Philippine society.” [STATEMENT] Stop censoring the campus pressAny imposed takedown, especially over an imagined slight and not because of a factual or ethical lapse, erodes press freedom and the independence of the press. pic.twitter.com/Ww9usw1fyY The issue revived discussions on the amendment of the Campus Journalism Act, which has several flaws that compromise campus press freedom, including the lack of provisions protecting editorial independence. In 2021, former Kabataan representative Sarah Elago renewed her push for House Bill No. 319 or the Campus Press Freedom bill, which hopes to better protect campus journalists and hold erring administrators accountable. The bill was not passed into law. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/censorship-tomasinoweb-university-santo-tomas-photo-takedown/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0j47U0z3EW-T6I8VJ68gkHcMs1rcosmp9ctl9XqSLJDqg2Od82eV9uJ2E_aem_5aa3EwmVICf6PZSncrPKGA	1
Listen more and judge less, Manila archbishop tells pro-life advocates	Paterno Esmaquel II	19/02/2024 23:13	WALK FOR LIFE. Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula delivers the homily during the Walk for Life at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, February 17, 2024. Archdiocese of Manila - Office of Communications MANILA, Philippines – Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula challenged pro-life advocates to listen more to modern families, and to judge them less, so that the Catholic Church can better respond to the “dominant values” of the world today. “Kailangan na rin nating harapin ang katotohanan na napakaraming isyu sa pamilya at lipunan ngayon ang hindi na maaaring sagutin ng, ‘Huwag ka nang magtanong, sumunod ka lang,’” Advincula said on Saturday, February 17, during the Walk for Life event at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. “We need to engage in more listening and dialogue,” he said. Advincula, 71, a canon lawyer who studied at UST and later at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, said the Catholic Church remains clear about its teachings on family and life. The 2,000-year-old institution, however, needs to “rethink” its “approaches, methodologies, and strategies,” according to the former archbishop of Capiz. “How do we deal with the dilemmas and complexities of modern families? The irregular situations in the home, the diversity in understanding identity and personhood, the wounds caused and inflicted because of polarization even in the home,” Advincula said. Advincula, whom Pope Francis named Manila archbishop in 2021, echoed the pontiff’s call for “synodality,” his move to make the hugely hierarchical Catholic Church more consultative. Jesus, he said, even “dined and dialogued with the known sinners of his time.” The cardinal said the human being of today, in the words of Pope Saint Paul VI, “listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” “Families today, including and especially the young people, need accompaniment in their journey. They don’t need more judgments and condemnations,” said Advincula. “To lead people to the truth, we must do so in love,” he added. Held from 4 to 8 am at UST on Saturday, Walk for Life was attended by clergymen, consecrated persons, seminarians, and lay Catholics who held placards against same-sex marriage, abortion, euthanasia and other measures deemed to be “against life.” Up to 3,000 Catholics joined this event, according to organizers cited by the news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Concelebrating the Mass with Advincula were Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, and Dipolog Bishop Severo Caermare, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity. The Manila archbishop made his call for dialogue as the influence of the Catholic Church declines in issues such as marriage and the use of contraceptives. According to the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study, fewer Filipino youth aged 15 to 24 years old were raised by both parents. They comprised 66% of male and female youth respondents in 2021, compared to 84% in 1994. When it comes to premarital sex, from 17% in 1994, the percentage of Filipino youth who have engaged in this activity rose to 23% in 2002, then to 32% in 2013. It dropped to 22% in 2021, a year of pandemic lockdowns. In terms of government policies, however, surveys show that most Filipino adults still hew closely to the stance of the Catholic Church. Octa Research found in October 2023 that 51% of Filiipinos oppose the legalization of divorce, while the Social Weather Stations found in March 2018 that only two out of 10 Filipinos favor same-sex marriage. Aside from being a wake-up call for the Catholic Church, Advincula’s words provided a peek into the mind of the Manila archbishop, who has managed to keep a low profile compared to his predecessor, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle or the late Cardinal Jaime Sin, whose powerful voice helped remove dictator Ferdinand Marcos on February 25, 1986. Advincula, who goes by the Latin motto audiam, which means “I will listen,” is known for his pastoral approach in running a diocese – which means tending more to the needs of the flock, rather than focusing on high theology or involvement in politics. This was seen in how he built “mission stations” in far-flung areas in Capiz, his marching orders as soon as he took office. The prelate continued this project in the Archdiocese of Manila, as in the way he transformed mall chapels into “mission stations” as well. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/manila-archbishop-jose-cardinal-advincula-homily-walk-for-life-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0VT52Z8G4hWBit9dD0srAph_QZyoUAbaC5m9xySDJ9Yue67TtPa5VnWnI_aem_44CwS0FP1wsXNHmMQ3F6HQ	1
2,669 communities highly vulnerable to landslides in Davao Region – OCD	Herbie G	20/02/2024 9:51	BURIED. An aerial view of the Masara landslide in Maco town, Davao de Oro. Office of Civil Defense-Davao DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) identified on Monday, February 19, at least 2,669 communities that are endangered of being wiped out by landslides across the Davao region. The disclosure came amid mounting calls for the government to strictly enforce recommendations outlined in the hazard map produced by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), following a recent deadly landslide that claimed numerous lives in the mining village of Davao de Oro province. Ednar Dayanghirang, OCD-Davao Region director, said there was an urgent need for the government to address the looming landslide disasters in these areas to prevent another catastrophic event like the massive landslide that struck the mining village of Masara in the town of Maco in Davao de Oro province on February 6. As of 7 pm on February 18, the provincial government of Davao de Oro reported that disaster responders had retrieved 98 cadavers from the landslide area in Barangay Masara, with efforts ongoing to locate the eight more still missing. Speaking at the Kapehan sa Davao forum in Davao City, Dayanghirang pointed out that the threat of landslides is a national problem requiring a strategic solution. “There should be legislation with teeth to enforce the no-build-zone recommendations of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. While local ordinances are in place, landslide disasters are a national issue. We need national legislation with enforceable measures,” said Dayanghirang. MGB-Davao said it had recommended in 2008 for the local government of Davao de Oro to declare the landslide area in the village of Masara as a no-build-zone following a similar tragedy that claimed numerous lives in the same village that year. However, the recommendation from MGB-Davao went unheeded as thousands continued to construct structures such as residential houses, a bus terminal for workers of mining firm Apex Mining Corporation, and even a barangay hall. In nearby Davao Oriental province, which also experienced a series of recent massive landslides and flash floods, calls have intensified for the government to relocate immediately those residing in landslide and flood-prone areas to safer grounds. “Local government units must utilize and not disregard the geohazard maps. We call upon all local councils to enforce the implementation of relocation plans for high-risk settlements, and urge city planning and housing departments to take proactive measures,” said Dr. Roy Ponce, president of the state-run Davao Oriental State University. Ponce said the Masara tragedy should serve as a wake-up call, especially for key political and developmental stakeholders. He said Davao Oriental’s infrastructure is weak in all aspects and that a mere four days of heavy rainfall have proven to be disastrous for many areas. Ponce called on the government to ensure that local infrastructure is reinforced to withstand disasters. “May our local leaders learn valuable lessons from the deadly landslides and heavy floods that hit our province. May they come up with a strong design and a clear development direction that would ensure the safety of everyone and set aside corruption. Otherwise, these deadly disasters would never end and the people would just get used to it,” he said. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/communities-highly-vulnerable-landslides-davao-region/	1
La Union tourism industry sees recovery from pandemic slump	Herbie G	20/02/2024 10:36	LA UNION SURFING. A surfer wades through the surf during the World Surfing League in San Juan town in La Union province. La Union provincial government ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – Tourism in La Union is on the rebound, with an uptick in visitor numbers signaling a recovery from the COVID-19 travel restrictions that plagued the industry since early 2020. La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David said on Friday, February 16, that tourism in province has been steadily climbing following the pandemic-induced slump. Data reveals an 11% surge in arrivals in 2023 compared to 2022, indicating a promising trend for the region. In 2019, before the pandemic hit, the province logged some 660,096 tourists. The 2023 figures, however, showed signs of recovery as around 550,359 tourists – 6,450 foreigners and 543,909 domestic tourists – visited La Union compared to the 494,387 in 2022, data from the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) showed. The figures exclude “the number of day visitors who come to our province for a quick getaway given our proximity to key cities in the country,” said David. In its La Union Wonders and Adventure, Visitor Experience Survey which tracks tourists’ behavior and purchase preferences and habits, it was shown that 57% of the total arrivals in 2023 were returning visitors. The survey also showed that more tourists visited the province during “holidays and long weekends.” The 2023 arrivals translated to P1 billion in tourism revenues, a 16% jump from the P897 million recorded in 2022, the data revealed. The Urbiztondo beach in San Juan town remained to attract the most number of tourists in the province last year, with 257,559 day visitors. Known for being a surfing capital and its easy proximity to the country’s capital, San Juan also offers a getaway for its laid-back vibes and spirited nightlife. In January this year, the town also played host to the World Surfing League for its second consecutive year. During the event, the province hoped to increase its arrivals to 5% during the period of the competition from the previous influx of tourists at 17,976 visitors in 2023. Aside from the beaches in San Juan, Namacpacan Church in Luna and Macho Temple in the capital city of San Fernando were also listed as the top tourist destinations in the province in 2023. Based on tourism data, 77% of the province’s tourist arrivals in 2023 comprised young adults. Many of the visitors came from areas in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calamba, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Ilocos. For this year, the provincial government is eyeing to increase its tourist arrivals by 3% by developing tour packages and ramping up its advertising of its beach tourism. The tourism recovery paves the way for “opportunities to our local businesses and strengthen our local economy as we gear towards positioning La Union to be the heart of agri-tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025,” said David. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/la-union-tourism-industry-recovery-pandemic-slump-february-2024/	1
Taiwanese minister says China coast guard triggers panic by boarding Taiwan tourist boat	Victor Barreiro Jr.	20/02/2024 10:25	KUAN BI-LING. Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling speaks to the media before entering the parliament in Taipei, Taiwan February 20, 2024. Ann Wang/Reuters TAIPEI, Taiwan – The boarding of a Taiwanese tourist boat by China’s coast guard triggered panic among Taiwanese people, a Taiwan minister said on Tuesday, February 20, as tensions rise across the sensitive Taiwan Strait. China announced on Sunday that its coast guard would begin regular patrols and set up law enforcement activity around the Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen, following the death of two Chinese nationals fleeing Taiwan’s coast guard having entered into waters too close to Kinmen. Six Chinese coast guard officers on Monday boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat carrying 11 crew members and 23 passengers to check its route plan, certificate and crew licenses, leaving around half an hour later, Taiwan’s coast guard said. “We think it has harmed our people’s feelings and triggered people’s panic. That was also not in line with the interest of the people across the strait,” Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, told reporters outside the parliament in Taipei on Tuesday. Kuan said it was common for Chinese and Taiwanese tourist boats to accidentally entered the other side’s waters. “Boats like these are not illegal at all,” she said. Kinmen is a short boat ride from the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Quanzhou and has been controlled by Taipei since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists, who set up the People’s Republic of China. Kinmen was the site of frequent fighting during the height of the Cold War but is now a popular tourist destination, though many of its islets are heavily fortified by Taiwanese forces and remain off limits to civilians. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to take control of the democratically-governed island. The Taipei government says only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/china-coast-guard-triggers-panic-boarding-taiwan-tourist-boat/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2ctGNem5Aua78CgIv3jvvmHuccocj64UQKMdmfyjs1vRoBuAuxXppJZm0_aem_-snL-d7v8U86SUsXjLNY_w	1
Frustrated murder complaint filed against suspect in Subic road violence incident	Joann Manabat - CMS	20/02/2024 11:51	ROAD RAGE. A portion of the video shows an SUV ramming a compact car from behind while the two victims are seen standing nearby. Screengrab via Facebook PAMPANGA, Philippines – The victims of a road violence incident in Subic Freeport in Zambales have filed a frustrated murder complaint against a female suspect in Bataan on Monday, February 19. Lawyer Norman Pamintuan, 70, and his personal assistant, Jennnifer Flores, 37, filed the complaint against Joan Montes before the prosecutor’s office in Balanga town. Montes is said to be a former client of Pamintuan. Based on the report obtained by Rappler, on February 16, Pamintuan was driving a Hyundai Eon with Flores, on their way to Binictican Housing, when Joan Montes, who was driving a Toyota Fortuner, allegedly followed them and then hit their car. Montes maneuvered her SUV and hit the victim’s compact car, as seen in a viral video uploaded on Facebook. Pamintuan and Flores managed to get out of the car when the suspect rammed the Eon several times before fleeing the scene. Pamintuan, a retired judge, said that the action of the suspect is “a clear case of frustrated murder with intent to kill,” the report said. Flores told Rappler in an interview that Montes should be “held accountable for what she had done.” “Kilala namin siya. Isa siya sa mga client ni Attorney (We know here. She’s among the clients of Attorney),” she said. Flores said that Pamintuan had to withdraw from Montes’ estafa case as he fell ill and had to be hospitalized in July 2023. Flores said that the car was damaged but neither of them sustained injuries. She added prior to the incident, they attended a hearing in San Felipe, Zambales. Pamintuan had previously filed alarm and scandal, malicious mischief and threat, and carnapping complaints against Montes in September 2023, according to the police report. In December 2023, the same Fortuner was also involved in a vehicular accident in Subic. Based on the vehicle’s records, it is registered to Toyota Financial Services Philippines and leased to another individual at the time of the accident but it was driven by Montes, the report also said. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II has ordered an investigation into the incident. Rappler reached out to LTO Central Luzon Director Ronnie Montejo. We will update this story once we receive his response. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/suspect-subic-road-violence-incident-frustrated-murder-complaint/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Vtv-GeVXfQ42j1Y_Erq59xUZVwbjNU5f-5CJ0aUVkWgX0cibhXk8TwcQ_aem_jj5kS4_GdUjaFb6IpeC9bg	1
FAST FACTS: OFW abuses in South Korea’s Seasonal Worker Program	Michelle Abad	16/02/2024 7:30	GANGWON PROVINCE. Gimyujeong-ro's Gangchon Rail Park in Gangwon-do, South Korea. Gangwon province is one of the destinations of seasonal workers. Carl Kho on Unsplash MANILA, Philippines – A new study from civil society groups found the prevalence of labor rights abuses among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in South Korea’s Seasonal Worker Program (SWP). Because the SWP is facilitated by partner local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines and Korea, one would expect close monitoring of adherence to the workers’ human rights. But the report, conducted by the Joint Committee with Migrants in Korea (JCMK) and the Migrant Forum in Asia, found grim realities: the program is tainted with irregularities and exploitation. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives and Department of Migrant Workers officials also earlier raised concerns about the program. In January, the DMW announced that it had halted deployment of Filipinos as seasonal workers to Korea, following a number of complaints about their working conditions. Here are some things to know about the program, and how abuses happen. According to the Korea Immigration Service, the SWP recruits migrant workers for short periods to address chronic labor shortages during Korea’s busy farming and fishing season. The program has been in place since 2017 though the Philippines began deploying workers around 2022. Such shortages occur because of Korea’s aging workforce, the research said. Because workers are seasonal, their contracts usually last around five to eight months. Workers are expected to return to their home countries, but they may also reapply for a new season. The Philippines is just one of the countries sending its citizens to be seasonal workers in Korea. Others include fellow developing countries Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Nepal. Under Philippine migration governance, agencies that recruit Filipinos for work abroad should be accredited by the DMW. Under the SWP, Philippine LGUs have memoranda of understanding with their counterpart LGUs in South Korea. As the sister LGUs facilitate the recruitment on their own, the DMW is left out of the loop. The study noted a lack of policy coherence between sending countries and South Korea. The non-supervision of a national authority whose mandate is OFW protection makes the deployment process prone to irregularity and non-uniformity. In Talisay, Batangas, the research found that local officials were “relying on a private individual” to handle the documentation of seasonal worker applicants, while others were sent through other local governments. The report also said that there was no regular monitoring system for salaries – like the modes of payment, or if these comply with minimum wages. Worker-applicants also had to make a deposit with the sending LGUs before departure. This was meant to be a preventive measure against overstaying, but the report said this is abuse of human rights. Criticism prompted the Korean government to scrap the return deposit system in 2022, but JCMK’s survey found that sending local governments were still requiring repatriation bonds. On February 8, the Department of Justice issued a legal opinion on the Korean SWP. The DOJ recognized the authority for LGUs to enter into sisterhood agreements with LGUs abroad based on the Local Government Code, while also recognizing the DMW’s authority to regulate recruitment. “The autonomy granted to LGUs to enter into agreements with foreign counterparts does not deprive the DMW the authority to regulate the deployment of seasonal Filipino workers overseas,” the DOJ opinion reads. It’s one thing to have the right to sisterhood agreements, but it’s another to deploy workers, which may seem out of the ordinary. Does this mean that the past deployments within LGUs were a form of illegal recruitment? DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Cacdac said that the department was now “correcting precisely what had transpired.” “We will also be mindful of exorbitant fees. Because as you know, that’s part of the recruitment process. Of course, for the most part, wrongful charging of fees would constitute illegal recruitment under our laws, so babantayan din po natin ‘yan (we will closely monitor this, too),” Cacdac said in a press briefing on Monday, February 19. Most seasonal workers surveyed said they were paid between 1.8 million and 2.2 million KRW, or P75,600 to P92,400 monthly. Such a salary – for a blue-collar job at that – is only a dream for many Filipinos. To compare, the minimum wage for agriculture workers in Metro Manila, which consistently records the highest minimum wages in the country, is just P573 a day or a little over P12,400 a month. In reality, the study found, brokers intervene in sending remittances and managing the workers’ stay in Korea, “perpetrating a spectrum of human rights violations.” Brokers were reported to collect high recruitment and visa facilitation fees, deduct hefty amounts from workers’ remittances, and sexually harass workers. If workers live in isolated areas, they are also at risk of forced labor and trafficking. Some workers are deployed without contracts. In the case of at least 124 seasonal workers from “Lubau City” cited in the study (which may be referring to Lubao, Pampanga, which has deployed seasonal workers) and who went to Seongju county, the “most problematic issue” was the improper payment of salaries, the report said. Their monthly salary was 2.1 million KRW, which is subject to a deduction of 200,000 KRW for room and board. But, citing a September 2022 Korea Daily report, the research said the workers’ take-home pay ended up at just half, at 1 million KRW, because of brokers’ deductions. In November 2023, the DMW said it was not stopping the coordination among LGUs with sisterhood agreements. However, the department asked to be involved in the vetting process. On February 7, the DMW released interim guidelines on processing Filipino workers for the Korean SWP. These guidelines outlined requirements for LGUs, which included memoranda of agreement, and an undertaking that no illegal or unauthorized fees should be collected from applicants either in the Philippines or Korea. In the guidelines, officially DMW Advisory No. 1-A, series of 2024, LGUs were also advised to coordinate with the DMW before the departure of their constituent-SWP workers. Cacdac further clarified in the Monday briefing that the DMW would be handling the recruitment processes, but it will delegate tasks unrelated to recruitment to the LGU, such as education and pre-deployment orientation seminars. LGUs are also tasked to monitor the situations of their constituents for any unusual or untoward incidents, so that the DMW can act on complaints as necessary. The DMW added that it was also building cases against individuals whom they had become aware were acting as brokers. – Rappler.com 1 KRW = P0.042 Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-ofw-abuses-south-korea-seasonal-worker-program/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1E4wPnCo0FGxuWdCa-gh7Q3sRuzQ1udlzutnh9JvAZZaQgB1lwHhhM2CU_aem_o-LmWM1POtcURrXNvT75gg	1
Cone wants Gilas ‘to stay with the process’ as it aims to reach the Olympics	delfin.dioquino editor	19/02/2024 22:33	MENTOR. Head coach Tim Cone while calling the shots for Gilas Pilipinas. Inspire Sports Academy Facebook page MANILA, Philippines – For Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone, the journey is just as significant as the destination. Cone underscored the importance of laying down a solid foundation as he looks to steer the national team to greater heights in his four years at the helm – a quest that begins in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Months after guiding the Nationals to a historic Asian Games crown in October, Cone will once again call the shots as the Philippines faces Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei on February 22 and 25, respectively. “We want to be goal-oriented. We want to be thinking about goals, but it’s more important for us to be growth-oriented,” said Cone on Monday, February 19, in a press conference organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. “And to become growth-oriented, we got to stay with the process. And that’s what I hope these guys are getting and will continue to get as their mindset, that they’re process-oriented.” One of the goals Cone has set for Gilas is ending an over half-a-century absence in the Olympics. The Philippines last sent a men’s basketball team to the Summer Games in 1972, when the likes of legends Bogs Adornado, Freddie Webb, Manny Paner, Yoyong Martirez, and Danny Florencio donned the national colors. Cone said the target is to qualify either for the 2024 Paris Olympics in France or the 2028 Los Angeles Games in the United States. After the first window of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, Gilas will get a crack at a Paris berth through the Riga, Latvia leg of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July. “That’s our goal,” said Cone about making the Olympics. “But that’s not our focus. We’re not going to be thinking about that or talking about that as a group.” “Our focus is what’s going to take us to get there? And that’s that day-to-day process that we’re going to battle. This window here is a part of the process and it’s going to take us forward, get us advanced.” Beating world No. 78 Chinese Taipei and No. 119 Hong Kong should be a doable task for No. 38 Philippines, and Cone hopes his wards develop good habits. “Yes, it’s important that we win, but it’s even more important that we build a foundation from which we can bring into the next window and from which we can bring into the next one and the next one after that,” Cone said. Cone and Gilas fly to Hong Kong on Tuesday. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/tim-cone-important-laying-down-solid-foundation-philippine-team/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1Q3LReCkB5w7opfluEV1nPcHkASLwRxoJ6-votT0EwOlvra4xWgsE5PdA_aem_IHuJB7DZFHMYcsOzTt7YOw	1
Doctor’s orders: June Mar Fajardo to sit out Gilas Pilipinas action	delfin.dioquino editor	19/02/2024 23:23	SIZE UP. June Mar Fajardo in action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 19th Asian Games. PSC-POC Media Pool MANILA, Philippines – Health comes first for June Mar Fajardo this time around. Gilas Pilipinas will miss June Mar Fajardo in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers as the 6-foot-10 big man sits out the pair of home-and-away games against Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong due to a calf injury. “It’s unfortunate because I want to play for Gilas, but my doctor told me to rest,” Fajardo said on Monday, February 19, in a press conference organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Fajardo sustained the injury in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals earlier this February. The seven-time MVP went against the doctor’s advice to take a break as he helped San Miguel finish off Magnolia in six games en route to a record-extending 29th title, averaging 16 points and 13 rebounds in the finals. His mission with the Beermen accomplished, Fajardo is now doing as he is told by his doctor. Fajardo said he will be out for about two weeks, although he will stay with the team. “I’m doing my best to heal right away so I’ll be able to catch up in our practices,” said Fajardo, who only watched as the national team trained at the PhilSports Arena on Monday. Aside from Fajardo, 6-foot-10 big man AJ Edu is also sidelined with a torn meniscus, further depleting Gilas’ frontcourt unit. To add much-needed size, head coach Tim Cone tapped his Barangay Ginebra ward Japeth Aguilar to reinforce the squad in the first window. Gilas leaves on Tuesday to face Hong Kong on the road on February 22 before it returns home to tangle with Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/june-mar-fajardo-heeds-doctor-advice-miss-action-february-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2sbkLAQheHV2wND14vyQ26r9VuLT1wpcW5NzL7P2Zu9EuZ2m74jAcjr-c_aem_6EUqu_CYUGiyu5gLokBpTQ	1
IN PHOTOS: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates	Ysa Abad	19/02/2024 11:28	MANILA, Philippines – The search for our next Miss Universe Philippines officially begins! The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization introduced on Sunday, February 18, the 55 candidates who are competing in the pageant’s 2024 edition. For the first time in the pageant’s history, this year’s candidates were chosen through the Accredited Partners Program, wherein only accredited partners approved by the MUPH organization can select the candidates from their respective localities through local pageants or appointments. Meaning, these official delegates in the national competition were either representatives appointed by these partners or winners of the local pageants. 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). The 2024 roster also includes candidates representing overseas Filipino communities, such as Australia, northern and southern California, Florida, Hawaii, Miami, and the United Kingdom. As of writing, the organization has yet to announce the details for its national pageant. Makati’s Michelle Dee, who finished in the Top 10 of the international edition, will be crowning her successor. 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. Here are the official photos of the delegates posted by the MUPH organization: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/photos-miss-universe-philippines-2024-candidates/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3GB1vwH5MAvY6hZnZfu0IgSfhVx_j7WrZL_QSvosW82Ijz5wOf0M-l8nQ_aem_BL0BINQEg4U1zOZN2kRNXg	1
Meet the queens representing PH in 5 int’l pageants	Ysa Abad	19/02/2024 14:21	The Miss Philippines' Facebook MANILA, Philippines – The Miss Philippines organization has named five Filipina beauty queens as the country’s representatives in international pageants. On Sunday, February 18, the organization held its appointment ceremony, wherein they announced the official titles for its 2023 queens. Bulacan’s Alethea Ambrosio, who was crowned Miss Philippines 2023 during the Filipino Festival Awards Night in October, will be the country’s representative to the Miss Supranational 2024 pageant. Ambrosio is succeeding Pauline Amelinckx, the first The Miss Philippines titleholder. Amelinckx finished as first runner-up in the Miss Supranational 2023 pageant. The Philippines has only won the Miss Supranational title once, with Mutya Daul in 2013. Aside from Ambrosio, the rest of the final four delegates in the October 2023 pageant were also appointed on Sunday. Northern California’s Blessa Ericha Figueroa is the country’s delegate for Miss Asia Pacific while Mandaluyong’s Issa de los Santos will participate in the Miss Aura pageant. Cebu City’s Chantal Elise Schmidt is representing the Philippines in Miss Eco International while Southern California’s Hannah Uyan will be competing in Miss Eco Teen pageant. As of writing, there’s no final details yet regarding the schedule of activities of these international pageants. The Miss Philippines pageant held its inaugural edition in 2023. The newly-launched competition aimed to deviate from more conventional notions of what a pageant looks like. For their format, one of the major changes they announced was opting out of holding a swimsuit competition. As a means to “reinvent pageantry,” the pageant will instead have candidates deliver “Ted Talk-type speeches” and undergo a “Cannes-inspired red carpet segment” for formal wear. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/queens-representing-philippines-miss-supranational-asia-pacific-aura-eco-teen-international-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1pzD7TFlxJ2qxLBYNQTTHUP0zbLUZR8X3e-GgqVDhxCWJwHLT6DHE0dBw_aem_oz2k3G-5Wdph_zsqlW0puw	1
Next generation of Ayala leaders step into the spotlight at media party	Ralf Rivas	19/02/2024 21:03	MEDIA NIGHT. Jaime Urquijo, Jaime Alfonso, and Mariana Zobel de Ayala host the inaugural media night of the Ayala Group on Friday, February 16, 2024. Ralf Rivas/Rappler The eighth-generation of Zobel de Ayalas, the clan that controls the Philippines’ oldest conglomerate, got to know members of the press through its inaugural media night. For the first time, the daughter of Ayala Group chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Mariana, son Jaime Alfonso, and nephew Jaime Urquijo went all on stage for some brief speeches, happily played some party games, and danced to ballroom music. The Zobel brothers, Jaime Augusto and Fernando, were noticeably absent in the event in Dusit Thani in Makati. The last media night they attended was in 2019. Ayala executives told some reporters that the media night, held last Friday, February 16, was meant to highlight the next C-suite leaders. Meeting the press for the first time is some sort of rite of passage for any business leader. Informal events, more so a party, is the best time for the public to have a glimpse of their character. The media also uses this social event to give out their calling cards, with some even attempting to ask burning questions about the companies they cover. Mariana, who was deemed somewhat shy by some members of the media in previous events, was the most energetic of the three on media night. She was the most competitive in the party games, strategizing how her team would give the best answers in a game of Family Feud hosted by Ogie Alcasid. Meanwhile, two young men also loosened up, bantering with the press on the sidelines of the event. The three are expected to engage with the media even more, as they assume bigger responsibilities and eventually take over in leading Ayala Corporation (AC) and its subsidiaries with interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, energy, health, logistics, and other industries. It’s also important for the public to get to know them. During the party, AC Logistics president Rene Almendras emphasized that the Ayala clan was instrumental in the development of key infrastructure and real estate in the Philippines. Prior to media night, Mariana, Jaime Alfonso, and Jaime were last seen together in a Christmas party for the conglomerate’s employees. Mariana, the eldest of Jaime Augusto and Lizzie Zobel de Ayala, was named senior vice president of Ayala Land and president of Ayala Malls last October 2023. Just recently, she led Ayala Land’s unveiling of the P13-billion redevelopment plan for their flagship malls. The 36-year-old is also a board member of AREIT Inc. and was the senior vice president of Bank of the Philippine Islands. She has a degree in social studies from Harvard and an MBA from INSEAD. Her brother, Jaime Alfonso, is currently the head of AC Motors. His first major media engagement was in October 2023, when AC Motors and Bosch unveiled a plan to open some 20 new outlets in 2024 and expand the network to 60 in the next five years. The partnership will serve current internal combustion engine-run vehicles and will eventually have repair and maintenance capabilities for electric vehicles. The 34-year-old is also a Harvard graduate and has an MBA from Columbia. He graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with primary concentration in government in 2013, and got his Masters of Business Administration from Columbia Business School in New York, in 2019. The cousin of Mariana and Jaime Alfonso, Jaime Urquijo, is currently Ayala Corporation’s chief sustainability and risk officer (photo below). The 36-year-old is also the director of BPI, Integrated Micro Electronics, AC Industrial Technology Holdings, and Merlin Solar Technology. He was previously ACEN’s vice president for business development, leading the company’s portfolio expansion in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Jaime earned his degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame and boasts of an MBA from INSEAD. With the three stepping into the spotlight and embracing bigger roles, should the media expect more interviews with them? Perhaps a guesting on Rappler’s Business Sense soon? – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/next-generation-ayala-leaders-step-spolight-media-party-february-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2s9HGDJsYIkTcn--UY_VV24ExLuAoi6IvG2vPva1C4ZYl15rlrZzZ12oM_aem_eFvyOenjj22XM7tm4RRfTA	1
Veteran director Tikoy Aguiluz dies at 72	Marguerite de Leon	19/02/2024 17:10	From Tikoy Aguiluz's YouTube channel MANILA, Philippines – Veteran filmmaker Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI has died, Aguiluz’s family confirmed in a statement to media on Monday, February 19. He was 72. “While we grieve this loss deeply, we kindly ask for your understanding as we choose to mourn in private for the time being,” the statement read. “We assure you that once we are ready, we will share details about a public service where all who knew and loved Direk Tikoy can join us in paying tribute and saying our final goodbyes,” it added. The University of the Philippines (UP) grad was best known for directing the drama Boatman (1985), the neo-noir Segurista (1996), and the historical biopic Rizal sa Dapitan (1997), among other titles. He has received many accolades for his films, including multiple Gawad Urians for Segurista, the Grand Jury Prize at the Brussels International Film Festival for Rizal sa Dapitan, and France’s Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his body of work. Aguiluz also co-founded the UP Film Center and founded the Cinemanila International Film Festival. The Filipino film community has taken to social media to mourn the loss of one of their industry’s esteemed names: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/veteran-director-tikoy-aguiluz-dies/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR12ol4W-izhxVY_4ex981thGx_CCXuqZH7hgJipPQeI6O6otLolgAw7Yis_aem_Ydp2TGZ13TNNSpNzGpp9BQ	1
Next generation of Ayala leaders step into the spotlight at media party	Ralf Rivas	19/02/2024 21:03	MEDIA NIGHT. Jaime Urquijo, Jaime Alfonso, and Mariana Zobel de Ayala host the inaugural media night of the Ayala Group on Friday, February 16, 2024. Ralf Rivas/Rappler The eighth-generation of Zobel de Ayalas, the clan that controls the Philippines’ oldest conglomerate, got to know members of the press through its inaugural media night. For the first time, the daughter of Ayala Group chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Mariana, son Jaime Alfonso, and nephew Jaime Urquijo went all on stage for some brief speeches, happily played some party games, and danced to ballroom music. The Zobel brothers, Jaime Augusto and Fernando, were noticeably absent in the event in Dusit Thani in Makati. The last media night they attended was in 2019. Ayala executives told some reporters that the media night, held last Friday, February 16, was meant to highlight the next C-suite leaders. Meeting the press for the first time is some sort of rite of passage for any business leader. Informal events, more so a party, is the best time for the public to have a glimpse of their character. The media also uses this social event to give out their calling cards, with some even attempting to ask burning questions about the companies they cover. Mariana, who was deemed somewhat shy by some members of the media in previous events, was the most energetic of the three on media night. She was the most competitive in the party games, strategizing how her team would give the best answers in a game of Family Feud hosted by Ogie Alcasid. Meanwhile, two young men also loosened up, bantering with the press on the sidelines of the event. The three are expected to engage with the media even more, as they assume bigger responsibilities and eventually take over in leading Ayala Corporation (AC) and its subsidiaries with interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, energy, health, logistics, and other industries. It’s also important for the public to get to know them. During the party, AC Logistics president Rene Almendras emphasized that the Ayala clan was instrumental in the development of key infrastructure and real estate in the Philippines. Prior to media night, Mariana, Jaime Alfonso, and Jaime were last seen together in a Christmas party for the conglomerate’s employees. Mariana, the eldest of Jaime Augusto and Lizzie Zobel de Ayala, was named senior vice president of Ayala Land and president of Ayala Malls last October 2023. Just recently, she led Ayala Land’s unveiling of the P13-billion redevelopment plan for their flagship malls. The 36-year-old is also a board member of AREIT Inc. and was the senior vice president of Bank of the Philippine Islands. She has a degree in social studies from Harvard and an MBA from INSEAD. Her brother, Jaime Alfonso, is currently the head of AC Motors. His first major media engagement was in October 2023, when AC Motors and Bosch unveiled a plan to open some 20 new outlets in 2024 and expand the network to 60 in the next five years. The partnership will serve current internal combustion engine-run vehicles and will eventually have repair and maintenance capabilities for electric vehicles. The 34-year-old is also a Harvard graduate and has an MBA from Columbia. He graduated from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with primary concentration in government in 2013, and got his Masters of Business Administration from Columbia Business School in New York, in 2019. The cousin of Mariana and Jaime Alfonso, Jaime Urquijo, is currently Ayala Corporation’s chief sustainability and risk officer (photo below). The 36-year-old is also the director of BPI, Integrated Micro Electronics, AC Industrial Technology Holdings, and Merlin Solar Technology. He was previously ACEN’s vice president for business development, leading the company’s portfolio expansion in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Jaime earned his degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame and boasts of an MBA from INSEAD. With the three stepping into the spotlight and embracing bigger roles, should the media expect more interviews with them? Perhaps a guesting on Rappler’s Business Sense soon? – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/next-generation-ayala-leaders-step-spolight-media-party-february-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1_PLCf3IOM4mVI9ezn_3QqNV9VXUAqHOJt_KpuuFycJghEPbV9V8iMkw4_aem_NK9qFExfZtV_RADmhtsJEw	1
Drilling operations for windmill project found at Masungi Georeserve	Chito de la Vega	19/02/2024 17:29	DRILL FOR WINDMILL. Aerial view of one of the drilling rigs for a windmill project within the vast protected area found by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Incorporated (MGFI) during its drone surveillance in late 2023. Photo from MGFI MANILA, Philippines – A drone video footage revealed some drilling operations for an ongoing wind farm project within the limestone formations of the Masungi Karst Conservation Area, the sanctuary’s managing foundation revealed. The Masungi Georeserve Foundation Incorporated (MGFI) said on February 12, its team captured the operations for the construction of 12 wind turbines by a local energy company within the Tanay town side of the sanctuary in a drone surveillance in November 2023. MGFI co-founder Billie Dumaliang told Rappler that it was the first time they discovered drilling activities in the georeserve, especially since their drone operations in remote areas usually uncover tree-cutting operations and forest fires. “We saw drilling rigs; we saw construction people; we saw some equipment, and even temporary structures. It’s the first time that we saw that kind of intrusion into the wildlife sanctuary,” she said. Dumaliang said their surveillance caught a project banner showing Rizal Wind Energy Corporation (RWEC) as the proponent of the ongoing wind farm project. Documents obtained by Rappler show that RWEC is wholly owned by 7 Balboa Energy Holdings Inc., a Filipino company based in Makati. Vena Energy, a Singapore-based energy developer, has a 25% stake in the company behind RWEC, while the rest of the shares are owned by a company called 6 Balboa, which shares the same address as 7 Balboa. Following their discovery, Dumaliang said they twice met with representatives of Vena Energy to express their opposition to their operations. Still the company said the project is already at an “advanced pre-development stage” where they are preparing for commercialization. “We were really surprised because we were not informed or consulted as big stakeholders in this area and conservationists, and supposedly partners of the DENR in this area,” she said. The Masungi Karst conservation area is located within the national park, wildlife sanctuary, and game preserve situated in the provinces of Rizal, Quezon, Laguna, and Bulacan. It was declared in 1977 a national park, wildlife sanctuary and game preserve, and covered by the Expanded National Integrated Protected Area Systems (E-NIPAS) law. This law calls for using the protected areas to align with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development and prohibits commercial activities in the area without any clearance and permits from the DENR and Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). The MGFI also pointed out that the discovered operation within Masungi is a “disturbing violation” of a 1993 order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which closed Masungi from exploration, development, and exploitation activities. Despite the ongoing operations, Vena Energy maintained that the ongoing project is part of a study for a potential wind energy farm in the area. Vena Energy said it has worked closely with government authorities and secured all necessary permits, including an environmental compliance certificate (ECC). “We adhere to the applicable laws and regulations on environment and protected areas. In addition, we have halted drilling, soil testing and studies in the specified area since November 2023 following a meeting with representatives from the Masungi Georeserve Foundation,” Angela Tan, corporate communications group head of Vena Energy, told Rappler on February 16. “We are dedicated to sustainable development in renewable energy, and we are actively working with stakeholders to achieve this shared goal,” she added. But according to Dumaliang, a copy of the company’s ECC for its supposed study was not presented during their previous meetings, while the MGFI’s team discovered that personnel of Vena Energy were still inside the conservation area as of last week. “If there are permits already issued, they should be revoked based on the lack of consultation of key stakeholders as well as established scientific grounds. Again, as a renewable energy player, their due diligence should go beyond mere compliance but into the broader Environment, Social, and Governance impacts (ESG),” she said. Despite the pause of activities within the areas inside Masungi, Dumaliang also insisted that the continuing construction of the wind farm project is the main issue at hand as she said that the companies “still want to do more drilling, more construction, more destruction.” “The public should not rest until RWEC relocates the site of the wind farm away from Masungi,” she added, with their call to action to cancel the permits issued and stop the applications for projects in the sanctuary. – 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. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/environment/drilling-operations-windmill-project-found-masungi-georeserve/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1VVDT1p7Jgwg8En_lpO01RFyh8MvEqLELcdF4aDFFcCQfForAn7rikslc_aem_hGJliGKxQilfJgonuuR6jQ	1
Cebu opens Osmeña Boulevard section for traffic	Herbie G	19/02/2024 20:49	SKYWALK. In this photo taken on February 14, 2024, the skywalk near Fuente Osmena is without its roof, after the contractor of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Ltd., started demolition the day before. ARKEEN LARISMA CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) announced on Monday, February 19, that the portion of Osmeña Boulevard, from the corner of Fuente Osmeña Circle until the Arlington Pond intersection, is already open to traffic. This was after the contractor of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) already removed the major parts of the skywalk. A partial road closure was implemented in that portion of the thoroughfare on February 15, due to hazards posed by the demolition works. The CBRT, however, on its official Facebook page, announced another partial road closure on Osmeña Boulevard, from P. del Rosario Street to RR London, from February 19-20, to facilitate the removal of the roofings of the second skywalk near Abellana National School and the Cebu Normal University. “Full closure follows from the night of February 21, Wednesday, up to February 25, Sunday, for the removal of the main span. Regular traffic flow will resume on February 26, Monday,” the CBRT said. During this period, motorists are advised to follow the provided rerouting scheme. As of Monday, the removal of the skywalk near Fuente Osmeña is almost complete. The public, however, is advised to observe extra caution when crossing the streets. “Motorists are advised to reduce speed, and traffic enforcers are present to assist pedestrians during the crossing,” the CBRT said. The city government allowed the removal of the two skywalks to pave the way for the construction of the CBRT. – Rappler.com Wenilyn Sabalo is a community journalist currently affiliated with SunStar Cebu and is an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/cebu-opens-osmena-boulevard-section-traffic-february-19-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3o7lTpQMUj73s3vXJgyQzE3t2OfbviKS0K0Klf6kEPSj6ApbqwTG3TA9Q_aem_oeum8jT6_SPcrBTOQaKTjw	1
Ex-Quiboloy follower: Duterte, Sara left KOJC’s ‘Glory Mountain’ with guns	Herbie G	19/02/2024 16:07	WITNESS. 'Rene' (not his real name) recounts his ordeal during the Senate hearing on the reported cases of physical and sexual abuses, as well as alleged human trafficking perpetrated by Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy and senior officials of the church, on February 19, 2024. Senate PRIB CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – A former Kingdom of Jesus Christ and Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) researcher claimed to have witnessed former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte leaving controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy’s vast property in Davao City with bags of assorted firearms. “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,” said the witness identified only as “Rene” (not his real name), during an investigation by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality on Monday, February 19. (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.) Rene read from an affidavit that he executed earlier, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros, the Senate committee’s chairperson. The so-called Glory Mountain is a vast property owned by Quiboloy, filled with pine trees. It sits on the slopes of Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the country, situated in the rural and impoverished village of Tamayong in Davao City’s Calinan District. According to Rene, he was sent to Glory Mountain – a place where KOJC workers being sanctioned or in need of discipline are sent – to work as a landscaper. The witness said he was sent there at a time when he began entertaining doubts about the KOJC’s teachings and was tasked to recruit more young people to become workers of the religious group. Rene recounted that Quiboloy would allegedly arrive on a chopper with large bags containing firearms of different calibers. He said the guns would then be laid down on the ground in a tent located near Quiboloy’s mansion. Asked by Hontiveros later if he saw the guns being taken from the bags and laid down on the ground, Rene responded, “Yes po, Madam Chair.” He also confirmed that he saw the Dutertes leaving KOJC’s Glory Mountain with the large bags that were used to bring the firearms. Rene said the tent was just a few meters away from his work area. He also said he and other workers were given strict instructions not to tell anyone about the things they had been seeing in Glory Mountain. The Dutertes have yet to respond to the witness’ allegations, although the former president is known to be a gun aficionado. In December 2023, a Rappler report revealed that the former president had registered about 358 firearms. These firearms were all registered under a law he enacted in 2022, granting them 10-year validity and legal backing. The registration was made with the Philippine National Police (PNP) shortly before he stepped down from Malacañang in 2023. Duterte reportedly has a Type 5 license, which, based on the law, permits “certified gun collectors” to own more than 15 guns. Based on documents, more than half of his licensed firearms – at least 222 – are pistols, and 73 rifles, including an AK-47. The report quoted Duterte as saying, “So lahat no’ng baril ko, pati ‘yong maliit na baril, lisensiyado ‘yan. Kaya ang kinuha ko para makaano ako, kasi mahilig ako sa baril, pinarehistro ko lahat na sa Crame. Kaya sila tanong-tanong, marami kang baril, eh putang-ina tingnan mo sa Crame.” (So all my guns, including the small ones, were all registered. I am a gun collector so I have them all registered in Camp Crame. Some people have a lot of questions about why I have many guns, son of a whore, check the licenses in Crame.) Duterte also claimed that some of the firearms were gifts from foreign visitors, and Senator Christopher Go, his former aide, facilitated their registration with the PNP. He said some of the guns were considered collector’s items. (READ: [The Slingshot: Rodrigo Duterte’s one last act of corruption) “Collector’s item lang ‘yan, it’s allowed by law. How can you use it against me when the practice of giving a collector’s license is allowed by law? Paano mo gamitin ‘yan, batas ‘yan eh. Doon ako napika eh. Alam ko eh, may tawag ‘yong pulis sa akin sa Crame, ‘sir, chine-check.’ Sabi ko, ‘Ibigay mo lahat, buksan mo,’” he said. (Those guns are collector’s items allowed by law. How can you use it against me when the practice of giving a collector’s license is allowed by law? It’s the law so how can you use that against me? That’s what angered me. I am aware of the probe because of a call from police in Crame who said, “Sir, they’re checking your guns.” I said, “Give everything, open it.”) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Noted: “When they leave Glory Mountain, they take bags with them that contain guns.” So, the source was PACQ, and the receivers were FPRRD and VP Sara Duterte. With lots of guns around, it should be expected that the Duterte Political Dynasty and Pastor Quiboloy will dare to “shoot it out” against law enforcers in the future. Good luck to such law enforcers. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/ex-quiboloy-follower-duterte-sara-left-kojc-glory-mountain-with-guns/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3CXjZ0YoOECyDPdNg0CxORzHJp3x5NM6DtYwZksToNTSPJdZf79YIsQvQ_aem_1N0JxvDLRwwWH5gbxM3j0A	1
Amid public outcry, DPWH trashes demolition plan for Cagayan de Oro bridge	Herbie G	19/02/2024 19:41	SUNSET. Cagayan de Oro's old and iconic Ysalina Bridge across the majestic Cagayan River during sunset as seen from city hall. courtesy of Rhoel Chaves Condeza CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Buckling under the pressure of conservationists and local officials, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it would no longer demolish the iconic Ysalina Bridge in the city. Engineer Sabeniano Caliao, head of the Planning and Design Division in Northern Mindanao, said instead of demolishing the bridge, they will only repair it, especially the steel girders that support the bridge deck. Caliao earlier recommended that the Ysalina Bridge be torn down and replaced with a new one after they found significant corrosion at the steel support piles and caps, rendering the bridge unsafe for public use and vehicular traffic. Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez said the DPWH will have to change the program of work of the P165-million budget from construction to “major repairs” of the Ysalina Bridge. Rodriguez said the DPWH also proposed building passageways for bicycles and pedestrian traffic. Raul Ilogon of the Kagay-an Heritage Advocates (KHA) hailed the decision of the DPWH not to demolish the Ysalina Bridge. “Now, we can sleep soundly. We commend DPWH for listening and acting positively to the clamor of the people and city officials,” Ilogon said. The KHA opposed the demolition of Ysalina Bridge citing the significance of its 144 years of history in Cagayan de Oro. Ysalina Bridge was first constructed between 1880 and 1890, using bamboo under the orders of Major Juan Zanon, a military governor of Misamis Oriental. It is the first bridge to connect the eastern and western parts of Cagayan de Oro. The Cagayan de Oro Historical Commission reported that the bamboo Bridge was replaced with a steel one in 1931, which was destroyed during World War II. The current bridge was constructed in 1946 and has undergone several retrofitting efforts to repair its corroded girders and trusses. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/dpwh-halts-demolition-plan-cagayan-de-oro-bridge-public-outcry/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0IBYIHhq8xJCTGSSE4Z060w3EEcPwbcF4ltXAR6u_LN9ftUvtQknaMO-A_aem_MWbqgMCBTpUt8vkGspS2iw	1
View from Manila: ‘Transparency initiative’ shifts focus to Scarborough	Bea Cupin	19/02/2024 20:50	PROTEST. Fisherfolk from the Association of Masinloc Fishermen tow and release an 18-foot symbolic maritime bouy at the West Philippine Sea in Masinloc, Zambales on November 6, 2023. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – After vowing, repeatedly, that the Philippine government’s innovative “transparency initiative” would continue in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine authorities put the spotlight on another flashpoint for Manila and Beijing: Bajo de Masinloc, a shoal located some 124 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales. Over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) accused China of harassment in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal). The BFAR accused the Chinese of using cyanide to fish (the PCG said it could not verify the claim but the National Security Council said it would investigate the allegations) while the PCG said China has reinstalled floating barriers at the mouth of the shoal to stop Filipino fisherfolk from accessing the shoal’s resource-rich but calm waters. The “transparency initiative” is what the Philippine government – key officials in the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, especially – call its strategy to expose China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in Ayungin Shoal, another feature located just over 100 nautical miles of the coast of Palawan. What’s the initiative done that makes officials want to continue doing it in 2024? Shaming the superpower China, for the most part. “Transparency” to the Philippines means being as agile as bureaucracies can possibly be in telling Filipinos and the rest of the world about how Beijing’s mighty China Coast Guard (CCG) and its notorious Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) work together to harass PCG and Philippine military-contracted ships on resupply missions. Journeys to bring supplies to the lonely BRP Sierra Madre, a Navy ship that was purposefully run aground to serve as an outpost in Ayungin Shoal, are often tense and action-filled – a phenomenon captured in HD and 4k by Filipino journalists who regularly embed in rotation and resupply missions. Ray Powell, a retired US Air Force officer who now leads the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation’s efforts to expose China’s “gray zone” tactics in the South China Sea, has called the initiative a “game changer.” Government officials themselves will tell you the same thing. While far from being the top concern for the average Filipino, the West Philippine Sea has become a recurring topic both in traditional news media and the wild, wild world of social media. It has scored points for the Philippines in the area of diplomacy and defense. Allies (the US) and strategic partners (Australia and Japan, most notably), and like-minded countries and blocs (the European Union, Canada, among many others) have consistently backed the Philippines in its debacles in Ayungin Shoal – from harassment by Chinese ships via shadowing or water cannoning to collisions that often leave Manila’s smaller vessels with the short end of the stick. There’s no doubt that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made it a policy for the Philippines to be much more assertive in the West Philippine Sea – both through its communication strategy and its defense engagements. The tension-filled waters have been host to four iterations of “Maritime Cooperation Activity” (MCA) with an ally and a strategic partner – once with Australia in 2023, and thrice with the United States’ Indo-Pacific Command, first in 2023 and twice in 2024. The latest MCA with the United States – a fancy term for a joint air and sea patrol – was held in the first week and continued on to the 3rd week of February. There is also no doubt that the rather swift 180-turn has left Beijing perplexed. Not too long ago in January 2023, Marcos and a sizable delegation of government officials and Philippine media, ventured off to Beijing for what was the President’s first state visit of 2023. Rose-tinted glasses were du jour then – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised a “golden age” in diplomatic ties. Just 12 months later, in December 2023, what glittered wasn’t gold, after all. Wang Yi would say by the year’s end: “China-Philippines relationship now stands at a crossroads, with its future yet to be decided.” That future was charted bit by bit in Shanghai on January 17, when senior officials from both countries met for the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. There, Manila and Beijing promised to “improve [a] maritime communication mechanism in the South China Sea.” The PCG, de facto frontliner in the WPS against their Chinese counterparts, had “high hopes with moderate expectations” from the discussion, according to PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela. Expect the Philippine Navy, too, to have a more prominent role, at least in the communication strategy in the West Philippine Sea. In late January, the Navy appointed Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad to be its spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea. In relation to this, much has been said about Horizon 3, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s delayed third phase of its modernization program. But the delay has been serendipitous, giving the military time to adjust its acquisition wish list to align with a pronounced shift in its focus: from internal to external defense. Excitement has led to speculation over what the Philippines plans to acquire, which in turn led the Department of National Defense to issue a statement in early February reminding the public that “only President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the Department of National Defense can issue official statements regarding firm commitments under the AFP Modernization Program.” As of posting, the buy list in Horizon 3 – whether preliminary or final – has yet to be released. Still, defense equipment-producing countries are already eager to offer their wares before the AFP. In early February, the Czech Ambassador to Manila Karel Hejč “reiterated their country’s support to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” According to a DND release, the Czech delegation “[highlighted] their defense products, ranging from small arms to various defense platforms. Ambassador Hejč also expressed keenness to pursue government-to-government cooperation, explore joint manufacturing arrangements, and offer financing options for potential projects.” The Philippines and Sweden are also finalizing agreements leading up to the acquisition of defense equipment. “Sweden intends to participate in the implementation of projects under Horizon 3 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, specifically in the Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Aircraft Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force,” according to a DND release. India, ahead of the arrival of the long-awaited Brahmos missile system, sent a delegation of businessmen to flex its defense equipment and tech. According to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report, India’s Ambassador to Manila Shambhu Kumaran said New Delhi was open to offering soft loans for defense procurements. Kumaran, according to PNA, said India was also open to possible defense industry collaborations with the Philippines. The jet-setting President Marcos has been Malacañang-bound for the most of the first quarter, only traveling to Brunei and Vietnam briefly in January and February 2024. What little miles he accrued in the first two months of the year, he’s more than making up for by the end of the first quarter of the year. In end-February, Marcos will be traveling to Canberra, Australia, to a address a “rare joint sitting of Australia’s parliament,” according to Bloomberg. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Marcos’ visit to Parliament House ahead of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in early March in Melbourne. Bloomberg notes that a joint address is a “rare honor.” When Marcos marches up that podium in Parliament House to address both the House and Senate of Australia, he’ll be joining the ranks of former US presidents Barack Obama, George Bush, and China’s Xi Jinping, according to Bloomberg. After Australia, Marcos will be heading to Germany, although details of that trip are still quite scarce. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has also confirmed that Marcos will be visiting the Czech Republic before the month of March ends. Again, details are scarce for that trip. But what do these visits mean? Australia is now a strategic partner to the Philippines. Granting Marcos the honor of addressing Parliament sends a signal that Canberra is serious about deepening ties with fellow middle power Manila, as Beijing grows more aggressive in the South China Sea. Marcos has also been keen on deepening ties with other middle powers. A visit to Germany builds on an earlier stop by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to Manila. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also happens to have been Marcos’ first visitor from Europe as President. Here’s another interesting thing to note: Fiala has been working on improving and expanding ties with Taiwan, much to China’s chagrin. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/view-manila-scarborough-shoal-fisherfolk-afp-modernization/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0grZY1RESfzTii5Asr6Ua-LKGSUN5asdiPM9xH1rODrkRrJ0ecOd_4fdk_aem_CLUi1TzvFpeS29bKjRJw9w	1
Eager to start charter change discussions, House lawmakers file RBH7	Kaycee	19/02/2024 20:28	House leaders hold a press conference after filing Resolution of Both Houses No.7, proposing for the amendment of the Constitution via a constituent assembly, at the House of Representatives on February 19, 2024. Rappler MANILA, Philippines — Hoping to speed up amending the Constitution, majority leaders in the House of Representatives filed their version of a Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) proposing changes in the charter. This House-initiated document all but mirrors the Senate resolution filed last month. Both the Senate’s RBH No. 6 and RBH No. 7 of the House will propose similar economic amendments. The two differ though in one contentious line. It is the part that says “each House vote separately” on the amendments. House leaders vowed their full support of the Senate’s RBH6 as early as January, with Deputy Speaker Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe saying the lower chamber “will no longer ask for any debates” on the Senate’s proposed provisions. Fully committing to backstop RBH6, Dalipe, together with Senior Deputy Speaker Aurello Gonzales, and Deputy Speaker David Suarez, filed on Monday, February 19, the near-replica RBH7. Monday’s RBH7 likewise opens up the country’s economy to foreign investors, specifically in the education and advertising sectors. “Our RBH proposals are in toto to the Senate RBH,” said Gonzales, who also represents the 3rd legislative district of Pampanga. The point of the House leaders in having near-clone resolutions is to expedite the charter change process. Since they said they would agree with whatever the senators want, the lower house does not have to wait for the Senate to conclude their deliberations. With RBH7, the lower house can now also start their deliberations. “Parehong pareho po. Kailangan na rin namin pag-usapan ang mga proposed amendments at sabayan ang Senado para mapabilis ang proseso lalo na ang target ng Senado na sabi ni Senate President Migz [Zubiri] ay matatapos nila bago mag-Holy Week.” (It is exactly the same. We also need to start discussing the proposed amendments while the Senate is having its own sessions so we can expedite the process especially after Senate President Migz said they are eyeing to finish everything before Holy Week.) RBH7 and RBH6 both propose amendments only to specific economic provisions. A copy of RBH7 has already been furnished to the Senate during plenary. But the small difference which could be the biggest obstacle preventing both chambers from reaching an agreement is this: the variation filed by House lawmakers omitted the Senate’s version of having “each House vote separately” on the amendments. In raising alarm over the People’s Initiative for charter change, Senate President Miguel Zubiri noted that the public petition was pushing for the two houses to vote jointly. “While it seems simple, the goal is to make it easier to revise the Constitution by eliminating the Senate from the equation,” Zubiri said on January 23. The Senate is adamant that the two houses of Congress would vote separately on amendments as the congressmen’s votes would easily outnumber the Senate’s 24 votes. Suarez said they filed RBH7 as a means of “hastening the process” so that the proposed economic amendments are tackled by both houses of Congress simultaneously. Some congressmen also have questions for resource persons who were not queried by the senators. Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymond Villafuerte said proposing the exact same changes as the Senate would also make it easier for lawmakers. “We would rather work with what the Senate wants to amend so there’s a basis of agreements because can you imagine [if] we propose five amendments and them, three? It might prolong the process but in this case, the House of Representatives already adopted the three exact provisions that our counterparts in the Senate wants to amend,” Villafuerte said in mixed English and Filipino. Congressmen now have the option to convene as a committee of the whole to tackle the proposals. Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers said having discussions and debates in the presence of all congressmen would allay the fears of those wary of amending the constitution. Barbers said the presence of all congressmen elevates the level of discourse, instead of having discussions at the committee-level first. Dalipe though said they would have to wait for a go signal. “We will wait for the RBH7 to be referred by the bills and index division to the plenary and subsequently to the committee on rules or depending on the pleasure of the plenary,” said Dalipe, who also chairs the committee on rules. “By then, we will be able to say if we will convene as a committee of the whole house.” Congressmen said they cannot give a specific timeline for the discussion and the passage of RBH7. Suarez said the lower chamber has “more or less three or four months of legislative time to act or tackle” the proposal. “As to the timeline, we cannot say yet but we will try our best to really work double-time on this and if it means we have to extend our working hours in trying to hear everything, then we will do (that),” Dalipe said. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Looks like a long-running psychological war between our two chambers of Congress. But one variation is noteworthy: “… the variation filed by House lawmakers omitted the Senate’s version of having ‘each House vote separately’ on the amendments.” Why is the House of Representatives not contended with the Senate’s version? How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/eager-start-charter-change-discussions-lawmakers-file-resolution-both-houses/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0t1tMjvgDalZoRynPMYDXKnZHhVEh_KE3sxiQmV0pSZieQ-2ZhSNEk9Vw_aem_AKnVQeb2DBfuD1yYd-quaA	1
Out with injury, AJ Edu aims to be ‘good to go’ for Olympic qualifiers	delfin.dioquino editor	19/02/2024 19:27	YOUNG GUN. AJ Edu of Gilas Pilipinas. Inspire Sports Academy's Facebook page MANILA, Philippines – Expect AJ Edu to be back in action for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in July as he misses Gilas Pilipinas’ first event of the year. Edu will sit out the opening window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this February after suffering a torn meniscus while playing for the Toyama Grouses in the Japan B. League back in December. “Hopefully, I’ll recover in a month or two and finish out my season in the B. League. I’ll be good to go for the OQTs,” Edu said on Monday, February 19, in a press conference arranged by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Although set to miss the games against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei on Thursday, February 22, and Sunday, February 25, respectively, Edu has been a sponge in practice as he learns the system of head coach Tim Cone. The 6-foot-10 big man joined the national team in its four-day training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna and will fly with the squad for their away game in Hong Kong. “Really blessed to have the opportunity to still be out here and support the team and just learn the system and what coach Tim has envisioned for this squad,” said Edu. Edu, 24, is considered one of the cornerstones of the national team program alongside fellow young guns Kai Sotto, 21, Kevin Quiambao, 22, Carl Tamayo, 23, and Dwight Ramos, 25. They are expected to play together for the next four years leading up to the FIBA World Cup in 2027, with Cone planning to keep his 12-man lineup – which is also composed of veterans from the PBA – intact for the long haul. “When coach Tim called me and told me about the plan that he has, I’m just really excited,” said Edu. “I think we got a great group of players, some veterans, and also some guys that we’re building for the future with. Just really excited for what is to come.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/aj-edu-out-injury-aims-good-to-go-fiba-olympic-qualifying-tournament-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Px2K593uE2CXUzlDJCep-734EjVoHN_ehzSKoEx9coXz8ziqrBisB06o_aem_bPSV1O83k01wGtaX4TnuQQ	1
CONTEXT: Can a P100 daily wage increase hurt the poor?	Ralf Rivas	19/02/2024 19:41	HIGHER PAY. Labor groups ALSA Kontraktwal Cebu and Partido Manggagawa file a petition to increase daily wages in Cebu by P100, at the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas on Thursday, April 27. Sentro-PM MANILA, Philippines – The popular call to raise wages of minimum wage earners may actually hurt the poor – the same sector thought to benefit from the move. The Senate on Monday, February 19, unanimously approved on third and final reading the bill mandating a P100-daily pay increase for minimum wage earners in the country. Who doesn’t want higher pay amid inflation? While deemed a popular measure, economists have raised the alarm over its unintended consequences, especially for those who are in the informal sector and are not covered by the wage increase. The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) underscored four reasons why they oppose the move. “We are not against wage increases but we urge the Senate not to tamper with the existing mechanism of regional wage boards to adjust wages if needed. Regional wage boards take into account the interests of both employers and workers and the different cost and employment situations of various regions,” FEF said in a recent statement. FEF said the wage increase will result in higher prices of goods, as additional across-the-board wage increase will push companies to charge higher prices. “The subsequent wage-price spiral will trigger an erosion of the people’s purchasing power, causing widespread demands for future rounds of wage hikes,” FEF said. With inflation jumping, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may be forced to hike interest rates. This will result in people shelling out more to pay for housing and car loans and credit card charges. FEF added that increased interest rates will also force companies to reduce investments and cut back on employment. The proposal also does not take into account the different cost factors and employment situations across different regions. FEF warned that many small businesses may close shop or lay off workers. FEF said the proposal doesn’t cover informal and seasonal workers, fishermen, gig economy workers, and market vendors, who will now suffer from the inflationary impact of legislated wage increases. Instead of a nationally-legislated wage increase, FEF urged the government to liberalize food imports by reducing the tariffs on rice from 35% to 10% and abolishing or vastly expanding the import quotas for corn, chicken, pork, and fish. “Liberalizing food imports will see an immediate fall in the price of food, thereby increasing the purchasing power of all Filipinos, whether formally or informally employed and whether senior citizens or babies.” Those who are in favor, however, view these warnings as speculations. IBON Foundation executive director Sonny Africa said wage hikes can lead to economic activity, as workers who earn more will spend more, unlike businesses that will not necessarily reinvest earnings. Africa, as well as Makabayan lawmakers at the House, argued that higher earnings of workers will be spent on small businesses, and effectively spur economic growth. Africa said that according to their estimates, large and medium firms will take just a 6.7% cut in profits, while small and micro businesses may take as much as a 7.9% cut. IBON Foundation estimates that a family of five in Metro Manila needs P1,193 a day or P25,946 a month to live decently. Currently, Metro Manila’s minimum wage is just P610 a day. – with reports from Michelle Abad/Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/business/context-can-100-peso-daily-wage-increase-hurt-poor-filipinos/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1LmWjzTAd810y3E6vTWcaCNYDCvZWTLvuPEugmrR-RjUEu7GCqLL1Eoyw_aem_WaS51558f_V5r55lz0m7uw	1
Why Chinabank is special to Henry Sy’s family – and what we can learn from it	gdecastro0289	19/02/2024 16:46	BRAND AMBASSADOR. Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee is flanked by Chinabank chair Hans Sy (2nd right) and Chinabank vice chair Gilbert Dee (left) in a photo opportunity on February 14, 2024. In last week’s event wherein China Banking Corporation (Chinabank) introduced Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee as its first brand ambassador, Chinabank chair Hans Sy stood beside her and smiled for the photo opportunity. A post shared by MMD (@michelledee) Hans is the second son of SM founder Henry Sy, who served as honorary chair of Chinabank until he died in his sleep on January 19, 2019 at age 94. Chinabank held a special place in the late tycoon’s life. It was Chinabank, then owned by the forebearers of Michelle, who lent Henry his first bank loan. Henry Sy would end up buying more shares in Chinabank until he became its biggest shareholder in mid-2000. Sy traveled by ship from Xiamen, China to the Philippines when he was only 12 years old. He joined his father who had a small “sari-sari” store in Carriedo, Manila. In 1942, during the Japanese occupation, their store burned down, and his father returned to China after the war. Henry, however, opted to stay. He sold surplus G.I. boots which allowed him to open his first Shoe Mart store in Carriedo. How much did Chinabank lend to Henry Sy? Chinabank’s website says that “in order to grow his business, he needed more capital,” and the bank lent him P1 million in 1949, “his first credit line.” Henry would explain the significance of this loan using a Chinese term. “The loan facilities given to me by the Bank gave me ‘pinsin’, a Fujianese word meaning ‘trustworthiness’ or ‘credibility’, in the Chinese community. It established me as trustworthy. It built up my credit. It proved that I was considered a very trusted customer by the Bank, and that helped my business. If China Bank considered me a good credit risk, then other people would also. That’s why I appreciate that loan so much,” he said in another book that celebrated Chinabank’s 90th anniversary. According to the book “100 Years of Trust: The China Bank Story,” written by Raul Rodrigo and Nancy Pe Rodrigo, that was in 1949 when Sy was just 25 years old, and they explain the significance of the funding. “That clean loan was a crucial step in the building of the Sy business empire. On top of badly needed capital to expand, the loan gave him tremendous credibility within the Binondo business community. Henry had arrived in the country in 1936 as a twelve-year-old boy, with literally no money in his pocket. But a twenty-five-year-old who could access an unsecured loan from the likes of Albino SyCip and Dee K. Chiong was someone that the rest of Binondo had to take seriously,” they said in the book, which was published in 2021 on the occasion of Chinabank’s 100th annversary. “So Henry Sy would have a soft spot for China Bank ever after.” FAST FACTS: Remembering Henry Sy Sr There’s another word used in the Rodrigos’ book on Chinabank that has the same meaning: xinyong. I found the best definition of this word in an article in The Conversation on China’s social credit system in 2018. “The word ‘credit’ in Chinese – xinyong (信用) – is a core tenet of traditional Confucian ethics, which can be traced back to the late fourth century BC. In its original context, xinyong is a moral concept that indicates one’s honesty and trustworthiness. In the past few decades, its meaning has been extended to include financial creditworthiness,” the article reads. Gilbert Dee, son of one of the early Chinabank leaders, George Dee Se Kiat, explained the word in the China Bank story book: “My father believed in xinyong. Xinyong is all about trust. The older generation—when deals were made, it was just a handshake, a purely verbal agreement. That was enough. No need for a receipt, no more documents—just your word. Your word is your honor. Of course, after so many generations, things are not the same any more. But during my father’s time, that was normal. That’s how things were done before, when it came to getting credit. What mattered [to my father] was if you were trustworthy or not. He wanted to know people well, to know if they had a good family background.” Filipinos often wonder what makes the Chinese-Filipino community so successful, especially in business, and one reason for this is what’s called “social capital.” As defined by Oxford Languages, social capital is the “networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.” Trust is an important element in social capital. Once broken, trust is often difficult to regain. A number of political and social scientists have written articles on social capital, and they’ve linked this to successful communities around the world. The higher the social capital of a community or country, the more progressive it is, and vice-versa. It’s also been linked to why people in some communities live longer than those who live in other communities within the same country. A clear example of this is the small province of Batanes in northern Philippines, where the social networks are strong and people help each other all the time, enabling the Ivatans to live longer than those who live in other communities in the country such as in Maguindanao in southern Philippines. This has also been depicted in the Netflix series, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” which is based on the books on the Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. So, when you think about why the minority Chinese-Filipino community is more prosperous than the larger Filipino community, think about Henry Sy’s first loan. – Rappler.com Sources: Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/business/why-chinabank-special-henry-sy-family-what-filipinos-can-learn-from-it/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Kw5xsAIHrXstj10jHtihR0bfXJZIiBLEkivO1WejYqJUd888fEQxryU4_aem_j9304GTCY6r1Tzir6vmVuQ	1
Male members allege sexual abuse in Quiboloy’s group, exploitation at SMNI	Herbie G	19/02/2024 12:33	ABUSE. A former Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) worker and SMNI researcher, identified only as Rene, recounts the alleged exploitation and abuses he suffered when he served as KOJC worker, during a Senate committee hearing on February 19, 2024. Screenshot CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – More former followers of embattled Davao-based preacher Apollo Quiboloy stepped forward to allege sexual abuses, human trafficking, labor exploitation, and other physical abuses in the religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and its media arm, the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). Before the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality on Monday, February 19, witness “Rene” (not his real name) alleged that he was sexually abused by one of KOJC’s male department heads. Rene, who broke into tears, alleged that Quiboloy’s associate forced him to engage in sexual acts, claiming it had the approval of Quiboloy. He claimed to have written to Quiboloy through another associate of the preacher, but his complaint fell on deaf ears. Rene said the only response he got was when the church associate, Eleanor Cardona, called him to confirm that she received his letter and had forwarded it to Quiboloy. Cardona, according to Rene, merely had a “fellowship” with him and read him biblical verses. Rene also told the committee that he once served as a researcher at SMNI without pay and was made to do street-level solicitations after his media work. At SMNI, he said a female executive slapped him on several occasions. Another witness, “David,” told senators he worked as a cameraman for SMNI and even covered events at Malacañang, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Both witnesses alleged they neither received salaries nor benefits from SMNI, doing so only because they believed they were serving God. Rene said he was once convinced that Quiboloy was the “appointed son of God” and the “owner of the universe.” The witnesses said KOJC workers who were given work at SMNI were mostly exploited like them. “Wala po kaming mga sahod (We had no salaries),” Rene told senators, adding that Quiboloy would give SMNI workers a measly P200 to P300 each as weekly honoraria “depending on his mood.” He said he was overwhelmed with work at SMNI, including street-level solicitations, which he undertook after his duties at the Quiboloy group’s media arm. Aside from his media work at SMNI, Rene said he begged on the streets and was given a daily quota of P3,000. He said there were many minors, with ages ranging from 13 to 16 years old, who were made to beg in the streets. During his early years with KOJC, Rene said that besides begging in the streets, he also begged in restaurants, plazas, and malls, and even knocked on houses from 8 am to 11 pm, pretending to be deaf and mute, representing bogus charity organizations just so he could meet his daily quotas. During certain periods of the year, especially from September to December, Rene said he was given a quota of P1.5 million in four months. He said failure to meet the quota resulted in sanctions, ranging from hard work to torture, and alleged that Quiboloy slapped and hit him on several occasions. He said he and other KOJC workers feared Quiboloy and the preacher’s associates. Initially, according to Rene, young people like him were promised free education as members, but once they became KOJC workers, they were instructed to cease attending school and abandon their families, all under the guise of serving God and in return for eternal salvation. “Taos puso ko pong inalay ang aking sarili sa Kingdom…. Sinabihan po kami ni Quiboloy na iwan na namin ang pag-aaral, ang aming mga pamilya, at aming mga pangarap sa buhay,” he said. (With all my heart, I surrendered myself to the Kingdom… Quiboloy told us to leave our studies, our families, and our life dreams behind.) In a recorded video in an undisclosed Philippine embassy, David, another witness, said he was trained to become a cameraman for SMNI when he was assigned to the KOJC’s logistics department. Like Rene, David said he neither received a regular salary nor benefits for normal workers when he started his SMNI work as a cameraman. He alleged that he was not enrolled with the Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and enjoyed no bonuses, leave credits, and other benefits due ordinary workers. David said most full-time KOJC workers gave their services for free, and only a few people, particularly non-members, were given salaries. He recalled a time when he told cameramen from other news outfits that he was one of Quiboloy’s scholars when they asked him about how much he was receiving from SMNI. “We were briefed to tell people that we were scholars when asked about our salaries,” David said in Filipino. Lawyer Kathleen Kaye Laurente, a full-time KOJC worker and legal counsel of the Quiboloy-owned Jose Maria College (JMC) in Davao City, told the committee that the KOJC is a religious organization and its full-time workers were doing missionary work, and not considered regular workers. KOJC members, however, receive regular honoraria at rates depending on their performance and length of service, among others, she said. Laurente was reluctant at first to answer Hontiveros’ question if she and another full-time KOJC worker, JMC records and admission director Bryan Alberto, were also being asked to solicit donations in the streets, explaining that they were invited by the Senate committee to speak only about JMC. Shortly after, she told the committee that “all full-time workers are not doing that.” “That is not so true,” Laurente said. She also repeatedly pointed out that the burden of proof lies with the accusers of Quiboloy and other KOJC leaders, and that they enjoy the presumption of innocence based on the law. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. TELL ME YOUR FRIENDS and I will you who you are. . . . . . . E sino ba ang BFF nyan???? Dark Lord, Bastos Lord, etc. Hence, SMNI is not only alleged to be a medium for Disinformation but is now also involved in child abuse and worker exploitation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/philippines/new-witnesses-allege-sexual-abuse-exploitation-apollo-quiboloy-group-smni/	1
CONTEXT: Can a P100 daily wage increase hurt the poor?	Ralf Rivas	19/02/2024 19:41	HIGHER PAY. Labor groups ALSA Kontraktwal Cebu and Partido Manggagawa file a petition to increase daily wages in Cebu by P100, at the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas on Thursday, April 27. Sentro-PM MANILA, Philippines – The popular call to raise wages of minimum wage earners may actually hurt the poor – the same sector thought to benefit from the move. The Senate on Monday, February 19, unanimously approved on third and final reading the bill mandating a P100-daily pay increase for minimum wage earners in the country. Who doesn’t want higher pay amid inflation? While deemed a popular measure, economists have raised the alarm over its unintended consequences, especially for those who are in the informal sector and are not covered by the wage increase. The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) underscored four reasons why they oppose the move. “We are not against wage increases but we urge the Senate not to tamper with the existing mechanism of regional wage boards to adjust wages if needed. Regional wage boards take into account the interests of both employers and workers and the different cost and employment situations of various regions,” FEF said in a recent statement. FEF said the wage increase will result in higher prices of goods, as additional across-the-board wage increase will push companies to charge higher prices. “The subsequent wage-price spiral will trigger an erosion of the people’s purchasing power, causing widespread demands for future rounds of wage hikes,” FEF said. With inflation jumping, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may be forced to hike interest rates. This will result in people shelling out more to pay for housing and car loans and credit card charges. FEF added that increased interest rates will also force companies to reduce investments and cut back on employment. The proposal also does not take into account the different cost factors and employment situations across different regions. FEF warned that many small businesses may close shop or lay off workers. FEF said the proposal doesn’t cover informal and seasonal workers, fishermen, gig economy workers, and market vendors, who will now suffer from the inflationary impact of legislated wage increases. Instead of a nationally-legislated wage increase, FEF urged the government to liberalize food imports by reducing the tariffs on rice from 35% to 10% and abolishing or vastly expanding the import quotas for corn, chicken, pork, and fish. “Liberalizing food imports will see an immediate fall in the price of food, thereby increasing the purchasing power of all Filipinos, whether formally or informally employed and whether senior citizens or babies.” Those who are in favor, however, view these warnings as speculations. IBON Foundation executive director Sonny Africa said wage hikes can lead to economic activity, as workers who earn more will spend more, unlike businesses that will not necessarily reinvest earnings. Africa, as well as Makabayan lawmakers at the House, argued that higher earnings of workers will be spent on small businesses, and effectively spur economic growth. Africa said that according to their estimates, large and medium firms will take just a 6.7% cut in profits, while small and micro businesses may take as much as a 7.9% cut. IBON Foundation estimates that a family of five in Metro Manila needs P1,193 a day or P25,946 a month to live decently. Currently, Metro Manila’s minimum wage is just P610 a day. – with reports from Michelle Abad/Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/business/context-can-100-peso-daily-wage-increase-hurt-poor-filipinos/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2SvK4fKyoXkQBGzOyPr-Rr1vRWAZQ6Nq2goBayzUk__TwOWPMhec84I74_aem_yqvXwN_r9Bd7bIKfK59jyg	1
FACT CHECK: MMDA’s no contact apprehension policy still suspended	Lorenz Pasion	19/02/2024 18:29	Claim: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) no contact apprehension policy (NCAP) is being re-implemented. Why we fact-checked this: Several Facebook users shared on their personal accounts a copy-pasted message claiming that the MMDA’s NCAP is now in “full force.” The post claims that since the policy is now in effect, MMDA traffic enforcers will no longer be on the road flagging drivers for traffic offenses because monitoring will be done via CCTV cameras. “Consequently, car registered owners will be informed of violations via post mail and shall be given only 5 days to contest the violations,” the announcement read. To make it seem that the announcement came from a legitimate source, some users linked the message to a February 2023 Inquirer opinion article. One version of the misleading post, which has since been deleted, also included logos of the MMDA, the Police Community Affairs and Development Group-Metro Manila, and their contact details. The facts: In a Facebook post on February 14, the MMDA disowned the alleged announcement, saying it did not come from them. The MMDA added that the implementation of NCAP had been suspended since 2022 due to the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC). The agency also advised the public to verify directly with the MMDA any supposed announcements circulating on social media. About NCAP: NCAP utilizes traffic management technology such as CCTV and advanced camera systems to enforce traffic rules. Its proponents said the NCAP helped minimize human intervention in traffic management and instill a culture of discipline among motorists. (READ: EXPLAINER: What is the No Contact Apprehension Policy and why is it being suspended?) Reimplemented in 2016 under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the policy was enforced in five cities: Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa. According to the MMDA’s Frequently Asked Questions on NCAP, the policy will not rid Metro Manila roads of MMDA traffic enforcers, but will “supplement” their presence. The agency added that since there are still places not covered by CCTVs, NCAP is designed to catch moving violations while MMDA enforcers will deal with the “apprehension of administrative offenses.” Upon receipt of the notice of violation, an individual has seven days to contest the violation, not five days as stated in the circulating social media posts, according to the MMDA. Suspended: The SC issued a TRO stopping the implementation of NCAP on August 30, 2022, following petitions from transport groups and a lawyer challenging the policy. The first petition from transport groups urged the High Tribunal to declare invalid seven NCAP-related ordinances for violating existing laws. The groups also argued that NCAP has no basis in Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and Republic Act 7924 or the MMDA law. Meanwhile, lawyer Juman Paa’s petition asked the SC to declare NCAP unconstitutional after he was fined P20,000 for alleged traffic violations. The SC has yet to decide on these petitions after it concluded oral arguments in January 2023. Misleading: The Inquirer article linked in some of the misleading Facebook posts was about Metro Manila mayors’ approval of a single ticketing system to “harmonize” existing laws on traffic enforcement. It also talked about possible use with NCAP to discipline motorists and improve road safety, and clearly mentioned that NCAP was suspended because of the High Court’s TRO. Debunked: The misleading announcement has been appearing online since at least 2018, according to the archives of Agence France-Presse (AFP). The same copy-pasted announcement resurfaced in August 2022, which has been debunked by both the MMDA and AFP. Official accounts: For official updates on MMDA’s programs and services, refer to its official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram accounts. – Larry Chavez/Rappler.com Larry Chavez 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. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/mmda-no-contact-apprehension-policy-still-suspended-february-19-2024/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR39ks9Bl1M2qvnXOPpIAPExV-0qYUiIWtD1iuF5zxx7tY0OVZv9CFYXKbo_aem_bkwW--VHbSBCx2IjjGqFKA	1
GAME SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers	delfin.dioquino editor	16/02/2024 16:38	FIBA MANILA, Philippines – Four months after its historic title run in the Asian Games, Gilas Pilipinas begins another quest as it kicks off its campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers this February. Bunched in Group B, the Philippines will play Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei in a pair of home-and-away games for the first window. Familiarity will not be an issue for the Nationals, with head coach Tim Cone bringing in members of his Asiad squad – among then June Mar Fajardo, Justin Brownlee, and Scottie Thompson – to form the core of his 12-man lineup. Young stars Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao are also in the fold, giving Gilas Pilipinas a fine blend of experience and youth. With Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong ranked 78th and 119th in the world, respectively, No. 38 Philippines is expected to come out of the first window unscathed. Here’s the game schedule: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/sports/gilas-pilipinas/philippine-team-games-fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-schedule-february-2024/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1AqVVPRCEIiefVNXt9to-AM4CAj0-t4PnwY1uBC8NJJMt0VO6f6quXAto_aem_LGyuCFFILn6sI50-N979Nw	1
Veteran director Tikoy Aguiluz dies at 72	Marguerite de Leon	19/02/2024 17:10	From Tikoy Aguiluz's YouTube channel MANILA, Philippines – Veteran filmmaker Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI has died, Aguiluz’s family confirmed in a statement to media on Monday, February 19. He was 72. “While we grieve this loss deeply, we kindly ask for your understanding as we choose to mourn in private for the time being,” the statement read. “We assure you that once we are ready, we will share details about a public service where all who knew and loved Direk Tikoy can join us in paying tribute and saying our final goodbyes,” it added. The University of the Philippines (UP) grad was best known for directing the drama Boatman (1985), the neo-noir Segurista (1996), and the historical biopic Rizal sa Dapitan (1997), among other titles. He has received many accolades for his films, including multiple Gawad Urians for Segurista, the Grand Jury Prize at the Brussels International Film Festival for Rizal sa Dapitan, and France’s Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his body of work. Aguiluz also co-founded the UP Film Center and founded the Cinemanila International Film Festival. The Filipino film community has taken to social media to mourn the loss of one of their industry’s esteemed names: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/veteran-director-tikoy-aguiluz-dies/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2q322PL7KpUooMgk1X4Ec1Z3KZ-qGYo_Yn3dMpZNMT7Fy2TNUiSvrHOG8_aem_JFcp3W7ESeFMyGAxfuM0tQ	1
Why Chinabank is special to Henry Sy’s family – and what we can learn from it	gdecastro0289	19/02/2024 16:46	BRAND AMBASSADOR. Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee is flanked by Chinabank chair Hans Sy (2nd right) and Chinabank vice chair Gilbert Dee (left) in a photo opportunity on February 14, 2024. In last week’s event wherein China Banking Corporation (Chinabank) introduced Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee as its first brand ambassador, Chinabank chair Hans Sy stood beside her and smiled for the photo opportunity. A post shared by MMD (@michelledee) Hans is the second son of SM founder Henry Sy, who served as honorary chair of Chinabank until he died in his sleep on January 19, 2019 at age 94. Chinabank held a special place in the late tycoon’s life. It was Chinabank, then owned by the forebearers of Michelle, who lent Henry his first bank loan. Henry Sy would end up buying more shares in Chinabank until he became its biggest shareholder in mid-2000. Sy traveled by ship from Xiamen, China to the Philippines when he was only 12 years old. He joined his father who had a small “sari-sari” store in Carriedo, Manila. In 1942, during the Japanese occupation, their store burned down, and his father returned to China after the war. Henry, however, opted to stay. He sold surplus G.I. boots which allowed him to open his first Shoe Mart store in Carriedo. How much did Chinabank lend to Henry Sy? Chinabank’s website says that “in order to grow his business, he needed more capital,” and the bank lent him P1 million in 1949, “his first credit line.” Henry would explain the significance of this loan using a Chinese term. “The loan facilities given to me by the Bank gave me ‘pinsin’, a Fujianese word meaning ‘trustworthiness’ or ‘credibility’, in the Chinese community. It established me as trustworthy. It built up my credit. It proved that I was considered a very trusted customer by the Bank, and that helped my business. If China Bank considered me a good credit risk, then other people would also. That’s why I appreciate that loan so much,” he said in another book that celebrated Chinabank’s 90th anniversary. According to the book “100 Years of Trust: The China Bank Story,” written by Raul Rodrigo and Nancy Pe Rodrigo, that was in 1949 when Sy was just 25 years old, and they explain the significance of the funding. “That clean loan was a crucial step in the building of the Sy business empire. On top of badly needed capital to expand, the loan gave him tremendous credibility within the Binondo business community. Henry had arrived in the country in 1936 as a twelve-year-old boy, with literally no money in his pocket. But a twenty-five-year-old who could access an unsecured loan from the likes of Albino SyCip and Dee K. Chiong was someone that the rest of Binondo had to take seriously,” they said in the book, which was published in 2021 on the occasion of Chinabank’s 100th annversary. “So Henry Sy would have a soft spot for China Bank ever after.” FAST FACTS: Remembering Henry Sy Sr There’s another word used in the Rodrigos’ book on Chinabank that has the same meaning: xinyong. I found the best definition of this word in an article in The Conversation on China’s social credit system in 2018. “The word ‘credit’ in Chinese – xinyong (信用) – is a core tenet of traditional Confucian ethics, which can be traced back to the late fourth century BC. In its original context, xinyong is a moral concept that indicates one’s honesty and trustworthiness. In the past few decades, its meaning has been extended to include financial creditworthiness,” the article reads. Gilbert Dee, son of one of the early Chinabank leaders, George Dee Se Kiat, explained the word in the China Bank story book: “My father believed in xinyong. Xinyong is all about trust. The older generation—when deals were made, it was just a handshake, a purely verbal agreement. That was enough. No need for a receipt, no more documents—just your word. Your word is your honor. Of course, after so many generations, things are not the same any more. But during my father’s time, that was normal. That’s how things were done before, when it came to getting credit. What mattered [to my father] was if you were trustworthy or not. He wanted to know people well, to know if they had a good family background.” Filipinos often wonder what makes the Chinese-Filipino community so successful, especially in business, and one reason for this is what’s called “social capital.” As defined by Oxford Languages, social capital is the “networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.” Trust is an important element in social capital. Once broken, trust is often difficult to regain. A number of political and social scientists have written articles on social capital, and they’ve linked this to successful communities around the world. The higher the social capital of a community or country, the more progressive it is, and vice-versa. It’s also been linked to why people in some communities live longer than those who live in other communities within the same country. A clear example of this is the small province of Batanes in northern Philippines, where the social networks are strong and people help each other all the time, enabling the Ivatans to live longer than those who live in other communities in the country such as in Maguindanao in southern Philippines. This has also been depicted in the Netflix series, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” which is based on the books on the Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. So, when you think about why the minority Chinese-Filipino community is more prosperous than the larger Filipino community, think about Henry Sy’s first loan. – Rappler.com Sources: Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?	Rappler	https://www.rappler.com/business/why-chinabank-special-henry-sy-family-what-filipinos-can-learn-from-it/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2oa_MVxWRTBm-2PZHh4Xo03AEXqzxpOVG4b6eqydpqZisDDSKnXEaJBmo_aem_Z02o0bJPwYkuA0wGA3lBTA	1

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