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Waiting game continues as Converge top pick Justine Baltazar likely to finish MPBL stint
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delfin.dioquino editor
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15/07/2024 10:28
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HOOK. Justine Baltazar in action during the 2024 PBA Draft Combine.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Converge waited a long time to get its hands on Justine Baltazar. It may have to wait a little bit more.
Baltazar said he is likely to finish his Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) stint with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns before he suits up for the FiberXers, who made him the top pick in the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14.
“It looks like I need to because I’m under contract,” said Baltazar in Filipino. “After the MPBL, that is only the time that I can start playing for Converge.”
Losing the 6-foot-7 Baltazar would be a big blow for Pampanga as it eyes a title repeat.
With Baltazar – the reigning MPBL MVP – leading the way with impressive averages of 14.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 block, the Giant Lanterns have looked unstoppable, winning 16 of their first 17 games.
If Pampanga goes all the way again, Baltazar is expected to stay put in the MPBL until December.
That means Baltazar would miss the first conference – the import-flavored Governors’ Cup – of the upcoming PBA season, which is set for an August tip-off.
But even as the waiting game for Baltazar continues, the prospect of pairing him with FiberXers star big man and Rookie of the Year winner Justin Arana thrills Converge head coach Aldin Ayo.
A two-way talent, Baltazar can even play the small forward position if necessary, Ayo said.
“Balti can play the four. If another big man comes or if there is an import, we might slide him to the three spot,” said Ayo. “He is that versatile. He can do it all.”
Aside from Baltazar, the FiberXers selected Letran’s Pao Javillonar at No. 19, La Salle’s Ben Phillips at No. 21, Ateneo’s Jason Credo at No. 24, and Arellano’s Ronan Santos at No. 25. – Rappler.com
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‘Alipato at Muog’: The Cinemalaya documentary about missing activist Jonas Burgos
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Ysa Abad
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15/07/2024 10:01
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JL Burgos
At a restaurant in the Ever Gotesco mall in Quezon City, activist Jonas Burgos, son of press freedom stalwart Joe Burgos, who was mostly active during the Marcos dictatorship, was abducted by suspected military personnel. That was on April 28, 2007, under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime.
17 years later, Jonas remains missing — a highly documented and one of the most telling cases of enforced disappearances in the country.
Such is the shape of the story behind Alipato at Muog, a documentary entry at this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, now in its 20th iteration. The film is only the second full-length documentary to enter the festival’s main competition lineup, following last year’s Maria, directed by Sheryl Rose Andes.
“Since the day my family announced that Jonas was missing, we started shooting,” says director JL Burgos, Jonas’s younger brother. “Alipato at Muog will bring you to the very first time the search for Jonas commenced.”
“This means 17 years worth of materials are in the film. The materials are a combination of old mini DVD tapes, HD, and 4k footage which was shot in the recent timeline,” JL adds.
The director, also known for Portraits of Mosquito Press (2015) and Han-ayan (2017), has long been meaning to put the story of his brother’s disappearance to the screen, but says he “held it off” in hopes of “a happy ending,” only to find himself, alongside family members, still searching for justice, for closure.
“Reality told me this cannot wait any longer,” JL tells me. “Only a handful of people are telling the stories of the disappeared. If we do not make an effort, their stories, too, will vanish.”
He adds, “Many of the younger generation no longer know any of the victims. I see the younger generation as the voice of the disappeared, or the voiceless. The voices against such violations should be noisy enough to make at least a dent.”
Asked why this case, even after nearly two decades, remains urgent, JL says it’s because “we need to remember that enforced disappearance is a continuing crime.”
“As long as the disappeared remain missing, the crime is still being committed. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s 17 years or even longer, the crime is still being committed. Jonas is still missing, justice is yet to be served, and abduction still happens to this very day,” he points out.
In anticipation of the film’s premiere at Cinemalaya this August 2, I spoke to JL Burgos about how the story is personal to him and how we should respond to the anxious state of human rights in the country.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
When I submitted the concept of my film to Cinemalaya, I didn’t know that a documentary (Maria) was already part of the 2023 Cinemalaya full-length main competition. So, I was pitching with the thought that a documentary film has not been able to crack the Cinemalaya roster. I was elated when I learned that Maria was part of the 2023 Cinemalaya main competition.
We all know that independent films lack avenues to be screened, much more with documentaries. So when I received the news that Maria and my film, Alipato at Muog, are part of the main competition, I felt proud that finally, documentaries are making strides in festivals here in the Philippines as it should be. We documentary filmmakers always say “docu represent!”
You are correct, it is traumatic. Reliving the pain and frustrations took a toll on me at several points of making the film. I broke down several times while completing this film.
One more aspect that I have to deal with is the reluctance of people — who are either involved in the investigation, knew Jonas, or were witnesses to the crime — to be part of the film. Even if the case is 17 years old, people are still fearful of retaliation from powerful forces.
Families and loved ones of the disappeared don’t have a choice but to face such trauma. That is one of the effects of enforced disappearances. It is not only the disappeared who are the victims. The community where the disappeared belong to are victims as well.
I believe that the reason why Jonas was abducted was to silence him. For me, there are two options: to speak up against the violations or to keep silent. I chose to speak out because if I don’t speak out I let the perpetrators win.
I’ve seen different documentaries when I was young but what stuck in my mind was the documentary called Signos, which is about the Marcos dictatorship and the people’s opposition to it. It was a collaboration of brave artists from the Concerned Artists of the Philippines. That was the first socially charged documentary I’ve seen.
I’ve always wanted to tell stories. Stories that tackle societal issues. For an independent filmmaker, the cost of making a film is always an issue. So I have to learn a way to tell a story that would be realistic for me budget-wise.
I have to learn (still in the process of learning) everything so I can do it all by myself: from pre-prod to production, to post-production. By learning how to do it, the cost would go down drastically. With that in mind, documentary filmmaking is the perfect choice for me. Content and budget wise. But I just want to make it clear that I’m not solely a documentary filmmaker, I am a filmmaker.
I was a visual artist before I learned how to make films. I was part of a group called UGAT-Lahi, an organization of protest artists when I was younger. Now I’m part of an organization called Surian ng Sining, a group of cultural workers that caters to the marginalized sector of the society. That and my family background. My father is a staunch advocate of press freedom. He was jailed during the Marcos dictatorship. Human rights became a natural topic for me.
Too many to mention. But if I have to pick one, it would be Jonas’s image. People have to watch the film for them to understand what I mean.
When doing a film, I’m always invested emotionally even if I’m shooting stories of other people. With that said, filming other people [means] I can always go home and take a step back to calm myself down. In filming Alipato at Muog, there is no escape from the emotions that come with filming the whole movie. Even in my sleep.
Film and artworks in general can only do as much. Radicalizing people for me extends outside of cinema. Artists should be part of a bigger struggle outside of theaters, this is where artists and filmmakers can radicalize people.
I think, as a human being, everyone should make a stand against human rights violations, not only filmmakers. It is a collective responsibility of society. Everyone should aspire for a country with peace and justice. – Rappler.com
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Elite Elaiza: Youngest Yulo scores 5 golds in Palarong Pambansa secondary debut
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jisaga0269
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14/07/2024 21:52
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ELITE ELAIZA. Artistic gymnast Elaiza Yulo in action at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 girls secondary balance beam apparatus finals
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – Elaiza Yulo continued to prove she’s a fine chip off the old block after storming through the Palarong Pambansa 2024 girls secondary division with a stellar haul of five gold medals out of a possible six after the artistic gymnastics apparatus finals on Sunday, July 14.
Unfazed with a sudden schedule change from 1 pm to 9 am, the 14-year-old came into the Cebu Institute of Technology-University guns blazing, scoring a quick gold in uneven bars with a 9.85 score over National Capital Region (NCR) teammate Amara Zoe Lagdameo and Western Visayas’ Sarah Lee Thompson.
Yulo then bounced back from an iffy performance in the balance beam qualifiers, staying stumble-free in the final for a golden 12.05 score, ahead of Calabarzon’s Jewel Rich Dagohoy and Central Luzon’s Tallula Adrienne Rose Nadres.
The US-trained Yulo likewise excelled in the floor exercise final – a family staple – with a Naruto anime-themed routine to finish with 10.9 points, enough for a double gold tie with NCR teammate Cielo Esliza. Given the stalemate at the top, no silver medal was awarded as Nadres claimed bronze.
Already holding two golds from the individual and team all-around categories, Yulo had her lone dip in the medal tally with a vault event silver, as a noticeably bad landing in the first attempt caused her to just score 11.65 and bow to eventual gold medalist Nadres (11.775).
“I’m so happy and surprised because this is only my first Palaro in the secondary level,” a beaming Yulo said in Filipino after the event.
“My US training helped a lot. I cleaned up a lot of my movements and skills,” added Yulo, the youngest sister of Olympian Carlos and rising talent Eldrew.
Despite missing the clean gold sweep, a five-gold haul is still no small feat even for an athlete of Yulo’s caliber, especially considering that she still has four years of Palaro eligibility in the secondary level.
If her Palaro 2024 run is any indication, Elaiza Yulo’s dominance in the local ranks is only going to get better with time – an idea that just seems unfair to even fathom. – Rappler.com
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FULL LIST: 2024 PBA Season 49 Draft
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/07/2024 16:00
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MANILA, Philippines – Rookies who will spice up the league are on their way as they see their hoop dreams turn into reality through the PBA Draft set on Sunday, July 14, at 4:30 pm at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.
A mix of collegiate stars, Filipino-foreign standouts, and overseas league imports returning home make up the pool of rookie hopefuls seeking to crack the roster of the 12 teams.
Here is the draft order:
– Rappler.com
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McCullough stars anew as Strong Group dominates Australia for 2-0 start in Jones Cup
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Jasmine Payo
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14/07/2024 16:37
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MAIN MAN. Strong Group-Pilipinas’ Chris McCullough fires a shot against Australia in the 2024 Jones Cup.
JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas got off to a dominant 2-0 start in the 43rd William Jones Cup after posting yet another convincing win, this time against Australia’s BSBL Guardians, 91-69, on Sunday, July 14, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
For the second game in a row, former San Miguel star import Chris McCullough led the charge for the Filipinos as he went off for 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting in just 22 minutes of play.
McCullough had a team-best 15 points in Strong Group’s 104-79 opening-day beating of United Arab Emirates on Saturday, July 13.
The three-year NBA veteran McCullough came out with guns blazing from the tip-off as he dropped 10 of his 23 points in just the first 10 minutes – matching the Aussies’ total scoring output in the opening frame.
Led by McCullough’s fiery start, as well as Ange Kouame’s 8 first-quarter points, Strong Group easily built a huge 24-point edge over BSBL heading into the second period, 34-10.
After leading by as many as 32 points in the second quarter, 49-17, Strong Group’s offense slowed down a bit in the second half as the Guardians managed to pull within 16 points in the dying minutes of the final frame, 67-83.
Unfortunately for the Aussies, Rhenz Abando immediately restored order for Strong Group with a thunderous poster dunk over BSBL’s Caden Bentley to put the nail in the coffin.
Kouame racked up a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while American import Tajuan Agee tallied 14 markers for Strong Group.
Jordan Heading once again drained three long bombs to finish with 9 points, while Dave Ildefonso and RJ Abarrientos scored 7 and 6 points, respectively.
On the other side, Jesse Ghee topscored with 19 points for BSBL, which dropped to 0-2.
Strong Group looks to stay undefeated when it collides with the Ukraine national team on Monday, July 15, at 5 pm.
Strong Group 91 – McCullough 23, Kouame 16, Agee 14, Heading 9, Ildefonso 7, Abarrientos 6, Tiongson 4, Abando 4, Ravena 3, Manalili 2, Fenner 2, Liwag 1.
Australia 69 – Ghee 19, Bior 14, Howey 12, Magier 12, Bentley 5, Trego 3, Wilson 2, Zhu 2, Zarco 0, Pang 0, Chen 0, Weng 0.
Quarters: 34-10, 49-24, 72-51, 91-69.
– Rappler.com
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NU, FEU set up all-UAAP finale in SSL volleyball
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Jasmine Payo
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14/07/2024 21:32
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CHEERS. The FEU Lady Tamaraws celebrate a play against the St. Benilde Lady Blazers during the SSL semifinals.
Shakey’s Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Two UAAP teams emerged as the last squads standing, earning their seats in the title round after ruling the semifinals of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Sunday, July 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
NU and FEU – in a repeat of their UAAP Final Four clash – arranged a best-of-three finals matchup for the preseason volleyball crown at 4 pm on Monday, July 15, at the same venue.
The NU Lady Bulldogs outclassed the Lady Knights in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21, in their semifinal duel.
Bella Belen, the two-time UAAP MVP, led NU with 18 points, 14 coming off attacks, while Arah Panique delivered 9 points in the do-or-die match.
Both squads traded blows until NU pulled away against Letran to reach match point in the first frame, 24-19, behind Belen and Evangeline Alinsug’s relentless attacks.
There was no turning back for the UAAP queens as they blazed out with a nine-point lead in the second set, 21-12, before finally booting out the Lady Knights from title contention in the third frame.
“I always think of playing much better than my last game. I always ask myself on how I can improve and help the team, as long as I am playing here in NU,” Belen said in Filipino during a post-game interview.
Gia Marcel Maquilang paced Letran with 12 points, while Martin Nizelle Aeriyan registered 10 points for the team’s disastrous defeat.
In the other knockout semifinal match, the FEU Lady Tamaraws trounced the St. Benilde Lady Blazers in a sweep, 25-16, 25-16, 25-16.
Benilde had no answer for Gerzel Mary Petallo, who topscored for FEU with 14 markers, including 9 attacks, highlighted by a crosscourt kill in the second set, 23-12.
Faida Bakanke also hammered 13 points and 3 blocks for FEU to end the Lady Blazers’ title hopes.
The Morayta-based squad tallied 13 service aces compared to the reigning NCAA champions’ 2.
“It is an opportunity to play against NU again, because in the UAAP, we reached the semis as one of the darkhorse teams. We have worked hard for this,” Petallo said.
Wielyn Estoque and Zamantha Nolasco tallied 12 and 9 points each for Benilde.
Letran and Benilde will tangle for bronze at 2 pm in a best-of-three series on the same day as the championship match. – Eugero Vincent Liberato/Rappler.com
Eugero Vincent G. Liberato is a Rappler intern.
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Veteran sports journalist Chino Trinidad dies
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Jasmine Payo
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14/07/2024 9:54
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GONE TOO SOON. Chino Trinidad worked as a sports broadcaster for radio and television.
CHINO TRINIDAD FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – Veteran sports journalist and executive Manolo “Chino” Trinidad died on Saturday night, July 13, his family confirmed to Rappler. He was 56.
Trinidad died of “heart attack,” the family said late Sunday, July 14.
Trinidad was named last May as the new commissioner of the Sharks Billiards Association, the country’s first professional billiards league.
A second-generation sports journalist, he’s the son of longtime Philippine Daily Inquirer sports columnist Recah Trinidad.
The younger Trinidad first started on radio, anchoring a sports segment over radio dzRH in the early 1990s.
It was there when he crossed over to television, first manning the sidelines as a reporter in Vintage Television’s coverage of the PBA, before being elevated to a play-by-play commentator.
He also started his longtime association with boxing during this decade, serving as one of Blow by Blow’s anchors.
Undoubtedly the face of GMA Network’s sports coverage for about two decades, he served in various capacities, working as a boxing commentator and whipping up segments for the channel’s flagship newscast, 24 Oras.
After leaving GMA, he founded a cable channel called Pilipinas HD, and organized an exhibit called “Pagpupugay: 100 Taon ng Philippine Sports,” which earned a minor citation from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) in 2015.
Trinidad was also known for his passionate love for basketball, serving as the eighth commissioner of the defunct Philippine Basketball League from 2000-2010.
During his stint as commissioner, he saw the rise of the dominant Harbour Centre Batang Pier squad, which won seven league titles.
He was also a founding member of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which he soundly criticized in recent social media posts.
“Chino Trinidad: A visionary leader, fighter, and genuine lover of sports…forever grateful to you, my ‘kum’ and everybody’s commissioner,” said Rey Lachica, sports editor of Tempo and former PSA president.
“[Trinidad] was full of dreams and passion. He will be remembered for his fire and friendship,” posted former Daily Tribune managing editor and former PSA president Aldrin Cardona. – Rappler.com
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Lifting the torch: Olympic weightlifters out to make own names as Hidilyn Diaz steps aside
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jisaga0269
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13/07/2024 15:38
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Rappler/Adidas
Back in 2021, when the world and all that was normal in it was upended by the ravages of COVID-19, people turned to anything that would quench their thirst for hope and give them back a small sense of normalcy.
Within that dark period of history, sports gave people that escape, that little window of life while evading the dread of death right outside their homes. For Filipinos, the return of basketball leagues, as expected, provided that reprieve, with little to no expectations of hope coming from other sporting sources.
Then seemingly out of nowhere, the Tokyo Olympics, postponed a year due to the life-changing pandemic, gave Filipinos exactly what they wanted: hope, surprisingly at the cost of normalcy.
No, nothing was normal about the Philippines’ campaign in Japan. Boxing, after a 25-year medal drought, suddenly yielded two silvers and one bronze, and matched the country’s most prolific run since 1932.
That medal spree alone would have been a cause for historic celebration, but star weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz decided to ride the winning wave as well, capping the campaign with an improbable golden lift that ended the Philippines’ 97-year odyssey for the ever-elusive Olympic gold.
With tears streaming down a mask-covered face, Diaz created the country’s greatest sporting moment as the Philippine national anthem was played in an Olympic awarding ceremony for the first time in a non-demo sport capacity, making for an indelible memory that Filipinos back home all shared with her.
It is now 2024, and while the memories of 2021 are still freshly etched in the minds of all Filipino sports fans, the landscape ahead of the Paris Olympics has shifted considerably.
Diaz has all but ridden off into the sunset, now contemplating a quiet family life after being bumped off the women’s 59kg qualifiers by none other than her compatriot and fellow Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ando.
Upstarts Vanessa Sarno and John Ceniza, meanwhile, are set on making the most of their Olympic debuts in Paris, in the women’s 71kg and men’s 61kg divisions, respectively.
The narratives and pressures have been inevitably set by the icon who came before them, but the soft-spoken trio is nonetheless ready to take on all challenges and accept all outcomes, whether they result in a medal like her or not.
“For me, I don’t mind the pressure at all. I just have a lot of trust in myself that I can get a medal,” Ando said in Filipino. “All I need to do is improve my lifts.”
The only weightlifter in the Paris contingent who has experienced the intimidating aura of the Olympics, the 25-year-old Ando kept her advice simple for her fellow lifters who are about to step into the sport’s biggest stage.
“We just have to focus on our attempts and keep faith in ourselves,” she said.
Ceniza, actually the oldest of the trio at 26 years old, likewise does not have lofty dreams with golden gleams, but rather, he just draws his strength from people who believe in him, particularly his weightlifting idols like Diaz and another former Olympian, Nestor Colonia.
“It’s all about sacrifice and chasing goals you know you can achieve,” he said in Filipino. “It also helps that you have idols in weightlifting like Nestor, who has kept on pushing me and telling me I will get to Paris as long as I put in the work and the sacrifices.”
The same goes for the 20-year-old Sarno, who credits her own sturdy support system in building her confidence for her impending Olympic debut.
“Ever since I started weightlifting, my parents have been very supportive and always all-out for me, starting from the local competition levels,” she said in Filipino.
“Heading to Paris, all we wish for is we stay injury-free, and apply what we’ve learned in training – the little things to help us improve our personal records.”
Pursued with the ever-burning question of medal chances in the Olympics, the weightlifting trio still remained adamant on keeping a simple mindset, by all likelihood the same one Diaz clung to in her path to Tokyo.
“We cannot predict the fortunes given to us,” Ceniza said. “But for all of us, we’re doing everything we can to put us in a position to get a gold medal.”
“It’s free to dream,” Ando added. “Of course it’d be nice to get a gold medal. Why not?”
In the Philippines’ 100-year history of competing in the Olympics, the expectations had always been minimal, with the mere qualification to the Games already billed as an outstanding achievement.
But Diaz has proven that every once in a while, a Filipino prevails above all others. A Filipino can turn small dreams into big realities.
A Filipino can.
For her Paris-bound heir apparents, why not, indeed? – Rappler.com
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Baltazar picked No. 1 by Converge; Barefield, Abarrientos go 2-3 in PBA Draft
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/07/2024 16:59
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TOP SELECTION. Justine Baltazar joins Converge as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Converge pulled no surprises when it made Justine Baltazar the No. 1 selection in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft at the Glorietta in Makati on Sunday, July 14.
Long rumored as the FiberXers’ target, the former La Salle big man bolsters a franchise looking to turn its fortunes around after a forgettable campaign last season that saw it compile a 3-19 record and finish last in the two conferences.
The tallest in the draft pool, the 6-foot-7 Baltazar enters the PBA following stints in the Japan B. League and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, where he is the reigning MVP with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns.
Also as expected, Blackwater selected Sedrick Barefield with the second overall pick as the Filipino-American guard finally makes his way to the Philippines’ premier league after a botched attempt to join the previous draft.
Barefield boasts of arguably the most impressive credentials among the rookie hopefuls, having played in the NBA G League and serving as an import for clubs in Lithuania, Greece, Taiwan, and Guinea.
Moving up in the draft after a shock trade that saw it deal Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma to address its aging roster, Barangay Ginebra added further youth by choosing RJ Abarrientos with the third pick.
Abarrientos, 24, is coming off a two-year overseas stint as he saw action for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) and the Shinshu Brave Warriors in the Japan B. League.
Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone gets his hands on another Abarrientos after mentoring PBA legend and former league MVP Johnny Abarrientos in Alaska.
With the fourth pick, Phoenix beefed up its frontline by selecting Kai Ballungay, a 6-foot-6 forward who helped Ateneo win a championship in his two seasons with the Blue Eagles.
Rounding out the top five, NorthPort picked talented guard Dave Ildefonso, who returns home following a two-year run with the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the KBL.
Ildefonso and Abarrientos missed the proceedings as they currently play for the Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan together with fellow draftee Caelan Tiongson.
The youngest in the draft, 22-year-old Jonnel Policarpio of La Salle landed at NLEX as the sixth pick after earning MVP honors in the Draft Combine.
With back-to-back picks, Rain or Shine chose Filipino-American forward Tiongson and Filipino-Swedish guard Felix Lemetti at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively.
Former Adamson star Jerom Lastimosa got picked by Magnolia at No. 9 followed by other UAAP standouts Mark Nonoy (Terrafirma) and CJ Cansino (Meralco) at No. 10 and No. 11, respectively.
Avan Nava, a Filipino-Canadian guard who also saw action in the KBL, completed the first round as he joined San Miguel as the 12th overall selection. – Rappler.com
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‘Pusog’ to Palaro: Bamboo stick thrower Charles Turla breaks javelin record in 1st-ever event
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jisaga0269
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13/07/2024 14:47
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PUSOG POWER. Western Visayas athlete Charles Daniel Turla in action in the Palarong Pambansa 2024
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – Charles Daniel Turla made waves at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 boys elementary javelin throw after snapping an eight-year-old record with a gold medal-winning 60.26-meter throw on Friday, July 12.
The 12-year-old standout handily beat the previous 57.50m mark of Calabarzon’s Jerick Mendoza in 2017, notably in just his first-ever Palaro appearance.
Achievements like this make it sound like Turla has been around the javelin scene for a long time training with first-class equipment, but it was simply not the case for the pride of San Agustin, Iloilo.
“When we found him in Grade 5 training from a barangay school, he was throwing around bamboo sticks we call ‘pusog,’ old and heavy bamboo, that’s what he was practicing with,” Turla’s coach John Aghon said in Filipino.
“We told him to keep working, keep practicing, so someday you may achieve your dreams, and here we are, we’ve reaped [the reward].”
In a competition where the best throw is tallied as the final result, Turla achieved his top mark in just his third throw out of six total attempts, and even his coaches Aghon and Rommel Gardoce were dumbfounded with the surprising result from their promising ward.
“In practice, he was only hitting 49 meters, and we told him we’d already be happy if you hit 50,” Aghon continued. “But his first throw, he hit 51, and we were surprised. Second throw, he got 52.
“Then he got 60 in the third throw, and we just refused to believe it. It’s like I was flying without wings.”
Aghon and Gardoce beamed with confidence in Turla’s potential moving forward, believing he may just reach national team status and join international competitions like the Southeast Asian Games if he keeps up his work ethic.
“From what I see from his work and his character, he can reach the summit [of competitions] if he keeps it up,” Aghon said. “He has the potential, the body mold, the height, dedication, and self-discipline.”
“He’s a good kid. He obeys his parents, us coaches on our guidance and tips, and his other mentors,” Gardoce added.
It’s long known that bamboo is one of the world’s fastest-growing plants, growing sturdy and tall in a moment’s notice, and nothing could be a more perfect representation of Turla’s sky-high potential. – Rappler.com
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NU, FEU set up all-UAAP finale in SSL volleyball
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Jasmine Payo
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14/07/2024 21:32
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CHEERS. The FEU Lady Tamaraws celebrate a play against the St. Benilde Lady Blazers during the SSL semifinals.
Shakey’s Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Two UAAP teams emerged as the last squads standing, earning their seats in the title round after ruling the semifinals of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Sunday, July 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
NU and FEU – in a repeat of their UAAP Final Four clash – arranged a best-of-three finals matchup for the preseason volleyball crown at 4 pm on Monday, July 15, at the same venue.
The NU Lady Bulldogs outclassed the Lady Knights in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21, in their semifinal duel.
Bella Belen, the two-time UAAP MVP, led NU with 18 points, 14 coming off attacks, while Arah Panique delivered 9 points in the do-or-die match.
Both squads traded blows until NU pulled away against Letran to reach match point in the first frame, 24-19, behind Belen and Evangeline Alinsug’s relentless attacks.
There was no turning back for the UAAP queens as they blazed out with a nine-point lead in the second set, 21-12, before finally booting out the Lady Knights from title contention in the third frame.
“I always think of playing much better than my last game. I always ask myself on how I can improve and help the team, as long as I am playing here in NU,” Belen said in Filipino during a post-game interview.
Gia Marcel Maquilang paced Letran with 12 points, while Martin Nizelle Aeriyan registered 10 points for the team’s disastrous defeat.
In the other knockout semifinal match, the FEU Lady Tamaraws trounced the St. Benilde Lady Blazers in a sweep, 25-16, 25-16, 25-16.
Benilde had no answer for Gerzel Mary Petallo, who topscored for FEU with 14 markers, including 9 attacks, highlighted by a crosscourt kill in the second set, 23-12.
Faida Bakanke also hammered 13 points and 3 blocks for FEU to end the Lady Blazers’ title hopes.
The Morayta-based squad tallied 13 service aces compared to the reigning NCAA champions’ 2.
“It is an opportunity to play against NU again, because in the UAAP, we reached the semis as one of the darkhorse teams. We have worked hard for this,” Petallo said.
Wielyn Estoque and Zamantha Nolasco tallied 12 and 9 points each for Benilde.
Letran and Benilde will tangle for bronze at 2 pm in a best-of-three series on the same day as the championship match. – Eugero Vincent Liberato/Rappler.com
Eugero Vincent G. Liberato is a Rappler intern.
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Ayo relishes reunion with more potent top pick Baltazar
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Jasmine Payo
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14/07/2024 21:12
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TOP CHOICE. Justine Baltazar heads to the stage after being selected No. 1 by Converge in the 2024 PBA Draft.
PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Almost seven years removed from their final collegiate game together, Aldin Ayo and first overall pick Justine Baltazar renew a partnership, this time in the PBA with the Converge FiberXers.
What’s waiting for Ayo is a more potent version of Baltazar, his tools sharpened in later years with La Salle, and stints in the Japan B. League and the MPBL.
“We were looking for a versatile skilled big man, and aside from the talent and skills which he has, I know him personally,” Ayo told reporters during the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14.
“We know that he’s going to do whatever it takes to help our team,” added Ayo, who mentored La Salle to the UAAP championship in 2016.
Converge expects to see a formidable frontcourt tandem in rising team star Justin Arana and Baltazar, the 6-foot-7 stalwart who can slide into the small forward spot, per Ayo.
That may have to wait, however, as Baltazar may opt to finish his existing contract in the MPBL, which could extend to December if his Pampanga team manages to successfully defend its title.
Ayo said aside from Baltazar, the FiberXers got several key bench pieces in other picks like Letran’s Pao Javillonar, La Salle’s Ben Phillips, Ateneo’s Jason Credo, and Baltazar’s Pampanga Giant Lanterns teammate Ronan Santos.
One of the big challenges for Baltazar in his PBA arrival is matching up against the league’s best big men, led by presumptive eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and Christian Standhardinger.
“He has the skills, and the talent, but what’s more important is his [workhorse] attitude, he’s going to do more,” said Ayo.
“He’ll find a way because if you’re comparing [Baltazar] to June Mar, Standhardinger, and Japeth (Aguilar), they’re all bigger and probably more experienced,” Ayo added.
“But that’s where character comes in, the grit that he’ll find a way to compete and win.” – Rappler.com
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Why RJ? Cone says Ginebra pick Abarrientos elite like uncle Johnny
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/07/2024 22:15
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LEGEND. Johnny Abarrientos represents his nephew and Barangay Ginebra pick RJ Abarrientos in the 2024 PBA Draft.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – The belief that RJ Abarrientos could end up having the same prolific career as his legendary uncle prompted Barangay Ginebra to pick the sweet-shooting guard in the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14.
Head coach Tim Cone sees a bright future ahead of Abarrientos as the Gin Kings used the No. 3 pick on the former FEU star instead of going for size with the likes of Kai Ballungay, Caelan Tiongson, and Jonnel Policarpio still available.
Originally set to pick at No. 10, Ginebra moved up in the draft after a blockbuster trade that saw it deal MVP contender Christian Standhardinger and former scoring champion Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma.
The Gin Kings considered beefing up their frontline to offset the departure of Standhardinger, but they ultimately decided to select Abarrientos, whose uncle Johnny – a former PBA MVP – also got mentored by Cone in Alaska.
“After trading Christian, we were concerned about our size and [thought about going] for a bigger player. We had like four guys that we were all debating over,” said Cone.
“But it just came down to the fact that we just felt that RJ is just a really unique player like his uncle Johnny and he’s going to be an elite player in his position.”
“When it’s all over, he may be one of the best point guards of all-time. That’s what we think that may happen so we just couldn’t pass on him. Even though we really wanted the size of the other players, we couldn’t pass on RJ.”
Abarrientos, a former Gilas Pilipinas guard, turned professional overseas after just one season in the UAAP seniors level.
He starred for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League, even earning Rookie of the Year honors, before he took his act to the Japan B. League, where he suited up for the Shinshu Brave Warriors.
Selecting Abarrientos felt like a full circle moment for Cone as he and the now-defunct Aces also picked Johnny at third overall in the 1993 draft.
In that draft, big men Jun Limpot and Vic Pablo went 1-2 before Alaska chose the older Abarrientos, who led the franchise to nine championships, including a rare Grand Slam in 1996.
“We even wanted Vic Pablo and Jun Limpot, but we got Johnny, and lo and behold. That is the experience that I had with Johnny and I don’t want to pass on this experience with RJ as the No. 3 pick as well,” said Cone.
“But there were some really strong players in this draft who are really going to be great players in the PBA. We just think RJ may be elite.”
While there were other talented guards in the draft pool, Abarrientos stood out for Cone.
“RJ is in a class by himself, that’s what we feel. ” Cone said. “We’ll have to see as we go forward. We’ll know more in two or three years from now.” – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Ukraine – Jones Cup 2024
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Jasmine Payo
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15/07/2024 16:38
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MANILA, Philippines – Chris McCullough took over down the stretch as Strong Group-Pilipinas stayed unbeaten in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan after a come-from-behind 82-74 win over Ukraine on Monday, July 15.
The former San Miguel import scattered 8 of his 28 points in the final two minutes to help the Philippines’ representative improve to 3-0 after dominant wins over the United Arab Emirates and Australian team BSBL Guardians.
Ukraine led 72-67 before Strong Group went on an 11-0 tear highlighted by McCullough completing a three-point play, sinking a triple, and making a pair of free throws in succession to seize the upper hand at 78-72.
Free throws by Jordan Heading and Kiefer Ravena then sealed the win for Strong Group.
Heading backstopped McCullough with 24 points after an 18-point eruption in the opening quarter, while Ravena added 10 points and 4 assists.
Fresh from another 20-plus point beating of its opponents, Strong Group-Pilipinas tries to keep its hot start in the 43rd William Jones Cup going when it clashes with Ukraine on Monday, July 15.
Just like their opening-day blowout of United Arab Emirates, the Filipinos dominated Australia’s BSBL Guardians from start to finish on Sunday, July 14, en route to a convincing 91-69 finish.
As expected, Chris McCullough once again spearheaded Strong Group’s onslaught as he produced a game-high 23 points in just 22 minutes.
Aside from McCullough, big men Ange Kouame and Tajuan Agee both flexed their muscles inside the paint to finish with 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Don’t expect McCullough and the rest of Strong Group to slow down versus Ukraine as they gun for their third straight win in as many days for an unblemished 3-0 card in the single round-robin tournament.
The Ukrainians were no match for Chinese Taipei-Blue on Sunday as they dropped their opening assignment, 83-58.
Only one Ukrainian player reached double-digit scoring in their 25-point loss, with Rostyslav Novitskyi scoring 11.
Game time is 5 pm. – Rappler.com
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Elite Elaiza: Youngest Yulo scores 5 golds in Palarong Pambansa secondary debut
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jisaga0269
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14/07/2024 21:52
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ELITE ELAIZA. Artistic gymnast Elaiza Yulo in action at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 girls secondary balance beam apparatus finals
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – Elaiza Yulo continued to prove she’s a fine chip off the old block after storming through the Palarong Pambansa 2024 girls secondary division with a stellar haul of five gold medals out of a possible six after the artistic gymnastics apparatus finals on Sunday, July 14.
Unfazed with a sudden schedule change from 1 pm to 9 am, the 14-year-old came into the Cebu Institute of Technology-University guns blazing, scoring a quick gold in uneven bars with a 9.85 score over National Capital Region (NCR) teammate Amara Zoe Lagdameo and Western Visayas’ Sarah Lee Thompson.
Yulo then bounced back from an iffy performance in the balance beam qualifiers, staying stumble-free in the final for a golden 12.05 score, ahead of Calabarzon’s Jewel Rich Dagohoy and Central Luzon’s Tallula Adrienne Rose Nadres.
The US-trained Yulo likewise excelled in the floor exercise final – a family staple – with a Naruto anime-themed routine to finish with 10.9 points, enough for a double gold tie with NCR teammate Cielo Esliza. Given the stalemate at the top, no silver medal was awarded as Nadres claimed bronze.
Already holding two golds from the individual and team all-around categories, Yulo had her lone dip in the medal tally with a vault event silver, as a noticeably bad landing in the first attempt caused her to just score 11.65 and bow to eventual gold medalist Nadres (11.775).
“I’m so happy and surprised because this is only my first Palaro in the secondary level,” a beaming Yulo said in Filipino after the event.
“My US training helped a lot. I cleaned up a lot of my movements and skills,” added Yulo, the youngest sister of Olympian Carlos and rising talent Eldrew.
Despite missing the clean gold sweep, a five-gold haul is still no small feat even for an athlete of Yulo’s caliber, especially considering that she still has four years of Palaro eligibility in the secondary level.
If her Palaro 2024 run is any indication, Elaiza Yulo’s dominance in the local ranks is only going to get better with time – an idea that just seems unfair to even fathom. – Rappler.com
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‘Cara-gold’: Caraga wrestlers flex Palaro power
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jsitchon0312
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14/07/2024 23:23
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CHAMPS. Young wrestlers from the Caraga region were crowned as champions of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 wrestling tournament on Sunday, July 14 in Cebu City.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – Caraga captured the overall wrestling championship in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 after taking home seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals on Sunday, July 14, in Cebu City.
Among their proud wrestlers were the Allego sisters of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, both winning the gold in their respective categories.
The 16-year-old Monaliza Allego ruled the junior girls 48-kilogram, while her elder sibling, 18-year-old Princess Allego, topped the 52kig category and also bagged the tournament’s Best Female Wrestler award.
For wrestling coach Jessie Arnigo, a native of Surigao City, there are no words to describe the feeling of having been crowned as champions again, admitting that their triumph exceeded initial expectations.
“We manifested. It’s ‘Cara-gold’ so we really tried our best,” Arnigo said.
Eastern Visayas came in second to Caraga with four gold medals, one silver, and two bronzes, while the National Capital Region ranked third with two gold medals, one silver, and three bronzes.
Arnigo’s fellow coach Glann Castillon told Rappler they were very elated of their successful showing since dominating the 2019 Palaro, where Caraga won a total of eight gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
In last year’s edition in Marikina, which marked the return of the Palarong Pambansa after three years, Caraga ruled, but collected three golds, four silvers, and five bronze medals – a haul below the team’s average.
“We have a tagline. Train hard, play hard, and win easy,” Castillon said.
Both Allego sisters shared they prepared for the tournament with the mindset that each match was “theirs for the taking.”
“We fought for our parents and the people who supported us,” Monaliza said.
For the sisters, this tournament meant more than just medals but a means towards making their education a lot easier for them. Currently, both siblings are senior high school students at the Mabog National High School of Barangay San Roque.
Everyday, they travel at least five kilometers to reach their school from their neighborhood in Sitio Mamparasan to Sitio Mabog. With the cash rewards they would receive from their wins, the Allego sisters plan to purchase a motorcycle to help them with their daily commute.
Princess told Rappler that they both want to be future professional wrestlers and help support their family. – Rappler.com
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‘Cara-gold’: Caraga wrestlers flex Palaro power
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jsitchon0312
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14/07/2024 23:23
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CHAMPS. Young wrestlers from the Caraga region were crowned as champions of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 wrestling tournament on Sunday, July 14 in Cebu City.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – Caraga captured the overall wrestling championship in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 after taking home seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals on Sunday, July 14, in Cebu City.
Among their proud wrestlers were the Allego sisters of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, both winning the gold in their respective categories.
The 16-year-old Monaliza Allego ruled the junior girls 48-kilogram, while her elder sibling, 18-year-old Princess Allego, topped the 52kig category and also bagged the tournament’s Best Female Wrestler award.
For wrestling coach Jessie Arnigo, a native of Surigao City, there are no words to describe the feeling of having been crowned as champions again, admitting that their triumph exceeded initial expectations.
“We manifested. It’s ‘Cara-gold’ so we really tried our best,” Arnigo said.
Eastern Visayas came in second to Caraga with four gold medals, one silver, and two bronzes, while the National Capital Region ranked third with two gold medals, one silver, and three bronzes.
Arnigo’s fellow coach Glann Castillon told Rappler they were very elated of their successful showing since dominating the 2019 Palaro, where Caraga won a total of eight gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
In last year’s edition in Marikina, which marked the return of the Palarong Pambansa after three years, Caraga ruled, but collected three golds, four silvers, and five bronze medals – a haul below the team’s average.
“We have a tagline. Train hard, play hard, and win easy,” Castillon said.
Both Allego sisters shared they prepared for the tournament with the mindset that each match was “theirs for the taking.”
“We fought for our parents and the people who supported us,” Monaliza said.
For the sisters, this tournament meant more than just medals but a means towards making their education a lot easier for them. Currently, both siblings are senior high school students at the Mabog National High School of Barangay San Roque.
Everyday, they travel at least five kilometers to reach their school from their neighborhood in Sitio Mamparasan to Sitio Mabog. With the cash rewards they would receive from their wins, the Allego sisters plan to purchase a motorcycle to help them with their daily commute.
Princess told Rappler that they both want to be future professional wrestlers and help support their family. – Rappler.com
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Senate prepares detention facility for Alice Guo, 7 others
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Bonz Magsambol
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16/07/2024 14:27
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DETENTION FACILITY. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Senate Sargeant-At-Arms, shows the media a former day-care center converted into a detention facility, where suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, aka Guo Hua Ping, and her family may be detained, on July 16, 2024.
Angie de Silva/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has prepared the detention facility located in its compound in Pasay City where suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and seven others, including her family members, will be detained in case they surrender.
The Office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) on Tuesday, July 16, held an ocular visit of the facility for the media. The detention center was a former day-care center, which is air-conditioned, has three double-deck beds with pillows, a water dispenser, a restroom, and a sink.
“We will protect them. I have done this before,” said OSAA chief retired Lt. General Roberto Ancan.
On Saturday, July 13, authorities nabbed Alice Guo’s former accountant following the Senate’s arrest order against the mayor and her companions. OSAA said that their team took custody of Nancy Gamo at around 1 pm. However, authorities were not able to find Guo in her Bamban address.
Gamo will remain under Senate custody and will be held there. She could be detained as long as the Senate inquiry into illegal POGO continues.
The next Senate inquiry is set on July 29.
Apart from the mayor and Gamo, the Senate also ordered the arrest of her family members, former government official Dennis Cunanan, the representative of the Bamban POGO linked to Guo, for the same reason. Aside from the suspended mayor, those still at-large are:
Ancan said that Guo and others will be allowed to go outside of the facility for a few minutes for their morning walk. Food and other necessities will be provided for them but they can also bring their own food.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero said on Monday, July 15, that they might allow them to use gadgets during their stay in the Senate detention facility.
“According to the current rules and guidelines, the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms would not allow it. But should the need arise, the OSAA may provide a phone line. But I have ordered a review because I found that the rule was already old and may no longer be applicable,” he said.
Guo’s lawyer legal counsel Stephen David on Monday maintained that the mayor is still in the country and that he is convincing her to surrender to authorities.
“Nakausap ko siya kahapon pero hindi ko alam kung saan siya. Pero 100% nasa Pilipinas siya. ‘Yun ang sinabi niya sa akin,” David said in an interview with GMA News.
(I talked to her yesterday but I don’t know where she is. But she is 100% in the Philippines. That’s what she told me.)
Guo has been the subject of Senate hearings for her alleged involvement in illegal activities of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) raided in her hometown. During the inquiries, her nationality and citizenship were also questioned because of inconsistencies about her personal life.
For her alleged ties with the illegal POGO raided because of complaints of alleged human trafficking, Guo faces a non-bailable offense of qualified trafficking. The Office of the Solicitor General has also moved to cancel her birth certificate, which could help in the possible quo warranto case against her. The quo warranto petition, if granted, would remove Guo from public office.
The Court of Appeals recently froze Guo’s assets after the appellate court in response to an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) petition. – Rappler.com
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Ex-lawmaker Erice seeks to hold Comelec’s Garcia in contempt
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Jairo Bolledo
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16/07/2024 13:40
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COMELEC CHAIRMAN. Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia gave the public an early look and demonstration of the vote counting machines and other process, that will be utilized for the 2025 elections,at the Rappler newsroom on June 6, 2024.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Former Caloocan City representative Edgar Erice has filed a motion with the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to hold Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia in contempt.
In his motion filed with the High Court on Tuesday, July 16, Erice said Garcia should be held in contempt for allegedly violating the court’s sub judice rule, which prohibits petitioners in an ongoing case to discuss merits of their cases to avoid “prejudging the issue, influencing the court, or obstructing the administration of justice.”
Erice argued that Garcia allegedly violated the rule when the Comelec chairperson said that “the Commission on Elections may resort to manual 2025 national and local polls should the Supreme Court issue a ruling against Miru Systems,” among other statements.
“Chairman Garcia’s [statement] therefore, serves no other purpose but to sway public perception in an attempt to influence this Court to rule in favor of the Comelec, all before the arguments of all parties can even be heard,” ehe said in his petition.
In a message to reporters, Garcia denied the allegations against him: “Look who’s talking. Ako, may dahilan kung bakit nagsasalita, dahil kailangan ng tao ng update sa eleksyon mula sa Comelec. Sino ba ang kabi-kabila ang presscon? Sino ba ang petitioner sa kaso sa SC?”
(Look who’s talking. I have a reason to speak because people need election updates from the Comelec. Who is having press conferences left and right? Who is the petitioner in the SC case?)
On April 18, Erice filed a petition with the SC, urging the High Court to void the Comelec resolution that awarded a multibillion-peso contract to the new election tech provider, Korean firm Miru Systems. Erice, in his petition, cited the firm’s supposed blemished reputation overseas. Miru replaced the long-time provider, Smartmatic.
In May, the High Court ordered the Comelec and Miru to reply to the petition filed by Erice. The SC, however, did not grant Erice’s request for a temporary restraining order that would have prevented the Comelec from enforcing its contract with the Korean firm.
Explaining why he filed a petition, Erice said his case has nothing to do with Smartmatic and that as a former lawmaker, election-related issues have become one of his passions because of the past legislative inquiries he had done. – Rappler.com
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Dawn fire hits Baguio mall
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Chito de la Vega
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16/07/2024 16:30
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Fire hits the third floor of Maharlika Livelihood Center in downtown Session at around 1 am this Tuesday, July 16.
mau victa/rappler
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Fire hit the third floor of Maharlika Livelihood Center in downtown Session Road at around 1 am Tuesday, July 16.
The Baguio Fire Department with the aid of water delivery trucks were able to contain the blaze at about 4 am.
Maharlika is part of the Baguio City Market and housed mostly beauty parlors and retail shops on that floor.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong directed relief measures for the affected entrepreneurs.
He said they are now coordinating with Abanao Square management to possibly use the top floor open area as assembly site for the affected.
– Rappler.com
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Marcos gov’t urged to nullify license of POGOs for Chinese market
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Dwight de Leon
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16/07/2024 16:14
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Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Former senator Leila de Lima and former Supreme Court justices Antonio Carpio and Conchita Carpio Morales led a group of individuals in urging the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to cancel the licenses granted to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) who cater to the mainland Chinese market.
In an open letter to the President dated Tuesday, July 16, the group argued that the approval of licenses filed by such POGOs violates the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (Pagcor) own rules.
“Pagcor requires every POGO to operate only in a foreign country where gambling is allowed. Clearly, no POGO can operate legally in mainland China which bans all kinds of gambling,” the letter read.
“Thus, PAGCOR cannot, and should not, issue a license to any POGO that caters to the mainland Chinese market. Any such license is void ab initio under PAGCOR’s own regulations,” it added.
Specifically, the signatories – including groups 1Sambayan, EveryWoman, Women2022, and Intercessors for the Philippines – cited the following provisions:
The group insisted that Pagcor has the power to immediately cancel a license of a POGO that is later discovered to have made misrepresentations or provided false information.
“We, therefore, implore the President to direct Pagcor to cancel immediately all licenses of POGOs that cater to the mainland Chinese market,” the letter also read.
POGOs sprouted across the Philippines beginning 2016, and grew exponentially in the succeeding years, as operators took advantage of liberal gaming laws under the administration of Rodrigo Duterte. Many POGO operators are run by Chinese nationals, as gambling in their home country is banned.
In the past year, Beijing helped Manila shut down five POGO hubs and repatriate a thousand Chinese individuals.
In June, China called on the Philippines to put an end to offshore gambling, which it called a “social ill” that encourages crimes of kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder. In early July, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to “strengthen their partnership” in the fight against organized crime.
Scrutiny of POGOs has intensified in recent months as the Senate investigates illegal activities linked with offshore gaming operators.
The probe took a turn for the worse after it was discovered that Alice Guo, a Tarlac mayor with POGO ties, had fingerprints that matched a Chinese woman who only arrived in the Philippines in 2003, raising suspicions that she entered local politics to further sustain POGO operations in her town of Bamban. – Rappler.com
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Zamboanga del Norte sees surge in HIV/AIDS cases, deaths
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Herbie G
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16/07/2024 12:24
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CAMPAIGN. Abigail Khio, AIDS/HIV coordinator of the Zamboanga del Norte Health Office, speaks about government efforts to prevent more HIV infections in Zamboanga del Norte.
Gualberto Laput/Rappler
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines – An alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases and associated deaths has been reported in Zamboanga del Norte, prompting health officials to call for increased vigilance and safe sex practices.
An average of four new cases are emerging in the province monthly as of April 20. Since January 2023, Zamboanga del Norte recorded 385 people living with HIV, with a dozen AIDS-related deaths documented.
Officials said the province is witnessing a significant increase in HIV/AIDS cases, particularly among younger populations. The youngest recorded case involves an infant, indicating vertical transmission from parent to child.
“Zamboanga del Norte is now classified as Category B (with 500 or fewer HIV cases), and we should have zero cases,” Abigail Khio, AIDS/HIV coordinator of the Zamboanga del Norte Health Office, told a forum on Friday, July 12.
Stigma and fear of being shunned prevent many people living with HIV from seeking medical care. Such fear leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating the health crisis.
A leader of a local LGBTQ+ group told Rappler on Monday, July 15, that roughly half of the people living with HIV in the province are in Dipolog City.
“There are many who refuse to go to hospitals, fearing ostracization,” said the source who requested anonymity.
The data showed that a considerable number of those infected are relatively young.
Khio said those infected with HIV are getting younger, with the youngest being a month-old baby. Health officials decided to test the baby after finding the parents infected with HIV.
She noted that those living with HIV are mostly 35 years old and younger, with many being men who have sexual relations with men and transgender women.
Economic factors also contributed to the crisis, with many finding themselves engaging in the commercial sex trade.
“Perhaps due to poverty, many young people, aged 15 to 20, are attracted to offers as low as P50 to P150 in exchange for sexual favors,” Khio said.
The ongoing debate about sex education in schools includes health officials advocating for it, along with interventions like distributing contraceptives.
Although health officials are now urging parents to closely monitor their children, Khio emphasized they have never neglected their advocacy work, such as school-based sex education and other interventions like distributing contraceptives.
However, Alfredo Ogoc, a secondary school teacher in Dipolog, argued that while the government aims to prevent HIV/AIDS through sex education in schools, it might unintentionally encourage promiscuity.
“It somehow fuels young people’s curiosity and confidence, making it seem like we are encouraging them to engage in sex,” Ogoc told health officials during the forum.
Ogoc opined that sex education is better taught by parents rather than in schools.
Khio said another problem besides poverty and unsafe sex practices is technology, specifically the internet, where young people can access or download practically anything without their parents’ knowledge.
“We don’t have control over what is on the internet, which is why families and parents play a vital role in closely monitoring and protecting their children from the harms caused by rapidly developing technology,” Khio said.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot completely eliminate HIV, so once someone has HIV, they have it for life.
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding, and through blood transfusions with contaminated blood. – Rappler.com
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Bacolod’s famous Manokan Country shut down to make way for SM project
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Herbie G
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16/07/2024 17:03
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CLOSED. A yellow tape marks the end of operations at Bacolod's iconic Manokan Country.
courtesy of Jun Punzalan
BACOLOD, Philippines – The city government has closed down Bacolod’s iconic Manokan Country, renowned for its famous chicken inasal (grilled chicken), bringing an end to its four decades of operation.
Its closure on Tuesday morning, July 16, to pave the way for the development of an ambitious commercial center project, displaced at least 24 stall owners at the 41-year-old food center on Father Mauricio Ferero Street at the reclamation area in Barangay 12.
Members of a team from city hall’s legal office placed yellow police tape across about 30 stalls to keep the public off the property.
“This means no one is allowed to operate anymore,” said city legal officer Romeo Carlos Ting.
Colonel Noel Aliño, Bacolod police director, said authorities implemented the closure order without resistance, but a lawyer, speaking on behalf of the affected tenants, hinted at bringing the local government to court.
Meanwhile, SM Prime Holdings Incorporated (SMPHI) will soon start fencing off the entire Manokan Country after its closure.
Based on an agreement between city hall and SMPHI in October last year, the company will pay the local government P21.26 million annually, with a 5% increase every three years.
SMPHI plans to build a mixed-use building with retail stores, BPO hubs, and the rebranded Manokan Country.
In November 2023, SMPHI paid the city government P131.89 million as an advance for seven years of rent for a 16,875-square meter property, including Vendor’s Plaza, Manokan Country, and the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports (BAYS) Center.
Established during the tenure of the late Bacolod mayor Jose Montalvo Jr. through City Ordinance No. 16-1983, Manokan had been a favorite place of tourists whose visit to Bacolod was seen as incomplete unless they tasted chicken inasal there.
Lawyer Joemax Ortiz, one of the legal counsels of the displaced stall holders, said they would file a case to nullify a 40-year lease contract between city hall and SMPHI, which they blame for the Manokan’s closure.
Ortiz argued that the 1983 city law established the Manokan Country during the Montalvo administration, and the ordinance was neither amended nor repealed at the time city hall closed it down.
He said such “neglect involves several legal lapses” which justify the cancellation of a P4-billion, 40-year lease agreement between the city government and SMPHI.
Father Julius Espinosa, head of the Caritas Philippines-Social Action Center Foundation (PC-SACF), the social arm of the Catholic Diocese of Bacolod, came and watched as the city hall team implemented the closure order.
He said he was sent by Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon to “take care” of the displaced Manokan tenants.
“We are with them (tenants) in their fight for just and fair treatment amid the city government’s quest to redevelop the Manokan Country area through SMPHI, as part of the mayor’s dream to turn Bacolod into a super city,” Espinosa said.
Espinosa acknowledged the separation of church and state principle but emphasized that the Diocese of Bacolod cannot ignore the displaced tenants’ pleas, pointing out that Manokan Country has been part of the Bacolod cathedral’s neighborhood for over 40 years.
Manokan Country is less than 200 meters from the cathedral.
Displaced tenants were offered temporary space at SM City Bacolod-North Terminal Hub during the redevelopment, but no one accepted. They, however, want a relocation site where they can all move together. However, the city government hasn’t found a place yet, though the tenants will be prioritized for the new Manokan Country once the project is completed.
The displaced tenants are concerned about anticipated high rent and other charges from SMPHI for the new Manokan Country.
“It won’t be the same anymore,” said Ortiz. “The new rates and other costs will be a burden for the original Manokan Country tenants.” – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Malaysia – Jones Cup 2024
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Jasmine Payo
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17/07/2024 16:35
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MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas opened the floodgates in the fourth quarter en route to an 89-54 thrashing of Malaysia to stay perfect in the Willam Jones Cup in Taiwan on Wednesday, July 14.
RJ Abarrientos and Dave Ildefonso picked up where Chris McCullough and Rhenz Abando left off, draining a pair of three-pointers in the final period as part of a 30-6 rally that allowed Strong Group to improve to 4-0.
McCullough netted 16 points, Abando tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Ange Kouame put up 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win that saw Strong Group pull away after a nip-and-tuck battle in the first three quarters.
Malaysia still led 47-46 midway through the third frame before it fizzled out as Strong Group ended the game on a 43-7 run.
Abarrientos posted all-around numbers of 9 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Ildefonso added 8 points, all coming in the fourth quarter.
After overcoming its biggest challenge yet in the 2024 William Jones Cup, Strong Group-Pilipinas looks to stretch its undefeated streak even further when it faces Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17.
The Filipinos gutted out an 82-74 come-from-behind win versus Ukraine on Monday, July 15, to stay perfect in the single round-robin tournament.
In that nail-biting affair, it was Chris McCullough and Kiefer Ravena who saved the day for Strong Group as they spearheaded a massive 15-2 run in the final three minutes to secure the hard-earned victory.
McCullough took care of business yet again for Strong Group as he sizzled for a game-high 28 points, while Ravena scored all his 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Jordan Heading also came to play for the Philippines as he dropped 24 points – 18 coming in the opening period alone.
As Strong Group goes for a 4-0 slate, expect its leading scorer McCullough to take charge anew for the Charles Tiu-mentored crew for the fourth consecutive outing.
The Filipinos will go up against a tough Malaysian side, which is also undefeated as of posting time with a 2-0 record.
Malaysia is led by high-scoring guard Chun Hong Ting, American import John Murry, and former Ateneo foreign student-athlete Joseph Obasa.
Game time is 5 pm. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Malaysia – Jones Cup 2024
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Jasmine Payo
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17/07/2024 16:35
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MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas opened the floodgates in the fourth quarter en route to an 89-54 thrashing of Malaysia to stay perfect in the Willam Jones Cup in Taiwan on Wednesday, July 14.
RJ Abarrientos and Dave Ildefonso picked up where Chris McCullough and Rhenz Abando left off, draining a pair of three-pointers in the final period as part of a 30-6 rally that allowed Strong Group to improve to 4-0.
McCullough netted 16 points, Abando tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Ange Kouame put up 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win that saw Strong Group pull away after a nip-and-tuck battle in the first three quarters.
Malaysia still led 47-46 midway through the third frame before it fizzled out as Strong Group ended the game on a 43-7 run.
Abarrientos posted all-around numbers of 9 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Ildefonso added 8 points, all coming in the fourth quarter.
After overcoming its biggest challenge yet in the 2024 William Jones Cup, Strong Group-Pilipinas looks to stretch its undefeated streak even further when it faces Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17.
The Filipinos gutted out an 82-74 come-from-behind win versus Ukraine on Monday, July 15, to stay perfect in the single round-robin tournament.
In that nail-biting affair, it was Chris McCullough and Kiefer Ravena who saved the day for Strong Group as they spearheaded a massive 15-2 run in the final three minutes to secure the hard-earned victory.
McCullough took care of business yet again for Strong Group as he sizzled for a game-high 28 points, while Ravena scored all his 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Jordan Heading also came to play for the Philippines as he dropped 24 points – 18 coming in the opening period alone.
As Strong Group goes for a 4-0 slate, expect its leading scorer McCullough to take charge anew for the Charles Tiu-mentored crew for the fourth consecutive outing.
The Filipinos will go up against a tough Malaysian side, which is also undefeated as of posting time with a 2-0 record.
Malaysia is led by high-scoring guard Chun Hong Ting, American import John Murry, and former Ateneo foreign student-athlete Joseph Obasa.
Game time is 5 pm. – Rappler.com
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Senate prepares detention facility for Alice Guo, 7 others
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Bonz Magsambol
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16/07/2024 14:27
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DETENTION FACILITY. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Senate Sargeant-At-Arms, shows the media a former day-care center converted into a detention facility, where suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, aka Guo Hua Ping, and her family may be detained, on July 16, 2024.
Angie de Silva/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has prepared the detention facility located in its compound in Pasay City where suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and seven others, including her family members, will be detained in case they surrender.
The Office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) on Tuesday, July 16, held an ocular visit of the facility for the media. The detention center was a former day-care center, which is air-conditioned, has three double-deck beds with pillows, a water dispenser, a restroom, and a sink.
“We will protect them. I have done this before,” said OSAA chief retired Lt. General Roberto Ancan.
On Saturday, July 13, authorities nabbed Alice Guo’s former accountant following the Senate’s arrest order against the mayor and her companions. OSAA said that their team took custody of Nancy Gamo at around 1 pm. However, authorities were not able to find Guo in her Bamban address.
Gamo will remain under Senate custody and will be held there. She could be detained as long as the Senate inquiry into illegal POGO continues.
The next Senate inquiry is set on July 29.
Apart from the mayor and Gamo, the Senate also ordered the arrest of her family members, former government official Dennis Cunanan, the representative of the Bamban POGO linked to Guo, for the same reason. Aside from the suspended mayor, those still at-large are:
Ancan said that Guo and others will be allowed to go outside of the facility for a few minutes for their morning walk. Food and other necessities will be provided for them but they can also bring their own food.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero said on Monday, July 15, that they might allow them to use gadgets during their stay in the Senate detention facility.
“According to the current rules and guidelines, the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms would not allow it. But should the need arise, the OSAA may provide a phone line. But I have ordered a review because I found that the rule was already old and may no longer be applicable,” he said.
Guo’s lawyer legal counsel Stephen David on Monday maintained that the mayor is still in the country and that he is convincing her to surrender to authorities.
“Nakausap ko siya kahapon pero hindi ko alam kung saan siya. Pero 100% nasa Pilipinas siya. ‘Yun ang sinabi niya sa akin,” David said in an interview with GMA News.
(I talked to her yesterday but I don’t know where she is. But she is 100% in the Philippines. That’s what she told me.)
Guo has been the subject of Senate hearings for her alleged involvement in illegal activities of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) raided in her hometown. During the inquiries, her nationality and citizenship were also questioned because of inconsistencies about her personal life.
For her alleged ties with the illegal POGO raided because of complaints of alleged human trafficking, Guo faces a non-bailable offense of qualified trafficking. The Office of the Solicitor General has also moved to cancel her birth certificate, which could help in the possible quo warranto case against her. The quo warranto petition, if granted, would remove Guo from public office.
The Court of Appeals recently froze Guo’s assets after the appellate court in response to an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) petition. – Rappler.com
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Why RJ? Cone says Ginebra pick Abarrientos elite like uncle Johnny
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delfin.dioquino editor
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14/07/2024 22:15
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LEGEND. Johnny Abarrientos represents his nephew and Barangay Ginebra pick RJ Abarrientos in the 2024 PBA Draft.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – The belief that RJ Abarrientos could end up having the same prolific career as his legendary uncle prompted Barangay Ginebra to pick the sweet-shooting guard in the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14.
Head coach Tim Cone sees a bright future ahead of Abarrientos as the Gin Kings used the No. 3 pick on the former FEU star instead of going for size with the likes of Kai Ballungay, Caelan Tiongson, and Jonnel Policarpio still available.
Originally set to pick at No. 10, Ginebra moved up in the draft after a blockbuster trade that saw it deal MVP contender Christian Standhardinger and former scoring champion Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma.
The Gin Kings considered beefing up their frontline to offset the departure of Standhardinger, but they ultimately decided to select Abarrientos, whose uncle Johnny – a former PBA MVP – also got mentored by Cone in Alaska.
“After trading Christian, we were concerned about our size and [thought about going] for a bigger player. We had like four guys that we were all debating over,” said Cone.
“But it just came down to the fact that we just felt that RJ is just a really unique player like his uncle Johnny and he’s going to be an elite player in his position.”
“When it’s all over, he may be one of the best point guards of all-time. That’s what we think that may happen so we just couldn’t pass on him. Even though we really wanted the size of the other players, we couldn’t pass on RJ.”
Abarrientos, a former Gilas Pilipinas guard, turned professional overseas after just one season in the UAAP seniors level.
He starred for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League, even earning Rookie of the Year honors, before he took his act to the Japan B. League, where he suited up for the Shinshu Brave Warriors.
Selecting Abarrientos felt like a full circle moment for Cone as he and the now-defunct Aces also picked Johnny at third overall in the 1993 draft.
In that draft, big men Jun Limpot and Vic Pablo went 1-2 before Alaska chose the older Abarrientos, who led the franchise to nine championships, including a rare Grand Slam in 1996.
“We even wanted Vic Pablo and Jun Limpot, but we got Johnny, and lo and behold. That is the experience that I had with Johnny and I don’t want to pass on this experience with RJ as the No. 3 pick as well,” said Cone.
“But there were some really strong players in this draft who are really going to be great players in the PBA. We just think RJ may be elite.”
While there were other talented guards in the draft pool, Abarrientos stood out for Cone.
“RJ is in a class by himself, that’s what we feel. ” Cone said. “We’ll have to see as we go forward. We’ll know more in two or three years from now.” – Rappler.com
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Ginebra gets Ben Adamos, lets go of Sidney Onwubere in trade with NorthPort
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delfin.dioquino editor
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15/07/2024 17:32
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SHOT. Ben Adamos in action for the NorthPort Batang Pier in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – The loss of star Christian Standhardinger has Barangay Ginebra making moves in a bid to fill his void.
Looking to beef up their frontline, the Gin Kings acquired center Ben Adamos from NorthPort as they let go of forward Sidney Onwubere in a one-for-one trade.
The deal got approved by the PBA on Monday, July 15.
Adamos’ acquisition comes just days after Ginebra shipped Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, and the No. 10 pick in the Season 49 Draft to Terrafirma in exchange for Stephen Holt, Isaac Go, and the No. 3 selection.
Instead of going for a big man, head coach Tim Cone and the Gin Kings used the No. 3 pick on promising guard RJ Abarrientos.
Ginebra is Adamos’ fifth team in the PBA after he played for Alaska, Converge, Phoenix, and NorthPort.
The sixth overall pick in the Season 46 Draft, Adamos appeared in 12 games for the Batang Pier last season, averaging 1.5 points.
Meanwhile, Onwubere returns to his former team NorthPort after a near three-year stint with the Gin Kings that saw him help the powerhouse team win two championships.
Onwubere, who also played for TNT and Rain or Shine, averaged 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds for Ginebra last season. – Rappler.com
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Magnolia parts way with Jalalon, acquires Lucero from NorthPort in 2-for-1 deal
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delfin.dioquino editor
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15/07/2024 19:06
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CONTESTED. Jio Jalalon in action for the Magnolia Hotshots in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Magnolia bid Jio Jalalon goodbye after nearly eight years with the team.
The Hotshots dealt Jalalon and Abu Tratter to NorthPort in exchange for Zavier Lucero in a two-for-one trade approved by the PBA on Monday, July 15.
Picked by Magnolia in the special Gilas Pilipinas round of the 2016 Draft, Jalalon helped turn the Hotshots into one of the best defensive teams, a run highlighted by a championship in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
The veteran guard from Arellano earned three All-Defensive Team selections and claimed the Defensive Player of the Year honors from the PBA Press Corps.
But the writing was on the wall for Jalalon as Magnolia selected former Adamson guard Jerom Lastimosa with the No. 10 pick in the latest draft on Sunday, July 14.
Jalalon averaged 9.7 points, 5.1 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals for the Hotshots last season.
While Jalalon parted ways with his first PBA team, Tratter got shipped for the fourth time in his career as he joins his fourth team in the Batang Pier.
Tratter, drafted by NLEX in 2018 before being traded to Blackwater, Alaska/Converge, and Magnolia, averaged 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds last season.
Although the Hotshots let go of one of their best guards in Jalalon and a bruising big man in Tratter, they get one of the best young forwards in the league in the 6-foot-6 Lucero.
Lucero, drafted fifth overall by NorthPort last year, averaged 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in the Philippine Cup last season.
On Monday, the Batang Pier also traded big man Ben Adamos to Barangay Ginebra in exchange for returning forward Sidney Onwubere. – Rappler.com
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MEDAL TALLY: Palarong Pambansa 2024
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jisaga0269
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10/07/2024 14:33
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CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Palarong Pambansa, the Philippines’ biggest grassroots multisport event, graces the Queen City of the South, Cebu City, for its 64th edition running from July 11 to 15, again with more than a thousand medals in store for the country’s best young athletes.
Spicing up the usual regional wars, the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO) are entering the medal tally as two new “regions,” bringing the total from the usual 17 to 19 for the first time ever.
Check our live updates: Palarong Pambansa 2024: Games, results, updates
Here are the overall medal tally and the elementary and secondary division rankings:
– Rappler.com
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Zamboanga del Norte sees surge in HIV/AIDS cases, deaths
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Herbie G
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16/07/2024 12:24
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CAMPAIGN. Abigail Khio, AIDS/HIV coordinator of the Zamboanga del Norte Health Office, speaks about government efforts to prevent more HIV infections in Zamboanga del Norte.
Gualberto Laput/Rappler
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines – An alarming rise in HIV/AIDS cases and associated deaths has been reported in Zamboanga del Norte, prompting health officials to call for increased vigilance and safe sex practices.
An average of four new cases are emerging in the province monthly as of April 20. Since January 2023, Zamboanga del Norte recorded 385 people living with HIV, with a dozen AIDS-related deaths documented.
Officials said the province is witnessing a significant increase in HIV/AIDS cases, particularly among younger populations. The youngest recorded case involves an infant, indicating vertical transmission from parent to child.
“Zamboanga del Norte is now classified as Category B (with 500 or fewer HIV cases), and we should have zero cases,” Abigail Khio, AIDS/HIV coordinator of the Zamboanga del Norte Health Office, told a forum on Friday, July 12.
Stigma and fear of being shunned prevent many people living with HIV from seeking medical care. Such fear leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating the health crisis.
A leader of a local LGBTQ+ group told Rappler on Monday, July 15, that roughly half of the people living with HIV in the province are in Dipolog City.
“There are many who refuse to go to hospitals, fearing ostracization,” said the source who requested anonymity.
The data showed that a considerable number of those infected are relatively young.
Khio said those infected with HIV are getting younger, with the youngest being a month-old baby. Health officials decided to test the baby after finding the parents infected with HIV.
She noted that those living with HIV are mostly 35 years old and younger, with many being men who have sexual relations with men and transgender women.
Economic factors also contributed to the crisis, with many finding themselves engaging in the commercial sex trade.
“Perhaps due to poverty, many young people, aged 15 to 20, are attracted to offers as low as P50 to P150 in exchange for sexual favors,” Khio said.
The ongoing debate about sex education in schools includes health officials advocating for it, along with interventions like distributing contraceptives.
Although health officials are now urging parents to closely monitor their children, Khio emphasized they have never neglected their advocacy work, such as school-based sex education and other interventions like distributing contraceptives.
However, Alfredo Ogoc, a secondary school teacher in Dipolog, argued that while the government aims to prevent HIV/AIDS through sex education in schools, it might unintentionally encourage promiscuity.
“It somehow fuels young people’s curiosity and confidence, making it seem like we are encouraging them to engage in sex,” Ogoc told health officials during the forum.
Ogoc opined that sex education is better taught by parents rather than in schools.
Khio said another problem besides poverty and unsafe sex practices is technology, specifically the internet, where young people can access or download practically anything without their parents’ knowledge.
“We don’t have control over what is on the internet, which is why families and parents play a vital role in closely monitoring and protecting their children from the harms caused by rapidly developing technology,” Khio said.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot completely eliminate HIV, so once someone has HIV, they have it for life.
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding, and through blood transfusions with contaminated blood. – Rappler.com
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Governor blames Napocor dam in Bukidnon for Cotabato floods
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Herbie G
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16/07/2024 10:27
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SAFETY. Rescuers bring an elderly couple to safety in Barangay Cuyapon, Kabacan, Cotabato, on Monday, July 15.
Barangay Cuyapon
GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza blamed the National Power Corporation (Napocor) for the floods that inundated many communities and farms, and displaced over 13,500 families in her province alone over the weekend.
Mendoza called on Napocor on Monday, July 15, to closely coordinate with local governments, especially in the lowlands, before releasing water from its hydro-electric dams.
She noted that releasing water from the Bukidnon dam causes the Rio Grande de Mindanao to overflow, triggering floods even when there is no rain in Cotabato province.
“When it rains up there and the Pulangi water level rises, they release water from the dams, and this happens,” she told reporters.
Rio Grande, one of Mindanao’s largest rivers, serves as a natural catch basin for water from the Pulangi River in Bukidnon, where Napocor maintains a dam to run hydro-electric plants linked to the Mindanao power grid.
Napocor operates the Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Power Plant, or Pulangi Dam, on the Pulangi River in Maramag in Bukidnon. The plant, which has been operational since 1985, generates power through three generating units which supply 255 megawatts to the Mindanao grid.
Napocor also operates the Agus hydroelectric power plant system, located on the Agus River in the Lanao provinces. The system, consisting of several plants, has been supplying over 700 megawatts to the grid.
Mendoza urged the national government to make use of the Mindanao River Basin Development Plan (MRBDP) as a reference for implementing infrastructure programs for flood control.
The MRBDP, a product of years of study, can be a useful guide in avoiding potential problems, she said.
She also said local governments should work on desilting river systems in their localities to help restore the usual flow of water in rivers, streams, and creeks.
The sudden surge in water levels came over the weekend, as continuous heavy rain brought by the southwest monsoon pounded many parts of Mindanao since Friday, July 12.
Mendoza said the flooding in Cotabato province alone displaced more than 13,500 families. Most of the affected families are in Pikit and Kabacan towns, which are directly in the path of the Rio Grande flow from nearby Bukidnon.
Also affected by floods were the towns of Mlang, Matalam, Pigcawayan, and Libungan, all considered low-lying areas in the province.
In Pikit town, where most areas were submerged in floodwaters, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office reported that thousands of families from 14 barangays have been evacuated. Pikit is located along the vast Ligawasan Marsh.
The affected families come from the following barangays: Balabak with 1,235 families, Tinutulan with 1,055, Balatican with 407, Inug-ug with 1,723, Talitay with 995, Bulod with 107, Kolabog with 825, Silik with 457, Ginatilan with 567, Ladtingan with 428, Punol with 1,603, Paidu Pulangi with 1,723, Kalawag with 450, and Katalikanan with 1,094 families.
On Saturday evening, July 13, the remains of a female Bukidnon resident were found in a flooded cornfield by the banks of the Rio Grande in barangay Kayaga, Kabacan town.
The victim was identified as Evelyn Candido, who, along with her 16-year-old daughter Rochel, was swept away by raging flood waters while crossing a river in Maramag town, Bukidnon, on Friday evening. The younger Candido remains missing as of posting time.
Mendoza said they were still assessing the damages, mainly in agriculture. No damage to infrastructure facilities has been reported so far.
Despite the potentially heavy losses, the governor said they are not keen on declaring a state of calamity in the province yet.
“Declaring a state of calamity will force us to spend and sap our resources. We are still in the middle of the year and the forecast given to us indicates that rains will continue until December,” Mendoza said. – Rappler.com
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DA to roll out African swine fever vaccines by September
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Iya Gozum
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16/07/2024 10:09
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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) expects to roll out its African swine fever (ASF) vaccination program by September, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Monday, July 15.
“DA has to bid it out ‘no. So, hopefully, you know, bureaucracy ang kalaban ko dito eh,” said Tiu Laurel. “So sana by September ay ma-rollout na iyon at ma-vaccinate na iyong growers ng ating mga backyard.”
(DA has to bid it out. Bureaucracy is the enemy here. Hopefully by September we can roll out and vaccinate our backyard growers.)
Tiu Laurel said that the batch of vaccines arriving by September is for government use only.
“Kasi basically, minu-monitor ito for six months ng government use, then after that, hopefully, kung pumasa na lahat at okay lahat, for commercial use na,” he said.
(Basically, it will be monitored for six months [through] government use, then after that, hopefully, if everything checks, it’s for commercial use already.)
According to the agriculture secretary, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the ASF vaccine. The vaccine applying for approval is produced by AVAC Vietnam.
ASF is a viral disease of farm-raised and wild pigs with 100% fatality rate. It has become a global concern after outbreaks were detected in many countries including China, Vietnam, and Korea. The Philippines had its first outbreak of the highly contagious disease in 2019.
The Bureau of Animal Industry reported that as of July 12, nine provinces still have active ASF cases.
However, a group of hog farmers said they are “hesitant” to use the vaccines because of safety and cost issues, as well as the controversies that surrounded the trials conducted the past year.
In October last year, the Senate conducted a probe into the vaccine trials held by private farms even without a certificate of product registration from the FDA. (READ: Who’s to blame for ‘private-led’ trials of African swine fever vaccines?)
“Most of our counterpart farmers from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia do not want to use the vaccines for fear of shedding as they have already seen ASF variants with two genotypes currently and they suspected they came from vaccine use,” said Alfred Ng, vice chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmers (NatFed), in a statement.
Ng said the price of the vaccine is “very high” and is almost “four times” compared to Vietnam’s.
That the DA will do “controlled vaccination with strict monitoring…is a welcome development as we do not want indiscriminate vaccine sales everywhere,” he said.
KPP Powers Commodities, local distributor of the Vietnam-developed vaccine, assured the public that the vaccines were safe and effective.
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) had previously warned against the use of sub-standard vaccines, as these “may not confer any protection against ASF and risks spreading vaccine viruses that could result in acute or chronic disease.”
WOAH also said authorities should pursue a “well-designed vaccination program” and include post-vaccination surveillance and an exit strategy. – Rappler.com
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Prosecution evidence still barred in Bacoor ex-mayor case – Sandiganbayan
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Michelle Abad
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16/07/2024 8:41
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ANTI-GRAFT COURT. The Sandiganbayan in Quezon City, June 30, 2018.
Darren Langit/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its ruling barring government prosecutors from presenting evidence in a 23-year-old graft case against former Bacoor, Cavite mayor Jessie Castillo.
The anti-graft court first made the ruling on April 22. In a resolution promulgated on June 5, the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division denied the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration, which said that the pronouncement that its right to present evidence was deemed waived “for failure to prosecute.”
Castillo’s case now awaits decision.
The Office of the Ombudsman first filed the case in September 2000, alleging that Castillo allowed an illegal dumpsite to operate in Molino, Bacoor, without the required Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Environmental Management Bureau.
Citing a defect in the information, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the case in 2002. However, the prosecution challenged the dismissal by filing a petition for review on certiorari before the Supreme Court (SC). The case stalled for 12 years.
In September 2015, the SC reversed the Sandiganbayan’s dismissal, and ordered a trial.
While the SC ruling became final on April 22, 2016, the prosecution only inquired about the status of the case six years later, in 2022.
The ex-Bacoor mayor sought dismissal of the case, saying there was inordinate delay that caused him more than two decades of anxiety. The Sandiganbayan denied his appeal for dismissal on the ground he failed to assert his right to a speedy trial earlier.
On March 12, 2024, the Sandiganbayan gave prosecutors a chance to present a witness on the next trial date set April 22. If they failed to present one, their right to adduce evidence was considered waived.
Prosecutors had said that they needed time to locate its witnesses, as the decades of the case being stalled led to losing track of them. The original complainant, Mary Grace Rosal, also declared in an affidavit that she was no longer interested in pursuing the case.
The dumpsite under scrutiny has also been cleared and developed into a residential subdivision, according to Castillo.
“To overlook the unusually long delay incurred in the handling of the case by the Office of the Ombudsman is equivalent to the impairment of the right of the accused to defend themselves. Thus, these is no cogent reason to grant the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration,” the Sandiganbayan said. – Rappler.com
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5 DepEd execs quit as Angara prepares to take over agency
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Bonz Magsambol
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16/07/2024 11:49
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DEPED. The Department of Education headquarters in Pasig City.
Philippine Information Agency
MANILA, Philippines – Five high-ranking officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) have resigned from their posts, as incoming Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara takes over the agency on Friday, July 19.
“I think it is only appropriate to give the incoming Secretary of Education, Secretary Angara, a free hand to choose the people that will be part of his team,” DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Michael Poa told Rappler in a text message on Monday, July 15.
Apart from Poa, the following officials also relinquished their positions:
All five of them were appointed by Vice President Sara Duterte when she assumed the leadership at DepEd.
Asked if he’ll still work for Duterte, Poa said, “I will just wait for instructions from the Vice President, if any.”
Prior to his appointment, Poa served as the chief of staff of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). He also served as a member of the GSIS Editorial Board from 2011 to 2013.
Baluyan and Mempin, both retired generals, were appointed in 2023. Before his retirement, Mempin was the commander of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, which has operational responsibility over the Davao Region. Baluyan was the assistant division commander of the 3rd Infantry Division before his retirement in December 2022.
Meanwhile, Munsayac had resigned as the commissioner and acting chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government in 2021 to help with Duterte’s campaign in 2022. He later served as spokesman of the Office of the Vice President before his appointment at the DepEd.
As for Fajarda, she is a lawyer by profession.
Angara was made aware of the resignations before he officially takes office. In an interview with DZBB on Sunday, July 14, he said, however, that he has yet to see the documents these officials reportedly submitted to the Office of the President and prefers not to comment yet.
Angara, a lawyer like the Vice President, earned his undergraduate degree in international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1994. He obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 2000 and his Master of Laws degree at Harvard Law School in 2003.
Angara inherits a gargantuan problem in the education sector, including the poor performance of Filipino students in global education assessments. A World Bank report showed that 9 in 10 Filipino students aged 10 are struggling to read simple text. – Rappler.com
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For love of country, can’t we get someone with a background in Education to head the department? Sara’s tenure was bad with military appointees in her department but here we go again …
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Arlene Brosas joins France Castro in Makabayan’s 2025 Senate slate
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Kaycee
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16/07/2024 12:09
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SENATE BID. Arlene Brosas announces her bid for the Senate in the 2025 elections.
Kaycee Valmonte/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Arlene Brosas, House assistant minority leader and representative of Gabriela Women’s Party, is setting her eyes on a Senate seat.
“This decision is driven by the urgent need to defend women’s rights against the ongoing onslaught of patriarchal and women’s policies,” Brosas said.
She is the second from the Makabayan bloc to announce her senatorial bid, following ACT Teachers Representative France Castro. The two have been serving in the House of Representatives since the 17th Congress in 2016 and will finish their terms at the 19th Congress in 2025.
Brosas is a long-time advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and has been vocal against government-sanctioned red-tagging.
She is among the principal authors of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), which penalizes catcalling, wolf-whistling, misogynistic and homophobic slurs, unwanted sexual advances, and other forms of sexual harassment in public spaces – even online.
Brosas is also the principal author of laws that further protect the welfare of parents, such as the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210) and the Expanded Solo Parents welfare Act (RA 11861), and helped create measures that protect against sexual abuse, such as the Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape (RA 11648).
According to a profile provided by her staff, Brosas is currently the vice president for Partylist of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation Incorporated, vice chairperson for Luzon of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation Incorporated, and is a board member at the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights.
Before she became congresswoman, Brosas led the creation of the Anti-Child Pornography Alliance, and served as spokesman and convenor for the Save Nena Campaign – another group that advocated for the end of child sexual abuse and prostitution. She was also executive director of nationwide daycare volunteers, Akap sa mga Bata ng mga Guro Kalinga.
Makabayan said last week that they will be fielding a full Senate slate in the upcoming 2025 polls from all sectors they represent. While only two candidates have so far been announced, the bloc said they plan on presenting candidates who have proven track records and have been working in their respective sectors for a while now.
In the last midterm elections in 2019, opposition figures failed to secure a seat in the Senate’s “Magic 12” after suffering a barrage of attacks – from red-tagging to online disinformation – from the administration of the popular Rodrigo Duterte.
At the moment, the only opposition senator at the upper chamber is Akbayan’s Risa Hontiveros, whose term ends in 2028. She is part of the Senate minority along with Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, a former party-mate of Duterte in PDP-Laban. – Rappler.com
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Arlene Brosas joins France Castro in Makabayan’s 2025 Senate slate
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Kaycee
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16/07/2024 12:09
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SENATE BID. Arlene Brosas announces her bid for the Senate in the 2025 elections.
Kaycee Valmonte/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Arlene Brosas, House assistant minority leader and representative of Gabriela Women’s Party, is setting her eyes on a Senate seat.
“This decision is driven by the urgent need to defend women’s rights against the ongoing onslaught of patriarchal and women’s policies,” Brosas said.
She is the second from the Makabayan bloc to announce her senatorial bid, following ACT Teachers Representative France Castro. The two have been serving in the House of Representatives since the 17th Congress in 2016 and will finish their terms at the 19th Congress in 2025.
Brosas is a long-time advocate for women’s and children’s rights, and has been vocal against government-sanctioned red-tagging.
She is among the principal authors of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), which penalizes catcalling, wolf-whistling, misogynistic and homophobic slurs, unwanted sexual advances, and other forms of sexual harassment in public spaces – even online.
Brosas is also the principal author of laws that further protect the welfare of parents, such as the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210) and the Expanded Solo Parents welfare Act (RA 11861), and helped create measures that protect against sexual abuse, such as the Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape (RA 11648).
According to a profile provided by her staff, Brosas is currently the vice president for Partylist of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation Incorporated, vice chairperson for Luzon of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation Incorporated, and is a board member at the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights.
Before she became congresswoman, Brosas led the creation of the Anti-Child Pornography Alliance, and served as spokesman and convenor for the Save Nena Campaign – another group that advocated for the end of child sexual abuse and prostitution. She was also executive director of nationwide daycare volunteers, Akap sa mga Bata ng mga Guro Kalinga.
Makabayan said last week that they will be fielding a full Senate slate in the upcoming 2025 polls from all sectors they represent. While only two candidates have so far been announced, the bloc said they plan on presenting candidates who have proven track records and have been working in their respective sectors for a while now.
In the last midterm elections in 2019, opposition figures failed to secure a seat in the Senate’s “Magic 12” after suffering a barrage of attacks – from red-tagging to online disinformation – from the administration of the popular Rodrigo Duterte.
At the moment, the only opposition senator at the upper chamber is Akbayan’s Risa Hontiveros, whose term ends in 2028. She is part of the Senate minority along with Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, a former party-mate of Duterte in PDP-Laban. – Rappler.com
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Eastern Visayas boxer Paña dominates Soccsksargen’s Ancajas for Palaro gold
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clescudero0258
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15/07/2024 18:10
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CHAMPION. Eastern Visayas' Angel Joshua Paña is declared champion of the boxing school boys event of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 under the pinweight division.
Christa Escudero/Rappler
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Angel Joshua Paña of Eastern Visayas earned the crowd’s cheers – and the gold medal – after overpowering Soccsksargen’s Jarrell Mark Ancajas via unanimous decision in the pinweight division of school boys boxing in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City.
Playing in just his second Palaro, the 14-year-old pride of Ormoc City bagged his first medal at the expense of an opponent with an illustrious boxing pedigree.
Ancajas is the younger brother of Filipino boxing star and former IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas.
“Passion ko po talaga ang boxing mula pagkabata (Boxing has really been my passion since I was a child),” said Paña, who learned to play boxing at 10 years old with the help of his father, and then started to enter the ring at 11.
Paña’s coach Elgy Costelo felt immense pressure upon learning beforehand that his ward would be competing with Ancajas, whose strength and competence they’ve seen in previous bouts. But he proceeded to work with the teen boxer on strategies to beat his worthy opponent.
Paña – who shared that one of his idols is boxing legend Manny Pacquiao – also took it as a challenge, Costelo added.
“Ang game plan talaga namin is pasukin nang pasukin si Ancajas kasi technical boxer si Ancajas (Ancajas’ playing style is technical, so our game plan was just to keep on going in),” Costelo shared.
Paña is set to return to the boxing ring during the Batang Pinoy tournament in December, the coach said.
Here is the full list of boxing gold medalists awarded at the Cebu Coliseum on Monday, July 15:
– Rappler.com
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Ramon Ang wants an even bigger NAIA terminal than promised. Can he deliver?
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lkyu0285
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16/07/2024 9:30
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Ralf Rivas/Rappler, JIRE CARREON/RAPPLER, and Angie de Silva/Rappler
When Ramon Ang met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after he won the bid to rehabilitate the Philippines’ ailing international airport, the San Miguel tycoon made a bold promise: to build a terminal even bigger than what the contract required.
The best part? He’ll do it “without additional cost to the government.”
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista recalled the exact words of the affable billionaire, who is better known in business circles as RSA. It was a private meeting between him, RSA, and the President.
“RSA and the President met a few months ago. I was there,” Bautista said during a meeting of the Monday Circle Financial Forum.
“At sabi ni RSA (And RSA said), ‘I will build a bigger terminal than what is agreed in the concession agreement – without additional cost to the government.’ ’Yan ang pangako niya kay Presidente.” (That was his promise to the President.)
The biggest expansion will happen in Terminal 2, which is what Ang was talking about when he made that promise to Marcos. That’s no small deal. To put that in context, the $3-billion contract to rehabilitate NAIA is already one of the Marcos administration’s biggest privatization projects.
Under the terms of the deal, the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation – the special company established by San Miguel’s consortium – will have up to 25 years to run the airport and build up its annual passenger capacity from 32 million all the way up to 62 million. During that time, the group is expected to spend about P122 billion in capital expenditures to upgrade NAIA while remitting an estimated P900 billion in revenues to the government. (READ: San Miguel’s group wins bid for NAIA. What’s next?)
Part of the plan is to expand Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The north wing of Terminal 2 will be expanded towards the Philippine Village Hotel. Terminal 2’s south wing will also be extended towards Terminal 1 once the International Cargo Complex and fuel farm are relocated.
“‘Yung Terminal 2, ide-demolish ‘yung sinasabi na Philippine Village Hotel. Magkakaroon ng extension,” Bautista said during the forum meeting on Monday, July 8. (For Terminal 2, the Philippine Village Hotel will be demolished. There will be an extension.)
Rappler reported in late 2023 how the government had repossessed the Philippine Village Hotel with the intention of making the land available for an expansion of Terminal 2.
During a press conference, Ang himself also confirmed that the Philippine Village Hotel will be torn down to construct a new passenger terminal building. According to Ang, the target is for it to have 50 boarding bridges, 9,000 parking slots for vehicles, and an annual passenger capacity of 35 million passengers. The tycoon, however, made no mention of his ambitious promise to Marcos when he spoke to the media.
The north concourse of Terminal 3 will also be expanded to boost annual passenger capacity from 14 million to 25 million. Passengers will be able to reach Terminal 3 using the Metro Manila Subway once it is completed.
San Miguel’s group plans to more than double the vehicle parking outside of Terminals 1 and 3 from 5,800 slots to 12,400 slots. A 62,000-square-meter, multi-level carpark building will rise at Terminal 1 while a new five-level carpark will be added to the existing carpark at Terminal 3.
Ang also has his eye on revamping the food selection at NAIA.
Currently, the different terminals at NAIA offer a less-than-impressive roster of restaurants and cafes. For instance, Terminal 1, which handles the bulk of all international flights in the country, only has a handful of perpetually crowded coffee shops, such as Bo’s Coffee, Starbucks, Caffe Xpress, and most recently, Little Flour Cafe.
The richness and aroma of Filipino food does not feature prominently in NAIA, although homegrown fast-food giant Jollibee does have branches in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
NAIA’s new operator wants to change that. According to Bautista, San Miguel’s group will conduct a “review” of the airport’s concessionaires, with the idea of setting up a food court to showcase Filipino cuisine.
“’Gusto ng San Miguel, ‘yung magkaroon ng food court na nandoon lahat. Gusto nila showcase natin ‘yung mga Filipino [food],” the transport secretary said on Monday. (San Miguel wants to make a food court where everything is there. They want us to showcase Filipino food.)
And apparently, it’s not just Ang himself who’s keen on rehabilitating NAIA. Cecile Ang, the tycoon’s eldest daughter and a board member at San Miguel Properties, is also overseeing potential improvements at the airport.
“Siya personally, almost every day, nandoon na siya (She’s personally there almost every day),’ Bautista said.
If San Miguel follows through with all of its plans, several major upgrades will be coming to the airport over the next few years. Here are some of them, according to the Department of Transportation:
Of course, everything has its price, and San Miguel certainly isn’t taking on this mega project for free. So how will San Miguel deliver on all these plans while making an acceptable return?
For starters, there’s a looming big-time hike on terminal fees. The DOTr has confirmed a proposal to raise the passenger service charge for international trips from P550 to P950 starting in 2025 – a 72.7% jump.
The new airport operator also plans to increase other airport charges, such as landing, takeoff, parking, and aeronautical fees, before the end of 2024. Unlike terminal fees, these aren’t directly charged to passengers. But airlines will likely pass on the extra costs to their customers by raising ticket prices. (READ: Expect pricier flights: NAIA terminal fees may climb 73% after privatization)
Much of the revenue from this price hike will redound to San Miguel’s group. Under the bid terms, the airport’s operator will share 82.16% of gross revenue with the government, but this excludes terminal fees. That means the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation gets to keep the entirety of the raised terminal fees, which Bautista estimates will make up about 40% of the company’s total revenue.
That has prompted aviation groups such as the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) to fiercely oppose the rate hike. According to a source in the aviation industry, the groups have written letters to Bautista, alleging that the proposal could make NAIA among the most expensive airports in the region.
However, the transportation secretary defended the proposed hike on airport fees, saying that it’s long overdue.
“The last increase was in 2000 – 24 years ago. I think one of the reasons why we didn’t develop our airport so much is because there’s no funding. Meanwhile, our peers and neighbors really earn fees to improve the infrastructure system of the airport,” Bautista said in a mix of English and Filipino.
“It’s about time that we fix it. But for us to be able to fix it, we’ll have additional cost,” he added.
Winning the bid for NAIA also allows San Miguel to dominate the skies over the Greater Manila Area. After all, the conglomerate already has the rights to build and operate the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan.
Operating both international airports means that San Miguel can take full advantage of the influx of travelers to the Philippines. According to Bautista, San Miguel is developing the Bulacan Airport in “full blast” alongside its commitment to rehabilitate NAIA.
“Based on the report of San Miguel, they should be able to operate two runways before the end of the term of President Marcos,” Bautista said about the Bulacan Airport.
With the rapid growth in passenger volume in the Greater Manila Area, Bautista emphasized that even a rehabilitated NAIA alone will not have enough capacity to accommodate the projected number of passengers five years from now.
“That’s why we really need to open Bulacan [Airport]. We told San Miguel they should not slow down construction of Bulacan Airport,” Bautista said.
San Miguel has yet to truly prove its mettle in running an airport, with NMIA still being years away from welcoming travelers. Only time will tell whether Ramon Ang can live up to his lofty promise once his group takes over NAIA later in September. – Rappler.com
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NCR routs Central Luzon in fight-marred Palaro 2024 boys secondary basketball finale
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jisaga0269
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15/07/2024 16:25
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DUST-UP. Tensions flare during the boys secondary basketball finals between National Capital Region and Central Luzon in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU, Philippines – National Capital Region rose back on top the Palarong Pambansa boys secondary basketball hierarchy after a fight-marred 86-71 rout of Pampanga-based Central Luzon at the University of San Carlos gym on Monday, July 15.
Erasing the memory of a stunning Palaro 2023 dethroning in Marikina City by Jared Bahay-led Central Visayas, Timothy Matias led the comeback tour with 16 points as NCR’s NU-Nazareth took advantage of an early second-quarter brawl to pull away before intermission and never look back.
With 7:13 left in the first half, St. Augustine Institute-Pampanga starters John Stephen Estanislao, Jackson Jackson, and Guilz Gueverra figured in a shoving match with NU’s Alnhumaeri Usop, resulting in all players getting tossed after a lengthy discussion with officials and Central Luzon coaches.
That was the surprise opportunity window NCR needed to lock in on defense and seize momentum, rallying from a 20-27 second-quarter hole to a 40-36 turnaround at the half, ballooning to as high as 25, 65-40, midway through the third.
Undermanned Central Luzon never threatened from that point as NCR walked a golden carpet to the final buzzer and formalized their return on top.
“It feels really good [to regain the title] especially since we lost the crown last year at our home court. Now, we won at the place of our last year’s tormentors,” said NCR-NU head coach Leo Pujante in Filipino.
“But we didn’t instill [vengeance] to the kids. We just want them to showcase NU basketball because taking vengeance is not part of NU’s vision.”
Kenji Moral topscored with 19 in the loss as Central Luzon settled for silver, while Davao Region rebounded from a controversial semifinal loss to the Pampanga squad and stunned Calabarzon, 75-72, in the bronze-medal match. – Rappler.com
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LOOK: Eva Le Queen joins ‘Drag Race: Global All Stars’
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Ysa Abad
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16/07/2024 9:05
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PH REPRESENT. Eva Le Queen is joining 'Drag Race Global: All Stars'
RuPaul's Drag Race's Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Drag queen Eva Le Queen will be representing the Philippines in the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Global All Stars.
RuPaul’s Drag Race unveiled early Tuesday, July 16, the 12 queens competing for the show. Eva is the only one from the Philippines, while other queens hail from Belgium, Mexico, New Zealand, United States, and Italy, among others.
Call her Miss Eva! 😍 @eva_lequeen joins #GlobalAllStars – starts streaming AUGUST 16 on @paramountplus! 🌎 pic.twitter.com/hDNvfAzcFQ
Here's your majesty! 💫 @eva_lequeen is bringing it to #GlobalAllStars streaming AUGUST 16 on @paramountplus! 👠 pic.twitter.com/vseNDiPUFu
In the “Meet the Queens” video, Eva talked about her trademark as a drag queen.
“I always go for breathtaking looks, I use my body, my artwork, my wigs, my face to tell a story and start conversations,” she said. “I just have this fascination with dominant, dark, female energy.”
She also highlighted how she also opened more opportunities for fellow drag queens: “On top of me being a performer, I also create platforms and opportunities for my sisters. My dream is to elevate Filipino drag as a more viable profession for people who do the art.”
Eva added that she’s eager to represent Asian culture in the international drag stage, noting that it’s time for an Asian queen to win the competition.
“It’s high time for Asian drag excellence to be in the Hall of Fame. I’m representing the Philippines but at the same time Asia in general,” she said.
“I know that what I am going to show is a culmination of lots of the beauty, the artistry, the culture that we all have from that side of the world and now we’re bringing it to the global stage.”
Following the announcement, Eva took to social media to express her excitement for the competition.
“I can finally say it out loud. Let’s go GLOBAL DOMIN-Asian,” she wrote.
I can finally say it out loud. Let’s go GLOBAL DOMIN-ASIAN 🇵🇭🏁👑 #TeamPH #GlobalAllStars #TeamEva pic.twitter.com/L0zOwI13uc
Eva competed in Drag Race Philippines season 1, where she finished as part of the Top 4. She’s the second Drag Race Philippines queen to compete in an international edition, following Marina Summers’ stint at Drag Race UK vs The World season 2.
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Global All Stars will start airing on Paramount Plus on August 16. – Rappler.com
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Landbank account of Comelec’s Garcia linked to alleged bribery ‘nonexistent’
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Michelle Abad
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16/07/2024 8:02
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COMELEC CHAIRMAN. Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia gave the public an early look and demonstration of the vote counting machines and other process, that will be utilized for the 2025 elections,at the Rappler newsroom on June 6, 2024.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia has begun to subject himself to transparency processes to prove he is not part of a bribery scheme, one bank certification at a time.
On Monday, July 15, Garcia released to the media a document from the Landbank of the Philippines (Landbank) certifying that one of the supposed bank accounts he used in the alleged bribery scheme was “nonexistent.”
SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta earlier insinuated that a Comelec official received bribe money to favor South Korean tech firm Miru Systems in the bidding process for the poll body’s procurement of new election machines.
Marcoleta did not name an official, but Garcia, who believed he was being alluded to, called the allegations baseless.
On Monday, Garcia wrote to Landbank’s Intramuros branch requesting a bank certificate or a confirmation of the existence or nonexistence of an account linked to an account number in the “Bahamas Files.”
ABS-CBN reported that former Caloocan representative Edgar Erice presented the Bahamas Files, which supposedly contain the list of 14 bank accounts amounting to $15 million (P877 million) belonging to a Comelec official and his wife.
“The undersigned is the subject of several anonymous letters circulated in the media and relayed by former and current government officials claiming that bribe money was allegedly transacted and received through a bank account under my name in your institution,” Garcia wrote, adding he needed the certification to “disclaim these fabrications.”
In the letter, Garcia waived his rights under the bank secrecy law to facilitate the verification process.
The same day the letter was sent, Landbank certified that the account did not exist. It didn’t even have the correct number of digits Landbank accounts are supposed to have.
One down, possibly dozens more certifications to go – as Marcoleta said a total of 49 offshore bank accounts worth $15.2 million in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the Caribbean, and North America are traceable to a Comelec official.
Marcoleta alleged that at least $2.1 million or more than P120 million were deposits made from South Korean bank accounts between June 2023 and March 2024.
Garcia earlier said that he saw a demolition job coming.
The awarding of the contract to lone bidder Miru Systems was controversial, as its reputation was alleged to be tainted with accusations of faulty technology in countries where it deployed its equipment.
Miru will replace poll technology Smartmatic, which served as the tech provider of the Philippine elections from 2010 to 2022. – Rappler.com
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Landbank account of Comelec’s Garcia linked to alleged bribery ‘nonexistent’
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Michelle Abad
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16/07/2024 8:02
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COMELEC CHAIRMAN. Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia gave the public an early look and demonstration of the vote counting machines and other process, that will be utilized for the 2025 elections,at the Rappler newsroom on June 6, 2024.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia has begun to subject himself to transparency processes to prove he is not part of a bribery scheme, one bank certification at a time.
On Monday, July 15, Garcia released to the media a document from the Landbank of the Philippines (Landbank) certifying that one of the supposed bank accounts he used in the alleged bribery scheme was “nonexistent.”
SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta earlier insinuated that a Comelec official received bribe money to favor South Korean tech firm Miru Systems in the bidding process for the poll body’s procurement of new election machines.
Marcoleta did not name an official, but Garcia, who believed he was being alluded to, called the allegations baseless.
On Monday, Garcia wrote to Landbank’s Intramuros branch requesting a bank certificate or a confirmation of the existence or nonexistence of an account linked to an account number in the “Bahamas Files.”
ABS-CBN reported that former Caloocan representative Edgar Erice presented the Bahamas Files, which supposedly contain the list of 14 bank accounts amounting to $15 million (P877 million) belonging to a Comelec official and his wife.
“The undersigned is the subject of several anonymous letters circulated in the media and relayed by former and current government officials claiming that bribe money was allegedly transacted and received through a bank account under my name in your institution,” Garcia wrote, adding he needed the certification to “disclaim these fabrications.”
In the letter, Garcia waived his rights under the bank secrecy law to facilitate the verification process.
The same day the letter was sent, Landbank certified that the account did not exist. It didn’t even have the correct number of digits Landbank accounts are supposed to have.
One down, possibly dozens more certifications to go – as Marcoleta said a total of 49 offshore bank accounts worth $15.2 million in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the Caribbean, and North America are traceable to a Comelec official.
Marcoleta alleged that at least $2.1 million or more than P120 million were deposits made from South Korean bank accounts between June 2023 and March 2024.
Garcia earlier said that he saw a demolition job coming.
The awarding of the contract to lone bidder Miru Systems was controversial, as its reputation was alleged to be tainted with accusations of faulty technology in countries where it deployed its equipment.
Miru will replace poll technology Smartmatic, which served as the tech provider of the Philippine elections from 2010 to 2022. – Rappler.com
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Championship poise: NU survives FEU, nears SSL crown
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Jasmine Payo
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15/07/2024 23:42
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LEADER. NU star Bella Belen receives during the SSL finals opener against FEU.
Shakey’s Super League
MANILA, Philippines – A composed NU Lady Bulldogs overcame the challenge of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13, to draw first blood in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finals series on Monday, Juy 15, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Veterans Bella Belen and Erin Pangilinan rallied the Lady Bulldogs back from two points down early in the fifth set, before Alexa Mata and Myrtle Escanlar put on the finishing touches to push NU closer to annexing another crown.
The Lady Bulldogs, the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball champions, also ruled the first two editions of the SSL Collegiate Preseason Championship.
Belen had a 26-point explosion anchored on 24 kills and 2 blocks to power the Lady Bulldogs, who will vie for a sweep of the best-of-three series in Game 2 on Tuesday, May 16.
Arah Panique added 15 points, Pagilinan chipped in 14 markers, while Escanlar scored 13, including the game-winning offspeed hit.
Belen sad she’s “very happy” that her teammates stepped up despite the absence of veterans Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, and Vange Alinsug.
FEU carried the momentum of their dominating fourth set to take a 7-5 lead in the fifth frame, but Belen and Pangilnan sparked a 4-0 counterattack to push NU in front.
The Lady Tamaraws knotted the count at 12 before Mata scored two straight points as the Lady Bulldogs reached match point.
FEU saved a match point when Belen sent her pipe attack straight to the net, but Escanlar cleaned it up with a soft touch in the next play.
Jean Asis had 23 points to pace the Lady Tamaraws. Chenie Tagaod had 19 points while Gerzel Petallo and Jazzlyn Ellarina posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, for FEU.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde fought back from a set down to frustrate Letran, 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, and own Game 1 of the best-of-three battle for bronze.
The Lady Blazers shook off a rusty start before finding their groove to reassert their mastery over the same rival they defeated in the group stage.
CSB can close the series with another win over its NCAA Season 99 finals victim on Tuesday.
Opposite spiker Clydel Catarig scattered 22 points on an efficient 22-of-52 spiking clip to lead the Lady Blazers, who took advantage of the Lady Knights’ 27 errors. – Rappler.com
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Wood lifts Davao City past North America in PSL Global opener
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Jasmine Payo
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15/07/2024 23:23
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FACE-OFF. Canada and New Zealand in action in the PSL Global Championship Challenge.
Pilipinas Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Karl Benedict Wood stepped up as Davao City-NTB outlasted North America, 82-73, at the start of the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Global Championship Challenge on Monday, July 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Wood erupted for 28 points on an efficient 66.7% shooting clip to power Davao City in the under-20 (Born 2004 division) of the tournament pitting Filipino basketball players here and overseas.
Davao City pulled off the triumph even as North America hounded main man John Eimrod Rodulfa, the recent PSL Nationals U20 MVP.
In the U16 game (Born 2008), Canada-GIGG drubbed New Zealand’s Fil-Nation Select, 101-66, behind solid defensive plays.
The young squad of Canada forced New Zealand to a whopping 49 turnovers, leading to easy baskets throughout the entire game.
Five players scored in double digits for Canada, led by Martin Adelantar, who poured 23 points.
Despite the loss, Leo Isidro and Pakau Tamaira dropped 21 points each for New Zealand.
Thailand’s Trail International School also won by a big margin against United Kingdom’s Kampi Basketball, 106-72, in the U18 (Born 2006).
Jespher Kurihara’s brilliant performance as Thailand’s point guard and Don Wayde Basadre’s efficient scoring built the foundation of their strong showing, with each scoring 27 points. – Jorge Marion Dionisio/Rappler.com
U16 (Born 2008)
Canada 101 – Adelantar 23, Dayno 21, Sarsadias 17, Langman 13, Tabisola 11, Aguada 4, Macdonald 4, Martinez 4, Pineda 4.
New Zealand 66 – Isidro 21, Tamaira 21, Barrenechea 9, De Manuel 7, Cavan 2, Llanes 2, Morales 2, Remedios 2, Cardinez 0.
Quarters: 17 -23, 56-35, 77-53, 101-66.
U18 (Born 2006)
Thailand 106 – Kurihara 27, Basadre 27, Lahoylahoy 15, Jenodia 13, Relente 6, Soriano 6, Rangel 5, Baltazar 2, Navales 2, Tadeo 2, Villegas 1, Aban 0.
United Kingdom 72 – Alburo 19, Capanzana 14, Gravador 11, Torres 10, Formeloza 9, Palacpac 3, Cendaña 2, Doclis-Capili 2, Villaver 2, Castro 0, Hardwick 0.
Quarters: 22-22, 48 -45, 78-64, 106-72.
U20 (Born 2004)
Davao City 82 – Wood 28, Adabo 13, Marquez 12, Rodulfa 10, Lulab 6, Young 5, Ambuat 3, Sollano 3, Balansag 2, Albiendo 0, Bayate 0, Decin 0, Flores 0, Taray 0, Uy 0.
North America 73 – Santos 14, Casino 12, Brucal 11, Perez 8, Marabuto 7, Obukwelu 7, Palarca 7, Hines 3, Javier 2, Merchan 2, Alonzo 0.
Quarters: 15-13, 39-33, 61-52, 82-73.
Jorge Marion Dionisio is a Rappler intern.
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Championship poise: NU survives FEU, nears SSL crown
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Jasmine Payo
|
15/07/2024 23:42
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LEADER. NU star Bella Belen receives during the SSL finals opener against FEU.
Shakey’s Super League
MANILA, Philippines – A composed NU Lady Bulldogs overcame the challenge of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13, to draw first blood in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finals series on Monday, Juy 15, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Veterans Bella Belen and Erin Pangilinan rallied the Lady Bulldogs back from two points down early in the fifth set, before Alexa Mata and Myrtle Escanlar put on the finishing touches to push NU closer to annexing another crown.
The Lady Bulldogs, the reigning UAAP women’s volleyball champions, also ruled the first two editions of the SSL Collegiate Preseason Championship.
Belen had a 26-point explosion anchored on 24 kills and 2 blocks to power the Lady Bulldogs, who will vie for a sweep of the best-of-three series in Game 2 on Tuesday, May 16.
Arah Panique added 15 points, Pagilinan chipped in 14 markers, while Escanlar scored 13, including the game-winning offspeed hit.
Belen sad she’s “very happy” that her teammates stepped up despite the absence of veterans Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring, and Vange Alinsug.
FEU carried the momentum of their dominating fourth set to take a 7-5 lead in the fifth frame, but Belen and Pangilnan sparked a 4-0 counterattack to push NU in front.
The Lady Tamaraws knotted the count at 12 before Mata scored two straight points as the Lady Bulldogs reached match point.
FEU saved a match point when Belen sent her pipe attack straight to the net, but Escanlar cleaned it up with a soft touch in the next play.
Jean Asis had 23 points to pace the Lady Tamaraws. Chenie Tagaod had 19 points while Gerzel Petallo and Jazzlyn Ellarina posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, for FEU.
Meanwhile, College of Saint Benilde fought back from a set down to frustrate Letran, 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, and own Game 1 of the best-of-three battle for bronze.
The Lady Blazers shook off a rusty start before finding their groove to reassert their mastery over the same rival they defeated in the group stage.
CSB can close the series with another win over its NCAA Season 99 finals victim on Tuesday.
Opposite spiker Clydel Catarig scattered 22 points on an efficient 22-of-52 spiking clip to lead the Lady Blazers, who took advantage of the Lady Knights’ 27 errors. – Rappler.com
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Wood lifts Davao City past North America in PSL Global opener
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Jasmine Payo
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15/07/2024 23:23
|
FACE-OFF. Canada and New Zealand in action in the PSL Global Championship Challenge.
Pilipinas Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Karl Benedict Wood stepped up as Davao City-NTB outlasted North America, 82-73, at the start of the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Global Championship Challenge on Monday, July 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Wood erupted for 28 points on an efficient 66.7% shooting clip to power Davao City in the under-20 (Born 2004 division) of the tournament pitting Filipino basketball players here and overseas.
Davao City pulled off the triumph even as North America hounded main man John Eimrod Rodulfa, the recent PSL Nationals U20 MVP.
In the U16 game (Born 2008), Canada-GIGG drubbed New Zealand’s Fil-Nation Select, 101-66, behind solid defensive plays.
The young squad of Canada forced New Zealand to a whopping 49 turnovers, leading to easy baskets throughout the entire game.
Five players scored in double digits for Canada, led by Martin Adelantar, who poured 23 points.
Despite the loss, Leo Isidro and Pakau Tamaira dropped 21 points each for New Zealand.
Thailand’s Trail International School also won by a big margin against United Kingdom’s Kampi Basketball, 106-72, in the U18 (Born 2006).
Jespher Kurihara’s brilliant performance as Thailand’s point guard and Don Wayde Basadre’s efficient scoring built the foundation of their strong showing, with each scoring 27 points. – Jorge Marion Dionisio/Rappler.com
U16 (Born 2008)
Canada 101 – Adelantar 23, Dayno 21, Sarsadias 17, Langman 13, Tabisola 11, Aguada 4, Macdonald 4, Martinez 4, Pineda 4.
New Zealand 66 – Isidro 21, Tamaira 21, Barrenechea 9, De Manuel 7, Cavan 2, Llanes 2, Morales 2, Remedios 2, Cardinez 0.
Quarters: 17 -23, 56-35, 77-53, 101-66.
U18 (Born 2006)
Thailand 106 – Kurihara 27, Basadre 27, Lahoylahoy 15, Jenodia 13, Relente 6, Soriano 6, Rangel 5, Baltazar 2, Navales 2, Tadeo 2, Villegas 1, Aban 0.
United Kingdom 72 – Alburo 19, Capanzana 14, Gravador 11, Torres 10, Formeloza 9, Palacpac 3, Cendaña 2, Doclis-Capili 2, Villaver 2, Castro 0, Hardwick 0.
Quarters: 22-22, 48 -45, 78-64, 106-72.
U20 (Born 2004)
Davao City 82 – Wood 28, Adabo 13, Marquez 12, Rodulfa 10, Lulab 6, Young 5, Ambuat 3, Sollano 3, Balansag 2, Albiendo 0, Bayate 0, Decin 0, Flores 0, Taray 0, Uy 0.
North America 73 – Santos 14, Casino 12, Brucal 11, Perez 8, Marabuto 7, Obukwelu 7, Palarca 7, Hines 3, Javier 2, Merchan 2, Alonzo 0.
Quarters: 15-13, 39-33, 61-52, 82-73.
Jorge Marion Dionisio is a Rappler intern.
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Evan Nelle brings hard-work mentality to NorthPort
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Jasmine Payo
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15/07/2024 22:53
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PRO-READY. Evan Nelle in the PBA Rookie Draft with NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan (left) and team officials, and PBA commissioner Willie Marcia (second from left).
PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Exuding an in-your-face kind of confidence, coupled with words of wisdom coming from one of the PBA’s best-ever floor generals, Evan Nelle heads into the league with his head held high and feet on the ground.
Picked in the second round by the NorthPort Batang Pier, Nelle joins No. 5 pick Dave Ildefonso as key pieces of a young team helmed by head coach Bonnie Tan.
“I can use my training, what I learned in the States, just to influence my teammates. I know I work hard and I really hope that I can,” Nelle told reporters after being selected 14th overall in the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14.
“Be infected by my hard-work [mentality]… that’s what coach Jimmy (Alapag) taught me, ‘Hard work brings you places,'” he added.
Nelle, who is coming off a UAAP championship run with De La Salle University, opted to train under former PBA Most Valuable Player Jimmy Alapag, who is currently serving as a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings.
It was there in the US where he trained for about a week under Alapag and strength and conditioning coach Maurice Hernandez of Power Pack Fitness.
Being selected in the second round does not bother Nelle even as three former La Salle teammates got picked before him. But he does hope to win the matchup every time they face off in the pros.
“I’m honestly proud of them, but they know how competitive I am. And every time I face them, whether in practice or whatever, I want to beat them,” said Nelle.
“It’s going to be the same here in PBA. I really hope every time I face them, I beat them.”
Nelle will also now play under Tan, who previously mentored the Letran Knights in the NCAA.
Before suiting up for La Salle, Nelle also saw action with the San Beda Red Lions – Letran’s fierce rival. Under Tan, the Knights dethroned Nelle and the Red Lions in the NCAA Season 95 finals in 2019.
“[It’s] very ironic because he made me cry in my last NCAA game,” recalled Nelle.
“He’s making me cry again because he drafted me, it’s a big honor… thank you for the trust coach Bonnie and the coaching staff and I hope I can repay you guys.” – Rappler.com
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Tarlac POGO money trail leads to ex-Duterte adviser | The wRap
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Cara Angeline Oliver
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15/07/2024 22:21
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Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:
Investigations into Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs have found a money link to the brother of former Rodrigo Duterte economic adviser Michael Yang.
Investigators find few clues as to why 20-year-old nursing home aide Thomas Matthew Crooks tried to assassinate Donald Trump.
The Senate orders the arrest of embattled Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for ‘refusing to appear,’ despite ‘notices’ in the Senate’s probe into illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
A New Mexico judge dismisses the involuntary manslaughter charges against actor Alec Baldwin three days into the trial.
Julia Montes is making her teleserye comeback through Saving Grace, the Philippine adaptation of the popular Japanese drama series Mother. – Rappler.com
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PH is host of Loss and Damage Fund board: Why does it matter?
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Iya Gozum
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15/07/2024 19:55
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WALK. Greenpeace Southeast Asia Executive Director Yeb Saño delivers a rousing speech as the Climate Justice Walk prepares to cross the San Juanico Bridge on November 7, 2023.
Geric Cruz/Greenpeace
The Philippines is now front and center of the Loss and Damage Fund, which is intended to assist developing countries reeling from the adverse effects of the climate crisis.
The recent selection of the Philippine as host of the board of the Loss and Damage Fund last July 9 was lauded by the international community, as well as various environmental and climate justice groups.
The country could be a “formidable voice” in discussions about global climate action, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a statement released hours after the news.
What constitute loss and damage are negative consequences that Filipinos are already intimately familiar with – damage due to severe storms, loss of livelihood because of droughts and rising sea levels.
The fund was approved during the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2023.
The World Bank will house the fund under an independent secretariat. The co-chairpersons of the board will have to hammer out the details with the World Bank covering scope, structure, and elements of the financial intermediary fund.
The selection of the Philippines as host country comes four months before the next COP that will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The idea of the fund hinges on the “polluters pay” principle, which makes rich countries and carbon majors responsible for the climate crisis accountable for the losses that vulnerable nations have to deal with.
The fund itself, and its being finally put on the table for negotiations, are the handiwork of many past delegations and advocates.
There has been enough scientific evidence to conclude that the planet’s warming has increased and is being hastened by human activities. However, science has yet to catch up to answer this question: to what extent did climate change exacerbate an extreme weather event?
As host, the Philippine government will organize future meetings of the board in the country. Headquarters will be established here but no specific location was disclosed.
In a briefing held last Friday, July 12, Environment Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh explained that in its bid, the country had to prove that it has available and accessible facilities, from venues to personnel, to host the board.
The Philippines will also have to negotiate with the co-chairpersons of the board (South Africa’s Richard Sherman and France’s Jean-Christophe Donnellier) regarding the host country agreement.
Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga said during the briefing that the Philippines playing host is a big deal because climate funds are often based in developed countries. As host, the Philippines could represent the climate-vulnerable.
“[H]aving ourselves recognized as being the host for this board is in itself quite significant,” Loyzaga told reporters on Friday. “The Adaptation Fund is hosted in Germany. And I think the Green Climate Fund Board is hosted in Korea.”
In these negotiations, the devil is in the details.
Further questions that should be asked as details of how the fund would be tapped: Can the fund get bigger? How will poor people get the fund? How can civil society participate and intervene, when necessary?
As of now, wealthy countries have pledged around $700 million to the fund, an amount that seems substantial but is not nearly enough, according to advocates.
“It’s unacceptable that the Fund has received only $661.39 million in pledges when loss and damage will cost $447 to 894 billion a year by 2030,” said Lidy Nacpil, known climate justice activist, citing data from political education institution Heinrich Böll Foundation.
“It’s particularly shameful that the United States has pledged only $17.5 million when they’re the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gasses and therefore most responsible for the climate crisis,” Nacpil said.
Asked during the press briefing if she was confident the fund would get bigger, Loyzaga answered with a resounding yes.
“Yes, I’m confident,” Loyzaga said. “I believe we’re at the point in the discourse internationally where developed countries have recognized their role in opening up the resources that are needed in order for those who have contributed the least to actually be able to cope and survive and thrive under these conditions.”
Getting more pledges for the fund is one thing, having people easily access it is another.
Mark Joven, the Philippines’ representative to the board, said that the fund “allows for a small-grants window.”
“[B]asically it allows for rapid access if in case people’s communities and sub-nationals are affected by disasters, which are very sudden,” said Joven in the same briefing.
Joven mentioned too that the proposed Climate Accountability Act, which creates a local loss and damage fund, would work as a counterpart to the global fund. The bill is pending with the committee in the House of Representatives.
On the question of inclusivity, groups have already submitted to the board last June 27, their comments and recommendations to have “meaningful representation” of communities.
The document demands that representatives from the youth, women, Indigenous Peoples and environmental nongovernment organizations, be invited as active observers in board meetings, even in closed or executive sessions.
If this is granted, will hosting by the Philippines of the board’s office be advantageous for Filipino environmental advocates? – Rappler.com
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IBON Birdtalk tackles economic and political crises under Marcos’ 2nd year
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mjmcatequista0325
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15/07/2024 21:43
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This is a press release from IBON Foundation.
A week before President Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA), research group IBON holds its 2024 Midyear Birdtalk.
Birdtalk is a biannual forum where IBON presents its analysis and prospects of the country’s key socioeconomic and political trends. It aims to promote a wider understanding of economics and alternatives from the perspective of the Filipino people.
Various sectors, including media, government office representatives, the religious, educators and students, entrepreneurs, people’s organizations, and civil society institutions will participate.
This midyear, the group assesses the Philippine economy’s trajectory after two years of the Marcos administration, amid intensified political infighting and heightening geopolitical conflict between the US and China in the region.
The Tuesday, July 16 forum will be preceded by a 10 am media briefing at the IBON premises along Timog Avenue. At 1 pm, Birdtalk transpires at the UP Diliman School of Statistics.
The 2024 IBON Midyear Birdtalk is co-presented by the People’s Alternative Media Network (Altermidya), the All UP Academic Employees Union, and the UP Office of the Faculty Regent. Over twenty media and network partners are bringing Birdtalk to a wider audience this midyear. – Rappler.com
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Winning culture: NU escapes FEU in 5-set repeat for SSL crown
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Jasmine Payo
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16/07/2024 23:15
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CHAMPS AGAIN. The NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate winning the Shakey’s Super League crown.
Shakey’s Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Bringing their winning caliber from the UAAP, the NU Lady Bulldogs clawed their way back in five sets to rule the the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Tuesday, July 16, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Lady Bulldogs dismantled the FEU Lady Tamaraws in a thriler, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10, to emerge as champions in the collegiate volleyball pocket tournament.
Rising star Arah Panique topscored for the reigning UAAP champions with 27 points on 17 attacks, while Bella Belen notched 25 points in Game 2 of the best-of-three series.
Alexa Mata seized the chance in the fourth set to pad NU’s lead to 3 with a powerful spike, 19-16, as the Lady Tamaraws eventually struggled to stop the Lady Bulldogs’ momentum and extend the series to a decider.
The Lady Bulldogs also needed five sets to dispose of the Lady Tamaraws in Game 1, 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13, just a day earlier.
Despite FEU’s valiant stand, the NU duo of Belen and Camilla Lamina towed NU to match point, 14-10, before Panique sealed the game for good.
“I always think of applying what I had learned from the national team (Alas Pilipinas). I also boost my self-confidence by banking on my killer instinct every time they set a play for me,” Panique said in Filipino during a post-game interview.
Gerzel Mary Petallo registered 20 points as FEU’s leading scorer, while Chenie Tagaod produced 18 points in the team’s first runner-up placing.
Earlier, St. Benilde survived Letran in a nerve-wracking five-set victory, 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15, to claim the bronze.
Rhea Densing led the charge for the Lady Blazers with 24 markers, 20 coming off attacks, while Wielyn Estoque chipped in 18 points.
With Benilde on the verge of defeat, Clydel Catarig stepped up with back-to-back crosscourt kills against Letran, 21-20, setting the tone for the team’s resurgent run in the fourth frame.
Letran looked poise to extend the series with a 15-14 lead in the fifth frame, but Estoque and the Lady Blazers put up tremendous resistance, firing 3 consecutive points to wrap up the game.
“I just trust myself and the team. Whatever our errors in the game, we try to resolve it, especially our lack of defense and attacks,” Densing said.
Gia Maquilang paced Letran with 22 points and 3 blocks, while Nizelle Martin tallied 15 points.
Belen, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player, also bagged the tournament MVP and 1st Best Outside Spiker honor.
Other awardees:
– Eugero Vincent Liberato/Rappler.com
Eugero Vincent Liberato is a Rappler intern.
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Former Pampanga mayor Tumang secures travel permit, skips House probe
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Joann Manabat - CMS
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16/07/2024 21:11
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COMMITTEE HEARING. The committee on public accounts conducts a motu proprio inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the procurement process and unlawful contracts entered into by the Municipality of Mexico, Pampanga on July 16, 2024
Screenshot via YouTube
PAMPANGA, Philippines – Former mayor of Mexico, Pampanga, Teddy Tumang, was able to secure a travel permit despite a hold departure order (HDO), a development disclosed Tuesday, July 16, during the hearing of the House committee on public accounts.
As a result, Tumang skipped the committee hearing. The former mayor obtained a travel clearance a day prior to the hearing with valid travel dates between July 16 to July 31, said lawyer Vicente Uncad of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Uncad said a resolution was adopted by the Sandiganbayan which allowed the departure of Tumang. However, no other flight details were provided to the committee except for a copy of an e-ticket and an excuse letter.
“Under prevailing laws, if an individual has an HDO issued by a Court, he should secure an allow departure order from that Court. If the Court grants his request to leave the country, he is supposed to bring that clearance of the Court to the BI and apply for an allow departure order from the BI. Once the order is issued, he can present that to the BI officer upon his departure so he may be allowed to leave,” said Uncad.
Uncad said Tumang was still in the country as of 3 pm Tuesday. The hearing, which lasted seven hours, ended before 5 pm.
The committee, chaired by Abang-Lingkod Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, noted that details of his flight and travel clearance must still be submitted to the committee. Paduano said if Tumang did not travel on the same date, he could be cited in contempt for lying.
“His excuse letter stated that he has to be excused because he will travel today. So if he cannot travel today, it follows, again, Mr. Teddy Tumang is lying. Because if he has a ticket for the 17th or 18th, then he must be present today,” Paduano said in a mix of Filipino and English.
The former mayor has been the subject of the House probe about the alleged irregularities in the procurement and questionable contracts in Mexico, Pampanga during his term from 2007 to 2010. The complaint was filed at the Office of the Ombudsman by Tumang’s political rival, Ernesto Punzalan.
The House panel also acknowledged the inconsistencies on the questionable properties allegedly owned by Chinese national Aedy Tai Yang which were uncovered during the sessions.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro instructed the Land Registration Authority (LRA) to furnish a list of all properties linked to Yang. These included records from the city assessor’s office in City of San Fernando and the Registry of Deeds. There are allegations of unlawful property transfers to Yang.
The committee also directed the assessor’s office of Angeles City, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, and Meycauayan in Bulacan to check the consistency of the records of the LRA and to certify the ownership of the properties of Yang.
“Given the inconsistencies, I move to direct the LRA to submit a complete list of all subject properties of Aedy Yang. We are dealing with properties which are unlawfully transferred to a Chinese national,” Luistro said.
“Kung walang records itong Aedy yang sa assessor, nagka property pa siya, double jeopardy na yan. Nagkaproperty siya pero libre siya sa real property tax,” Luistro added.
(If this Aedy does not have records with the assessor, he still has a property, that’s double jeopardy. He owns property but he is free from paying real property tax.)
Meanwhile, efforts to locate Yang and Teddy Tumang’s ally, Roy Gomez, have intensified following Gomez’s being cited for contempt on May 7 for failing to appear before the committee.
Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop criticized the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their inadequate efforts to locate Yang and Gomez. This, after it was discovered that Gomez had recently met with ABC president village chief Terrence Napao at a mall in Angeles City on May 18.
Napao acknowledged the meeting with Gomez but claimed ignorance of the contempt order and subsequent arrest warrant against him.
“Ngayon ko lang nalaman na kung may contempt order, hindi ko alam na may warrant of arrest. Hindi ko alam saan si Gomez. Noong nagkita kami, sinabihan ko siya bakit hindi ka mag attend ng hearing,” Napao said.
(I only found out today that if there was a contempt order, there was also a warrant of arrest. I don’t know where Gomez is. When we met, I asked him why won’t he attend the hearing.)
Law enforcement agencies have been unsuccessful in locating Gomez as well as Yang, with the PNP stating they only received the contempt order via email last May 27. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Pampanga is set to be invited to the next hearing. – Rappler.com
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No surprise: NCR wins 17th straight Palaro overall crown, Calabarzon regains 2nd
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jisaga0269
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16/07/2024 19:37
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UNDISPUTED. The National Capital Region athletes, coaches, and officials celebrate winning the Palarong Pambansa overall crown during the closing ceremony.
Jacqueline Hernandez/RAPPLER
CEBU, Philippines – National Capital Region (NCR) once again proved to be the supreme destination for the Philippines’ top young athletes after winning the Palarong Pambansa 2024 overall championship with a collection of 98 gold medals, 66 silvers, and 74 bronzes on Tuesday, July 16.
The country’s capital got its best haul from gymnasts Elaiza Yulo (5 golds) and Maxine Amira Bondoc (5), swimmers Sophia Garra (5) and Alessandra Therese Martin (5), all rising as some of the event’s most bemedalled athletes, while the NCR boys secondary basketball team also reclaimed the crown in a heated finale against Central Luzon.
Calabarzon, after a stunning defeat to resurgent powerhouse Western Visayas last year in Marikina City, rose back to its usual second place with a 57-51-53 gold-silver-bronze split, hiked by a 12 combined golds from just two phenomenal secondary level swimmers, top gold hauler TJ Amaro (7) and Jasmine Mojdeh (5).
Western Visayas, meanwhile, slipped back to third after barely missing Calabarzon with 56 golds, one of the last being a successful title redemption in girls secondary volleyball by Bacolod Tay Tung High School. The region also amassed 41 silvers and 41 bronzes.
Davao Region settled at a far fourth with 32 golds, 25 silvers, and 35 bronzes, as host Central Visayas claimed fifth with a 29-42-39 split.
Check the full list here: MEDAL TALLY: Palarong Pambansa 2024
Other notable results are Caraga’s 12th-place finish with 11 golds, a whopping 7 coming from wrestling alone.
Debutant guest “region” National Academy of Sports (NAS) also got a historic gold in taekwondo poomsae, on top of 5 silvers, and 2 bronzes, while the Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO) earned one bronze, also in taekwondo.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas ruled the para games tally with 24 golds, 21 silvers, and 14 bronzes, boasting a sizeable lead in all columns.
Calabarzon was a far second with a 13-9-9 split, while NCR completed the podium with 9 golds, 8 silvers, and 5 bronzes.
Manila claimed the top spot in the Top Performing School Division Offices, followed by Iloilo at second, and Pasig City at third.
Ilocos Norte now prepares for the 65th Palarong Pambansa in 2025, as the likes of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon accepted the hosting responsibilities during the closing ceremony. – Rappler.com
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Under his watch, Angara wants teachers, students to be ‘happy, inspired, excited’
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Bonz Magsambol
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16/07/2024 18:08
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INCOMING DEPED CHIEF. File photo of Senator Sonny Angara, who will assume the Department of Education portfolio on July 19, 2024.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Incoming Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said that under his watch, he would focus on making teachers and students “happy, inspired, and excited.”
Angara said this in a chance interview with reporters on Tuesday, July 16, when asked what would be his focus when he assumes the DepEd leadership on July 19.
“‘Gusto ko maging happy, inspired, and excited ‘yung ating mga estudyante at pati na rin ‘yung ating mga guro. Hindi na lang inaalala ‘yung kanilang pinansyal at pananalapi at doon sila nakafocus sa pagturo talaga,” Angara said.
(I want our students to be happy, inspired, and excited, as well as our teachers. I want our teachers not to worry about their finances, and to really focus on teaching.)
Improving the welfare of teachers was one of the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the incoming DepEd chief. The President emphasized that the government should financially support teachers who have families to feed.
Teachers’ groups have been asking the government for a better compensation package. Currently, those who have Teacher 1 designation earn P27,000 per month.
For years, teachers have been leaving the country in their quest for better pay and better working conditions.
In her two years of delivering the annual education report since she assumed the DepEd position, Vice President Duterte did not make any big promises to improve the welfare of teachers. In 2024, she ordered the removal of administrative tasks from them so they could focus on teaching, a move that was lauded by education groups. She also ordered the implementation of overtime and overwork pay for teachers.
Angara said that he would study the proposal to increase the salary of entry-level teachers to P50,000.
“Ang suweldo is set by the Congress kapag nagkakaroon tayo ng increases o umento sa [sahod ng] mga empleyado ng gobyerno. And 100% suportado tayo diyan at tinutulak po natin ‘yan, especially noong member pa tayo ng Senate committee [on finance],” he said in an interview with DZBB on July 3.
(The salary increase of government employees is set by the Congress. And we are 100% supportive of that and we have been pushing for that, especially when I was part of the Senate committee on finance.)
Angara inherits a gargantuan problem in the education sector, including the poor performance of Filipino students in global education assessments. A World Bank report showed that 9 in 10 Filipino students aged 10 are struggling to read simple text.
Angara succeeds Vice President Sara Duterte at the DepEd. She stepped down on June 19, effectively leaving the Marcos Cabinet. Duterte had said that she was resigning “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.” – Rappler.com
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US alliance ‘cornerstone’ of PH security, Brawner tells American counterpart
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Bea Cupin
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16/07/2024 19:43
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Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., meets with United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., during their meeting on July 16, 2024, at the AFP General Headquarters in Quezon City.
SSg Ambay/PAOAFP
MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday, July 16, said the Philippine-United States alliance “remains a cornerstone” of Philippine national security, as he met with United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, July 16.
Manila is Brown’s first stop in a week-long visit to the Indo-Pacific area.
While in the Philippines, he will visit one of the sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), or where the US may preposition assets, as mutually agreed by the two treaty-allies.
“Our alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of our national security. Through continued collaboration and mutual support, we fortify our defense capabilities and ensure the stability of our region,” said Brawner, according to an AFP release.
Brown’s last visit to the Philippines was in 1987 or just after the revolution that ousted the current president’s father and namesake, the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Bilateral ties between the Philippines and its former colonizer, the US, have certainly changed.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., bilateral ties with the Philippines’ only treaty-ally are on “hyperdrive,” as Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo put it.
In a release to media, the AFP said Brawner and Brown’s meeting “underscored their commitment to Philippine-United States’ longstanding military alliance.
“Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, strengthening joint military exercises, and addressing regional security challenges,” said the AFP.
Without going into detail, the AFP said the two “also discussed future initiatives to bolster defense relations and foster greater interoperability between the AFP and US military units.”
According to the US Department of Defense, Brown will also visit Japan, with whom the Philippines just signed a bilateral military access agreement.
Aside from EDCA, the US and the Philippines are bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty, which means one country should come to the defense of the other in case of an attack. The Philippines and the US also have a Visiting Forces Agreement in place. Its biggest joint military exercise is the annual Balikatan.
“In the Philippines, we have a long-standing, shared interest in regional stability that’s backed by international law,” said Brown ahead of arriving in Manila, according to a US defense department release.
The US is a key partner of the Philippines, as it becomes assertive in claiming its sovereign rights and sovereignty claims in the West Philippine Sea – part of the South China Sea that’s within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite a 2016 Arbitral Award that affirmed the Philippines’ EEZ, China claims most of the South China Sea as its own, routinely driving away Philippine missions at flashpoints on those waters.
The US has repeatedly affirmed its “ironclad commitment” to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty, but Manila has said that it is not keen on asking for foreign help, particularly in precarious resupply of the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. – Rappler.com
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Dengue cases rise amid rainy season, over 90,000 recorded in first half of 2024
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Kaycee
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16/07/2024 18:12
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DENGUE CARRIER. An Aedes mosquito, which is the carrier of malaria, encephalitis, dengue, nipa and zika virus.
Fendizz/Shutterstock
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) said there was a 30% increase in dengue cases in the country since the rainy season began in May.
The DOH provided the following data on dengue cases in the country from May 19 to June 19:
“The DOH is cautious in interpreting case counts especially as regards the most recent tally (June 16 to 29) as there may be incoming late reports,” the DOH said in their statement on Tuesday, July 16.
The department has identified seven regions with increasing dengue cases: Mimaropa, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the National Capital Region.
From January 1 to June 29, 90,119 cases have been tallied nationwide and 233 dengue-related deaths were recorded. This year’s tally of infections is so far 17% higher than the 75,968 infections recorded in the same period in 2023, which saw 291 deaths.
The DOH said weekly case numbers in 2024 were higher than infections from January 1 to May 11, 2023. However, weekly cases from May 12 to June 29 either went below or just above the recorded number of infections in the same period in 2023, thanks to efforts of local government units.
The DOH reminded the public to be cautious about the breeding waters available to mosquitoes.
“Dengue cases are rising as expected due to the rainfall, which allows more water to pool and be stagnant,” the department said.
“Left unchecked, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue will breed in these stagnant pools of water.”
Dengue is mostly transmitted through a mosquito bite. However, one can also get infected through maternal transmission, blood products, organ donation, and blood transfusion.
Symptoms of infection include having high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rashes. These symptoms typically appear around 4 to 10 days after getting infected.
As the country braces itself for more rainfall, now that the state weather bureau has triggered the La Niña Alert, the DOH also reminded the public to take the following steps to protect themselves:
– Rappler.com
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WATCH: A Catholic archbishop sails West Philippine Sea to pray for China
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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16/07/2024 18:18
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MANILA, Philippines – Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas led a fluvial procession on Tuesday morning, July 16, to pray for peace in the face of China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
The Marian prayer voyage was held off the coast of Barangay Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan, after a 6 am Mass led by Villegas and Alaminos Bishop Napoleon Sipalay Jr.
Villegas told Rappler they conducted the procession in parts of the West Philippine Sea, which China claims despite a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling upholding the rights of the Philippines. Villegas led the recitation of the rosary and later stood beside an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was carried on the boat, as Tuesday was also the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
A video uploaded by Bryan Greg Arenas, one of the participants, showed that the procession lasted for more than an hour. Rappler obtained Arenas’ permission to use his video of the prayer voyage.
The procession was part of a prayer campaign recently launched by Villegas to pray for peace in the West Philippine Sea and the conversion of China.
“We are not anti-China. We are not racist,” Villegas said in his homily, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino. “We are one in brotherhood and sisterhood in the Philippines, but we also know the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in mainland China – oppression, truth manipulation, human rights abuses.”
“The war of ideologies and the battle of politics can be won by the brotherhood of peoples. Before there was government, there were only loving, patriotic citizens. We are the peace that we dream for the world,” he continued.
“The peace of the Philippines will not come from the hands of superpowers, but from the heart of God and the hand of the Immaculate Mother,” Villegas said. – Paterno R. Esmaquel II/Rappler.com
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Metro Manila Film Festival announces first 5 official entries for 2024 edition
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jreyes0314
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16/07/2024 17:01
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FIRST BATCH. The first batch of official entries for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival were announced on Tuesday, July 16.
Screenshot from Metro Manila Film Festival's Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has announced the first batch of official entries for its 2024 edition at its grand launch on Tuesday, July 16.
While the entries were being announced, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Don Artes said that rather than eight entries, the 50th MMFF will have 10 entries instead. It may be noted that the 49th MMFF – the highest grossing edition in the film festival’s history – also had a total of 10 entries during its run.
Here are the 50th MMFF’s first batch of official entries, which were chosen based on their scripts:
Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. and The Ideafirst Company, And the Breadwinner Is… is a comedy film that stars Vice Ganda, Gina Pareño, Maris Racal, Jhong Hilario, and Kokoy de Santos. The film was first announced in April, and is directed by Jun Robles Lana and written by Daisy Cayanan, Jumbo Albano, and Jun Robles Lana.
The drama film Green Bones is produced by GMA Pictures. Directed by Zig Dulay, the film is written by Ricky Lee and Anjeli Atienza and will star Sofia Pablo and Dennis Trillo.
Produced by Reality MM Studios, Inc., Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital is directed by Kerwin Go. The horror film – written by Dustin Celestino, Leovic Arceta, and Kerwin Go – stars Jane de Leon, Enrique Gil, Alexa Miro, and MJ Lastimosa.
Starring Aicelle Santos, David Ezra, Victor Robinson, and Bituin Escalante, Himala, Isang Musikal, is produced by Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno and Madonna Tarrayo. The musical film will also directed by the MMFF 2023 Best Director. Diokno wrote the screenplay alongside Ricky Lee.
The fifth MMFF 2024 entry is The Kingdom, starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual. It is produced by APT Entertainment, Inc., MZET TV Productions, Inc., and MQuest Ventures, Inc., and directed by Michael Tuviera. The family drama production is written by Michelle Ngu-Nario.
All official entries for the 50th MMFF will be announced in October. – Rappler.com
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First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos dons 3 stars as newest Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary officer
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Bea Cupin
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16/07/2024 19:08
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VOLUNTEER. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joins the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary as Auxiliary Vice Admiral on July 16, 2024.
Philippine Coast Guard
Liza Araneta-Marcos, lawyer and wife to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., just got a new title: Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s volunteer force.
The First Lady officially joined the PCGA’s Executive Squadron in a ceremony aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang on Tuesday, July 16, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.
She was bestowed the honorary rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral, or a 3-star officer of the volunteer force.
“I join the PCG to inspire the men women of the organization as they fulfill its duty to the country,” said the First Lady, in a short release to media from Balilo.
Araneta-Marcos was joined by her son Vincent, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan, during her donning of rank.
The PCGA is a volunteer non-government organization that follows a “military structure” as it is attached to the PCG. One’s role as a PCGA member is rather vague – and will ultimately be up to an individual.
The PCGA counts as its members celebrity couple Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto.
Balilo said Araneta-Marcos is the first First Lady to join the PCGA’s ranks.
Gavan, in a speech aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang, said the First Lady could help the PCGA since her “mere presence exudes strength and compassion that drive actions and inspire results,” according to a release from the PCG.
The PCG release added: “For her part, Auxiliary Vice Admiral Araneta-Marcos thanked Coast Guardians for ensuring maritime safety and maritime security, as well as upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.”
But will she join PCG voyages to the West Philippine Sea, such as resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal? Balilo, responding to a media inquiry, said the First Lady didn’t say anything about it.
The PCGA is a separate entity from the PCG itself. The PCG, meanwhile, is among the frontline government agencies that’s had to deal with China’s growing aggression in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
It’s the PCG that escorts vessels – be it civilian ships contracted by the Navy or vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – to flashpoints of Philippine-China tensions in the West Philippine Sea. – Rappler.com
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No surprise: NCR wins 17th straight Palaro overall crown, Calabarzon regains 2nd
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jisaga0269
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16/07/2024 19:37
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UNDISPUTED. The National Capital Region athletes, coaches, and officials celebrate winning the Palarong Pambansa overall crown during the closing ceremony.
Jacqueline Hernandez/RAPPLER
CEBU, Philippines – National Capital Region (NCR) once again proved to be the supreme destination for the Philippines’ top young athletes after winning the Palarong Pambansa 2024 overall championship with a collection of 98 gold medals, 66 silvers, and 74 bronzes on Tuesday, July 16.
The country’s capital got its best haul from gymnasts Elaiza Yulo (5 golds) and Maxine Amira Bondoc (5), swimmers Sophia Garra (5) and Alessandra Therese Martin (5), all rising as some of the event’s most bemedalled athletes, while the NCR boys secondary basketball team also reclaimed the crown in a heated finale against Central Luzon.
Calabarzon, after a stunning defeat to resurgent powerhouse Western Visayas last year in Marikina City, rose back to its usual second place with a 57-51-53 gold-silver-bronze split, hiked by a 12 combined golds from just two phenomenal secondary level swimmers, top gold hauler TJ Amaro (7) and Jasmine Mojdeh (5).
Western Visayas, meanwhile, slipped back to third after barely missing Calabarzon with 56 golds, one of the last being a successful title redemption in girls secondary volleyball by Bacolod Tay Tung High School. The region also amassed 41 silvers and 41 bronzes.
Davao Region settled at a far fourth with 32 golds, 25 silvers, and 35 bronzes, as host Central Visayas claimed fifth with a 29-42-39 split.
Check the full list here: MEDAL TALLY: Palarong Pambansa 2024
Other notable results are Caraga’s 12th-place finish with 11 golds, a whopping 7 coming from wrestling alone.
Debutant guest “region” National Academy of Sports (NAS) also got a historic gold in taekwondo poomsae, on top of 5 silvers, and 2 bronzes, while the Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO) earned one bronze, also in taekwondo.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas ruled the para games tally with 24 golds, 21 silvers, and 14 bronzes, boasting a sizeable lead in all columns.
Calabarzon was a far second with a 13-9-9 split, while NCR completed the podium with 9 golds, 8 silvers, and 5 bronzes.
Manila claimed the top spot in the Top Performing School Division Offices, followed by Iloilo at second, and Pasig City at third.
Ilocos Norte now prepares for the 65th Palarong Pambansa in 2025, as the likes of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon accepted the hosting responsibilities during the closing ceremony. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: ‘DSWD cash aid for students’ video uses spliced news clip
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Lorenz Pasion
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16/07/2024 18:05
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Claim: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced procedures for applying to its 2024-2025 educational cash assistance program for students, as reported by journalist Ivan Mayrina.
Why we fact-checked this: Videos on TikTok have been circulating the claim. One version of the post was shared by an account with 14,400 followers.
The beginning of the video features an audio clip of Mayrina reporting on the distribution of the supposed cash aid to students until September 24. This was accompanied by a graphic with text that reads: “May anak ka ba sa elementary, high school, at college? Isali mo na sa DSWD Scholarship Program S.Y. 2024-2025. Monthly allowance 10,000 pesos.” (Do you have a child in elementary, high school, or college? Enroll them in the DSWD Scholarship Program S.Y. 2024-2025. Monthly allowance P10,000).
Another version of the claim also included an application form for the supposed scholarship program, with the video’s narrator instructing applicants to submit their completed forms through the link.
The facts: In a post on its official Facebook account on July 14, the DSWD said that the account that posted the claim was spreading false information about the department’s cash aid, educational assistance, and scholarship programs.
“Ang mga account na ito ay ginagamit ang “educational assistance” ng DSWD upang makapangloko ng kapwa. Karaniwan sa mga videos nito ay ang mga pinagtahi-tahi na mga audio mula sa mga balita online. Hinahaluan din ng mga page na ito ng mga screen-recorded na balita upang magmukhang legit ang kanilang ipinapakalat,” the agency added.
(These accounts are using DSWD’s “educational assistance” to deceive others. Most of their videos are spliced audio clips from online news reports. These pages also mix in screen-recorded news reports to make their content appear legitimate.)
Spliced news clip: The misleading TikTok videos used a spliced report from Unang Balita, a segment of GMA Network’s daily morning program, Unang Hirit, to deceive viewers into believing the scholarship program is legitimate.
Uploaded on GMA Integrated News on August 19, 2022, the original video discussed the DSWD’s previous cash aid program for students, which offered financial assistance to indigent students from August to September 2022.
The TikTok video used an audio clip taken from the 0:00 to 0:10 mark of the original report, deliberately excluding the part where Mayrina mentioned the amount given by the DSWD which then ranged from P1,000 to P4,000.
Fake application form: The application form included in the misleading TikTok videos is also fake and not from the DSWD. The agency had said that it does not request any personal information online from those applying for “educational assistance” because it is prohibited under the Data Privacy Act.
The fake application link may be an attempt to steal personal information, as the link redirects to an unverified blog website, not to an official government website. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)
The DSWD has also repeatedly advised those seeking educational assistance to apply for the Assistance to Crisis in Individual Situations program, which provides individuals or families in need with various types of aid, such as medical, burial, transportation, educational, food, or financial assistance.
Previous fact checks: Rappler has fact-checked several claims on cash grant schemes supposedly from the DSWD.
Official accounts: For official updates on DSWD programs and services, refer to its official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube 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.
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First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos dons 3 stars as newest Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary officer
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Bea Cupin
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16/07/2024 19:08
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VOLUNTEER. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joins the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary as Auxiliary Vice Admiral on July 16, 2024.
Philippine Coast Guard
Liza Araneta-Marcos, lawyer and wife to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., just got a new title: Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s volunteer force.
The First Lady officially joined the PCGA’s Executive Squadron in a ceremony aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang on Tuesday, July 16, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.
She was bestowed the honorary rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral, or a 3-star officer of the volunteer force.
“I join the PCG to inspire the men women of the organization as they fulfill its duty to the country,” said the First Lady, in a short release to media from Balilo.
Araneta-Marcos was joined by her son Vincent, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan, during her donning of rank.
The PCGA is a volunteer non-government organization that follows a “military structure” as it is attached to the PCG. One’s role as a PCGA member is rather vague – and will ultimately be up to an individual.
The PCGA counts as its members celebrity couple Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto.
Balilo said Araneta-Marcos is the first First Lady to join the PCGA’s ranks.
Gavan, in a speech aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang, said the First Lady could help the PCGA since her “mere presence exudes strength and compassion that drive actions and inspire results,” according to a release from the PCG.
The PCG release added: “For her part, Auxiliary Vice Admiral Araneta-Marcos thanked Coast Guardians for ensuring maritime safety and maritime security, as well as upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.”
But will she join PCG voyages to the West Philippine Sea, such as resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal? Balilo, responding to a media inquiry, said the First Lady didn’t say anything about it.
The PCGA is a separate entity from the PCG itself. The PCG, meanwhile, is among the frontline government agencies that’s had to deal with China’s growing aggression in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
It’s the PCG that escorts vessels – be it civilian ships contracted by the Navy or vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – to flashpoints of Philippine-China tensions in the West Philippine Sea. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: Post warning of strong earthquake links to shopping site
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Lorenz Pasion
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16/07/2024 17:00
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Claim: Various Facebook posts warning of a looming earthquake “stronger than magnitude 8” contain links to a list of places susceptible to the quake.
Why we fact-checked this: Several posts are circulating on Facebook warning that the Philippines will experience a strong earthquake, citing Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol. These posts contain links to supposed references providing more information about the looming quake.
On the Facebook page “Metro Headlines,” a July 15 post contained a link after the text “Mga lugar na dapat mag-ingat” (places that should exercise caution). As of writing, it has 6,100 reactions, 1,600 comments, and 17,000 shares.
The facts: The links in the Facebook post are clickbait and do not lead to credible references about the supposed earthquake warning.
Three posts from “Metro Headlines” link to products on e-commerce sites Shopee and Lazada, instead of the supposed list of danger zones or a source for the earthquake warning.
Other Facebook posts with similar inaccurate links pointing to products from online selling platforms came from pages like “Breaking News” (July 15), “Mayor Benjamin Magalong supporters” (July 12), “Trending Viral” (July 12), “trendnewsph” (July 12 and June 28), “Balitang Headline” (June 30), and “Surigao News Update” (June 28).
Magnitude 8 earthquake warning: The misleading Facebook posts falsely implied that the strong earthquake was imminent. Bacolcol indeed expressed the possibility of earthquakes stronger than magnitude 8 hitting the Philippines, but this should be placed in context: the Phivolcs director made the remarks following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan last April. In this GMA News article dated April 4, 2024, Bacolcol explained that the Philippine Trench and Manila Trench are capable of generating magnitude 8.1 and magnitude 8.3 earthquakes, respectively.
The misleading posts cited Bacolcol to imply a prediction or forecast of a looming earthquake. However, Phivolcs has previously said that it is not yet possible to know when and where a future earthquake will hit. (READ: EXPLAINER: Is it possible to predict earthquakes?)
Related fact-checks: Rappler has fact-checked several claims about earthquakes before; the most recent article published on June 24, 2024 debunked a claim by self-proclaimed psychic Rudy Baldwin of an earthquake that will hit Metro Manila.
Rappler has also fact-checked several claims about inaccurate or bogus links, especially about job applications, government aid, and health products. – 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.
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WATCH: A Catholic archbishop sails West Philippine Sea to pray for China
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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16/07/2024 18:18
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MANILA, Philippines – Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas led a fluvial procession on Tuesday morning, July 16, to pray for peace in the face of China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
The Marian prayer voyage was held off the coast of Barangay Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan, after a 6 am Mass led by Villegas and Alaminos Bishop Napoleon Sipalay Jr.
Villegas told Rappler they conducted the procession in parts of the West Philippine Sea, which China claims despite a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling upholding the rights of the Philippines. Villegas led the recitation of the rosary and later stood beside an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was carried on the boat, as Tuesday was also the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
A video uploaded by Bryan Greg Arenas, one of the participants, showed that the procession lasted for more than an hour. Rappler obtained Arenas’ permission to use his video of the prayer voyage.
The procession was part of a prayer campaign recently launched by Villegas to pray for peace in the West Philippine Sea and the conversion of China.
“We are not anti-China. We are not racist,” Villegas said in his homily, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino. “We are one in brotherhood and sisterhood in the Philippines, but we also know the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in mainland China – oppression, truth manipulation, human rights abuses.”
“The war of ideologies and the battle of politics can be won by the brotherhood of peoples. Before there was government, there were only loving, patriotic citizens. We are the peace that we dream for the world,” he continued.
“The peace of the Philippines will not come from the hands of superpowers, but from the heart of God and the hand of the Immaculate Mother,” Villegas said. – Paterno R. Esmaquel II/Rappler.com
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[OPINION] For his 3rd SONA, Marcos needs to be a salesman. Can he pull it off?
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Glenda Gloria
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16/07/2024 11:30
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, under circumstances that are inhospitable to rhetorical entreaties.
From 80% in June 2023, a month before his second SONA, the President’s approval rating tumbled a few months after, to 65% in September, over his administration’s perceived inability to stabilize prices, according to Pulse Asia. Since then, according to the polling firm, inflation has remained the top “urgent national concern.” The President’s approval and trust ratings have not bounced back.
But there is more at stake in this year’s SONA than the President’s approval ratings.
With the midterm elections set for next year and the pre-campaign positioning already in motion, the President needs to regain political capital, and quickly.
He is the unwritten candidate in the midterm ballot. The election results will shape his political future and define his legacy. This year’s SONA could be the most important speech of his entire political life.
Every president since 1986 has used the SONA as a platform for one-way communication. For the duration of the SONA, a sitting president has a nation captive to his or her voice and narrative. On live television, and across all media channels, the President gets to drumbeat achievements, make a pitch for pet legislation, and reframe losses as opportunities.
But President Marcos Jr. needs to do more than that.
He must cut through the fog of doubt and uncertainty over his capacity to lead. He must debunk the emerging narrative of a government adrift and a leadership out of touch, unable to alleviate the conditions of a public groaning from the unmitigated rise in the prices of prime commodities.
The rhetoric, delivery, and demeanor must convey a calm and level-headed temperament. They must inspire confidence, project certainty and strength. The last thing the President needs is to be seen as indifferent to the public’s plight, clueless after two years in power, and incapacitated by the demands of the presidency and the din of contrarian voices from the South.
But this SONA will also serve as the President’s opening salvo for the midterm elections. This will serve as his bully pulpit from which he can parry the blows from his critics and frame the choices in next year’s elections.
More than being a statesman, on that stage the President needs to be a salesman.
His sales pitch to the nation should strive to win back those who vacillate. It should rekindle the passion of 2022, and inspire his supporters to close ranks. The SONA speech must give them a reason to believe again, to continue buying in instead of opting out.
For this he could also resort to razzle-dazzle. His team can spice up the speech with elements of theater. A speech as big as this one needs to be a performance.
It’s not new.
In one of his SONAs, the late former president Fidel Ramos introduced the nation to Mang Pandoy, the face of the poor who received consultancies and dole-outs from his administration and died still poor. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo brought out three kids and weaved a story about them writing their wishes on “bangkang papel.” These paper boats, by some miracle, survived tugboats, water lilies, and the polluted waters of the Pasig, reaching Malacañang and Arroyo’s desk. The late former president Noynoy Aquino delivered every SONA with stylized Powerpoint presentations, with graphs, piecharts, and smiling faces while government services deteriorate. Brillante Mendoza’s crazy camera angles of former president Rodrigo Duterte disoriented viewers. On hindsight, these frames were accurate depictions of Duterte’s distortions of law and facts.
But we must caution that soaring rhetoric and props may not be enough.
If the speech intends to offer proof of empathy and competence, it must avoid the abstract. Realizations or takeaways should be prompted by actual positive experience with government interventions. These takeaways must be organic, authentic sentiments not forced or manufactured through media management or the echo chambers of social media. Words and fancy numbers cannot substitute for doing good or even better.
The latest Pulse Asia survey said the public wants the President to talk about his plans to fight inflation. But the work of convincing a skeptical public happens even before the SONA. At this time, his Cabinet, senior officials, and the entire government machinery should be softening the ground, rolling out programs to convince the public that the President is on the ball when it comes to inflation.
So far, the biggest story is from a government corporation and its ambitious plan to build a Taylor Swift-ready stadium in Clark. Someone didn’t get the memo. – 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.
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[Vantage Point] China’s silent invasion of the Philippines
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Glenda Gloria
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16/07/2024 13:46
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What if I tell you that China could invade the Philippines without firing a single shot? That it doesn’t even need to escalate the smoldering trouble in the West Philippine Sea? And the much talked about Mutual Defense Treaty would be rendered inutile because it precisely requires armed aggression to trigger intervention from the United States?
By this time, it is no longer a secret how the People’s Republic of China salivates over global dominance and that, unfortunately, the Chinese government finds the Philippines a strategic puzzle piece to achieve its ambition.
An article published recently by Italian quarterly Eurasia Magazine observes that China now practically owns a country, the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, by putting it in debt to the tune of $5.25 billion, a debt that the latter can only hope to repay by signing away to the former its most important national assets: railways, airports and seaports, even roads and bridges.
A fate worse than that was awaiting the Philippines, but for the fact that then-president Rodrigo Duterte had run out of time. His six-year, non-renewable term had expired in 2022. He tried to revise the Constitution with the express purpose of removing the prohibition against re-election, but failed due to strong opposition from the Filipino people.
If he had succeeded, Mr. Duterte would have delivered on his promise to turn the Philippines into a province of China.
Other developing countries owe China much more, among which are Pakistan, Angola, Sri Lanka,, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Bangladesh, in hock for $26.60 billion, $20.98 billion, $8.84 billion, $6.82 billion, $6.69 billion, $6.08 billion, and $6.05 billion, respectively.
The Philippines, however, should take special interest in the trouble confronting Laos because that country is China’s close ally, which means that China does not spare even friendly countries from depredation. In fact it seems to prefer friendly countries as prey.
It is becoming increasingly clear that friendship with China is a liability.
Indebted to China for only $1.1 billion, the Philippines has avoided falling into the debt trap. But China has another ace up its sleeve. With Mr. Duterte’s acquiescence, it has flooded the Philippines with Chinese migrants from the mainland, both legal and illegal.
According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), at least 100,000 Chinese have penetrated and now live in the county illegally, most of whom gained entry during Mr. Duterte’s presidency. The number of illegals is a conservative estimate, or it may have been deliberately under-reported by that government agency
The nation’s interest has been transfixed to the tale of “farm girl” Alice Guo who surreptitiously slipped into local politics and whose presence would have escaped notice save for the discovery of foreign nationals who absconded from their detention at her vast property in Bamban, Tarlac. Authorities later found out that her enclave was being used as a shelter for human trafficking. Ms. Guo is a vital sample of how Chinese nationals could gain entry and later settle here by taking advantage of the country’s corrupt bureaucracy. But Ms. Guo is just one in a multitude.
As early as February 2020, Senator Risa Hontiveros exposed a practice of BI officials and staff assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to escort illegals out of the airport for P10,000 each so that they would not have to go through the normal immigration processing.
The scheme was called “pastillas” because the bribe money was wrapped and rolled in a piece of paper, the way old folks did it when preparing that carabao milk-and-sugar concoction so popular in the old days.
Once the illegals have settled in, the next step is for them to acquire Philippine citizenship.
In the US, Russian spies become American citizens by assuming the birth certificates of persons who died in infancy or as children, preferably in Canada. With a stolen identity, the “spy” is able to obtain a Canadian passport, which enables him or her to enter the US, land a job, and, eventually, become an American citizen.
Illegal Chinese migrants to the Philippines have no patience or interest to go through such a costly and lengthy process. They just enter the country as tourists.
Once they are here, they file a late or delayed registration of birth with the civil registry, which then sends the document to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which issues upon request of the party concerned an authenticated birth certificate.
The birth certificate enables the Chinese nationals to apply for Philippine passports, which also allow them to buy land, skirting the prohibition against foreigners owning real estate in the country.
In April of this year, it’s been reported that Congressman Ace Barbers has called on the government to investigate how “fake Filipino nationals [all Chinese],who can’t even utter a single Filipino word, are [able to buy] huge tracts of lands near EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites, near major air and sea ports, and establish large numbers of warehouses and other business establishments.”
There are nine EDCA sites all over the country allowed under the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. Their apparent purpose is to counter China’s quest for dominance in South China Sea.
Now, to circle back to the late-birth registration issue.
The process is simple and straightforward enough for child applicants. It is a little more complicated for an adult. The applicants have to provide their school record – a requirement Ms. Guo, the embattled mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, skirted by claiming she was home-schooled.
Apparently, the civil registrar accepted the explanation, and let it go at that. For whatever reason or persuasion, it never occurred to the civil registrar that Ms. Guo could get a copy of the document from the Department of Education.
It turned out that Ms. Guo went to Grace Christian School in Quezon City for her elementary education, which explains her fluency in Tagalog.
A week ago, nearly 200 Chinese nationals were issued birth certificates by the civil registrar in Davao del Sur. The fact that the persons concerned could not speak a word of Tagalog or any of the Filipino languages or dialects was a red flag, but the civil registrar just did not care. The applicants may not even have bothered to appear personally to file their request.
Senator Win Gatchalian, citing a National Bureau of Investigation report, said the Chinese nationals paid P300,000 a pop for the fake documents.
The crime was uncovered when one of the Chinese nationals applied for a Philippine passport. An alert DFA employee discovered that the documents the man submitted were spurious.
According to the senator, hundreds of thousands of other Chinese nationals may have successfully manipulated the system, and that is only possible, he surmised, with the collusion of the PSA itself.
But what do these Chinese come to the Philippines for? Well, most of them are posing as migrants in search of a better life. Many Filipinos suspect, however, that these migrants constitute the communist nation’s advance invading force.
While they’re here, they take jobs away from Filipinos, thus exacerbating the country’s unemployment problem. They are absorbed in mining, telecommunications, and the construction industries, run by their compatriots, who are in the country legally, thanks to the relaxation of the rules on immigration made by the Duterte regime.
The more savvy (some say criminally minded) of these migrants find their way to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies.
Authorities say there are 34 POGOs, since renamed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL) because of the unsavory reputation they have brought upon themselves, and some of them have thousands of employees each. That number does not include illegal operators. It is hard to believe that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, which is supposed to monitor POGO operations, is not aware of their existence.
Vantage Point has been clear since it first dwelled on the issue that the government should ban POGO operations across the country. I find it odd that Duterte allowed it here despite strong objections from China where it is strictly prohibited.
Perhaps it is the specter of rising criminality which drove some our lawmakers to tighten the screws on POGO operations. Operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) raided, one after the other, two such illegal POGO operation – one in Bamban, Tarlac, and the other in Porac, Pampanga.
The bigger of the two is Lucky South 99, which occupies 34 buildings on a ten-hectare Porac compound. However, the public fascination is centered on the Bamban facility, which is allegedly owned by Ms. Guo, against whom the Senate has recently issued an arrest warrant.
It is apparent that the change of name did nothing to improve the image of POGO or IGL operations in the country.
The PAOCC found them harboring criminals and undocumented aliens, running prostitution rings, and engaging in online scamming activities. Most disturbing of all, the police discovered instruments of torture, believed to have been used to punish employees who fell short of the work expected of them.
Rappler’s Kaycee Valmonte reported that residents of posh Ayala Alabang Village (AAV) are legally going after neighbors whom they suspect to be concealing individuals who are connected to POGOs. Residents bemoan incidents such as kidnapping and seeing armed bodyguards becoming the norm in the usually tranquil upscale village. Again, AAV is just one the of the thousands of subdivisions having similar problems, with smaller ones having no wherewithal to go after these illicit operations.
POGO or IGL has supporters in all branches of government, from local government officials to members of Congress, and, until Mr. Duterte left office, all the way up to the presidency itself.
There are also unverified reports of politicians’ “pilgrimage” to China whenever election season draws near. They trek there along with their families purportedly to unwind but in reality to allegedly solicit campaign funds. It’s about time that we should call out the immigration bureau and put it to task by monitoring the number of politicians going out to China whenever election fever nears.
But the pro-China elements in Philippine society are in the minority. A recent study made by the PEW Research Center shows only 16% of Filipinos have a favorable view of China.
In contrast, fully 78% expresses preference for the United States. It used to be 92%, according to the study, which means that the unrelenting propaganda mounted by then President Duterte against the Americans has made some headway.
Something tangible should be done.
The unwanted presence of hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationals in the country, the high social costs of POGO operations, and the encroachment of China in the country’s territorial waters are substantial causes for alarm. We don’t want to wake up one day to see the communist nation’s flag, instead of the Philippine national flag, being hoisted in Malacañang, do we? – Rappler.com
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First, the government will not ban all POGOs in the country. President Marcos Jr. will likely implement a “selective treatment” on them. Only those who kowtow to his secret “directives” through a proxy will remain in this country. Second, regarding the Chinese “invasion,” President Marcos Jr. will likely not be afraid as long as China guarantees he will be the Governor of the latter’s new province. If this fails, he has a Plan B: a US helicopter to secure his family on their trip to Hawaii.
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs Malaysia – Jones Cup 2024
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Jasmine Payo
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17/07/2024 16:35
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MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas opened the floodgates in the fourth quarter en route to an 89-54 thrashing of Malaysia to stay perfect in the Willam Jones Cup in Taiwan on Wednesday, July 14.
RJ Abarrientos and Dave Ildefonso picked up where Chris McCullough and Rhenz Abando left off, draining a pair of three-pointers in the final period as part of a 30-6 rally that allowed Strong Group to improve to 4-0.
McCullough netted 16 points, Abando tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Ange Kouame put up 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win that saw Strong Group pull away after a nip-and-tuck battle in the first three quarters.
Malaysia still led 47-46 midway through the third frame before it fizzled out as Strong Group ended the game on a 43-7 run.
Abarrientos posted all-around numbers of 9 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds, while Ildefonso added 8 points, all coming in the fourth quarter.
After overcoming its biggest challenge yet in the 2024 William Jones Cup, Strong Group-Pilipinas looks to stretch its undefeated streak even further when it faces Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17.
The Filipinos gutted out an 82-74 come-from-behind win versus Ukraine on Monday, July 15, to stay perfect in the single round-robin tournament.
In that nail-biting affair, it was Chris McCullough and Kiefer Ravena who saved the day for Strong Group as they spearheaded a massive 15-2 run in the final three minutes to secure the hard-earned victory.
McCullough took care of business yet again for Strong Group as he sizzled for a game-high 28 points, while Ravena scored all his 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Jordan Heading also came to play for the Philippines as he dropped 24 points – 18 coming in the opening period alone.
As Strong Group goes for a 4-0 slate, expect its leading scorer McCullough to take charge anew for the Charles Tiu-mentored crew for the fourth consecutive outing.
The Filipinos will go up against a tough Malaysian side, which is also undefeated as of posting time with a 2-0 record.
Malaysia is led by high-scoring guard Chun Hong Ting, American import John Murry, and former Ateneo foreign student-athlete Joseph Obasa.
Game time is 5 pm. – Rappler.com
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9 of the top 10 passers of 2024 Shari’ah Bar exams are women
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Jairo Bolledo
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16/07/2024 16:23
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BAR EXAMS. Shari'ah Bar exam takers line up during the first day of tests on April 28, 2024.
Supreme Court
MANILA, Philippines – Nine women landed in the top 10 passers of the 2024 Shari’ah Bar Examinations, the Supreme Court (SC) announced on Tuesday, July 16.
Nurhaifah Hadji Said Punginagina topped this year’s examinations with 86.75%, 2024 Shari’ah Bar chairperson Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh said on Tuesday.
The rest of the top 10 placers are:
LOOK: Full list of passers of the 2024 Shari'ah Bar exams. pic.twitter.com/Oq7OB6gnOg
Meanwhile, of the 853 examinees, 183 or 21.45% passed the examinations. Associate Justice Singh said 62.3% of the passers are women.
“Regardless of the results today, whether you pass or you don’t, all of you deserve to be congratulated for your faith, for your determination and hard work, and for your fortitude,” Singh said in her message to the Shari’ah Bar takers.
“You are here now because of everyone who believed in you and because you chose to believe in yourselves. Take this opportunity to celebrate yourselves with your families, friends, loved ones, and enjoy the fruits of your labor,” she added.
The 2023 Shari’ah Bar chairperson also said that the oath-taking and roll signing ceremonies of the passers will be held on August 14, at the Manila Hotel.
In April, the High Court held the first digitalized and regionalized Shari’ah Bar examinations. Now administered by the High Court, Shari’ah Bar is different from the regular Bar exams and is the professional licensure test covering Islamic law.
The number of this year’s aspiring Shari’ah counselors-at-law is higher compared to 2022, which only had 526 takers. The exams were held this year at the University of the Philippines Diliman and Ateneo de Davao University. The exams covered the following subjects: jurisprudence (Figh) and customary laws (Adat), 15%; persons, family relations, and property, 35%; succession, wills/adjudication, and settlement of estates, 35%; and procedure in the Shari’ah Courts, 15%.
The first Shari’ah Bar exams were held in 1983 after the Presidential Decree No. 1083, in 1977, created Shari’ah courts in the Philippines. The special courts were placed under the SC’s administrative supervision.
Article 137 of the decree established Shari’ah District Courts and Shari’ah Circuit Courts to exercise powers and functions to uphold the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines. The code’s aim is to recognize the legal system of Muslims in the country, codify Muslim personal laws, and provide “effective administration and enforcement of Muslim personal laws among Muslims.”
The code is in accordance with section 11, article XV of the 1987 Constitution, which states, “The State shall consider the customs, traditions, beliefs and interests of national cultural communities in the formulation and implementation of state policies.”
Early this year, Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr., the Shari’ah Bar chairperson next year, said the Shari’ah justice system in the country “provides a legal framework for resolving disputes and upholding Islamic principles within the context of the country’s broader legal system.” – Rappler.com
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[Pastilan] The Great Philippine Identity Sale
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Herbie G
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17/07/2024 11:00
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It started with about 200 fake birth certificates handed out to Chinese nationals in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. Now, it’s blown up to a whopping 1,200 bogus birth certificates. Isn’t bureaucracy grand?
That’s not just a statistical jump; it’s a neon sign flashing “regulatory chaos ahead,” and as if someone stumbled upon the bureaucratic Pandora’s box and decided to throw a fake identity fiesta.
A 21-year-old Chinese, Qui Halin, was recently arrested after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported inconsistencies in his statements while he was applying for a passport.
Based on the report, Qui couldn’t speak Bisaya or Tagalog. He’s a freshman at Ateneo de Davao University. That’s in Davao City, where his family runs a store in Chinatown, on Ramon Magsaysay Avenue. For his passport, he used the alias Hengson Jabilles Limonsero and flashed a Philippine birth certificate, PSA national ID, and a driver’s license.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found Qui to have a Chinese passport and to be originally from Fujian, China, who moved to Davao City when he was 10. In 2013, he got his Philippine birth certificate in Santa Cruz.
Note that the NBI investigation was an offshoot of the recent raids on Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs and the subsequent discovery of senators that Mayor Alice Guo a.k.a. Gwaping of Bamban, Tarlac, used her late birth registration to claim Philippine citizenship and run for mayor in 2022.
The NBI’s discovery of the Santa Cruz birth certificate factory unleashed another verbal cyclone from the Senate against what’s really beginning to look like The Great Philippine Identity Sale.
This doesn’t look like just bureaucratic bumbling. The heart of the issue lies in local civil registrar offices resembling leaky boats in a stormy sea – prone to exploitation by those who’ve turned Filipino citizenship into the bureaucratic equivalent of a hot commodity on the black market.
We’re not just talking about a little clerical error or some bureaucratic hiccup. This is big. This is “fundamental questions of national security” big. This is “integrity of citizenship” big. You see, it digs deep into the soul of our system, revealing a nasty little underbelly in those local civil registry offices.
Let’s not kid ourselves – this isn’t a simple case of paperwork mix-up. It’s a full orchestra of systemic screw-ups, with loopholes in the spotlight and national security fumbling around backstage.
Apparently, we have well-oiled machines in our midst, exploiting these procedural loopholes for a tidy profit. It’s a racket. They’re not just filling out forms; they’re minting money by bending the rules. And what do we get? A compromised administrative process and a red carpet rolled out for all sorts of criminal shenanigans, all under the shiny banner of Philippine citizenship.
It looks like the gatekeepers are the ones leaving the door wide open and shouting, “Come on in, folks! Cheap citizenship for everyone, no questions asked!” It isn’t a glitch, it’s a full-blown system failure. And guess what? We’re the ones picking up the tab for this mess.
There’s a diplomatic subplot amid this bureaucratic mayhem. The involvement of people from China adds a spicy international twist, turning what initially looked like a run-of-the-mill paperwork problem into a potential diplomatic conundrum. It’s the kind that makes diplomats reach for the antacids.
The narrative arc here isn’t just about uncovering administrative shortcomings; it’s about fortifying the very foundation of national identity against predatory exploitation. It’s about ensuring that being Filipino isn’t a matter of paperwork but about shared values and responsibilities.
As legal actions heat up against individuals like Qui and the others implicated in these schemes, the spotlight shifts to our institutions. The NBI, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) have been thrust into the limelight, tasked not just with resolving this crisis but with fortifying our defenses against future incursions into our national identity.
Senator Risa Hontiveros correctly pointed this out: Imagine someone using a fake identity to buy land or run for office. Next thing you know, your neighbor isn’t who you think he is – he’s just some dude who printed out a new identity like it’s a coupon for a free meal at Jollibee.
“Sino ang mga nagkukunsinti nito? Sino ang mga kasabwat o protektor? Sa Davao del Sur lang ba ito nangyayari o sa buong Pilipinas?” read a statement from Hontiveros’ office. (Who are the people making this happen? Who are the accomplices or protectors? Is this only happening in Davao del Sur or all over the Philippines?)
This should be seen as a wake-up call, a reminder that the sanctity of citizenship isn’t just a bureaucratic checkbox but a cornerstone of national security. It demands not just legislative band-aids but a no-nonsense overhaul that plugs the gaps and fortifies the walls against future breaches.
While this developing saga of 1,200 fake birth certificates may read like a bureaucratic thriller, the real heroics lie in the realm of legislative reform and institutional resilience.
Let’s hope that amid the drama and the diplomatic tightrope-walking, our lawmakers can rewrite this script into a tale where integrity triumphs, and Philippine citizenship shines brighter than any counterfeit paperwork ever could.
Filipino identity shouldn’t be something any Tom, Dick, and Harry can just pick up with groceries. It’s not like, “Hey, darling, grab some milk, a loaf of bread, and oh, throw in a Filipino identity while you’re at it!” No, no, no. Stop treating Filipino identity like it’s on sale at a flea market.
Lastly, always check your birth certificates. You never know who might be pretending to be you. Pastilan. – Rappler.com
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The sanctity of Philippine citizenship is the latest focus and victim of corruption in our society. This incident likely started during the Duterte administration, considering its affinity to the Chinese government. Since local civil registrars are under the supervision of the mayors, the latter should be included in the corresponding investigations and, if proven guilty, should be held accountable, too.
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[Just Saying] SONA, Congress, accountability, and free speech
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Chay Hofilena
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17/07/2024 9:00
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The State of the Nation Address is a constitutional directive. The President makes his report to the people. In that gathering done in the halls of the House of Representatives, we will see the presence of legislators and perhaps other public officials – who are, incidentally, commanded by the Constitution to live modest lives.
It is a serious occasion to know if the President, through his speech, has done or omitted to do something for the nation, whether he is lying or telling the truth, has achievable plans or just mouthing empty platitudes, and is truly sensitive or not to the pulse of the nation.
In the SONA, we scrutinize the President’s performance. We do not celebrate him. The SONA is not his fiesta nor his yearly party with legislators, foreign dignitaries, and Supreme Court justices.
And so many wonder why P20 million more or less, was reported as expenses for the event. And when it was revealed that it will include expenses for food, flowers, invitations, giveaways, rent for audio visual equipment, coordination of agencies, and others, they further wonder how it could reach that staggering amount.
Surely, invitations can just be given through e-mails, a lavish dinner skipped, decorative flowers dispensed with, giveaways not given, coordination among agencies undertaken by repeated memos through digital transmissions without incurring too must cost?
And seriously, are we also to understand that the House of Representatives, with its huge budget, has no audio-visual apparatus such that it must rent one? If true, that is sheer incompetence.
The insensitivity of this event is made more pronounced by reports that the Philippines has about 4.5 million homeless people with 250,000 of them children. The country has about 2 million unemployed and, as of the end of February 2024, about P15.8 trillion in debt. Some of our soldiers and sailors have been risking their lives in asserting our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea with meager resources compared to China’s.
More importantly, prices of important goods are rising. From the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, galunggong, for example, rose from P189.06 per kilo in May 2024 to P195.52 in June 2024. This may be insignificant to rich politicians but not to millions of our people.
Significantly, display of thoughtless extravagance amid a period “of acute public want” can be stopped by the courts (Article 25, Civil Code). Unfortunately, the case can only be initiated by a government or private charitable institution. Surely, the Philippine Charitable Sweepstakes Office will not do the filing. It will also be too much for a private charitable institution to further deplete its limited funds for such a case. The only thing remaining is a high sense of delicadeza on the part of government.
And then it was reported that House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said, “This is a formal event. We will be very strict in the expression of protest in a SONA outfit. They’ll be requested to change because it is the SONA. It is not a day of protest.” In short, no outfit manifesting protest will be allowed during the SONA.
That directive is unconstitutional. Non-violent protest is part of our democracy, doable anytime, anywhere and any place, provided it is peaceful. To wear a black arm band or outfit signifying protest is within the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech. It can be legitimately curtailed if there is a clear and present danger imperiling the government’s existence. Surely, that will not happen during the SONA.
Remember: the people own the Batasan building, public money will be spent, and the event is vested with public interest. The prohibition exhibits ignorance of our fundamental liberties enshrined in the Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
Think of all the opposition legislators wearing a protest outfit peacefully waiting for the President’s speech, one can imagine the distasteful scene of the congressional sergeant-at-arms and his men – in full view of foreign diplomats, the Supreme Court justices and the televiewers – escorting all of them outside the Batasan building, leaving only the President’s allies giving intermittent applause and standing ovations. It might be, after all, President Marcos Jr. enjoying himself preaching to the choir.
It will be a revolting and shameful sight for an administration that preens itself of respecting diversity in our society.
A rule of decorum cannot defeat the exercise of constitutional rights. In law, any public officer or employee, or any private individual, who directly or indirectly, obstructs or, in any manner, impedes the freedom of speech and the right to petition the government for redress of grievance shall be liable for damages (Article 32, Civil Code). Presence of malice or bad faith is not necessary. (Lim vs. Ponce De Leon G.R. No. L-22554 August 29, 1975) – Rappler.com
Mel Sta. Maria is former dean of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law. He teaches law at FEU, the Ateneo School of Law, the University of Sto. Tomas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of Makati, and Manuel L. Quezon University. He also hosts shows on both radio and YouTube, and has authored several books on law, politics, and current events.
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President Marcos Jr.’s Third SONA, with its large spending, has been criticized for its display of a “lavish lifestyle.” This behavior isn’t surprising, given that it has been witnessed since President Marcos Sr.’s term, and President Marcos Jr. seems to be following the family tradition of his political dynasty. The rule of decorum, which can be seen as a form of suppression, is also a legacy of President Marcos Sr., and President Marcos Jr. appears to be following it in a more subtle manner.
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Meralco brings back Allen Durham, hoping to get job done in Governors’ Cup
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delfin.dioquino editor
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17/07/2024 13:15
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DRIVE. Allen Durham in action for the Meralco Bolts in the 2019-20 PBA Governors' Cup.
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco is bringing back a familiar face as it shoots for back-to-back PBA crowns.
The Bolts hope to finally get the job done with Allen Durham by tapping the veteran import to reinforce the team in the season-opening Governors’ Cup, team manager Paolo Trillo confirmed.
Durham returns to the PBA for the first time since 2020 after spending the last four years overseas, primarily with the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the Japan B. League.
The hulking 6-foot-6 forward helped Ryukyu capture the 2022-2023 B. League title, also earning Finals MVP honors, and keyed the Golden Kings to the finals for three straight seasons.
Falling short of the top prize in its first four finals appearances, Meralco captured its breakthrough championship when it dethroned San Miguel in the Philippine Cup last season.
Three of those finals losses were with Durham as he and the Bolts fell prey to Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra in the 2016, 2017, and 2019 editions of the Governors’ Cup.
After winning its historic title, Meralco aims to get the proverbial monkey off its back in an import-flavored conference with the three-time PBA Best Import back in the fold.
Durham averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in the previous B. League season, where the Golden Kings absorbed a 2-1 loss to the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the finals.
Other imports for the Governors’ Cup include Glenn Robinson III for Magnolia and Aaron Fuller for Rain or Shine. – Rappler.com
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Marcos, Romualdez least trusted among top government officials – survey
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Bonz Magsambol
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17/07/2024 13:28
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr approves the rehabilitation of the NAIA, the construction of the Samar Pacific Road and the improvement of the Laguindingan Airport, at the NEDA Board meeting in Malacanang on July 19, 2023.
Bongbong Marcos Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, are the least trusted among the country’s top officials, according to the results of a Pulse Asia Research, Incorporated survey held in June and released on Wednesday, July 17.
The nationwide survey held from June 17 to 24 included Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Francis Escudero, and Romualdez.
“Regarding distrust, it is more pronounced toward the President and the House Speaker (21% and 23%, respectively) than the Senate President and the Vice-President (5% and 8%, respectively),” Pulse Asia said.
Distrust in the President jumped to 21% in June from 15% in March, a difference of 6 percentage points. Among geographic areas, distrust in Marcos was highest in Mindanao (32% from 28% in March), followed by Metro Manila (19% from 20%), Balance Luzon (18% from 5%), and Visayas (15% from 18%).
Though Marcos sustained majority public trust in June at 52%, this is 5 percentage points lower than his 57% score in March.
Marcos obtained the highest trust score in Metro Manila at 59%, a 4-percentage point increase over his March score of 55%. While he still has majority trust in Balance Luzon at 58%, this is 9 percentage points lower than his 67% score in March.
The President’s trust rating in the Visayas is 54% – unchanged from the last survey period – while he got the lowest trust rating in Mindanao: 35% from 38% in March.
Though the least trusted among top government officials, Romualdez’s trust rating improved in June to 35% from 31% in March. His distrust score was statistically unchanged at 23% from 24%.
Among geographical areas, Romualdez’s trust rating was highest in Visayas at 57%, a 30-percentage point jump from 27% in March. His trust numbers improved in Metro Manila (37% from 33%) and Mindanao (24% from 21%) but dipped in Balance Luzon (31% from 36%).
Among socioeconomic classes, trust in Romualdez was highest among the poorest Class E at 40% – 18 percentage points higher than 22% in March.
Duterte is the most trusted top official at 71%, followed by Escudero (69%) who is included in the survey for the first time since he was elected Senate president in May.
Marcos continues to enjoy the approval of a majority of Filipinos as he marked his second year in office, according to the survey results.
The survey showed a slight dip in the Marcos’ approval rating – 53% from 55% in March – but this is within the pollster’s ± 2% error margin, at 95% confidence level.
Among geographical areas, Marcos obtained majority approval rating except in Mindanao:
Among socioeconomic classes, the President scored highest among class D with 53% (from 56% in March), followed by the poorest class E with 52% (from 48% in March), and lowest among the well-off class ABC which gave him an approval rating of 42% – from 62% in March, a 13-percentage point drop.
Duterte obtained the highest approval score at 69% while Romualdez got the lowest rating at 35%, a 4-percentage point improvement over his March score.
Among geographic areas, Romualdez got majority approval only in the Visayas at 59%, a 26-percentage point jump over his March approval rating of 33%. He got a 36% approval rating in Metro Manila, 29% in Balance Luzon, and 25% in Mindanao.
The survey was conducted among 2,400 respondents aged 18 and above using face-to-face interviews. Subnational estimates for each of the geographic areas covered in the survey have a ± 4% error margin, also at 95% confidence level.
During the survey period, Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet confirming the insurmountable rift in the Uniteam coalition forged in the 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. It was also during this time when Malacañang, through an executive order, directed government agencies and schools in the country to recite the “Bagong Pilipinas (A New Philippines)” hymn and pledge in weekly flag ceremonies.
Other notable issues during the survey period were the Senate probe into the illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators and their link to Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac; a Palace EO reducing the tariff on imported rice from 35% to 15% until 2028, and the confrontation between the China Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy in relation to the latter’s resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
On Tuesday, July 16, a group of concerned individuals led by former senator Leila de Lima, former Supreme Court justices Antonio Carpio, and Conchita Carpio urged the Marcos administration to cancel the licenses granted to POGOs who cater to the mainland Chinese market.
POGOs grew in the Philippine market in 2016 as operators took advantage of liberal gaming laws under the administration of Rodrigo Duterte. Many POGO operators are run by Chinese nationals, as gambling in their home country is banned.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has been leading the probe into POGOs, said on Monday, July 15, that she expected the President to have a clear stand on POGOS, specifically on calls for a POGO ban in the country, when he delivers his third State of the Nation Address on July 22. – Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
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Road workers discover cave likely untouched for millions of years in Cagayan de Oro
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Herbie G
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17/07/2024 12:20
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ACTIVE CAVE. A group of people explore an active cave discovered while construction workers were widening a road in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro.
CLENRO-Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Construction workers in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro accidentally discovered a cave, most likely untouched by human hands for millions of years until this week, revealing an astonishing underground world.
The cave, described as a time capsule, contains stalactites and stalagmites that have been evolving for millions of years. With its formations still actively developing, the cave offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic processes of the planet, captivating the imaginations of locals and providing future opportunities for scientific study, research, and tourism.
“There’s water dripping, suggesting an ongoing formation. This excites us,” said Christine Camba, officer-in-charge of the protected areas division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Northern Mindanao.
The DENR has counted about a dozen caves in Cagayan de Oro, and the one in Dansolihon is not among them, according to Camba.
Workers stumbled upon the cave on Monday, July 15, while widening a section of road in one of the interior districts of Barangay Dansolihon, according to village chairman Jose Maria Juan Roa. The road is part of a network being developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to link the rural Cagayan de Oro village with Opol town in Misamis Oriental.
The road construction inadvertently expanded its entrance, making it accessible to humans for the first time.
“It appears to be a live cave,” Camba told Rappler, referring to initial photographs that rapidly circulated on social media.
Live caves, also referred to as active caves, reveal fascinating formations shaped by ongoing geological processes such as the growth of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. These formations result from minerals deposited by water seeping through the cave’s surfaces.
At first glance, the Dansolihon cave embodies the essence of a live cave with its constant water flow and mineral deposition, setting it apart from dry or inactive caves where such processes have ceased long ago.
Engineer Armen Cuenca, Cagayan de Oro’s environmental and natural resources chief, said the cave was known to a few villagers to exist “a long time ago” but remained unexplored and free from human activity for a still unknown number of millennia due to its very small opening.
“What is certain is that it has been there for millions of years. It’s alive,” Cuenca said.
A team from the city government and the DENR has been assembled and is set to inspect the cave on Wednesday, July 17.
Roa said he ordered the cave to be cordoned off, and declared it off-limits to the public to prevent potential damage from curious onlookers who quickly trooped in the area upon news of the discovery.
Camba said the cave remains uncharted territory, and both the DENR and local government have yet to assess and map it out to determine how best to manage it.
She cautioned that unauthorized exploration of the cave could lead to disaster.
“We have not conducted a full assessment. We are unaware of the potential hazards,” Camba said.
The local government said it would require strict adherence to national laws prohibiting cave entry.
According to the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats Act mandates the protection of caves as habitats for wildlife and ecosystems.
CLENRO also said the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act designates caves as national treasures protected by law.
The law provides that cave locations should not be disclosed for one year following their discovery by the DENR and prevents their classification as tourist or study sites during this period. However, DENR, city government, and barangay officials confirmed that the cave was discovered in Dansolihon.
City hall also cautioned against extraction, possession, or sale of cave items, as well as engaging individuals to procure items from the newly discovered cave. It said such activities are considered offenses with corresponding penalties of imprisonment ranging from two to six years and fines from P20,000 to P500,000. – Rappler.com
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BIR: Online sellers on electronic marketplaces must now pay withholding tax
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lkyu0285
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17/07/2024 11:56
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MANILA, Philippines – Online sellers or merchants on electronic marketplaces like Shopee and Lazada should now be paying more taxes that are to be withheld by these e-commerce sites, based on a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regulation that started July 15, Monday.
“Electronic Marketplace Operators will begin imposing withholding tax against their sellers/merchants starting July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui said in a press release on Tuesday, July 16.
He clarified that “withholding tax is not a new tax, it’s merely a system of taxation where taxes are collected at source, which will be credited against the total income tax liability of the sellers/merchants.”
“The BIR aims to level the playing field between brick-and-mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online market places. Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes,” Lumagui added.
Rappler’s tax columnist Mon Abrea said in an article last January that this is not a new tax.
“This is not yet the digital tax. This withholding tax is in effect an advanced collection of the income tax due from the sellers/merchants…,” he said. You can learn more about this here: [Ask the Tax Whiz] Are online sellers/merchants required to pay taxes?)
In another piece Abrea wrote in February, he said: “As clarified by [BIR] Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 8-2024, online sellers or merchants are required to register and pay their taxes. However, it is the e-marketplace operators and/or the digital financial service providers (DFSPs) which are required to withhold the 1% tax on gross remittances, and thereafter remit the same to the BIR.”
In late 2023, the BIR issued Revenue Regulation 16-2023, imposing a 1% creditable withholding tax on half of the gross remittances by e-marketplace operators, such as Shopee and Lazada, and digital financial service providers (DFSPs), such as GCash, to online merchants after their goods and services are sold through the platform.
The BIR had previously extended the implementation “in recognition of the compliance needed with the relative policies or requirements of other government agencies and to give the affected parties an opportunity to adjust.” That extension has since passed, and the BIR confirmed that all electronic marketplace operators are now required to impose the withholding tax on sellers starting July 15.
Meanwhile, the BIR granted another 90-day allowance for DFSPs like GCash and Maya to “complete their respective system adjustments,” extending the prescribed transitory period until October 12, 2024. – Rappler.com
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Maguindanao del Sur under state of calamity as floods hit 70% of its towns
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Herbie G
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17/07/2024 10:17
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HELP. Rescuers help evacuate children in the Special Geographic Areas in the BARMM.
Bangmoro READi
SARANGANI, Philippines – The provincial government of Maguindanao del Sur has placed the province under a state of calamity following floods that inundated about 70% of its towns and affected thousands of families.
Maguindanao del Sur Governor Mariam Mangudadatu said on Tuesday, July 16, that the number of families affected by the widespread flooding has been increasing based on reports from emergency response workers.
“The state of calamity will allow us to use funds to support affected municipalities. They cannot be left on their own in this situation,” Mangudadatu said.
The provincial government reported that at least 17 of Maguindanao del Sur’s 24 towns were flooded, and workers documented the death of a farmer as rampaging floodwaters hit his village.
Officials claimed that the number of affected families has increased to 71,000 from more than 68,000 reported last week by disaster response groups from various local governments. As of 2020, before it was split into two political territories, Maguindanao had a population of over 741,000.
Still reeling from the devastation caused by the El Niño phenomenon that displaced farmers from their livelihoods, the floods this time have submerged a wide area of farmlands in over 100 villages, Mangudadatu told reporters in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.
Mangudadatu said they have yet to determine the extent of the damage caused by the floods, which have submerged school buildings and houses. Several houses were reported to have been swept away by floodwaters, she said.
The move on Tuesday, July 16, by the Maguindanao del Sur provincial board in declaring the province in a state of calamity was the second time this year – the first was in April, following the damaging effects of weeks of dry spell, resulting in losses in crops and livestock worth nearly P346 million.
In declaring the province in a state of calamity, the Maguindanao del Sur provincial board noted reports that 161 villages have been underwater, destroying farmlands, crops, and livestock.
Maguindanao del Sur Vice Governor Nathaniel Midtimbang said with 17 towns severely flooded, it was enough grounds to declare a state of calamity in the province.
“Nahihirapan na mga tao (The people are suffering),” he told local reporters.
On Sunday, June 14, search and rescue workers found the remains of a 22-year-old male farmer in Pagalungan town. Benjamin Alip, Pagalungan disaster management officer, said the young farmer tried to save his cow from drowning in floodwaters in Barangay Damalasak.
Most towns in Maguindanao del Sur are along one of Mindanao’s largest wetlands – the more than 200,000-hectare Ligawasan Marsh that usually overflows during heavy downpours.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Ameer Jehad Ambolodto said the affected towns are as follows:
He said houses have been destroyed and they are still closely monitoring the situation because the rain usually stops only briefly before heavy downpours.
Ambolodto said they have constantly reminded residents to stay on safer grounds and avoid the risk of being in low-lying areas or along riverbanks.
In Pagalungan town, the PDRRMO head said residents have to bring their belongings along the shoulder of the more elevated national highway, “but with rains almost not stopping, even the highway has been flooded.”
Pagalungan and Montawal towns are along the Rio Grande de Mindanao, which overflowed its banks following a surge of water from Pulangi River in Bukidnon over the weekend.
These two Maguindanao del Sur towns suffer the same experience as that of their neighboring towns in Pikit and Kabacan in Cotabato province, whenever the Rio Grande swells.
The four towns along Rio Grande are in the direct path of the Pulangi River, where dams to run hydro-electric power plants have been releasing water.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza has already asked the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to make representations with the National Power Corporation (Napocor), which runs the hydro-power plants, to coordinate with local governments about their plans to release water from their dams. – Rappler.com
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LPA off Surigao City bringing heavy rain to several regions, provinces
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Acor Arceo
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17/07/2024 10:15
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PHILIPPINE WEATHER. Satellite image as of July 17, 2024, 6 am.
PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines – A low pressure area (LPA) is bringing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to parts of the Philippines on Wednesday, July 17, with the rain becoming heavy at times.
The LPA was located 200 kilometers east northeast of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, as of 3 am on Wednesday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that rain may be moderate to heavy in the regions of Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Davao, as well as the provinces of Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon.
Floods and landslides are possible in areas affected by the LPA.
PAGASA Weather Specialist Obet Badrina said the bureau is not ruling out the possibility of the LPA developing into a tropical cyclone as it approaches landmass.
If it becomes a tropical cyclone, it would be the country’s second for 2024 and would be given the local name Butchoy.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon or habagat is affecting the western parts of Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao on Wednesday.
Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected in the rest of Mimaropa, the Visayas, and Mindanao, while isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are likely in Metro Manila and the rest of Calabarzon.
Parts of Mindanao had been hit by floods and landslides in recent days due to rain from the southwest monsoon.
The Philippines’ rainy season began late May.
PAGASA also raised its La Niña Alert last Friday, July 12, citing a 70% chance of the weather phenomenon beginning within the August-October period. La Niña is expected to trigger more rain and possibly more tropical cyclones in the country. – Rappler.com
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Relearning the lessons from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake of Northern Luzon of 34 years ago
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Victor Barreiro Jr.
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16/07/2024 20:00
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Segment of the national road near Dalton Pass in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, displaced about 3.5 meters
left-laterally (sidewise to the left) by the Digdig segment of the Philippine Fault during the magnitude
7.8 earthquake of Northern Luzon of July 16, 1990.
Jean-Claude Ringenbach
Tuesday, July 16, was the 34th anniversary of an earthquake that devastated major cities in northern Luzon. This earthquake was so powerful that it sent seismic waves that were felt as far as Metro Manila, located more than a hundred kilometers from the epicenter.
On the afternoon of July 16, 1990, a Monday, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck northern Luzon with an epicenter located near the town of Rizal in the province of Nueva Ecija. More than 1,500 individuals perished while infrastructure damage was estimated at more than 12 billion Philippine pesos (>USD 200 million).
The earthquake was generated by the Philippine Fault, feared by many as one that may produce an even larger magnitude earthquake in the future.
It is an active fault that can be traced for more than 1,200 kilometers from Bangui in Ilocos Norte to Mati in Davao Oriental, running along the longer north-south axis of the archipelago, passing through several islands including the entirety of Luzon, Masbate, Leyte and Mindanao, and the intervening seas.
This fault is subdivided into segments that are named depending on the location where these have been mapped. The section that generated the July 16, 1990 magnitude 7.8 earthquake is called the Digdig Fault segment, so named after the barangay/village of Digdig (now Joson) in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, where the geomorphological manifestations of the fault are best preserved.
This earthquake produced a ground rupture, a deep crack into the earth created by the release of energy from the earthquake’s focus located several kilometers underneath the surface (see photo), that was 125 kilometers long. The length of ground rupture is directly proportional to the magnitude of the earthquake – the larger the magnitude, the longer the ground rupture.
Other segments of the Philippine Fault have also ruptured in the last 50 years, inflicting major destruction in the affected areas. On March 17, 1973, southern Luzon was struck by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake, whose epicenter was located in the Ragay Gulf, the body of water between the peninsulas of Bondoc and Bicol. More than 10 individuals were reported killed while infrastructure damage was estimated at more than one hundred million pesos.
More recently, the Masbate segment produced two major earthquakes within a period of only 17 years, a rather unusual phenomenon given the current state of knowledge in earthquake science. The island was struck by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on February 15, 2003, then again by a magnitude 6.6 tremor on August 18, 2020. These two earthquakes are believed to have been generated by the same fault, the Masbate segment of the Philippine Fault, which is a very rare occurrence. Theoretically, a fault that breaks releasing stored energy (called strain), should take a considerable length of time, in the order of several hundreds or even thousands of years, to accumulate new strain before releasing it again to generate the next earthquake.
For the most recent activity of the Philippine Fault, two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.0 (July 27, 2022) and 6.4 (October 25, 2022) were generated by its branches in Abra, occurring within three months of each other and separated by epicentral locations of less than 20 kilometers. Infrastructure damage in both earthquakes was significant, with less than 20 casualties reported.
During the July 16, 1990 earthquake, many areas located far away from the epicenter and the trace of the Digdig Fault sustained heavy damage nonetheless, proving that distance from the earthquake fault does not guarantee safety from seismic hazards.
Baguio and Dagupan are both more than 80 km away from the epicenter, but these cities, while located far away from the epicenter, incurred numerous casualties and heavy infrastructure damage including collapsed buildings, bridges and ruptured roads.
In Baguio City, damage is believed to have been caused by strong ground shaking intensified by the elevation of this mountain city situated at around 1,500 meters above sea level. Imagine how a high-rise building would behave when the ground on which it is built is shaken – the lower floors would move almost in harmony with the ground, but the higher floors would sway more intensely.
In Dagupan City, infrastructure damage was mainly due to liquefaction, a natural process where saturated sandy material behaves like a liquid when shaken. Imagine scooping moist sand from the beach, putting several scoops into a pail, letting the wet sand settle until the surface dries up. Then start shaking the pail to simulate an earthquake. The surface starts to moisten because the water molecules in between the sand grains below are energized by the shaking and start to rise to the surface as they are now more mobile than the sand grains. When this happens, even a solid object (simulating a building) stuck into the sand will start sinking and tilting. The ground is said to lose its bearing capacity, and any building built on it no matter how sturdy, would fail.
Dagupan City is built on sandy material accumulated at the mouth of mighty river systems that include the Bued and Agno Rivers. These rivers and their tributaries deliver sediments from the Cordillera and Zambales mountain ranges. The ground underneath the city is continuously moistened by surrounding estuaries and its proximity to the Lingayen Gulf.
Recently, I was witness to an effective disaster preparedness exercise when Category 5 Hurricane Beryl ravaged several Caribbean island-countries with the strength of more than 215 kilometer-per-hour winds coupled with extended torrential rains. In Jamaica, several days before the forecasted landfall on July 4, 2024, authorities went to work early in preparing for the arrival of the hurricane. No less than the prime minister went on national TV to warn citizens of the impending danger the hurricane would bring and to lay out the national strategy to mitigate casualties and damage.
Except for frontline agencies, work was suspended in government agencies and international organizations such as the United Nations. Curfew was enforced, everyone was told to stay sheltered, check points were set up for the non-law-abiding citizens. The populace was obedient. The hurricane passed, authorities reported only two dead – one by drowning, the other smashed by a fallen tree.
Disasters from weather disturbances can be relatively well-managed, given the current advancements in atmospheric science and space technology, where hurricanes and typhoons can be tracked and their paths and landfall locations predicted.
Unfortunately, it is not so (yet) for earthquakes. As such, earthquake resilience can best be achieved by preparing well in advance through what some refer to as structural preparedness. It involves knowing the conditions of the ground and the infrastructure in the places that one frequents – places of domicile and work, in particular.
Is the ground prone to intense shaking that can lead to liquefaction? Are there steep and weak slopes around that are prone to landslides? Is it by the sea where tsunamis are expected? Are the buildings constructed according to code?
To paraphrase a famous quote: He who stays ready does not need to get ready. – Rappler.com
Mario A. Aurelio, PhD is a professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences – University of the Philippines (UP-NIGS) who includes earthquake studies among his research interests. He regularly travels to the Caribbean to fulfill his obligations to a United Nations organization based in Jamaica.
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Another time’s the charm? Manila, Beijing OK presidential hotline on West Philippine Sea
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Bea Cupin
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17/07/2024 12:30
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PRESIDENTS. China's President Xi Jinping walks with Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, January 4, 2023.
Office of the Press Secretary/Handout via REUTERS
The Philippines and China have expanded a previous maritime communication mechanism covering the West Philippine Sea, as tensions rise in waters that are within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but that Beijing claims at its own.
In a Wednesday, July 17 statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the two countries signed an “Arrangement on Improving Philippines-China Maritime Communication Mechanisms.” The existence of the deal was first reported by the Associated Press.
The agreement “provides several channels for communication” between the two countries on “maritime issues,” including:
Hold on – another agreement?
If you think that you’ve seen this film before, you’re right – you’ve definitely seen a version of it.
Back in January 2023, during Marcos’ first (and only, thus far) state visit to Beijing, the two countries signed an agreement that established a communication mechanism between the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
The new agreement, signed after Manila hosted a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea in early July 2024, now includes a hotline for representatives of Marcos and Xi.
“The DFA is in discussions with the Chinese side on the guidelines that will govern the implementation of this Arrangement,” said DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza.
Why a new agreement? Neither Daza nor the DFA gave an explicit explanation.
But here’s what you should understand: first, it took a while for the first hotline to be set up – because of delays on the Chinese side, Marcos himself told reporters back in May 2023. By then, a collision almost took place during a maritime patrol off the waters of Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal.
When it was up and running, the “hotline” turned out to be anything but hot – China did not pick up the phone as the CCG used water cannons against the PCG in the West Philippine Sea back in August 2023, or would respond only hours later, after literal damage had already been done.
In January 2024, following a BCM meeting hosted in Shanghai, the two countries agreed to “improve” the maritime hotline and agreed that it would include both the foreign ministries and coast guards of the two countries.
Near collisions have become the least of the Philippines’ concerns in the West Philippine Sea.
Aside from wielding water cannons with water pressures that could destroy the walls of wooden ships, the CCG has gone as far as towing, boarding, and destroying Philippine Navy dinghies during a resupply mission in June 2017. The last BCM took place in the shadow of that incident.
China insists on its sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including in areas that are part of the Philippines’ EEZ. It’s led to tense, sometimes violent confrontations between maritime forces of the two countries in flashpoints like Ayungin Shoal or Scarborough Shoal. Filipino fishermen have also reported cases of harassment from the much larger vessels of the CCG or Chinese Maritime Militia.
Beijing has refused to recognize a 2016 arbitral ruling that deemed its sweeping claim over the South China Sea invalid.
Would this maritime communication mechanism (president’s version) finally work? And would the two coast guards – one behind water cannons and “piracy” in the West Philippine Sea, and the other subject to danger because of the former’s actions – be able to iron out an agreement and make it work?
Maybe third – or second – time’s the charm? It’s becoming harder to keep track. – Rappler.com
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Kylie Padilla admits she’s in a new relationship
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Ysa Abad
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17/07/2024 11:07
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Kylie Padilla's Instagram
MANILA, Philippines – Kylie Padilla has confirmed that she’s dating someone new, almost three years after her publicized separation with Aljur Abrenica.
In the Tuesday, July 16 episode of Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, the actress revealed that she’s “taken” when she was asked if “she is single or ready to mingle.”
Padilla didn’t disclose other details about her new romance such as the name of her partner or when they started, only sharing that her boyfriend is not from showbiz.
The actress went on that since her boyfriend is not part of the entertainment industry, she gets to balance her work and personal life. “When I’m with my partner, I’m normal again, I’m just Kylie,” she said. “There’s no trying to keep up a certain image with a partner.”
She continued that she also had to fight for this relationship, which she said allowed her to learn more about herself. “It taught me to just trust myself more and not to be too scared to be myself,” she said.
Padilla was previously in an on-and-off relationship with Abrenica since 2011, before getting married in 2018. They have two sons.
Padilla and Abrenica officially split in 2021.
Abrenica admitted in an interview with Toni Gonzaga in April 2023 that he had cheated on Padilla when they were together. While both Padilla and Abrenica denied actress AJ Raval as the third party in their marriage, Raval and Abrenica confirmed their relationship in February 2023.
Padilla is an actress known for her roles in films and teleseryes Dilim, Unravel, Encantadia, The Good Daughter, and Adarna, and Black Rider. – Rappler.com
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Munimuni on ‘Alegorya’ and the art of music
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jreyes0314
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17/07/2024 9:30
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Gabi Na Naman (GNN) Productions
MANILA, Philippines – Munimuni has undoubtedly established itself as a household name in the local music scene.
With their unique instrumentals and profound lyricism, the band has grown to become one of the most well-loved OPM acts among local gig-goers – forming a tight-knit community of listeners, or their very own Komunidad, in the process.
It’s pretty difficult to miss recognizing their music, even though it’s your first time hearing it play again after a while. Fittingly, five years have already passed since Munimuni staged their last major concert in 2019 to mark the release of their Kulayan Natin album.
Much has happened since then, including the release of their sophomore album – Alegorya – and another major concert slated to go along with it.
A nod to Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, Alegorya is a 12-track album that was several years in the making. It’s a culmination of songs that were already released as singles years prior, as well as some never-before-heard tracks – all of which paint a vast range of narratives.
“Basically, we already had an intention of turning it into an album [for] almost two years. That’s why technically there are songs there that are from way before,” Munimuni’s guitarist and vocalist Adj Jiao told Rappler in a mix of English and Filipino at a press conference.
Alegorya – both the album and the song in particular – take on the themes of “looking at the world and our human selves a bit deeper” and “going beyond what’s on the surface.”
“Siguro ‘yung pinaka-inspirasyon for writing ‘yung Alegorya song is having seen certain places sa Pilipinas na pang-mayaman, and naco-contrast mo siya sa everyday life ng common Filipino na sobrang stark ng difference,” Adj shared, adding that the song Alegorya was intentionally placed right in the middle of the album to showcase this.
(I guess the inspiration for writing the song Alegorya is having seen certain places in the Philippines that are for the rich, and you can contrast that with the everyday lives of common Filipinos where there’s a really stark difference.)
“Music in general as an art is always perceived as something that should be beautiful. Minsan, ‘yung messages beyond that ay hindi maganda, in the sense na mabigat ‘yung pinagmumulan or pangit ‘yung pinagmumulan. Pero nilagay siya in a painting na maganda. Parang ginagawa mong maganda ‘yung isang bagay na puwedeng pangit,” flutist and vocalist Owen Castro added.
(Sometimes, the messages beyond that aren’t beautiful, in the sense that its origins are heavy or it comes from an ugly place. But it’s placed in a beautiful painting. It’s like you’re turning something that may be seen as ugly into something beautiful.)
It’s presumably this authenticity that gives Munimuni’s music its timelessness, so much so that no matter what sentiment the band is trying to convey in any given song, listeners will always be in for an experience.
It comes as no surprise, then, that the five-piece band has amassed countless memorable encounters with their fans, who would often confide in them about how their music has helped lift them out of dark places.
“Siguro ‘yun din ‘yung beauty ng pagiging open namin sa songs. Parang nagiging open din ‘yung listeners to share their personal experiences. Ngayon ko lang narealize na na-a-appreciate ko ‘yung fact na ‘yun,” Munimuni’s drummer Josh Tumaliuan said.
(I guess that’s also the beauty of being open in our songs. It’s like our listeners also become open to sharing their personal experiences. I only realized and came to appreciate that fact now.)
The “Alegorya” concert is also bound to be a special one. Aside from being set to have special performances by notable names in the local music scene, it will also mark the longest set the band will ever play so far.
Munimuni’s guitarist Ben Ayes shared that even before they settled on a final date for the concert, they already began practicing – knowing that it was going to be a lengthy ride.
“It’s one thing to perform in weekly gigs where your set is 45 minutes, and it’s another thing to play continuously for almost three hours. It’s a very new thing for us, so the preparation really took a long time,” Owen said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Duration aside, however, the concert is set to be a symbolic homecoming for the band. Having been formed in UP Diliman, Munimuni is returning to its alma mater years later, at a point in their careers where they’ve already amassed a loyal following.
From the time Munimuni staged its “Kulayan Natin” concert in 2019 to the lead-up to its 2024 “Alegorya” concert, the band has also evolved as musicians – with its members being more open to exploring their musical creativity.
“I know na nile-label kami in some way as indie-folk or folk-pop or makata-pop, and kung ano man ‘yung usual na tawag. But I think for this record, nandoon pa rin naman, malapit pa rin, pero we weren’t thinking na i-fit siya to a certain type of sound. We tried to serve kung ano ‘yung ibig sabihin ng kanta [rather] than to cater to a certain sound. ‘Yung naging effect no’n sa amin is, individually, pinu-push din namin ‘yung creativity namin. Walang constraints masyado,” Adj shared.
(I know we’re labeled in some way as indie-folk or folk-pop or poetic-pop, and whatever we’re usually called. But I think for this record, it’s still there, it’s still close, but we weren’t thinking of fitting it into a certain type of sound. We tried to serve what the songs mean rather than to cater to a certain sound. Its effect on us is that, individually, we push our creativity. There aren’t many constraints.)
It’s clear that fans will be in for a concert to remember. Until then, you can stream the Alegorya album here:
– Rappler.com
Munimuni’s ‘Alegorya’ concert will be held on July 20 at the UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City. Tickets can be purchased here.
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Filipino workers have among worst work-life balance – report
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Michelle Abad
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17/07/2024 8:38
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Shutterstock
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino workers are among the worst of their economic neighbors in getting enough work-life balance, a new study from global human resource platform Remote found.
Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024, which compared data among the top 60 gross domestic product (GDP) countries, ranked the Philippines 59th out of 60 in work-life balance.
The Philippines scored 27.46 points, with the highest possible score at 100. It beat only Nigeria, which had a score of 16.15.
The study looked at various factors in determining work-life balance. These were the following, along with the Philippines’ scores:
Other Southeast Asian countries that were included in the Life-Work Balance Index were Singapore (26th), Vietnam (37th), Thailand (39th), Indonesia (43rd), and Malaysia (47th).
Filipino workers work an average of 40.63 hours per week, with a minimum wage of $1.45 an hour. Combining these factors leads to the average minimum wage worker earning around $58.91, or P3,448.21 a week.
The Philippines did not have the most average working hours, however. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were noted to be the most overworked nations, with around 50 and 48 average work hours per week, respectively.
These two countries, like other Gulf states, are popular host countries for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). According to Philippine Statistics Authority numbers as of 2022, the UAE was the second most popular destination, with over 260,000 OFWs, and Qatar had around 113,600. – Rappler.com
$1 = P58.53
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Track troubles: Why 11 Palaro athletics records got nullified
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clescudero0258
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17/07/2024 9:48
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CONTROVERSIAL. A shot of the track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center on June 25 while being set for the Palarong Pambansa 2024.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The controversial track oval at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), which was used for the athletics events during the Palarong Pambansa 2024, fell short of the 400-meter World Athletics standard distance.
Unfortunately, it’s the standout student-athletes who got hit hard by the negligence, resulting in the nullification of all records set in track events at 200 meters and farther.
“There are eight lanes and the average discrepancy is 0.88 meters,” Cebu City Sports Commissioner John Pages said during a press conference on Tuesday, July 16, following an investigation of the renovated track oval.
“This is not a result of the oval not being standard. This is a direct result of the mistake in the lining.”
Lane 1 turned out to be the shortest at 1.5 meters off the standard 400m distance.
Athletics action already started when the discrepancy got discovered, which eventually saw a whopping 11 records getting nullified in four events – the 3000m steeplechase, 2000m walk, 400m hurdles, and 4x400m relay, all involving 19 athletes from five regions.
But Pages said records set in the sub-200-meter events, including the record set by Western Visayas’ Mico Villaran in the 110m hurdles, will be recognized by the Palarong Pambansa, but not by any other athletics body like the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), said Palarong Pambansa secretary general Francis Cesar Bringas.
Field events like javelin throw, long jump, discus throw, and shot put were unaffected.
Official scoresheets in the Palaro 2024 website showed a total of 13 records were broken in the track events, with only two – records set in the 110m and 100m hurdles – recognized by the tournament.
Let’s go back to February 2023, when Cebu City announced its bid to host the Palaro in 2024.
“The year 1994 was a significant year for Cebu sports. It was the year when the Cebu City Sports Center was completed and when we last hosted the Palaro,” Pages told SunStar Cebu.
“Thirty years later, we hope to bring it back to Cebu with the newly refurbished CCSC.”
The following May, the city government closed the CCSC to make way for renovations ahead of the Palaro and the preceding Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) meet. It had set aside a budget of P65 million and contracted SBD Builders to renovate the facility.
In August 2023, Cebu City’s bid proved to be successful as previous Palarong Pambansa host Marikina City passed the torch to the Queen City of the South.
In November 2023, Cebu Daily News reported that the renovation’s progress was still at 30 percent. CCSC executive director Jovito Taborada told the news outlet that the center is targeting to finish renovations by February 2024 and would request SBD Builders to fast-track operations.
February passed and May arrived, when a Philippine News Agency report showed the rubberization of the track had yet to commence. Cebu City had to resort to using the track oval of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu as a venue for the CVIRAA athletics events the same month.
On June 25, the newly renovated CCSC was finally inaugurated – less than two weeks before Palaro opened.
What other government projects has SBD Builders undertaken?
The contractor recently clinched a solar power project valued at more than P2 million after approval of the Cebu City Council on Wednesday, July 10, according to SunStar Cebu.
Cebu City Councilor Noel Wenceslao had flagged earlier in May the company’s unfinished bridge project in Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City, priced at P24 million. It was expected to be completed by September 2023.
Before the Palaro opened on July 9, reports on social media captured the track oval showing uneven rubberized surfaces. Pages assured the safety of the athletes and said that these “minor” signs of damage would be fixed before the games.
Turns out the track oval had another serious concern.
Pages detailed the discrepancy in each lane of the track:
“If we [take the average], that’s 0.88 [meters],” said Pages.
“Unfortunately, the rule, as explained by ma’am Jeanette Obiena (Palaro’s technical consultant), even if you are one centimeter short, even if it’s 399.99, that is still short.”
“The contractor…is going to be called, and it will have to explain, and from there [the city council] will take the necessary steps,” Pages said on Tuesday.
Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia called out SBD Builders on Monday, July 15, saying that the contractor will not be paid until all track oval issues are resolved. Meanwhile, Acting Cebu City Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros on Tuesday said the Cebu City legal office may review contract specifications with the contractor.
Rappler has reached out to SBD Builders for its comment and will update this story once we receive it.
The contractor earlier asserted its competence to Cebu Daily News in a July 12 report.
“SBD Builders is about integrity and standing by our workmanship. We are here to support the city of Cebu with their dedication to having a successful Palarong Pambansa event in our city,” said managing officer Shaun Doherty.
Despite the nullification of 11 Palaro records, Pages and Bringas assured the players who broke them will still be awarded their gold, silver, or bronze medals.
Some local government units, aside from giving incentives to medalists, also give separate incentives to record breakers. Will the players with nullified records still get to receive the latter reward?
Bringas deferred the decision to the local government units of the players concerned. “It’s not within our right or power to stop them from giving that. But I would recommend that they still do that,” the Department of Education assistant secretary said.
Will the two records to be honored by Palaro officials be certified by the PATAFA, the country’s athletics body, as well? Bringas said they will stay as Palaro records and “not records of PATAFA nor records of any other athletic organizations” in the country or internationally.
Bringas previously deferred the validity of the records to the PATAFA during a separate press conference on Saturday, July 13. But in the Tuesday press conference, the official clarified that the track and field authority “is not in any way engaged” in this year’s national meet.
“The Palarong Pambansa is governed by its own board, and the PATAFA has no engagement whatsoever in the Palarong Pambansa. It just so happened that we also have…technical officials in athletics who are also members of the PATAFA, including our tournament director,” Bringas explained.
“They are members of the PATAFA but they are engaged in the Palarong Pambansa as a private individual and as part of the Department of Education and not in any way representing PATAFA.” – Rappler.com
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NAIA employees to get 25% pay raise after privatization
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lkyu0285
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17/07/2024 10:25
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NAIA. Passengers enter the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on their way to their respective provinces four days before Christmas, on December 20, 2022.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Employees working at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will soon receive a 25% pay bump once the group of San Miguel takes over operations in September.
No employee currently at NAIA is expected to lose their job right away either due to the privatization deal. All personnel involved in operations will be absorbed by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation – the company established by San Miguel’s consortium that will run the airport. Anyone who isn’t absorbed by the group will remain with the Manila International Airport Authority as regulator.
“By September 13, San Miguel Group will be taking over. They have already made an offer to the employees,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said during a meeting of the Monday Circle Financial Forum.
“Their offer is that they will be given separation pay by the government. And then they will be given a signing bonus by San Miguel. They will be given a 25% increase in salaries,” Bautista said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The employees absorbed by San Miguel’s group will be hired under a probationary status, although they can be regularized if they prove themselves to the new private sector operator.
“Ang guarantee nga ng San Miguel is, ‘pag pumasa kayo dun sa requirement nila (San Miguel’s guarantee was if you pass their requirements), you will be regular employees,” Bautista said on July 8.
This could also be an opportunity for contractual employees – which make up about 50% of NAIA’s workforce – to get permanent positions, according to the transport secretary.
However, the new operator still has the option to start shedding the employees that it inherited once the probationary period is up.
“Kaya sinasabi ko nga dun sa mga employees ng MIAA, if you want to stay with San Miguel, dapat you have to perform well, which is kailangan naman (That’s why I tell the employees at MIAA, if you want to stay with San Miguel, you have to perform well, which they really need to do),” he said.
Even while the bidding process was still ongoing, the transport secretary already gave assurances that there would be no immediate job losses, saying earlier in January that “everyone will be given an offer.” San Miguel has made good on that promise, whether the pay bump is a way to buy peace or motivate its newly acquired employees.
A capable workforce will be key to implementing the big plans that San Miguel tycoon Ramon Ang has for the airport. That includes pouring P122 billion to expand Terminals 1, 2, and 3, build new carparks, improve baggage handling systems and boarding bridges, among several other improvements. (READ: Ramon Ang wants an even bigger NAIA terminal than promised. Can he deliver?) – Rappler.com
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Trillanes joins Aksyon Demokratiko as he eyes Caloocan mayoral bid
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Mia Gonzalez
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16/07/2024 10:00
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NEW MEMBER. Former senator Antonio Trillanes took his oath as Aksyon Demokratiko member on July 15, 2024
Sonny Trillanes' Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV has joined Aksyon Demokratiko as he eyes a mayoral bid in Caloocan City in the 2025 elections.
Trillanes announced his new party affiliation in a Facebook post on Monday, July 15.
“Ngayong araw, ako at ang aking mga kasama sa Caloocan ay nanumpa bilang mga bagong miyembro ng Aksyon Demokratiko. Maraming salamat kina Aksyon Chairperson Emeritus Sonia Roco, Chairman Ernest Ramel Jr., at Aksyon President Isko Moreno sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap,” he said.
(Today, I and my allies in Caloocan were sworn in as new members of Aksyon Demokratiko. I wish to thank Aksyon chairperson emeritus Sonia Roco, chairman Ernest Ramel Jr., and Aksyon president Isko Moreno for your warm welcome.)
GMA News Online reported that according to Trillanes, while he plans to run for Caloocan mayor, he will make the formal announcement “at the proper time.”
In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, July 16, Ramel said that Aksyon believes in Trillanes’ capability to become a good local chief executive.
“Isa sa mga adhikain ng Aksyon ay ang malinis, mahusay, at mabilis na pamamahala sa lokal na pamahalaan na may tunay na pagmamalasakit sa mamamayan,” he said.
(One of the goals of Aksyon is honest, competent, and dynamic governance at the local level, with genuine compassion for our citizens.)
Trillanes, who served as senator from 2007 to 2019, attempted a Senate comeback in 2022 under the Liberal Party but lost. Even out of the political spotlight, Trillanes has been a vocal critic of former president Rodrigo Duterte. (READ: Trillanes scores first major SC win vs Duterte)
The late former senator Raul Roco founded Aksyon in 1997. – Rappler.com
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Priscilla Meirelles refutes ‘mutual agreement’ on ‘separation’ with John Estrada
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Ysa Abad
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17/07/2024 9:53
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Priscilla Mereilles' Instagram
MANILA, Philippines – Priscilla Meirelles has denied that she and husband John Estrada had a “mutual agreement” regarding their separation, noting that she was “deeply shocked and disheartened” by his statement.
In an Instagram story posted on Tuesday, July 16, Estrada addressed the rumors circulating about his relationship with Meirelles.
“Priscilla and I have mutually agreed to take a break for quite some time now. There’s more to the story but the last thing I want to do is to hurt the people I love,” he wrote.
The Batang Quiapo star also denied that he’s not currently in a relationship with anyone, including Lily Hallman, the woman that Meirelles was linking him to. “I want to make it clear that I am not in a relationship with Lily Hallman or any other woman for that matter. I just met her in Boracay,” he explained.
Aside from Estrada asking for privacy as he addresses this family matter, he also warned the public about the fake news circulating about his relationship.
Hours after Estrada’s post, Meirelles’ also took to her Instagram story to address her husband’s statements.
The former beauty queen, who’s currently in Brazil, disclosed that she remains married to the actor despite having left the Philippines.
“We were married when I left the Philippines, and we remain married as of this time,” she said. “While there is indeed more to this story, it is not the appropriate time to delve into those details. Regardless of what those may be, however, it won’t change the course of faith.”
She then addressed the public to express her gratitude for their “constant support, kindness, and love during this difficult time,” adding that she hopes this matter will be “resolved appropriately.”
This isn’t the first time that Estrada and Meirelles were embroiled in separation rumors. In 2023, she revealed that their marriage went through a “rough patch” but had made amends.
In a previous interview with Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, the former beauty queen also stressed that she’s “done her part” to make their relationship work.
“I’m not gonna take anything that I already took up to this point. Alam niya nasa limit na ako (He knows that I’ve already reached my limit). So whatever happens from this point on, it’s on him.”
Estrada and Meirelles got married in 2011. They welcomed their daughter Sammantha Anechka in 2012. – Rappler.com
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Winning culture: NU escapes FEU in 5-set repeat for SSL crown
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Jasmine Payo
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16/07/2024 23:15
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CHAMPS AGAIN. The NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate winning the Shakey’s Super League crown.
Shakey’s Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Bringing their winning caliber from the UAAP, the NU Lady Bulldogs clawed their way back in five sets to rule the the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals on Tuesday, July 16, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Lady Bulldogs dismantled the FEU Lady Tamaraws in a thriler, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10, to emerge as champions in the collegiate volleyball pocket tournament.
Rising star Arah Panique topscored for the reigning UAAP champions with 27 points on 17 attacks, while Bella Belen notched 25 points in Game 2 of the best-of-three series.
Alexa Mata seized the chance in the fourth set to pad NU’s lead to 3 with a powerful spike, 19-16, as the Lady Tamaraws eventually struggled to stop the Lady Bulldogs’ momentum and extend the series to a decider.
The Lady Bulldogs also needed five sets to dispose of the Lady Tamaraws in Game 1, 25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 18-25, 15-13, just a day earlier.
Despite FEU’s valiant stand, the NU duo of Belen and Camilla Lamina towed NU to match point, 14-10, before Panique sealed the game for good.
“I always think of applying what I had learned from the national team (Alas Pilipinas). I also boost my self-confidence by banking on my killer instinct every time they set a play for me,” Panique said in Filipino during a post-game interview.
Gerzel Mary Petallo registered 20 points as FEU’s leading scorer, while Chenie Tagaod produced 18 points in the team’s first runner-up placing.
Earlier, St. Benilde survived Letran in a nerve-wracking five-set victory, 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15, to claim the bronze.
Rhea Densing led the charge for the Lady Blazers with 24 markers, 20 coming off attacks, while Wielyn Estoque chipped in 18 points.
With Benilde on the verge of defeat, Clydel Catarig stepped up with back-to-back crosscourt kills against Letran, 21-20, setting the tone for the team’s resurgent run in the fourth frame.
Letran looked poise to extend the series with a 15-14 lead in the fifth frame, but Estoque and the Lady Blazers put up tremendous resistance, firing 3 consecutive points to wrap up the game.
“I just trust myself and the team. Whatever our errors in the game, we try to resolve it, especially our lack of defense and attacks,” Densing said.
Gia Maquilang paced Letran with 22 points and 3 blocks, while Nizelle Martin tallied 15 points.
Belen, the reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player, also bagged the tournament MVP and 1st Best Outside Spiker honor.
Other awardees:
– Eugero Vincent Liberato/Rappler.com
Eugero Vincent Liberato is a Rappler intern.
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Former Pampanga mayor Tumang secures travel permit, skips House probe
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Joann Manabat - CMS
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16/07/2024 21:11
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COMMITTEE HEARING. The committee on public accounts conducts a motu proprio inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the procurement process and unlawful contracts entered into by the Municipality of Mexico, Pampanga on July 16, 2024
Screenshot via YouTube
PAMPANGA, Philippines – Former mayor of Mexico, Pampanga, Teddy Tumang, was able to secure a travel permit despite a hold departure order (HDO), a development disclosed Tuesday, July 16, during the hearing of the House committee on public accounts.
As a result, Tumang skipped the committee hearing. The former mayor obtained a travel clearance a day prior to the hearing with valid travel dates between July 16 to July 31, said lawyer Vicente Uncad of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Uncad said a resolution was adopted by the Sandiganbayan which allowed the departure of Tumang. However, no other flight details were provided to the committee except for a copy of an e-ticket and an excuse letter.
“Under prevailing laws, if an individual has an HDO issued by a Court, he should secure an allow departure order from that Court. If the Court grants his request to leave the country, he is supposed to bring that clearance of the Court to the BI and apply for an allow departure order from the BI. Once the order is issued, he can present that to the BI officer upon his departure so he may be allowed to leave,” said Uncad.
Uncad said Tumang was still in the country as of 3 pm Tuesday. The hearing, which lasted seven hours, ended before 5 pm.
The committee, chaired by Abang-Lingkod Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, noted that details of his flight and travel clearance must still be submitted to the committee. Paduano said if Tumang did not travel on the same date, he could be cited in contempt for lying.
“His excuse letter stated that he has to be excused because he will travel today. So if he cannot travel today, it follows, again, Mr. Teddy Tumang is lying. Because if he has a ticket for the 17th or 18th, then he must be present today,” Paduano said in a mix of Filipino and English.
The former mayor has been the subject of the House probe about the alleged irregularities in the procurement and questionable contracts in Mexico, Pampanga during his term from 2007 to 2010. The complaint was filed at the Office of the Ombudsman by Tumang’s political rival, Ernesto Punzalan.
The House panel also acknowledged the inconsistencies on the questionable properties allegedly owned by Chinese national Aedy Tai Yang which were uncovered during the sessions.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro instructed the Land Registration Authority (LRA) to furnish a list of all properties linked to Yang. These included records from the city assessor’s office in City of San Fernando and the Registry of Deeds. There are allegations of unlawful property transfers to Yang.
The committee also directed the assessor’s office of Angeles City, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, and Meycauayan in Bulacan to check the consistency of the records of the LRA and to certify the ownership of the properties of Yang.
“Given the inconsistencies, I move to direct the LRA to submit a complete list of all subject properties of Aedy Yang. We are dealing with properties which are unlawfully transferred to a Chinese national,” Luistro said.
“Kung walang records itong Aedy yang sa assessor, nagka property pa siya, double jeopardy na yan. Nagkaproperty siya pero libre siya sa real property tax,” Luistro added.
(If this Aedy does not have records with the assessor, he still has a property, that’s double jeopardy. He owns property but he is free from paying real property tax.)
Meanwhile, efforts to locate Yang and Teddy Tumang’s ally, Roy Gomez, have intensified following Gomez’s being cited for contempt on May 7 for failing to appear before the committee.
Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop criticized the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for their inadequate efforts to locate Yang and Gomez. This, after it was discovered that Gomez had recently met with ABC president village chief Terrence Napao at a mall in Angeles City on May 18.
Napao acknowledged the meeting with Gomez but claimed ignorance of the contempt order and subsequent arrest warrant against him.
“Ngayon ko lang nalaman na kung may contempt order, hindi ko alam na may warrant of arrest. Hindi ko alam saan si Gomez. Noong nagkita kami, sinabihan ko siya bakit hindi ka mag attend ng hearing,” Napao said.
(I only found out today that if there was a contempt order, there was also a warrant of arrest. I don’t know where Gomez is. When we met, I asked him why won’t he attend the hearing.)
Law enforcement agencies have been unsuccessful in locating Gomez as well as Yang, with the PNP stating they only received the contempt order via email last May 27. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Pampanga is set to be invited to the next hearing. – Rappler.com
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Evan Nelle brings hard-work mentality to NorthPort
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Jasmine Payo
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15/07/2024 22:53
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PRO-READY. Evan Nelle in the PBA Rookie Draft with NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan (left) and team officials, and PBA commissioner Willie Marcia (second from left).
PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Exuding an in-your-face kind of confidence, coupled with words of wisdom coming from one of the PBA’s best-ever floor generals, Evan Nelle heads into the league with his head held high and feet on the ground.
Picked in the second round by the NorthPort Batang Pier, Nelle joins No. 5 pick Dave Ildefonso as key pieces of a young team helmed by head coach Bonnie Tan.
“I can use my training, what I learned in the States, just to influence my teammates. I know I work hard and I really hope that I can,” Nelle told reporters after being selected 14th overall in the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14.
“Be infected by my hard-work [mentality]… that’s what coach Jimmy (Alapag) taught me, ‘Hard work brings you places,'” he added.
Nelle, who is coming off a UAAP championship run with De La Salle University, opted to train under former PBA Most Valuable Player Jimmy Alapag, who is currently serving as a player development coach for the Sacramento Kings.
It was there in the US where he trained for about a week under Alapag and strength and conditioning coach Maurice Hernandez of Power Pack Fitness.
Being selected in the second round does not bother Nelle even as three former La Salle teammates got picked before him. But he does hope to win the matchup every time they face off in the pros.
“I’m honestly proud of them, but they know how competitive I am. And every time I face them, whether in practice or whatever, I want to beat them,” said Nelle.
“It’s going to be the same here in PBA. I really hope every time I face them, I beat them.”
Nelle will also now play under Tan, who previously mentored the Letran Knights in the NCAA.
Before suiting up for La Salle, Nelle also saw action with the San Beda Red Lions – Letran’s fierce rival. Under Tan, the Knights dethroned Nelle and the Red Lions in the NCAA Season 95 finals in 2019.
“[It’s] very ironic because he made me cry in my last NCAA game,” recalled Nelle.
“He’s making me cry again because he drafted me, it’s a big honor… thank you for the trust coach Bonnie and the coaching staff and I hope I can repay you guys.” – Rappler.com
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Under his watch, Angara wants teachers, students to be ‘happy, inspired, excited’
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Bonz Magsambol
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16/07/2024 18:08
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INCOMING DEPED CHIEF. File photo of Senator Sonny Angara, who will assume the Department of Education portfolio on July 19, 2024.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Incoming Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said that under his watch, he would focus on making teachers and students “happy, inspired, and excited.”
Angara said this in a chance interview with reporters on Tuesday, July 16, when asked what would be his focus when he assumes the DepEd leadership on July 19.
“‘Gusto ko maging happy, inspired, and excited ‘yung ating mga estudyante at pati na rin ‘yung ating mga guro. Hindi na lang inaalala ‘yung kanilang pinansyal at pananalapi at doon sila nakafocus sa pagturo talaga,” Angara said.
(I want our students to be happy, inspired, and excited, as well as our teachers. I want our teachers not to worry about their finances, and to really focus on teaching.)
Improving the welfare of teachers was one of the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the incoming DepEd chief. The President emphasized that the government should financially support teachers who have families to feed.
Teachers’ groups have been asking the government for a better compensation package. Currently, those who have Teacher 1 designation earn P27,000 per month.
For years, teachers have been leaving the country in their quest for better pay and better working conditions.
In her two years of delivering the annual education report since she assumed the DepEd position, Vice President Duterte did not make any big promises to improve the welfare of teachers. In 2024, she ordered the removal of administrative tasks from them so they could focus on teaching, a move that was lauded by education groups. She also ordered the implementation of overtime and overwork pay for teachers.
Angara said that he would study the proposal to increase the salary of entry-level teachers to P50,000.
“Ang suweldo is set by the Congress kapag nagkakaroon tayo ng increases o umento sa [sahod ng] mga empleyado ng gobyerno. And 100% suportado tayo diyan at tinutulak po natin ‘yan, especially noong member pa tayo ng Senate committee [on finance],” he said in an interview with DZBB on July 3.
(The salary increase of government employees is set by the Congress. And we are 100% supportive of that and we have been pushing for that, especially when I was part of the Senate committee on finance.)
Angara inherits a gargantuan problem in the education sector, including the poor performance of Filipino students in global education assessments. A World Bank report showed that 9 in 10 Filipino students aged 10 are struggling to read simple text.
Angara succeeds Vice President Sara Duterte at the DepEd. She stepped down on June 19, effectively leaving the Marcos Cabinet. Duterte had said that she was resigning “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.” – Rappler.com
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Dengue cases rise amid rainy season, over 90,000 recorded in first half of 2024
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Kaycee
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16/07/2024 18:12
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DENGUE CARRIER. An Aedes mosquito, which is the carrier of malaria, encephalitis, dengue, nipa and zika virus.
Fendizz/Shutterstock
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) said there was a 30% increase in dengue cases in the country since the rainy season began in May.
The DOH provided the following data on dengue cases in the country from May 19 to June 19:
“The DOH is cautious in interpreting case counts especially as regards the most recent tally (June 16 to 29) as there may be incoming late reports,” the DOH said in their statement on Tuesday, July 16.
The department has identified seven regions with increasing dengue cases: Mimaropa, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the National Capital Region.
From January 1 to June 29, 90,119 cases have been tallied nationwide and 233 dengue-related deaths were recorded. This year’s tally of infections is so far 17% higher than the 75,968 infections recorded in the same period in 2023, which saw 291 deaths.
The DOH said weekly case numbers in 2024 were higher than infections from January 1 to May 11, 2023. However, weekly cases from May 12 to June 29 either went below or just above the recorded number of infections in the same period in 2023, thanks to efforts of local government units.
The DOH reminded the public to be cautious about the breeding waters available to mosquitoes.
“Dengue cases are rising as expected due to the rainfall, which allows more water to pool and be stagnant,” the department said.
“Left unchecked, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue will breed in these stagnant pools of water.”
Dengue is mostly transmitted through a mosquito bite. However, one can also get infected through maternal transmission, blood products, organ donation, and blood transfusion.
Symptoms of infection include having high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rashes. These symptoms typically appear around 4 to 10 days after getting infected.
As the country braces itself for more rainfall, now that the state weather bureau has triggered the La Niña Alert, the DOH also reminded the public to take the following steps to protect themselves:
– Rappler.com
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Garin fails to block additional prosecution documents for Dengvaxia case
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Michelle Abad
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17/07/2024 8:20
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Ben Nabong/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin has failed to block the inclusion of new government documents in the Sandiganbayan case involving P3.55 billion worth of Dengvaxia vaccines when she was health secretary in 2015.
The Sandiganbayan on Monday, July 15, granted a motion from government prosecutors for the inclusion of additional documents in the pre-trial order of pending criminal charges pertaining to the procurement.
Iloilo 1st District Representative Garin, together with her then-undersecretary Kenneth Hartigan-Go, tried to block the documents with an objection that they were being introduced after the pre-trial conference and the submission of pre-trial briefs.
They argued that the prosecution should be barred from submitting new documents for failure to give adequate reasons for submitting late, when the same documents should have been discovered by government lawyers.
Apart from Garin and Go, the others included in the graft charge were former health undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, former officer-in-charge director Joyce Ducusin, and former Philippine Children’s Medical Center executive director Julius Lecciones.
The same defendants were named in a separate case of technical malversation, except for Bayugo.
The prosecution alleged that the former health officials unlawfully diverted funds from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund in a bid to push through with the purchase of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccines.
The Sandiganbayan Second Division said that the introduction of additional documents was allowed, since the Rules of Court admits exceptions.
“On the basis of the above, the Motion of the plaintiff may be granted to prevent manifest injustice and for a good cause shown,” the Sandiganbayan said in an eight-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, with concurrences from associate justices Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio.
Some of the documents introduced to the case were the following:
Prosecutors said that they only learned of the existence and relevance of the 2018 FDA report on May 8, 2024, when former FDA Center for Drug Regulation and Research director Jesusa Joyce Cirunay informed them about it.
They also argued that since the additional documents were official issuances from the Department of Health and the FDA, the court may take judicial notice of their existence.
“The court may allow a liberal construction of the rule where the interest of substantial justice will be served and a thorough disposition of the case will be achieved,” the Sandiganbayan said. – Rappler.com
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Ex-Caloocan mayor Malonzo sues Representative Malapitan for graft
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Michelle Abad
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17/07/2024 8:01
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OMBUDSMAN. File photo of the Office of the Ombudsman taken in Quezon City on June 6, 2023.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Former Caloocan City mayor Reynaldo Malonzo has filed criminal complaints against his city’s 1st District Representative Oscar Malapitan, along with six co-respondents, over alleged anomalous releases of Malapitan’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations amounting to P8 million from 2007 to 2009.
Malonzo filed the complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, July 15, just three months before the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 mid-term elections.
Apart from Malapitan, other officials named in the complaint were former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Esperanza Cabral, former undersecretary Mateo Montaño, assistant secretary Vilma Cabrera, DSWD program management bureau director Pacita Sarino, chief accountant Leonila Hayahay, and private respondent Cenon Mayor, president of nongovernment organization (NGO) Kaloocan Assistance Council Incorporated (KACI).
Malonzo accused the officials of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as malversation of public funds, when they facilitated the transfer of Malapitan’s PDAF to KACI when the NGO was not eligible to receive public funds.
He said that Malapitan favored KACI for his PDAF-funded projects, even when it was “not a licensed and accredited PO (people’s organization).”
The amounts released to KACI also remain unliquidated, Malonzo said, citing the DSWD’s 2022 audit.
“Respondent Malapitan, a public officer who had control of his PDAF funds, which were public funds, misappropriated or consented or, through abandonment or negligence, permitted another person to take them,” Malonzo said.
Cabral and the other DSWD officials were accused of conspiring to illegally transfer public funds to KACI, even if it had unliquidated cash advances dating back to 2006 and 2007 or during the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration.
Malapitan, Cabral, and Mayor were reportedly the signatories in the agreements that made the transfers possible.
“Respondent Cabral should have filed legal action and caused the cancellation of KACI’s certificate of registration. She failed to do her responsibilities as head of DSWD, a manifestation of mutual actions with her co-respondents within her agency to commit graft and corruption,” said Malonzo.
The Ombudsman previously dismissed graft and malversation complaints over the same transactions with KACI for insufficient evidence.
However, Malonzo said that the case deserved a second look since recent decisions by the Commission on Audit said the transfers were “illegal and irregular.” – Rappler.com
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No surprise: NCR wins 17th straight Palaro overall crown, Calabarzon regains 2nd
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jisaga0269
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16/07/2024 19:37
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UNDISPUTED. The National Capital Region athletes, coaches, and officials celebrate winning the Palarong Pambansa overall crown during the closing ceremony.
Jacqueline Hernandez/RAPPLER
CEBU, Philippines – National Capital Region (NCR) once again proved to be the supreme destination for the Philippines’ top young athletes after winning the Palarong Pambansa 2024 overall championship with a collection of 98 gold medals, 66 silvers, and 74 bronzes on Tuesday, July 16.
The country’s capital got its best haul from gymnasts Elaiza Yulo (5 golds) and Maxine Amira Bondoc (5), swimmers Sophia Garra (5) and Alessandra Therese Martin (5), all rising as some of the event’s most bemedalled athletes, while the NCR boys secondary basketball team also reclaimed the crown in a heated finale against Central Luzon.
Calabarzon, after a stunning defeat to resurgent powerhouse Western Visayas last year in Marikina City, rose back to its usual second place with a 57-51-53 gold-silver-bronze split, hiked by a 12 combined golds from just two phenomenal secondary level swimmers, top gold hauler TJ Amaro (7) and Jasmine Mojdeh (5).
Western Visayas, meanwhile, slipped back to third after barely missing Calabarzon with 56 golds, one of the last being a successful title redemption in girls secondary volleyball by Bacolod Tay Tung High School. The region also amassed 41 silvers and 41 bronzes.
Davao Region settled at a far fourth with 32 golds, 25 silvers, and 35 bronzes, as host Central Visayas claimed fifth with a 29-42-39 split.
Check the full list here: MEDAL TALLY: Palarong Pambansa 2024
Other notable results are Caraga’s 12th-place finish with 11 golds, a whopping 7 coming from wrestling alone.
Debutant guest “region” National Academy of Sports (NAS) also got a historic gold in taekwondo poomsae, on top of 5 silvers, and 2 bronzes, while the Philippine Schools Overseas (PSO) earned one bronze, also in taekwondo.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas ruled the para games tally with 24 golds, 21 silvers, and 14 bronzes, boasting a sizeable lead in all columns.
Calabarzon was a far second with a 13-9-9 split, while NCR completed the podium with 9 golds, 8 silvers, and 5 bronzes.
Manila claimed the top spot in the Top Performing School Division Offices, followed by Iloilo at second, and Pasig City at third.
Ilocos Norte now prepares for the 65th Palarong Pambansa in 2025, as the likes of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos Keon accepted the hosting responsibilities during the closing ceremony. – Rappler.com
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US alliance ‘cornerstone’ of PH security, Brawner tells American counterpart
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Bea Cupin
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16/07/2024 19:43
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Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., meets with United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., during their meeting on July 16, 2024, at the AFP General Headquarters in Quezon City.
SSg Ambay/PAOAFP
MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday, July 16, said the Philippine-United States alliance “remains a cornerstone” of Philippine national security, as he met with United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, July 16.
Manila is Brown’s first stop in a week-long visit to the Indo-Pacific area.
While in the Philippines, he will visit one of the sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), or where the US may preposition assets, as mutually agreed by the two treaty-allies.
“Our alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of our national security. Through continued collaboration and mutual support, we fortify our defense capabilities and ensure the stability of our region,” said Brawner, according to an AFP release.
Brown’s last visit to the Philippines was in 1987 or just after the revolution that ousted the current president’s father and namesake, the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Bilateral ties between the Philippines and its former colonizer, the US, have certainly changed.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., bilateral ties with the Philippines’ only treaty-ally are on “hyperdrive,” as Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo put it.
In a release to media, the AFP said Brawner and Brown’s meeting “underscored their commitment to Philippine-United States’ longstanding military alliance.
“Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation, strengthening joint military exercises, and addressing regional security challenges,” said the AFP.
Without going into detail, the AFP said the two “also discussed future initiatives to bolster defense relations and foster greater interoperability between the AFP and US military units.”
According to the US Department of Defense, Brown will also visit Japan, with whom the Philippines just signed a bilateral military access agreement.
Aside from EDCA, the US and the Philippines are bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty, which means one country should come to the defense of the other in case of an attack. The Philippines and the US also have a Visiting Forces Agreement in place. Its biggest joint military exercise is the annual Balikatan.
“In the Philippines, we have a long-standing, shared interest in regional stability that’s backed by international law,” said Brown ahead of arriving in Manila, according to a US defense department release.
The US is a key partner of the Philippines, as it becomes assertive in claiming its sovereign rights and sovereignty claims in the West Philippine Sea – part of the South China Sea that’s within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite a 2016 Arbitral Award that affirmed the Philippines’ EEZ, China claims most of the South China Sea as its own, routinely driving away Philippine missions at flashpoints on those waters.
The US has repeatedly affirmed its “ironclad commitment” to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty, but Manila has said that it is not keen on asking for foreign help, particularly in precarious resupply of the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. – Rappler.com
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WATCH: A Catholic archbishop sails West Philippine Sea to pray for China
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Paterno Esmaquel II
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16/07/2024 18:18
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MANILA, Philippines – Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas led a fluvial procession on Tuesday morning, July 16, to pray for peace in the face of China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.
The Marian prayer voyage was held off the coast of Barangay Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan, after a 6 am Mass led by Villegas and Alaminos Bishop Napoleon Sipalay Jr.
Villegas told Rappler they conducted the procession in parts of the West Philippine Sea, which China claims despite a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling upholding the rights of the Philippines. Villegas led the recitation of the rosary and later stood beside an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was carried on the boat, as Tuesday was also the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
A video uploaded by Bryan Greg Arenas, one of the participants, showed that the procession lasted for more than an hour. Rappler obtained Arenas’ permission to use his video of the prayer voyage.
The procession was part of a prayer campaign recently launched by Villegas to pray for peace in the West Philippine Sea and the conversion of China.
“We are not anti-China. We are not racist,” Villegas said in his homily, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino. “We are one in brotherhood and sisterhood in the Philippines, but we also know the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in mainland China – oppression, truth manipulation, human rights abuses.”
“The war of ideologies and the battle of politics can be won by the brotherhood of peoples. Before there was government, there were only loving, patriotic citizens. We are the peace that we dream for the world,” he continued.
“The peace of the Philippines will not come from the hands of superpowers, but from the heart of God and the hand of the Immaculate Mother,” Villegas said. – Paterno R. Esmaquel II/Rappler.com
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Metro Manila Film Festival announces first 5 official entries for 2024 edition
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jreyes0314
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16/07/2024 17:01
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FIRST BATCH. The first batch of official entries for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival were announced on Tuesday, July 16.
Screenshot from Metro Manila Film Festival's Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has announced the first batch of official entries for its 2024 edition at its grand launch on Tuesday, July 16.
While the entries were being announced, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Don Artes said that rather than eight entries, the 50th MMFF will have 10 entries instead. It may be noted that the 49th MMFF – the highest grossing edition in the film festival’s history – also had a total of 10 entries during its run.
Here are the 50th MMFF’s first batch of official entries, which were chosen based on their scripts:
Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. and The Ideafirst Company, And the Breadwinner Is… is a comedy film that stars Vice Ganda, Gina Pareño, Maris Racal, Jhong Hilario, and Kokoy de Santos. The film was first announced in April, and is directed by Jun Robles Lana and written by Daisy Cayanan, Jumbo Albano, and Jun Robles Lana.
The drama film Green Bones is produced by GMA Pictures. Directed by Zig Dulay, the film is written by Ricky Lee and Anjeli Atienza and will star Sofia Pablo and Dennis Trillo.
Produced by Reality MM Studios, Inc., Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital is directed by Kerwin Go. The horror film – written by Dustin Celestino, Leovic Arceta, and Kerwin Go – stars Jane de Leon, Enrique Gil, Alexa Miro, and MJ Lastimosa.
Starring Aicelle Santos, David Ezra, Victor Robinson, and Bituin Escalante, Himala, Isang Musikal, is produced by Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno and Madonna Tarrayo. The musical film will also directed by the MMFF 2023 Best Director. Diokno wrote the screenplay alongside Ricky Lee.
The fifth MMFF 2024 entry is The Kingdom, starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual. It is produced by APT Entertainment, Inc., MZET TV Productions, Inc., and MQuest Ventures, Inc., and directed by Michael Tuviera. The family drama production is written by Michelle Ngu-Nario.
All official entries for the 50th MMFF will be announced in October. – Rappler.com
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First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos dons 3 stars as newest Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary officer
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Bea Cupin
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16/07/2024 19:08
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VOLUNTEER. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joins the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary as Auxiliary Vice Admiral on July 16, 2024.
Philippine Coast Guard
Liza Araneta-Marcos, lawyer and wife to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., just got a new title: Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s volunteer force.
The First Lady officially joined the PCGA’s Executive Squadron in a ceremony aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang on Tuesday, July 16, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.
She was bestowed the honorary rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral, or a 3-star officer of the volunteer force.
“I join the PCG to inspire the men women of the organization as they fulfill its duty to the country,” said the First Lady, in a short release to media from Balilo.
Araneta-Marcos was joined by her son Vincent, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan, during her donning of rank.
The PCGA is a volunteer non-government organization that follows a “military structure” as it is attached to the PCG. One’s role as a PCGA member is rather vague – and will ultimately be up to an individual.
The PCGA counts as its members celebrity couple Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto.
Balilo said Araneta-Marcos is the first First Lady to join the PCGA’s ranks.
Gavan, in a speech aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang, said the First Lady could help the PCGA since her “mere presence exudes strength and compassion that drive actions and inspire results,” according to a release from the PCG.
The PCG release added: “For her part, Auxiliary Vice Admiral Araneta-Marcos thanked Coast Guardians for ensuring maritime safety and maritime security, as well as upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.”
But will she join PCG voyages to the West Philippine Sea, such as resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal? Balilo, responding to a media inquiry, said the First Lady didn’t say anything about it.
The PCGA is a separate entity from the PCG itself. The PCG, meanwhile, is among the frontline government agencies that’s had to deal with China’s growing aggression in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
It’s the PCG that escorts vessels – be it civilian ships contracted by the Navy or vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – to flashpoints of Philippine-China tensions in the West Philippine Sea. – Rappler.com
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[OPINION] For his 3rd SONA, Marcos needs to be a salesman. Can he pull it off?
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Glenda Gloria
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16/07/2024 11:30
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, under circumstances that are inhospitable to rhetorical entreaties.
From 80% in June 2023, a month before his second SONA, the President’s approval rating tumbled a few months after, to 65% in September, over his administration’s perceived inability to stabilize prices, according to Pulse Asia. Since then, according to the polling firm, inflation has remained the top “urgent national concern.” The President’s approval and trust ratings have not bounced back.
But there is more at stake in this year’s SONA than the President’s approval ratings.
With the midterm elections set for next year and the pre-campaign positioning already in motion, the President needs to regain political capital, and quickly.
He is the unwritten candidate in the midterm ballot. The election results will shape his political future and define his legacy. This year’s SONA could be the most important speech of his entire political life.
Every president since 1986 has used the SONA as a platform for one-way communication. For the duration of the SONA, a sitting president has a nation captive to his or her voice and narrative. On live television, and across all media channels, the President gets to drumbeat achievements, make a pitch for pet legislation, and reframe losses as opportunities.
But President Marcos Jr. needs to do more than that.
He must cut through the fog of doubt and uncertainty over his capacity to lead. He must debunk the emerging narrative of a government adrift and a leadership out of touch, unable to alleviate the conditions of a public groaning from the unmitigated rise in the prices of prime commodities.
The rhetoric, delivery, and demeanor must convey a calm and level-headed temperament. They must inspire confidence, project certainty and strength. The last thing the President needs is to be seen as indifferent to the public’s plight, clueless after two years in power, and incapacitated by the demands of the presidency and the din of contrarian voices from the South.
But this SONA will also serve as the President’s opening salvo for the midterm elections. This will serve as his bully pulpit from which he can parry the blows from his critics and frame the choices in next year’s elections.
More than being a statesman, on that stage the President needs to be a salesman.
His sales pitch to the nation should strive to win back those who vacillate. It should rekindle the passion of 2022, and inspire his supporters to close ranks. The SONA speech must give them a reason to believe again, to continue buying in instead of opting out.
For this he could also resort to razzle-dazzle. His team can spice up the speech with elements of theater. A speech as big as this one needs to be a performance.
It’s not new.
In one of his SONAs, the late former president Fidel Ramos introduced the nation to Mang Pandoy, the face of the poor who received consultancies and dole-outs from his administration and died still poor. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo brought out three kids and weaved a story about them writing their wishes on “bangkang papel.” These paper boats, by some miracle, survived tugboats, water lilies, and the polluted waters of the Pasig, reaching Malacañang and Arroyo’s desk. The late former president Noynoy Aquino delivered every SONA with stylized Powerpoint presentations, with graphs, piecharts, and smiling faces while government services deteriorate. Brillante Mendoza’s crazy camera angles of former president Rodrigo Duterte disoriented viewers. On hindsight, these frames were accurate depictions of Duterte’s distortions of law and facts.
But we must caution that soaring rhetoric and props may not be enough.
If the speech intends to offer proof of empathy and competence, it must avoid the abstract. Realizations or takeaways should be prompted by actual positive experience with government interventions. These takeaways must be organic, authentic sentiments not forced or manufactured through media management or the echo chambers of social media. Words and fancy numbers cannot substitute for doing good or even better.
The latest Pulse Asia survey said the public wants the President to talk about his plans to fight inflation. But the work of convincing a skeptical public happens even before the SONA. At this time, his Cabinet, senior officials, and the entire government machinery should be softening the ground, rolling out programs to convince the public that the President is on the ball when it comes to inflation.
So far, the biggest story is from a government corporation and its ambitious plan to build a Taylor Swift-ready stadium in Clark. Someone didn’t get the memo. – 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.
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Late import switches, surprise Creamline loss mark PVL conference opener
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Jasmine Payo
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16/07/2024 23:59
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TOWERING. PLDT’s Russian import Elena Samoilenko (right) celebrates with her teammates.
PVL IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Surprises highlighted the first day of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference, with the Galeries and Nxled fielding last-minute imports, and champion Creamline absorbing a rare opening-day loss.
The Galeries Tower Highrisers fielded Thai import Sutadta Chuewulim instead of the initially listed Brazilian Monique Helena due to “physical problems.”
Also switching as a matter of “preference” were the Nxled Chameleons, who opted to go with American Meegan Bell instead of Chinese Jiang Xuanyao.
But it was Bell and the Chameleons who adapted quickly, outlasting the Highrisers in five sets, 25-19, 22-25, 25-18, 25-27, 15-12.
Bell finished with a game-high 19 points for the Chameleons, who also didn’t field No. 5 rookie draft pick Lucille Almonte.
France Ronquillo, meanwhile, topscored for the Galeries Tower with 17, all attack points.
PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo said there were no irregularities in the late import switches.
But the biggest surprise of the day came when the PLDT High Speed Hitters stunne the Creamline Cool Smashers, 16-25, 25-22, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12.
It was Creamline’s first opening-day loss since the 2019 Reinforced Conference against eventual champion Petro Gazz Angels.
PLDT’s Russian import Elena Samoilenko stuffed the stat sheet with 34 points, 13 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions.
The High Speed Hitters also pulled off the upset minus Fil-Canadian star Savi Davison, who was the league’s leading scorer in the 2023 All-Filipino Conference.
Davison will be out of action for a considerable amount of time to undergo a procedure on her knee.
PLDT libero Kath Arado had 24 excellent digs, while Majoy Baron and Fiola Ceballos chipped in 11 markers each.
Creamline import Erica Staunton scored 20, Bernadeth Pons added 18, and Michele Gumabao contributed 16 points.
The perennial champions, though, had to do without the superstar trio of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez.
In the other game, Kath Bell made an auspicious return to the league after four years with 23 points built on 22 attacks and a block in the Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ 25-13, 27-25, 25-22 triumph against the Farm Fresh Foxies.
“I feel like it’s the same. I’m coming with the same mentality, same mindset. It’s been amazing to come back and the hospitality has been unreal,” said Bell.
“You know, Chery Tiggo has taken such good care of me, making sure I feel at home and being able to come here and be able to get into dynamic with the team really quickly, they’ve made it so easy for me, actually,” she continued. – Rappler.com
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