The Christmas holiday season is fast approaching, and vendors are working diligently to meet the increasing demand for Christmas lanterns from decorators and buyers. For these vendors, crafting these parols has become a vital source of livelihood. The allure of traditional native designs continues to captivate buyers, with decorators already placing pre-orders.
On Monday, November 6, 2023, we witnessed the dedication of traditional lantern makers at Central Market in Sta. Cruz, Manila, as they tirelessly produced Christmas parols. With just 49 more days to go before the Christmas holidays, their efforts are in full swing.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
FOR HITTING THE ₱2.3 BILLION OCTOBER 2023 TARGET and posting a P60.237 million surplus, Special Deputy Collector Dr. Siegfred “Yeye” L. Manaois, together with the men and women of the Paircargo Assessment Composite Office, received on Monday a commendation “in recognition of their exceptional dedication and commendable performance.”
No less than the Bureau of Customs-Port of Ninyo Aquino International Airport (BOC – NAIA) District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa handed the certificate of commendation to Manaois and his staff at the NAIA Customshouse in Pasay City.
Customs insiders acknowledged Manaois’ “incredible feat” as they noted that collection districts have been encountering difficulties in hitting their respective collection targets.
For his part, Manaois thanked the men and women of the Paircargo Assessment Composite Office for their dedication and teamwork that enabled them to hit and even surpass the assigned collection target.
Meanwhile, despite the complaints of some Customs brokers against what they call “impractically high duties and taxes,” the Bureau of Customs (BOC) overall still exceeded its target collection for October 2023, with nearly P80 billion in total revenues.
Preliminary data showed that BOC collections reached P78.616 billion in October, posting a 1.4 percent increase or PhP1.084 billion above its collection target for the month.
(ai/mnm)
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the inauguration ceremony for the newly elected officials of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) at the Malabon Sports Complex on Monday, 06 November 2023.
The newly elected SK officials are scheduled to undergo mandatory training before assuming their responsibilities within their respective Barangays.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has lauded the Philippine National Police for their prompt response in relieving Pasay City police officers from their positions following the discovery of a sex den close to the police station.
Allegedly, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) was involved in illegal acts of human trafficking near the police station.
“It’s hard to believe that such blatant torture and prostitution were occurring in a large building, and they were unaware of it? It’s impossible,” Hontiveros remarked.
The Committee on Women will conduct an on-site inspection of the building on Friday to assess the extent of the issue, the senator added.
“We extend our gratitude to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, and the PNP Women and Children Protection Center for leading the raid that exposed the illegal activities in this POGO and for rescuing the victims of human trafficking,” Hontiveros expressed.
Earlier, PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stated that the Pasay Police chief is under investigation for possible neglect of duty, considering that this Pogo establishment has been operating for a significant period.
“How is it possible that they did not detect the presence of illegal activities in the area?” Fajardo previously questioned.
(ai/mnm)
Militant members of Defend Workers Southern Tagalog and the Organized Labor Association in Industries and Agriculture (OLALIA) gathered in front of the Department of Justice (DOJ) along Padre Faura in Manila on Monday, November 6, 2023, to express their solidarity with Rhoel Alconera, a union officer of Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Workers union in Binan Laguna.
Alconera is currently facing charges related to the prevention and suppression of terrorist financing, brought by a former rebel returnee. He vehemently denies all charges pressed against him.
In addition to supporting Alconera, the group also voiced their concerns about issues such as the PUV (Public Utility Vehicle) phase-out, labor regularization, and the zero budget allocation for confidential funds.
Photographs captured the demonstrators in front of the Supreme Court in Manila, as they held up banners highlighting the issues they were protesting.
(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Photo from PTV
By Junex Doronio
SAYING THAT HIS FATHER FIGURE PREFERS ACTION THAN to debates, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has revealed that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is not really “too interested” in running for senator in the upcoming midterm elections in 2025.
This developed after news broke out that FRRD’s son Davao City’s 1st district Representative Paulo “Pulong” Zimmerman Duterte has been consistently included in the Magic 12 list of senatorial candidates, ranking 9 to 12, in recent surveys.
Octa Research fellow Guido David earlier said that Pulong could be a viable candidate in the next Senate elections.
Acknowledging the former president’s advanced age, Dela Rosa said that he wanted Duterte to take a rest from government service.
“On the personal note, pagpahingahin na natin. Kawawa naman ang tao. Matanda na, pagpahingahin na natin, para mag-enjoy siya sa buhay niya,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with Radyo 630 on Sunday, November 5.
To recall, Duterte once served as a representative of Davao City’s 1st district, from June 30, 1998, to June 30, 2001.
Nothing significant can be heard of Duterte’s performance as a congressman during his three-year term.
“Mukhang hindi naman sarado, pero kulang lang talaga siya ng interes as of now,” Dela Rosa admitted.
He added: “Galing na siya Presidente. Napagod na siya, at ngayon hanap ka na naman trabaho. Si PRRD ayaw niya ng buhay legislator. Ayaw niya puro debate. Gusto nya aksyon.”
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The newly appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday said that the P20 per kilogram unit price of rice was “an inspiration but still not possible today.”
In a press briefing, Laurel said he hopes to make the rice more affordable but “it will be not easy.”
“The P20 per kilo (unit price) was an aspiration, ‘di ba? Ang problem now, we are in the 15-year high sa world market…Today that is not possible. But with ‘yung directive ni Presidente to modernize, irrigate, use the right seeds, mechanize, and all of that, maraming gagawin, we are getting ready to do our best, to try to make rice affordable na kayang-kaya ng bulsa ng mamamayan,” Laurel said.
“But of course, modernizing is not easy. So it might take a little time, but we will do it as fast as possible,” he added.
The DA chief said that lowering the price of rice would be possible, however, he did not mention the exact price.
“It is possible to lower the price. But we have to have our silos, we have to have buffer stock, we have to change some laws, I believe,” Laurel said.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who at the time was the DA Secretary, was confident about lowering the price of rice to P20 per kilo nationwide.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Original members of the iconic Filipino rock band from the ’90s, Rivermaya, have exciting news for their fans.
A reunion concert is on the horizon, set to take place on February 17, 2024, at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Live Nation, the concert promoter, has officially announced the event, featuring Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon coming together for “Rivermaya: The Reunion.”
Live Nation Philippines made the historic event even more thrilling by sharing, “Be a part of history as Live Nation Philippines stages its first-ever OPM show with Bamboo, Mark, Nathan, and Rico – finally together in the country’s most coveted reunion.” Tickets for this highly-anticipated concert will be available for purchase starting on November 17 at 3 p.m. through http://smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets.
Rivermaya, with its classic lineup formed in 1994, holds a significant place in Philippine music history, having achieved remarkable success and popularizing hit songs like “214,” “Hinahanap-Hanap Kita,” “Kisapmata,” “Elesi,” “Umaaraw, Umuulan,” “Himala,” and “Awit Ng Kabataan,” among others. Their discography includes albums such as “Rivermaya” (1994), “Trip” (1996), and “Atomic Bomb” (1997).
The band’s journey took a turn when they embarked on a US and Canada tour in 1998, during which Bamboo Mañalac chose to remain in the US to be with his family and complete his studies. Rivermaya pressed on, with Rico Blanco assuming the lead.
On May 24, 2007, Blanco announced his departure from the group for personal reasons and pursued a solo career. Subsequently, Rivermaya underwent several lineup changes over the years. The current members of the band include the original Escueta on drums and vocals, Azarcon on bass, and additional members Mike Elgar on lead guitar and Aiman Borres on keyboard, serving as a touring member.
(JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)
MANILA — Alex Gonzaga disclosed her second miscarriage in an interview on the YouTube channel “Toni Talks,” which aired on Sunday, November 5.
The TV host-actress and content creator, who married Lipa City Councilor Mikee Morada in November 2020 after four years of dating, previously experienced a miscarriage in October 2021.
Gonzaga expressed the pressure she felt from people’s inquiries about her giving birth and mentioned the social media backlash she received earlier in the year for an incident involving cake icing during her birthday party.
Reflecting on her experiences, she hoped that the pain she endured would lead to something beautiful, possibly a successful pregnancy.
She and her husband had been pursuing parenthood through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), but unfortunately, the procedure didn’t yield the desired results.
Gonzaga apologized to her supportive husband, Morada, but he reassured her that they still had many embryos, encouraging them to persist with their efforts.
This development marks another challenging chapter in their journey toward starting a family.
(JR AMIGO/ ai/mnm)
Photo from Daily Tribune
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — New Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. denied allegations that he was appointed to the position as “payback” of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the fishing tycoon’s donation during PBBM’s presidential campaign in 2022.
According to a report from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Laurel was one of the top donors during the campaign.
According to reports, the fishing tycoon allegedly contributed at least P30 million during the campaign last year for PBBM.
“There is no payback. As I said, sacrifice na rin ito, it’s for the country talaga. ‘Yun lang masasabi ko,” Laurel said.
Meanwhile, the DA chief also clarified that there will be no conflict of interest since he already divested from his fishing companies.
“Basically nag-divest na ako. I have no more interests in all the companies I used to own,” he said.
“DA is a full-time job. I have no time to do anything else. Malaki itong departamento, complicated ng konti, there are 28 bureaus and GOCCs. Wala akong time to think of other things,” Laurel added.
Earlier, Marcos announced the appointment of Laurel as the new DA chief and was lauded by legislators, saying that his appointment was “timely.”
Marcos has been the DA Secretary since he assumed the presidency.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Oil companies in Manila, Philippines are set to reduce their pump prices starting Tuesday (November 7, 2023).
Both Shell and Seaoil have announced price decreases, with gasoline prices dropping by P0.45 per liter and diesel by P1.10 per liter.
The cost of kerosene will also decrease by P1.05 per liter.
In the previous week, kerosene and diesel prices saw reductions of P1.20 and P1.25 per liter, respectively, while gasoline prices increased by P0.45 per liter.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — The country’s top collegiate clubs and local government unit (LGU)-based teams collide as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) launches the Challenge Cup starting Tuesday, November 7 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
Twenty squads in the men’s division and 16 in the women’s side duke it out in 15 days of intense volleyball action—the penultimate tournament the PNVF, headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, is hosting this year.
“Three-peat” UAAP champion National University and reigning PNVF Champions League titlist Cignal headline the cast in the men’s division of the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chairman Richard Bachmann, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Foton and CBPI.
NU is in Pool B with RTU-Basilan, Arellano University, VNS Asereht, and the University of the East-Cherrylume while Cignal leads Pool A with Kuya JM-Davao City, Savouge Aesthetics, Volida Volleyball Club and University of Batangas.
PGJC Navy, 3B Marikina City, Angatleta-Orion, Bataan, Jose Rizal University and Plaridel, Quezon are Pool C as well as UAAP runner-up University of Santo Tomas, Tacloban City-EV, Iloilo D’Navigators, Santa Rosa City and Emilio Aguinaldo College are in Pool D.
In the women’s division, two-time reigning NCAA queen College of Saint Benilde spearheads Pool A with Volida Volleyball Club, UP Volleyball Club, and Parañaque City.
Bunched in Pool B are Philippine Airforce, JRU, Davao City, and Tacloban City-EV while Arellano, Letran, University of Batangas, and RTU-Basilan make up Pool C.
Completing the fray are the University of the Philippines, San Beda, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, and La Salle-Dasma in Pool D.
St. Benilde and Paranaque open the hostilities at 8 a.m. today (Tuesday) in the women’s play followed by the clashes of RTU against Letran and La Salle-Dasmarinas against San Beda at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., respectively.
In the afternoon games, Cignal begins its campaign against Savouge Aesthetics at 2 p.m. and NU takes on RTU at 4 p.m. with UST and Sta. Rosa wrapping up the six-game opener at 6 p.m.
The Challenge Cup is the PNVF’s Champions League with a new name. The tournament was first staged in Lipa City in 2021 with F2 Logistics winning the women’s title and Team Dasma Monarchs ruling the men’s contest.
All teams slug it out in a single-round robin format within their pools with only the top two teams advancing in the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship will be played in a knockout format for the first crown of the PNVF Challenge Cup. (ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
CLAIMING THAT SHE UNDERSTANDS the outrage over the controversial P650 million for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) which she concurrently heads as Secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte noted that these “political challenges” are small compared to the economic challenges due to the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Deviating from her usual tough image, she has called for a halt to “nasty mudslinging and politicking” as the country faces tough economic times.
“Hinihikayat ko ang bawat isa sa inyo na tutukan ang paghahanda sa darating na panahon ng taghirap lalo na sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at iba pang bilihin,” Duterte said in an apparent subtle jab at the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., of which she is a part.
Inday Sara — as she is fondly called by her supporters — appealed instead for “unity and cooperation” in facing challenges such as soaring oil and food prices.
“May oras para sa lahat at hindi ito ang panahon ng paninira at pamumulitika lalo na malayo pa ang susunod na eleksyon,” the Vice President said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Duterte’s latest appeal came on the heels of her controversial spending of P125 million confidential fund in just 11 days in 2022.
The House of Representatives led by her political archnemesis Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez decided to strip Duterte’s CIF in 2024 and realign the funds to security agencies dealing with the West Philippine Sea concerns. (ai/mnm)
In an early Wednesday morning spectacle, Manila Chooks! executed what could arguably be deemed one of their greatest upsets in history. Fueled by the newfound synergy of their quartet, Manila Chooks! secured a thrilling 14-12 overtime triumph over Antwerp TOPdesk, a team ranked third globally from Belgium, at the level-9 FIBA 3×3 EXPO Al Bidda Park Challenger in Doha, Qatar.
While the majority of Filipino basketball enthusiasts were still in slumber during the early hours, Paul Desiderio, a standout in the Philippines’ 3×3 scene, seemed to clinch the game-winning shot. However, a vigilant referee determined that Desiderio had stepped on the two-point line, reducing the deuce to a single point.
Nevertheless, this twist in the plot proved anticlimactic for the favored Belgian squad. In a pivotal moment, Desiderio connected with a cutting Tosh Sesay for a game-deciding basket, celebrated fervently by a contingent of Overseas Filipino Workers present in the stands.
The enthusiastic cheers of these OFWs epitomized the deep-rooted love and passion for the sport that Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas has played a significant role in elevating to national prominence.
Mel Macasaquit, Vice President of Chooks-to-Go, commended the remarkable effort displayed by Manila Chooks! and attributed their success to their exceptional teamwork. “Defeating top-tier teams like world No. 12 Futian of China and taking down world No. 3 Antwerp of Belgium underscores the dedication of our players and coaches,” Macasaquit emphasized. “Their chemistry has finally clicked, and their unwavering national pride was evident in their refusal to concede. This achievement brings great honor not only to our brand but to our nation as well.”
Tosh Sesay played a pivotal role, contributing seven points and securing 12 rebounds for the resilient Manila Chooks! team, while Dennis Santos, the fourth-ranked 3×3 player in the Philippines, added four points and five rebounds. Marcus Hammonds and Desiderio combined for an additional five points.
On the opposing side, Dennis Donkor, ranked ninth globally, led the charge for Antwerp TOPdesk with six points and two rebounds, with Mohamed Kherrazi contributing three points. Jonas Foerts and Vic Van Oosterwyck added two and one point, respectively. (Amado Inigo/mnm)
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of Catherine Camilon, a prominent contestant in the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 competition, has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving her family and the public in a state of profound distress.
Camilon, who represented Tuy, Batangas, in the prestigious national beauty pageant just a few months ago, has been missing since October 12.
Camilon’s distraught sister, Chin-chin, turned to Facebook with a heartfelt and emotional plea, reaching out to anyone who might have seen her sister the night before her mysterious vanishing. She implored on social media: “If the person who was with Catherine Camilon last night comes across this message, even if we don’t know your identity or name, please let us know her whereabouts.”
Chin-chin expressed her growing concern, noting that Camilon made a phone call at 8 pm the previous night, but her phone has been turned off since the morning, and she has disappeared from all online activity. Chin-chin emphasized, “She always keeps us informed, but this is the first time she hasn’t.”
Social media has erupted with expressions of concern and inquiries about Camilon’s whereabouts, with her sister’s posts flooded with heartfelt worry.
The nation collectively hopes for her safe return, as it has now been nearly two days since anyone has been in contact with her.
Camilon is known for never going anywhere without informing her family, which makes her disappearance all the more puzzling.
Meanwhile, Police Colonel Samson Belmonte, the Director of the Batangas Police Provincial Office, issued on Wednesday, 18 October 2023, a directive to intensify efforts to locate and gather information about the disappearance of the model and 26-year-old high school teacher residing in Brgy. Rillo, Tuy, Batangas.
All stations and units within the Batangas Police Province are collaborating with the Tuy Municipal Police Station to search for any leads or information about the whereabouts of the missing person.
Individuals with credible information are encouraged to contact the Tuy Municipal Police Station via their Station Hotline at 0998-598-5711.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Plea
On October 14, Camilon’s mother, Rose, joined the heartfelt pleas on Facebook, fervently praying for her daughter’s safe return, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
To bolster the search for Catherine Camilon, the local online news platform, Balisong Channel, based in Batangas, has launched a request for information about her disappearance.
Camilon’s Diverse Background
Catherine Camilon isn’t just a remarkable contestant competing for the title of Miss Grand Philippines 2023; she’s also a model and a dedicated public school teacher in Batangas. This makes her disappearance all the more perplexing and concerning to the public.
The circumstances surrounding her vanishing remain enigmatic, and her loved ones and the nation anxiously await her safe return.
Catherine’s mother, Rose, reiterated her plea on Tuesday, October 17, for her daughter to come home: ‘Ikaw ay aming hinihintay na.’
Meeting with an Online Company
Rose Camilon also shared with TeleRadyo that Catherine went from her hometown, Tuy, to Batangas City for a meeting with an online media company where she served as a talent.
Rose mentioned that Catherine had been in touch until around 3:30 a.m. on October 13, 2023, but she was last seen on October 12.
Rose revealed her belief that Catherine was going through something, even though she hadn’t confided in her. She said, “We’re waiting for you. Wherever you are, please come home to us. Whatever you’re going through, come home, and we’ll understand.”
In a Facebook post on October 13, Catherine’s sister, Chin-Chin, called on a colleague of the beauty queen who was with her the night before her disappearance. Chin-Chin mentioned that Catherine called around 8 p.m. on the evening of October 12, but her phone went dead the next morning. She also shared additional information, including her car’s model (Nissan Juke) and plate number, as well as a poster indicating Catherine’s age (26), height (5’6″), and their mother’s mobile number.
It’s not yet clear whether the Camilons have sought assistance from authorities.
Catherine participated in Miss Grand Philippines in July, during which Nikki De Moura of Cagayan de Oro won the crown.
(Amado Inigo/mnm)
Photo from BBC Earth
The upcoming third installment of the acclaimed BBC series ‘Planet Earth’ will showcase various locations in Asia, including the Philippines. Narrated by the iconic Sir David Attenborough, ‘Planet Earth III’ is scheduled to debut on BBC Earth Asia at 8 p.m. on October 29.
This captivating eight-part series delves into the fascinating world of extraordinary species, featuring creatures like the frogfish in Dauin, a municipality in Negros Oriental.
The documentary will also spotlight the oriental pied hornbill in Gomantong and Sukau, Borneo, as well as the archerfish in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
The show will take viewers on a journey across other Asian destinations, including Vietnam, Maldives, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India.
‘Planet Earth III’ was meticulously filmed over more than five years, utilizing cutting-edge technology like lightweight drones, high-speed cameras, and remotely operated deep-sea submersibles, as announced by BBC Studios on Tuesday.
Its primary objective is to emphasize the urgency of conserving and rehabilitating nature. The final episode will feature individuals worldwide who have dedicated their lives to the protection of wildlife and critical ecosystems.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an order to suspend the implementation rules and regulations (IRR) for the contentious Maharlika fund, as confirmed by the President and CEO of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Michael de Jesus.
De Jesus disclosed on Wednesday that a memorandum from the Office of the Executive Secretary instructed the Treasurer to halt the implementation of the IRR pending further examination.
This directive, he mentioned, was received by them “two days ago” and has been independently corroborated by the Office of the Executive Secretary.
According to the statement, Marcos suspended the IRR “to conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure that the fund’s purpose aligns with the country’s development objectives, all while maintaining transparency and accountability measures.”
When questioned about potential shortcomings in the IRR that may have prompted this suspension, De Jesus responded, “No specific issues were cited, only the need for further study.”
To initiate the operations of the Maharlika fund, the DBP and the Land Bank of the Philippines had previously transferred ₱25 billion and ₱50 billion, respectively, to the Bureau of the Treasury.
The IRR for the investment fund was initially issued in late August and was slated to go into effect on September 12, as disclosed by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.
In July, Marcos signed the bill into law, just seven months after it was initially proposed in the lower chamber. Despite criticisms from economists, Marcos defended the Maharlika fund, asserting its necessity for pursuing infrastructure and structural development without incurring additional loans.
Diokno has yet to release a statement regarding this recent development.
Calls for Scrapping the Maharlika Fund Rather Than Suspension
House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro has called on the President to completely abolish the Maharlika fund, arguing that the suspension only underscores its hasty and flawed nature.
Castro also noted that the suspension came after the DBP and LandBank sought regulatory relief from the central bank due to their capital infusion into the fund.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel welcomed this “very positive development” in a statement. He emphasized that the law has significant flaws and that the concept was not adequately studied from the outset. Thus, the unpreparedness for implementation is understandable, he remarked.
The question of whether this will affect the petition filed against the Maharlika fund at the Supreme Court remains uncertain.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra suggested that it would depend on the petitioners’ decision to withdraw their appeal to declare the Maharlika Investment Fund unconstitutional.
“But if they don’t, and the SC does not suspend the proceedings either, the OSG will be prepared to submit its comment on the validity of the MIF law,” he stated.
In September, Pimentel and former Bayan Muna party-list Representatives Neri Colmenares, Carlos Zarate, and Ferdinand Gaite brought their legal challenge against the fund to the Supreme Court.
(Amado Inigo/mnm)
Photo from The Manila Times
By Junex Doronio
AFTER FORMER PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo allegedly tried to persuade former Vice President Leni Robredo to run for governor in Camarines Sur, now comes Senator Risa Hontiveros urging the defeated opposition presidential candidate in 2022 to venture into the senatorial race in 2025.
“I’ve been encouraging and supporting former VP Leni to run for the Senate in 2025,” Hontiveros revealed on Tuesday, October 17.
Political analyst Ronald Llamas earlier said the “baton of the opposition” had been passed on from Robredo to Hontiveros.
Hontiveros expressed a firm belief that Robredo has enough clout to win a Senate seat in 2025.
Apparently, still engulfed in trauma Robredo experienced a bruising defeat to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections.
Robredo only placed a distant second in the presidential race, garnering 15 million votes compared to the PBBM’s 31.6 million.
Hontiveros, however, conceded that should Robredo have other plans in 2025, she will “still be supporting and encouraging” the former vice president to run for senator in 2028.
“Any public announcements should be made by her. But for sure, she remains politically active through Angat Buhay,” Hontiveros said, referring to the former vice president’s volunteer organization.
Last September, a photo showing FPGMA with Robredo went viral on social media, fueling speculations of political realignment.
But Macapagal-Arroyo, widely believed to be the political mentor of Vice President Sara Duterte, said it was only a “social dinner” and a night chat about Bicol politics.
“I recently had a social dinner with former Vice President Leni Robredo and mutual friends from Bicol. We chatted about Bicol politics,” she said.
(ai/mnm)
Photo from BusinessWorld Online
By Junex Doronio
IN ITS BID TO RESOLVE ONCE AND FOR ALL that there was massive cheating in the 2022 presidential elections, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia said that he would propose to the Comelec en banc the opening of ballot boxes used last national polls.
“Naisip ng inyong lingkod para ma-settle once and for all, siguro ipo-propose ko sa en banc na gawa kami ng isang mabilisang procedure na kung saan 17 regions tayo, mamili na lang sila, pili ng kahit anong presinto, petitioner ang pipili, pabuksan natin ang ballot boxes,” Garcia said on Tuesday, October 17.
Garcia told reporters that this was a “win-win solution” to address the allegations of irregularities in Smartmatic’s services during the conduct of the 2022 electoral exercise.
“Bilangin natin isa-isa ang balota at tignan natin kung tumugma o hindi sa election returns,” Garcia dared critics of the 2022 polls.
Former Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) chief Eliseo Mijares Rio Jr., Augusto Cadelina Lagman, Franklin Fayloga Ysaac, and Leonardo Olivera Odono filed a petition last June 15 seeking to block Smartmatic from the poll body’s procurement of a new automated election system (AES) for the 2025 national and local elections.
Garica said the poll body was looking to resolve the issue by next week.
On the other hand, Smartmatic said on Tuesday that the allegations were “not only false but are mere baseless speculations with a singular goal of maligning our company.”
“We confidently stand by the demonstrable 100% accuracy of the results of the 2022 elections in the same way that we remain very confident in the untarnished reliability and integrity of our products and solutions,” Smartmatic said in a statement.
(ai/mnm)
Ni Liezelle Soriano
Binatikos ni Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gibo Teodoro ang China sa panghihimasok umano nito sa karagatan ng Pilipinas at inilarawan niya ito bilang mga ilegal na nakatira o “squatter.”
Sinabi ito ni Teodoro nang tanungin ang kanyang reaksyon sa pag-angkin ng China sa Pag-Asa Island, na nasa loob ng exclusive economic zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas.
“Eh, ayoko naman matawa dahil bastos naman. Pero itanong mo sa kanila kung anong ibig sabihin. Sasabihin nila siguro indisputable sovereignty ng South China Sea. Ilan ang naniniwala doon? Ang illegal occupation ay kanila,” aniya ni Teodoro.
“Kapag in-occupy ng Pilipinas ang Hainan Island, ‘yun illegal occupation ‘yun. Pero ‘yung nandito-dito sila within our 200-mile EEZ, sila ang squatter. Illegal occupant sila dito, no,” dagdag pa niya.
Noong Linggo, sinabi ng militar na binalaan ng isang barko ng Philippine Navy ang isang barko ng China Navy dahil sa pagsasagawa ng “dangerous maneuvers” sa Pag-asa Island sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Kasunod nito, sinabi ni Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning na ang “illegal occupation” ng Pilipinas sa Pag-Asa Island ay lumabag sa soberanya ng China.
“It is reasonable and lawful for Chinese warships to patrol the waters near Zhongye Island,” aniya.
Iginigiit ng China na pagmamay-ari nito ang nasabing isla.
“Zhongye Dao is China’s territory. The Philippines has illegally occupied Zhongye Dao, which seriously violates China’s sovereignty,” ayon pa kay Mao Ning kung kaya’t binalasa ito ni Teodoro.
(ai/mnm)