On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, during the weekly “Kapihan sa Manila Hotel” forum, distinguished guests including Secretary Ernesto Perez, the Director-General of ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority), PCCI President George Barcelona, Roberto Alvarez, Chairman of Buklod Bayani, engaged in an open discussion with the media, addressing concerns related to government corruption.
Former Senator Joey Lina and former Press Secretary Sonny Coloma skillfully guided the forum, delving into the strategies and efforts put forth by ARTA to combat and diminish corruption. They explored whether ARTA could reverse the Philippines’ downward trajectory in the Global Corruption Perception Index. The central pillars of ARTA’s mission, “Ease of Doing Business” and “Efficient Delivery of Government Services,” were scrutinized, and the question of ARTA’s readiness to fulfill its mandates was raised. Furthermore, the forum explored ways in which the business sector could collaborate and bolster ARTA’s endeavors.
Photographs from the forum capture pivotal moments when the featured guests fielded questions from the media, shedding light on ARTA’s role in reversing the Global Corruption Index, enhancing the ease of doing business, and optimizing the efficiency of government services. The discussion also encompassed the ways in which the business sector could extend its support to ARTA.
(Report & photo by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
With the start of the short campaign period for the coming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections kicking off tomorrow, Thursday, 19 October 2023, the printing of campaign materials and other election-related paraphernalia dominated the workload of printing offices as shown in the featured image taken Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Quezon City.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued another memorandum, cautioning BSKE candidates for the October 30, 2023 elections, that distributing campaign materials is considered a form of vote-buying and may result in disqualification.
The COMELEC’s memorandum also addresses the use of improperly sized campaign materials, billboards, tarpaulins, and individual posters exceeding two by three feet in designated poster areas.
(Report & photo by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
In his role as Acting Regional Director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), PBGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. (center) conducted the handover of the Manila Police District flag to the incoming MPD District head, PCol. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay (right) during the change of command ceremony at the MPD headquarters on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
The event was graced by Manila’s Mayor, Honey Lacuna (left), who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
In the photo is the official transfer of command of outgoing MPD Director, Andre P. Dizon to PCol. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, who assumes his new role as the Director of the Manila Police District, at the MPD’s headquarters on UN Ave. in Manila.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has expressed her gratitude to her supporters even as Congress denied confidential funds to the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education.
“Ang inyong matatag na paniniwala sa kahalagahan ng aking trabaho at sa positibong pagbabago na aking maiaambag sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa ay siyang nagbibigay lakas at inspirasyon sa akin upang magpatuloy sa pagserbisyo sa ating bayan,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Naiintindihan ko ang inyong pagkadismaya at galit hinggil sa mga isyu tulad ng pakikialam sa budget at usapin ng confidential fund,” she added.
Earlier, the House of Representatives stripped off the confidential funds of DepEd and OVP.
She also encouraged the Filipinos to focus on preparing for the coming time of hardship, especially with the constant increase in the price of food and other commodities.
“May oras para sa lahat at hindi ito ang panahon ng paninira at pamumulitika lalo na malayo pa ang susunod na eleksyon,” the Education Secretary said.
“Higit na mahalaga ang ating pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at pagiging handa para tiyaking ang ating mga pamilya ay ligtas at matatag sa darating na mga buwan,” she added.
“Magtulungan tayo para sa kapakanan ng ating bansa. Maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na suporta at tiwala.”
(ai/mnm)
Photo from Krazytech
By Liza Soriano
After a series of hacking and security attacks on databases and websites of government agencies, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. said that P3 billion in additional funding is needed to build up the capabilities of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
“We must bolster the CICC with all the necessary cutting-edge technologies to swiftly produce actionable intelligence against all types of threat actors – from thrill seekers and hacktivists to cybercriminals and cyberterrorists,” Campos said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirmed on Monday that the website of the House of Representatives has been hacked by a group of hackers calling itself “3MUSKETEERZ.” Currently, its website is still down.
The internet sites of the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. were also previously cyberattacked, causing data breaches and denial of service.
Campos cited the need “to reinforce the CICC with a highly advanced data fusion hub and a round-the-clock security operations center for threat detection, response, and prevention.”
“We must also improve the center’s digital forensics and electronic evidence management systems,” Campos said.
The CICC is the inter-agency body created by the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to suppress criminal activities that either target or use a computer, a computer network, or a networked device.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
WITH THE CHILLING RECORD OF 30,000 deaths in the “bloody drug war” hatched by then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte Duterte as claimed by human rights groups, the Makabayan bloc filed a House resolution urging the Marcos administration to cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation on the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the previous regime.
“With former President Rodrigo Duterte’s televised admission of ordering extrajudicial killings and financing them with his confidential and intelligence funds, it is imperative that we allow the ICC to investigate his crimes,” House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro of ACT Teachers party-list pointed out.
Joining her in the resolution were House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list, and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel who said they made the call under House Resolution 1393 in light of Duterte’s recent SMNI interview.
“We urge the House leadership to support and co-author this resolution to show that we do not tolerate extrajudicial killings and that we are working for justice to be served to his victims, and their families,” Castro added.
Recently, lawmakers crossed party lines to rally behind Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and castigated FPRRD for making threats or insinuating harm against members of the Makabayan bloc in Congress.
But will PBBM dare to cross swords with FPRRD who once referred to him as “spoiled” and a “weak leader” during the 2022 presidential campaign?
Only time can tell.
Makabayan lawmakers maintained that the Marcos Jr. administration should not turn a blind eye to the supposed impunity. (ai/mnm)
SPORTS play a significant role in the lives of people around the world. They contribute to physical fitness and serve as a favorite bonding activity for friends and family. In the Philippines, sports hold a special place in the hearts of Filipinos.
The Philippines offers a diverse array of sports, with six major ones taking the spotlight: basketball, boxing, tennis, football, billiards, and volleyball. Additionally, activities such as athletics, weightlifting, aerobics, and martial arts enjoy popularity as recreational pursuits.
Let’s celebrate the exceptional achievements of the top 10 Filipino athletes of all time:
- Rafael Paeng Nepomuceno – Bowling
Rafael was a renowned Filipino bowler and coach, boasting a remarkable six world bowling championships. He’s an esteemed member of the World Bowling Hall of Fame and the first and only bowling athlete ever to receive the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president’s Trophy. His accolades also include being named the International Bowling Athlete of the Millennium by the Federation International des Quilleurs (FIQ) in 1999. In 1998, he was proudly inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. Today, he continues to share his knowledge as a professor and senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines while still maintaining his passion for bowling.
- Manny Pacquiao – Boxing
Manny Pacquiao, known as “Pacman,” is not just a legendary Filipino boxer but also a politician who has served as a senator in the Philippines since 2016. His career is marked by being the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, winning twelve major world titles, and securing the lineal championship in five different weight classes. His retirement announcement in September 2021 leaves him as the reigning pound-for-pound king of boxing.
- Efren Manalang Reyes – Pool Player
Popularly known as “Bata,” Efren Manalang Reyes is a professional pool player with over 100 international titles. Notably, he is the first player to win the WPA World Championship in two different disciplines. Reyes has a remarkable record, including being a four-time World Eight-ball champion, a WPA World Nine-ball Champion, and multiple wins at the U.S. Open and the World Pool League, among other titles.
- Gabriel Elorde – Boxing
Gabriel Elorde, often regarded as the most beloved Filipino boxer, was the first Filipino international boxing champion after Ceferino Garcia. He was the only Asian inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. His illustrious career included 88 wins, 27 losses, and 2 draws, establishing him as the greatest super featherweight champion in WBC history. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 49 due to lung cancer.
- Francisco Bustamante – Pool Player
Known as “Django,” Francisco Bustamante is a Filipino professional pool player who held the world’s number one billiard player title in 1998. His extensive list of achievements comprises over 70 international titles, including the 2001 World Pool Masters and the 2010 World Nine-Ball Championship. He also holds the world record for the most powerful break shot and continues to participate in professional billiard tournaments.
- Lydia de Vega – Athlete
Lydia de Vega, a retired athlete from the Philippines, gained recognition as Asia’s fastest woman in the 1980s. She secured gold medals in the 100m dash at the 1982 New Delhi Asiad and the 1986 Seoul Asiad.
- Mansueto Velasco – Boxing and Comedy
Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. is a retired Filipino boxer who also pursued a career in comedy and acting. Notably, he won a gold medal at the 1994 Asian Games and a silver at the 1996 Summer Olympics in the 48kg category. Following his boxing career, he found success as a comedian, appearing in ABS-CBN sitcoms and portraying a boxing trainer in the TV5 comedy-drama “Beki Boxer.”
- Carlos Loyzaga – Basketball Player and Coach
Carlos Loyzaga, considered the greatest Filipino basketball player of all time, was a dominant figure in Philippine basketball. As a two-time Olympian and a key member of the Philippine National Team, he contributed to the country’s success by winning four consecutive Asian Games gold medals and two consecutive FIBA Asia Championships. After retiring as a player in 1964, he transitioned into coaching, leading teams such as YCO and the Manila Bank Golden Bankers in the MICAA.
- Hidilyn Diaz – Weightlifter and Airwoman
Hidilyn Francisco Diaz made history by becoming the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal for the Philippines. She achieved this remarkable feat in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting category at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Recognized for her achievements, she received numerous awards, including the Athlete of the Year Award from the Philippines Sportswriters Association and Congressional Medals of Distinction in 2016 and the Congressional Medal of Excellence in 2021 from the Philippine House of Representatives.
- Eugene Torre – Chess Player
Eugene Torre, Asia’s first grandmaster of chess, achieved this prestigious title at the age of 22 in 1974. He’s widely acknowledged as the strongest chess player to emerge from the Philippines in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1976, Torre made chess history by defeating the reigning world champion in a memorable game. In 2021, he was honored with induction into the World Chess Hall of Fame, becoming the first male Asian chess player to receive this distinction. He continues to participate in professional chess tournaments, representing the Rizal Towers in the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines.
(Filed by JR AMIGOai/mnm)
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales as the new head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), according to an announcement from Malacañang on Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil disclosed that Brig. Gen. Morales took over the position previously held by Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala, who assumed leadership of the PSG in July of the preceding year. Garafil further noted that Brig. Gen. Zagala will be transitioning into his new role as the Commander of the Civil Relations Service within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Brig. Gen. Morales has previously held the role of Deputy Commander at the Philippine Air Force Air Logistics Command.
In his new capacity as the head of the Civil Relations Service, Brig. Gen. Zagala will be responsible for overseeing the military’s engagement efforts with the public, focusing on activities related to public information and community relations programs. (ai/mnm)
MANILA — Terrafirma has made its choice for the top pick in the 2023 PBA Annual Rookie Draft, selecting Stephen Holt as the first overall pick on Sunday at the Market! Market! Mall in Taguig City.
Dyip’s head coach, John Cardel, expressed his confidence in Holt, highlighting his unique qualities as a player.
Holt’s extensive experience in European professional basketball and his impressive basketball IQ set him apart as a remarkable talent.
Following Terrafirma’s selection, Blackwater made the second pick by choosing Christian David. Rain or Shine then picked Luis Villegas and Keith Datu as the third and fourth picks, respectively.
NorthPort secured Zavier Lucero, a former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon, as the fifth overall pick. Phoenix Super LPG followed by selecting Kenneth Tuffin as the sixth pick, with Richard Rodger going seventh to NLEX, Brandon Bates being the eighth pick for Meralco, Schonny Winston taking the ninth spot with Converge, and BJ Andrade rounding out the top 10 as Converge’s selection. (ai/mnm)
Almost 500 athletes representing Team Philippines in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8 and the 4th Asian Para Games from October 22 to 28, are expected to turn up for the sendoff ceremony on Monday, September 18, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Reception Hall in Pasay City.
The 11 a.m. event, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led by Chairman Richard Bachmann, invited the presence of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to provide the inspiration for the national squad to perform at their best at the upcoming quadrennial meet.
“Our athletes are the heart and soul of the country’s campaign in Hangzhou, both in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games,” said Chairman Bachmann.
The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center, with medals from 481 events in 61 disciplines to be disputed.
Team Philippines previously sent 271 athletes to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2018 and brought home four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes as the Nationals finished at 19th place.
The country’s golden performances that year were courtesy of golfer Yuka Saso (women’s individual and team events), weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (53kg) and skateboarder Margielyn Didal.
“With the all-out support from our national government through the PSC, I’m positive that our athletes will deliver,” added the sports agency chief, who is set to be joined by PSC Commissioner Bong Coo, Commissioner Fritz Gaston, Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Commissioner Walter Torres in the event.
Sports officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), the different National Sports Associations and Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission Richard Gomez are also expected to attend the sendoff rites.
Meanwhile, the government-run sports body also confirmed that all competing athletes will be provided monetary allowance during the course of the Games, regardless of the Category A and Category B classifications originally set by the POC and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC).
“The PSC will always be here to give all the necessary support for our sports heroes,” concluded Bachmann. (ai/mnm)
Personnel of Cebu Safari Park demonstrate on Saturday, September 16, 2023 how birds are fed and taken care of.
Cebu Safari and Adventure park is a 170-hectare property that features more than a thousand animals from 120 different species.
The Park is a popular spot for foreign and local tourists in Carmen, Cebu.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Featured images show bar examinees who showed up as early as 4 a.m. at the drop-off area of San Beda College and at the other venue in the University of Santo Tomas University in Metro Manila.
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — More than 10,000 aspiring lawyers queued up early in the morning Sunday (17 September 2023) as the 2023 Bar examinations unfolded in 14 different testing centers across the country the Supreme Court said.
First time Bar examinees this year (2023) reached 5,832 while re-takers came to a figure of 4,984 the Supreme Court said.
In all, the Office of the Bar Chairman said the exact number of Bar hopefuls reached 10,816 this year.
After Sunday’s (September 17, 2023) initial schedule, examinees return on
Wednesday, September 20 and again on Sunday, September 24, 2023. (ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
FOR SUGGESTING THAT the Commission on Audit (COA) should only exclusively release its final reports to prevent public officials from being harmed by potentially malicious reports, some netizens “mercilessly” slammed erstwhile matinee idol and now Leyte Congressman Richard Gomez for being “balat-sibuyas” (onion-skinned) to criticisms.
“Sana COA will only publish its final report….Sa ganun wala nang masyadong masaktan. Ang problema pag andyan na yung observation memo, nag-exit conference na, at ipublish ito dyan na dumarating yung mga kalaban mo sa pulitika..sasabihin ito yung mga maling ginawa nitong opisyal na ‘to. And it appears to the public eye na mali talaga yung ginawa mo,” Gomez lamented during the recent budget hearing for the Office of Ombudsman at the House of Representatives.
It can be recalled that last year, during Gomez’s tenure as mayor of Ormoc City, COA raised concerns about missing donations.
Gomez claimed that it was merely a COA observation, and no adverse or negative findings were included in the final audit report.
But apparently Gomez’s star no longer shines among netizens.
In a tweet, a certain Ben Bernabe assailed Gomez for seemingly seeking special treatment for COA to protect his feelings.
“Kung ayaw mong masaktan Goma, you have two options: 1. Ayusin mo ang trabaho mo. 2. Wag kang magpolitika. COA pa talaga mag-aadjust? Ano ka, special? Magsama kayo ni Inday Sara. Dun kayo sa far away!”
Environmental advocate and Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) 2022 senatorial candidate David D’Angelo also tweeted, saying that the COA should remind public officials to adhere to government rules and regulations.
“That’s why the public official should adhere to all the rules and regulations of the COA. Hindi ba yun naman ang dahilan bakit may COA, to make it a deterrent against corruption in government,” D’Angelo said.
@plantlex ridiculed Gomez for his remarks about “hurt feelings,” arguing that he should never have pursued a career in public office.
“Ano daw ? You are spending funds derived from the hard-earned money of the people, tapos masaksaktan ka? Better for you not to run in government office. You are rendering lip service to your constituents.”
Hitting the nail’s head, so to speak, @noelledeg pointed out that politicians with “balat sibuyas” should never have entered public office in the first place.
“Masaktan na ang dapat masaktan ng katotohanan. Kung balat-sibuyas ka huwag ka maging public official.”
(ai/mnm)
Photo sourced from PTV News
By Junex Doronio
DESPITE THE DEMISE of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison in The Netherlands, his remaining loyal supporters continue to impress upon the international community that the Philippines is a “failed state” following their claim that two student activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro were allegedly kidnapped by government forces.
It turned out, however, that Tamano and Castro have escaped from the left-leaning organization where they belong, which the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported to have actually detained the student activists.
“They want the international community to believe that this country is a failed state,” National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said.
On Saturday, September 16, Malaya issued the warning against the deceptive ploy of groups identified with Sison after the PNP presented videos of the two students reconciling with their respective parents.
He said leftist organizations Karapatan, Anakbayan, AKAP Ka, Pamalakaya and Oceana have conducted fundraising activities for the search of missing students. (ai/mnm)
The inaugural meeting of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones took place as scheduled with Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino presiding, on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
This newly established committee was created following the Senate’s approval of Senate Resolution No. 76.
Its primary jurisdiction is to examine and provide reports on various matters, including legislative proposals related to archipelagic baselines, maritime zones, archipelagic sea lands, and related issues.
Senator Tolentino emphasized the significance of this committee’s formation in light of recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea, escalating concerns about food prices, and the announcement of impending increases in electricity prices.
He stressed the importance of the Senate’s support in safeguarding the extensive Philippine maritime zones, which encompass the territorial sea and the vast exclusive economic zone.
This initiative to create an updated Philippine map is a response to China’s unveiling of its new national map, which features a contentious 10-dash-line.
Senator Francis Tolentino disclosed that the committee anticipates conducting approximately five hearings as part of its effort to craft a comprehensive national map.
Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the National Security Council (NSC), clarified that the Senate’s map project would differ from the NSC’s ongoing mapping efforts.
Senator Tolentino previously introduced Senate Bill 2294, known as the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. This bill seeks to establish maritime zones under Philippine jurisdiction, following the guidelines established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Unlike the Philippine Baselines Law, SB 2294 would encompass exclusive economic zones (EEZs), the continental shelf, and subterranean features within the country’s domain, including the Benham Rise and Philippine Rise.
In addition to delineating the geographical scope of the Philippine maritime domain, the bill aims to clarify the legal authorities that the Philippines may exercise within these zones.
Recent developments include Beijing’s release of a 10-dash-line map, which expanded its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.
In response, the Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest against this map, which overlaps with its own EEZ. (ai/mnm)
Orlan Wamar displayed flawless shooting on the second rack, securing the 3-Point Shootout championship with a total of 20 points during the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 5 All-Star Weekend at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga, Bataan.
The San Juan Knights’ standout player, standing at 5-foot-6, dethroned Bacolod’s Dom Matillano, who fell short with 18 points, and Pasig’s Robbie Manalang, who scored 14.
Wamar, a prized talent from Centro Escolar University, also dominated the elimination round with 21 points, followed by Manalang with 19 and Matillano with 17, securing his spot in the finals by nailing his final shot and outshooting 16-pointers Jonathan Uyloan and Levi Hernandez.
Meanwhile, CJ Gania of Pampanga soared above teammate Encho Serrano, executing a one-handed slam that earned a perfect score of 50 points in the finals, defeating Bulacan’s Justine Guevarra and crowd favorite Poypoy Actub of Imus in the Slam Dunk competition.
Guevarra replicated Gania’s dunk with a slight push from his helper, securing the second spot with 45 points.
Actub, who dominated the eliminations, faltered in his final two attempts, settling for third place.
These victories awarded Wamar and Gania P30,000 each, with an additional P20,000 Anta gift certificate for Gania. (ai/mnm)
Manny Pacquiao, the League Founder and CEO, recorded a remarkable triple-double performance as the South team convincingly defeated the North squad with a final score of 114-63 during the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 5 Executives Game.
This thrilling showdown took place at the All-Star Weekend at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga, Bataan.
Defying the notion of aging, Pacquiao displayed an impressive stat line, accumulating 33 points, which included five successful three-pointers, along with an incredible 15 assists and 11 rebounds.
He accomplished all of this in 37 minutes and 39 seconds of play, surpassing his own performance from the previous year.
In the prior edition, Pacquiao had contributed 30 points, including four three-pointers, eight rebounds, and four assists in 37 minutes and 30 seconds of gameplay. Notably, Pacquiao earned the well-deserved title of the game’s Most Valuable Player.
In contrast to their previous encounter, this contest lacked the suspense, as the South team quickly established their dominance in the first quarter, leading 37-13. They maintained their lead throughout the game, with Mermann Flores, Kaizer Galvez, Jojo Cunanan, and Denzel Jansen Wong making significant contributions to the scoring effort.
Flores delivered an impressive 18 points and secured seven rebounds, while Wong added 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Galvez netted 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Michael Jay Javelosa’s stellar performance on the boards, with 22 rebounds, and Marlou Aquino’s 10 rebounds further solidified the South’s control of the game, outrebounding the North by a significant margin, 92-55.
Don Dulay, the coach of the Makati OKBet Kings, showcased his skills on both ends of the court by scoring 15 points, pulling down 17 rebounds, and distributing six assists for the North team. Alfonso Kaw and Richard Rosales also contributed to their scoring effort with 14 and 13 points, respectively
(ai/mnm)
Emilio Aguinaldo (left) and Manuel Quezon (right) during the 1935 campaign.(Credits: Kahimyang Project)
September 17, 2023
Today in Filipino history, the election for the first officials of the Philippine Commonwealth was held, with Manuel L. Quezon winning the presidency.
Quezon who garnered 695,332 votes, run under the banner of the Nacionalista Party won over his rivals the revolutionary President, General Emilio Aguinaldo of the National Socialist Party (179,349 votes), Gregorio Aglipay, founder and supreme bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church) running under Republican Party got 148,01 votes and with 158 votes, Pascual Racuyal running as independent.
Quezon’s running mate, then Senate President Pro Tempore Sergio Osmeña, 812,352 votes (Nacionalista Party), won as vice president against Raymundo Melliz (70,899 votes) of the National Socialist Party, and with 51,443 votes, Norberto Nabong, Republican Party.
Source: Philippines News Agency archives, Kahimyang Project
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
(Jr. Amigo/mnm/ai)
Team Gilas PIlipinas (Photo credits: ABS-CBN News)
With barely a week to further hone team cohesion and everything, Gilas Pilipinas has shifted its training base to the Inspire Sports Academy as it embarks on the critical phase of its preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
National team coach Tim Cone, along with the rest of the Philippine squad, commenced their training camp at the National University campus in Laguna on Saturday morning, immediately diving into rigorous practice sessions later in the day.
Notable veterans, Terrence Romeo and June Mar Fajardo, were among the early arrivals at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba. Romeo, who last represented Gilas in 2018, is set to make his long-awaited return to the national team, having been a fan favorite since his inclusion in the squad in 2015.
He boasts two silver medals from his previous stints with Gilas, one from the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships in China and the other from the William Jones Cup in the same year.
On the other hand, Fajardo is rejoining the Philippines’ Blue and White squad immediately following his participation in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he averaged 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in five games against formidable international big men like Karl Anthony-Towns.
Coach Cone has devised a training regimen that includes two daily closed-door practice sessions, aiming to familiarize the Gilas players with his system, with only seven days left before the Games commence on September 23. He emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation and mastering the fundamentals of the game.
In a closed-door tune-up game at Inspire, Gilas will face off against the Meralco Bolts, followed by another tune-up against the Changwon LG Sakers at the Philsports Arena a day before the national team departs for China. Coach Cone stressed that, due to time constraints, practice sessions hold greater significance than friendly matches for team development. (AI/MNM)
MANILA – Despite securing just one victory in five matches during the recent FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas has shown resilience by ascending two spots in the FIBA world rankings, moving from 40th to 38th place.
In their final classification game on September 2nd, Gilas Pilipinas triumphed over China, ranked 27th globally, with a score of 96-75, in front of an overflowing crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In a parallel development, the women’s team of Gilas received some encouraging news. FIBA announced on Wednesday night that the women’s team had jumped five places to 37th in the world, up from 42nd overall.
The remarkable sixth-place finish of the Gilas women’s team in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, which included a significant victory against Chinese Taipei to secure their first-ever quarterfinal appearance and a guaranteed place in Division A, proved to be the catalyst for this improvement.
Coach Pat Aquino of the Gilas women’s team expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We’ve come a long way, but we’re making progress. I’m delighted to see our efforts paying off. This is a testament to our program. I hope we can maintain this momentum and achieve even greater heights.”
Meanwhile, the FIBA World Cup outcomes resulted in significant changes in the men’s rankings.
Germany, the newly crowned world champion, made a remarkable ascent from 11th to third place during the sixth qualifying window.
Serbia, the silver medalist, climbed one spot to fifth in the world rankings, while Canada, the bronze medalist, surged nine spots to sixth.
Despite not securing a podium finish, Team USA reclaimed its position at the top of the world rankings. Spain, following a surprising early exit due to Canada’s comeback victory in their do-or-die second-round encounter, slipped to second place in the world rankings but still maintained Europe’s top spot despite Germany’s ascent.
The biggest winners, however, were Latvia and South Sudan.
Latvia, buoyed by a commendable fifth-place finish in their debut FIBA World Cup appearance, leaped an impressive 22 spots from 30th in February to eighth in the current rankings.
In contrast, South Sudan made the most significant leap, surging 32 places to 31st in the world. This accomplishment made them the top-ranked team in Africa after a successful FIBA World Cup campaign that secured their direct qualification for the Paris Olympics.
Japan, as the host team in the 2021 edition in Saitama, earned direct qualification to the Paris Olympics and moved up 11 places to 26th in the world rankings. It now holds the top position in continental Asia, ranking third in the Asia-Pacific region alongside Australia and New Zealand.
Despite the improvements in the world rankings, Gilas Pilipinas slipped to 8th place in the Asia-Pacific region. This was due to Lebanon’s remarkable 16-place surge, propelling them from 44th overall to 28th, and surpassing China and Jordan to claim fifth place in the region. Jordan, despite finishing at the bottom of the FIBA World Cup standings, climbed one spot to 32nd overall, while China dropped one spot to 29th. (ai/mnm)