MANILA – Aid for fisherfolk affected by the oil spill in Mindoro in February is past the cash relief aspect and has shifted to trainings to help them recover from the disaster, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Gatchalian said distribution of food packs to the affected residents continues in coordination with the provincial government, but noted that disaster response has multiple stages.
In the case of Oriental Mindoro, it is now in the early recovery stage.
He said this is where the livelihood trainings being extended by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) come in.
“That’s why the aid may not be in the form of cash now but in the form of equipment (and) training,” he said.
The oil spill on Feb. 28 was caused by oil tanker MT Princess Empress, which was carrying some 900,000 liters of industrial fuel when it sank off the waters of Naujan. It also affected the waters of Palawan and Antique provinces.
Gatchalian explained that since the oil spill happened six months ago, relief measures should move from just the response period, citing that fishing grounds have reopened.
“So gusto natin unti-unti manumbalik na sa normal ‘yung kanilang mga pamumuhay and that’s where the other departments come in the picture (We want them to slowly regain their livelihood and that’s where the other departments come in the picture),” he said.
He clarified that DSWD will not pull out from the province, noting that it has a field office in the area.
“And we’ll also get in touch with (Oriental Mindoro) Gov. (Humerlito) Bons (Dolor) again and again. And as well as (with the) local chief executives to figure out kung ano pa ‘yung mga dapat gawin (to figure out what else needs to be done),” he added.
In a televised briefing on Monday, Mayor Jennifer Cruz of Pola town said they have received some funding from the Department of Budget and Management for livelihood programs for some 4,800 affected fisherfolk.
She said the residents received food items and have benefited from the 15-day cash-for-work program of the government. However, she is still waiting for additional funding to be able to train more fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian said the policy of the DSWD, based on the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is to work with the local government units (LGUs).
“In the case of Mindoro, we have reported this numerous times now, the delivery of food packs continued when the oil spill was running. We delivered multiple waves, two or three waves of emergency cash transfers to include the town of Pola and all other towns affected. We also launched cash-for-work there similar with the DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment) so that the interventions are multiple,” the DSWD chief pointed out.
The DSWD reported that some 40,583 beneficiaries of cash-for-work have received financial assistance amounting to PHP228,190,450 in Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Region.
The DSWD Mimaropa Field Office also released a total of 294,295 family food packs (FFPs) to residents in areas severely affected by the oil spill.
Despite the resumption of fishing activities in the areas affected by the oil spill, Gatchalian said he has been communicating with the governor of Mindoro Oriental to ask for other possible interventions they may deliver.
“Nakikipag-usap tayo sa ating gubernador kung ano pang mga interventions ang kanyang kailangan at ang sabi nga nya, mag-usap kami ulit sa mga darating na araw. Oobserbahan nila kung saang towns pa yung mga nangangailangan (We are talking with to the governor about other interventions that they need. For now, he said we will communicate again in the coming days because they still need to observe which towns still need assistance),” he said. (With a report from Zaldy de Loyola/PNA)
MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said around 50 Filipinos teaching in Hawaii were among the thousands of individuals who were able to flee from the deadly wildfires that struck the island of Maui.
DFA Assistant Secretary Raymund Paul Cortes said these nationals are J-1 visa holders and are in Hawaii under the United States government’s exchange visitor program, where they were hired as teachers by the Hawaii State Department of Education for two to three years.
Cortes said these teachers have “marked themselves as safe” and are now being housed at a shelter provided by the local authorities.
“These 50 J-1 visa holders who are only temporarily staying in the US will get aid and some financial assistance from the Philippine government through our Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu,” Cortes said in a Laging Handa briefing.
Citing the 2020 US state census, Cortes said there are about 388,000 individuals in Hawaii who identify themselves as Filipino or part-Filipino.
Of this number, about 200,000 have parents who are both Filipinos but only 16 percent are Philippine passport holders.
“The likelihood na may (that there is) Filipino ancestry na naapektuhan ng (who was affected by the) wildfire in Lahaina (town) is very high but the likelihood that there are Philippine passport holders is very minimal,” he said.
Official information from the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu said the search and rescue operations have only reached about 3 percent of the areas gutted by the wildfires.
As of Aug. 15, the death toll from the blaze has reached 99 with local authorities yet to ascertain both their identities and ethnicities.
“Hindi pa nila naa-identify ‘yong 99 na fatalities (They haven’t identified the 99 fatalities) so it’s a little difficult at this point to say that there are Filipino passport holders involved,” Cortes said.
“Suffice it to say many of our fellow Filipinos, although they’ve been in the US for 20 or 30 or 40 years, have been affected by the wildfires in Lahaina,” he added. (PNA)
PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Erika Dy, Al S. Panlilio, and John Lucas
IT’S all systems go for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al S. Panlilio beaming with confidence on the country’s hosting of the global hoops conclave.
“Everybody is ready to go. I’m hoping the best World Cup ever for FIBA in terms of not only showing the world that we can host a global event like this, but really the hospitality of the Filipino people, the smiles and generosity of our people. I’m sure they can feel that,” said Panlilio in the special edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Meralco Conference Hall on Tuesday.
“The whole Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has been tireless when it comes to the World Cup preparations and I have full belief that we can provide a hosting like no other.”
At the same time, Panlilio mentioned about injured players Scottie Thompson and Kai Sotto now back in harness and already joined Gilas Pilipinas in the final phase of its preparations for the biggest basketball event for the year that kicks off on August 25.
“I was there the other night (Sunday practice), and everybody was there, the whole 16 players. Scottie is fit, it’s just a matter of getting back to the groove of playing. Kai also played. The doctors of Kai spoke yesterday (Monday) with the SBP doctors, and he’s been cleared to play. So that’s good news,” added the SBP chief in the same session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Panlilio was joined by SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, deputy event director Erika Dy, and joint management committee head John Lucas as they all expressed the country’s readiness for the event’s staging.
Sixteen of the top 32 basketball squads are heading to the country for the group stages, with the Philippines looking to set the new FIBA attendance record for the opening day Friday next week at the cavernous Philippine Arena.
The number to beat is 32,616 which was set during the finals of the 1994 FIBA World Championship in Toronto, Canada where the Shaquille O’Neal-lead USA cruised to the gold medal against Russia.
The Philippines could easily top that with the mammoth venue having a full capacity of 55,000, one that the organizers are hopeful to see when Gilas Pilipinas, bannered by Jordan Clarkson, opens its campaign against the Dominican Republic led by Karl Anthony Towns.
“We’re really primed to beat that record. We’re very close to the goal, but not yet there,” said Dy.
Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum will also house the other group stage games in the country, while co-hosts Japan and Indonesia will hold their own preliminaries before the final phase turns to the Pasay venue.
Aside from the star-studded USA team, among the NBA stars poised to see action in Manila are Bogdan Bogdanovic for Serbia and naturalized player Kyle Anderson for China.
Luka Doncic for Slovenia, NBA champion Jamal Murray and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Canada, Juan Hernangomez for defending champion Spain, Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier (France), Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner (Germany), and Josh Giddey and Patty Mills (Australia) have also committed to play for the World Cup and will vie for the crown.
Panlilio said members of the FIBA working staff are already in the country as pre-World Cup events will be held starting next week, beginning with a welcome dinner on Monday for the delegates of the different basketball federations who will be attending the FIBA National Congress set on Aug, 22 and 23 at the Sofitel Hotel.
On Aug. 23, the FIBA will be holding its Hall of Fame ceremony, where the country’s very own Caloy Loyzaga is going to be enshrined.
Panlilio also believes the LOC, in cooperation with the relevant government agencies, has done its part in putting up a premium hosting experience for the teams in those three weeks.
Basketball fans can also watch the action live on TV5, One Sports, and on Cignal’s brand new innovative OTT streaming app Pilipinas Live.
Games have yet to start, but Panlilio already is beaming on what the Philippines will offer for this tilt from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
“This early, we see this hosting as a success and it’s rooted from the cooperation that the government sector has extended to the LOC in making all of these possible,” he said. “We’ve left no stones unturned and it’s now the Philippines’ turn for the spotlight and we’re happy to welcome basketball home.” (ai/mnm)
Photo of the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal (US Naval Institute photo courtesy)
SEN. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito remarked that the subsequent administrations following the Estrada presidency share some responsibility for not establishing a lasting presence at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to the senator, the perceived shortcomings of the Arroyo, Aquino, and Duterte administrations had given China the confidence to persist in asserting its territorial claims over certain features in the WPS.
He once again came to the defense of his father, former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada, against claims by Rigoberto Tiglao, a columnist from The Manila Times, who alleged that the Philippines under Estrada had “pledged” to China that the country would relocate its grounded vessel, BRP Sierra Madre, from Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.
Ejercito categorically denied Tiglao’s assertion, stating that it contradicted historical facts. The deliberate grounding of BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in November 1999 was intended to establish a Philippine military outpost in response to escalating Chinese activities near Mischief Reef.
The senator emphasized that President Estrada acted based on recommendations from the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, using BRP Sierra Madre as a temporary base to assert the Philippines’ territorial rights in the area.
Ejercito also noted that there were no reported conflicts between the Philippines and China over this matter until recent years when China began to assert its ownership over the region.
He attributed part of the responsibility to subsequent administrations that failed to carry forward the establishment of a permanent outpost in that portion of the West Philippine Sea, thus weakening the country’s stance in the disputed waters.
Ejercito concluded that Tiglao’s column was factually inaccurate and distorted the reality of President Estrada’s resolute response to Chinese aggression. He insisted that the historical events be accurately reflected in Tiglao’s column.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) explained that in 1999, the Philippines made the decision to station the BRP Sierra Madre as a “permanent station on Ayungin Shoal in response to China’s illegal occupation of Panganiban Reef in 1995.”
According to the DFA, BRP Sierra Madre serves as a “permanent station for Philippine military personnel deployed to protect and secure Philippine rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the Ayungin Shoal and its surrounding vicinity.”
Another son of former President Joseph Estrada, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, also delivered a lengthy privilege speech on the matter on Tuesday, 15 August 2023.
The full text is as follows:
PRIVILEGE SPEECH SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
15 August 2023
SECOND REGULAR SESSION, 19TH CONGRESS
Senate of the Philippines
“The Worthiness of BRP Sierra Madre”
Mister President, distinguished members, and colleagues of this august chamber:
I rise today on a matter of personal and collective privilege. Recent revelations have come to light regarding allegations that a past administration broke a promise made in 1999 to remove the stranded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal.
These allegations put forth by Mr. Rigoberto Tiglao have raised concerns about the integrity of our nation’s sovereign rights and our commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity. Such claims that a former President had promised to remove a vessel that symbolizes our presence and assertion of our rights in the West Philippine Sea is a matter that deserves thorough scrutiny and rigorous analysis.
This plot twist in the continuing saga on our country’s territorial claims over at West Philippine Sea came two weeks after we adopted Resolution No. 79 strongly condemning China’s continuing harassment and its persistent incursions in the West Philippine Sea.
But before I address Mr. Tiglao’s allegations against my father, former President Joseph Estrada, I believe it is a good opportunity to discuss how our country is asserting its sovereignty and claim its territory.
The quest to claim portions of Spratlys as part of Philippine territory can be traced back to the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s time in office. He recognized the islands’ strategic and economic significance considering that some of these islands have lucrative potential oil and gas deposits.
During the 1970s to 1980s, the Marcos government gained control of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) when we took over Lawak, Pag-asa, Parola, Likas and Kota. And later on Panatag, Panata and Rizal. Those “audacious undertaking” were continued by the Estrada administration.
The “grounding tactic,” which has significant symbolic and strategic value for the Philippines’ territorial claims and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, was carried out under my father’s leadership.
The Estrada maneuvering and the fall of Camp Abubakar, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s second-largest camp – the culmination of the Estrada administration’s all-out war against the MILF – are proof of my father’s strong resolve to assure internal and external security.
Now, under President Bongbong Marcos Jr., is continuing what his father started, fortifying our stand in defending and protecting the territorial integrity of the Republic.
Kaya naman ang sinasabing pangako na tanggalin ang BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin ay isang kasinungalingan. Pinaghirapang planuhin nila dating Defense Secretary Orly Mercado at ng Armed Forces of the Philippines ang mga strategy para labanan ang sinasabi nilang “creeping invasion” ng Tsina. Basta na lamang ba natin bibitawan ang pag okupa ng BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin? As I have said, it defies logic, Mr. President.
At ngayon ay binabaligtad pa tayo at pinapalabas ng Tsina, base sa mga binitawang salita ni Chinese Embassy deputy chief of mission Zhou Zhiyong may basehan ang ginawa nilang agresibong aksyon na pag water cannon sa Philippine Coast Guard na naghahatid lamang ng rasyong pagkain sa mga kababayan nating nakatalaga sa BRP Sierra Madre.
Sa akusasyong nagdadala ang PCG ng construction materials, may masama po ba dito? Bakit tayo pagbabawalang makatapak o gumawa ng mga aksyon sa sarili nating teritoryo?
In fact, in our submissions to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), we reported sightings of Chinese government vessels as well as unidentified aircraft in the vicinity of the Ayungin Shoal as evidence of their aggressive actions within our territory.
The Arbitral Tribunal in its 2016 ruling declared the Mischief Reef, which is in the Spratly Islands, and the Ayungin Shoal are within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Philippines.
The PCA, in its ruling, said China has failed to exhibit due regard for the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone.
The decrepit, 80-year-old landing ship tank (LST), a commissioned ship of the Navy, no matter how rotten-looking and unseaworthy, is an extension of the territory of our country.
BRP Sierra Madre serves as a symbol of our determination to defend the Philippines’ sovereign rights against challenges from other claimants and a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Philippine Navy and military personnel stationed in Ayungin to protect the country’s interests.
Maaari nating sabihing ang BRP Sierra Madre ay isang pambansang sagisag ng matapang na pantindig at hindi pagyuko ng Pilipinas sa kabila ng pananakot at pang-aapi. Sa kabila ng kalumaan, kawalan ng maayos na suporta, at pagdaan ng maraming delubyo, nananatili itong nakatayo at matatag.
For 24 years now, we have not heard of any effort to undertake other measures in continuing and fortifying our country’s stronghold in the West Philippine Sea. We have been kept by our neighbor China in various forms of bullying, harassment while they continue to build structures in these disputed areas.
Mr. President, let me just ponder more on the assertions of Mr. Tiglao in his several published articles.
Mr. Tiglao based his claims on the 2022 book of Gregory Poling, an analyst specializing in Southeast Asian political and security issues, offered no other information.
How can we consider a passage in a book that claims former President Estrada vowed to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal at the request of the Chinese government, as unquestionable truth?
It was made verbally, allegedly, to who? Can you name names, Mr. Tiglao?
Even the confidential memorandum of former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario addressed to the late Pres. Benigno Aquino III, which Mr. Tiglao mentioned in his piece, was ambiguous as it merely stated that the “Chinese side claimed that Philippine authorities promised China that they would immediately remove the stranded vessel.”
I am quite certain that my father made no such agreement even verbally to anyone, to any Chinese official during his incumbency.
And I can back up my claims as I have earlier said that former Sen. Orly Mercado along with Navy officials, came up with the idea of running aground some of the World War II-era LST or landing ship, tank Sierra Madre to stake Philippine claim and establish a presence in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) during a command conference of the Armed Forces.
Unlike Mr. Tiglao, I could easily and did verify this information from Sen. Mercado himself and he attested that there was no such promise made to China.
And if indeed there was such an arrangement, how come there was relative “peace” in the West Philippine Sea during the Arroyo administration that spanned nine years? The Arroyo administration was conspicuously “silent” in asserting our sovereign rights over issues concerning the West Philippine Sea.
They could have kept up the momentum gained by the Estrada administration in pursuing a comprehensive strategy or plan of action to reinforce our country’s territorial claims.
One thing certain was that under the presidency of Mrs. Arroyo, several bilateral talks were held in Shanghai that resulted in the signing of agreements related to tourism and the opening of the country to Chinese investments.[1]
As we deliberate on this matter, let us reaffirm the principles that guide our actions as custodians of our nation’s interests.
Ayungin Shoal is not just a piece of land; it symbolizes our assertions of sovereignty and our dedication to upholding international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the BRP Sierra Madre’s presence at the shoal stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to defending our rightful claims and securing our territorial integrity.
As a sovereign nation, we hold dear the principles that our forefathers and heroes fought hard to secure. Any suggestion that goes against this commitment, regardless of whether it happened in the past or present, challenges those principles. We cannot allow mere allegations without substantial evidence to cast aside the efforts and sacrifices made to ensure our current freedoms.
Especially not from someone who had been called out not once, but twice by media organizations by making up stuff, with absolutely no evidence to support his attacks.
Mr. Tiglao was previously accused by Rappler in 2017 of spreading fake news when he alleged that the online news outlet’s supposed funder played a role in the ousting of the Ukrainian president in 2014.[2]
In 2022, he repeated his actions by accusing Vera Files, an independent media organization, of being funded by US bankrollers and supporting then Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential campaign.[3]
Hindi ko lubos maisip kung bakit kailangang magpakalat ng ganitong kasinungalingan kung kailan paulit-ulit ang pambu-bully sa atin ng bansang itinuturing nating kaibigan. Maliban na lamang kung isa syang Makapili, traydor ng bayan.
Ang katagang binitawan ng batikang aktor na si John Arcilla sa kanyang pagganap sa pelikula bilang si Heneral Luna ay tila nababagay kay Mr. Tiglao: ang sabi nya “May mas malaki tayong kalaban…ang ating sarili.”
Ginoong Pangulo, sa panahong sinusubok ang ating katatagan at pagkakaisa, gamitin nating inspirasyon ang BRP Sierra Madre na patuloy na naglalayag para ipaglaban ang ating kasarinlan.
While we may have differing opinions, one thing is undeniable: on July 16, 2016, we successfully fought for our rights and emerged victorious.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(AI/MNM)
Jay Sonza, a former news anchor and talk show presenter, has been arrested on allegations of participating in syndicated and extensive illegal recruitment activities.
The arrest of Sonza was confirmed by Glenn Ricarte, Assistant Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), on Tuesday.
Reportedly, on July 18, 2023, as Sonza was preparing to depart for Hong Kong, immigration authorities conducted an interview with him at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Subsequently, he was barred from boarding his flight upon the discovery of a pending estafa case against him.
Further investigations by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed an active warrant for Sonza’s arrest on charges of syndicated and large-scale illegal recruitment. Consequently, the BI deemed it necessary to temporarily detain him.
According to Ricarte, custody of Sonza was eventually transferred to the NBI. It’s important to note that syndicated or large-scale illegal recruitment is a non-bailable offense.
Around 28 million students are set to return to school on August 29, 2023, as announced by the Department of Education (DepEd). The commencement of classes will take place in over 47,000 public schools across the nation.
During a strategic meeting held at the DepEd headquarters in Pasig City, Undersecretary for Operations Revsee Escobedo emphasized the significance of the upcoming school year’s start, underscoring its critical role in shaping students’ educational progress nationwide.
Escobedo acknowledged the forthcoming challenges that lie ahead, in addition to the persistent issues that have been faced historically. Despite these obstacles, he assured the public that DepEd remains dedicated to tackling these hurdles and stressed the importance of a collaborative effort involving the entire nation.
The priority, as highlighted by Escobedo, is to ensure that each student has access to fundamental essentials such as communication tools, proper facilities, transportation, and a secure environment. Schools are expected to be fully prepared and functional for the students’ return.
“We extend our call to partners and warmly welcome your support,” Escobedo appealed.
The conference saw participation from several government agencies, including the Departments of Health, Energy, Interior and Local Government, National Defense, Social Welfare and Development, Trade and Industry, Information and Communications Technology, and Transportation.
The Inter-agency group also includes members like the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, National Telecommunications Commission, Presidential Communications Office, and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco). (ai/mnm)
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has formed partnerships with ten malls across the country to conduct a trial run of mall-based voting for the upcoming Barangay (Village) and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Among these malls are SM City Legazpi in Albay, SM Consolacion in Cebu, SM City North Edsa in Quezon City, SM Manila in Ermita, SM City Sucat in Paranaque, Robinsons in Pasig, Robinsons Place in Ermita, Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Robinsons Place in Las Pinas, and Robinsons Galleria in Cebu City.
According to Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco, SM Supermalls, and Robinsons have generously offered their facilities for the BSKE without any charges. Mall personnel will also assist on election day to ensure a smooth and orderly process.
During a public briefing, Laudiangco stated, “Their support in facilitating the election process will contribute to its peaceful execution, and the government won’t incur any additional expenses.”
The beneficiaries of this mall voting initiative will be the registered voters residing in the nearby villages surrounding these malls. However, it’s important to note that not all registered voters will be voting at these malls. Laudiangco emphasized that the law mandates consultation with voters before transferring voting centers.
The scheduled date for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections is October 30th. (ai/mnm)
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has given the green light to a fresh Labor and Employment Plan (LEP) for the years 2023 to 2028, aiming to tackle the issues of unemployment and underemployment within the nation.
On Tuesday, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma announced that this initiative aims to ensure that the skills of Filipino workers remain current and in line with the evolving demands of various industries and the changing landscape. This endeavor also seeks to enhance the employability of the workforce.
Laguesma shared with Malacañang reporters that this plan will run in tandem with the budget process and is scheduled to coincide with a national tripartite conference featuring an employment summit, potentially taking place in September.
The LEP comprises strategies for the enhancement of worker skills, with a specific emphasis on elevating the competence of educators and modernizing training institutions. Additionally, it includes a comprehensive social protection program designed for the welfare of workers.
In harmony with the objectives of the Marcos administration’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the LEP will also serve as a framework for review, aimed at addressing worker benefits and compensation.
The LEP is also envisioned to foster increased collaboration among various government agencies, offering high-quality training programs to enrich employee skills and knowledge. (AI/MNM)
TAGUIG CITY — A former army officer who had been dismissed from service was apprehended on Saturday, August 12, 2023, for attempting to use a counterfeit P1,000 bill at a store located in Barangay, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The individual in question, Kevin Jhon Soncio, aged 30, was identified as the suspect. A witness at the store noticed that the P1,000 bill used to pay for a pack of cigarettes was counterfeit. This prompted the witness to seek police assistance, resulting in the apprehension of Soncio.
Upon his arrest, Soncio claimed to be a former army officer. Upon searching his possession, authorities discovered ten different forged identification cards and nine fake P1,000 bills.
During his detention, verification by Southern Police District officers confirmed that Soncio had indeed been dismissed from the army.
Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano, the director of the SPD, cautioned the public as the holiday season approached, as criminal syndicates often take advantage of this time to circulate counterfeit currency.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, particularly in transactions involving small convenience stores (sari-sari stores), to avoid falling victim to counterfeit currency.
Soncio now faces multiple charges, including Violation of Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code (pertaining to the illegal possession and use of false Treasury Bank Notes and other instruments of credit), Usurpation of Authority, and Falsification of Public Documents. (Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
MANILA — Flight operations and ground activities have recommenced at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), as confirmed by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Airport Ground Operations and Safety Division (AGOSD).
The red lightning alert issued earlier has been downgraded to a yellow alert.
According to MIAA, the airport resumed its full operations at 9:01 a.m. this Monday.
Previously, under a red lightning alert, both takeoffs and landings were temporarily prohibited.
While there are no indications of an approaching storm, the southwest monsoon is expected to bring rain to certain areas of the country. (ai/mnm)
In spite of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration to suspend all reclamation projects in Manila Bay, claims have arisen that dredging activities for reclamation persist in Cavite, as reported by a fisherfolk group.
The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has observed dredging vessels off the coasts of Rosario, Noveleta, Tanza, and Naic in Cavite on Sunday, merely four days after the President’s announcement of the reclamation project suspension in the bay.
Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya’s national chairman, emphasized that these dredging operations, which support various reclamation projects in Manila Bay, should theoretically fall under the suspension order issued by the President.
Dredging is being undertaken by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) as part of the dump-and-fill operations associated with the Manila Waterfront Reclamation and the Bulacan Aerotropolis Project.
Hicap pointed out that small-scale fishers in Cavite have been experiencing a significant loss of 80 to 90 percent of their daily income since the commencement of dredging activities two years ago.
“We emphasize that unless there is an official Executive Order or legislation that explicitly prohibits reclamation, President Marcos Jr.’s verbal declaration lacks enforceability and authority,” Hicap emphasized.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stated that all 22 reclamation activities have been halted in accordance with the presidential order issued on August 7.
“The declaration unequivocally suspends all these projects for now. We are thoroughly reviewing each project. Our priority is initially addressing ongoing projects that are already causing impacts in their respective areas, followed by those that have not yet commenced,” explained DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga during a press briefing on Thursday. (ai/mnm)
Majority of Filipinos are in favor of the government asserting its territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea, as indicated by the latest Tugon Ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research.
Conducted from July 22 to 26, the survey revealed that 70 percent of respondents are supportive of resolving the territorial issue through diplomatic and peaceful means.
Regionally, the Visayas showed the highest percentage with 84 percent of respondents advocating for the prioritization of defending territorial rights in the disputed waters, especially during the Marcos administration.
Given that China claims a portion of the West Philippine Sea, with increased intrusions in the area, Mindanao registered 70 percent in favor of asserting territorial rights, while the National Capital Region (NCR) and Balance Luzon were closely tied at 64 percent and 67 percent, respectively.
Across different socioeconomic classes, 80 percent of respondents from Class E expressed a preference for diplomatic and peaceful solutions. In contrast, Class ABC exhibited 58 percent support, while Class D showed 69 percent.
Around 65 percent of respondents emphasized the importance of military action in protecting territorial rights, with the highest percentage, 71 percent, coming from the NCR. Balanced Luzon recorded 69 percent, the Visayas had 68 percent, and Mindanao registered 52 percent in this regard.
Furthermore, 61 percent of respondents expressed a desire to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine military to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity. (ai/mnm)
Photo by Benjie Cuaresma
Oil companies are poised to initiate another round of significant price hikes at the pump, scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
In separate announcements, Pilipinas Shell, Petron, and Unioil have indicated their intentions to raise gasoline prices by P1.90 per liter, diesel by P1.50 per liter, and kerosene by P2.50 per liter.
These price revisions are slated to become effective at 6 a.m.
Stakeholders within the industry have cited the ongoing reduction in oil production by Saudi Arabia as the primary driver behind these price increases.
Scottie Thompson (One Sports courtesy)
Gilas Pilipinas received a much-needed boost as the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player, Scottie Thompson, rejoined the team’s closed-door practice on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Dexter Aseron, the national squad’s therapist and strength and conditioning coach, confirmed that the 30-year-old Thompson “has been cleared to participate in 5-on-5 drills.”
“Thompson’s progress has been positive. He resumed practice last night,” Aseron said.
It’s worth recalling that Thompson suffered a metacarpal fracture on his shooting hand during the later stages of Gilas’ Europe training camp in Kaunas, Lithuania, just over a month ago.
Undoubtedly, the return of the versatile and athletic Ginebra guard will provide a much-needed boost to Gilas. In their recent pocket tournament in Guangdong, China, Gilas played with only one legitimate playmaker, Kiefer Ravena.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes also experimented with the roster during the team’s brief 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball campaign, trying out CJ Perez and Chris Newsome in the point guard position.
During the campaign, Gilas managed a commendable 3-1 record, splitting its two-game series against Senegal and sweeping Iran in its two-game stint.
In the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Thompson had an average of 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and an impressive 6.8 assists. (ai/mnm)
The Philippines and Australia on Monday rolled off their inaugural bilateral amphibious military exercise designated as “Alon” (translated as “Waves”).
This initiative comes amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea due to China’s persistent assertiveness in disputed waters.
Lt. Colonel Enrico Ileto, the Chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, conveyed that the military exercises were inaugurated with a formal ceremony held on the Fight Deck of HMAS Canberra.
This Australian vessel is under the command of Air Commander Tony McCormack, who heads the Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE) 2023.
For the execution of these drills, 111 troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines were dispatched to Australia.
Ileto highlighted that the IPE program stands as Australia’s foremost international engagement venture in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean realm. Its primary aim is to fortify security, stability, and partnerships through comprehensive bilateral and multilateral training, capacity reinforcement, and humanitarian initiatives.
“The central objective of this exercise is to elevate interoperability and facilitate the exchange of tactics, techniques, procedures, and exemplary approaches in the execution of amphibious operations,” Ileto articulated.
At the beginning of this year, Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, pledged unwavering support for the Philippines in terms of jointly conducting patrols in the West Philippine Sea.
Marles underscored, “(We are) also actively exploring avenues for expanded joint exercises.” (ai/mnm)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully erected four slope protection structures, enhancing the safety and convenience of travel to the elevated barangays in Leon, Iloilo.
DPWH Region 6 OIC-Director, Sanny Boy O. Oropel, highlighted that these structures, strategically placed along the Junction Bancal-Leon-Antique Boundary Road across several barangays in Leon, play a pivotal role in preventing the degradation, cracking, and collapse of slopes resulting from rain-induced scouring or weathering.
Implemented by the DPWH Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office, the project comprises four distinct segments: an 80-meter stretch in Sitio Tabionan within Barangay Bucari, a 100-meter stretch in Barangay Tagsing, and two additional 100-meter segments in Barangay Maliao.
These infrastructure enhancements now expedite the seamless delivery of crucial services to isolated communities and facilitate the unobstructed transportation of agricultural produce from the highland villages of Leon and Alimodian to the marketplace.
In addition to safeguarding local residents against potential rockfalls, landslides, and soil erosion, these structures also ensure the security of tourists journeying to destinations like the Bucari Pine Forest and other attractions in the neighboring Alimodian town, including Imoy Falls and Seven Cities.
The scope of the projects encompass the installation of high-tensile wire mesh and the construction of concrete slope protection structures featuring stone masonry, concrete shoulders, lined canals, and metal guardrails for added safety. The entirety of these efforts amounted to P319.1 million and were funded through the 2022 General Appropriations Act. (B. Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
The film “Family Matters,” which was part of the lineup for the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival, emerged as the dominant force at the 2023 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, securing four prestigious accolades, including the coveted Best Picture award, during the gala held on Sunday.
Directed by Nuel Naval, this impactful drama garnered recognition in multiple categories.
Noel Trinidad clinched the Best Actor award for his exceptional performance, while Nikki Valdez’s impressive acting earned her the title of Best Supporting Actress.
The film’s editing prowess, skillfully executed by Beng Bandong, was acknowledged with the Best Editing award.
In another noteworthy achievement, “Blue Room,” a standout entry from the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, clinched three awards.
Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan was honored as the Best Director, Neil Daza’s outstanding cinematography earned him the Best Cinematography award, and Mikey Amistoso and Jazz Nicolas were celebrated for their exceptional musical score, winning the Best Musical Score accolade.
Nadine snares 2nd FAMAS Best Actress award
Meanwhile, the remarkable talents of Nadine Lustre shone once again as she secured her second FAMAS Best Actress award. This time, she was honored for her remarkable role in “Greed.” Her first win in this category was in 2019 for her performance in “Never Not Love You.”
“Reroute” also commanded significant attention, clinching the Best Sound Design award, while Sid Lucero’s compelling portrayal earned him the Best Supporting Actor award.
“Leonor Will Never Die,” which made its world premiere at the prestigious 2022 Sundance Film Festival, received due recognition for its exceptional Production Design, securing the Best Production Design award. Additionally, “La Traidora” was commended for its outstanding screenplay, earning the film the Best Screenplay accolade.
The FAMAS Awards also showcased a series of special honors:
Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: Lito Lapid
Susan Roces Celebrity Award: Liza Lorena
Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award: Jun Urbano
German Moreno Youth Achievement Award: Jillian Ward
FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award: Marita Zobel
FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service: Martin Romualdez
Most Outstanding Public Service Award: PM Vargas
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — La Salle has once again added to its impressive collection of achievements by emerging victorious in the inaugural Shakey’ Super League (SSL) National Invitationals championship. In a thrilling Game 3 showdown against Adamson on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, La Salle secured a 25-19, 25-22, 25-17 win.
The Lady Spikers demonstrated their prowess yet again, dispatching the Lady Falcons in a swift 89 minutes of play to complete a reverse sweep in the best-of-three championship series.
Following a heartbreaking five-set defeat in Game 1 (25-22, 17-25, 25-17, 25-27, 14-16), La Salle came back strong with a clinical performance in Game 2 (25-23, 25-12, 25-18), setting the stage for their dominant showing in the decisive match. The team exhibited remarkable teamwork and skill diversity to secure their victory.
Tournament MVP Shevana Laput led the charge with 13 points, comprising 11 hits and two blocks. She was one of four players to reach double-digit scores, as La Salle solidified its position at the pinnacle of the SSL after having previously dominated the UAAP last season.
Laput maintained an impressive finals average of 20.3 points, highlighted by a standout 30-point performance in Game 1, followed by an 18-point contribution in Game 2.
Contributions were not limited to Laput, as Thea Gagate (1st Middle Blocker), Amie Provido (2nd Best Middle Blocker), and Alleiah Malaluan (2nd Best Outside Hitter) each chipped in with 10 points. Their collective efforts epitomized La Salle’s supremacy in the 12-team SSL nationwide tournament, presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as the office transport provider, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Assistant coach Noel Orcullo emphasized, “For us, exposure was the main goal here, but becoming champions is a bonus. It’s great because, to some extent, we identified areas for improvement that need adjustment before the upcoming UAAP season.” This victory was achieved even in the absence of UAAP Rookie-MVP Angel Canino.
Trailing 8-11 early in the first set, La Salle unleashed a decisive 10-1 surge, culminating in a Gagate block that propelled them to an 18-12 lead. This set the tone for the subsequent sets, where La Salle’s dominant play continued.
With a commanding 18-7 lead resulting from a Laput hit, the Lady Spikers endured a late rally by the Lady Falcons, holding on for a narrow 25-22 win thanks to crucial plays by Provido and Gagate.
From that point onward, La Salle maintained control and clinched victory with a confident 9-4 start in the third set. This triumph in the historic SSL tournament was also made possible with support from sponsors including Mikasa, Team Rebel Sports, Summit Bottled Water, Genius Sports, Potato Corner, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar, and R&B Tea.
Despite an impressive Game 1 performance by Lucille Almonte, who scored 24 points for the Lady Falcons, Adamson settled for a commendable silver medal finish under the guidance of new coach JP Yude, following their third-place finish in UAAP Season 85.
Other notable awardees included Bernadett Pepito (Best Libero) and Angeline Poyos (1st Best Outside Hitter) from the University of Santo Tomas, which secured the bronze medal with a decisive 2-0 sweep against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.
Fans had the opportunity to catch all SSL matches live and on-demand through Plus Network Digital Media Services, CNN Philippines, Solar Sports Entertainment, and TAP Sports, which served as media partners for the event.
The historic National Invitationals, with the support of individuals like Boy Tuikinhoy of Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc., Alex Adeva of Northern Mindanao Volleyball Association of Coaches and Referees, and the San Juan Red Cross chapter, were also broadcasted live in all Shakey’s branches nationwide. (ai/mnm)
UNITED KINGDOM — While the rain briefly dampened her momentum, it proved incapable of halting Alex Eala’s determined advance toward yet another finals appearance in an ITF tournament.
In a gripping showdown at the W25 ITF Roehampton singles semifinal here on the night of August 12 (Manila time), the Filipino tennis prodigy overcame Dutch opponent Arianne Hartono in a hard-fought encounter, prevailing with a score of 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-1.
Defying expectations, Eala, the tournament’s sixth seed, defeated the third-seeded Russian-Aussie contender Arianne Hartono to set up an eagerly anticipated final on the following Sunday evening.
Should she emerge triumphant in this pivotal match, Eala would secure her fourth ITF singles title, further solidifying her tennis prowess.
Following a nail-biting victory in the first set, Eala found herself trailing 1-4 in the second frame.
However, her attempt at a comeback was temporarily disrupted by an hour-long rain delay.
Upon the resumption of play, Eala faced challenges in regaining her momentum, allowing Hartono to seize the opportunity and level the match by clinching the second set.
Unfazed, Eala was resolute in the deciding set.
Displaying her signature determination, the 18-year-old Filipino sensation swiftly established a commanding 5-1 lead.
Capitalizing on her momentum, Eala successfully broke Hartono’s serve in the seventh game, securing her victory in the match.
(ai/mnm)
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The 12th City Council of Manila has passed a resolute resolution, officially designating Drag Queen Pura Luka Vega, also known as Amadeus Fernando Pagente, as persona non grata.
Pura Luka Vega gained online attention through a series of performances that maliciously depicted himself as Jesus Christ or the Black Nazarene, causing offense to the Catholic faith.
The measures to declare the drag queen/artist as persona non grata received strong support from Vice Mayor Yul Servo and 16 District Councilors of Manila.
Manila is now at the forefront as the first local government in the National Capital Region to take such a stance, joining Bukidnon, Gen. Santos City, South Cotabato, Toboso in Negros Occidental, and Floridablanca in Pampanga.
In addition to being unwelcome in the City of Manila, the drag artist is also facing criminal charges filed by various religious groups.
(ai/mnm)