MANILA — Over 800 uniformed personnel from the Manila Police District (MPD) have been deployed as the 2023-2024 school year commences.
In line with the start of School Year 2023-2024, a significant contingent of uniformed personnel from the Manila Police District (MPD) has been mobilized on Monday, August 7, 2023, the start of the enrolment period.
Brigadier General Andre Dizon, Chief of the MPD, reported that a total of 780 police officers donning uniforms have been strategically positioned across the city to oversee both public and private educational institutions, totaling 250 in number.
The primary objective of this deployment is to ensure the comprehensive safety of students, extending its coverage not only within school premises but also encompassing their journeys to and from schools, thereby safeguarding parents and educators as well.
Furthermore, Police Assistance Desks (PADs) have been established within the confines of these schools to provide an accessible point of contact.
Employing a variety of units including motorcycle and bicycle patrols, as well as foot patrols, vigilant monitoring remains ongoing throughout the inaugural Balik-Eskwela event of 2023-2024.
In a recent meeting with Station Commanders on Friday, August 4, 2023, Mayor Honey Lacuna of Manila issued directives emphasizing heightened police presence, particularly around universities offering evening classes within the city. (Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
MANILA – The Philippine Racing Commission (Philracom) is set to hold more exciting races this month after Badboy MJ of Jessie de la Cruz won the PHP1.5-million Philracom 3YO Sprint at the Metro Manila Turf Club in Malvar, Batangas on Sunday.
“I would like to congratulate the connections of the winner and placers of Sunday’s 2023 Philracom 3YO Sprint. More exciting races are coming the way of the ‘bayang karerista’ as this month of August has action-packed weekends,” Philracom Chairman Reli de Leon said in a news release on Tuesday.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos-bred and Boyet Guerra-trained Badboy MJ watched second-pick Sandigan and Borrowed Heaven slugged it out in the first 600 meters, logging clips of 13-21′ before making a move in the final quarter mile.
Jockey Peter John “Patar” Guce pushed his horse to run faster and after taking the lead, he hung on to post a final quarter of 24′ for a total time of 59 seconds flat in the 1000m race.
John Bradd’s Sandigan finished second place followed by Light Bearer of Mark Vincent Geron and Boat Buying of Running Rich Racing.
“I just followed my instructions and waited for the right time to go for the lead and thankfully enough the efforts of our whole team paid off,” Guce said after the competition. (PNA)
MANILA – Recognizing their historic achievement at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Senate adopted a resolution commending and congratulating the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) or the “Filipinas” for their victory against the formidable New Zealand team.
Senate Resolution No. 80 (SRN 80), sponsored by Sen. Pia Cayetano, was adopted during the plenary session on Monday, taking into consideration SRNs 715, 720 and 722.
“The Philippine Senate takes great pride in acknowledging and celebrating the exceptional achievements of Filipino athletes who have brought honor and glory to our nation,” the resolution stated.
Cayetano said the Filipinas stunned the world during the 2023 Women’s World Cup following their historic first goal and first win against New Zealand with a full-time score of 1-0 at the Wellington Regional Stadium on July 25, 2023.
She said Sarina Bolden scored the historic goal through a header in the 24th minute of the first half, set up by a cross from Sara Eggesvik.
“I want to thank our dear colleague for the support not only by cheering but also through funding,” Cayetano, who headed the delegation in New Zealand, said.
The chamber, in the resolution, also acknowledged the solid defense mounted by the team, particularly the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who was later declared as the Visa Player of the Match.
SRN 80 also recognized the unwavering support, dedication, exceptional expertise and guidance of the coaching staff led by Coach Alen Stajcic and team manager Jefferson Cheng, who have been instrumental in preparing and leading the team to the historic win.
“This triumphant achievement resonates deeply with the Filipino people, as it not only showcases the team’s prowess on the global stage but also symbolizes the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Philippines,” the resolution added.
In his co-sponsorship speech, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva commended the Filipinas for showing their talent, heart, passion and dedication in clinching the first-ever World Cup win in the Philippines’ first-ever appearance in the tournament.
“Their names are already etched in history and we will forever be grateful to them and the entire coaching staff and people behind the team for bringing this unforgettable glory to the country,” Villanueva added.
Senators Sonny Angara, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Raffy Tulfo and Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also commended and praised the PWNFT for bringing glory and honor to the country and for showing that the Filipino is truly world-class.
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. had co-sponsored the resolution with all members of the chamber named co-authors. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippines will send 13 players to the 66th Tokai Athletics Championship scheduled from Aug. 26 to 27 in Fukuroi, Japan.
Cambodia SEA Games long jump champion Janry Ubas will lead the team composed of Anfernee Lopeña (men’s 100m); Umajesty Williams, Frederick Ramirez, Michael del Prado and Joyme Sequita (men’s 400m); Clinton Bautista (men’s 110m Hurdles); John Paul Sarmiento (men’s javelin throw); Ronne Malipay (men’s triple jump); Junel Gobotia (men’s 3,000m steeplechase); Jessel Lumapas (women’s 400m); Bernalyn Bejoy (women’s 800m); and Sarah Dequinan (women’s 100m Hurdles, long jump, high jump and javelin throw).
Williams, Del Prado, Sequita and Ramirez are also entered in the 4x400m relay event.
Joining the trip are coaches Jeoffrey Chua, Isidro del Prado and Dario de Rosas.
Of the 13 athletes, four — Ubas, Malipay, Lumapas and Dequinan — are going to the Asian Games slated Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 in Hangzhou, China.
“The Japan tournament is in the list of exposures for the Asian Games-bound athletes as well as other members of the national team,” head coach Jojo Posadas told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.
Ubas, with a personal best of 8.08m, came from back-to-back victories in Europe.
“I’m expecting to improve my personal best and to make the podium,” the 29-year-old native of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental province said.
Ubas won the Motonet Grand Prix in Lappeenranta, Finland in 7.86 meters. His gold medal performance in Cambodia last May was 7.85m.
In Italy, he registered 7.72m to beat 2018 Summer Youth Olympics champion Lester Alcides Lescay Gay of Cuba at the 16th Triveneto Meeting Internationale in Trieste.
Before going to Europe, he placed seventh at the 25th Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand where he submitted 7.98m. He won the silver medal (7.95m) at the Taiwan Open last May 28. (PNA)
SOFIA, Bulgaria – Domestic violence should now be punishable not only in the case of marriage or cohabitation but also in the case of an intimate relationship, as per amendments to the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act adopted by lawmakers on first reading on Monday.
The amendments were sponsored by Kiril Petkov of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB), Boyko Borissov of GERB-UDF, Delyan Peevski of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms and other MPs.
The bill defines an intimate relationship as a voluntary, relatively durable union between two persons, which arises and exists as a de facto state without the need to comply with a legally regulated procedure, whether the persons share a household or not, the guiding element being the “strictly personal nature” of their relationship.
The definition of “intimate relationship” sparked fierce debate in the plenary.
According to representatives of There Is Such a People, the Bulgarian Socialist party and Vazrazhdane, the current definition is vague, confusing and will lead to strife.
Nadejda Iordanova of CC-DB stated that the motives of the bill are clear – to extend the protection afforded under the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act to cases of violence between intimate partners.
Toma Bikov of GERB-UDF said that domestic violence is a cultural phenomenon.
According to Bikov, assailants who attack their loved ones do not think about the law and the punishment.
They would assault, because they are primitive, because they are shunned by society, their family, the education system, the MP added. (BTA)
MANILA – Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) said outstanding loans to agriculture and rural development reached PHP713.8 billion in the first half of the year.
In a statement on Wednesday, Landbank said the amount accounts for about 69 percent of its PHP1.04 trillion loan portfolio during the period.
The bank said this is close to three times the 25 percent requirement for local banks to allocate financing for agriculture, fisheries and rural development (AFRD) under Republic Act No. 11901, or “The Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022.”
Under the new law, AFRD financing is defined as loans and investments to finance activities that shall enhance productivity and increase the income of an agricultural and fisheries household, thereby promoting productivity and competitiveness in the agricultural sector, as well as sustainable development of rural communities.
“Landbank remains steadfast in fulfilling its primary development mandate to advance the country’s agricultural sector. With a holistic approach covering all players in the value chain, we will continue to extend accessible and responsive financing to ramp-up agriculture modernization and productivity, paving the way for more resilient local communities,” said Landbank president and chief executive officer Lynette Ortiz.
Of the PHP713.8 billion in outstanding loans, Landbank allotted PHP107.8 billion to agriculture and fisheries production, which includes funding for the processing of fisheries and agri-based products and farm inputs.
To help fast-track agriculture modernization, Landbank channeled PHP70.4 billion for the digitalization and automation of farming, fishery and agri-business activities and processes, including related financial and management information systems.
Landbank also provided PHP78.5 million for agri-tourism projects, which involve attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes.
The bank said PHP244.1 billion of the AFRD loans was earmarked for ramping up public rural infrastructure development covering highways, streets, bridges, transport systems, irrigation, public markets, slaughterhouses, warehouses, solid waste management, flood control, drainage and other essential infrastructure and development projects.
Meanwhile, PHP167 billion will be for sustainable projects that provide lasting benefits for both clients and society and also covers green finance which funds climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, among others.
Landbank said the rest of the AFRD financing supported farm and fishery entrepreneurial activities; agricultural mechanization; agricultural and fishery commodities; essential facilities, equipment and machinery; capacity-building activities; and projects that promote the health and wellness of farmers, fishers and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), including members of their households. (PNA)
MANILA – The country’s manufacturing sector continued to grow in June but at a slower pace than the expansion seen in May, according to the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Results of the Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries released on Tuesday showed that the Volume of Production Index (VoPi) for manufacturing grew by 3.4 percent in June this year, slower than the 7.7 percent expansion in May, but a turnaround from the 0.04 percent contraction in June last year.
“The slower annual growth of the VoPI in June 2023 was mainly brought about by the annual declines in the same top three industry divisions that contributed to the slower growth of VaPI (Value of Production Index) during the period,” the PSA said.
These include the manufacture of food products which went down by 3.2 percent from 6.9 percent in May; fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment, -36.4 percent from -2.9 percent; and beverages, -7.7 percent from 4.8 percent annual increase the previous month.
The VaPI for manufacturing, meanwhile, continued to increase by 3.9 percent in June.
This was slower than the 9.9 percent expansion in May this year and the 7.8 percent growth in June 2022.
“The slower annual growth of the VaPI in June 2023 was mainly contributed by the annual drop in manufacture of food products industry division at -0.4 percent in June 2023 from 10.8 percent annual increase in the previous month,” the PSA said.
Other main contributors to the slower growth of VaPI during the month were the annual declines in the manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment at -33.4 percent from a 2.8 percent increase in the previous month, and the manufacture of beverages which contracted by 2.7 percent from 10.6 percent in May.
The PSA said the average capacity utilization for the manufacturing section in June 2023 was reported at 73.2 percent from 73.4 percent in the previous month.
“All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 50 percent during the month. The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were manufacture of machinery and equipment except electrical (81.5 percent), manufacture of transport equipment (80.8 percent), and manufacture of rubber and plastic products (80.2 percent),” it said. (PNA)
MANILA – The country’s trade deficit dropped to USD3.9 billion in June this year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
In a report released on Tuesday, the PSA said the trade deficit during the month was lower by 33.3 percent than the USD5.8 billion in June last year.
Total external trade in goods reached USD17.32 billion, down by 9.6 percent from the USD19.17 billion recorded in June 2022.
The total value of exports went up by 0.8 percent to USD6.70 billion from USD6.64 billion, driven by the growth in the exports of electronics products which rose by USD421.4 million to USD3.9 billion.
Top export destinations during the month include the United States, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Japan and Republic of Korea.
The total value of imports, on the other hand, contracted by 15.2 percent to USD10.62 billion from USD12.52 billion in the same month last year.
According to the PSA, the commodity group with the highest decline in the value of imported goods was mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials at USD1.14 billion.
This was followed by electronic products, which declined by USD756.53 million, and iron and steel by USD319.04 million.
“People’s Republic of China was the country’s biggest supplier of imported goods valued at USD2.38 billion or 22.4 percent of the country’s total imports in June 2023,” the PSA said.
Other major sources of imports were Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and US.
In a comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the narrower trade deficit would mathematically lead to faster economic growth.
“This would also somewhat help stabilize the peso exchange rate vs. the U.S. dollars with the corresponding lower requirements to purchase U.S. dollars to finance payments of imports,” he said.
Ricafort said the lower global crude oil prices in June this year helped narrow the trade deficit.
In the coming months, Ricafort said the global trade, including Philippine exports and imports, could pick up after Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell already signaled recently that the Fed staff are no longer forecasting US recession. (PNA)
MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday released the names of newly appointed officials to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Land Transportation Office (LTO).
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. tapped Robert Victor Seares Jr. as NIA deputy administrator, according to a Facebook post by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Prior to his new government post, Seares worked as administrator of the National Tobacco Administration. He also served as mayor of Dolores town in Abra province.
The PCO likewise announced the appointment of Eric Mercado to the NBI, holding the rank of Director II.
Marcos designated Ma. Lourdes Pancho as provincial trade and industry officer of the DTI.
Robert Kiunisala was appointed Director I of the LTO, the PCO said.
The PCO added that Jose Tomas Sr. will serve as member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Nueva Vizcaya province. (PNA)
MANILA – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday expressed his support for the passage of the bill for the modernization of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“I will support to pass the PNP modernization and restructuring act for this year together with Senator and former PNP chief Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa and we will try to pass as many measures as we can para maitapos natin yung pito o walong mga panukala (we can finish the seven or eight proposals) pending on his committee on how to strengthen the PNP,” Zubiri said in his speech during the 122nd Police Service anniversary in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Zubiri also pledged to support measures to allocate additional funds for the police force ahead of the deliberations for next year’s national budget.
He also revealed plans for the establishment of a summer camp for the police force in his hometown — the province of Bukidnon.
“(PNP chief) General (Benjamin) Acorda Jr. and I have a plan. Hopefully, this dream comes true. There is a large military reservation there in Bukidnon near Cagayan de Oro. What we are planning is to talk to the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and if it is okay with them, we will try to carve out a few hundred hectares to become a summer camp of the PNP and of the PNPA (Academy). We will work on that and I pledged my 100 percent support for funds while I am in the Senate. Let this be a legacy for the current leadership of the PNP,” Zubiri explained.
Zubiri also paid tribute to the rich history of the PNP and all its triumphs for the past 122 years — from responding to the simplest forms of crime in the streets to neutralizing and arresting high-profile criminals and dangerous criminals.
He also praised the PNP for assisting in disaster relief and response efforts, especially in the wake of the recent calamities in the country.
Zubiri also credited the police force for effectively performing its mandate to preserve peace and order.
The senator also recognized General Acorda’s and President Ferdinand R. Marcos’s steps to fight criminality “reformation, rehabilitation and of course, apprehension of the major crime syndicates but through the rule of the law.”
Acorda, meanwhile, said the top lawmaker’s presence during the event is a powerful affirmation of the legislative body’s recognition of the vital role played by the PNP in the progress of the nation.
He said the modernization bill and the other proposed legislations benefiting the PNP will help the police force to uphold the rule of law, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability and the aim is to enhance public trust, improve community relations, and create a safer and prosperous environment for Filipinos.
“In the presence of our distinguished Guest of Honor and Speaker, we stand united in our commitment to the ‘Nagkakaisang Pulisya at Pamayanan’ vision. We march forward in full support, guided by the torch of honor and duty, with the aspiration of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’,” Acorda noted.
He also touted the PNP’s significant strides to improve frontline police services resulting in the completion of 140 buildings and facilities, provincial offices, and other essential infrastructures.
“We also prioritized bolstering the organization’s capabilities through our Capability Enhancement Program (CEP). Presently, we have 52.83 percent filled up on our mobility assets, 74.68 percent firepower, 28.43 percent for communication equipment, 24.61 percent for ISO/Terrorism tools, and 61.98 percent for investigative equipment,” he said.
Acorda added that the PNP has invested in Information and Communications Technology infrastructures through the S.M.A.R.T. (Secured, Mobile, Artificial Intelligence-driven, Real-time Technology) Policing Program aimed to enhance police services and provide fast and high-quality assistance to the public.
“In line with this objective, we have made the National Police Clearance (NPC) System more accessible to our fellow citizens, ensuring a more convenient process for obtaining it,” he added.
The service is now available in 353 police stations, malls and commercial hubs and generated a total revenue of more than PHP309 million and successfully apprehended 557 wanted persons.
Acorda said the majority of the PNP offices have become ICT compliant, allowing them to streamline numerous internal processes which include optimizing recruitment and training procedures, improving day-to-day tasks, expediting investigations, crimes solutions and even facilitating the processing of retirement claims.
“Our commitment to leveraging technology enables us to provide better services and enhance public safety through the recently launched i-Report — a platform which enables citizens to report crimes in real-time through the DICT e-gov ph super app,” Acorda said.
The PNP chief also presented achievements of the force from July 2022 to June 2023 — which include the arrest and surrender of 84,663 wanted individuals; the successful recovery and surrender of 50,106 loose firearms; neutralization of 367 criminal gangs leading to the surrender and arrest of its 2,355 members; and confiscation of estimated PHP16.9 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs. (PNA)
MANILA – Japan and the Philippines signed an exchange of note for a 1.1 billion Japanese yen or approximately PHP433 million to help the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) procure a state-of-the-art satellite data communication system.
The Japanese Embassy in Manila said the grant aims to help the PCG improve its maritime law enforcement capabilities and maritime domain awareness, which will contribute to the country’s economic and social development, strengthening cooperation in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and its surrounding areas, as well as realizing the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
The exchange of note was signed between Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo at the Department of Foreign Affairs on Aug. 8.
With this system, Koshikawa said the PCG will be able to ensure smooth communications between its 10 44-meter and two 97-meter vessels and the PCG headquarters “inclusive of free communication charges for 10 years”.
“[B]eing an archipelago also, Japan understands the importance of vigilance in maritime security,” Koshikawa said.
“In light of the situations in the South China Sea, this is a very timely cooperation that will enable the decision makers of the Philippine government here in Manila to grasp in real time the situation off shore. Moreover, this will be extremely effective in terms of crisis management and response,” he added. (PNA)
MANILA – The Philippines and Japan inked on Tuesday the exchange of notes formalizing the JPY30 billion or about PHP11.79 billion post disaster standby loan for Manila.
The Post Disaster Standby Loan Phase 3 (PDSL 3) seeks to provide quick-disbursing budgetary support for the Philippines’ calamity response programs for swift recovery in the aftermath of natural and health-related disasters
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa signed the document during a ceremony at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay.
“This is the third PDSL to be provided for the Philippines: first in 2013 to support the recovery from Typhoon Yolanda, and then in 2020 for the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic response. With Typhoon Egay having attacked the Philippines just last month, it is evident that our countries are frequently exposed to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions,” Koshikawa said.
“Given our two countries’ similar topographies, I would like to emphasize that Japan will continue to support through various ways the Philippines’ nation building and resiliency efforts, along with security enhancements, as we both strive to build back better societies,” he added.
Under highly concessional terms, the loan’s repayment period is set to 30 years after a grace period of 10 years, with a fixed interest rate of 0.01 percent per annum.
The Japanese government started this budgetary support in 2013, helping Filipino families recover lost income and rebuild their lives from the devastating effects of Typhoon Yolanda, the Japanese Embassy said.
In 2020, Japan extended anew this financial support to augment government coffers as the Philippines rolled out its recovery efforts from the Covid-19 pandemic. (PNA)
MANILA — France, Germany, and South Korea, in conjunction with five other nations, have jointly conveyed significant apprehension over the “perilous” actions undertaken by the China Coast Guard (CCG), actions that have escalated tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
On Monday, the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Canada strongly criticized the CCG’s water cannon assault on Philippine vessels during a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on August 5.
The European Mission in Manila also voiced identical concerns.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the South Korean Embassy in Manila expressed alarm over the recent utilization of water cannons against vessels of the Philippines Coast Guard in the SCS.
The embassy reaffirmed its unwavering backing for peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the SCS, a region of paramount significance as an “essential international sea lane of communication.”
Moreover, it championed the concept of “freedom of navigation and overflight” grounded in the principles of international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Echoing this sentiment, the German Embassy in Manila voiced its disquiet over the “reckless maneuvers and deployment of water cannons” by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against a legitimate Filipino resupply mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The embassy urged all parties to “adhere to the regulations established by the international maritime order,” particularly highlighting Unclos, bolstered by the 2016 Arbitral Award.
On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive “nine-dash line” policy in the SCS, a policy that encroached upon the Philippines’ EEZ.
Germany, taking recent developments into account, emphasized the necessity for peaceful resolution of disputes, eschewing force or coercion, in line with its assertion that conflicts must be resolved amicably.
The French Embassy, via an official statement, articulated “profound concern regarding the perilous maneuvers executed by Chinese coast guard vessels in the South China Sea.”
The embassy reiterated its staunch endorsement of international law and Unclos, underscoring the “decision rendered by the Court of Arbitration in 2016 concerning the South China Sea.” (AI/MNM)
TNT Triple Giga denied Cavitex a piece of PBA 3×3 history as they foiled the Braves, 21-17, to rule Leg 6 of the Season 3 First Conference on Tuesday at the Ayala Malls Trinoma.
Gryan Mendoza had seven points to lead the Triple Giga in spoiling the Braves’ attempt of becoming the first team to win three straight legs in the tournament.
In bagging the P100,000 champion’s purse, TNT won its second title this conference after similarly ruling Leg 3 three weeks ago.
The victory likewise augurs well for the team’s bid for the First Conference grand finals set for August 13 at the Ayala Malls Market! Market!
The Triple Giga of coach Mau Belen completed a grand slam last season following a three-conference sweep of the meet.
Scoring king Almond Vosotros had a quiet six-point output for TNT, which also netted six points from Samboy De Leon and two from Ping Exciminiano.
Cavitex, which won Legs 4 and 5, was led by the seven points of Bong Galanza and claimed the runner-up purse of P50,000.
TNT defeated Wilcon, 21-13, while Cavitex edged Meralco, 19-18, to arrange the title showdown between the two sister teams,
During the pool play, Cavitex won over TNT, 19-17, to top Group A.
Earlier, Wilcon Depot pulled off its first podium finish with a 16-13 victory over Meralco.
Keith Datu imposed his presence in the middle to score eight points and lead Wilcon to third place worth P30,000.
The scores
Third place
Wilcon Depot (16) – Datu 8, Vigil 4, Andrada 3, Tumalip 1.
Meralco (13) – Maagdenberg 5, Sedurifa 4, Caduyac 2, Santos 2.
Finals
TNT (21) – Mendoza 7, Vosotros 6, De Leon 6, Exciminiano 2.
Cavitex (17) – Galanza 7, Fajardo 5, Napoles 4, Gonzaga 1.
(ai/mnm)
In an exciting showdown, La Salle is on the brink of adding another championship to their tally, while Adamson aims to mark the beginning of a new era with a triumphant start. The two teams will collide in the inaugural match of the 2023 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals finals, taking place at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.
The action kicks off at 4 p.m., featuring the Lady Spikers and the Lady Falcons vying to seize the upper hand in the quick best-of-three finals series.
The winner will inch closer to becoming the maiden national champion of the SSL, proudly presented by Eurotel as the official hotel and Victory Liner as the designated office transport provider.
This prestigious event is held in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Earlier in the day, at 2 p.m., the University of Santo Tomas and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta will engage in a bronze-medal showdown, also adopting the best-of-three format.
While La Salle, led by the seasoned mentor Ramil de Jesus and reigning as the UAAP champions, enters the battlefield as the anticipated favorites, Adamson, who secured third place in the UAAP, exudes confidence under the guidance of their new coach, JP Yude, following an impressive journey leading up to this point.
The Lady Spikers showcased their prowess by breezing through the Final Four, although they faced a five-set challenge against UST. Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons have been flawless throughout the entire 12-team SSL tournament, not dropping a single set. Their impressive run includes a comprehensive victory over Perpetual in the semifinal matchup. (AI/MNM)
The Philippines stands firm in its decision to maintain a presence on one of the contested islands within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), asserting its “sovereign rights and jurisdiction over these waters.”
According to West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela in a recent interview, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirms that the BRP Sierra Madre remains stationed at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, situated 115 nautical miles from Palawan.
This comes in response to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ demand for the Philippines to vacate the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, where it was intentionally grounded in 1999 as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the region.
China alleges that the Philippines had made repeated pledges to “remove the ship,” yet no action has been taken.
Tarriela clarified, “To the best of my knowledge, I cannot recall any commitment by our national government to relocate the vessel.”
Blackpink, the renowned female K-pop ensemble, commemorates its seventh year as a group on Tuesday.
Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa, the members, have unveiled special Polaroid snapshots on their individual Instagram profiles to commemorate this occasion.
Blackpink conveyed their affection and appreciation for one another, as well as for their devoted fanbase known as “BLINKS.”
Back in 2016, Blackpink made their debut under YG Entertainment with the release of their single album “Square One,” which featured chart-topping tracks such as “Whistle” and “Boombayah.”
(ai/mnm)
Former Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Martin “Bebot” Diño, has passed away following a courageous fight against cancer.
Liza Diño-Seguerra, his daughter and former Chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, as well as an entertainment columnist for Manila Times, shared the news on Tuesday via Facebook.
He was 66 years old.
Surrounded by his loved ones, Diño peacefully passed away at 2:15 a.m. His daughter, Diño-Seguerra, revealed that he had been battling stage 4 lung cancer for more than a year.
“With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of our dear Martin Diño, former undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG),” Diño-Seguerra conveyed on behalf of their family. “After enduring acute respiratory failure, he valiantly confronted stage 4 lung cancer for over a year.” (ai/mnm)
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has joined forces with SM Super Mall, as well as various other malls across the nation, to establish a collaborative initiative aimed at conducting a pilot test for voting within mall premises.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally endorsed for this endeavor, with the focus on the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections scheduled for October 30, 2023.
The signing ceremony of the MOA took place on August 7, 2023, led by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and Steven Tan, President of SM SUPERMALLS. In attendance were several distinguished Comelec Commissioners who witnessed the event.
Several malls, including SM Super Mall, have committed to participate in this innovative poll voting pilot test, which is being spearheaded by the Commission on Election (Commelec).
Chairman George Erwin Garcia of the Comelec emphasized that the success of this pilot test program, as embraced by mall proprietors, holds the potential to influence the structure of the 2025 National Election.
The pilot test will be executed across a total of 12 malls, encompassing the SM Malls, Robinson’s Mall, two malls in Cebu, and another in Legazpi City. However, it is important to note that voters are not mandated to cast their votes within malls; they will retain the option to choose traditional polling precincts situated in schools.
A fundamental objective of this initiative by the Comelec is to ensure a secure and convenient voting experience for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Chairman Garcia further elucidated that the financial burden of the mall voting project does not fall upon the Comelec, as the management of the malls will be responsible for all logistical aspects, including the provision of suitable facilities, security measures, and necessary equipment. (Benj Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
MANILA — The three-week official enrollment period for public schools started on Monday, 07 August 2023 across the country as announced by the Department of Education.
Under the directive of Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, DepEd Order No. 022, issued on August 4, 2023, classes shall start on August 30, 2023, or three days after the last day of the enrolment period.
On the other hand, the school year 2023-2024 will conclude on June 14, 2024.
The featured images show elementary students and their parents enrolling at the Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Elementary School in Baseco, Tondo, Manila for the school year 2023-2024. (Benj Cuaresma/AI/MNM)