GMA Network, TAPE summoned by Marikina RTC on copyright infringement complaint filed by TVJ

Power Troika TVJ (Photo courtesy of FreebieMNL)

GMA Network and the producer of the noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” Television and Production Exponents Inc. (TAPE), have been summoned by the Marikina Regional Trial Court in response to a copyright infringement and unfair competition complaint filed by plaintiffs Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and former TAPE executive vice-president for production Jeny Ferre.

The complaint, filed on June 30, 2023, before Marikina RTC Branch 273, alleges copyright infringement and unfair competition under Republic Act 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The summons, however, was only made public on July 12 when the defendants officially received it.

In a report aired on GMA’s “24 Oras,” TAPE’s legal counsel, Maggie Garduque, stated, “It is not a copyright infringement. The name ‘Eat Bulaga,’ its design, and logo are trademarks and not subject to copyright.”

“The tradename Eat Bulaga is registered under TAPE Inc., so they cannot file an infringement against the registered owner of the trademark. Their petition to cancel the Eat Bulaga trademark is still pending before the Intellectual Property Office, and until that petition is granted, the trademark Eat Bulaga and EB will be owned by TAPE Inc.,” added Garduque.

GMA Network, which airs “Eat Bulaga” as a block timer, released a statement saying, “We will refer the complaint to our legal counsel, Belo Gozon Elma Parel Asuncion and Lucila Law Offices.”

Following alleged issues with TAPE, the hosts of TVJ and “Legit Dabarkads” left the show on May 31. TAPE aired previous episodes of the show before returning with new hosts, led by Paolo Contis and former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno.

Meanwhile, TVJ and Legit Dabarkads found a new home on TV5 and began airing their new show, “E.A.T,” on July 1. (ai/mnm)

K-POP sensation Sandara Park has made an eagerly awaited comeback to the music industry, delighting fans with the launch of her latest mini-album. This release marks her first solo project in six years.

Titled “Sandara Park,” the album arrives following the disbandment of her former girl group, 2NE1, in 2017. Comprising five captivating tracks, the mini-album is spearheaded by the title song “Festival.”

With this new musical endeavor, Park demonstrates her artistic growth and ventures into diverse musical styles. Collaborating with GRAY, Heize, and SJWA, she co-wrote the infectious title track “Festival.” The remaining tracks, namely “Dara Dara,” “T Map,” and “Happy Ending,” bear production or writing credits from these talented artists respectively.

An exceptional highlight of the album is the collaboration with legendary Korean singer Uhm Jung-hwa. The title track “Festival” cleverly samples Uhm Jung-hwa’s renowned 1995 song of the same name, and the accompanying music video features a special appearance by the iconic artist. Within less than 24 hours of its release on YouTube, the “Festival” music video has already surpassed one million views, a testament to the immense anticipation surrounding Park’s return.

In addition to her musical comeback, Park has also made a significant career move by signing with Abyss Company in 2021. This new album stands as her first official release under Abyss, a prominent agency representing other notable K-Pop acts such as Sunmi and GOT7’s BamBam.

(AI/MNM)

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the constitutionality of the regulations implemented by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), as well as those issued by local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During its en banc session on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the high court dismissed the consolidated petitions that questioned the validity of the regulations issued by the IATF, LGUs, and other government agencies, on the grounds of violating the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.

The petitions filed were as follows: GR No. 258619 (Jose C. Montemayor, Jr. v. IATF), submitted on February 17, 2022; GR No. 258746 (Passengers and Riders Organization (Pasahero), Inc. v. Francisco Duque III, February 23, 2022; and GR No. 260327 (Nicanor Jesus P. Perlas III, et al. v. IATF, et al), filed on May 12, 2022.

The specific regulations challenged by the petitioners included IATF Resolutions 148-B, 148-G, 149, 150, 155, 163, and 164; IATF Guidelines on Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response dated February 27, 2022; MMDA Resolution No. 22-01; DOTr D.O. 2022-001; DILG Memorandum Circulars 2022-002 and 2022-008; LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2022-001; DepEd-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular 001, Series of 2022; DOH Department Circular 2022-0131; and Makati City Ordinance 2022-005.

Among these measures, IATF Resolution 148-B requires all eligible employees engaged in on-site work in public and private establishments to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or alternatively, undergo RT-PCR testing every two weeks at their own expense, among other provisions.

The petitioners collectively argued that the aforementioned regulations infringed upon their right to life and liberty without due process of law limited their right to travel, as well as violated the equal protection clause by only applying to those without access to private vehicles, thereby discriminating against the unvaccinated.

The petitioners contended that the contested measures essentially implemented a mandatory vaccination policy, considering that the use of public transportation is an essential aspect of Filipino life. (AI/MNM)

CBC photo courtesy

Significant rainfall on Thursday (13 July 2023) led to severe traffic congestion along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and in Metro Manila areas such as Taguig, Pateros, and Muntinlupa.

The Office of the Civil Defense-National Capital Region (OCD-NCR) reported that the flooding was exacerbated by the temporary closure of the drainage system for road construction purposes.

As of now, there have been no reports of damage or casualties, according to the OCD-NCR. They are closely monitoring the situation and staying in touch with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for updates.

The OCD-NCR mentioned that Metro Manila is currently experiencing light to moderate rainfall with intermittent heavy downpours due to a low-pressure area (LPA).

Nevertheless, the operator of SLEX, San Miguel Corp. (SMC), has issued a public apology to motorists. Below is the full text of SMC’s press statement:

“We sincerely apologize to the motorists who were affected by the heavy flooding at the Skyway At Grade (ground level) Bicutan in Parañaque City, caused by continuous moderate to heavy rainfall from 6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 12, until today, Thursday, July 13, resulting in heavy traffic in both directions of the expressway.

Historically, this section of the Skyway System has remained flood-free, and we have consistently worked towards maintaining smooth and reliable traffic flow for our valued users. Our maintenance teams conduct regular inspections of the drainage system to clear any obstructions such as sludge and garbage.

However, over the past few months, an increase in floodwaters on the carriageway has become apparent.

These incidents are primarily attributed to a drainage system issue outside the Skyway system, which we identified in February of this year, caused by ongoing construction works in the area unrelated to our operations and beyond our direct control.

Since then, we have been actively coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other government and private sector stakeholders in the area to collaboratively address the problem. We have even provided some of our equipment to expedite the drainage of floodwater and deployed our maintenance teams to siphon water off the carriageway.

One of the stakeholders in the area is currently working on the affected portion of the drainage system within their property, and the contractor has committed to completing the outfall this month.

We are optimistic that these corrective actions will restore the smooth flow of floodwaters to the nearby creek and put an end to the flooding at Skyway At-Grade Bicutan, which has significantly disrupted traffic flow and inconvenienced the public.

In the meantime, we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders involved in the area to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, ensuring efficient and safe traffic movement on the expressway.”
(ai/mnm)

On Thursday, a devastating fire erupted at The Manila Hotel. Police authorities at the scene reported that the fire originated in a health club situated on the hotel’s second floor.

The incident triggered the activation of the first alarm at 2:50 p.m., followed by the second and third alarms at 3:15 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. respectively.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control, and by approximately 3:53 p.m., the fire was declared contained. Shortly after, at around 4:05 p.m., the flames were completely extinguished.

Responding to the emergency was the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Intramuros Fire Station, along with the assistance of seven other dedicated fire volunteers.

At the time of this report, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and fortunately, no casualties have been reported. (ai/mnm)

Residents of Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City wait for their turn to fill up water containers amid a dwindling water supply due to the effects of El Niño in the metropolis and elsewhere. (Photo from NewSecurityBeat)

MANILA — In light of the anticipated severe impact of El Niño in the tropical Pacific, which is expected to affect the National Capital Region (NCR) and several provinces in Luzon from the end of 2023 until January of the following year, Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. has advised residents of Metro Manila to conserve water.

This recommendation comes as the water level at the Angat Dam continues to decline and an extended period of El Niño looms ahead.

With El Niño causing drier conditions, Dela Cruz emphasized the importance of water conservation to prevent significant water interruptions later this year. His advice echoes an advisory issued by the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Preliminary data from the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (UN-WMO) indicates that the first week of July recorded the highest temperatures ever observed, accompanied by unprecedented sea surface temperatures and a record-low extent of Antarctic sea ice. Experts from the WMO have noted that global sea surface temperatures reached record highs in May, June, and July, indicating the early stages of the warming El Niño weather pattern. They further emphasized that these record-breaking temperatures, both on land and in the ocean, could have devastating effects on ecosystems and the environment, highlighting the far-reaching changes occurring in Earth’s system due to human-induced climate change.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has revealed that Metro Manila and 24 provinces will experience drought as El Niño intensifies towards the end of the year and the first quarter of 2024. PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief, Ana Liza Solis, pointed out that certain areas in Luzon, such as Tarlac and Isabela, have already begun to experience dry conditions since last month, while Apayao, Cagayan, and Kalinga have been grappling with dry spells caused by the phenomenon.

In response, Commissioner Dela Cruz urges citizens to reduce activities that consume significant amounts of water, such as watering lawns and washing vehicles. He also encourages the public to embrace rainwater collection for non-potable purposes and to reuse laundry and dishwashing wastewater for watering plants.

Dela Cruz stressed the importance of preparing for the impact of El Niño this year to mitigate its effects next year. He reassured that appropriate contingency measures can prevent significant damage to the economy as a result of El Niño. (ai/mnm)

CAPAS, Tarlac – For the second straight year, the New Clark City (NCC) Athletic Stadium here will be the site of the Spartan Stadion Race.

This time, though, the race will be more challenging according to Spartan Race Philippines general manager Marc Celis.

“There were a lot of things that we didn’t do [last year], and now we have more obstacles inside the actual stadium,” Celis said during the pre-event press conference on Wednesday right at the NCC Athletic Stadium.

The latest twist to the 5-kilometer obstacle race, according to Celis, is the addition of an “obstacle gauntlet”, where the racers need to finish a bunch of challenges within the final stretch of the race course, that is, the zig-zag portion near the finish line.

Celis also said he is expecting around 2,500 racers to attend the race.

Being the only Spartan Race Stadion course to be played in Southeast Asia this year, Celis is also expecting international racers from even outside the ASEAN region to join.

However, racers have until later Wednesday to register for the Spartan Race.

The race course will traverse the entire NCC Athletic Stadium from the stands to the athletic track.

Prizes will be awarded to the overall top finishers as well as the top finishers per age group. (PNA)

CAPAS, Tarlac – Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) on Wednesday announced that President Terry Capistrano has been voted to the Asian Athletic Association (AAA) council.

According to PATAFA, Capistrano finished second in the election, garnering 33 votes out of 43 eligible voting countries, one shy of the top vote-getter.

Sixteen domestic athletics officials have been nominated for the AAA council.

Lord Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, oversaw the voting proceedings.

The AAA council election happened during the ongoing Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok.

Capistrano, along with the seven other newly elected officials, will serve in the AAA council for four years until 2027. (PNA)

MANILA – Smokers and individuals who take alcoholic drinks can still take part in bloodletting activities, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

“If you’re a smoker, no problem, but be sure, at least four hours before the donation time, hindi po tayo nakapagsigarilyo (you don’t smoke any cigarettes),” Philippine Blood Center (PBC) Blood Technical Services Division chief Maria Concepcion Isberto said in a media forum.

“Isama na natin ‘yung mga alcoholics, chronic alcoholism, sorry, deferral po iyan, pero kung ano po paminsan-minsan lang po umiinom ano po, so, alam mo na magdo-donate ka bukas, so, dapat ngayong gabi, di ka umiinom (Let’s include the alcoholics, chronic alcoholism, sorry, that’s a deferral, but occasional drinking is okay, so, if you will be donating tomorrow, you shouldn’t be drinking tonight).”

Isberto explained that individuals who are between 16 to 65 years old, at least 110 pounds or 50 kilograms, and generally in good health can donate blood.

Their systolic and diastolic blood pressure must be within normal limits and their hemoglobin must be 125-175 g/L for females and 135- 185 g/L for males.

They must also have a well-balanced meal within four hours and at least six hours of good sleep before donation.

The DOH PBC will screen all individuals who would sign up for blood donation. The screening includes blood pressure check and testing for transfusion of transmissible infection.

Isberto said pregnant women, promiscuous or high-risk individuals like sexual workers, individuals who have sexually transmitted infections, cancer patients, and individuals who have a history of cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy are disqualified from donating blood.

Women who gave birth and are breastfeeding can donate blood after a year. The same is the time frame for those who had ear piercing or had tattoos (through needles).

“Kung ikaw ay nagpa-vaccinate kahapon, sa Covid-19, bukas pwede ka mag-donate, bivalent vaccine, wala pang exact time [frame] kelan pwede makapag-donate ng dugo (If you had Covid-19 vaccine yesterday, you can donate tomorrow, as for the bivalent vaccine there is no exact time [frame] when you can donate blood),” she said.

Blood donation comes with benefits such as weight loss promotion, blood cholesterol reduction, healthy heart, improvement of emotional well-being, stimulation of blood cell production and maintenance of optimal iron levels, Isberto noted. (PNA)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Two young entrepreneurs from Negros Oriental are now reaping the rewards of hard work, perseverance and skills they learned from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s Kapatid Mentor Me Program (KMMP).

Twenty-seven-year-old Sabrina Teves and Angelo Salvoro, 26, told the Philippine News Agency in separate interviews on Wednesday they both started as hobbyists until they learned that what they do could bring in money.

Teves of Garnish Accessories, who hails from this capital city, said she started crafting fashion accessories in her younger years, but did not think of it as a potential source of income until 2018.

“I just love to make jewelry and gave them out as gifts until sometime in 2018 when I ventured into selling them without a thought of making it a full-time business,” she said.

After college, Sabrina worked for her parents but still maintained her fashion creations, doing online selling, and even engaging in made-to-order pieces.

Meanwhile, Salvoro, owner of Café Mystika, and a resident of nearby Valencia town, said he decided to start his own coffee business at a time he was still studying Hospitality Management while working as parttime bartender, who hopped from one outlet to another.

“It was during this time that I decided to give it a try, and start my own business. And I was drawn to coffee,” he said.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when many people lost their jobs due to quarantine restrictions, Salvoro and some friends would set up a stall at the Sunday market at the Valencia plaza where they would sell their home-made brew and other coffee drinks.

Salvoro said that in 2021, he decided to go further in his business and established a café in Valencia.

Last year, Teves and Salvoro were classmates in the KMMP of DTI-Negros Oriental, where they learned about marketing strategies, writing a business plan, and proposing possible financing with banks and similar institutions.

Teves thanked DTI for helping her register her own business, which has now expanded to the famous online retailer, Shopee, after her creations started being noticed by people in areas outside of her home province.

She juggles her time between the job at her parents’ company while running the business and managing artisans, some of whom are students.

Househelps also get to earn part-time income by learning the craft and making jewelry for her, she said.

Salvoro, meanwhile, also has a few workers helping him out. Some of them are students who wanted to be trained as baristas.

Both of them are encouraging young entrepreneurs to sign up for the KMMP as it has helped them to better market their businesses.

The DTI has helped them touch base with events where they can participate and feature/sell their products.

Salvoro and Teves said since the KMMP training, they now have a wider
marketing perspective and sales are going up.

Nimfa Virtucio, DTI-Negros Oriental provincial director, said the KMMP is a national government program that aims to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owners, aged up to 30, to sustain their businesses and widen their scope of clientele.

The program runs for 11 weeks on a hybrid mode, and requires that all participants must complete the course, she said.

During the program, they are asked to draft and submit a proposed business plan to be implemented within a two-year period from graduation with the guidance of the DTI before they are considered graduated and certified, she added.

This year, calls for application are now open for those interested to join the program, with the deadline set on July 19.

Virtucio said 14 of the 25 slots of the said program in the Central Visayas region are allocated for Negros Oriental. (PNA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Population Development (CPD) has renewed its call to local government units to appoint barangay (village) population volunteers to carry out family planning programs in communities.

CPD Eastern Visayas regional director Elnora Pulma said the role of community volunteers is very crucial since the resources of the central government to bring family planning services to every household are very limited.

Pulma said that about 20 percent of the region’s 4,390 villages have no population volunteers while the remaining 80 have inactive population volunteers.

In some areas, these population volunteers also act as community health workers or nutrition scholars, making family planning services the least priority.

“They need to mobilize community workers to map and locate couples and individuals with unmet needs for family planning, conduct community-based demand generation and referral activities, and ensure provisions of quality modern family planning information and services guided by the principle of informed choice and voluntarism,” Pulma told reporters on Wednesday.

They were also assigned to carry out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to the integration of the population development principles and in providing access to services and facilities.

The CPD regional office emphasized the importance of community workers as they held the first search for winners of Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards Most Outstanding Barangay Population Volunteer.

There have been awards conferred to local governments and partner agencies in the past, but it is only this year that the focus is on community volunteers.

The award is named after Salas, the first head of the United Nations Population Fund. His tenure started at the agency’s inception in 1969 and ended with his sudden death in 1987.

He was a pioneer in the field of population who advocated the importance of understanding the links between population and development and the need to take population factors into account in development planning.

Melissa Rafols of Sto. Niño village Tacloban City, was named the most outstanding barangay population volunteer under the city category.

Rafols, who has been working as a barangay service point officer in their village for eight years now, will be the official entry of Eastern Visayas to the national validation, along with the municipal category winner Carolina Llames Lopez from Carigara, Leyte. (PNA)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Around 6,569 households from this province tagged as poor in the third round of the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) have been validated for possible inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Jeffrey Gabucay, the Pantawid Provincial Link in Antique, said that their names are now being encoded for submission to the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The validation conducted by Pantawid personnel started on July 5 and ended on Wednesday.

From the validated families will come the new households that will replace those who have already exited from the program, with no more zero to 18 years old children for monitoring, and were delisted to complete the 30,199 slots in Antique.

“Since there are only 3,469 potential beneficiaries needed to complete the targeted 30,199 slots given for 2023, the rest of the households validated will be on the waiting list,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.

The province currently has 26,730 active beneficiaries receiving cash grants from the DSWD or listed with the Pantawid.

He said that 26,352 are Regular Conditional Cash Transfer (RCCT) beneficiaries while 378 households are under the Modified CCT.

The MCCT beneficiaries are the indigenous people in the province who were not included in the RCCT.

Gabucay said DSWD is still looking for means to source the cash grants for those on the waiting list.

“I still don’t know when the potential beneficiaries could already start receiving their cash grants for it will still be subjected to approval by the DSWD,” he said. (PNA)

MANILA – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is again in hot water on Wednesday during the inquiry of the Senate Committee on Energy which expressed doubts that its Filipino shareholders are still in control of the company.

NGCP, which is now a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country’s state-owned power grid, is 60 percent owned by a group of Filipino businessmen and 40 percent by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC).

The panel’s chairperson, Sen. Raffy Tulfo, was the first one to ask the NGCP representatives if the company requires that during its board meetings, representatives of its Chinese shareholders should be present or else no decision can be made.

“In the event na may absent po na representative from State Grid Corporation of China, hindi po natutuloy yung board meeting kahit meron nang quorum? Kahit ang majority andun na? Kailangan andun yung Chinese representative dahil kung wala, cancelled yung meeting (that a representative from SGCC is absent, the board meeting will not push through even if there is already a quorum? Even if the majority is there? Should the Chinese representative be there, because if not, the meeting will be cancelled)?” Tulfo asked.

NGCP corporate secretary Ronald Dylan Concepcion denied the accusation saying that under the company’s by-laws, the quorum is 51 percent and all of the board members have been present in all of their board meetings.

Tulfo went on to allege that NGCP gives special consideration to SGCC representatives who are in the minority considering that Filipinos are the major shareholders.

“It is not actually the tyranny of the minority in that instance. It’s actually to protect the interest of the minority from the majority who might railroad decisions, especially on issues that involve the expertise like technical issues. That’s just the protection that the agreement provides the Chinese. It’s not that we are giving them more power or we’re favoring them,” Concepcion responded.

“In fact, under that agreement and our bylaws, it is still the 60 percent that controls because the 60 percent are Filipinos, Mr. Chairman (referring to Tulfo),” he added.

Out of the 10 members of the NGCP’s Board of Directors, four are Chinese nationals representing the SGCC.

Dividends

Tulfo also took notice of the dividends that the members of NGCP’s Board receive which he said is not commensurate to the poor service it provides for the Filipinos.

“Kung sana maganda po yung pamamalakad ninyo, maganda yung serbisyo at walang brownout, walang reklamo, okay lang po kayong kumita because alam ko po na kailangan ng lahat ng kompanya kumita (If only you manage well with good service and there are no brownouts, or complaints, it’s okay to earn because I know that all companies need to earn). That’s the purpose of business – to make money. Yun po ang sinasabi ko iskandaloso na po ang dating sa taumbayan (That’s what I have been telling that is scandalous on the part of the public),” the lawmaker stressed without mentioning the particular amount of dividends that each member of NGCP’s Board receives.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who sits as the vice chairperson of the panel, lectured the NGCP representatives in the inquiry about how the company’s Board should work in accordance with the Constitution.

“The Constitution is very clear that 60 percent should be owned by Filipinos and the reason for that is because Filipinos should make the decisions. But how can they make the decision if they cannot convene?” Gatchalian asked.

“So in this case, parang nabalewala yung pagiging majority ng mga Pilipino kasi ang desisyon ultimately ay andun sa (it seems like the Filipinos, being in the majority, became useless because the decision ultimately comes from the) minority,” Tulfo added.

In an interview after the panel’s previous hearing, Tulfo said he received information from the intelligence community that China can control the power transmission in the Philippines with “just a push of a button”.

“Later on, nagkasanga-sanga na lang and nakita ko yung iba’t iba pang mga problema na dapat ayusin (I saw more problems that need to be addressed),” the lawmaker said assuring that his committee will prove NGCP’s violations and will subpoena documents if necessary,” he said.

In several instances, Tulfo shared that the SGCC vetoed the decisions made by the Filipino members of the NGCP Board.

The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), a government-owned-and-controlled corporation, used to operate and manage the power transmission system that links power plants to the electric distribution utilities nationwide until Republic Act (RA) 9136 was passed into law in 2001 mandating its privatization through an outright sale or management concession agreement.

Following a public bidding conducted in December 2007, the TransCo concession was awarded to the NGCP which eventually secured a congressional franchise to operate the transmission network through RA 9511.

On Jan. 15, 2009, TransCo turned over the management and operation of its nationwide transmission system to NGCP. (PNA)

MANILA – Malacañang released Wednesday the roster of newly appointed officials in six different government agencies.

Teresita Inciong will continue to serve as executive director of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, based on the list of new presidential appointees posted on the Presidential Communications Office’s official Facebook page.

The ECCD Council, which is under the supervision of the Department of Education (DepEd), is mandated to support the early childhood care and development programs in the country.

As ECCD Council’s head, Inciong spearheaded the management of a comprehensive ECCD national system.

Inciong also worked as a member of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s Board of Regents; executive officer of DepEd-United Nations Population Fund, Adolescent Reproductive Health Project; and commissioner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Marcos also appointed Randy Escolango as undersecretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the government agency responsible for the management of housing, human settlements and urban development.

The Director IV post will be assumed by Engelbert Apostol at the Department of Labor and Employment, as well as Ma. Victoria Gregorio and Gliricida Tumaliuan-Ali at the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Marcos designated Von Francis Mesina as Director III at the National Anti-Poverty Commission, the agency which serves as the coordinating and advisory body in the implementation of the Social Reform Agenda.

Marcos also tapped Francisco Comendador III as acting general manager and chief executive officer of Cebu Port Authority which is mandated to administer all ports located in the province.

Comendador will also act as commissioner of the Cebu Port Commission, while Leo Cañares and Joselito Pedaria will serve as acting commissioners representing the cargo handling labor sector.

Jose Mario Elino Tan was appointed the Cebu Port Commission’s acting commissioner representing the shipping sector.

Marcos also named Divina Gracia del Prado as deputy national statistician of the Philippine Statistics Authority, Adrian Cerezo as assistant national statistician and Clemente Manaog as Director III. (PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine government has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award as it joined partner states in marking its seventh anniversary on July 12.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the award, which ruled that China’s claims under the so-called nine-dash line are illegal, “is now part of international law.”

“Just as lighthouses aid vessels in navigating the seas, the Award will continue to illuminate the path for all who strive towards not just the peaceful resolution of disputes but also the maintenance of a rules-based international order,” Manalo said.

“We will continue to translate the positive outcomes of the Award into positive gains for our people to secure our legitimate interests in our maritime domain, and to promote peace, security and prosperity in our region,” he added.

In 2022, Manalo stated that the ruling will serve as one of Manila’s “twin anchors” in any policies and actions on the West Philippine Sea.

Despite China’s repeated rejection, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) said the country is still bound by the award.

Manila brought Beijing to the PCA in 2013 amid overlapping sovereignty claims over features at the Spratlys in the South China Sea.

Apart from this, Manila had been calling out China’s artificial island-building on the resource-rich waters, which had caused “irreparable harm to the marine environment” and “negatively affected the economic activities” of the country.

‘Growing number of support’

This year, Manalo welcomed the growing support for the decision, the latest of which came from India, which explicitly called for the adherence to the 2016 ruling.

During the Stratbase ADR Institute forum titled “The 7th Year of the Arbitral Victory: Defending the West Philippine Sea, the Indo-Pacific, and the Rules-Based Order,” India Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran explained that India sees “growth and opportunities” in the region — one of the main driver behind the expansion of its Act East Policy to the Indo-Pacific.

Without specific reference to any nation, Kumaran said India had also entered into an arbitration proceeding for the delimitation of its maritime boundary with Bangladesh.

The judgment in that award was not entirely in India’s favor, he said, but the country went on to recognize and implement it.

“I think that brings me to my final set of observations which is to reiterate that all countries have an obligation to respect international law,” he said.

“But perhaps, bigger countries have larger obligation to respect international law. And that, in adhering to agreements that have already been signed and in implementing them is the real test of state behavior,” he added.

Japan, Australia, the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States also echoed support for the landmark ruling in its seventh year.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi underlined Tokyo’s opposition to attempts to change status quo by force or coercion.

“Japan renews its objection to maritime claims in the South China Sea that are inconsistent with UNCLOS and remains seriously concerned about the current situation,” he said.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiro Koshikawa in the Stratbase forum said the country also supports Manila commitment to the peaceful settlement of South China Sea disputes.

Australian Ambassador HK Yu said Canberra’s actions in the region would also be guided by its intention to enhance maritime security and uphold international law.

“That is why we invest so heavily in maritime partnerships in the region— to build maritime awareness, combat challenges like illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” she said.

“And that is why we will continue to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight, support the rights of others to do the same and strengthen our relationships with our regional partners,” she added.

European Union Ambassador Luc Veron added that the bloc is one with the Philippines and other international partners in stressing the importance of upholding international law as basis for peace and stability.

“The EU is determined to work with the Philippines and other partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific and, more broadly, a free and open international order based on the rule of law, respecting the UN Charter to the benefit of all countries, irrespective of their size or their power,” he said.

“The EU also stands ready to facilitate activities which help build confidence, and prevent and defuse tensions,” he added.

UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils likewise affirmed that the UK will stand up for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-aggression.

French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, meanwhile, pointed out that the ruling’s relevance is gaining “a stronger momentum”, citing the wider support of like-minded nations.

“We welcome this trend and we will continue to show our support. We will continue to walk the talk,” she said.

She said France will also support the Philippines’ candidature to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 period. (PNA)

MANILA – The low pressure area (LPA) last tracked 295 km east of Infanta, Quezon and the southwest monsoon (habagat) will cause rains over most areas in the country, a forecaster said Thursday.

Patrick del Mundo of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours.

However, it is forecast to bring heavy rains over Aurora, Quezon and Camarines Norte.

Both the LPA and ‘habagat’ will cause rains the entire day across Luzon, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga and BARMM, according to Del Mundo.

“Take precautions against possible flooding due to heavy rains,” he said.

PAGASA, meanwhile, said Davao Region and Soccsksargen will experience isolated rain showers and thunderstorms due to ‘habagat’.

Severe thunderstorms may also result in flash floods.

Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas still prevail across the archipelago, PAGASA said. (PNA)

MANILA – The Catholic Church slammed the use of the image of Jesus Christ as a costume for being disrespectful.

In a statement Wednesday night, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs (CBCP-ECPA) said the act posted on social media is already bordering on “mockery and profanity”.

“Dancing to the tune of a sacred and biblical prayer, with matching sacred costume to boot, is completely disrespectful not only of people and institutions practicing such faith but of God Himself,” he said in a statement.

Secillano was referring to the video where former Drag Den Philippines contestant Pura Luka Vega was seen wearing makeup and a costume resembling Jesus Christ while performing to the tune of the liturgical song “Ama Namin” (Our Father).

The July 10 post on Twitter has so far more than 13 million views, 7,551 likes, and 980 retweets.

Secillano noted that individuals must be “extremely prudent” with their acts, especially those that will involve elements of religion and faith.

“Faith and sacred objects are not for entertainment purposes. They are useful for channeling our deepest desire to have recourse to the Divine,” he said. (PNA)

By Benjamin Cuaresma

ZAMBOANGA, Sibugay — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully completed a crucial and highly anticipated road project in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, bringing significant advancements in agribusiness, ecotourism, and logistics to the island of Olutanga and the town of Alicia.

Under the leadership of Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, who oversees DPWH infrastructure flagship projects as part of the “Build Better More” program, the once arduous and treacherous journey due to a muddy road that persisted for decades is now a thing of the past. The construction of a concrete highway known as Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road has transformed the travel experience in the region.

The 29.7-kilometer Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road, one of the three core road projects under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-assisted Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (IGCMRSP), has been successfully implemented and completed by DPWH through its Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) – Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral).

This road serves as a game changer for the socio-economic growth and development of Alicia and Olutanga Island.

During an ocular inspection on July 7-8, 2023, Senior Undersecretary Sadain reported to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan that the construction of the inter-island Guicam Bridge, which is a separate non-core component of IGCMRSP and is connected to the Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road, is now 43% completed. The target is to finish the bridge by 2024.

Spanning a total length of 1.21 kilometers, the Guicam Bridge will link Barangay Guicam in Alicia to Barangay Hula-Hula in Mabuhay, crossing the Canaliso Strait. It will serve as a vital transportation and economic connector between the three municipalities of Olutanga Island (Olutanga, Talusan, and Mabuhay) and the mainland municipality of Alicia, facilitating travel to other towns in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The long-term impact of this project will contribute to sustaining peace and security on the island, while also harnessing socio-economic opportunities and fostering growth in the communities.

Olutanga Island holds vast potential for tourism and agro-fishery, boasting an extensive coastline with beaches, snorkeling and diving sites, as well as the production of high-value aqua and fisheries products such as “Lapulapu” fish cage farming, dried fish-making, and the seaweed industry.

The IGCMRSP, which is financed with a budget of P25.257 billion, including a loan of P19.080 billion from the Asian Development Bank and P6.117 billion funded by the Government of the Philippines, consists of eight sub-projects. These include the paving of approximately 151.05 kilometers of roads with Portland concrete cement, and the construction of 31 bridges with a total length of 2,132.62 meters, all located in Zamboanga Peninsula. Additionally, three bridges with a total length of 1,790 lineal meters are being constructed in the island province of Tawi-Tawi.

Senior Undersecretary Sadain, accompanied by UPMO Project Directors Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim and Benjamin A. Bautista, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario, and Project Manager Emmanuel M. Supe, also inspected the completed 24-kilometer Alicia-Malangas Road with eight bridges, the 17.93-kilometer Siay-Gapol Road with two ongoing bridges in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, and the ongoing 24.52-kilometer R.T. Lim-Siocon Road with eight bridges connecting the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte.

Under the supervision of Project Director Hasim, DPWH UPMO – Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral) has already completed 122.07 kilometers of paved roads, which accounts for 81% of the project, and 11 out of 34 bridges. By the end of December 2023, DPWH aims to increase the total length of paved roads to 143.12 kilometers and complete an additional eight bridges.

(ai/mnm)

MANILA — A video that has gone viral shows Lyle Adams Fernandez y Yanguas, a 32-year-old suspect from Brgy. Anolit Mangaldan, Pangasinan, leaping from the third floor of Manila City Hall on Wednesday (12 July 2023) following an inquest proceeding.

According to reports, after the conclusion of the inquest, Fernandez was being escorted by two police officers from the Manila Police Department , PCpl Acnam and PSSg Rolando Capuz, both assigned to the Ermita Police Station, when suddenly the suspect jumped through an open window, landing hard on the pavement below.

The MDRRMO rescue team quickly arrived at the scene to stabilize Fernandez and promptly transported him to the Philippine General Hospital for treatment.

As a result of the attempted suicide, Fernandez sustained multiple injuries and lacerations. At present, he is receiving medical care.

Prior to the proceedings, Fernandez was facing several charges, including violations of RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition), Art. 155 (Alarms and Scandal and/or Indiscriminate Firing), Art. 285 (Other Forms of Threat), Art. 266 (Slight Physical Injury), and RA 9262 (Violence Against Women and Their Children).

Major Philipp Inez, the MPD’s Public Information chief, emphasized that police escorts Acnam and Capuz have been relieved from their duties.

An ongoing investigation will determine if any lapses occurred, potentially leading to administrative charges against them.

Videos and photographs provided by the Manila Police District showcase the incident. (ai/mnm)

By Benjamin Cuaresma

MANILA — Secretary Susan Ople of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Wednesday that the department’s modernization initiative will commence with the upcoming launch of a digital application featuring the OFW Pass, a digital alternative to the traditional Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

Ople revealed that the DMW mobile app is currently undergoing rigorous testing by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) before its official release. “We appreciate the assistance and support provided by the DICT in ensuring the security of our mobile app,” the secretary stated.

During her presentation at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum, hosted by respected journalist Marichu Villanueva of the Philippine Star, Ople explained that the concept for the app and OFW Pass was born out of the demand from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for a more convenient alternative to the paper-based OEC, which also requires a fee of P100.

Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the DMW has issued an order making the OFW Pass and DMW Mobile App free for all OFW users.

“President Marcos emphasized that the OFW Pass should be provided free of charge as a tribute to the immense sacrifices and contributions of our modern-day heroes to their families and the Philippine economy as a whole,” Ople affirmed.

She cited data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showing a 3.2% increase in dollar remittances from January to April 2023 ($10,487,040) compared to the same period last year ($10,166,678).

“Given the significant and consistent contributions of our OFWs to the country’s economic growth and the well-being of their families, waiving the P100 fee for the OEC was an easy decision to make,” Ople emphasized.

The OFW Pass is scheduled to be launched once the DICT gives its approval to the DMW. The DMW mobile app will be made available on both Google Play and the Apple Store. To ensure synchronization in terms of database management and other relevant processes, the DMW and the Bureau of Immigration have signed a Memorandum of Agreement.

“Our aim is to simplify the journey of our OFWs. The OFW Pass, in contrast to the decades-old OEC, offers convenience, practicality, and is free of charge. In the future, we hope to incorporate additional features into our mobile app and integrate it with the DICT’s e-Gov app. However, for now, our focus is on educating our OFWs about the features of the OFW Pass,” Ople concluded.
(AI/MNM)

DMW Sec. Toots Ople (with mic) / B. Cuaresma