THE Philippine men’s team quietly but strongly pulled off a major accomplishment by leapfrogging 111 notches from No. 167 down in the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) world rankings to No. 56 following two victories at the ongoing Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Men in Taipei.
“This is one big, major achievement for our men’s indoor volleyball team,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Wednesday.
“This is by far the most significant accomplishment by our men’s team and the PNVF just under three years into its establishment as the national federation,” Suzara added.
The Philippines is one of only three of the 222 FIVB member nations which made a major stride in the world rankings.
Macau jumped from No. 165 to No. 58 and Mongolia from No 164 to No. 59 with both countries also competing in Taiwan.
The national men’s team currently vying in Taipei is composed of Vincent Raphael Mangulabanan, Noel Michael Kampton, Kim Harold Dayandante, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Ryan Andrew Banez, Kim Malabunga, Jayvee Sumagaysay, Steve Charles Rotter, Adrian Villados, John Vic de Guzman, Joshua Umandal, Edward Camposano, Bryan Bagunas, Marck Jesus Espejo, Rex Emmanuel Intal, Madzlan Gampong, Lloyd Josafat, Cyrus de Guzman, Manual Sumanguid III and Chumason Celestine Njigha.
The team is led by PNVF director Rod Roque and handled by Brazilian head coach Sergio Veloso and deputy coaches Odjie Mamon and Rommel Abella with team manager Jerome Guhit, strength and conditioning coach Melchidedek Samonte and statistician Mark Gil Alfafara.
The PNVF also sent FIVB referee Janus Dumaran to Taiwan.
The nationals beat Macau, 25-21, 25-15, 25-14, last Sunday and Mongolia, 22-25, 25-21, 26-24, 23-25, 15-12, on Monday to reach the final 12 of the AVC Challenge Cup for Men at the University of Taipei Hall.
The Filipinos went on to give powerhouse Bahrain a scare before yielding, 25-20, 25-17, 25-23, at the resumption of play on Wednesday morning.
Also competing in Taiwan are the host country, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, India, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.
(ai/mnm)
The selected LTCs are as follows:
St. Louis University in Baguio City
Cagayan State University
University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City
The University of Sto. Tomas in Manila
San Beda College-Manila
San Beda College-Alabang
Manila Adventist College
University of the Philippines-Diliman
University of the Philippines-Bonifacio Global City
University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City
University of San Carlos in Cebu City
Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Education Foundation in Tacloban City
Ateneo de Davao University
Xavier University
According to the Bar Bulletin 4 series of 2023 released by the Supreme Court, San Beda College-Alabang has been chosen as the national headquarters for the Bar exams.
Additionally, the Supreme Court has outlined the venue selection process for examinees. Each examinee has been assigned a randomized queuing number (RQN) that will determine their time slot and examination schedule.
The venue selection period is as follows: July 24, from 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon (for RQN holders from one to 2,805); 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (for RQN holders from 2,806 to 5,610); July 25, from 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon (for RQN holders from 5,611 to 8,415); and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (for RQN holders of 8,416 and above).
On July 20, 2023, the RQN will be sent to the examinee’s BARISTA account and registered email address.
The Supreme Court bulletin states, “Your right to venue preference is considered waived if you fail to select an LTC within your assigned time slot. In that case, you will be automatically assigned to an LTC in the province or region nearest to your current address or law school, depending on the remaining available slots after the venue selection period.”
(ai/mnm)
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday said that July 12 of every year should be declared as National West Philippine Sea Victory Day to commemorate the 2016 triumph of the Philippines before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague, Netherlands.
“Commemorating our 2016 victory every year can help weaken China’s spurious claims over our own territories. Paulit-ulit ang kasinungalingan at propaganda ng Tsina, kaya’t tayo sa Pilipinas, dapat hindi rin humihinto sa pagsiwalat ng katotohanan. Umpisahan na natin sa pagpapapatibay ng kaalaman ng ating mga mamamayan tungkol sa ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea,” Hontiveros said.
Proposed Senate Resolution # 674, refiled from 2021, highlights that the landmark case ruled against the Chinese government’s claims to historic and sovereign rights vis-a-vis maritime areas in the West Philippine Sea.
The ruling declared that China’s claims were contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and that China had breached her obligations with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights over our continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“Sa kabila ng makasaysayang tagumpay ng Pilipinas noong 2016, patuloy parin ang panghihimasok ng Tsina sa ating EEZ. Patuloy parin ang pagtaboy niya sa ating mga mangingisdang ngayo’y nawawalan na ng kabuhayan dahil sa presensiya ng Tsina sa ating karagatan. Patuloy ang pangha-harass at pambubully sa ating coast guard. Patuloy ang hindi pagrespeto sa ating pambansang dignidad,” Hontiveros said.
The arbitration case was initiated by the Philippine government, led by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, after Chinese vessels began denying Filipino fisherfolk access to their traditional fishing grounds in Panatag Shoal and other parts of the WPS. Because of China’s continued aggression in Philippine territory, Hontiveros said that the Marcos administration should likewise conceive of ways to further strengthen our claim over the WPS.
Last month, the senator also filed PSR 659, calling on the Philippine government, through the Dept. of Foreign Affairs, to raise the WPS issue to the UN General Assembly, noting that a UNGA win could carry significant political weight in favor of the Philippines.
“Government must take every possible action in the name of our national sovereignty. Huwag nating hayaang balewalain lang ng Tsina ang kalayaan at soberanyang ipinamana sa atin ng ating mga ninuno. Kaya, kahit man lang isang beses sa bawat taon, ipagbunyi natin ang West Philippine Sea. Ipagmalaki natin ang tapang at puso ng bawat Pilipinong tumitindig sa Tsina. Ipaglaban natin ang Pilipinas,” Hontiveros concluded.
(ai/mtvn)
WITH the introduction of a hassle-free application program for the certification of overseas Filipino workers (OFW), Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada called for the enactment of measures that will establish full interoperability of all government systems and services to reduce red tape and expedite the digital transformation of the country.
“These bold and innovative steps mark a significant milestone in ensuring the welfare and well-being of our modern-day heroes. By eliminating unnecessary fees in issuing Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs), we’re showing them the respect and appreciation they deserve. I’m hoping we could sustain and build on the digital transformation of government operations and processes to increase efficiency, productivity, and transparency,” Estrada said.
In response to reports on the upcoming hassle-free app of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which will make the OEC free of charge, Estrada is pushing for the development and enhancement of electronic government (e-government) services and processes, including the implementation of an online payment system and business registration-related transactions.
Estrada, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, has been advocating for the establishment of an E-Government Master Plan and the institutionalization of a national policy on the adoption of digital payments for government disbursements and collections.
One of the veteran lawmakers’ proposals, Senate Bill No. 803, also known as the “Use of Digital Payments Act,” aims to enhance transparency and expedite the distribution of financial aid to the most vulnerable sectors, especially in times of crisis. It also seeks to mandate the digital payment of goods, services, and other disbursements in government transactions.
Another measure introduced by Estrada, Senate Bill No. 455, or the proposed “E-Government Act,” aims to provide a legal framework for the establishment of an E-Government Master Plan. This includes provisions for interoperability, database and resource sharing network, archives, records management system, and an online payment system, among others.
“Through a user-friendly app, such as a dedicated app for the issuance of OECs, we can save time and resources for both the government and our OFWs while providing accessible and responsive services to our hardworking OFWs,” Estrada emphasized.
“Many countries are implementing different types of e-government and have already had a digital transformation of their financial system to intensify the provision of services to the public. We need to keep up with these changes,” he added. (ai/mnm)
By Benjie Cuaresma
During her directional meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Mayor Honey Lacuna of Manila expressed her desire for all City Government heads in Manila to prepare their own accomplishment reports especially on health in her first State of the City Address for the year 2023.
Mayor Lacuna, the first woman Chief Executive of Manila, emphasized the importance of regular checkups to prevent potential illnesses, given her background as a doctor.
She discovered that several departments and bureaus had not ensured that all their personnel underwent checkups.
Although free medical checkups were offered to city government employees, not all of them have taken advantage of the services provided.
Mayor Lacuna expressed her sadness regarding instances where employees and even officials of the city have passed away unexpectedly due to illnesses that could have been detected earlier.
Mayor Lacuna firmly believes in the saying “Health Is Wealth” and asserts that if city workers are healthy, they will be able to provide better services for the residents and the city as a whole. (AI/MNM)
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), it may take three to five years before schools can revert to the old academic calendar.
This is in response to a push from several groups to move back the April-May break for students due to the intense heat during the dry season.
DepEd spokesman Michael Poa stated that the decision to return to the old calendar would be based on an ongoing study by the agency, and they are waiting for the final evaluation of the team.
The transition back to the old calendar would need to consider two aspects. The first is whether or not to go back to the old calendar due to concerns about the hot classrooms during the dry season.
The second aspect is the implementation timeline. Even if the decision is made to revert to the old calendar, it would not happen this year. Based on preliminary findings, it would take at least three to five years to make the transition.
Poa also mentioned that typhoons and floods should be considered when making decisions about the school calendar.
In terms of addressing the heat, alternative delivery modes have been implemented, and school heads have been instructed not to require students to come to school when it’s too hot. Poa emphasized that they have alternative delivery modes available.
Regarding the curriculum, the DepEd is set to launch a revised curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10 (K to 10) in the School Year 2024-2025.
The current K to 10 curriculum has been deemed highly congested, making it difficult for learners to master the subjects within a school year and for teachers to effectively teach them.
The revised curriculum will focus more on subjects like math, science, English, reading, and values formation to improve the quality of basic education.
The review of the K to 12 curriculum is still ongoing. The DepEd aims to align it with industry demands to enhance the employability of learners.
The promise of the K to 12 programs is to make learners employable, but there is recognition that more work needs to be done in that regard. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – The distinguished Philippine Blu Girls are leaving no stone unturned, making sure they will make the country proud in the Softball World Cup to be held in Italy on July 22-27.
“It’s going to be tough. We’re not going to win the World Cup but I think the team will do good and make the country proud,” catcher Cheska Altamonte said without mincing words.
The Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (AsaPhil) secretary general graced Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, and was joined by first-base Elsie dela Torre.
“Prepared naman kami at puspusan ang ensayo (We are prepared and have been training hard),” dela Torre said ahead of the team’s departure for Italy on July 16.
It will be the Blu Girls’ seventh stint in the World Cup since 1970 when the country registered its best finish of third in Osaka, Japan.
The forthcoming stint would not be easy, as Altamonte said during the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
In the 18-team World Cup, where the United States is the defending champion, the Blu Girls are bracketed with three-time champion Japan, Canada, Venezuela, New Zealand, and host Italy. Their first game will be against the Canadians on July 22.
“There are six teams in this World Cup that made it to the Tokyo Olympics and three of them are in our bracket (Japan, Canada, and Italy),” Altamonte said. “We’ve won against Japan and we’ve never played Italy. New Zealand, we’ve won against them. And Venezuela is the most frustrating for us because laging panalo dapat (we want to always win). Canada we’ve won against (them) in 2017.”
“That’s why it has to be a perfect game,” Altamonte said, adding that she would not be playing all matches to give the other catchers in the Blu Girls lineup the chance to compete against the best.
“Now, the majority of our players are homegrown because that’s part of the program aimed at elevating the level of play here. We have a lot of new players. But you can see them growing and getting better.”
The Blu Girls will try to make the most of their World Cup stint as they prepare for the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September, and hope for a podium finish.
“Kaya talaga (We can do it). A podium finish is very realistic. I believe we can do it,” she said of the Blu Girls, whose best finish in the Asian Games was fourth in 2014 in Incheon and 2018 in Jakarta. (PNA)
ANKARA – Multiple pregnancy and birth rates, which decreased due to disruptions in reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) during the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, has increased recently after the pandemic lost its effect across the world.
After the pandemic, an increase in multiple pregnancies was observed in the US, France, South Korea, China and Türkiye with the elimination of disruptions and restrictions in the treatment process, according to the data compiled by an Anadolu correspondent on the occasion of World Population Day.
July 11 is celebrated as “World Population Day” every year with the adoption of the proposal submitted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the UN General Assembly in 1989.
On this day, efforts are made to raise awareness of various issues related to the population.
During the Covid-19 outbreak, disruptions were reported in IVF and IVF-like reproductive treatments.
Covid-19 restrictions also disrupted economic activities and social life.
The condition of having two or more babies in the womb is called multiple pregnancy. (Anadolu)
ANKARA – The world’s population has shot past 8 billion, even as its growth rate has slowed.
The figure rose from 7 billion in 2011 and 6 billion in 1999, according to data compiled by Anadolu ahead of World Population Day on July 11.
The world is expected to have more than 10 billion people by 2100, a report from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) showed.
India is expected to be the most populous country in 2023 with 1.428 billion people, followed by China with 1.425 billion and the US with 340 million.
Eight countries – the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania – will account for more than half of the predicted increase in the world population by 2050.
With 85.28 million inhabitants, Türkiye was the world’s 18th-most populous country last year, according to TurkStat, the state statistics authority. (Anadolu)
MANILA – The local stock barometer and the peso both gained on Tuesday’s trading.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 18.92 points to 6,398.64, with all shares gaining by 10.87 points to 3,429.87.
Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said the local bourse mirrors the advances in equities in the United States ahead of the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index.
All sectors recorded growth except for Industrial, which declined by 28.27 points to 9,067.52.
Leading the gainers was Mining and Oil, the shares of which improved by 38.17 points to 9,864.04.
It was followed by Property, up by 32.04 points to 2,587.77; Holding Firms, 9.27 points to 6,305.48; Services, 5.91 points to 1,560.87; and Financials, 3.80 points to 1,829.98.
The total value of shares traded reached PHP3.07 billion.
Gainers led losers at 96 to 87, with 41 firms left unchanged.
Meanwhile, the peso gained 0.44, ending the day at 55.25 to the US dollar, compared to the previous day’s closing of 55.69.
The local currency opened the day slightly weak at 55.58 from its kick-off of 55.55 on Monday.
The currency pair traded between 55.23 and 55.63, bringing the day’s average at 55.39 to the dollar.
The volume of trade was also higher at USD1.26 billion from USD748.65 million the previous day. (PNA)
MANILA – The economic team headed by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has begun the US-Canada non-deal roadshow (NDR) to drum up investment interest in the country’s priority sectors and brief international businesses and financial communities on the latest developments in the Philippines’ economic performance.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the roadshow aims to promote investment opportunities, particularly infrastructure and green energy.
Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr., National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Treasurer of the Philippines Rosalia de Leon will also lead in-depth discussions on the country’s overall growth outlook, the Maharlika Investment Fund, and the Marcos administration’s development plan.
They will host a Philippine Economic Briefing at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Canada on July 13 (Eastern Daylight Time).
Economic managers are expecting the Philippine economy to expand by 6 percent to 7 percent in 2023 after it accelerated by 6.4 percent in the first quarter of the year.
The roadshow kicked off with a series of meetings with American asset management firms and fixed-income investors at the Citi headquarters in New York City on July 10.
The NDR is jointly organized by the BSP-Investor Relations Group, DOF, BofA Securities, Canada-ASEAN Business Council, Global Affairs Canada, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Philippine Embassy in Canada, Standard Chartered Bank, Sun Life, and UBS. (PNA)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Residents of 23 remote sitios in central Pangasinan will soon have improved electricity through an electrification program of the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
In an interview on Tuesday, Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENPELCO) general manager Rodrigo Corpuz said they would implement the project, which is worth PHP19.2 million and funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2023.
“The winning bidder was already awarded the project and implementation is underway. The construction of line will be more or less PHP18 million while the house wiring will be allocated with PHP1.2 million,” he said.
He added that the house wiring is given for free to 246 household beneficiaries.
“Kasi alam ng gobyerno na sa bandang dulo ay minsan ay medyo kailangan nila ng ayuda para rito (The government knows that those who are living in remote areas need assistance, such as this),” he said.
The beneficiaries are from Bayambang, Binmaley, Bugallon, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Mangaldan towns, and San Carlos City.
Corpuz clarified that all 500 barangays in Central Pangasinan are already fully energized or have electricity but due to increasing population and housing, the expanded sitios emerged.
“Sila yong mga nagpapatayo sa dulong parte ng mga barangay kaya kailangan i-extend ulit para hindi magkaron ng service drop at sa gayon mas improved at mas maganda ang boltahe ng kuryente nila (Some residents built their houses in far-flung areas of the barangay so there is a need to extend power supply there so they won’t experience a power drop and they could enjoy a better flow of electricity),” he said.
He said the beneficiaries were chosen based on the number of households in that area.
“The national government wanted to reach even the farthest sitios to enjoy electricity like the others but the cooperative could not handle the cost so there is this project,” Corpuz said.
Last year, 22 other sitios in the province also benefited from the project.
“We still have (a) few more sitios lined up for next year and we hope they will again be funded,” he said. (PNA)
BACOLOD CITY – The city government here is set to launch a Swiss challenge for the multi-billion development of the famous Manokan Country to promote local food tourism.
As of Tuesday, preparations are underway for the publication of a notice inviting interested companies to challenge the unsolicited proposal of property giant SM Prime Holdings, Inc. amounting to PHP4.5 billion.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the rehabilitation of the Manokan Country, a row of food stalls mainly serving charcoal-grilled chicken or chicken inasal, through public-private partnership is an innovation aimed to enhance economic governance and fiscal management.
“It’s for publication. We have already finished all the provisions of the agreement. We have a successful negotiation. It will be put in publication to see if there is a challenger,” he added.
Earlier this year, SM Prime presented to the city government a revised unsolicited proposal for the development of the Manokan Country together with the adjacent Vendors’ Plaza located at the Reclamation Area.
Benitez said a lot needs to be improved and upgraded at the Manokan Country, including the physical venue itself, the kitchens, and the restrooms.
“All the development will be geared towards making it a tourist destination. We know for a fact that Manokan Country is the pride and joy of the city and we would like to elevate it to be more viable,” he added.
Republic Act 7718, which amended RA 6957, provides that “unsolicited proposals for projects may be accepted by any government agency or local government unit on a negotiated basis.”
Under the Swiss challenge system, third parties are allowed to make better offers or challenges for a project during a designated period, and the original proponent has the right to counter or match any superior offers. (PNA)
MANILA – A leader of the House of Representatives on Tuesday gave President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. a grade of 8.41 out of 10 after one year into his presidency.
House ways and means committee chair Joey Salceda said Marcos generally had a “good start” to a presidency and has maintained credibility and political capital among a vast majority of people.
Salceda said the Philippine economy under Marcos saw strong growth as the country recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 7.6 percent in the third quarter of 2022, 7.1 percent in the fourth quarter of the same year, and 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023.
He said the GDP per quarter under Marcos has consistently been above the historic average of 5.9 percent.
“Macroeconomic policies are largely conventional, and conservative approach is keeping confidence Philippines’ fundamentals strong,” he said.
He also noted that unemployment is at a “steady decline” since Marcos took office in June last year.
“There are 290,000 more jobs under the latest jobs report than when President Marcos took over in June 2022. More importantly, existing and new jobs are better-paying, as the March underemployment rate of 11.2 percent is the lowest it has been since April 2005,” he said.
He said inflation is likewise on a “downward momentum,” as the May inflation rate of 6.1 percent is the fourth consecutive month since January 2023 that inflation has declined.
He highlighted that rice farmers are getting paid more as indicated by a 10.6 percent increase in farmgate prices for palay per kilogram (kg) from PHP17.24 per kg in May 2022 to PHP19.06 per kg in May 2023.
“This indicates that farmers are getting a better deal for their produce. This is also the opposite of what was observed during the initial months of rice tariffication, when farmgate prices declined faster than retail prices did,” he said.
In terms of key legislative accomplishments, Salceda noted that two major pieces of legislation are up for the President’s signature, particularly the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund Act, the proposed Department of Health Specialty Centers Act.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, said the House has approved on third and final reading 33 out of 42 bills listed as priority measures of Marcos and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), which form part of the total 577 bills passed on final reading, including the PHP5.268-trillion 2023 national budget.
“Processes and systems can always be improved. I believe there are still better ways we can perform our mandate of legislation without sacrificing the quality of our work,” he said.
He said if the productivity of the House of Representatives during the first year of the 19th Congress is an indication, he is confident that the chamber can accomplish its goals for the rest of 2023.
“If members of the House of Representatives will work with the same passion and vigor they exhibited during the First Regular Session, I have no doubt that we can do better this time around,” he added.
During the first 10 months of the 19th Congress, the chamber has processed a total of 9,600 measures — 8,490 bills, 1,109 resolutions and one petition. This is an average of 30 measures for each session day. (PNA)
MANILA – The Sandiganbayan has turned down the motions for reconsideration filed by a former Bukidnon lawmaker and his two co-accused in multiple counts of graft and malversation.
“The findings stand” for former Bukidnon 1st District congressman Candido Pancrudo, private individual Johanne Edward Labay of the Farmer-Business Development Corp., and former Technology Resource Center legislative liaison officer Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana.
They were convicted in April arising from the misuse of PHP36.9 million from the ex-lawmaker’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) between 2007 and 2008.
Pancrudo, 67, served from 2007 to 2010.
The ghost PDAF projects were training and livelihood seminars and purchase of training materials.
“After a careful study, the Court finds no valid reason to reconsider or modify the decision dated April 14, 2023. The arguments raised by the accused have already been considered and passed upon by the Court when it rendered the aforementioned decision,” the court said in its July 10 decision.
The four counts of malversation of public funds carried a total prison term ranging from 48 to 70 years with a fine of PHP32.8 million each.
They were sentenced to jail terms of six to 13 years for each count and fined PHP4.1 million each for malversation of public funds through falsification of public documents.
Prosecutors said the transactions did not undergo public bidding, were not liquidated, and were preferentially accommodated in the examination, processing, and approval of fund releases. (PNA)
MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday underscored the importance of thorough inspection in preventing Filipinos from being human trafficking victims.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the BI’s series of inquiries, particularly on its secondary inspection, help them uncover possible human trafficking schemes.
“Our immigration officers play a crucial role in preventing these illegal activities at our airports. Their dedication and thoroughness in identifying potential victims are key in our fight against human trafficking,” he said.
Tansingco made the statement following another report of an online recruitment wherein a 49-year-old Amsterdam-bound Filipina has been reportedly urged to come up with false departure claims.
The interception happened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 last July 4.
“During secondary inspection, the victim claimed to be a businesswoman on vacation to Amsterdam. She presented various business documents in an attempt to support her claim,” the BI said.
An immigration interview further resulted in the victim’s disclosure that she paid around PHP148,000 for her ticket and fake documents as a businesswoman.
To date, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking initiated assistance to the victim to file possible charges against her employer.
Meanwhile, Tansingco maintained a stance to pursue stringent measures to ensure the protection of Filipino travelers amid complaints about long immigration queues and lengthy inspection procedures.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to combat human trafficking and protect the rights and welfare of individuals who may fall victim to these illegal activities,” he said.
The BI earlier confirmed NAIA’s commitment to expanding immigration areas to address challenges in queues. (PNA)
MANILA – The Office of the Vice President has distributed relief goods to some 25 families who are now staying in two evacuation centers in Davao City in the aftermath of a landslide that damaged their houses last July 4.
The OVP-Davao Satellite Office distributed the food boxes to the victims whose houses in Purok 46-B, San Vicente Bangkal, Talomo, Davao City were destroyed by the landslide which occurred after three days of continuous rain.
The affected families are now temporarily sheltered at the evacuation centers in San Vicente Ferrer GKK Chapel and in a daycare center.
The OVP Rice Food Box distributed last Friday contained three kilos of rice, two cans of sardines, two cans of tuna flakes in oil, a can of corned beef and five packs of beef noodles. (PNA)
Marian Buitre (11) and KC Galdones (12) of Petro Gazz try to stop the thundering spike attempt of Jessa Dorog of Farm Fresh during their PVL Invitational Conference encounter at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of The Manila Times)
Petro Gazz displayed resilience as they fended off a determined Farm Fresh squad, clinching a 25-21, 31-29, 25-17 victory in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, July 11.
Grethcel Soltones spearheaded the Angels’ charge with an impressive 16-point performance, leading them to their second consecutive win in pool B with a 2-1 win-loss record.
Soltones showcased her skills not only in scoring but also in defense, contributing nine excellent digs. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas provided strong support with 15 points.
“We struggled with our timing. We were too eager to score right away. We had a strong desire to make a statement and win immediately,” expressed Petro Gazz head coach Oliver Almadro.
“I emphasized to them that patience and composure would be key in securing the victory.”
Cienne Cruz contributed 10 excellent digs and 19 receptions, while Djanel Cheng delivered 10 excellent sets for the Angels.
Petro Gazz aims to extend their winning streak to three as they go up against F2 Logistics on Thursday, July 13.
On the other hand, Gayle Pascual led the charge for the Foxies with 11 points and seven digs, providing a tough challenge for the Angels, especially in the tightly contested second set.
Cloanne Mondonedo showcased her skills with eight excellent sets, while Kate Santiago contributed seven points and 12 excellent receptions.
With this loss, the Foxies remain at the bottom of pool B with a 0-3 record. They will seek their first win when they face the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday, July 15.
(ai/mnm)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. maintains unwavering faith in Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon’s capability to alleviate poverty.
The President reiterated his trust after officially swearing Gadon into office on Monday evening.
Through a concise statement shared on his official social media accounts, Marcos expressed that appointing Gadon was a vital part of his administration’s ongoing endeavors to eradicate poverty and hunger in the nation.
“In light of his experience and abilities, I firmly believe that he will make significant contributions in addressing the needs of our fellow countrymen,” Marcos stated in Filipino.
Gadon’s appointment as Presidential Adviser garnered criticism from the public following the Supreme Court en banc’s unanimous decision (15-0) last month to remove Gadon from its roll. This ruling was prompted by a viral video clip where Gadon directed repeated profanity and offensive remarks towards journalist Raissa Robles.
In response, the embattled and ardent supporter of Marcos expressed his intention to file a motion for reconsideration, citing the ruling as excessively severe.
Gadon also pledged to assist in mitigating malnutrition among Filipino children through his initiative called ‘Batang Busog, Malusog’ or BBM Movement, coinciding with the observance of National Nutrition Month in July.
Mark Leviste and Kris Aquino (Pep.ph photo courtesy)
Kris Aquino, the esteemed television and multimedia personality, has made public her separation from Mark Leviste, the Vice Governor of Batangas. Aquino cited the challenges posed by a long-distance relationship, primarily due to her health condition.
In a heartfelt open letter shared on social media on Monday night (Manila time), Aquino expressed her sentiments towards Leviste, accompanied by a photograph capturing their togetherness. This marked the first time the 52-year-old addressed their relationship publicly, as rumors of their romance emerged back in January.
As Leviste prepared to return to Batangas to fulfill his duties as a public servant, Aquino acknowledged the profound impact he had on her life. She expressed, “Marc (yes it’s with a C) @markleviste is leaving to go home to fulfill his obligations to his Batangas constituents. Nobody I’ve ever been in a relationship with has ever given me as much love & encouragement. He wasn’t only my boyfriend, he became my best friend and confidante, truly dependable. The usage of WAS is correct.”
Aquino also candidly revealed her declining health condition, disclosing her connective tissue disease, which is a combination of Churg Strauss, the progression of Crest Syndrome, and the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and SLE. She described the progression of her physical manifestations, including swollen knees, excruciating leg pain, back swelling, and discolored toenails.
The severity of her condition led Aquino to acknowledge the inherent challenges of sustaining a long-distance relationship, prompting her to request a pause in their relationship to prioritize her well-being.
“I asked Marc for a pause because with my condition the way it is now, I’m self-aware enough to know that a long-distance relationship will be next to impossible for us to maintain. For the Filipinos working all over the world, I know I’m blessed to have Kuya Josh and Bimb with me – but most moms reading this will agree, we don’t want our kids to suffer from anxiety about our health, especially if you’re a solo parent like me,” she continued.
With deep gratitude, Aquino expressed her appreciation for Leviste while acknowledging the physical and geographical barriers that currently separate them.
Since June 2022, Aquino has been residing in the United States to undergo medical treatment for various autoimmune disorders.