The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has been vindicated in its decision to terminate the Small-Town Lottery (STL) operations of Saturn Gaming Corporation in Southern Leyte and the Province of Cebu. It was determined that Saturn Gaming had violated the rules and regulations outlined in the Agency Agreement.
This confirmation came after the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court Branch 209 granted the PCSO’s Omnibus Motion to reconsider its previous order issued on May 19, 2023, which had allowed Saturn Gaming to continue operating. The court also invalidated the writ of preliminary injunction against the PCSO, dated June 8, 2023.
Additionally, the court denied Saturn Gaming’s motion to hold PCSO in contempt of court, which the company had filed on May 31 of this year.
According to court records, Saturn Gaming had filed a motion to hold PCSO in contempt of court after the PCSO insisted that the gaming operator’s right to operate had already been revoked several months prior, despite the writ of preliminary injunction obtained by Saturn Gaming on May 19.
Presiding Judge Monique Quisumbing-Ignacio of the Mandaluyong Trial Court Branch 209 stated in her decision that the court found the PCSO’s Omnibus Motion to be valid based on several key points.
First, she emphasized that Saturn Gaming Corporation is merely an agent of the PCSO and is bound by the Agency Agreement, which can be terminated at the PCSO’s discretion if the gaming operator violates the agreement’s provisions.
The court further emphasized that Saturn Gaming Corporation does not possess any inherent rights but operates based on the privileges granted by the PCSO.
The court order also highlighted that issuing a writ of preliminary injunction would create a new contract or modify the Agency Agreement.
“The court rightly recognized that it has no authority to modify or create new agreements,” the same order stated.
Moreover, the court referred to the Small-Town Lottery Implementing Rules and Regulations (STL-RIRR), which explicitly state that the PCSO can automatically terminate the Agency Agreement based on specified grounds.
The decision emphasized the finality and binding nature of such termination notices, emphasizing the importance of the STL-RIRR.
PCSO General Manager Mel Robles welcomed the court’s decision, reiterating the organization’s commitment to removing abusive STL operators who violate the terms and conditions of the AAC Agreement.
He warned other STL operators to consider this as a warning that the PCSO is determined to cleanse their ranks and will not hesitate to terminate the operations of those engaged in unlawful practices.
It is worth recalling that the PCSO terminated Saturn Gaming’s authority to operate on March 8, 2023, citing multiple violations of the terms and conditions of the ACC Agreement, as outlined in Board Resolution No. 55 Series of 2023.
However, on May 26, 2023, Saturn Gaming Corporation informed the PCSO of its intention to resume STL operations in Southern Leyte and the province of Cebu, claiming to have obtained a writ of preliminary injunction from Judge Aileen Saquing Agacita of Branch 213.
On June 2, 2023, RTC Branch 213 ordered the case to be assigned to a different judge.
Judge Agacita voluntarily recused herself from the case to dispel doubts of partiality and uphold the integrity of the justice system.
GM Robles emphasized that the favorable outcome of this legal battle solidifies the PCSO’s authority and control over the operation of small-town lotteries. It also affirms its power to revoke and terminate contracts at their discretion in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Nearly two years since it launched its ambitious, P2-billion Pasig River cleanup initiative, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) reported that it breached the 1-million metric ton mark of silt and solid waste removed from the historic but polluted waterway, adding it is optimistic the project can be fully completed by August, or right in the middle of the rainy season.
SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that with the use of bigger equipment it procured for the monumental undertaking, the company has been able to remove 1,312,615 tons of waste from critical sections of the Pasig River.
The project, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other government agencies, is in support of the Manila Bay rehabilitation effort and is being implemented at no cost to the government.
Ang said the company’s dedicated team as well as a fleet of heavy equipment, including some donated by Japanese shipping giant NYK Line in honor of its Filipino seafarers, will close in on the 1.5 million-ton mark by the time the initiative wraps up.
“More than the number of silt and solid waste removed from the river, we would like to emphasize the benefits of the river cleanup, such as the increase in its depth, and the widening of some narrow portions that have resulted in greater river capacity, faster water flow, and lesser chance of severe flooding, particularly in vulnerable communities near the River,” Ang said.
“We will be able to see the full benefit of the cleanup, in support of the government’s flood mitigation programs, as we expect heavy rains in the coming months,” Ang said.
SMC’s Pasig River cleanup output has also surpassed the 1.12 million tons of silt and waste it removed from another polluted major river, the Tullahan River, which has helped reduce incidences of severe flooding in the cities of Navotas, Malabon, Valenzuela, and Caloocan.
“For Tullahan River, we were able to reach our output in 26 months, or a little over two years, despite quarantine restrictions that delayed the start of the project in 2020,” Ang explained. “With restrictions easing, and with the benefit of larger equipment as well as learnings from the Tullahan cleanup, we were able to hit the same output for the Pasig River in just 20 months,” Ang said.
Currently, the average daily extraction output is at 2,000 metric tons with the current coverage at 21.62 kilometers, Ang said.
Ang said that SMC is now eyeing to further improve its river cleanup activities in Bulacan province, following its experience in Tullahan and Pasig Rivers. SMC’s Bulacan River cleanup covers the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System (MMORS) and has so far extracted a total of 498,908 metric tons of silt and solid waste.
San Miguel is also cleaning up the San Juan River, which connects to the Pasig River. So far, it has removed some 172,498 metric tons of silt and solid waste from the river.
Some residents and local officials near the 15-kilometer tributary already reported reduced flooding in their areas.
“Dati-rati, umaabot sa isa o dalawang palapag yung baha. Umuulan pa lang ay nagsisimula na kaming mag-akyat ng gamit. Pero ngayon di na masyado mataas ang tubig kaya wala na kami masyadong pangamba, (In the past, floodwaters would reach one or two storeys high. Whenever the rains start, we move all our stuff upstairs. But now, floodwaters are not that high, so we are not as alarmed,” said Reynaldo Balili, who lives near the Marilao Bridge in Quezon City where the San Juan River passes through.
For his part, Barangay Talayan chairperson Jerry Ongtauco said his constituents have always had to suffer through heavy flooding. “Hindi lang tubig pati basura ang napupunta dito. Napakahirap talaga para sa mga residente. Now, in the last two years, you can see that it has been partly solved (Both floodwaters and garbage reach our area so it is really difficult for the residents. Now, in the last two years, you can see that it (flooding) has been partly solved,” he said.
The company attributes the improvement of water flow to the increased depth of portions of the river from 0.5 to 1.5 meters to 2.5 to 4 meters. As part of its Skyway Stage 3 project years back, SMC also funded the cleanup of the San Juan River and the reconstruction of the San Juan River Bridge or Pinaglabanan Bridge.
Apart from the San Juan River, the Pasig River cleanup also benefits the Laguna Lake, particularly the towns surrounding it, which have experienced severe flooding in recent years due to heavy sedimentation of the said lake.
(ai/mnm)
Italy fended off a gritty challenge from Canada, 25-14, 23-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-9, to stay within striking distance of the pace-setters—including Brazil—in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament Week 3 Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The world No. 4 Italians recovered from a collapse in the fourth set to scrape past the hard-fighting Canadians and stand side-by-side with rival Brazil in the critical final leg of the 16-team VNL gearing up for the 8-team finals in Poland from July 19 to 24.
Long-time Olympic foes Italy and Brazil, which swept the Netherlands earlier with a 25-21, 25-15, 25-20 win, are now tied at a 7-3 won-lost record but the latter holds a slight set points advantage at 22-20.
Italy scored a 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21 stunner on Brazil in the opener of the Philippine leg on Tuesday but found itself on the edge of the cliff against Canada this time around.
Alessandro Michieletto showed the way with 18 points on 14 hits, three blocks, and an ace while Gianluca Galassi and Yuri Romano carded 17 points apiece to rescue the Italians from a near upset.
Roberto Russo and Daniele Lavia added 15 and 10 points, respectively, for Italy, which raced to a 2-1 lead sparked by an easy 25-14 win in the opening set.
On the verge of a four-set triumph, Italy took a 23-21 cushion on a Galassi kill before being blanked the rest of the way to allow a deciding fifth set.
Michieletto then took over from then, anchoring Italy’s 4-0 start in the rubber en route to the pesky win.
Italy has Slovenia next today as world No. 16 Canada, led by Ryan Joseph Sclater’s 22 points, slid to 2-8 at the 13th spot. Canada will face world No.1 Poland on Saturday. (ai/mnm)
Amid the controversy involving the Department of Tourism over an “irresponsible and erroneous” production of a tourism campaign video, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla is hopeful that Philippine tourism will recover and prosper.
Padilla stressed that the essence of the DOT’s slogan “Love the Philippines” as a message of love from the Philippines and the Filipino people to the world should not be lost on the public.
“I hope that at the same time as we move forward from this thick issue, the unity of all under the same banner: the promotion of Philippine tourism as a Filipino citizen bound by love for the country (I hope that as we recover from this controversy, we will unite under our flag to promote our country’s tourism as Filipinos who love their country),” he said on his Facebook account.
He added that as a member of the Senate’s Tourism Committee, he is one with the Filipino people in wanting to see a resolution to the controversy that dogged the DOT’s tourism campaign video, as well as making sure those liable are punished.
Padilla said he believes in Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, as well as the DOT’s prompt action on the issue.
“As your public servant and a member of the Tourism Committee in the Senate, I am with every Filipino in seeking clarity on the lack of video campaign launched by the Department of Tourism. We also recognize the immediate action of the DOT to ensure that the responsible anyone who is guilty (As your public servant and member of the Senate’s tourism committee, I am one with Filipinos in looking for a resolution to the campaign video mess – even as I acknowledge the prompt action of the DOT to ensure those who are liable are punished ),” he said.
“All the significant contributions of Secretary Frasco and all the constituents of the DOT should not be set aside and overshadowed by controversy. That is why our support and trust in Secretary Frasco and the Department will not stop (Secretary Frasco’s contributions, as well as those of everyone in the DOT, should not be disregarded because of the controversy. That is why I still support Frasco and the Department),” he added.
Meanwhile, Padilla visited Alaminos City in Pangasinan on Wednesday. “Long live our Tourism (I support our tourism),” he said. (AI/MNM)
SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a counterpart bill in the Senate that will ensure gainful employment for reformed drug users and provide incentives to companies that hire them.
“Providing incentives to establishments that will employ rehabilitated drug dependents who are graduates of technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs specifically designed for them will provide reformed drug users a holistic support system for their re-integration to society,” Estrada said in filing Senate Bill No. 2276.
A staunch labor advocate, Estrada is proposing a collaboration between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in developing TVET programs specifically created for rehabilitated drug dependents.
The TVET and livelihood programs will focus on equipping individuals with competitive and employable skills, enhancing their chances of finding sustainable employment or pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.
The bill seeks to institutionalize the programs, ensuring their continuity and providing sufficient funding for their implementation.
Estrada said TESDA has been providing training and livelihood scholarships to former drug dependents since 2016 and in 2021, of which 94 percent or 8,200 out of the 8,700 former drug dependents have already graduated from various courses from TESDA.
“This is enough indication of the willingness of a large percentage of former drug dependents to lead better lives. It’s important to sustain the support that is being provided to them and expand its scope to include skills training and productivity enhancement that will prepare them to be self-reliant and qualified for gainful employment,” the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development said.
“This will not only improve their families’ economic conditions but will also contribute to the country’s development,” Estrada also said. (ai/mnm)
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Zambales on Thursday afternoon.
Phivolcs director Teresito “Toto” Bacolcol reported that the tremor occurred around 3:16 p.m., approximately 26 kilometers southwest of Palauig town within the province.
Bacolcol specified that the earthquake originated from tectonic activity and had a focal depth of 46 kilometers.
Phivolcs recorded an instrumental intensity of 3 in Botolan, Iba, Cabangan, and San Marcelino, all located in Zambales.
Fortunately, neither aftershocks nor damage to infrastructure are anticipated as a result of this recent earthquake, as confirmed by Bacolcol.
(AI/mnm)
Nikkei Asia photo courtesy
In 2022, the number of visitors to the Philippines exceeded 2 million, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT).
This figure represents a significant increase compared to the 163,879 visitors recorded in 2021, which saw a decline due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The surge in arrivals accounted for an impressive growth rate of 1,519.40 percent. The 2022 Tourism Industry Report reveals that 56.49 percent of visitors come to the Philippines for pleasure and vacation, while 25.46 percent visit friends and relatives, and 8.75 percent travel for business purposes.
Among the top countries of origin, the United States contributed the highest number of visitors with 505,089, followed by South Korea with 428,014 visitors, and Australia with 137,974 visitors.
As tourism flourished, employment in the sector also rose to 9.3 percent, with 5.3 million individuals being employed in 2022, surpassing the 4.9 million employed in 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Department of Tourism and its partners in achieving these remarkable numbers. She emphasized that the data and facts speak for themselves, reflecting the dedicated work, service, and sacrifices of all those involved in promoting Philippine tourism.
The PSA, as a key player in the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP), presented the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) following international guidelines set by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and UN Statistics Division.
The PTSA and Tourism Statistics Dissemination Forum, jointly organized by the PSA and the DoT, serve as platforms to present the current state of the Philippine tourism industry to stakeholders and the general public. The forums aim to highlight the considerable contribution of the tourism industry to the Philippine economy, covering topics such as the industry’s contributions to the national and global gross domestic product (GDP) and the growth of tourism expenditures.
In 2022, the Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) contributed an estimated 6.2 percent to the Philippine economy as measured by the GDP, an increase from 5.2 percent in 2021. Globally, Philippine tourism accounted for 7.6 percent of the world’s GDP. The TDGVA reached P1.38 trillion in 2022, representing a 36.9 percent increase compared to P1 trillion in 2021.
In terms of tourism expenditures, inbound tourism expenditure experienced the highest growth in 2022, rising from P27.63 billion in 2021 to P368.67 billion. Inbound tourism expenditure encompasses the spending of nonresident visitors, including Filipinos residing overseas, within the Philippines. It also contributed 5.9 percent to the country’s total exports, ranking fifth among the largest export items in 2022.
On the domestic front, domestic tourism expenditure, covering the spending of resident visitors within the country, grew by 92.3 percent. The expenditure reached P1.50 trillion in 2022, up from P782.57 billion in 2021.
Angara supports Frasco amid ‘Love the PH’ controversy
In light of recent controversies surrounding the “Love the Philippines” campaign by the DoT, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara expressed his support for Tourism Secretary Frasco, emphasizing that her efforts in promoting the country should not be overshadowed.
Angara praised Frasco for her prompt action in terminating the contract with the advertising agency responsible for the campaign, ensuring no public funds were wasted. He credited Frasco’s leadership in revitalizing the tourism industry after the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Angara also highlighted the recognition received by the Philippines in the World Travel Awards Asia, where the country receivedIn 2022, the Philippines witnessed a significant rise in visitor arrivals, surpassing 2 million, as reported by the Department of Tourism (DoT). This figure marks a substantial increase compared to the 163,879 visitors recorded in 2021, a year heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay acknowledged the actions taken by the DoT but expressed concerns about the future of the “Love the Philippines” campaign and its impact on tourism. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive image and reputation in the competitive tourism market.
(ai/mnm)
THE Department of Justice (DoJ) is eyeing at least six or seven personalities behind the cartel that hoards, controls, and manipulates the price of onions and other agricultural products.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed on Thursday that these personalities were the same names that cropped up during a Senate investigation related to the spiraling cost of onions, whose price reached P700 per kilo in December last year.
“There are six or seven names that come out wherever we look at the whole picture. We have a very good idea about this. We just need to catch them on the act,” added Remulla, who went back to work on Wednesday after a 10-day wellness leave to undergo a bypass procedure.
In fact, he added, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has conducted a test buy in Cebu, and “we were able to locate who is hoarding the supply [of onions] in Cebu.”
Remulla said that they would prosecute the personalities behind the onion cartel for economic sabotage.
He added that hoarding of onions is being done in connivance with storage facilities, warehouses, and middlemen. (ai/mnm)
In order to enhance the defense of its territories, the Philippines is actively considering the acquisition of more advanced missile systems as part of its ongoing modernization program.
The Philippine military is resolute in its efforts to procure additional cutting-edge missile systems that will primarily bolster the security of the country’s coastlines.
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, recently disclosed plans to purchase the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Indian BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles.
These acquisitions align with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., urging the country’s security forces to prioritize territorial defense.
To fulfill this objective, the Philippine Navy has already acquired three batteries of the BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile system (SBASMS).
This system will serve as the primary weapon for the newly established Coastal Defense Regiment (CDR) within the Philippine Marine Corps.
The acquisition of the BrahMos missile system is part of a significant $375 million agreement signed between India’s BrahMos Aerospace and the Philippine government in January 2022. (AI/MNM)
MANILA – The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights conducted an inquiry into the alleged ‘VIP treatment’ given to a high-profile drug detainee who is currently under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Senator Francis ‘TOL’ N. Tolentino, the panel chair, on Wednesday, spearheaded a ‘motu propio’ investigation in connection with the supposed unauthorized activities of drug suspect Jad Dera outside the NBI Custodial Center in Manila.
Dera and six members of the NBI security personnel, who served as the former’s jail guards, were arrested inside the NBI Compound last June 21 after higher authorities found out that the said drug suspect was able to leave his detention cell in Ermita, Manila for about four hours just to eat in a hotel together with his partner.
“Gusto natin malaman dito, Director, kung papaano po ito nangyayari–na kahit walang court order, kahit walang justification, kahit walang dahilan, medical man o hindi–ay nakakapunta ng Tagaytay, Calatagan sa Batangas, at maging sa high-class restaurants dito sa Metro Manila ang isang high-profile detainee,” Tolentino asked NBI Director Medardo De Lemos.
“Paano nakakalabas ang isang high-profile detainee sa piitan ng National Bureau of Investigation kahit walang order ang husgado?” the senator added.
An initial investigation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed that Dera allegedly bribed NBI personnel assigned to the bureau’s Security Division for them to allow him temporary leave from the agency’s detention facility. The six jail guards reportedly even joined the detained drug suspect during his supposed dinner inside an undisclosed hotel establishment in Makati City.
It was also revealed that the incident was not the first time that the arrested NBI personnel allowed and escorted Dera outside the premises of the NBI since the drug suspect reportedly even went to Tagaytay City, a day before he and the assigned jail guards were caught.
During Wednesday’s inquiry, Dera who was subpoenaed by Tolentino’s panel, admitted to members of the committee that he indeed was able to get outside the premises of the NBI in Manila for at least four instances without any proper authorization.
Five of the arrested jail guards told the Senate panel that they were following orders from their immediate supervisor Randy Godoy, who they alleged was also calling the shots every time Dera had a trip outside of the NBI compound.
Godoy, meanwhile, suggested that he was merely following orders from NBI Security Division Chief Adrian Feudo.
Feudo refused to answer the allegations, saying he has yet to consult a lawyer.
The DOJ had transferred Feudo into another area of assignment, pending internal investigation, while multiple criminal charges, including violation of Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act were filed against Dera and the six jail guards. (ai/mnm)
The Economic Times photo courtesy
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given his approval to an executive order aimed at accelerating the permit issuance process for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure in the Philippines.
Signed on July 4, 2023, Executive Order 32 emphasizes the importance of establishing streamlined guidelines for issuing permits, licenses, and certificates related to telecommunications and internet infrastructure. The objective is to ensure the continuous development of the country’s digital infrastructure.
Under this order, all national government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, as well as local government units involved in the permit issuance process, are instructed to prioritize and expedite the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of various telecommunications and internet infrastructure components. These include shared passive telecommunications tower infrastructure, poles, aerial and underground cables, facilities, fiber ducts, ground terminals, and other transmission infrastructure.
Furthermore, the executive order states that no additional national or local permits or clearances will be required for the aforementioned activities related to telecommunications and internet infrastructure.
(ai/mnm)
Games on Thursday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
11 a.m. – Brazil vs The Netherlands
3 p.m. – Canada vs Italy
7 p.m. – China vs Slovenia
THE Netherlands shored up its playoff aspirations by scoring a crucial 25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 25-18 win on Day 2 of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament Week 3 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Save for a third-set stumble, the Dutch were on target in finishing off the Canadians in only one hour and 37 minutes to strengthen their hold of the coveted No. 8 spot with a 5-4 win-loss record.
The win, behind the heroics of skipper Nimir Abdel-Aziz, was a shot in the arm for the Netherlands in a tightrope race with reigning France, which interestingly lags behind at No. 9 with a 4-5 card.
Only the top eight squads from the 16-team VNL—organized by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and Volleyball World with Ganten, Gerflor, Mikasa, Mizuno, Senoh, and Stake.com as global sponsors—march on to the final round from July 19 to 24 in Poland.
“It’s really important. We know it’s really close in the battle for the 7th and 8th place so we needed this win to keep our hopes of qualifying to the finals,” said Abdel-Aziz, who sizzled with 24 points on 22 attacks and two aces.
Abdel-Aziz’s outburst included three straight points in the pivotal second set, where the world No. 10 Netherlands after a narrow 25-22 win in the opening set dropped a 4-0 finishing kick to snatch a 25-22 win and post a massive 2-0 lead.
Jorna Gjis added 12 points and Maarten Van Garderen chipped in 11 with Wessel Keemink facilitating the Dutch’s fiery offense behind 18 sets.
Canada, behind Ryan Joseph Sclater, woke up in the third set ignited by a 17-7 start to extend the match only for Abdel-Aziz to bring the Netherlands home in the fourth set. Teaming up with Garderen this time, the 6-foot-7 Abdel-Aziz fired two straight kills while Garderen took his turn by launching three aces in a row for a hot 5-1 Netherlands start.
The Dutch never looked back for a massive win ahead of another important duel against powerhouse Brazil (6-3) on Thursday in the final preliminary leg of the VNL that also has PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, and the PSC as major sponsors.
Sclater rifled in 20 points but Canada, world No. 15, still absorbed its seventh loss in nine matches to stay in 14th place in the VNL Philippine leg also backed by support from Fitbar, Instax Fujifilm,
Fitness First, Pasay City, Taguig City, Diamond Hotel, Maynilad, Peugeot, SM MOA Arena, The Look and The Moment Group with Cignal, Inquirer Group, RMN, DOOH, One Sports, One Sports+ and Mega Mobile as media partners.
Canada’s next foe on the same day is Italy (6-3), which will ride on a stunning 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21 win over Brazil in the opener. (AI/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Francis ‘TOL’ N. Tolentino cautioned that permitting the local release of the movie ‘Barbie’ would have adverse consequences on the reputation of the Republic of the Philippines.
“Not only would this be detrimental to the Republic of the Philippines, but it would also contradict what our country fought for and achieved through the Arbitral Ruling in 2016,” Tolentino, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, stated in an interview on CNN Philippines.
He further added, “What would be the impact? Something that would undermine our sovereignty.”
Tolentino expressed these concerns after previously urging the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to prevent the upcoming screening of the Barbie movie, which was directed and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film includes a digital portrayal of a scene featuring the disputed ‘nine-dash line’—China’s basis for claiming territorial control and militaristic expansion in the South China Sea (SCS) region, encompassing the West Philippine Sea (WPS) area.
In 2016, The Hague Tribunal invalidated China’s ‘nine-dash line doctrine’ over the entire SCS region following an arbitration case initiated by the Philippine government on January 22, 2013. China’s unilateral encroachment with the nine-dash line infringed upon the territories of other member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“The Arbitral Ruling clearly established that China’s claim here lacks legal foundation,” emphasized Tolentino.
The Vietnamese government has already decided to completely ban the screening of Barbie after a review raised concerns about the depiction of the nine-dash line scene.
According to Tolentino, it is within the MTRCB’s purview to decide whether to prohibit the showing of Barbie, similar to their actions in 2019 and 2022 when they disallowed the local screening of the films ‘Abominable’ and ‘Uncharted,’ respectively, due to their inclusion of the nine-dash line. (ai/mnm)
PBBM signs the P5.2 Trillion national budget in this file photo as VP Sara Duterte and Senate President Migz Zubiri look on. (PCO photo)
The Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill has been sent to Malacañang for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, according to a spokesperson from the Palace.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed the receipt of the Maharlika bill by the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs (ODESLA).
The President has expressed his intention to sign the controversial measure promptly upon receiving it.
However, President Marcos has also stated that he will carefully review the modifications made to the bill during its approval in Congress.
He emphasized the importance of the bill being independent of the government in order to achieve success.
In a June interview, the President acknowledged the passage of the bill in both the House and the Senate and assured that all the changes would be thoroughly examined.
(AI/MNM)
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Treasury, the outstanding debt of the national government (NG) has reached a record high of P14.09 trillion as of the end of May.
This represents an increase of P185.4 billion compared to the previous month, driven by additional domestic and foreign debt, as well as the depreciation of the peso.
The majority of the outstanding debt, around 68.0 percent, is attributed to local borrowings. It amounts to P9.59 trillion, a 1.38 percent increase compared to the end of April, primarily due to the net issuance of government securities totaling P129.11 billion. The weakening of the peso against the US dollar also contributed to a P1.56 billion increase in the value of onshore foreign currency-denominated securities.
Year-to-date, domestic debt has risen by P380.13 billion or 4.1 percent, as reported by the Bureau of Treasury.
Meanwhile, external debt, which accounts for 32 percent of the total outstanding debt, has reached P4.50 trillion. This represents a 1.2 percent or P54.7 billion increase from the previous month. The rise in external debt is primarily driven by the net availment of external loans amounting to P10.05 billion and the impact of local currency depreciation against the US dollar amounting to P59.70 billion. However, third-currency adjustments against the US dollar have reduced the value of foreign currency debt by P15.02 billion.
Compared to the end of December, external debt has increased by 7.1 percent or P297.55 billion.
The total amount of guaranteed obligations stands at P379.71 billion as of the end of May, showing a 0.3 percent decrease compared to the previous month.
The decline in guaranteed debt is attributed to the net repayment of external guarantees totaling P6.70 billion and third-currency adjustments amounting to P0.91 billion. However, these reductions were partially offset by the net issuance of domestic guarantees worth P4.16 billion and the impact of local currency depreciation relative to the US dollar amounting to P2.47 billion.
Domestic guaranteed debt has reached P200.73 billion, a 2.11 percent increase from the previous month’s P196.57 billion, while external guaranteed debt now totals P179 billion, slightly down from April’s P184.11 billion.
Compared to the end of December 2022, NG guaranteed debt has decreased by P19.33 billion or 4.8 percent.
Michael Ricafort, Chief Economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., suggested that the recent net borrowings by the national government reflect the necessity to finance budget deficits in recent months.
He added that lower individual tax rates for most income brackets since the beginning of 2023, under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, have contributed to reduced government revenues.
Ricafort predicts that further record highs are likely, especially with the upcoming issuance of US dollar or euro-denominated retail bonds in the third quarter of 2023.
He also anticipates that the outstanding national government debt could increase further, particularly if government borrowings are front-loaded in early 2023 to finance the budget deficit.
(ai/mnm)
Mario Dumaual (ABS-CBN photo)
It is with deep sadness that ABS-CBN, Mario Dumaual’s home network, announces the passing of the veteran showbiz news reporter. Mario Dumaual, aged 64, peacefully left us, as confirmed by his family.
ABS-CBN released a statement on Wednesday across their social media platforms, conveying the news: “ABS-CBN News bids farewell and expresses heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed entertainment reporter, Mario Dumaual. His family has informed us of his passing. Thank you very much, Kapamilya.”
For several weeks, Dumaual had been under the care of the Philippine Heart Center following a heart attack. Although his condition had shown signs of improvement in the intensive care unit (ICU) as of Monday, complications arose due to hospital-acquired illnesses during his prolonged confinement, as reported by a source close to The Manila Times.
Born on July 31, 1953, Dumaual began his career as an entertainment writer before transitioning to television reporting. He leaves behind his wife, Cherie, and their four children.
(AI/MNM)
Thirdy Ravena, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool, acknowledges that his chances of securing a spot in the final 12 for the 2023 FIBA World Cup are evenly split (50/50).
However, this uncertainty will not deter him from dedicating his services to the national team and making the necessary sacrifices.
Despite recently concluding his third season with the San-en NeoPhoenix in the Japan B.League, the 26-year-old Ravena could have opted for a basketball hiatus.
Nevertheless, with the Philippines co-hosting the FIBA World Cup in August, Ravena admitted that he wouldn’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.
“I will never turn down the opportunity when the national team calls, even if it means sacrificing time with my family. I have an immense love for our country, and representing it is the highest honor in basketball for me,” Ravena expressed to One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan.
As the younger brother of Kiefer Ravena, Thirdy shared that since becoming the first Filipino player enlisted as an import in the B.League, he has carried a mindset of proudly representing his country.
“For me, it’s about the bigger picture and the greater purpose. It’s about honor and not just representing myself but also my country, regardless of where I’m playing,” he explained. Ravena recently signed a new contract ensuring his return to the NeoPhoenix for the 2023-24 B.League season.
“Even before joining Gilas, being the only Filipino in Japan back in 2020, I already felt like I was representing the country. People don’t just see me as Thirdy Ravena, the player in the B.League; they see me as a Filipino player competing in Japan,” he added.
With the FIBA World Cup approaching in late August, Ravena is determined to give his all during practice and the scheduled tune-up matches, while hoping for the best.
“The World Cup being held in the Philippines is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Despite having slim chances of making the final roster, I’m ready to seize the opportunity, especially now that I’m in good shape,” Ravena emphasized.
“Even if it means sacrificing my rest during the summer, I will still take the chance to train and play in the World Cup. The motivation of playing in front of a hometown crowd gives me that extra drive,” he continued.
Gilas recently concluded the third of its scheduled four tune-up matches in Kaunas, Lithuania, suffering a 90-80 defeat against the host country’s Selection team on Tuesday night. (ai/mnm)
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa), a minimum of seven weather systems are expected to impact the country in addition to the potential entry or development of two to four tropical cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) throughout July.
Dr. Esperanza Cayanan, the officer-in-charge of Pagasa, stated that their weather outlook indicates generally near to above-normal rainfall conditions in most parts of Luzon and Visayas.
“However, Mindanao, except for Davao del Sur, is expected to experience near normal rainfall, which may be below normal,” added Cayanan.
Pagasa identified several weather systems that will influence the weather patterns, including easterlies, localized thunderstorms, intertropical convergence zone, low pressure areas, high pressure areas, southwest monsoon, and shear line.
Cayanan further noted that surface air temperatures are predicted to be near average to above average in most parts of Luzon and Mindanao, while in most areas of Visayas, temperatures are likely to be near to below average.
The projected temperature ranges are as follows: 13.5 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius over the mountainous areas of Luzon, 16.9 degrees Celsius to 38.8 degrees Celsius for the rest of Luzon; 19.6 degrees Celsius to 36.5 degrees Celsius in the Visayas, 16.0 degrees Celsius to 33.0 degrees Celsius over the mountainous areas of Mindanao, 20.7 degrees Celsius to 38.4 degrees Celsius for the rest of Mindanao, and 22.2 degrees Celsius to 36.4 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, Pagasa will continue to monitor the El Niño phenomenon, characterized by dry spells and droughts.
(ai/mnm)
FOLLOWING THE MARCHING ORDER of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to investigate the smuggling of onions and other agricultural products, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, July 4, announced the creation of Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Task Force, which will include the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The question is: Can it bite?
We gathered that the members of this Task Force will be The Office of the Prosecutor General, headed by Chief State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon, and the National Bureau of Investigation, headed by Director Medardo De Lemos.
I wonder who will represent the BOC that has transformed its Manila gates like a garrison that nobody can enter the Customs premises and offices without having an appointment with any concerned official.
A “martial law” practice that was initiated by former President Digong Duterte’s appointee Rey Leonardo “Jagger” Borja Guerrero, a retired general of the Philippine Army who had served as BOC Commissioner under the previous administration.
This time, however, PBBM – who is also DA Secretary in the meantime — seems to be getting tougher in eradicating agricultural smuggling which is tantamount to economic sabotage.
“And that is why we are going to be very, very strict about finding these people and making sure that they are brought to justice,” the President said, apparently referring to the agricultural smugglers who seem to have “friends” from the inside of BOC.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) headed by lawyer Cheloy Garafil bared that Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo said in a Memorandum to the President that there was substantial evidence pointing to the existence of an onion cartel that could be behind the surge in onion prices in 2022.
Quimbo claimed that the onion cartel, which operates through a group of companies, was engaged in various activities in the supply chain such as farming, importation, local trading, warehousing, and logistics.
“I have just given instructions to the DOJ and the NBI to initiate an investigation into the hoarding, smuggling, [and] price fixing of agricultural commodities,” PBBM said in a video message.
The DOJ said it was diligently conducting its case build-up against individuals and organizations involved in onion smuggling.
We can only cross our fingers that this probe will not only be “drawing lang.”
Huwag ganun uy.
(AI/MNM)
Justin Brownlee goes up for a twinner in this bit of action (GMA Network photo courtesy)
Gilas Pilipinas suffered a setback in a tune-up game against Lithuania, falling to their opponents with a final score of 90-80 in Kausas, Lithuania. Despite a slow start, the Philippine team displayed resilience throughout the match.
During the opening period, Gilas struggled defensively, allowing Lithuania to score 36 points and establish a 17-point lead. Lithuanian forward Tomas Zdanavicius proved to be a significant challenge for Gilas, showcasing his accuracy from beyond the arc by making all six of his three-point attempts in the first half, amassing a total of 20 points.
At halftime, the Lithuania Selection squad held a 56-45 advantage. Throughout the game, Gilas faced difficulties with their shooting, while Lithuania capitalized on their outside shooting, hitting 12 three-pointers. Gilas had a field goal percentage of just 39.7% and were outrebounded 46-39. Lithuanian League Most Valuable Player Vytautas Šulskis contributed 19 points and nine rebounds to the Lithuanian team’s performance.
Zdanavicius led the Lithuanian Selection with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Justinas Ramanauskas nearly achieved a double-double with 12 points, nine assists, and three rebounds. Rokas Pocius added 10 points and nine rebounds for the host team, which had only eight players available.
Gilas’ top performers were naturalized player Justin Brownlee with 20 points and seven rebounds, Jamie Malonzo with 14 points and nine rebounds, and June Mar Fajardo and Kiefer Ravena contributing 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Ange Kouame made his return to the Gilas lineup after attending his college graduation from Ateneo on June 30. He played just over six minutes and scored four points in the game.
(ai/mnm)