MAS MARAMI ANG ‘DI PABOR SA GINAWANG $1M DONATION NI SPEAKER MARTIN SA HARVARD U

Texto at bidyo ni Benjamin Cuaresma

MANILA — Lumabas na mas marami ang hindi pabor sa ginawang pag-donate ni Speaker Martin Romualdez ng $1 million sa Harvard matapos na gawing regular curriculum ang wikang Tagalog sa Estados Unidos dahil, anila, mas maraming mag-aaral ang nangangailangan ng tulong pang-edukasyon sa bansa.

Pormal itong inanunsiyo noong Abril sa Harvard U sa Cambridge, Massachusetts kung saan personal na dumalo si Speaker Romualdez at nagbigay ng talumpati ng pagtanggap at pasasalamat.

Sinabi niya na ang pagkakataong ito ay maituturing na isang “great national pride.”

Dinaluhan din ng ilang miyembro ng Pinoy organizations sa Amerika ang okasyon ngunit lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat ay nagbigay umano ng $1M na donasyon ang “Gentleman from Leyte” na puntirya umano ang pagkapangulo sa darating na 2028 national elections.

Pumutok ang balita tungkol sa $1M donation ni Speaker kamakailan at nalathala pa ito sa Inquirer.net base sa isang ulat mula rin sa isang digital o online newspaper na nakabase sa Amerika at kaalyado ng Inquirer.

Ngunit dahil asawa ang kapatid ni Speaker ng may-ari ng Inquirer ay binaklas din agad ang naturang istorya.

Gayunpaman, nagsaliksik ang Maharlika NuMedia tungkol dito at nagsagawa rin ng live interviews sa ilang guro at pribadong indibidwal.

Matutunghayan ang mga video interviews dito sa ilang mga nakapanayam ng Maharlika NuMedia tungkol sa isyung ito. (ai/mnm)

Novak Djokovic embraces his six-year-old daughter after securing his 4th US Open title

Novak Djokovic secured his fourth US Open victory, leveling Margaret Court’s legendary record of 24 Grand Slam titles in the process. His triumphant return to Flushing Meadows in 2023, following a ban in 2022, solidified his status as the oldest champion to grace the courts.

In a grueling contest against Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic displayed incredible resilience and skill, ultimately prevailing in straight sets with scores of 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. This win marked his first US Open championship in half a decade, reaffirming his dominance on the tennis stage.

Claiming his 24th Grand Slam title in his 36th final appearance sent a resounding message that his setback at Wimbledon was an anomaly, not a trend. Djokovic now stands two Major titles ahead of Rafael Nadal, a lead that seems insurmountable. This achievement held special significance for him, perhaps even more so than matching Margaret Court’s historic record.

Addressing the jubilant crowd, Djokovic emotionally expressed, “It obviously means the world to me. I’m living my childhood dream to compete in this sport at the top. To make history in this sport is truly remarkable and special. I never thought I would be talking about 24 Slams, but in the last couple of years, I thought I had a shot.”

In a touching tribute to his late friend, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Djokovic donned a ‘Mamba Mentality’ shirt during the trophy presentation. He explained, “I thought of wearing this T-shirt if I had the chance to win the tournament. I didn’t share it with anyone. Kobe was a close friend; we had many conversations about the winning mentality. He was one of the people I relied on the most, always there for advice and support. I thought that 24 is the jersey he wore when he became a legend, so I thought it would be nice to acknowledge him.” (Source: Online/AI/MNM)

MANILA — Oil companies led by Pilipinas Shell, Petron, and Seaoil, have announced that they will increase the prices of certain petroleum products on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

The price hike will primarily impact three types of petroleum products: diesel, gasoline, and kerosene.

Diesel prices are set to increase by P0.40 per liter while gasoline prices will accordingly go up by P0.20 per liter.
Kerosene prices are also set to increase by P0.20 per liter.

The price hike is a result of the continued reduction in supply by Saudi Arabia the oil companies said.

Oil prices can be influenced by various factors, including global oil production, supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and economic conditions.

Reductions in supply, such as those caused by changes in production from major oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia, can lead to higher prices in the global oil market.

These higher costs are typically passed on to consumers by oil companies through price adjustments at the pump.

Impact on consumers

For consumers, this means that they will need to budget for higher fuel costs when filling up their vehicles or using kerosene for various purposes.

Increased fuel prices can also have ripple effects on transportation costs, affecting the prices of goods and services throughout the economy.

Monitoring the situation

It’s important for consumers and businesses to stay informed about changes in fuel prices, as they can have a direct impact on their expenses and economic activities.

People may consider adjusting their travel plans or exploring more fuel-efficient transportation options during periods of rising fuel prices.

It’s worth noting that fuel prices can fluctuate frequently due to various factors, and announcements like this one are common in the energy sector.

Consumers and businesses often monitor these changes to make informed decisions about their transportation and energy usage. (ai/mnm)

AirAsia has once again emerged triumphant at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceanea, securing remarkable accolades for its outstanding services. For an unprecedented eighth consecutive year, AirAsia was declared Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline, and its cabin crew received the honor of being Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew for the seventh consecutive year.

Bo Lingam, the Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group Limited, expressed gratitude to their nearly 800 million guests and dedicated Allstars, pledging to maintain their unwavering commitment as they strive to reinstate 200 planes into operation by year-end. He emphasized the airline’s dedication to enhancing customer experiences both on the ground and in the air.

Suhaila Hassan, AirAsia Group Head of Cabin Crew, took pride in the prestigious award, acknowledging the extraordinary efforts of the cabin crew members who consistently exceed expectations to ensure passengers’ journeys are exceptional. She emphasized that this recognition serves as a testament to their passion, commitment, and drive for continuous improvement.

Additionally, AirAsia’s one-stop travel platform, the airasia Superapp, received the coveted title of “Asia’s Leading Online Travel Agency (OTA),” underscoring their commitment to revolutionizing travel through technology.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards continues to celebrate excellence in the realms of travel, tourism, and hospitality.

NEDA Sec. Arsenio Balisacan 

By Junex Doronio

IF THE SUGGESTION to appoint National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan — who also served as NEDA chief during the administration of late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III — as full-time Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary will be realized, this will demonstrate once more the spirit of UniTeam of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Even Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the suggestion is a “sound proposal.”

“That’s a sound proposal. He has heard it many times. At tsaka si Arsi talaga yung ano niya ang undergrad niya ay Agriculture Economics,” Diokno said during his weekly chat with members of the media.

Presently, PBBM also sits as acting DA Secretary but critics have said there should be a regular full-time chief of the agency.

It can be recalled that during the 2022 presidential campaign, the UniTeam candidates vowed to get the “best and the brightest regardless of political color.”

Meanwhile, economist Cielito Habito said he personally believes Balisacan “is a good choice.”

“I know his capability. He has served as undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture and he knows what the problems in agriculture are. He is also regarded as perhaps the foremost expert in the country on rural poverty and poverty in general, so he knows what needs to be done,” Habito said.

Balisacan served as NEDA director-general under former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III from 2012 to 2016 and again under the PBBM administration.

“Of course, he’s an economist so he knows the right economics that should go behind policy-making and agriculture,” Habito added. (ai/mnm)

Photo courtesy of Sunstar Cebu

By Junex Doronio

CEBU CITY — Stressing their support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s order to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD) to build at least a million housing units annually, urban poor groups and civic organizations in Cebu called on the government to halt the “unabated demolition without proper relocation.”

On Monday, September 11, urban poor leaders of Sanlakas, Akbayan, Partido Laban ng Masa (PLM), and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), among other groups, trooped to the DSHUD-Region 7 office in Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City to ask the government agency to reconsider the plan to build condominiums which, they said, the ordinary wage-earners cannot afford.

“They have housing to start with, but the cost to build vertical 15 to 20 stories is expensive. Only those with regular income can subsidize or become this project’s beneficiaries. They have housing to start with, but the cost to build vertical 15 to 20 stories is expensive. Only those with regular income can subsidize or become this project’s beneficiaries,” Sanlakas Cebu Secretary-General Teody Navea said.

He added that while they support the PBBM administration’s effort for urban poor housing, it “must be affordable for even the poorest of the poor sectors.”

“The condominium is middle class. Who is poor enough to pay for an elevator? Who is poor enough to pay for your security guard? Aside from paying for the units, you pay for the maintenance,” Navea added.

The urban poor leaders also called on the government to ensure that families living within the river’s three-meter easement zone who will be affected by the clearing operations be given temporary shelters and or rental subsidies in order to meet their daily needs.

They also lambasted the “continuing demolition of houses of informal settlers without providing secure relocation sites.”

DSHUD-7 officials, however, declined to comment on the issues raised by Navea and company. (ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

LEFT WITHOUT A CHOICE BUT TO FOLLOW the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on enforcing a rice price ceiling, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno on Monday clarified that the economic team was “a bit surprised” by the recent executive order that took effect last Tuesday, 05 September 2023.

In a statement, the DOF said the Philippines’ economic team reiterates its full support and endorsement of the President’s recent decision to impose a price ceiling on rice while emphasizing the importance of immediately implementing a comprehensive set of measures aimed at securing long-term stability within the rice market.

“We agree with the President that implementing a price cap on rice is the most prudent course of action at the moment to achieve two critical objectives: (1) stabilizing rice prices and (2) extending immediate support to our fellow countrymen,” Diokno said.

EO 39 was released last August 31 and subsequently took effect on Sept. 5, 2023). It imposes mandated price ceilings on rice at P41 per kilogram on regular milled rice, and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice.

But Diokno appeared reluctant.

He admitted that the President’s decision to implement a rice price ceiling came as a surprise to the economic team, as they were in Japan when the executive order was announced.

In his opening statement during the press conference last Friday, September 8, Diokno said that price controls, when carefully calibrated and closely implemented, are effective in the near term.

“However, the government recognizes that it also has adverse effects if allowed to linger for a longer period,” Diokno said.

“What are the possible consequences if you allow it to last longer? Number one, the farmers won’t plant. Secondly, the importers won’t import, and of course, there’s a strong likelihood that supply will disappear, because if you’re losing money you just close your shop,” the DOF chief explained.

(ai/mnm)

While a record-breaking 128 aspiring players submitted their applications before the September 10 deadline for the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft, one notable absentee was Justin Baltazar, widely regarded as a potential top pick.

Terrafirma’s head coach, John Cardel, praised Baltazar’s outstanding attributes, which include his imposing 6-foot-8 frame, exceptional rebounding skills, and scoring ability. These qualities align perfectly with what the Dyip are seeking as they gear up for PBA’s Season 48.

Baltazar recently concluded his impressive collegiate career with La Salle, where he earned three spots on the UAAP Mythical First Team and played a pivotal role in securing a collegiate championship in 2016.

Currently, Baltazar is making waves as a key player for the Pampanga Lanterns in the MPBL.

Only a few days ago, coach Tim Cone issued an apology for “hasty remarks” on social media to Baltazar and his handler in Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda after the former Gilas player failed to join the PH team in the recently-concluded FIBA World Cup.

Nevertheless, the talent pool for the 2023 PBA Draft remains exceptionally strong. This year’s crop of rookies includes standout prospects like Ricci Rivero, Zav Lucero, Fran Yu, Dominick Fajardo, Brandon Bates, Luis Villegas, Sherwin Concepcion, John Amores, and James Kwekuteye.

These promising talents join the ranks of earlier applicants, which feature notable names such as Filipino-American shooting guard Stephen Holt, Ken Tuffin, Kenmark Carino, Brent Paraiso, and Schonny Winston.

It’s worth noting that the 128 rookie applicants this year significantly surpass the 97 applicants registered for the PBA Season 46 draft back in 2021. (AI/MNM)

The commissioning of two Cyclone-class patrol ships donated by the United States on Monday (11 September 2023) marks a significant development for the Philippine Navy, as it enhances its capacity to conduct patrols in the tension-filled West Philippine Sea, according to defense officials.

These two ships, formerly known as the USS Monsoon (PC4) and USS Chinook (PC 9), will be christened as BRP Valentin Diaz (PC-177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178), in honor of two Katipunan founding fathers, at the Philippine Navy Headquarters.

These vessels were the last two of the US Navy’s 14 Cyclone-class ships designed for littoral or shallow-water operations.

Having served the US Navy for nearly three decades, the Monsoon and Chinook were decommissioned on March 28 and subsequently brought to the Philippines under the Philippine Excess Defense Article (EDA) program in May.

Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci announced that Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. would be the guest of honor at the christening and commissioning ceremony of these two ships.

They will collaborate with Philippine Coast Guard vessels on missions that may include escorting chartered boats supplying the Philippine Navy outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

The situation in the West Philippine Sea has been marked by the presence of Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels attempting to obstruct resupply missions to the Ayungin station. Recently, the resupply boats successfully navigated past the blockade when the pursuing Chinese vessels encountered difficulties in coral reefs near the shoal’s entrance. Defense officials noted a significant increase in the number of Chinese vessels in the area in recent weeks.

Colonel Medel Aguilar, the spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), emphasized that the military and Coast Guard are determined to prevent any Chinese takeover of the Navy station in Ayungin. Additionally, the AFP is responding to private sector requests by documenting real-time updates of resupply missions to Ayungin via Facebook.

Beyond Ayungin, the Philippines maintains troops in eight other features within the West Philippine Sea, and the country has further strengthened its navy with the procurement of two new Israel-made fast attack interdiction craft missile vessels (FAIC-Ms).

These vessels renamed BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), are dedicated to the memory of Philippine Marine Lance Cpl. Gener Tinangag and Sgt. Domingo Deluana, who valiantly fought alongside 1st Lt. Lolinato-To-Ong in Maguindanao.

Additionally, plans are underway to acquire five more ships within the next two years.
(ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

GOOD NEWS for Filipinos and Australians who are 18 to 31 years old and are graduates of tertiary education or have at least finished two years of undergraduate study or post-secondary education.

They are now allowed to seek employment while they’re on vacation in the host nation.

“Work and Holiday visa holders who work during their visit pursuant to this arrangement will be covered by the same diplomatic labor laws of the host government as local workers, subject to the employment conditions,” the MOU said.

This was the deal signed during an official visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday, September 8.

Representing the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo signed the agreement with the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu.

However, the Philippines and Australia have yet to announce when the new visa schemes will take effect.

On Sunday, September 10, Malacañang said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) states that both Manila and Canberra will be issuing multiple entry visas that allow citizens to work during their stay for a non-extendable period of not more than one year.

The Palace also pointed out that applicants should also “meet health, character, and national security requirements and have medical and health insurance for the duration of their stay. The 12-month countdown begins on the first date of entry.

It added that after 12 months, the Filipino or Australian can leave and then re-enter either the Philippines or Australia using the same visa. (ai/mnm)

Photo courtesy of AFP

A devastating earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, resulting in the tragic loss of over 2,000 lives. The powerful tremor sent people fleeing from their homes, causing buildings to crumble in both mountainous villages and ancient cities ill-equipped to withstand such seismic force.

As rescue efforts continued on Saturday, the death toll was expected to climb, with rescuers grappling with treacherous, debris-filled roads as they made their way to remote mountain communities hit hardest by the quake.

This 6.9-magnitude earthquake represents the most significant seismic event in Morocco in the past 120 years, with the majority of the damage occurring in rural areas beyond urban centers, as noted by the Interior Ministry.

Morocco’s Interior Ministry released a report on Saturday evening, confirming that at least 2,012 individuals lost their lives in the earthquake, with Marrakech and the five provinces nearest to the epicenter experiencing the most significant impact. Additionally, the ministry reported that 2,059 people sustained injuries, including 1,404 in critical condition.

(Sourced Online/AI/MNM)

MANILA — Advocates in the battle against fraud, disinformation, and fake news have urged relevant authorities to reconsider the enforcement of Republic Act 11934, commonly referred to as the mandatory Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration law.

This call comes in response to findings from a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) test, which revealed that a counterfeit identification card featuring an animal’s photo — that of a monkey — could successfully register a SIM card.

A coalition of digital advocates argues that this revelation underscores the need to review the controversial SIM Registration Law, as scammers may have exploited fraudulent identities to register phone numbers for illicit purposes.

“We strongly urge the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to reevaluate this matter,” emphasized Aio Bautista, the lead convenor of Philippine Transport and Communications (PhilTraComm).

“This raises serious questions about the DICT’s system or that of the digital service providers tasked with implementing the mandatory SIM registration law.”

The DICT is the lead agency of RA 11934’s implementation.

On the other hand, Ronald Gustilo, a national campaigner for Digital Pinoys, also stressed the importance of preventing criminals from victimizing vulnerable individuals.

“Considering what the NBI has uncovered, it’s not far-fetched to suspect that the SIM registry may already be compromised. Telcos and the government should conduct an independent audit immediately. These victims have already suffered due to their data being compromised,” Gustilo added.

Senate hearing

During a Senate committee on public services hearing recently, Atty. Jeremy Lotoc, chief of the NBI’s cybercrime division, disclosed that they successfully registered SIM cards using an ID featuring a monkey’s face in the telcos’ registration portals.

He highlighted that this experiment exposed how anyone, including those resorting to fraudulent methods, could register SIM cards.

Critics argue that the SIM Registration Law, among its intended purposes, is aimed to combat scams and illegal activities but has fallen short in achieving these goals.

As such, Bautista emphasized the urgency of action from concerned government agencies following the NBI’s discovery.

“If monkeys can successfully register a SIM with its face how much more those with a human face?” Bautista stressed.

“This could be the reason why fraudulent transactions using SIM cards continue unabated.”

Last July 25, telcos ceased mandatory SIM card registration after tallying at least 114 million sign-ups.

Now, all new SIM cards must be registered with a telco before they can be used.

Senator Grace Poe, who authored and sponsored the SIM Registration Law, has also called for an inquiry into its implementation due to the persistence of text scams.

In a recent statement, she urged authorities to take extra measures to ensure that the law effectively curbs text scams, acknowledging the need to be innovative in combating this issue.

(ai/mnm/Jr. Amigo Research)

MANILA — As President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Romualdez Marcos Jr. encourages the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-member states to firm up their climate action commitments, Climate Change Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz Sr. is urging the administration to use the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) in implementing mitigation and adaptation measures to ensure the country’s resiliency to climate change and global warming.

In an interview, Commissioner Dela Cruz disclosed that unused portions of the PSF could be utilized in climate action initiatives such as the establishment of impounding systems and total water ecosystems that would respond to environmental risks triggered by the impacts of the global phenomenon.

“Given the scale of climate change and the fact that the phenomenon affects many areas of people’s life, mitigation and adaptation is badly needed to take place on a nationwide scale. Our economies and societies as a whole need to become more resilient to climate impacts and what better way than to invest in adaptation initiatives that would help us respond to the impacts of climate change that have been causing the extreme weather conditions that we are experiencing now,” the climate official pointed out.

He added that it is important for adaptation to be done through a whole-of-nation and -community approach, efforts should be orchestrated by all local government units (LGUs), particularly those that are most vulnerable to climate risks and intensified incidents such as super typhoons and flashfloods.

“Roads and bridges may need to be built or adapted to withstand higher temperatures and more powerful storms. Some cities on coastlines may have to establish systems to prevent flooding in streets and underground transport. Mountainous regions may have to find ways to limit landslides and overflow from melting glaciers. Some communities may even need to move to new locations because it will be too difficult to adapt,” he cited.

Dela Cruz thus stressed the significance of utilizing the PSF because investing in adaptation makes a lot more sense than waiting and trying to catch up later, as many countries have learned during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Protecting people now saves more lives and reduces risks moving forward. It makes financial sense too because the longer we wait, the more the costs will escalate. Spending now will save lives and reduce costs later on. If all of this sounds expensive, it really is. The important thing, though, is to remember that we already learning a lot about how to adapt,” Dela Cruz explained. (ai/mnm)

VP and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (left) and Sen. Imee Marcos (right). (Photo courtesy of the Kahimyang Project)

IN A SURPRISING TWIST in the political arena, Senator Imee Marcos openly chided her perceived “BFF’ (best friends forever) in Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte for keeping 433 security personnel ostensibly willing to take the bullet for the country’s second-highest official.

Senator Imee’s first shot at Inday Sara was not only surprising but also unexpected since the two “Alpha females” are publicly close, politically and personally.

In fact, VP Sara Duterte had revealed that it was Senator Imee Marcos who persuaded her to run for the second highest post in the country and not Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez who many believe was the one called “tambaloslos” by the feisty VPES (Vice President and Education Secretary) after she tendered her irrevocable resignation as a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party, which she ran under in 2022 polls.

“Ang tambaloslos kasi sa Bisaya pwede mo siyang i-interpret na joke and pwede mo rin siyang i-interpret na pagmumura, and pwede mo siyang i-interpret na pang iinsulto,” Inday Sara explained.

Romualdez, a first-degree cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., is the party president of the Lakas-CMD which has 71 members at the House of Representatives composed of 316 legislators and only one member at the Senate.

The gentleman from Leyte just ignored what some political analysts called an “unstatesmanlike” remark made by SWOH (Sara without an H).

Collins Dictionary defines unstatesmanlike as “not resembling or befitting a political leader whose wisdom, integrity, etc. win great respect.”

Of course, the House Speaker and Senator Imee are also first-degree cousins.

By the way, reliable sources said that Imee is actually gunning for the mayoral seat of Manila, the country’s capital.

That’s why Imee allegedly bought a one-hectare property in Sta. Mesa from former President and ex-Manila Mayor Erap Estrada to prepare for the 2025 mayoralty race in Manila.

If Imee wins as Manila mayor in 2025, this could be a big boost to her cousin Martin’s presidential ambition and may derail Sara’s march to Malacañang in 2028.

Apparently recognizing the immense popularity of Inday Sara who would be a shoo-in if presidential elections were held today, some political operators think that the issues of being abusive in power like having 433 “bodyguards” and the millions of pesos of so-called confidential funds could pull her down.

It can be recalled that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) justified Inday Sara’s creation of the VPSPG (Vice President Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) in June 2022.

The OVP said it is necessary to have a team independent from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) that will protect future vice presidents in case of political differences with the President.

The VPSPG “will inevitably perform even when the Vice President and the President face the misfortune of having a relationship strained or broken by political differences,” just like what had happened between former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and then Vice President Leni Robredo.

This early, signs of cracks in the UniTeam are showing with PBBM getting closer to PH’s old ally the United States in asserting the Philippine sovereignty versus China while Sara is ominously silent on Chinese bullying.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to discern that eventually, PBBM will endorse his cousin Martin Romualdez as the administration standard bearer for the 2028 presidential race.

As they say, blood is thicker than water.

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.

(ai/mnm)

PABAHAY PARA SA PILIPINO: DHSUD Secretary Rizalino Acuzar (left) is shown in photo with PCUP Chairperson/CEO in Undersecretary Elpidio R. Jordan Jr. (right) during a courtesy call and coordination meeting at the DHSUD Central Office

MANILA — To help address the housing backlog in the country, the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) have agreed to join hands in pursuing the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH).

In a courtesy call at the DHSUD Central Office, DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar assured PCUP Chairperson/CEO Undersecretary Elpidio Jordan Jr., that the Commission will have its share of responsibilities for the implementation of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program or 4PH, the flagship housing project of the Marcos Administration.

This is in line with the commission’s objective of actively seeking out partnerships with other national government agencies and local government units for speedy delivery of basic services to the poor.

Secretary Acuzar discussed the potential role of PCUP in ensuring a safe relocation process for the program and expressed his openness to collaborate with Undersecretary Jordan Jr., for other projects concerning housing.

This is a positive note for the commission, as it is currently focused on launching its 4 Banner Programs, which include the Piso ko Bahay Mo Program, for the marginalized.

The 4PH is the primary housing program of the Marcos administration for the impoverished. It focuses on developing low-, mid-, and high-rise housing projects near employment and livelihood opportunities for its beneficiaries.

“Our priority is to assist the national government in aiding the urban poor sector in all of their needs, especially with safe housing. Through our participation in the 4PH program, the PCUP will guarantee that the process of relocation will be just and humane for all the beneficiaries of the program.” Undersecretary Jordan Jr., stated.

Also present in the meeting were DHSUD Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III, DHSUD Undersecretary Lyle Niño Pasco, DHSUD Assistant Secretary Mel Aradanas, and DHSUD Director Ma. Lorina Rigor.

In a social media post, PCUP Supervising Commissioner for Luzon Andre Niccolo Tayag stated the Commission’s support for DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and the flagship 4PH program.

“Buo po ang suporta ng PCUP sa pamumuno ni Undersecretary Elpidio Jordan at ng aking opisina sa inyo Mr. Secretary bilang punong tagapagpatupad ng Pambansang Pabahay program,” Tayag posted.

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking forward to opening next month (October 2023) two additional to boost the vehicle carrying capacity of the Arterial Road Bypass Project in the Province of Bulacan.

Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects, said that the opening of the 7.74-kilometer widened section from Brgy.

Tambubong to the Philippines-Japan Friendship Highway or Daang Maharlika Highway in Barangay Maasim including the 318-meter flyover at the intersection along Kalsadang Bago and a 36.9-meter bridge all under contract package (CP) 4 of Arterial Road Bypass Project-Phase 3 in San Rafael, Bulacan will be recommended to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan to serve the growing number of motorists traveling in time for the anticipated long-weekend for the Barangay Election and observance of traditional Undas or All Soul’s Day.

“We are pleased that the section from KO49 + 625 to KO57 + 366 undertaken by Sino Road & Bridge Group Co. Ltd is complete and punch listing by DPWH technical personnel will commence anytime to ensure safety and functionality of the newly paved road and constructed bridge and flyover,” said Senior Undersecretary Sadain following his September 8, 2023 inspection together with Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista and Project Manager Hermie Sablan of DPWH Unified Project Management Office-Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral).

To ensure the completed project particularly the flyover and bridge is safe and ready for public use, common items to include in the punch list are structural integrity by checking for any visible cracks or damage to the structure, securely in place guardrails and barriers, road surface, lighting, and drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.

Once the punch list is complete, any identified issues will be addressed promptly this September and October to ensure that the project is safe and ready for public use.

According to Senior Undersecretary Sadain, CP 4 is directly connected to CP 3 completed in 2021 by Shimizu Corp. and FF Cruz and Co., Inc. covering the construction of 2.22-kilometer two (2) more lanes for the westbound direction encompassing one (1) of Luzon’s longest bridges across the Angat River in Bustos, Bulacan.

From the initial stage of two (2)-lane two (2)-way traffic under Phase 1 and 2, Phase 3 under loan agreement no. PH-P266 between the Government of the Philippines and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) involves the widening of the entire 24.61-kilometer stretch of the Arterial Road Bypass Project most commonly referred to as Plaridel Bypass Road traversing five (5) municipalities of Bulacan namely: Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael.

The Arterial Road Bypass Project – Phase 3 was divided into four (4) CPs and implemented by DPWH Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral).

This road widening project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the economic activities and productivity in the eastern part of Bulacan and the adjacent province of Nueva Ecija”, added Senior Undersecretary Sadain. (B. Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

Philippines

On September 11, 1917, Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, the 10th president of the Philippines and the longest to stay in office for more than 20 years — from 1966 to February 1986 — was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin.

World

On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed as 19 al-Qaida hijackers seized control of four jetliners, sending two of the planes into New York’s World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon and the fourth into a field in western Pennsylvania.

Compiled by Jr. Amigo/mnm

By Amado Inigo

MANILA — Germany uncorked a strong third quarter and then weathered Serbia’s strong uprising in the fourth canto en route to grabbing the coveted Naismith Trophy of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a thrilling 83-77 win before a sellout crowd of more than 12,000 Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Serbia fought Germany mano-a-mano in the first half before the Germans floored the pedal to the metal in the third quarter.

Germany’s third-quarter blitzkrieg proved to be the turning point as the Germans erected a 12-point cushion, 69-57, at the end of the third canto and going into the crucial fourth where Serbia once again made their presence felt.

Serbia actually threatened to within three points in the fourth following an 8-2 blast in the final two minutes but the Germans maintained their ground to claim the most coveted Naismith trophy.

Serbia turned ice cold in the penultimate quarter, producing but 10 points the whole 10 minutes of play even as Germany scorched the net with 22 points to turn a tight, see-saw game to its favor.

All that Germany needed from there was to maintain the lead and a cohesive play from both ends of the court.

Serbia raced to a 26-point production in the first, the second-most ever by any team in the opening chapter of a World Cup final after the USA’s 35 against Serbia in 2014, but Germany pulled even at 47-all at the half.

The first time that Germany and Serbia met ended in a thrilling 82-81 double overtime win by the Germans in the preliminary round of the 2010 World Cup.

The Germany-Serbia clash was the fifth all-European finale in World Cup history and the first since Spain crushed Greece in the 2006 championship game.

Both teams eliminated foes loaded with NBA talents in the eliminations punctuated by Germany’s massive upset win over favored USA and Serbia bouncing out Canada.

Canada takes bronze

Earlier in the day, Canada achieved a historic milestone by defeating the United States and clinching a well-deserved bronze medal.

The thrilling victory came in an overtime showdown, where Canada triumphed with a final score of 127-118 in overtime over the NBA-laden Team USA.

It was a sweet redemption for Canada, who had previously faced seven consecutive defeats against the American team in World Cup matchups.

This triumph also marked the very first instance where Canada finished higher than the United States in the history of the World Cup.

Excellent

Meanwhile, before the USA and Canada battle for third, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) heaped praises to the Philippines’ hosting of the Basketball World Cup.

FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis described the Philippines’ hosting of the World Cup as “excellent.”

Serbia ranked 6th

Serbia is ranked sixth in the world and has been a consistent contender in international basketball, winning the World Cup in 1998 and 2002 and bagging silver in 2014.

On the other hand, Germany’s best finish in the world’s greatest basketball conclave was third place (bronze) in the 2002 edition in the USA.

Laden with NBA players, Team USA bowed out from title contention after losing 113-111 to Germany in Friday’s semi-finals while Canada sustained a 95-86 debacle against Serbia to also miss a shot at the crown.

Serbia hardly missed top player Nikola Jokic, who recently led the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship. He opted not to play in the World Cup due to physical and mental fatigue.

Without Jokic, Serbia swept aside Puerto Rico, South Sudan and China in Group B.

And despite a narrow 78-76 loss to Italy in the second round, a dominant Serbian win over the Dominican Republic punched them a ticket to the knockout rounds, which saw them cruise to victories over Lithuania and a Canadian side featuring NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks.

Germany never suffered a single loss going into the championship.

19h edition of FIBA World Cup

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup represented the 19th edition of this prestigious event for men’s national basketball teams.

This edition was notable for several reasons: it was the second to feature 32 teams and marked the first instance of multiple nations hosting the tournament simultaneously.

The hosting duties were shared by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, with the event spanning from August 25th to September 10th, 2023.

This World Cup was particularly significant as it marked Indonesia’s debut as a host nation, while both the Philippines and Japan were hosting for the second time, their previous stints being in 1978 and 2006, respectively.

Notably, this year’s tournament was the second of three consecutive World Cups held in Asia, following China’s hosting of the 2019 edition, and preceding Qatar’s upcoming hosting in 2027.

It also set a unique record in the tournament’s history, as the host nation (Indonesia) did not qualify to participate.

Furthermore, this World Cup achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most-attended in history, particularly the Dominican Republic-Philippines game.

Record number of spectators

Held at the cavernous Philippine Arena in Bocaue, the host country, and DR’s game drew an impressive crowd of 38,115 spectators, surpassing the previous record of 32,616 set during the 1994 final at the SkyDome in Toronto.

The significance of this tournament extended beyond the competition itself, as it served as a qualification event for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The top two teams from each of the Americas and Europe, along with the top teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania, earned berths alongside the host nation, France.

In a surprising turn of events, defending champion Spain faced early defeats against Latvia and Canada in the second round, ultimately finishing in 9th place, marking Spain’s first absence from the World Cup Quarter-finals since 1994.

Final Scores:

For Third

Canada 127 – Brooks 39, Gilgeous-Alexander 31, Barrett 23, Olynyk 11, Dort 11, Alexander-Walker 5, Powell 4, Ejim 3, Edey 0, Scrubb 0.

USA 118 – Edwards 24, Reaves 23, Bridges 19, Portis 14, Brunson 13, Hart 10, Haliburton 6, Kessler 6, Johnson 3.

Quarters: 34-25, 58-56, 91-82, 111-111 (reg), 127-118 (OT).

(AMADO INIGO/MNM)

MANILA — In and outside the world of sports, there is always a first time.

And for all intents and purposes, that happened for Canada when it mattered most.

Canada achieved a historic milestone by defeating the United States in the FIBA World Cup and clinching a well-deserved bronze medal.

The thrilling victory came in an overtime showdown, where Canada triumphed with a final score of 127-118 over the NBA-laden Team USA before a sellout crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, September 10.

Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were the heroes of the day, leading the charge for the determined Canadian squad.

It was a sweet redemption for Canada, who had previously faced seven consecutive defeats against the American team in World Cup matchups.

This triumph also marked the very first instance where Canada finished higher than the United States in the history of the World Cup.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch performance in the overtime period was pivotal, contributing seven of his 31 points when it mattered most.

Team USA managed to force overtime with a sensational four-point play by Mikal Bridges during the closing moments of regulation, leveling the score at 111-111.

In a high-pressure situation, Brooks delivered his finest performance of the tournament, astonishingly sinking 39 points, with an impressive 7-of-8 shooting from beyond the three-point line.

Serbia, Germany still at it

At press time, Serbia and Germany were still in the thick of things slugging it out for the 2023 FIBA World Cup crown.

Serbia is ranked sixth in the world and has been a consistent contender in international basketball, winning the World Cup in 1998 and 2002 and bagging silver in 2014.

On the other hand, Germany’s best finish in the world’s greatest basketball conclave was third place in the 2002 edition in the USA.

Laden with NBA players, team USA bowed out from title contention after losing 113-111 to Germany in Friday’s semi-finals while Canada sustained a 95-86 debacle against Serbia to also miss a shot of the crown.

Serbia hardly missed top player Nikola Jokic, who recently led the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship. He opted not to play in the World Cup due to physical and mental fatigue.

Without Jokic, Serbia swept aside Puerto Rico, South Sudan and China in Group B.

And despite a narrow 78-76 loss to Italy in the second round, a dominant Serbian win over the Dominican Republic punched them a ticket to the knockout rounds, which saw them cruise to victories over Lithuania and a Canadian side featuring NBA stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks.

Germany never suffered a single loss going into the championship.

19h edition of FIBA World Cup

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup represented the 19th edition of this prestigious event for men’s national basketball teams.

This edition was notable for several reasons: it was the second to feature 32 teams and marked the first instance of multiple nations hosting the tournament simultaneously.

The hosting duties were shared by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, with the event spanning from August 25th to September 10th, 2023.

This World Cup was particularly significant as it marked Indonesia’s debut as a host nation, while both the Philippines and Japan were hosting for the second time, their previous stints being in 1978 and 2006, respectively.

Notably, this year’s tournament was the second of three consecutive World Cups held in Asia, following China’s hosting of the 2019 edition, and preceding Qatar’s upcoming hosting in 2027.

It also set a unique record in the tournament’s history, as the host nation (Indonesia) did not qualify to participate.

Furthermore, this World Cup achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most-attended in history, particularly the Dominican Republic-Philippines game.

Record number of spectators

Held at the cavernous Philippine Arena in Bocaue, the host country and DR’s game drew an impressive crowd of 38,115 spectators, surpassing the previous record of 32,616 set during the 1994 final at the SkyDome in Toronto.

The significance of this tournament extended beyond the competition itself, as it served as a qualification event for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The top two teams from each of the Americas and Europe, along with the top team from Africa, Asia, and Oceania, earned berths alongside the host nation, France.

In a surprising turn of events, defending champion Spain faced early defeats against Latvia and Canada in the second round, ultimately finishing in 9th place, marking Spain’s first absence from the World Cup Quarter-finals since 1994.

Final Scores:

For Third

Canada 127 – Brooks 39, Gilgeous-Alexander 31, Barrett 23, Olynyk 11, Dort 11, Alexander-Walker 5, Powell 4, Ejim 3, Edey 0, Scrubb 0.

USA 118 – Edwards 24, Reaves 23, Bridges 19, Portis 14, Brunson 13, Hart 10, Haliburton 6, Kessler 6, Johnson 3.

Quarters: 34-25, 58-56, 91-82, 111-111 (reg), 127-118 (OT).

(AMADO INIGO/MNM)

Former National coach Chot Reyes (FIBA photo courtesy)

Chot Reyes, despite stepping down as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas, expressed his strong willingness to support interim national coach Tim Cone in preparing for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

While he may no longer hold the official coaching position, Reyes remains available for consultation and collaboration with Cone.

Reyes officially resigned from his role shortly after the Philippines concluded its 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign with an impressive 96-75 victory over China, which softened the impact of four straight losses sustained previously by Gilas Pilipinas.

Given the sudden need for a new coach for Gilas, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, in partnership with the PBA, approached Cone, who had served as Reyes’ assistant during the World Cup. Cone accepted the responsibility to lead the national team for the Asian Games.

Reyes assured, “Tim knows he can reach out to me for any assistance, whether it’s to exchange ideas or discuss any aspect of the team’s preparations.” He recently provided input regarding the national team’s initial opponents in the Asian Games, which include Jordan, Thailand, and Bahrain.

“I shared my insights a few days ago, not only about our upcoming opponents but also potential challengers in the Asian Games. I am ready to continue offering my assistance,” he emphasized. “I don’t require any official title or position; I am willing to contribute in any capacity.”

The Asian Games are scheduled to commence on September 23, with host China expected to deliver a strong performance after a disappointing showing in the FIBA World Cup, where they won just one out of five games under the guidance of seasoned international coach Sasha Dordevic. The men’s basketball competition will start on September 26, with the Philippine men’s team facing Bahrain on the opening day.

Leading the Philippines will be naturalized player and three-time PBA Best Import Justin Brownlee, along with notable players like June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and Scottie Thompson, who are among the remaining core members of the Gilas squad from the World Cup. (ai/mnm)