THE WORLD | A10 ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES KILL 14 IN GAZA, INCLUDING CHILDREN, AMID GROWING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
SRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos
PJr. said the country is now poised to become a “premier global shopping hub” after he signed on Monday Republic Act 12079, which provides Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds to foreign tourists.
L eaders of both chambers of Congress hailed the signing and, like him, expressed confidence that the new law will boost even more the tourism industry.
Under RA 12079, nonresident tourists can claim refunds on in-person purchases worth P3,000 per transaction in accredited stores, provided it is taken out of the country within
60 days from purchase.
The Department of Finance said the estimated revenue loss from the refunds can be “easily offset” by the projected boost in tourism spending from an increasing number of tourists. Related story in Banking, page B3.
In his speech at the signing ceremony in Malacañang, Marcos said the measure is expected to stimulate economic growth by helping raise tourist spending by almost 30 percent.
This surge will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises— an important pillar of our local economy,” he said.
“ Tourists who have a positive shopping experience are more likely to return—with their friends and their families— supporting our goal to become a premier shopping destination in Southeast Asia,” he added.
According to Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco, inbound tourism expenditure on shopping reached P134.4 billion in 2023.
Shopping remains a key driver of tourist activity, and this VAT refund scheme is expected to further elevate the country’s appeal,” Frasco said in a statement on Monday. A side from its economic benefits, RA 12079 will also promote
Filipino encouragement abroad by encouraging more foreigners to purchase local handcrafted items abroad such as Marikina shoes, handwoven textiles from the northern provinces, and Filipino barong, according to Marcos.
“ This initiative opens a new chapter in our tourism landscape, allowing the country to compete with other tourism markets that attract tourists who are eager to take home authentic, high-quality Filipino products,” he said. These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more
See “PHL,” A2
PHL to become ‘premier global shopping hub’ BusinessMirror
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
LOWER inflation could lead the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to implement larger-than-expected rate cuts next year, according to Dutch financial services firm ING Bank N.V.
In its latest Marcoeconomic Outlook report, ING said Philippine inflation may average 3.4 percent this year; 2.8 percent next year; and 3.5 percent in 2026. Next year, inflation could average 2.4 percent in the first three months of the year; 2.5 percent in the April to June period; 3 percent in July to September; and 3.2 percent in October to December.
Given this, the country’s GDP growth could average 5.7 percent this year; 6.1 percent next year; and 6 percent in 2026. For next year, GDP growth may average 5.5 percent in the first quarter; 6.6 percent in the second quarter; 6.3 percent in the third quarter; and 6 percent in the fourth quarter.
Lower rate differentials between Asia, US “THE market consensus for Asia has moved towards fewer rate cuts, largely motivated by the Fed’s actions, resulting in lower interest rate differentials for Asia versus the US,” ING said.
“ However, we think a combination of strong disinflation and slower growth will open up room for larger rate cuts than what the market is pricing in, especially for the Philippines, Singapore, India and perhaps Indonesia,” it added.
ING said disinflation is expected to continue on account of cheaper food and fuel prices. For the Philippines, food has a weight of 34.78 percent in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) while Electricity, gas and other fuels account for 6.74 percent of the basket of goods for all households.
By Samuel P. Medenilla
See “D.A.,” A2
WITH the extended duration and increased budget for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) as well as the new regulatory power and importation authority of the government from the newly signed Republic Act 12078, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said cheaper Kadiwa rice will be available by next year.
I n an interview with Palace reporters on Monday, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said the new piece of legislation is expected to help reduce by 10 percent the price of rice, which are sold in Kadiwa outlets—retail sites which are subsidized by the
government--through the Rice For All (RFA) program. W hen launched in August, RFA sites sold rice at P45 per kilo. This was reduced to P40 per kilo last week, but only in select public markets.
“ The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program started selling P40 [per kilo]. So next year, our target is to break the P40 [per kilo mark]. Hopefully by the end of January, P39 or P38,” Laurel said.
Ferdinand Marcos signed RA 12078 in Malacañang to amend the Agricultural Tariffication Act as amended by RA 11203 to boost
See “More,” A2
DA chief upbeat, PCAFI wary, on amended Rice Tariffs law
By Ada Pelonia
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said the amendment of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) will attract a new generation of farmers.
However, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (P CAFI ) noted the need to zero in on the new law’s implementation, particularly in terms of fund utilization.
We need to look [at the implementation]. Now that we have a bigger amount, we need more action,” PCAFI President Danilo Fausto told reporters in Filipino on Monday.
P resident Marcos Jr. signed a new law early Monday amending the RTL, which extended the
Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to 2031 and increased its annual allocation to P30 billion in a bid to prop up initiatives such as high-quality seed production, farm mechanization, and water management.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the new law is an investment for the country’s agriculture sector and economic future.
The increased funding to enhance the rice industry’s competitiveness will boost both rice yields and farm output, benefiting millions of farmers and their families, as well as millions of poor Filipino consumers who need more affordable rice,” Laurel said.
Improving incomes from rice farming will attract a new generation of farmers to replace our aging workforce, helping to fulfill Presi-
dent Marcos’ vision of a food-secure Philippines, where no Filipino goes hungry,” he added.
Fausto: How about other crops?
Meanwhile, Fausto expressed concern over the new law’s focus on rice.
My fear is that we are trying to fight a war we cannot win [...] We are composed of islands and it’s difficult to irrigate,” he said.
Pouring in money is welcome.
But as we go and plant rice [...] we need to plant new food. We have to have new ways of planting our food and modernize.”
Fausto cited crop diversification, such as gravitating toward high-value crops.
The high-value crops have contributed 33 percent of the agricultural output in crops and
rice is only 23 percent, and yet you’re pouring everything [into] rice,” he said.
Under the new law, the National Food Authority (NFA) is allowed to sell rice buffer stocks to government agencies and the public, through Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, in areas with rice supply shortages or extreme price hikes.
It also permits the NFA to replenish its buffer stocks with imported rice in case of insufficient supply of the locally produced staple.
The president can also authorize rice imports at a lower tariff rate for a limited period and/or specific volume.
However, in cases of extreme decline in local rice prices, the President may suspend rice imports for a limited time and/or volume until rice supply and prices stabilize.
The financial services firm also noted that even lower inflation may be expected given the “dumping of goods” should higher US tariffs hit China next year. The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) earlier told BusinessMirror that the Philippines should gear up for stronger competition in Southeast Asia as exports of China may slow down next year. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/11/27/ philippines-should-gear-up-forstronger-competition-in-southeastasia-amid-slowdown-in-chinas-outbound-shipments-next-year/).
“For countries like Indonesia, the Philippines and India, very high positive real rates should support larger rate cuts, and a continued focus on fiscal consolidation should be positive for long-end bonds,” ING also said.
Meanwhile, Moody’s Analytics expects the BSP to implement a 25-basis point rate cut in the next meeting of the Monetary Board slated for December 19, the last one scheduled for 2024.
flation report projected that November inflation may have settled within the range of 2.2 to 3 percent. This was despite the higher prices recorded for vegetables, fish and meat due to unfavorable weather conditions, higher electricity rates, and petroleum prices. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/11/30/november-inflation-likely-slowed-on-rice-price/).
As headline inflation held within the central bank’s target range, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may be moved to cut its reverse repo rate by 25 basis points later this month,” Moody’s Analytics said.
Earlier, inflation accelerated to 2.5 percent in November due to typhoons disrupting food supply. A 25-basis-point reduction in key policy rates in December is still possible, but hinges on the peso’s stability and the US Federal Reserve’s policy stance.
L ocal rice supply usually increases by May due to the dry season harvest.
Food inflation
CEREALS and cereal products,
including rice and corn, are usually the main contributors of high food inflation. However, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that in the previous month, rice inflation slowed down to 5.1 percent from 9.6 percent in last October.
I n its latest price monitoring, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said that as of December 6, 2024 the price of local wellmilled rice was P40 to P52 per kilogram (kg) in major markets in Metro Manila. For regular milled, it was at P40 to P48 per kg.
L aurel said they hope to further reduce the market price of rice with the implementation of RA 12078, which provides the President and the National Food Authority (NFA) market intervention powers related to importation of rice.
He clarified EO 62 will remain in effect even with the implementation of RA 12078.
PHL…
accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” he added.
The President called on the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to promptly craft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the enforcement of RA 12079. Both government agencies are given 90 calendar days from the effectivity of the new law to complete the IRR.
VAT refund boost
PHL’s appeal–Chiz
SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the value-add tax (VAT) refund mechanism for non-resident travelers is a long overdue initiative the country needs to lure more visitors and increase tourist haul.
Providing VAT refunds on goods purchased by tourists is something that many countries around the world have been doing for years. The tourism sector is a consistent contributor to our economy so an uptick in arrivals would provide a boost to our GDP and generate more jobs for our people,” Escudero said.
On average, a foreign tourist spends about P120,000 during a visit to the country, providing a boost to local entrepreneurs and the local economy.
Tourist arrivals in the Philippines have yet to return to prepandemic levels, but according to Escudero, the numbers have slowly increased in the past few years.
“By offering the VAT refund for tourists, there is reason for optimism that we will be able to entice more visitors to come to the Philippines and help us compete with our Asian neighbors and even the world in becoming a premier destination for travelers,” he said.
The tourism sector employed 6.21 million Filipinos last year, representing 13 percent of the workforce, but still below the 7.06 million mark before Covid-19 struck.
S enate Bill No. 2415 was authored and sponsored by Ways and Means Committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, with Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada as coauthor.
Boost to domestic commerce
THE establishment of a VAT refund system for non-resident
Th is monetary policy action may stem from the recent inflation print of 2.5 percent in November. While this was faster than the 2.3 percent recorded in October, it was still still lower than the 4.1 percent posted in November 2023. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/12/06/novemberinflation-at-2-5-to-acceleratein-december/).
The BSP’s Month Ahead in-
In an economic brief, HSBC Asean economist Aris Dacanay said the November inflation print supports a rate cut during the Monetary Board’s meeting on December 19. However, “monitoring the Fed’s tone will be crucial.”
The recent wave of typhoons plaguing the Philippines since September has damaged agricultural lands and tightened the food supply of local vegetables and meat, Dacanay said. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/12/09/dec-rate-cuthinges-on-peso-stability-us-fedmove-analyst/).
tourists will significantly enhance the country’s tourism sector and stimulate domestic commerce, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said on Monday.
“This piece of legislation will greatly boost international tourism and the sale of goods by touristoriented establishments,” he said.
Romualdez said countries most visited by international tourists, like Japan and Singapore, offer VAT or tax refunds as an incentive to visitors.
There are large retail establishments in these countries offering refunds on VAT or local sales tax, which make them highly popular among tourists, he said.
Just ask Filipinos who have visited Japan, and they will tell you that they patronize these megastores not only for the products they sell at lower prices but also for the tax refunds,” he said.
He added that the Philippines could learn from the experience of these countries.
Under the VAT refund law, tourists or non-resident foreign passport holders may apply for a refund if they buy goods from a duly accredited store in person, if the products are taken out of the country within 60 days from the date of purchase, and the goods purchased are worth at least P3,000 per transaction.
T he law authorizes the Department of Finance (DOF) to contract one or more reputable, globally recognized, and experienced VAT refund operators to operate this VAT refund system for tourists.
Refunds may be transferred in cash or through the use of electronic methods.
The law mandates the DOF, in consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and Bureau of Customs (BoC), to issue implementing rules and regulations. According to NEDA, the VAT refund law is projected to raise P3.3 billion to P5.7 billion in additional revenues from 2024 to 2028 and create 4,400 to 7,100 jobs a year. Samuel P. Medenilla, Butch Fernandez, Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
the competitiveness of the local agriculture industry and make the country more self-sufficient in terms of its rice supply.
Enhanced RCEF RA 12078 extended the duration of RCEF, which was supposed to end this year, by six years or up to 2031. Its amount was also increased from P10 billion to P30 billion.
It also expanded the possible uses of RCEF, which was previously used to boost the productivity of farmers by providing them access to high-quality seeds, mechanization, credit and training.
Once RA 12078 takes effect, the RCEF can also be used for composting facilities for biodegradable waste to support organic farming; pest and disease management; solarpowered irrigation and waterimpounding irrigation; and soil health improvement.
“ This will enable us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring that they have the resources that they need to succeed and to make the rice industry even more competitive,” Marcos said in his speech at the signing ceremony of RA 12078 and two other laws.
He expects the improved RCEF will prevent the annual wastage of up to 375,000 tons of milled rice for the next six years. To meet the higher funding requirements of the enhanced RCEF, Tiu said the government will now not only rely on tariffs from imported rice, but also through augmentation from the General Appropriation Act.
Anti-smuggling measure ANOTHER salient provision of RA 12078 is it provided the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry the power to not only inspect warehouses, but also “maintain a database for storage facilities for the comprehensive monitoring of the country’s rice serves.”
“ This is a big help against smuggling....It’s a big deal for us, if we can now enter the warehouse to do inventory so we can have accurate data to see what the real situation is [in terms of rice supply]. With accurate data, we can manage prices better,” Tiu explained.
More than 5k bets register socmed accounts–Comelec
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
FOUR days before the deadline for social media regis -
tration, the Commission on Elections announced on Monday more than 5,000 political aspirants had filed their submissions.
Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco confirmed in a text message that a total of 5,195 submitted their registrations as of December 9.
This includes 5,028 local aspirants, and 135 party-list groups, organizations, and coalitions.
The poll body also noted that 32 out of the 66 pre-approved senatorial candidates have so far complied.
Under Comelec Resolution 11064, the poll body mandates all the official social media accounts and pages, websites, podcasts, blogs, and vlogs, and other onlinebased platforms of candidates and political parties be registered with the commission’s Education and Information Department on or before December 13. Online applications can be done via https://forms.gle/XsT96g815R44MRBU7 (for senatorial); https://forms.gle/Ek9MnTWXPHwE3Ghr9 (for local); and https://forms.gle/gJXnBfngdedxK3YK7 (for political party,
party-list organization, coalition). Those who will be submitting via those links are required to also submit hard copies of the documents they have submitted online.
Meanwhile, hard copy applications should be submitted to the poll body’s Education and Information Department.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia earlier announced that non-compliance of candidates could result in election offenses or even disqualification.
“Let’s not make this difficult, and don’t test Comelec. It’s better to follow the rules because the purpose is to ensure fairness for all,” the poll chief said in October.
“If candidates truly have no intention of doing something bad or engaging in unethical practices, they should register their social media accounts,” Garcia added.
Comelec also clarified that while all candidates are required to register their online platforms, the commission will not interfere with the actual content of the latter—as long as it will comply with the standards set in Resolution No. 11064.
“If the Comelec intrudes on their content, it could violate freedom of expression and speech. We shouldn’t allow that,” Garcia said.
House vax expert assails past administration’s DOH
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE vaccine expert of the House of Representatives has criticized the Department of Health (DOH) leadership under the previous administration for the P11 billion worth of vaccines and medicines that reached expiry date without being used.
House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin made a statement following a report from the Commission on Audit (COA) revealing that over P11 billion worth of drugs, medicines, and medical supplies, including 7,035,161 vials of Covid-19 vaccines, were left unused and subsequently expired.
“This situation flagged by COA is the result of weak leadership and management in the Department of Health during the previous administration,” the Iloilo lawmaker said.
To prevent further wastage of medical resources, Garin, a former health secretary herself, underscored the importance of program directors taking responsibility for monitoring and ensuring the timely use of vaccines and medicines.
“Program directors are obligated to ensure that vaccines and medicines are used immediately after procurement and to monitor their distribution,” she said. “If they can’t fulfill this responsibility, they should be removed.
Garin also highlighted the need for accountability in the depart -
ment’s inventory management.
“Inventory alone is not enough. There should be accountability within the implementing department of the DOH. Once items are purchased, there should be close coordination to ensure they are used promptly—not in a lastminute rush before they expire,” said Garin.
Previously, Garin also questioned Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa over the lack of vaccines, which she said has led to preventable deaths.
“So many are dying from pertussis because there’s no stock of vaccines. There’s an increase in cases of parasitic infections while praziquantel supplies are expiring. You’re buying medicines that end up buried because they expire,” Garin pointed out.
In a separate 2023 report, the COA noted that the DOH had P7.43 billion worth of medicines and other inventory. This stockpile included items that were damaged, near expiration, or already expired.
During her watch as health secretary during the Benigno Aquino III administration, Garin presided over the vaccination of hundreds of thousands of children with the then new anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia manufactured by Sanofi of France.
Dengvaxia at the time was still on clinical trial phase IV, meaning while it is alreacy licened for commercial use, it effect on the users should still be monitored to determine if any adverse effects occur.
Go provides aid to indigents in Davao del Norte
SEN. Christopher Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reaffirmed his commitment to provide accessible healthcare and support for the poor as his Malasakit Team visited Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Norte on Thursday, December 5. The event at the municipal gymnasium, organized in collaboration with the office of Mayor Leah Marie Romano, aimed to deliver aid to hundreds of indigent residents while highlighting the role of Malasakit Centers in ensuring that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to healthcare.
Panel finds ‘significant irregularities’ in use of Sara’s confidential funds
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
AS it ended its investigation, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability uncovered “significant irregularities” in the use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), both under the leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte, raising the possibility of plunder charges being filed against the officials involved.
During the final hearing of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on confidential funds, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop highlighted the scale of the funds and their questionable disbursement.
“Let me remind the public of what is at stake here: It would constitute graft and corruption if public funds are misused or misappropriated, or worse, if funds are diverted for personal use or benefit. And given the amount we are talking about here, this is clearly plunder,” Acop said.
He condemned the lack of transparency and accountability in handling public funds, calling it a blatant disregard for the law.
The committee’s investigation revealed that the disbursement of confidential funds by the OVP and DepEd violated Commission on Audit-Department of Budget and Management Joint Circular 2015-01. This circular requires strict documentation and account -
ability for confidential and intelligence funds. However, the inquiry exposed systemic bypassing of these regulations.
According to the investigation, massive amounts were withdrawn quarterly by Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs) and handed over to “security officers” without oversight. At the OVP, SDO Gina Acosta encashed P125 million per quarter from late 2022 to 2023. At DepEd, SDO Edward Fajarda encashed P37.5 million per quarter for three quarters, totaling P112.5 million.
Both SDOs admitted they had no knowledge of how the funds were used after being handed over.
The lack of compliance with Joint Circular 2015-01 was evident in the preparation of liquidation reports, which were largely drafted by security officers rather than the SDOs.
Acop highlighted the irregularity, noting that acknowledgment receipts for fund disbursement were often submitted after the liquidation reports had already been filed.
Acop also questioned VP Duterte’s apparent reliance on confidential funds, both as Mayor of Davao City and now as Vice President and previously as DepEd Secretary.
The investigation revealed that a total of P612.5 million in funds was potentially misused, raising the possibility of plunder charges. Under Philippine law, plunder involves the misuse of public funds amounting to at least P50 million
and carries severe penalties.
Acop stressed the importance of accountability to restore public trust. He urged Congress to close legislative loopholes that allow the misuse of public funds.
“We leave it to the investigative bodies to prosecute crimes committed here. Our role is to legislate measures that eliminate opportunities for pilferage,” he said.
The inquiry also revealed how the improper handling of these funds undermines public governance, as Acop urged Congress to enact reforms to close loopholes that allowed such abuses.
No records
FOUR hundred five individuals listed as beneficiaries of confidential funds disbursed by the DepEd, during the tenure of Vice President Duterte have no birth records, according to a report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, revealed during a committee hearing on Monday that 405 out of 667 names submitted for verification lacked any birth records.
“We submitted 677 names listed in the acknowledgment receipts of DepEd for verification, and the PSA responded on December 8, 2024,” Chua explained.
“Out of the 677 individuals, 405 have no birth certificates or records of birth, which may suggest these individuals are nonexistent,” he added.
The PSA report, signed by
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis Mapa, further indicated that 445 individuals lacked marriage certificates, while 508 had no death certificates. However, some names had matching records in the civil registry for other events.
The PSA’s investigation was requested by Chua’s committee, also referred to as the House Blue Ribbon Committee, which is looking into the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds— P500 million from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and P112.5 million from DepEd—between late 2022 and 2023.
The probe into these funds intensified when the name “Mary Grace Piattos” was flagged. The name, identical to a popular snack brand, was listed in ARs justifying fund disbursements but was found to be non-existent in the PSA database. This discovery cast doubt on the authenticity of the remaining 677 names listed in the ARs and prompted further verification. Another suspicious entry, “Kokoy Villamin,” appeared on multiple receipts with inconsistent signatures, raising concerns of potential forgery.
The committee had earlier emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of all listed confidential fund recipients to ensure public funds were not funneled into fraudulent schemes. However, initial findings revealed that the ARs appeared to have been fabricated, which lawmakers described as part of a systematic misuse of public funds.
Govt beefs up Christmas Season security preparations on land,
By Rex Anthony Naval
WITH Christmas Day just 14 days away, the National Police (PNP) announced that it will intensify security operations to deter criminals from preying on holiday merry makers.
In a statement, the National Police chief, Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, said he has ordered all units to implement on-ground security and cybercrime operations as well as prepare for unforeseen incidents.
“Christmas is a season of joy and giving, but it is also a period when criminal elements may exploit public vulnerability. The PNP is committed to making this season safe and secure for all Filipinos,” Marbil said.
To enhance public safety, Marbil said police units nationwide have been directed to intensify visibility through regular patrols and the deployment of additional
personnel in high-traffic areas such as malls, markets, and transport hubs.
Quick response teams will also be on standby to address incidents promptly, he added.
“The presence of uniformed personnel in public areas is a reassurance of our dedication to protecting the public. We aim to provide peace of mind during the holiday rush,” Marbil said.
With a surge in online transactions during the season, the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is focusing on curbing online scams and fraud.
Marbil also urged the public to remain vigilant by verifying transactions and avoiding suspicious links.
“Our mandate is clear: to ensure public safety under any circumstances. The PNP is a professional and apolitical organization. We are here to serve and protect all Filipinos, regardless of the political climate,” the PNP chief emphasized.
He also encouraged the public to adopt basic safety practices, such as safeguarding personal belongings, avoiding large cash transactions, and reporting suspicious activities.
The Coast Guard (PCG) meanwhile will go on heightened alert from December 13 to January 6 next year.
Heightened alert in civilian uniformed service like the PNP and the PCG is the equivalent of the military “blue” alert which means that 50 percent of all personnel are on during at all times.
“Anchored on the directive of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to ensure safe, smooth, and convenient sea transportation during the Christmas season, Adm. Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, PCG commandant, ordered all PCG Districts, Stations, and Sub-Stations to intensify security and safety measures on all ports and ferry terminals,” the directive read.
“This is to ensure the orderly
Filipino scientists reduce forecasting errors to 6%
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
AGo’s Malasakit Team gave shirts, snacks, and vitamins to all 500 indigents. Financial assistance was also provided by the government to ease the burden of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Go expressed his gratitude to the local government of Braulio E. Dujali for their collaboration in reaching out to those in need. He emphasized the importance of extending government resources to underserved communities, especially the poor, the sick, and those with limited means.
N international research team led by Ateneo de Manila University and the Manila Observatory has improved sunny weather forecasts by as much as 94 percent using a mathematical algorithm that refines predictions by minimizing errors in noisy data.
The researchers applied the Kalman Filter (KF) to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, one of the most well-known and widely used weather research and forecasting tools, to minimize forecast discrepancies to as little as 6 percent. They focused on predicting
global horizontal irradiance using data from Metro Manila weather stations.
The method reduced mean bias error by up to 94 percent and root mean square error by 12 percent with just three days of training data. Seasonal variations influenced the optimal training period, with 42 days for the dry season and 14 days for the wet season.
The results showed that KF proved most effective for adjusting
cloudy-period forecasts but slightly overcorrected during clear skies. Despite this, the technique is seen as a “promising alternative” to more computationally demanding solar energy forecasting methods.
Researchers emphasized the need for model adaptation to diverse Philippine landscapes to ensure more accurate solar energy predictions tailored to the country’s varied climates.
sea
operations of sea transport facilities, convenient travel of the seafaring public, peaceful celebration of Christmas, and security of tourists in beaches and private resorts nationwide,” Gavan said.
“Our kababayans (countrymen) have long been waiting for this season to spend quality time with their families and loved ones, either at their home provinces or in various vacation spots. Thus, we are anticipating and preparing for the high volume of maritime traffic,” Gavan said. In addition, Gavan said the agency will conduct 24/7 monitoring of nautical highways routes, especially in the Visayas where most tourist destinations are located.
“Rest assured, we will ensure maritime security and safety on our western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes. Our deployable response groups and the PCG Auxiliary [PCGA] are ready for these operations,” he added.
“Results from the study, the first of its kind to assess performance of WRF-Solar and KF over the Philippines, will serve as a basis for a computationally efficient alternative to more intensive higher resolution and multiple ensemble member solar forecasts,” the researchers said.
“Future work intends to focus on applying this method over different topographies in the Philippines, given the availability of irradiance data,” they said. In a separate 2019 study on tropical cyclone forecasting, significant improvements in forecast accuracy were observed over 10 years, particularly in the Philippines Area of Responsibility, with the ongoing advancements in weather prediction systems. The study, “Application of Kalman filter for post-processing WRF-Solar forecasts over Metro Manila, Philippines,” which involved researchers from Ateneo, the Manila Observatory, and institutions in France, Japan and the US, was published on November 15 in the journal Solar Energy.
NFA reports 260% hike in palay procurement
PAvoid Privacy and Data Security Mistakes
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
ALAY procurement of the National Food Authority (NFA) jumped by over 260 percent in October owing to good harvest and competitive buying prices.
The grains agency said it procured 2.47 million 50-kilo bags or 123,561 metric tons (MT) of palay, higher by 263.94 percent than the 679,024 bags or 33,951.2 MT purchased in the same month last year.
However, the NFA noted that it fell short of its procurement target of 3.09 million bags or 154,497.5 MT in October.
“Increase in the procurement as compared to the preceding
months can be attributed to the good harvest of the main cropping season and the implementation of the Council-approved Price Range Scheme (Pricers) for palay procurement activity,” the NFA said in its latest accomplishment report.
Under the grains agency’s Pricers, buying prices for palay range between P23 and P30 per kilo for clean and dry palay and P17 to P23 per kilo for fresh and wet palay. This flexible price scheme changes weekly per province.
Meanwhile, the NFA said it had a total rice inventory of 244,724.78 MT at the end of October.
“It should be noted that NFA’s inventory is 9.10 percent of the country’s national rice inventory.”
The NFA also distributed 71,669 bags or 3,583.45 MT of milled rice during the reference month, 16.45 percent of its target of 435,700 bags or 21,785 MT.
“Sales to other government agencies for non-calamity purposes were calibrated due to low inventory level of rice stocks, hence low distribution accomplishment,” the NFA said.
The grains agency reported distributing 2,393.77 MT of rice to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), legislators, and local governments for relief operations and calamity response.
About 1,189.67 MT of rice were distributed to government agencies and local governments’ rice
PITX prepares for Christmas rush
By Lorenz S. Marasigan
T@lorenzmarasigan
HE Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is gearing up for an influx of holiday travelers, projecting up to 3 million passengers during the holiday season. Jason Salvador, PITX Corporate Affairs and Government Relations director, said anticipated peaks in passenger numbers are expected to
begin on December 20, with sustained heavy traffic until December 23 as families and individuals finalize their Christmas plans.
Another surge is forecast during the final weekend of December, leading into the New Year.
The holiday rush will taper off by January 6 as students and employees return to their regular routines.
Salvador said to address the surge, PITX is coordinating closely
with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
These partnerships will enable the deployment of additional bus units, rigorous vehicle safety checks, and enhanced traffic management to minimize congestion.
“PITX is committed to ensuring ‘Biyaheng Ayos’ for all passengers
Angara to learners: Be entrepreneurs
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
@claudethmc3
EDUCATION Secretary Juan
Edgardo Angara encouraged learners to heed the lessons of industry leaders and professionals and translate these into success during Go Negosyo’s Youthpreneur at the Rizal High School recently.
“I hope you realize what a big opportunity this is for you, dear students, dahil not all of you can have the opportunity to interact personally with very successful
businessmen,” Angara said, noting that the event is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to build a future-ready workforce.
Go Negosyo’s Youthpreneur (Mentoring Future Entrepreneurs) is a joint project with the Department of Education (DepEd) designed to promote an entrepreneurial mindset among Filipino learners and empower them with opportunities to develop skills through mentorship. Ang ginagawa ng Go Negosyo ay hindi lamang tutoring but also
developing the ecosystem ng ating ekonomiya , making it more conducive for entrepreneurs to thrive,” Angara said.
“It will be part of the job immersion ng ating mga students kasi isa sa instruction sa atin ni Pangulong Marcos ay mas maging job-ready ang ating graduates, kahit senior high school pa lang ,” he added.
Meanwhile, Joey Concepcion, founder of Go Negosyo, said the mentorship program aims to inspire the youth to act and pursue their dreams.
requirement under the Executive Order 51 program, the NFA said.
In October, the grains agency secured the remaining P9 billion budget for palay procurement this year, which could aid farmers amid declining prices due to a bumper crop.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. who heads the NFA Council said the funding could help the government support rice farmers during the wet season when palay prices tend to drop due to increased harvests and limited drying facilities.
“The NFA will have enough funds to support rice farmers through the wet season, which is critical for their livelihoods during this challenging period,” Laurel said in a statement.
this holiday season,” he said. “We understand how important this time is for families, and with the support of DOTr, LTFRB, LTO, and MMDA, we are ready to provide a smooth and worry-free journey for everyone.”
To avoid delays, Salvador said PITX is urging passengers to plan their trips in advance, secure tickets early, and arrive ahead of their scheduled departures. Travelers are also reminded to adhere to terminal guidelines to ensure an organized and safe travel environment for all.
“I always tell people, look for a job, work there, make your mistakes. When you’re clear of what you want to be and start a business, then that’s the time you try to become an entrepreneur,” he said.
The convergence included an inspirational talk with George Royeca, chief executive officer of Angkas, and a panel discussion on how to establish a brand’s online presence with Ali Sangalang, co-founder and creative director of Linya-Linya; Jazzmine Sanchez, content creator; Anne Gaw, co-founder and sales and marketing head of Kangkong King; and Chal Lontoc-del Rosario, chief executive officer of Jeron Travel.
By Henry J. Schumacher
THERE are still many companies that lack the experience and resources needed to manage the plethora of security, privacy, and compliance issues inherent in a growing technologybased business. We must be aware that the legal and business implications of poorly managed privacy and data security practices are too important to ignore. A single error can undermine the trust of investors and customers, attract unwanted regulatory attention or litigation.
Here are 6 common privacy and data security mistakes that we must avoid:
1. Too many pay little attention to the fact that businesses are governed by a wide range of laws and standards, and are expected to operate within commonly accepted practices. Among other things, they may ignore the fact that the collection, use, and processing of most personal information is regulated here and abroad. Ignoring these laws may lead to significant errors and may in fact subject the company and its managers to legal and other action.
2. Some companies may think that their ability to succeed requires that they be nimble. They may believe that policies and processes slow them down and are not a business imperative. However, in the absence of rules defining who is allowed to access certain information or what uses are restricted, employees, subcontractors or visitors might inadvertently access highly confidential or sensitive data and misuse it.
3. Some companies hire third parties, outsource some of their functions, or locate their operations in the cloud because they do not have sufficient resources to hire personnel or to purchase equipment. In doing so, they may think that they have passed on to those third parties the responsibility for their data.
However, the company that initially collects the data remains primarily responsible for anything that happens to the data.
The entity that the customers know—not the obscure service provider—will be the one that will be sued or investigated if data is illegally processed or inadequately protected. It will be the one whose reputation and trustworthiness will be at risk.
4. Security breaches are to be avoided. They are significantly disruptive. A company that has implemented a well thought through written security program will be less exposed to potential security breaches and to the significant consequences of security breaches. In most cases, a company that has suffered a breach of security might be required to publicly disclose the occurrence of the breach. It may have to send notices to affected parties and regulators, and offer credit monitoring or identity theft insurance, which is usually a significant expense.
5. Some companies tend to collect too much data just because “we may need it later” and “storage is cheap.” T he more data a company has in its custody, the more vulnerable it is to legal violations and security breaches. The more data a company has, the more time and data experts it will need to retrieve it. Collecting a massive amount of data also causes significant security risk. The larger the volume of data - the higher the probability that it will be stolen.
6. When discussing personal data protection, it is common to hear: “We don’t have any personal data, our data is anonymized, and it cannot be tied to an individual.” This is a significant mistake. While it might have been true, a long time ago, that anonymization prevented the association of a particular individual to a particular data set, but this is no longer the case. In the world of data analytics, big data, semantics and other tools, there is no such thing as anonymity. Too often, a competent data scientist will be able to crack the anonymization shell in a short time.
Why am I writing about Privacy and Data Security mistakes? Data breaches are in the news more and more. I strongly believe that a lot of training in data science, data analytics and data management is needed to provide companies and their employees with the capabilities to stay relevant. Additionally, the constant growth in the complexity of cybersecurity threats forces companies to adopt more advanced solutions to avoid potential financial losses. If support is needed, contact me at hj schumacher59@gmail.com.
Solon
sees lower rice prices in 2025 after signing of Agricultural Tariffication Act
ASENIOR lawmaker of the House of Representatives on Monday expressed optimism that rice prices will drop further next year following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s enactment of Republic Act (RA) No. 12078, or Agricultural Tariffication Act.
Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte said that in signing RA 12078, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, President Marcos “tweaked the RTL of 2019 by putting back the government’s authority in emergency situations to purchase more rice stocks and sell them directly to consumers, which will hopefully reverse the current market trend of elevated prices of the staple despite softening global prices coupled with the huge influx of stocks that importers had acquired at drastically reduced tariff rates.”
RA 12078 amended RA 11203, which lifted in 2019 the authority of the National Food Authority (NFA) to import rice in favor of allowing private traders to purchase an unlimited volume of the staple overseas so long as they pay an import tariff of 35 percent.
A ccording to Villafuerte, RA 12078 empowers the Department of Agriculture (DA) to purchase additional rice stocks and sell them directly to consumers through Kadiwa outlets and other government channels. This move is expected to exert downward pressure on retail prices, making rice more affordable, especially for low-income households.
In the event that the DA declares, upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), a food supply emergency because of a rice shortage or “extraordinary” price spikes, Villafuerte said the DA Secretary is empowered to designate an entity in the Department—except for the NFA—to import the grain and sell such stocks through Kadiwa outlets, government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Office of Civil Defense-National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (OCD-NDRRMC), or local government units (LGUs).
Villafuerte said that allowing the NFA to
buy more stocks from local farmers will ensure the sustaina101bility of the DA’s P29 and Rice-for-All (RFA) programs, which require a fairly big inventory for the government to sell continuously cheaper rice to a huge number of poor and low-income families all over the country.
Under the DA’s P29 program, the NFA sells rice at P29 a kilo to vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary families, while its RFA program involves the sale of higher-quality rice to other consumers at the current P40 a kilo (previously at P45 and then lowered to P42).
Villafuerte said that President Marcos’ enactment of RA 12078 “restores certain trading functions of the NFA to sell more rice directly to consumers so it can hopefully stave off undue price spirals in the grain during emergency situations, such as when prices are aberrantly high in the local market despite ample domestic supply cornered by private businessmen.”
“With rice accounting for a hefty share of the food expenses, most especially of poor or low-income families, empowering the NFA to once again actively intervene in the market during emergency situations under RA 12078 would make cheaper rice more accessible to our ordinary consumers and thus help take the edge off sticky inflation,” Villafuerte said. He noted that as the 2019 RTL stripped the NFA of its original authority to acquire a critical volume of rice, this food agency has lost its capability to directly and actively intervene in the local market whenever retail costs are high because it does not have enough stocks in its warehouses at any given time to be able to influence, much less dictate, prices in the domestic market when private businessmen keep market rates high.
To reduce rice prices for consumers, President Marcos issued Executive Order (EO) No. 62 that cut the import tariff rate on the staple from 35% to just 15 percent effective last July.
Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
Bill declaring Pampanga ‘Culinary Capital of the PHL” hurdles 3rd and final reading
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
KNOWN for its rich and diverse cuisine, Pampanga, may soon be named as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines” with the recent approval of a Senate bill seeking to recognize its significant contribution to Filipino gastronomy and cultural heritage.
Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2797, authored by Sen. Lito Lapid, was approved on third and final reading Monday, December 9, 2024. The bill directs the Department of Tourism to feature and promote Pampanga as the country’s culinary capital in all its regional and national promotion programs. Lapid said Pampanga has long been recognized for its exceptional culinary heritage, making it a deserving candidate for the title.
“This bill seeks to formally recognize Pampanga’s unique contribution to the nation’s culinary landscape by declaring it as such,” the Kapampangan senator said. Pampanga is widely known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, which have been passed down through generations.
The Kapampangan people have developed a distinctive cuisine that reflects the province’s history, culture, and the creativity of its people, Lapid stressed. He said many of Pampanga’s most celebrated dishes, such as sisig, bringhe, tibok-tibok, tocino, and kare-kare, have become synonymous with Filipino cuisine
itself. These dishes, though influenced by various cultures including Spanish, Chinese, and Malay, have evolved over centuries into recipes that are unmistakably Filipino.
“The culinary arts of Pampanga are not only significant in preserving Filipino culture but are also integral to the country’s tourism industry. The province has become a ‘must include’ destination in culinary tourism within the Philippines, attracting both local and international tourists who seek to experience authentic Filipino flavors,” Lapid said.
Sen. Mark Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and sponsor of the bill, said the Kapampangan dishes had found their way on tables across the globe, introducing the flavors of the country to the world.
“What makes Pampanga unique is not only the delicious flavors of its cuisine, but also the centuries-old culinary traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Kapampangan food reflects the history, creativity, and resilience of its people. Influences from Spanish, Chinese, Malay, and indigenous traditions have melded together, creating a cuisine that is unmistakably Filipino, and proudly Kapampangan,” Villar said in his sponsorship speech.
Villar said the bill does not seek exclusivity of any culinary-related title of other provinces, as it only highlighted the contribution of Pampanga to the culinary history of the Philippines.
PHL agree on new cooperation areas
Evacuation efforts underway following Kanlaon eruption
By Rex Anthony Naval
HE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) an -
Tnounced that emergency evacuation efforts are now being initiated to protect the safety of families in the surrounding areas following the explosive eruption of Mount Kanlaon Monday afternoon.
“An emergency meeting convened this afternoon, led by Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV and attended by officials from the OCD, PHIVOLCS ( Phivolcs)and other relevant agencies, has resulted in immediate actions to assist those affected,” it added.
The agency also said that Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair Gilberto Teodoro Jr., has issued important directives to respond and assist immediately, particularly in evacuating affected residents to avoid casualties.
Regional directors from the OCD in Regions 6 and 7 are actively engaged in these critical efforts.
The eruption produced a significant volcanic plume that reached approximately
3,000 meters above the volcano’s summit, with pyroclastic density currents observed descending the southeastern slopes.
In light of these developments, PHIVOLCS has officially raised the alert level from Level 2 to Level 3, indicating a greater risk of hazardous volcanic activity.
Ongoing evacuation is being implemented for residents within a six-kilometer radius of the volcano.
It is estimated that approximately 12,000 families, or 54,000 individuals, across Regions 6 and 7 will be affected.
The Incident Action Command Center (IACC) will be reactivated and will comprise representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to coordinate response efforts effectively.
PHIVOLCS has stressed the need for precautions and will provide more detailed bulletins regarding the situation as it develops. Assistance is being requested from the Philippine Navy for floating assets to aid in evacuation and response efforts.
In Region 6, approximately 20,000 individuals from 12 barangays are expected to be impacted by the eruption. Authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario of raising the alert level to Level 4 if necessary, which would necessitate further evacuation and safety measures.
OCD and local authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of all residents in the affected areas, and further bulletins will be issued as more information becomes available.
Black smoke
MOUNT Kanlaon, also known as the Kanlaon Volcano, erupted around 3:03 p.m. on Monday, simultaneously emitting gigantic black smoke from its crater.
P hivolcs has placed Kanlaon under Alert Level 3. Under such an alert level, there is an increasing tendency towards eruption, relatively high unrest, and magma is close to the crater
In its Facebook post, Phivolcs said the eruption produced a voluminous plume that rapidly rose to 3,000 meters above the vent and drifted west-southwest.
“Pyroclastic density currents or PDCs descended the slopes on the general southeastern edifice based on IP and thermal camera monitors,” it said. Kanlaon has been under tight monitoring by volcanologists for more than a month because of its restiveness.
The Phivolcs has been monitoring Kanlaon, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental because of its increasing unrest. Kanlaon is an active andesitic stratovolcano and the highest mountain on the island of Negros, with an elevation of 2,465 m or 8,087 feet above sea level. A stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, is a large, conical volcano with steep sides and alternating layers of hardened lava, ash, and other volcanic material.
B ased on its 24-hour volcano monitoring of Kanlaon issued by Phivolcs on Monday morning, Kanlaon continued to show erratic behavior. O n Sunday, it emitted ash for 16 minutes and triggered 16 0volcanic earthquakes. It also emitted 4,638 tonnes of sulfur dioxide. The volcano also created a 300-metertall plume and demonstrated ccontinuous degassing with occasional ash emission drifting southwest.
Volcanologists also reported that the volcano edifice is inflated, indicative of a magmatic reaction underneath. Kanlaon last erupted on June 3 this year.
Jonathan L. Mayuga
DOLE and DA ink partnership to boost livelihood, agri programs
TBy Justine Syrah Garcia
HE Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Agriculture have signed a partnership to integrate their programs aimed at supporting marginalized sectors.
T he memorandum of understanding (MOU), December 6, seeks to align the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and the DA’s KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) initiative to promote sustainable livelihoods and affordable agricultural products.
The MOU details the roles of each agency in addressing unemployment and underemployment in rural areas, while tackling challenges in agriculture and food supply.
DOLE will foc us on identifying beneficiaries among vulnerable groups, such as farmers, fisherfolk, informal workers, and labor unions. These groups will receive livelihood assistance in the form of in-kind grants to support their ventures.
The labor department will also coordinate with DA to connect these beneficiaries to KNP stores, which aim to provide affordable and fresh agricultural products to consumers.
B y cutting out middlemen, these stores will also ensure better earnings for smallscale farmers and fisherfolk.
“Sa pinaigting na partnership ng DA at DOLE, mas maisusulong sa pamamagitan ng [KNP] stores na mabigyan
Gasoline prices up,
ng oportunidad ang mga benepisyaryo ng DILP at upang higit na mapaunlad ang kanilang kabuhayan,” DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said.
(Through the strengthened partnership between DA and DOLE, the beneficiaries of the DILP will be given more opportunities to improve their livelihoods, particularly through the KNP stores.)
The partnership will also provide technical assistance, capacity-building activities, and logistical support to streamline operations. Both agencies aim to strengthen the resilience of their programs, particularly as food prices and supply chain disruptions continue to challenge the agricultural sector.
diesel and kerosene down as oil firms set price adjustments
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
OIL firms announced Monday they will hike gasoline prices and reduce diesel and kerosene prices this week.
A liter of gasoline products will be sold higher by P0.85.
H owever, the price of diesel and kerosene will go down by P0.75 per liter and P0.90 per liter, respectively.
T his will be the third consecutive week of increase for gasoline.
The new pump prices will take effect at 6 a.m. of December 10. Last week, oil companies implemented
a mixed adjustment on the price of petroleum products. Gasoline has increased by P0.90/liter while diesel and kerosene have decreased by P0.20/liter and P0.40/liter, respectively.
This brought the year-to-date, total adjustment of gasoline and diesel at a net increase of P11.35/liter and P9.55/liter,
Angara lauds President Marcos’ signing of law expanding mental health programs in schools
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
WITH a total of 254 suicide cases and 1,492 suicide attempts recorded by the Department of Education (DepEd) during the last school year, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara lauded P resident Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. following the signing of the la w on Monday that Angara and create school counselor positions.
“Learners in our basic education system are facing a world that is shifting beneath their feet. They are experiencing unprecedented changes in their environment from how to use technology and how to deal with their peers. The way they process these changes have significant bearing and burden on their mental health and socio-emotional well-being,” Angara, said stressing that the signing of the B asic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act is a vital step forward in ensuring that learners are not only academically equipped but also mentally healthy.
“We thank President Marcos and the members of the Congress for supporting our efforts of building a system that prioritizes our children’s holistic development,” Angara said, adding that the law is a landmark measure aimed at strengthening mental health programs in schools and creating new
plantilla positions for school counselors.
Based on the record of the Office of Assistant Secretary for Operations-Learner Support Services on the cases of suicide and attempted suicide (School Year 2023-2024), there were a total of 254 suicide cases and 1,492 suicide attempts recorded by the Department of Education (DepEd) during the last school year.
Of the suicide cases, 80 were Elementary students, 113 Junior High School students, and 61 from Senior High School. Meanwhile, 93 cases of attempted suicide were recorded in elementary level , 1,078 from Junior High School, and 321 cases from Senior High School.
Establishment of a comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Program
THE new law mandates the establishment of a comprehensive School-Based Mental Health Program for all public and private basic education institutions, including provisions for out-of-school children in special cases.
This initiative seeks to promote mental health awareness, address mental health concerns, and enhance suicide prevention efforts in schools.
Among the key provisions of the law is the institutionalization of school-based mental health services.
These services will include the screening, evaluation, and monitoring of students’
mental well-being, as well as mental health first aid, crisis response, and referral systems. Care Centers
To support these initiatives, DepEd is tasked with establishing Care Centers in all public schools and ensuring their existence and maintenance in private schools. By converting and renaming existing guidance and counseling offices, these Care Centers will serve as hubs for mental health services, ensuring that learners have access to tailored support systems.
Mental health and well-being office
THE law also requires the creation of a Mental Health and Well-Being Office in every school division office. These offices will provide the framework for school-based mental health programs, review and approve their implementation, and conduct regular visits to ensure effectiveness. They will also be responsible for training personnel to deliver mental health services to learners. In line with these efforts, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in consultation with DepEd and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), will create new plantilla positions for school counselors. These include roles such as School Counselor Associate I to V, School Counselor I to IV, and Schools Division Counselor. Existing items will also be reclassified.
For DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel., the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth.
“ Through this partnership, we aim to create more sustainable livelihoods and improve access to affordable agricultural products. These efforts will uplift not just the lives of farmers and workers, but also the Filipino consumer,” he said. Aside from DOLE and DA, the KNP program is also supported by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as the Presidential Communications Office and the Presidential Management Staff.
respectively. On the other hand, kerosene has a total net decrease of P1.90/liter. The Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) said the reasons for this week’s oil price hike are mainly because of the uncertain geopolitical climate in the Middle East and the anticipated output hike delays. For the rollback, the agency cited the bearish demand for 2025, and the strengthening of the US dollar. Oil firms adjust their prices every week to reflect movements in the world oil market.
More of cheap Kadiwa rice to be sold with bigger RCEF
Continued from A2
He said DA has an ongoing digitalization plan to establish the database. “B y next year, we’ll have a command center in the DA. We’ll be tracking and monitoring everything. So next year, we can hopefully see the prices of rice will be more stable, and if possible, lowered,” Tiu said. T he measure will augment DA’s initiatives to combat smuggling after the passage of RA 12022 or the Anti-Agriculture Economic Sabotage Act in September. Supply control RA 12078 also provides the power to stabilize the local market price of rice by providing the President the authority to order the importation at a lower tariff of the local food staple and suspend the import of rice for a limited period. It also allo wed the
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Israeli airstrikes kill 14 in Gaza, including children, amid growing humanitarian crisis
By Wafaa Shurafa & Samy Magdy
The Associated Press
DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip—Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza killed at least 14 people including children Sunday, Palestinian health officials said, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza wounded a half-dozen patients.
Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis.
One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon, according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken.
At least nine people were killed including six children and a woman. An Associated Press journalist saw the bodies at the hospital’s morgue.
Earlier on Sunday, another Israeli strike hit a tent in the Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least five people including two parents and their two children, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said.
In northern Gaza, the Health Ministry said a bombing targeted the Indonesian Hospital wounding six patients, one of them seriously. It is the largest hospital north of Gaza City.
“We demand international protection for hospitals, patients and medical staff,” the ministry said in a statement that also urged safe passage to and from hospitals, more medical supplies and fuel and safe evacuation of the wounded.
The Israeli military Sunday evening said it was unaware of any attack on the Indonesian Hospital “in the last three to four hours.”
Meanwhile, the military said it briefly closed the key Kerem Shalom crossing after fighters launched mortar shells several meters (feet) from the nearby humanitarian corridor toward its troops. It said Gaza’s main cargo crossing was reopened after those who fired were “eliminated,” though it added that the arrival and distribution of humanitarian aid was delayed.
Kerem Shalom is the only crossing between Israel and Gaza that is designed for cargo shipments and has been the main artery for aid since the Rafah crossing with Egypt was shut in May.
Last month, nearly two-thirds of aid entering Gaza came through Kerem Shalom.
A second cold, rainy winter is beginning in Gaza, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in squalid tent camps and reliant on international aid.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 45,600 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.
Israel strikes weapons sites in Syria
JERUSALEM—Israel has struck suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets in Syria in order to prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile actors, the foreign minister said Monday.
Syrian rebels reached Damas -
Thousands freed from Syrian prisons after Assad’s ouster
By Kareem Chehayeb
& Abdulrahman Shaheen The Associated Press
DAMASCUS, Syria—Bashar Barhoum woke in his dungeon prison cell in Damascus at dawn Sunday, thinking it would be the last day of his life. The 63-year-old writer was supposed to have been executed after being imprisoned for seven months.
But he soon realized the men at the door weren’t from former Syrian President Bashar Assad ‘s notorious security forces, ready to take him to his death. Instead, they were rebels coming to set him free.
As the insurgents swept across Syria in just 10 days to bring an end to the Assad family’s 50-year rule, they broke into prisons and security facilities to free political prisoners and many of the tens of thousands of people who disappeared since the conflict began back in 2011.
Barhoum was one of those freed who were celebrating in Damascus.
“I haven’t seen the sun until today,” Barhoum told The Associated Press after walking in disbelief through the streets of Damascus. “Instead of being dead tomorrow, thank God, he gave me a new lease of life.”
Barhoum couldn’t find his cellphone and belongings in the prison so set off to find a way to tell his wife and daughters that he’s alive and well.
Videos shared widely across social media showed dozens of prisoners running in celebration after the insurgents released them, some barefoot and others wearing little clothing. One of them screams in celebration after he finds out that the government has fallen.
Torture, executions and starvation in Syria’s prisons SYRIA’S prisons have been infamous
cus over the weekend and overthrew President Bashar Assad’s government following nearly 14 years of civil war, raising hopes for a more peaceful future but also concerns about a potential security vacuum in the country, which is still split among armed groups.
Israelis have welcomed the fall of Assad, who was a key ally of Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, while expressing concern over what comes next.
Israel says its forces temporarily seized a buffer zone inside Syria dating back to a 1974 agreement after Syrian troops withdrew in the chaos.
“The only interest we have is the security of Israel and its citizens,” Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday. “That’s why we attacked strategic weapons systems, like, for example, remaining chemical weapons, or long-range missiles and rockets, in order that they will not fall in the hands of extremists.”
Saar did not provide details about when or where the strikes took place.
An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital, on Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched the latest strike.
Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria in recent years, targeting what it says are military sites related to Iran and Hezbollah. Israeli officials rarely comment on individual strikes.
Syria agreed to give up its chemical weapons stockpile in 2013, after the government was accused of launching an attack near Damascus that killed hundreds of people. But it is widely believed to have kept some of the weapons and was accused of using them again in subsequent years.
freed prisoners in cities including Aleppo, Homs, Hama as well as Damascus.
for their harsh conditions. Torture is systematic, say human rights groups, whistleblowers, and former detainees. Secret executions have been reported at more than two-dozen facilities run by Syrian intelligence, as well as at other sites.
In 2013, a Syrian military defector, known as “Caesar,” smuggled out over 53,000 photographs that human rights groups say showed clear evidence of rampant torture, but also disease and starvation in Syria’s prison facilities.
Syria’s feared security apparatus and prisons did not only serve to isolate Assad’s opponents, but also to instill fear among his own people said Lina Khatib, Associate Fellow in the Middle East and North Africa program at the London think tank Chatham House.
“Anxiety about being thrown in one of Assad’s notorious prisons created wide mistrust among Syrians,” Khatib said.
“Assad nurtured this culture of fear to maintain control and crush political opposition.”
Just north of Damascus in the Saydnaya military prison, known as the “human slaughterhouse,” women detainees, some with their children, screamed as men broke the locks off their cell doors.
Amnesty International and other groups say that dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, estimating that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016.
“Don’t be afraid...Bashar Assad has fallen! Why are you afraid?” said one of the rebels as he tried to rush streams of women out of their jam-packed tiny cells.
Tens of thousands of detainees have so far been freed, said Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based pro-opposition war monitor. Over the past 10 days, insurgents
Families seek loved ones who have been missing for years OMAR ALSHOGRE who was detained for three years and survived relentless torture, watched in awe from his home far from Syria as videos showed dozens of detainees fleeing.
“A hundred democracies in the world had done nothing to help them, and now a few military groups came down and broke open prison after prison,” Alshogre, a human rights advocate who now resides in Sweden and the US, told The Associated Press.
Meanwhile, families of detainees and the disappeared skipped celebrations of the downfall of the Assad dynasty. Instead, they waited outside prisons and security branch centers, hoping their loved ones would be there. They had high expectations for the newcomers who will now run the battered country.
“This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where he is,” said Bassam Masri. “I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years,” since the start of the Syrian uprising in 2011. Rebels struggled to control the chaos as crowds gathered by the Court of Justice in Damascus.
Heba, who only gave her first name while speaking to the AP, said she was looking for her brother and brother-inlaw who were detained while reporting a stolen car in 2011 and hadn’t been seen since.
“They took away so many of us,” said Heba, whose mother’s cousin also disappeared. “We know nothing about them...They (the Assad government) burned our hearts.”
Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Sarah ElDeeb and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus contributed to this report.
Yoon faces travel ban amid martial law investigation and impeachment threats
By Hyung-Jin Kim & Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea—South
Korea’s Justice Ministry on Monday imposed an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as authorities investigate allegations of rebellion and other charges in connection with his short-lived declaration of martial law last week.
Yoon’s martial law decree last Tuesday, which brought Special Forces troops into Seoul streets, plunged South Korea into political turmoil and caused worry among its key diplomatic partners and neighbors. On Saturday, Yoon avoided an opposition-led bid to impeach him, with most governing party lawmakers boycotting a parliamentary vote. But the opposition parties vowed to submit a new impeachment motion against him this week.
Bae Sang-up, a Justice Ministry official, told a parliamentary hearing that it banned Yoon from leaving the country following re -
quests by police, prosecutors and an anti-corruption agency as they expand their probes into the circumstances surrounding Yoon’s power grab.
On Monday, a senior National Police Agency officer told local reporters in a background briefing that police can also detain Yoon if conditions are met. The contents of the briefing were shared with The Associated Press.
While a sitting South Korean president has immunity from prosecution while in office, that does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. This means that Yoon can be questioned and
detained by police over his martial law decree, but many observers doubt that police will forcefully detain him or search his office because of the potential for clashes with his presidential security service.
In the case of former President Park Geun-hye, who was thrown out of office in 2017 after being impeached by parliament over a corruption scandal, prosecutors failed to search her office and ended up receiving documents outside the compound because presidential officials turned them away.
After refusing to meet with prosecutors while in office, Park underwent questioning by them and was arrested after the Constitutional Court approved her impeachment and ruled to dismiss her as president in March 2017.
The main opposition Democratic Party called Yoon’s martial law imposition “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or a coup.” It has filed complaints with police against at least nine people, including Yoon and his former defense minister, over the rebellion allegations.
South Korean prosecutors on Sunday detained former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who allegedly recommended that Yoon declare martial law. He became the first person detained in the martial law case.
Trump threatens unprecedented assault on American institutions
By Chris Megerian The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—In the history of American politics, there’s no shortage of presidents who promised to shake up Washington once they got to the White House. But Donald Trump may prove to be in a class of his own, and he appears more interested in beating the federal government into submission than recalibrating it.
In staffing his administration, Trump has shown an inclination to select people who distrust or even disdain the agencies that they’ve been chosen to lead, setting up a potential war of attrition between the incoming Republican president and American institutions.
“There’s been nothing like what Trump is suggesting to do,” said Doug Brinkley, a presidential historian. “We’re talking about dismantling the federal government.”
Trump’s approach will become even clearer this week as Kash Patel, his choice for FBI director, heads to Capitol Hill for an initial round of meetings with senators who will decide whether to confirm him to the post. A former national security official who has branded himself as an eager acolyte of Trump, Patel has talked about shutting down the agency’s headquarters, splitting up its responsibilities and targeting Trump’s perceived enemies.
Greg Brower, a former US attorney who served as the FBI’s top congressional affairs official, said Trump seems to want to make the nation’s law enforcement institutions “part of his political operation run out of the White House.”
“That’s a major course change that I’m just not sure a majority of
senators are willing to endorse,” Brower said.
Republican senators are already considering whether to support Pete Hegseth, whom Trump wants to lead the Pentagon, despite allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement. Hegseth is an Army veteran and former Fox News commentator who has described the military as flooded with “woke” liberal ideology. He also wants to remove women from combat roles.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team and the incoming White House press secretary, said the next administration wants to “shatter the Deep State,” a term for entrenched civil servants who have frustrated Trump and his allies.
“President Trump was re-elected by a resounding mandate from the American people to change the status quo in Washington,” she said in a statement. “That’s why he has chosen brilliant and highlyrespected outsiders to serve in his Administration, and he will continue to stand behind them as they fight against all those who seek to derail the MAGA Agenda.”
Margaret Spelling, who served as education secretary under President George W. Bush, said it is “probably not a good management style” to treat government employees as adversaries.
“If you’re going to turn the tide or redirect the ship of state, you’ve got to have help doing it,” she said. “And that’s people who work there already.”
Spelling’s former department could be outright eliminated if Trump has his way. His choice of education secretary, Linda McMahon, has never worked in the field. She served for one year on
the Connecticut Board of Education and is a member of the board of trustees at a private university.
McMahon lead the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, and she made a name for herself by running World Wrestling Entertainment, a cultural juggernaut that features musclebound men beating each other up in elaborately scripted fights.
Trump’s plans for the federal government blend conservative ideology, which has long viewed Washington as too intrusive in Americans’ daily lives, with his personal vendettas. After being plagued by investigations and contradicted by career officials during his first term, the returning president has no interest in a replay and he’s more skeptical of insider views that clash with his own instincts.
Some of his personnel choices have alarmed political opponents, but Trump’s approach could prove appealing to voters whose faith in government has sunk to record lows in recent years. Only about 2 in 10 Americans trust the government to do the right thing always or most of the time, according to the Pew Research Center, down from around 4 in 10 who said this in 2000—before the upheaval of a global financial crisis, an inconclusive war on terrorism and a worldwide pandemic.
Kay Schlozman, a Boston College political science professor, said Trump’s nominees could be viewed as “an extension of his capacity to question the received wisdom and question the supposed elites who always run everything.”
Some of the largest gaps between expertise and personnel have been evident in public health.
Trump chose Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health
The Defense Ministry last week separately suspended three top military commanders over their alleged involvement in imposing martial law. They were among those facing the opposition-raised rebellion allegations.
On Saturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration. He said he would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.”
Since taking office in 2022 for a single five-year term, Yoon, a conservative, has been on a nearconstant collision course with his liberal rivals who control parliament. The liberals have introduced a slew of motions seeking to impeach some of his top officials and launched a fierce political offensive against Yoon over a spate of scandals involving him and his wife.
In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and antistate forces.”
Yoon’s martial law decree lasted only six hours because the National Assembly voted it down, forcing
and Human Services despite his reputation as one of the most prolific spreaders of unfounded theories about the supposed danger of vaccines.
Trump also picked Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a critic of public health measures like lockdowns and vaccine mandates that were used during the coronavirus outbreak, to run the National Institutes of Health, the country’s top medical research agency.
In other areas of government, loyalty has often been prized over expertise. Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman, never served on any committees dealing with the environment during nearly a decade on Capitol Hill. Now he’s on deck to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
Brinkley said it’s not uncommon to have presidents attempt to change how Washington works. Richard Nixon tried to circumvent government agencies by centralizing decision-making in the White House, and Warren Harding stocked his Cabinet with business leaders.
But Brinkley said Trump’s approach is more venomous, and he seems to be setting up his staff to compete to be the most zealous.
“It’s got a gladiator feel,” he said. “They each want to show that they’ve got a scalp to punish the so-called deep state, the legacy media or the Democratic Party.”
Another way that Trump is taking on Washington is the Department of Government Efficiency, an independent advisory organization that will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.
Musk, the world’s richest man, and Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur, plan to provide ideas on dramatically reducing federal spending and cutting the government workforce. They also said Trump should sidestep Congress whenever possible, setting up a potential constitutional clash.
The Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
Yoon’s Cabinet to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. Some members of Yoon’s governing People Power Party cast ballots against Yoon’s decree, but the party later decided to oppose his impeachment.
Experts say Yoon’s party fears losing the presidency to liberals in a by-election if he is impeached and ousted, as they did after Park was removed from office.
Critics say Han likely wants to buy time to help his party restore public confidence. His comments on sidelining Yoon from state affairs have also sparked widespread concern and criticism that it violates the constitution.
During a Monday briefing, the Defense Ministry said Yoon maintains control of the military, a power the constitution explicitly reserves for the president.
PPP leader Han Dong-hun said Sunday his party will push for Yoon’s early and orderly exit from office in a way that minimizes social confusion, but he didn’t say when that would happen. He also said Yoon will not be involved in state affairs, including foreign policy.
Netanyahu set to take the witness stand in corruption trial amidst Gaza conflict
By Tia Goldenberg The Associated Press
ERUSALEM—Israeli Prime Minister
JBenjamin Netanyahu is set to take to the witness stand Tuesday for the first time in his trial on corruption allegations, a pivotal point in the drawn-out proceedings that comes as the leader wages war in Gaza and faces an international arrest warrant for war crimes charges.
At home, Netanyahu is on trial for accusations of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in three separate affairs.
Netanyahu denies wrongdoing, but his appearance on the witness stand will be a low point in his decades-long political career, standing in contrast to the image of a sophisticated, respected leader he has tried to cultivate.
The trial will take up a chunk of Netanyahu’s time at a crucial point for Israel. While he makes his case for weeks from the stand, he will still be tasked with managing the war in Gaza, maintaining a fragile ceasefire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and keeping tabs on threats from the wider Middle East, including Iran.
It will be the first time an Israeli prime minister has taken the stand as a criminal defendant, and Netanyahu has repeatedly sought to delay the proceedings, citing the ongoing Gaza war and security concerns. The judges ordered the trial to resume Tuesday, moving the proceedings to an underground chamber in a Tel Aviv court as a security precaution.
Netanyahu’s appearance in the courtroom will also draw attention to other legal issues in the Israeli leader’s orbit. Close advisers in his office are embroiled in a separate series of scandals surrounding leaked classified information and doctored documents. While Netanyahu is not suspected of direct involvement in those, they could weaken his public image.
Here is a look at the ongoing trial.
Where does Netanyahu’s trial stand?
THE trial, which began in 2020, involves three separate cases in which prosecutors say Netanyahu exchanged regulatory favors with media titans for favorable press coverage and advanced the personal interests of a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for lavish gifts.
Prosecutors have called roughly 140 witnesses to the stand—fewer than the 300 initially expected to testify.
Those witnesses have included some of Netanyahu’s closest former confidants who turned against him, as well as a former prime minister, former security chiefs and media personalities. Lawyers have submitted thousands of items of evidence—recordings, police documents, text messages.
A new documentary, “The Bibi Files,” has shined new light on the cases by obtaining footage of Netanyahu being questioned by police, as well as interrogations of his wife and some key witnesses. In a glimpse of what can be expected in the courtroom, Netanyahu appears both combative and anxious at times, accusing police of unfairly picking on him and denigrating other witnesses as liars.
The prosecution called to the stand its final witness over the summer, bringing to an end three years of testimony and setting the stage for the defense to lay out its case,
with Netanyahu its first witness. Netanyahu’s appearance will give Israelis a chance to see the long-serving Israeli leader answer to the charges before the three-judge panel.
What are some notable moments from Netanyahu’s trial?
THE prosecution has sought to portray Netanyahu as media-obsessed, to push its narrative that he would break the law for favorable coverage.
Witness accounts have shed light not only on the three cases but also on sensational details about Netanyahu’s character and his family’s reputation for living lavishly on the backs of taxpayers and wealthy supporters.
One former aide and a key prosecution witness called him a “control freak” over his image. Another witness described expensive gifts for Netanyahu and his wife.
Arnon Milchan, an Israeli producer of Hollywood blockbuster films such as “Pretty Woman,” took the stand last year by videoconference, describing how he routinely delivered tens of thousands of dollars of champagne, cigars and other gifts requested by the Israeli leader.
One key witness, a former top aide to Netanyahu, stunned prosecutors by backtracking from his earlier claims against the prime minister, opening the door for the defense to erode his credibility as a witness. The trial was jolted by Israeli media reports that police used sophisticated phone-hacking software to spy on this witness.
What happens next in Netanyahu’s trial?
THE prosecution formally rested its case in July, and the court recessed for the summer and fall. The defense has repeatedly asked for delays in Netanyahu’s testimony, which have mostly been denied. Like other witnesses, Netanyahu will testify three days a week, for hours at a time, and his testimony is expected to last weeks. The defense will seek to depict Netanyahu as a law-abiding leader who was a victim of careless and biased police investigations.
Netanyahu’s critics have sought to draw a clear line between the cases and the war in Gaza. They say the allegations led Netanyahu to promote a contentious judicial overhaul plan last year that bitterly divided the country and created an image of weakness that encouraged the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that triggered the war.
Netanyahu’s critics, including families of hostages held by Hamas, now accuse him of dragging out the conflict—and risking the lives of their loved ones—to avoid an embarrassing investigation and new elections that could force him from power. If he is eventually voted out of power, being away from the prime minister’s seat would make it harder for Netanyahu to rail against the justice system and delegitimize the verdict in the eyes of the public. A verdict isn’t expected until 2026—at least—and then Netanyahu can choose to appeal to the Supreme Court. Israel’s courts are notoriously sluggish, and the case was further delayed last year when courts went on hiatus for two months after war broke out following Hamas’ October 7 attack.
Once the defense rests, each side will summarize their cases before judges convene to deliberate over Netanyahu’s fate.
The latest employment data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) presents a mixed bag of results, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges in the labor market. While the decrease in the number of job seekers is encouraging, the rise in underemployment raises pressing questions about the quality of jobs available to our workers. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Underemployment dims better jobs numbers,” December 7, 2024).
In October 2024, the number of Filipinos actively looking for work fell to 1.97 million, a welcome decline from previous months. This suggests that more individuals are finding employment opportunities, which is essential for the country’s economic stability. However, the increase in underemployment, which now stands at 6.08 million, cannot be overlooked. The term “underemployment” includes those who are visibly underemployed—working less than 40 hours a week—and those who are invisibly underemployed, who may be working full-time yet still seek additional hours to improve their income. The latter category grew significantly, indicating a persistent struggle for many to achieve financial security.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan aptly noted that while unemployment figures show improvement, they underscore the urgent need for more quality job creation. The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) aims for substantial labor market enhancements by 2028, yet current trends suggest that simply increasing employment numbers is not enough. The quality of these jobs must be prioritized to ensure sustainable economic growth.
The sectors most affected by underemployment—wholesale and retail trade, agriculture, and construction—highlight a critical issue: a significant portion of the workforce is engaged in low-paying, unstable jobs. The increase in invisible underemployment, particularly in these sectors, points to a mismatch between available jobs and the aspirations of the workforce. Workers are not only seeking more hours but also better compensation, reflecting the inadequacies in wage structures across these industries.
Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the labor market. The National Economic and Development Authority has emphasized the importance of upskilling and reskilling initiatives to prepare the workforce for these changes. Collaborations within the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) sector can lead to innovative solutions that harness AI while creating high-quality employment opportunities.
As the government crafts a governance framework for public-private partnerships focused on building climate-resilient infrastructure, it is essential to also examine the potential impact on job creation and employment opportunities. The recent calamities affecting various regions have underscored the need for emergency employment assistance for displaced workers, which should be a priority alongside long-term economic strategies.
While the decline in job seekers is a sign of progress, the simultaneous rise in underemployment is a clear call to action. Government and industry leaders must work together to create not just more jobs, but better jobs—jobs that offer stability, fair wages, and opportunities for growth. Only then can the country truly achieve the inclusive and sustainable economic growth that all citizens deserve.
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Outrageous 2025
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John Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
ou may mark the Christmas season by the calendar (the “ber” months) or the decorations in the malls. I know the holiday time has arrived by Saxo Bank’s annual “outrageous Predictions.”
Saxo is a Danish investment bank specializing in online trading and founded in 1992 under the name Midas Fondsmæglerselskab. Trading around $12 billion each day, the company was rebranded with its name from the Danish historian, theologian and author “Saxo Grammaticus.” Saxo was a common Danish name in the Medieval period and “Grammaticus” means The Learned.
Do not be surprised by this fact. Saxo Bank is privately held with Geely Financials Denmark A/S—a subsidiary of Chinese automotive company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd—owning a 49.88 percent stake.
Last week my Christmas season began as Saxo published its “Outrageous Predictions 2025.”
In 2013 Saxo said that in 2014 “Gold corrects to USD 1,200 per ounce,” and gold corrected to and
in fact went below USD 1,200. “Our $1,200 call, at the time of writing, signaled a one-third drop in the price.”
In 2015 they predicted Brexit by 2017, their prediction off by one year. For 2022, Saxo thought that “The plan to end fossil fuels gets a rain check,” which came to fruition regrettably fueled by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The 2017 Outrageous Prediction was “Huge gains for Bitcoin” and 2017 was the absolute best yearly advance for BTC, up 1,500 percent.
However, 2024 being the “Year of Uncertainty,” Saxo missed the mark. But then again “Saxo’s annual Outrageous Predictions are never about being right but always about being outrageous.”
For 2024, “With oil at $150, Saudis buy Champions League franchise.” Brent crude barely breached
By Peter Martin, Henry Meyer, Fiona MacDonald & Sam Dagher
AS Bashar Al-Assad fled to Moscow, the looters started raiding the presidential palace and people took the streets of Damascus to celebrate his demise. The Syrian president had tried to hang on until the bitter end, still desperately sending an SoS to anyone who would listen, including Donald Trump. The despot had run out of road.
The world is still grasping the speed of events in recent days, and the collapse of a ruling dynasty that laid waste to the country during a catastrophic civil war. But the implications are also quickly sinking in—and not least the prospect of more upheaval and violence as groups tussle for control.
Assad had managed to endure the popular uprising against him for more than 13 years. But the message from his one-time allies and foes was clear: You’re on your own. Russia, which had saved his skin back in 2015, only offered him sanctuary this time. Iran turned its back on him by saying in not so many words that he had brought it all on himself.
Multiple Arab and US officials told Bloomberg that a power vacuum could now be dangerous. Memories of Muammar Qaddafi’s Libya and Saddam Hussein in Iraq loom large
in the region: In both countries, those entrenched rulers were swept aside in brief moments of euphoria, only for the countries to descend into deeper turmoil.
“Chaos is expected in transitions and so is factional—even bloody— competition,” said Bader Al-Saif, an assistant professor at Kuwait University and an associate fellow at Chatham House. “Syria has not been its normal self for over a decade now, divided into enclaves and spheres of influence on top of socioeconomic and political decay.”
The onset of Syria’s conflict in 2011 displaced millions of people, sparking a migrant crisis that still reverberates in European politics today. Its Middle East neighbors, meanwhile, are already grappling with the fallout from Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
$100, and the Saudis never put together their Super League. In Asia, “Japan’s ‘lucky 7%’ GDP growth rate forces BoJ to abandon yield curve control” with “a surprising economic surge.” Japan went the other way experiencing a two-quarter recession earlier this year. “Yen strengthens as Japanese investors repatriate money to domestic assets, pushing USD-JPY below 130.” JPY went to a 34-year low against the US dollar at 160.
So, what might be outrageous for 2025? Right from the start “Trump 2.0 blows up the US dollar,” “slapping massive tariffs on all imports, while slashing deficits with the help of an Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency.” This risks a powerful spike higher in the US dollar. But “Safety valves are found, as global financial actors scramble for alternatives. The crypto market quadruples to more than USD 10 trillion, the US dollar falls 20 percent against major currencies and 30 percent versus gold.” Exciting times ahead with super profit opportunities. That is, if Saxo is correct.
“Nvidia market cap (currently $3.49T) balloons to twice the value of Apple ($3.67T) after trading above $250 ($140)” as “AI data center electricity costs have soared and the insatiable demand for the more powerful and yet less power-hungry Nvidia Blackwell chips”.
Further, we could have a self-
Russia has military bases in Syria and will seek to protect its interests. But the Kremlin is occupied by its war in Ukraine. Iran, which has traded direct attacks with Israel in recent months, is also weakened. Arab officials, though, don’t expect the Islamic Republic to give up its influence in Syria without a fight.
The pace of the events that unseated Assad after more than 50 years of his family in power was stunning. A little over a week ago, his survival seemed almost a foregone conclusion. Then insurgents led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham captured the crucial cities of Aleppo and Hama, before closing in on Homs and Damascus, the capital.
On Sunday morning, rebels seized control of the television station and hailed the “fall of the criminal Assad regime.” Assad decided to step down and left the country, Russia’s foreign ministry later said.
The rebel advance unwound a stalemate in Syria, which had seen Assad’s forces backed by Moscow and Tehran claw back control of most of the country, with the exception of a rebel stronghold in the northwest and a Kurdish stronghold in the northeast. It unleashed a political situation
fulfilling prophecy. “US imposes AI data center tax as power prices run wild.” Saxo predicts, “In 2025, US power prices spike higher in several populated US areas, as the largest tech companies scramble to lock in baseload electricity supplies for their precious AI data centers.” Profits? “A massive boom in US investment in power infrastructure. Companies like Fluor rise on signing massive new construction deals. Tesla’s accelerating Megapack gets increasing attention. Long-term US natural gas prices more than double.”
Lastly, “A natural disaster bankrupts a large insurance company for the first time. In 2025, a catastrophic storm event in the US catches the insurance industry unprepared, inflicting damage stretching into many multiples of the USD 40 billion in claims linked to Hurricane Katrina in 2005”. Will the US government bail out the insurance industry as it did the banks? WWWBD (What Would Warren Buffett Do)? “Berkshire Hathaway shares rise as Buffett’s company has enough capital to weather the stock market panic.” Those are Saxo’s potential outrageous scenarios. Now it is up to us to have the potential strategies ready.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
in which much remains uncertain –not least the nature of the new government forming in Damascus. It’s also unclear whether that leadership will be able to govern the war-torn country at all.
The mood reflected those concerns on Sunday night as a curfew was imposed and several buildings housing security agencies and the passport and immigration authority were consumed by flames, with locals speculating about Israeli strikes.
“The fear today is that all the factions are united against one enemy but they will eventually be consumed by infighting,” said Bahjat Hajjar, cofounder of an NGO called Madaniya who fled Damascus shortly after 2011 due to his opposition to the Assads.
Speaking at a conference in Bahrain on Sunday Anwar Gargash, adviser to United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, warned of threats to Syria’s territorial integrity, an ongoing “spiral of chaos and violence” in the Arab world, and the prospect of “extremism and terrorism.” Saudi Arabia, which is involved in efforts to shape the transition period in Syria, issued a statement on Sunday warning See “Assad,” A13
Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua
2005
Canada pressured to respond to Trump’s tax cut regime
By Erik Hertzberg and Thomas Seal
DonALD TRumP’S planned tax cuts would wipe out Canada’s slim corporate tax advantage, likely driving more capital from the northern nation and deepening its productivity crisis.
Canada’s federal corporate income tax rate is 15 percent, compared to 21 percent in the US. After accounting for provincial and state levies, the two countries are roughly similar, with the corporate rate between 25 percent and 27 percent in Canada, and about 26 percent to 27 percent in the US, said John oakey, vice president of taxation with Chartered Professional Accountants Canada.
Trump has proposed slashing the corporate tax rate to 15 percent. He’s also pledged to extend his 2017 tax cuts, many of which are due to expire in 2026, including individual income tax reductions. While he may face hurdles in Congress, the republican sweep of both chambers makes it more likely he’ll pull off his agenda. His election “turns the heat up” on Canadian policymakers, said William robson, chief executive officer of the C.D. Howe Institute, as the country “ought to be reducing the taxes that are the most punishing on entrepreneurial activity and investment.” That includes taxes on businesses and high earners.
“We need to break the glass on our tax competitiveness problem,” he said.
Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland estimated earlier this year that the tax rate on new business investment would rise to 16.8 percent by 2028, more than eight points lower than a projected 24.9 percent in the US. Trump’s election upends that expectation. And her government’s decision to raise the capital gains inclusion rate in June to “make Canada’s tax system fairer” drew the ire of many economists and businesses.
Under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, fiscal policy has been geared toward redistribution and has recently involved new spending on housing, daycare, dental and drug plans. That’s increasingly been funded by corporate taxes, which represented 21 percent of the federal government’s revenues in fiscal year 2022-23—the highest in data going back to 1966. “Directionally, it’s becoming more clear that the US is going in one direction and Canada’s going the other,” oa key said.
Trump’s tariff threats aside, Canada is at a disadvantage to the US. The world’s biggest economy has more than eight times Canada’s population. The US also spends more on research and development as a percentage of its economy—3.6 percent in 2022, versus 1.8 percent for Canada.
When Trump began slashing business taxes in 2017, Trudeau’s government responded by allowing Canadian firms to write off certain assets more quickly, including machinery and equipment. Those tax breaks are set to end this year.
A top priority should be keeping those breaks as part of a “major shift” in Canada’s tax system, said Jack Mintz, a professor and Palmer chair in public policy at the University of Calgary. The Business Council of Canada also recommended “a comprehensive review of the tax system to better incentivize private sector investments and boost wages” in a report from September.
Mintz suggested reducing the country’s top personal tax rates, which are above 50 percent in most jurisdictions and kick in at lower incomes than in other Group of Seven countries such as France and Japan. Lost revenue could be recouped as businesses expand production or new firms are created, he said.
The country’s parliamentary budget officer, Yves Giroux, has argued that Canada has the space for tax cuts.
Brain drain HIGH taxes add fuel to Canada’s productivity problem, which the country’s central bank declared an “emergency” in March and attributed to limited capital investment. These conditions are prompting some entrepreneurs to consider moving elsewhere. That so-called brain drain has been a longstanding issue. Tech founders often point to Slack Technologies Inc., which originated in vancouver but set up in San Francisco before being acquired by Salesforce in 2021 for $27.7 billion.
And an AI chip startup called Tenstorrent founded in Toronto— valued this month at $2.7 billion— quietly re-domiciled to Santa Clara, California, at the end of 2023, according to tech publication The Logic. ot hers may follow suit.
“Almost every day we’re talking about whether, for our own scale plans, it makes sense to stay in Canada or whether the move is to go to the United States in 2025,” said Herman Chandi, co-founder of UrbanLogiq, a vancouver-based startup that sells data analytics to governments.
Chandi said he’s mulling factors such as Trump’s tax agenda, the increase to Canada’s capital gains inclusion rate, “Buy American” procurement policies, the cost of living in vancouver and anemic economic growth in Canada. His company’s investors may also require UrbanLogiq to move to the US, “and so those conversations are ongoing.”
Tax advisers have also had conversations like these.
“Anecdotally, I’ve heard from lots of professionals who have packed up and left or have at least said they’re considering leaving,” oa key said.
Kenneth Keung, a tax adviser with Moodys Tax in Calgary, said he’s also seeing a ramp up in wealthy clients, including manufacturers, asking for guidance on how they can move their businesses and assets to the US since Trump’s election.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose party holds a substantial polling lead over the incumbent Liberals, has pledged to cut taxes and regulations for businesses, though he’s not specified how low taxes would go.
r ampant tax increases by the Trudeau NDP-Liberal government have pushed money out of our country,” Poilievre said in a radio interview with CKNW in vancouver last month, referring to a power-sharing deal the Liberals had with the leftwing New Democratic Party. He said he would eliminate the carbon tax, cut income tax and cut taxes on investment if elected. Bloomberg
Remedies against real property tax assessments
Tatty. Mabel L. Buted
Tax Law for Business
he remedy to contest real property tax (RPT) assessments is provided under Sections 226 and 252 of the Local Government Code (LGC). Based on these sections, payment must be made first by the taxpayer before any protest may be entertained. This is called “payment under protest.” The tax paid under protest would be held in trust by the government. Thereafter, after making payment, the taxpayer has 30 days to file a protest in writing.
T he protest must be filed with the local treasurer of the local government unit (LGU). The local treasurer, in turn, has 60 days to decide. If the protest is denied or the local treasurer does not decide within that period, the taxpayer may appeal to the Local Board of Assessment Appeals (LBAA) within 60 days from the denial of the protest or upon the lapse of the 60-day period. The LBAA, on the other hand, has 120 days to decide on the appeal. If the taxpayer is not satisfied with the decision of the LBAA, it may appeal before the Central Board of Assessment Appeals (CBAA) within 30 days from receipt of the decision. There are two key points to remember based on these rules. one is that “payment under protest” is required before the taxpayer can file a written protest. The other one is
that, unlike the inaction of the local treasurer within the given period to decide, the LBAA’s inaction is not appealable. Note that the taxpayer can elevate their case before the CBAA only when the LBAA decides within the 60-day period. We are aware of cases that have remained pending for resolution with the LBAA for so long. These, consequently, leave the taxpayers in a problematic situation. There is no way by which they could appeal further and recover the tax they previously paid until the LBAA acts on their protest.
Is there any other remedy then?
Can the taxpayer not pay under protest and undergo appeal before the LBAA?
There are various cases where the Supreme Court allowed direct filing of action in court. If the taxpayer raises only pure questions of law
or challenges the lack of authority or power of the LGU to assess and collect r P T, it can invoke the judicial review power of the courts to determine if grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction has been committed. In these instances, the taxpayer may skip availing the administrative remedy and it can institute a case directly with the court.
However, the Supreme Court clarified that, if the taxpayer raises questions affecting the reasonableness or the correctness of the assessments or issues that are factual in nature, the correct procedure is to avail of the remedy provided under the LGC, and that is, to pay under protest and undergo the process of appeal before the Board of Assessment Appeals, including the LBAA. ex amples of these questions deal on double taxation of real properties, prescription and errors made in the assessment and collection of taxes due. In a recent case (Gr 207140, January 30, 2023), the Supreme Court held that, a claim for exemption from r P T, whether full or partial, also pertains to the reasonableness or correctness of the assessment, and thus, this is a question of fact that administrative agencies should resolve. In such case, compliance with the “payment under protest” requirement in the LGC is mandatory. ot herwise, the local treasurer will not act on the protest, and the LBAA will have no authority to review the assessment. It is good to know that taxpay-
ers have this other remedy in going directly with the court. But this is an exception as this is available only in exceptional circumstances. Usually, taxpayers dispute the reasonableness and correctness of the assessments, and not their legality or validity. This leaves them with no recourse other than to pay under protest and file a written protest. If the case reaches the LBAA, the taxpayer is also left with no other choice other than to await the decision of the Board to appeal further.
I heard that Former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. calls for the amendment of the 33-year-old LGC, as the law no longer meets the present needs of the LGUs ( https://manilastandard.net/news/ elections-2025/314513151/abaloscalls-for-overhaul-of-33-year-old-localgovernment-code.html ). I hope that our local taxation rules provided in the law, especially those that pose issues and concerns as the matters discussed above, will be revisited.
The author is a junior partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law) (www. bdblaw.com.ph), a member-firm of WTS Global. The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at mabel.buted@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 160.
As big tech profit growth slows, investors hunt for a new thing
By Jeran Wittenstein
The stock market’s growth engine is running on fumes. For years, investors have counted on the biggest technology companies to power equity indexes higher based on their strong earnings and expectations for even more profits in the future, most recently fueled by the development of artificial intelligence services. Those days appear to be over, at least for now. And it’s forcing investors to think of other ways to play the latest equities bull market as it enters its third year.
The issue is profits. The Magnificent Seven tech giants—Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., Microsoft Corp., Nvidia Corp. and Tesla Inc.— are expected to post a combined earnings increase of 18 percent in 2025, down from a projected 34 percent for 2024, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence. Strip out Nvidia, arguably the biggest beneficiary of Wall Street’s AI mania, the rest of the group is expected to post a measly 3 percent increase in profits in 2025.
An 18 percent profit expansion is good news for just about any sector— but Big Tech. Should the estimate come to fruition, the high-flying cohort will fall behind health care in full-year earnings growth and not significantly above the materials and industrials groups.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index’s earnings growth is projected to reach 13 percent in 2025, up from 10 percent this year. In other words, the tech giants are no longer setting the pace for Corporate America.
“The Mag Seven is not necessarily going to be the engine of growth for the market that it has been for the last year or so,” said Julian McManus, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.
Leaving tech IN v eSTor S are already responding. In the week through December 4, the information technology group had its largest outflow in six weeks
at $1.4 billion, according a Bank of America note on Friday citing data from ePFr Global. Small-cap stocks, which have been trailing the broader market this year, had $4.6 billion of inflows, putting them at an annualized record high of more than $30 billion.
McManus said he’s watching for upside surprises in free cash flow growth and sees alternatives to Big Tech all over the world, not just in the US, where he’s “significantly underweight.” He likes energy producers, which are benefiting from power-thirsty data centers and are a popular play, and sees opportunities in biotech as well as chip design software companies like Cadence Design Systems Inc.
A big part of the search for Big Tech alternatives is purely about their stock prices. Just this week, the Magnificent Seven companies traded at 41 times projected earnings, the highest valuation multiple since early 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The entire S&P 500 has seen a jump as well, with its ratio of 23 times the highest since 2021. But it’s still almost half the price of the tech giants’ valuations.
“You’re being overly risky being in just the megacaps,” said Phil Blancato, chief executive officer at Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management. “You’re looking at companies that are trading at valuations that are quite rich. Some of the numbers for the rest of the S&P 500 don’t look bad, they look good. I’d rather buy the rest of the S&P 500 at
A big part of the search for Big Tech alternatives is purely about their stock prices. Just this week, the Magnificent Seven companies traded at 41 times projected earnings, the highest valuation multiple since early 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The entire S&P 500 has seen a jump as well, with its ratio of 23 times the highest since 2021. But it’s still almost half the price of the tech giants’ valuations.
18 times [forward earnings] versus the entire S&P 500 at 23 or 24 times.”
He isn’t alone in his skepticism. Wall Street pros like Michael Wilson, chief US equity strategist at Morgan Stanley, and Brian Belski, chief investment strategist at BMo Capital Markets, also see the equities rally continuing to broaden to sectors beyond Big Tech, a trend that began in the second half of the year.
“euphoria around megacap tech is evident in growth expectations for the Magnificent 7 approaching all-time highs, just when their earnings are slated to decelerate,” Bank of America strategists led by Savita Subramanian wrote in a note to clients this week. With the cohort accounting for about a third of the S&P 500’s weighting, “we see more opportunity in the average stock than in the index,” the strategists wrote.
Magnificent one HoW ever, that isn’t to say all Magnificent Seven stocks are created equal. Because there’s one company that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Nvidia. relentless demand for its accelerators used in AI computing has sent earnings soaring. Nvidia is projected to deliver $71 billion in profits on revenue of $129 billion next year, up 49
percent and 52 percent, respectively, according to the average of analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. This explains why the stock is the seventh best performer in the russell 1000 Index this year with a 193 percent gain—and the only Magnificent Seven company in the top 50.
Much of Nvidia’s success is being driven by spending from its megacap peers. Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta Platforms are projected to show more than $200 billion in combined 2024 capital spending to beef up computing capacity. And they’ve pledged to spend significantly more next year. That’s great for Nvidia, but investors are questioning when those investments will pay off for the rest.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Mag Seven sort of break up because gravity is going to catch up,” Janus Henderson’s McManus said. of course, Wall Street has underestimated Big Tech’s strength in the past. At the start of 2024, analysts were projecting earnings growth of 19 percent for the Magnificent Seven, and the group is now on track for a 34 percent increase. And despite the numbers, the tech giants still retain their allure with investors, especially if the economy deteriorates. Scott Chronert, US equity strategist at Citigroup, likens the group to a defensive sector like consumer staples, whose products people need regardless of economic circumstances. The point being, megacaps remain a safe bet in uncertain times—like now.
“If you were to sell big tech, where would you go?” said Andrew Choi, portfolio manager at Parnassus Investments. “Do you really want to bet on rate-sensitive stocks where you need rates to go a certain direction? Do you want to chase places that have done well? Big tech remains the best, easiest answer for what you want regardless of what market conditions end up being.” With assistance from Ryan Vlastelica /Bloomberg
Continued from A12
against “chaos and division.”
US President-elect Trump, meanwhile, made one thing clear: America won’t intervene to stop that from happening. In a post on social media platform X on Saturday, Trump wrote, “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend.”
The US designates the rebel group HTS, which formed an alliance with al-Qaeda more than a decade ago, a terrorist organization. HTS has since sought to project itself as a force for unity, but many US and Middle eastern officials are doubtful.
“The guys who are taking over are terrorists, but they’re sending some interesting messaging,” said Jason Greenblatt, a former Middle east envoy in Trump’s first administration.
“If they realize Trump means business and is not going to tolerate that and is hopefully going to galvanize the region to fight against terrorism, they ought to figure out a way to comply.” Still, the risks and opportunities presented by an unstable Syria have drawn in myriad foreign powers since 2011 and look likely to continue to do so. More than a decade of conflict has left between 300,000 to 500,000 people dead, decimated cities and
pushed much of its population into poverty. The World Bank has estimated that Syria’s economy shrank by more than a half by 2020 from its prewar level of around $60 billion. According to UNDP data, employment rose to nearly 50 percent as of 2020 and Syria’s human development index rolled back 35 years because of faltering education and health services. There were reports of looting following
the declaration that Assad’s government had fallen.
Turkey is likely to seek to capitalize on opportunities created by Assad’s fall after 24 years to repatriate the millions of Syrian refugees living in Turkey. To that end, Ankara has urged a peaceful transition of power.
“We’ve been working for the stability of Syria for a long time—we are familiar with the actors,” Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan told
media at a forum in Doha on Sunday.
“We have to work together with Syrian people, not only Turkey but also regional actors, the international actors, to make sure that there is a good and smooth transition period.” In another development, Israeli ground forces overtly crossed into Syrian territory for the first time since the 1973 october War, the New York Times reported, citing two Israeli officials. With assistance from Onur Ant /Bloomberg Assad. . .
DTI identifies ‘most binding constraints’ to PHL industry
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) has identified lack of skilled workers, absence of technology for harvesting and processing of agricultural produce, among others, as the “most binding constraints” to industry growth in the country.
R afaelita Aldaba, Undersecretary for DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, said these were the results of the consultations conducted by DTI across the country between August and November 2024, when the agency identified the priority sectors per region as well as the barriers preventing them from further improvement or upgrading in terms of production of these priority products and sectors.
In Luzon, for instance, they identified their own priority sectors. And this would consist... mostly, these are less complex products like coffee, bamboo, wearables and homestyles and cacao. And then in NCR, Region III and Region IV-A, again, we still have agriculture, because I think Region III and Region IV-A still have certain agricultural sectors that they are promoting,” Aldaba said at the Tatak Pinoy Summit.
Based on the DTI’s regional consultations, Aldaba noted, the Luzon regions reported having low volume of coffee exports, lack of facilitated loans and limited skills training.
Baguio City’s priority sectors are: coffee, bamboo, creatives, wearables and homestyles and cacao while Makati’s priority sectors are: agriculture, creative economy,ICT, renewable energy,
electronics, fish and meat, footwear and home decors.
I n particular, Baguio and Makati’s most binding constraints to industry growth are absence of technology for harvesting and processing of agricultural produce; difficulty in getting market access and logistics (local and international); tedious application/processes for energy and electronic companies and lack of skilled workers.
With these limitations, DTI said there is a need to strengthen exports channel; promote available MSME loan program; enhance education and skills training. Under the cluster of National Capital Region (NCR), Region III and Region IV-A, which includes Makati, DTI underscored the need to educate and help MSMEs invest in processing techniques and technologies; reivisit One Town, One Product policy; Tesda training courses on aqua/agricultural product processing; streamline government process/requirements.
In Mindanao, Davao’s priority sectors are: palm oil, creatives, coconut, cacao, ICT and coffee.
According to DTI’s regional consultations, the most binding constraints to industry growth in Mindanao are: lack of funding; skills gap and lack of infrastructure connectivity.
D avao, meanwhile, is faced with skills gap; concerns on doing business and the lack of appropriate technology for agribusiness activities.
With this, the recommended measures based on the regional consultations of DTI for Mindanao are: regular funding allocation; capacity development for farmers
PHL 2nd most attractive RE emerging market, says Bloomberg report
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE Philippines is this year’s second most attractive emerging market for renewable energy (RE) investments, according to the Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) Climatescope 2024 report.
G oing up two places—4th place in 2023—and with an impressive leap from 20th place in 2021, this year’s ranking reflects the growing confidence of the global community in the country’s commitment to clean energy transition and sustainable growth.
The Department of Energy (DOE) welcomed the development as it underscored the effectiveness of the Philippines’s comprehensive renewable energy policies, which include auctions, net metering schemes, tax incentives, and an aggressive clean energy target of 35 percent renewable energy share in the power mix by 2030.
This recognition inspires the DOE to further intensify its efforts in achieving our renewable energy goals, ensuring that our nation remains a global beacon of progress in the energy transition,” the agency said in a statement.
“As the only emerging market in the Asia-Pacific region with all these mechanisms in place, we are paving the way for a more sustainable energy future, not only for our nation but as a model for the region,” the DOE added. However, there is much work to be done. With the peak demand growth assumptions of around 5.3 percent annually from 2024 to
2028, the DOE said there is a need to further accelerate RE development to address the energy needs of an expanding economy.
“Significantly, while most of the renewable energy investment is domestic, we look forward to realizing the potential of increased foreign participation through recent reforms that allow 100-percent foreign equity in renewable energy projects. These measures aim to unlock greater investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects, fortifying the Philippines as a prime destination for clean energy ventures,” it added.
C limatescope is BloombergNEF’s annual online market assessment tool, report and index that evaluates individual markets’ relative readiness to put energy transition investment to work. The 110 emerging markets included in Climatescope cover 83 percent of the global population and 41 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
I ndia received the top Climatescope score for the second year running.
“India remains a well- established and competitive market for investment in the power sector. The Philippines has been on a growth path since 2021, and for the first time has entered second place in the ranking, knocking mainland China down a slot,” the report stated. India, Chile, mainland China and Brazil have all been among Climatescope’s top 10 markets since 2020, and the Philippines joined the group in 2022. While all five are now well-established emerging markets, they still have opportunities to grow their renewable energy assets,” it added.
and farm to market road.
I n Visayas, Cebu’s priority sectors are: Agribusiness, creatives (furniture and digital creatives), digital creatives, electronics and IT-BPM.
D TI is recommending government training on new product farming skills; streamlined coordination among government agencies; and supply of quick-freezing facility for Visayas.
I n Caraga region, skills mismatch in the IT industry; lack of modern IT industries; low demand for high-paying jobs and ability to work online are considered as the most binding constraints to industry growth.
DTI’s recommended measures to address the issues in Caraga are to conduct regular curriculum matching; establish technology incubators to foster knowledge and skill development.
Th e DTI explained more binding constraints to industry growth based on the Tatak Pinoy Strategy’s pillars which are: Human Resources, Infrastructure, Logistics and Supply Chain; Technology and Innovation and Investments.
Under human resources, DTI said graduates lack the ex-
pected competencies for the job. As such, companies must spend time and money to train new hires with the skills and knowledge that they should have learned in school, it added.
O n infrastructure, DTI cited high logistics costs, road and port traffic congestion, as well as limited inter-provincial/regional/island connectivity.
The agency also noted that the country has relatively high utility costs, especially when compared to neighboring countries.
DTI noted a lack of physical infrastructure for Research and Development (R&D) initiatives and industry clustering.
U nder the pillar of technology and innovation, DTI noted the inability to advance to the more mature levels of the technology readiness index such as prototyping, testing and commercialization due to lack of funding or access to the whole ecosystem of R&D activities.
I n terms of investments, there is hesitance to invest in critical sectors promoted by the government due to “geographic remoteness” and set-up costs (difficulty to see private returns), DTI noted.
PHL GAINS 18K SQ KM COASTAL MAPPING DATA VIA SAT IMAGE
AROUND 74 percent of the ocean currently remains unmapped—a gap that experts say limits understanding of climate change, ecosystems and marine navigation.
However, the Philippines has recently received 18,119.84 square kilometers of high-resolution coastal mapping data to support disaster risk reduction, fisheries management, and marine conservation.
This data was derived from SatelliteDerived Bathymetry (SDB), which uses satellite imagery and light reflection. This was provided by oceanic and geospatial companies such as Caladan Oceanic, TCarta, and the Greenwater Foundation in partnership with the Nippon FoundationGEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, which aims to map the entire ocean floor by 2030. SDB is said to offer several advantages over traditional boat and aircraft-based methods, with TCarta chief executive officer Kyle Goodrich noting that, “Satellite Derived Bathymetry offers unique capabilities within ocean mapping technologies [with] its cost-effectiveness…”
This, he added, is particularly suited for challenging coastal areas like the Philippines and the Sulu Sea, where mapping is often delayed by resource constraints and logistical challenges.
Victor Vescovo, founder of Caladan Oceanic, expressed excitement about using space technology and open-source data to generate seafloor maps of previously unmapped coastal areas.
“ We hope this effort benefits the Philippines and contributes to the broader mission of mapping the global seafloor by 2030,” he said.
The project delivered an average
resolution of 10 meters and marks the largest single contribution of coastal mapping data to the Seabed 2030 initiative.
The data was handed over to Filipino microbial oceanographer Deo Florence Onda of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute for scientific and practical applications.
Potential applications
WHILE the initiative is charitable, its success depends on how the data is used by the government and stakeholders.
Vescovo expressed optimism about the data’s potential applications in disaster preparedness, emphasizing the country’s vulnerability to coastal hazards such as typhoons and tsunamis.
My efforts are simply to produce the mapping data and provide it to the open-source database of GEBCO and the Seabed 2030 project, and simultaneously provide it to the appropriate ministries of the Philippine government,” he told B usinessM irror in an email.
“ It is certainly my hope that the Philippine government makes best use of this donated information for the benefit of the country, marine ecosystem, and its people,” he added.
Asked about collaborating with local authorities and environmental groups, Vescovo said they are “in touch with Dr. Deo Onda of the Philippines, whom I took to the bottom of the Philippine Trench in 2021, and are hoping he can facilitate the effective use of the data in the country.” e said.
T he project is scheduled for completion by December 25 this year.
Bless Aubrey Ogerio
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig
DENMARK and the Philippines have agreed to work more closely on maritime security, cybersecurity, ethical deployment of Filipino nurses, and training Filipino seafarers towards decarbonization.
These new areas of cooperation were reached during the visit of Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to Manila.
R asmussen held a bilateral meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, Monday at Fairmont Makati Hotel.
B oth ministers agreed to work toward a “further deepening” of the almost 80 years of partnership between Denmark
and the Philippines.
A fter the bilateral talks, Information and Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy and Danish Ambassador to Manila Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin signed a memorandum of understanding to promote key areas of ICT such as cybersecurity, e-governance, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion and other emerging digital technologies.
The MOU allows for exchange of information, personnel skills, technology development, deployment, policies, regulations, and experiences between the Philippines and Denmark, the DFA said.
The Department of Migrant Workers and the Danish Embassy also signed the agreement on the joint declaration of intent for the education, training and recruit-
ment of Filipino nurses and health care practitioners.
The Department of Energy and Department of Transportation will sign a letter of intent with the Danish company Maersk Zero Carbon Center on engaging a visibility study on the green corridor. We also look forward to the conclusion of agreements on defense, energy and financial development cooperation,” Manalo said.
Manalo thanked the Danish Foreign Minister for Copenhagen’s continued support to the Philippines in its bid to promote the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea.
I hope that we could collaborate more in the maritime area—maritime security promoting international law, maritime law, economy on the ma -
rine environment, biodiversity as well as marine disaster prevention,” Manalo said during joint press conference. Minister Rasmussen said the Philippines has made “a lot of progress” on improving the conditions for foreign investments such as reducing red tape and corruption. D enmark is particularly interested to promote Danish investments in the Philippine green energy sector. Danish investments to the Philippines are estimated to have reached USD$5 million in 2019. But this figure is expected to improve with the recent entry of a Danish company to the offshore wind power project in Camarines Sur. See “Denmark,” A5
GRACE ACROSS NATIONS Churchgoers gather at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila, to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8. This feast day, a holy day of obligation for Catholics, honors the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin. In the Catholic Church, the Immaculate Conception holds special significance as
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Meralco gets ERC approval for power supply contracts
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
The Manila electric Co. (Meralco) received the green light of the energy Regulatory Commission (eRC) for its power supply agreements (PSAs) with Gigasol3 Inc. (Gigasol3) and San Roque hydro Power Inc. (SRhI).
However, the ERC approved lower rates compared to those agreed upon by Meralco, Gigasol3 and SRHI during the competitive selection process (CSP) for the PSAs.
In separate decisions, the ERC provisionally approved the power supply deals of Meralco with Gigasol3 and SRHI for a total capacity of 479 megawatts (MW) throughout their respective 10year contracts.
The ERC allowed Gigasol3 to charge Meralco P5.1908 per kilowatt hour (kWh)
for the 139MW it will supply to the power distribution utility firm. This is lower than the P8.1819 per kWh stated in the PSA application of Meralco and Gigasol3.
Likewise, the ERC approved a much lower rate for the PSA of Meralco and SRHI at P5.1908 per kWh from P7.1000 per kWh for the 340MW it assured to deliver.
The ERC ruled that the approved rates are “without escalation or adjustment.”
SRHI is a subsidiary of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. while Gigasol3 is under ACEN Corp.
When sought for comment on the lower rates, ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said the provisional rates are based on average rate of other mid-merit supply to Meralco.
“We need to further evaluate the higher rates in these PSAs (more than P8 per kwh), as well as the reserve price set by Meralco, and these will all be covered in the final authority to be issued after evaluation.”
Meralco had said that the 10year PSA will cover its 350-MW mid-merit requirement starting February 2025. This will increase by 150 MW beginning February 2026.
The remaining 21 MW will be supplied by Santa Cruz Solar Energy Inc. (SCSEI), another unit of ACEN, at a proposed rate of
P8.1998 per kWh. The ERC has yet to decide on this PSA application.
“Aside from the very competitive rate, the supply availability under the Meralco-SRHI PSA is guaranteed 100 percent and no outage allowance is provided therein,” Meralco and SRHI stated in their joint application.
“If this deficiency is not addressed through the grant of provisional authority or interim relief, Meralco’s customers stand to be exposed to the volatile prices of the WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] equivalent to the considerable volume of the subject Meralco-Gigasol3 PSA which is crucial at the start of the summer season of 2025,” Meralco and Gigasol 3 stated in their application, adding that the implementation of their PSA will afford Meralco customers with a reliable supply of electricity at reasonable rates.
Filinvest Land to issue fixed-rate bonds
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE bo ard of property developer
Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) has approved the issuance of pesodenominated fixed-rate bonds of up to P12 billion, with a maturity period of up to 10 years.
The said issuance is the second round of bonds, which will come from the P35billion shelf registered fixed-rate bonds of the company approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“The executive committee of the company has further authorized the management to evaluate all aspects relating to the proposed offering of the
Growtheum invests ₧7B in PHL cold storage chain
G RO w T h e UM C apital Partners will invest P7 billion ($121
Bonds, including the determination of the timing thereof,” the company said in its disclosure.
For the first tranche, Filinvest Land offered P10 billion of bonds due 2027, with an oversubscription option of up to P2 billion.
Proceeds were used to partially finance the full redemption of the company’s bonds and to partially fund capital expenditures.
The bonds were issued last year.
FLI reported a consolidated attributable net income P2.64 billion from January to September, an 8-percent increase from the previous year’s P2.44 billion.
Total consolidated revenues
and other income rose 17 percent year-on-year to P18.44 billion, on the back of a 21 percent surge in booked residential real estate sales. Leasing revenues, mostly from FLI’s office and retail businesses, grew 7 percent to P5.71 billion.
“Our strategic focus on our core strengths in the residential business continued to pay off in the first nine months of 2024.
As the year comes to a close, we remain unstoppable in delivering property products relevant to Filipinos’ dynamic preferences.
We believe that FLI’s success will mean greater value for all our
stakeholders,” said Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and CEO. “Filinvest remains a strong player in the leasing industry with office and retail offerings that attract a diverse array of tenants. Our shopping centers continue to thrive with exciting concepts and our offices can be tailor-fit to lessees’ specific needs. Furthermore, our push to improve occupancy and efficiency in office and retail leasing continues to bear fruit. Aside from this, we continue to be the government’s steadfast partner in nation-building as we deliver high-quality tenant spaces to serve our fellow citizens.”
PH Resorts, EEI seal deal for Cebu resort
PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc., a gaming firm led by Davao businessman Dennis A. u y, on Monday said its parent firm u d enna Corp. has executed a memorandum of understanding (MOu ) with Yuchengco-led EEI Corp.
“This
Tio said.
Growtheum was established in 2021 when two senior GIC Pte executives who specialized in Southeast
The agreement concerns Emerald Bay resort and casino in Mactan, Cebu, a project that has been bleeding PH Resorts (PHR).
“In particular, the MO u p rovides an avenue for a potential partnership between EEI and PHR, upon the execution of the definitive agreements and subject to the fulfillment of conditions precedent and regulatory approvals, if any,” the company said in its disclosure.
The agreement paves the way for EEI to execute an agreement with PH Resorts or with its units Lapulapu Leisure Inc. and Lapulapu Land
AirAsia PHL aims to fly 7.5M passengers next year, says exec
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
u D GET c arrier AirAsia
BPhilippines expects to fly some 7.2 million passengers by yearend and is targeting to increase this to 7.5 million in 2025.
The airline, which now focuses on “profitability and operational efficiency,” intends to focus on strengthening its core routes and optimizing its Manila hub.
“We are targeting about 7.2 million passengers for 2024. By next year, we are expecting about 7.5 million,”
AirAsia Philippines CFO Zoey Lee said on Monday. “New routes are still under discussion, but for now, we are prioritizing the profitability of our current routes maintaining what we have and make Manila hub as the main focus in the Philippines.”
AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla echoed Lee’s sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of Manila and the airline’s current fleet of 16 aircraft.
“Manila is our most important hub. The optimization of this hub and our 16 aircraft — we will concentrate on that,” he said. “Profitability is crucial. We need to be practical but agile.”
Isla said the airline’s current
New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) and the Manila e lectric Co. (Meralco) on Monday announced a partnership to provide “sustainable and reliable energy solutions” to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
According to NNIC President Ramon
S. Ang, Naia has struggled with outdated infrastructure and power supply issues that have disrupted operations, inconvenienced travelers, and limited its potential as a transportation hub.
In fact, the airport had several power outages—some lasted for hours—that led to flight delays and cancellations.
strategy revolves around bolstering its strongest routes, particularly leisure destinations like Boracay, Panglao, and Palawan, which remain crowd favorites. Non-leisure routes, such as Bacolod and Tacloban, also continue to show robust performance.
In the international market, AirAsia Philippines aims to sustain its strong presence in key destinations, including Osaka, Narita, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau, and Incheon.
“We cannot just launch new destinations without fixing the basics,” he said when asked about new routes for 2025.
Currently, the AirAsia Group is consolidating its aviation businesses. This, according to Isla, will be crucial in determining the next steps for the expansion of the Philippine business.
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes in a video message said there will be a “surprise destination” that will be introduced in the Philippines in 2025.
Isla said the Philippine subsidiary hopes that the consolidation of the aviation businesses will be completed within the first quarter of 2025. By then, Isla assured that AirAsia Philippines will have a clearer growth strategy and this involves, according to Fernandes, “adding planes and adding routes” to the Philippines.
the tourism and travel industry, support economic growth and enrich the travel experience for countless travelers. This will be a step towards NNIC’s goal of transforming our country’s vital gateway into a world-class facility.”
The partnership involves significant infrastructure upgrades. A key initiative is the construction of a state-of-the-art 115 kV-34.5 kV
Corp., to finance, construct, and compete the Emerald Bay Project, upon the execution of definitive documentation.
“PHR will make the necessary disclosures at the appropriate time when the deal terms are finalized, and the definitive agreements are executed.”
Last year, the company posted a net loss of P4.21 billion, or nearly fourfold the P1.13 billion in losses registered in 2022.
For the three quarters of 2024, the company incurred a loss of P392.48 million, narrower than the previous year’s P2.2-billion loss.
In May 2022, the company signed a term sheet with Enrique K. Razon Jr.’s Bloomberry Resorts Corp. for a potential investment in PH Resort or its units. Bloomberry terminated the
agreement in March 2023.
The company then entered into a new agreement with Okada Manila operator Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. to take over the Emerald Bay project.
The term sheet was again terminated in July, despite receiving nonrefundable payments of P327.6 million, which were later reclassified as income.
The project on Mactan Island is planned to be an integrated resort with a five-star hotel adjacent to 300 meters of beachfront, with two 15-storey towers accommodating 642 rooms, four pools, 18 food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, conference and exhibition facilities and a large-scale gaming floor with more than 700 electronic gaming machines and more
Ang noted that with the privatization of Naia, the company has prioritized infrastructure improvements, making power reliability a “key focus” of the airport’s transformation.
“Years of underinvestment have left Naia struggling to meet the demands of a modern airport. w i th Meralco as our partner, we are addressing power reliability as a top priority, alongside operational improvements such as decongesting traffic within the airport, widening roads, mitigating flooding, and replacing faulty equipment. These efforts directly improve functionality, safety, and the passenger experience, setting the foundation for a world-class airport that every Filipino can be proud of.”
Meralco Chairman and C e O Manuel
V. Pangilinan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s potential to enhance tourism, support economic growth, and enrich travel experiences.
“By enhancing power reliability for the new Naia, we are going to help empower
Designed to support Naia’s four terminals, the new substation will provide enhanced power reliability and redundancy, complementing the existing Naia-3 substation. Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025, with completion targeted for December 2026. Another crucial element of the modernization plan is the development of an underground power distribution network, which is expected to align with Naia’s operational needs through 2026. The underground network aims to improve power reliability while reducing risks of disruption. Preparations, including field
Banking&Finance
DOF: Spending to offset losses from VAT refund
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
THE P6.5-billion foregone revenues from the newly-enacted law granting Value-Added Tax (VAT) refunds to tourists can be “easily offset” by the economic impact boosted by tourism spending, the Department of Finance (DOF) said last Monday, hours after the President signed the bill.
The government is banking on the rise of inbound tourists and increased spending to offset the revenue loss.
On Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed into law Republic Act 12079 (VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists Act), which allows tourists to be eligible for VAT refunds on locally purchased goods.
Data from the DOF obtained by the BusinessMirror showed the amount of refunds for tourists may
reach P4.6 billion up to P6.5 billion. This translates to the amount the government will lose from refunding the VAT of tourists.
Savings from the refund fully channeled into additional tourism spending may boost economic output by P2.8 billion to P4 billion annually.
Moreover, the tourism industry is estimated to have a multiplier effect of 1.97 times, suggesting that a P100 increase in tourism output leads to a P197 rise in overall income.
The foregone revenues may also
be fully counterbalanced by the rise in inbound tourists and tourism revenues.
Raise output
THE DOF assumed that VAT refunds lead to a 5-percent growth in inbound tourism receipts, which will raise economic output by P2.95 billion to P4.18 billion annually through savings-induced spending.
A 10-percent increase in visitor receipts will enable P3.1 billion to P4.4 billion in economic activities.
“It’s not a tax leakage. It’s aligning best practices,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto told the BusinessMirror.
The Finance chief said VAT refund for tourists is a constructive export. “Exports is essentially VAT-free. That is the practice in many countries.”
In a separate statement, the DOF said the measure positions the Philippines alongside countries with a standard VAT system in place, designed to incentivize foreign tourists to spend more in the country.
Jolt spending
DELOITTE Philippines (Navarro Amper & Co.) Tax Principal and Global Investment and Innovation Incentives Leader Senen M. Quizon
and checks on December 4.
told the BusinessMirror that giving tourists access to VAT refunds will jolt spending on local goods, considering the country’s 12-percent VAT rate is one of the highest in the region.
“The boost in tourism spending will not only improve our competitive standing in the region and further enhance the country’s appeal as a global shopping destination, it will also create a multiplier effect in terms of stimulating employment and generating income, which will in turn lead to higher income tax collection,” Quizon added.
With the Philippines lagging behind other Asean countries in terms of tourist arrivals, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Economist Leonardo A. Lanzona told the BusinessMirror that additional taxes on tourists could deter visitors, exacerbating the gap between its peers.
Although the increased number of tourists can outweigh tax leakages, Lanzona said lowering taxes to remain competitive with other nations is an indication of “poor marketing.”
Lanzona said tax rebates may not be the most effective way to increase tourist arrivals as this will affect repeat visitors as first-time tourists are unlikely to be motivated by tax reductions.
“What would matter most would be the attractiveness of the destinations,” Lanzona said.
About scale
THE ADMU economist suggested that instead of a “price war,” the Philippines can engage in competition for market shares by finding what is unique in Philippine tourism and focusing on them to lure more visitors.
“What can potentially happen is a race to the bottom, thereby losing our ability to control our niche in the tourism market,” Lanzona warned.
“They think that the rationale for trade is always about scale. When in fact, we can focus on selected groups of tourists who are willing to come here even at a higher cost,” he added.
Meanwhile, Quizon said the government and related agencies should streamline the refund process, otherwise it will become too burdensome to attract tourists.
Quizon said an established process and mechanism should be in place to detect and deter any potential abuse of this privilege, such as an inspection process by Customs officials to ensure that goods are brought out of the country within
the specified timeframe.
The law states that goods should be purchased by foreign tourists in duly accredited stores in person and should be taken out of the country by the tourist within 60 days from the date of purchase.
The minimum value of goods per transaction to qualify for a refund is set at P3,000. The threshold may be adjusted by the Secretary of Finance, based on the recommendation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner, considering changes in the consumer price index.
Refunds can be processed electronically or in cash and will be sourced from the Special Account in the General Fund, under Section 106 of the Tax Code.
The DOF is mandated by law to contract reputable and internationally recognized VAT refund operators to provide an end-to-end VAT refund system for the government.
The Finance Secretary, in consultation with the departments of trade and industry, transportation and tourism, the National Economic and Development Authority, the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), shall issue the implementing rules and regulations within 90 days of the Act’s effectivity.
employee benefit SSS
STATE-run Social Security System (SSS) announced it released P32.19 billion worth of 13th month and December pensions to over 3.6 million pensioners to aid in recovery following a series of typhoons that struck the country.
A statement issued by the SSS last Monday quoted Officer-in-Charge Voltaire P. Agas as saying that the funds it released were credited as a “preChristmas gift” to SSS and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners.
“The early crediting of these pensions can help address some of their financial needs as they
try to rebuild their lives after a series of calamities struck the country,” Agas said.
The SSS distributed P17.9 billion to 2.09 million pensioners during the first batch on November 29, covering those with dates of contingency within the first to the 15th day of the month.
The second batch, amounting to P14.3 billion, was allocated to 1.52 million pensioners with contingency dates from the 16th up to the last day of the month. About P41.6 million worth of 13th month and December pensions was disbursed to over 6,000 pensioners through nonPESONet participating banks
Also, pensioners who opted for the advance 18-month pensions for their initial benefit have received their 13th-month pensions.
Meanwhile, the SSS has tapped the Philippine Postal Corporation to hasten the delivery of the checks to pensioners in their home addresses.
The SSS has been granting 13th-month pension, equivalent to the respective monthly pensions of SSS and EC pensioners since December 1988.
The SSS said this is a way to recognize the pensioners’ contributions to the country during
their productive years to enhance their benefits.
Retirement and survivor pensioners receive a 13th-month pension equivalent to their monthly regular monthly pensions while total disability pensioners obtain a 13th-month pension equal to their monthly pensions without the medical allowance.
Member’s children receiving dependent’s pensions are also qualified for the 13th-month pension while partial disability pensioners may also be eligible if they have a pension duration of at least 12 months.
Reine Juvierre Alberto
How Filipinos spend money: Understanding habits and improving financial decisions
WE Filipinos are known for our resilience and resourcefulness, traits that are reflected in our spending habits. However, many struggle to achieve financial stability due to challenges like low wages, a high cost of living, and societal pressures. Understanding how we allocate our income between needs and wants is the first step in improving financial habits.
Categorizing Spending: Needs vs. Wants
1. Needs. These are essential expenses required for survival and well-being:
a. Food and groceries: A significant portion of income goes here, often due to rising prices.
b. Housing and utilities: Rent or mortgage, electricity, and water bills.
c. Transportation: Daily commutes to work or school.
d. Education: School fees and supplies, viewed as an investment in the future.
e. Healthcare: Medicines, check-ups, and health insurance premiums.
2. Wants. These are discretionary expenses, often driven by lifestyle or social influences:
a. Dining out: Fast food, restaurants, or coffee shops.
b. Shopping: Clothes, gadgets, and other non-essential items.
c. Entertainment: Streaming subscriptions, movies, concerts, or gaming.
percent for wants, 10 percent for Tithes, 10 percent savings/investments.
2. Differentiate between needs and wants. Before making a purchase, ask: “Do I really need this, or do I just want it?”
It’s not just about having more money—it’s about gaining control over your finances and your future. Start today, and let every decision you make bring you closer to a life of stability, security, and success.
BSP urges firms to make PERA an
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is keen on encouraging private companies to include the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) in employee’s benefits.
BSP Deputy Financial Supervision Sector Chuchi G. Fonacier recently told reporters that a similar arrangement for Social Security System (SSS) benefits could be adopted for PERA.
This arrangement involves salary-based deductions from employees and some contribution from the employer. This will help increase not only PERA contributions but also provide an additional safety net for workers when they retire.
“Ang key, dapat ang employers ng private sector, parang sana they should see it as a way to put up the retirement (fund). (One way is for the) employer to have a share and then the employee,” Fonacier said.
“Actually ngayon, sa mga engagement namin with private companies, we’re encouraging them to do that.”
Fonacier told BusinessMirror that another focus of the BSP is on the expansion of PERA market participants and available PERA products. Part of this initiative is Open Finance, which offers a solution by enabling verified know-yourcustomer (KYC) information to be shared among financial institutions participating in OF-PERA. She added this will save time and effort in opening a PERA account and facilitates easier transfer of PERA contributions from an existing bank or e-money account to a PERA account. This will enable Filipinos to make informed financial decisions with greater convenience and efficiency.
The BSP official also said various financial institutions such as fund managers and securities brokerage firms have also expressed their intention to join the PERA ecosystem.
Fonacier said the ideal investment amount fully depends on the PERA contributor as it allows for a flexible investment amount from P1,000 to P200,000 or up to P400,000 for Overseas Filipinos annually.
Why the cycle of dependency happens
THE cycle of financial dependency often stems from poor spending habits and a lack of financial literacy. Common reasons include:
1. Overspending on wants: Prioritizing luxuries over necessities.
2. Debt mismanagement: Overreliance on credit cards or personal loans.
3. Lack of savings: Insufficient emergency funds, leading to dependence on loans during crises.
4. Cultural pressures: “Utang na loob” (debt of gratitude) and “pakikisama” (social harmony) often push Filipinos to overspend to maintain relationships or contribute to family events.
Improving money spending habits
HERE are actionable steps to break the cycle of dependency and build better financial habits:
1. Set a realistic budget. Allocate income using the 50-3020 rule: 50 percent for needs, 30
d. Travel and leisure: Vacations and weekend getaways. While both categories—Needs and Wants—are valid, a disproportionate focus on wants often leads to financial struggles.
3. Build an emergency fund. Save at least 3-months’ to 6-months’ worth of expenses to cover unexpected events.
4. Prioritize debt repayment. Pay off high-interest debts first to free up future cash flow.
5. Educate yourself and your family. Learn about personal finance and share knowledge to encourage responsible spending.
Achieving financial independence is a journey, not an overnight transformation. For Filipinos, navigating challenges like rising costs, cultural expectations, and unexpected emergencies can feel daunting. However, the key lies in developing consistent discipline and a mindset focused on long-term goals.
Small steps, like distinguishing needs from wants, setting aside savings, and staying mindful of spending, can lead to profound changes over time. Remember, every peso saved or wisely spent brings you closer to freedom from financial stress and the ability to create opportunities for yourself and your loved ones.
Building better money habits may be challenging at first, but with patience, perseverance, and a commitment to change, financial independence is within reach.
If you’re progressing in your financial journey, celebrate the milestones you’ve reached, but don’t lose sight of your ultimate goals. Continue to invest in your knowledge, adapt to changing circumstances, and inspire others with your actions. Financial freedom is not just about accumulating wealth—it’s about creating a life where money is a tool, not a constraint. Keep going, and let your progress serve as a testament to the power of persistence and purpose.
Always remember that you can do this with a community who will stand with you and always cheer you every time you experience challenges. All the setbacks can be a setup for a comeback in your financial life. Keep spreading the word so we can change the narrative of Filipinos living in lack but having the right mindset and discipline to really build, save, invest and re-invest for a greater purpose.
Karlo Biglang-Awa
Based on a recent presentation of the BSP, only 20.3 percent or around 1.5 million senior citizens in the country are covered by pension through the SSS or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
These seniors received a monthly pension of P4,984 from the SSS and P13,379 from the GSIS per month in 2018. Given the needs of seniors and inflation, Fonacier agreed that these safety nets are not enough to sustain seniors in their old age.
Fonacier also told the BusinessMirror earlier that a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) showed that pensions only make up 11.7 percent of a Filipino senior household’s total income.
This contrasted with the data on the same study showing that support or transfers from relatives at 34.2 percent and wages and business income at 38.2 percent are the most important income sources of senior citizens.
“And so if employer-employee will agree, maganda siya kung ganoon. That’s why in our discussion in the interagency, I also encouraged our partners when we engage employers to bring up the idea of having a necessary deduction,” Fonacier said.
“Now, it would depend na nga lang sa kanila or in their arrangement.
But what’s important, mag-start na Kasi pwede namang start small eh,” she added.
The BSP Deputy Governor added that PERA also provides an additional cash flow due to the tax credit equal to 5 percent of their allowable contribution—a benefit that is not available in other investment options currently offered in the market. She also said participating in PERA for a longer period would also allow contributors to utilize the tax credit benefits more often. PERA is meant to supplemental to existing mandatory pension plans.
“The best time to invest was yesterday, and the next best time to invest is today. In short, the best time to invest in PERA is as early as possible. Planning and investing for retirement should be done while one is still young in order to provide more time to build the retirement nest egg,” Fonacier told BusinessMirror.
As of September 2024, total PERA contributions reached P470.63 billion covering only 5,774 individual contributions. The bulk of the contributions came from employees amounting to P325.42 million from 4,096 contributions. This was followed by overseas Filipino workers whose contributions, accounting to 784 individuals, amounted P80.3 million. The lowest contributions came from selfemployed Filipinos whose contributions amounted to P64.92 million from 894 individuals.
peRsonAl fInAnce
Karlo Biglang-Awa
CCP announces new batch of 13 Artists Awards recipients
THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has named the 2024 recipients of the prestigious Thirteen Artists Awards (TAA), in line with its mission to nurture and recognize exceptional talent. The triennial honor recognizes young visual artists whose innovative practice has contributed to the development and expansion of contemporary Philippine art.
This year’s batch of awardees is comprised of Catalina Africa, Denver Garza, Russ Ligtas, Ella Mendoza, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, and Issay Rodriguez. Rounding out the list are Luis Antonio Santos, Joshua Serafin, Jel Suarez, Tekla Tamoria, Derek Tumala, Vien Valencia and Liv Vinluan. The winners were announced last week in a press conference at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.
“[The TAA] identifies contemporary voices who, in the words of the founding vision, ‘restructure, restrengthen and renew artmaking and art thinking to lend vitality and relevance to Philippine art,
carving new pathways to the future,’” said Cultural Center of the Philippines President Kaye Tiñga.
“Through the Thirteen Artists Awards, we have a living survey of Philippine modern art—not as a linear progression, but one that goes in countless directions as artists engage with their materials, their communities, and their moment in history, while speaking across time.”
The TAA began in 1970 as a curatorial project of the CCP Museum under the directorship of its first curator, Roberto Chabet. The awards ran as a biennial event until 1980, and again in 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1994, before going on hiatus. It was revived in 2000 and changed to its current triennial format. Over the years, the TAA has honored a diverse group of artists from different artistic disciplines, including film, photography, printmaking, performance, dance, painting, and sculpture.
For the 2024 edition of the TAA, its 54th year overall, the awardees were carefully selected out of 108 nominations through a meticulous and rigorous evaluation process that began in May. The selection committee consisted of Phyllis Zaballero (Thirteen Artists 1978), Antipas Delotavo (Thirteen Artists 1990), Buen Calubayan (Thirteen Artists 2009), Wawi Navarroza (Thirteen Artists 2012), and CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division officer-in-charge Rica Estrada Uson.
Each nominee’s body of work was assessed “for their responsiveness to contemporary realities and their contribution to the advancement of the visual arts in the Philippines.” The selection committee also ensured that all nominated artists “have demonstrated sustained artistic activity, evidenced
by a track record of individual exhibitions and group shows over at least the past three years.”
According to a CCP statement: “Ultimately, the 13 awardees were chosen not only for their artistic excellence but also for their potential to influence and inspire the future of Philippine art, reflecting the CCP’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing exceptional talent in the local art community.”
Here are the bio-notes of the Thirteen Artists Awardees of 2024, also from the CCP:
■ A multidisciplinary artist, Africa considers shapeshifting and earth channeling to be her primary modes of expression. Working with various media, her artworks are invocations to the natural landscape.
■ A mental health worker prior to pursuing the arts, Garza contemplates the meaning and comforts in life, as well as its uncertainties, through the psyche and the psychosocial, in his art practice.
■ Cebu-born artist Ligtas draws inspiration from various alter egos, serving as conduits for his explorations of the Filipino body as an expanding mythological matrix and a living historical, geopolitical and anthropological artifact.
■ Ceramic artist Mendoza started her practice with functional wares in her early years, and later evolved into a play on contemporary counterparts of traditional vessels, which materialized in her conceptual, sculptural and installation works.
■ Pagkaliwangan explores stories behind mundane yet indispensable objects to examine Philippine history and material culture. Drawing from natural history illustration and taxonomy,
Pan de Manila ushers 2024 holiday season with paper bag tradition
BAKING bread is an art form, with each bread unique in its own way. For the past 25 years, Pan de Manila has elevated the beloved pandesal, crafting it into something worth looking forward to each morning.
From the traditional pugon-style baking to today’s modern methods, Pan de Manila’s bread brings a touch of nostalgia and a taste of home. Even its signature paper bags tell a story celebrating Filipino culture, tradition, and artistry.
Every holiday season, Pan de Manila’s limited-edition paper bags are highly anticipated, transforming into collectible treasures for fans of Filipino art.
“We’re proud to say that our paper bags have become a canvas for our country’s
most talented artists, whether they’re established or emerging ones,” says Terrence Ignacio from marketing of Pan de Manila. “Each design serves as both a tribute to Filipino creativity and a vessel of warmth and joy, perfect for sharing freshly baked, heartwarming pandesal with loved ones.”
Since 2008, Pan de Manila has collaborated with talented Filipino artists for its Christmas paper bag tradition, showcasing works by Mia de Lara, Christian Regis, Larry Memije and Rina AlbertLlamas, each capturing the essence of Filipino culture.
This year, 33-year-old artist Krissie Phee joins this special list, with her design
featured on Pan de Manila’s 2024 holiday paper bags.
For Phee, this collaboration with Pan de Manila is especially meaningful. She fondly recalls childhood mornings of waking up early with her parents to buy freshly baked pandesal wrapped in simple brown paper.
The 2024 Holiday Paper Bag is available at all Pan de Manila outlets nationwide, and Phee’s artwork is sure to be another collector’s piece. Known for her vibrant style that balances contrast and plays with light and shadow, Phee’s use of sunset tones and dynamic hues brings a unique energy to each piece, adding a touch of the unexpected to keep viewers engaged.
By Eugenia Last
energy flow freely and efficiently as you strive to achieve your goals. A creative endeavor will offer a lesson that helps you to overcome any reservations regarding your skills or benchmarks you want to conquer. Romance is favored.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Spend more time at home dealing with domestic matters and personal investments. Consider what will make your life easier and implement the changes that will put your mind at ease. Forward-thinking and executing your plans with discipline and detail will make a difference in how others treat you. ★★★
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Get moving. The more you fit into your day, the better. Travel, attend events and reunions or sign up for something motivational. The people you encounter will offer insight into potential opportunities to improve your life. Self-improvement projects will turn out well, and romance will be in the stars. ★★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A change of heart is likely, but first, understand the consequences. Avoid unsafe situations that can endanger your health or physical well-being. Stick to what and who you know and focus on projects that you find exciting. A networking or social event will lead to a beneficial encounter.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take pride in what you do; shortcuts won't pay off, and relying on someone else to do as good a job as you will fall short of your expectations. Build assets by investing in yourself and your home. Updating your look will be uplifting and encourage physical and emotional growth. ★★★★★
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Work behind the scenes to avoid drama and those trying to force their will on you. Map out your route before you head out. Preparation will allow your intuition to take over and lead you down the path most likely to suit your needs. ★★
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let what others decide to do interfere with your plans. Put your heart and soul into creating the perfect environment to house your desires. Look for opportunities that allow you to utilize your space and talents to master what you do best. Explore, expand and excel. ★★★★
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Dig in and press forward until you reach your objective. Refuse to let anyone lead you off course or tempt
The Universal Crossword • Edited by David Steinberg/Anna Gundlach/Adrian Johnson/Jared Goudsmit/Taylor Johnson
‘forget it!’ BY JOE DIPIETRO
KRISSIE PHEE’S vibrant artworks evoke warmth and bridge the memories of the past and present of our Filipino heritage.
Show
Ne-Yo iN for the holidaYs iN QuezoN Cit Y’s solaire resort North SOlAiRE Resort North sets the standard for the grandest New Year’s celebration, with events kicking off across the entire property and ringing in the new year with an aweinspiring fireworks spectacular.
This holiday season, Solaire Resort North livens Quezon City and its guests as they greet the New Year at the Ultimate Solaire New Year’s Eve Party on december 31 at the Solaire Grand Ballroom from 9:30 pm onwards.
Headlining the evening will be 3-time Grammy Awardwinning artist Ne-Yo to perform his latest and greatest hits, and partygoers can expect an exhilarating night to remember. A spectacular line-up of performers joining Ne-Yo for the night will be world-renowned dance group Jabbawockeez, P-Pop group BGYO, America’s Got Talent finalist Avantgardey, dJ Soda, Beast House, and host Billy Crawford. interested partygoers may join the most sensational New Year’s party of 2024 by booking seats at tinyurl.com/4ej7p8ys, or by calling Ticketworld at 09171147317 (Globe) or 09999545922 (Smart).
The excitement continues atop the world at the Skybar on level 38, where guests can marvel at the night’s fireworks while enjoying electrifying performances by dJ Mars Miranda and Kat dJ all set to the backdrop of Manila’s most luxurious rooftop setting.luxurious holiday packages at Solaire Resort North offer grandiose staycations for guests looking to sit back and relax this season in rooms and suites ranging from 42 sqm to 350 sqm.
Celebrate the New Year in style with a special holiday room package, featuring a festive New Year’s Eve dinner at either Finestra italian Steakhouse or amazing Japanese at Yakumi followed by a delightful breakfast at Fresh international Buffet. Book your stay by december 28 to secure exclusive rates on your choice of rooms or suites. More information can be found at sn.solaireresort.com.
Santos versus Santos versus Santos
BASED on initial analysis of the entries of the coming Metro Manila Film Festival, we reckon that the battle for the always hotly contested best actress plum will zero in on three of our local actresses who happen to carry the same surnames: Vilma Santos for the movie Uninvited
Judy Ann Santos for the horror flick Espantaho, and Aicelle Santos for the musical Isang Himala
The name that will be in the winning envelope will depend on so many factors—difficulty of role, length of the character’s exposure in the narrative, sincerity of portrayal, range of emotions tackled, and consistency of characterization and performance.
But just like in any competition that involves a diverse group of jurors, the quality of the jury and their knowledge of film will have a lot of weight, too.
back victory. She won last year’s best festival actress for her performance in When I Met You in Tokyo, which admittedly raised a few eyebrows. Those who have seen Uninvited’s final cut are one in saying that Vilma is much better here and her role is more complex, with layers and layers of acting skills executed.
In the movie, Vilma breathes life into the role of a pained mother out to avenge the death of her daughter. She is ably supported by tried-and-tested actors Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre under the direction of by Dan Villegas for Mentorque Productions.
“I did not take on this film to win any acting award—believe me, that is farthest from my mind. All I wanted was to do something dark and different, and it just happened that it made it to the festival this year,” she shared.
Judy Ann Santos is another strong contender for the top female acting award. The horror movie is titled Espantaho, from the Spanish word espantajo which literally means scarecrow. It is directed by Chito Roño and produced by Joji Alonso’s Quantum Films.
Queen, Karma, Imortal, Mano Po while Judy Ann has bagged the same prize for Kasal, Kasali Kasalo and Mindanao
The darkhorse for this year is singer-actress Aicelle Santos, who is starring in her first ever lead role on film. It’s the movie musical version of the Ishmael Bernal classic Himala where Aicelle reprises the iconic character of Elsa, originally played by Nora Aunor, now a National Artist for Film.
“I think our edge is that we are the only musical among the 10 festival entries and we’ve got something new and different to offer. I am more excited than pressured knowing that everyone involved in this movie has given the best that we could to come up with something that the Filipino audience will surely enjoy and take to heart,” she said, citing the many aces behind the movie—writer Ricky Lee (also a National Artist), composer Vince de Jesus, and filmmaker Pepe Diokno, all distinguished in their respective fields.
she documents personal and historical narratives through hand-pulled prints and drawings.
n Rodriguez centers her current art practice on themes of humanism and ecology. Through archival research, community engagements and interdisciplinary collaborations, she explores the articulation of thoughts, emotions, and values through art and technology.
n Santos examines memory, entropy, isolation and longing through his paintings and photography. Utilizing oil painting, printing and image manipulation, he explores how recollections shift over time—employing everyday materials as metaphors for memory, space and identity.
n Exploring themes of transmigration and queer politics, Bacolod-born multi-disciplinary artist Serafin combines dance, performance, visual arts and choreography.
n Self-taught artist Suarez approaches collage as a way of reading, reinterpreting and responding to visual phenomena by restating these images as open codes and as new texts in the process of becoming.
n After two years of working in the corporate sector, Tamoria pursued tailoring at a local technical school, allowing her to further her practice of working with textiles. She uses readily available materials and takes inspiration from diverse sources, ranging from costume design to fractal patterns in nature.
n Pursuing ecological world-making, Tumala explores the possibilities of art in the form of knowledge, schematics, living systems, object orientation, moving image, emerging technologies, staged performance, and/or public programs.
n Valencia situates his work at the intersection of community, time, site, process and anthropology. He works on alternative archive projects, tied together by an interest in challenging traditional methods of archiving.
n History remains the singular, defining cornerstone of Vinluan’s works. Her art practice investigates death and mortality, the cyclicality of histories, the inconsistencies of human character and behavior, and the passage of time.
More information about the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards is available at thirteenartists.culturalcenter.gov.ph and www.culturalcenter.gov.ph. n
Hopefully, there will be less politicians that will be invited to form part of this year’s jury since most of them have very little knowledge of how a film is made and its many components.
If Vilma wins this year, it will be a rare back-to-
AwArD-wInnIng broadcast journalist Arnold Clavio reaffirmed his loyalty to gMA network by renewing his exclusive contract with the network on December 3.
Present at the contract-signing were gMA network president and CEO gilberto r. Duavit Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer Felipe S. Yalong, gMA Public Affairs first vice president Nessa Valdellon, and vice president for public affairs Arlene Carnay. Arnold, a proud gMA talent for 35 years, remains a respected figure in public service, delivering impactful news and stories across TV and radio.
He is one of the pioneering hosts of the country’s longest-running morning show Unang Hirit, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. He also cohosts the radio program One on One: Walang Personalan on DZBB with Connie Sison. reflecting on his journey with the network, Arnold shared his deep gratitude and unwavering commitment to gMA. “with the opportunities na binigay ng gMA management, nakilala na ako wherever I go. gMA is my second home. Kaya leaving gMA Network really didn’t occur in my mind. Ang daming offers until now and I’m thankful din sa blessings, pero
I’m happy and content for the support I’m receiving sa gMA. Damay ako sa credibility nila.”
He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the trust and support he has received over the decades, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all my bosses, then and now, plus my fellow workers on and off camera, at sa lahat ng naging programa ko. I am incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence they all have shown me. It is a great honor to know that my hard work and dedication have been recognized and rewarded in this manner. Under your guidance and supervision, I became a better person
“It has been a while since I last did something outside drama or comedy or light romance, so this one comes in as a breather, an interesting addition to my filmography,” she told us recently, adding, “Our main goal is to give quality entertainment during the holiday season and being part of the festival means giving our audience more choices of what they can and would want to watch,” she shared.
Vilma has won the festival best actress award many times in the past for her performances in Burlesk
“I’ve always kept my expectations realistic because I believe that recognition will go to those who are destined to have them, given a fair playing ground for everyone. Just to have bagged the lead role in this project is already the biggest miracle in my career, what more to be placed alongside the icons, the legends and the veterans in this annual film festival that many Filipinos look forward to,” she added.
Whoever wins among these three Santoses, or in case the jury decides to declare more than one winner, one thing is for sure: anyone of them is deserving and their victory will not be questioned.
May the best Santos take home the trophy come awards night. n
and I continue to grow as a journalist.” gMA executives couldn’t be more grateful to Igan, as he is fondly called in the network and by fans, for his loyalty and everything he’s done for gMA since he joined it back in 1989.
“Si Arnold ay tunay na kaibigan ng bayan. Natutuwa ako at muli kang nakabalik sa amin matapos ang mga hamon sa iyong kalusugan. Mula sa akin at sa buong gMA Network, ikinararangal namin na nananatili kang isang Kapuso,” said gMA network chairman Atty.
FROM left: Vilma Santos, Judy Ann Santos, Aicelle Santos
NE-YO
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Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort Celebrates Festive Fusion of Culture, Luxury at Tree Lighting Ceremony
DUSIT Thani Lubi Plantation Resort (DTLI) officially welcomed the holiday season in “Culture Luxe” with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 14, 2024 at The Mill, celebrating the fusion of local culture, sustainable practices, and Dusit’s signature Thai hospitality in the resort’s tropical paradise.
The event was graced by notable guests, including Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation CEO Tomas Lorenzo, Business Development Manager Monica Lorenzo, Bobby Horrigan owner’s representative, the newly appointed General Manager of DTLI General Manager Thanthita Nithimetheesanont or GM Punch, Cluster General Manager Christoph Kuch of dusitD2 Davao and Dusit Thani Residence Davao, Vincent Magpatoc, representative of the Municipality of Mabini, and JP Romero, Provincial Tourism representative.
Also present were in-house guests, local and national media friends, business accounts, all joining to celebrate this grand occasion. Guests were serenaded by the angelic voices of the Davao Girls Choir and mesmerized by the stunning performance of the Mabini NHS Special Performing Arts group, a testament to the diverse talents within the Davao region.
Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort’s new General Manager, GM Punch welcomed the guests as she delivered her welcome message “Your presence makes this celebration truly magical, reminding us that the
heart of the season lies in shared joy and cherished moments together.”
Adding to the festive spirit, Remil Vincent Magpatoc, Chief of Staff of the Mayor of Mabini’s office, and JP Cordovero, representing the Davao de Oro Provincial Tourism Office, both delivered holiday messages, sharing their hopes for a joyful season and the continued growth of partnerships that benefit the community.
“The tree says everything. This Christmas tree is a perfect blend of international flair, with Dusit’s Thai roots, and local artistry that showcases the essence of the Davao region,” shared Lorenzo as he raised a glass to officially usher in the festive season at DTLI.
The intricately designed Christmas tree, intricately designed by Annie Lim, beautifully captures the spirit of Dusit’s Culture Luxe theme. Its highlights include the starfish, symbolizing DTLI’s commitment to sustainability through its marine sanctuary and efforts to make the island the number one diving destination, and handcrafted parols, made by the talented people of Davao de Oro, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
A highlight of the evening was the launch of the Stars of Hope program, where guests could purchase handcrafted Christmas ornaments to decorate the Christmas Tree. Each ornament carried a personal wish and contributed to a meaningful cause, with
Foundever® in the Philippines Wins Prestigious Great Place to Work® Certification
FOUNDEVER®, a global leader in the customer experience (CX) industry, has been officially certified as Great Place to Work® in the Philippines by a global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.
“We are thrilled to be officially certified as a Great Place To Work®,” said Willy Lim, Vice President for HR, Marketing and Talent Acquisition at Foundever in the Philippines. “Employee growth, wellbeing and satisfaction is a win-win situation for everyone because we know the employee experience is the customer experience. Our clients and their customers can only receive the best experience if our employees are thriving and feeling satisfied, respected, recognized and empowered.”
Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work®, notes that the Great Place To Work® Certification is “a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience. By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Foundever stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees. She adds that this Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture.
Lim added that the certification is a testament to the company’s employee value proposition of ‘Create your best moments’ with its four pillars: growth, wellbeing, belonging and purpose.
Lim said Foundever provides a nurturing environment that promotes both professional growth and personal development. “We offer comprehensive training and career advancement programs, such as our Talent+ and My Academy learning platform, which are specifically designed to support our employees’ talent development plans and provide valuable upskilling opportunities,” he explained.
Foundever transcends traditional employee benefits by offering a holistic suite aimed at enhancing employee wellbeing and promoting work-life balance. One notable initiative is the EverBetter wellness program, which fosters a community that actively encourages and promotes health and wellness. Additionally, Foundever offers a holistic wellness package that includes free or reimbursable medications, as well as health benefits for same-sex couples, further demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive care.
Foundever created Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and its Circles initiative to promote DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) among its workforce. DEI is a corporate framework that enables a workplace culture where all employees from all cultures, genders, nationalities are
treated fairly and allowed full participation in all programs that benefit them professionally and personally.
“Foundever is dedicated to supporting and empowering employees and their diverse identities and unique talents. This is especially important for those who have suffered discrimination due to their gender identity, ethnicity, cultural background and even their disability,” said Lim, who also added that Foundever has received several accolades for its DEI programs.
Foundever employees gain a sense of purpose through the workplace culture itself and through many activities that benefit the local communities where Foundever sites are located. Lim explained that Foundever does its best to be a good corporate citizen in the localities where it establishes its sites.
“Our employees are always enthused to participate in activities that benefit their communities--whether these are environmental clean-up activities, or providing skills development to young people, or even pooling together donations for charitable causes. Doing our part in nurturing our shared humanity is the best source of purpose that we can have--and that’s why we are very active in that area,” said Lim.
Learn more about Foundever at foundever.com and find open positions in the Philippines here at jobs. foundever.com.
proceeds supporting the Mabini Federation of Senior Citizens Association (MAFESCA). This initiative underscores island’s commitment to giving back to the community and fostering hope this Christmas season. MAFESCA’s representative Agustin Roble delivered his message expressing his gratitude for the support to their organization. Following Roble’s speech, key members of the ceremony, joined by Roble, hung their “Stars of Hope” ornaments on the tree, symbolizing the official commencement of this charitable collaboration.
The evening continued with the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree, a significant and highly anticipated moment. Lorenzo and GM Punch, took center stage, pushing the lever that illuminated the grand tree in a glow of festive lights, symbolizing hope, unity, and the spirit of giving. The Davao Girl’s Choir delighted the crowd with another musical number, followed by a second dance performance by Mabini National High School’s Special Program in the Arts, both embodying the event’s theme of Culture Luxe.
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort represents more than just the start of the holiday season—it is a celebration of the Dusit brand’s commitment to creating extraordinary experiences for guests while fostering meaningful connections with the local community. Through initiatives like Stars of Hope, Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort continues to bring joy to both guests and the community, making each holiday season a time of shared goodwill and festive warmth.
The tree lighting ceremony also marked the start of DTLI’s festive offerings, inviting guests to experience a magical holiday escape:
Christmas Paradise Extravaganza – December 24, 2024, at P4,200 nett
New Year’s Eve Spectacle – December 31, 2024, at P4,800 nett
Christmas Day Brunch – December 25, 2024, 11am to 3pm, at P1,800 nett
Holiday Dining Highlights – Featuring USDA Beef Wellington and other seasonal favorites.
Staycation Packages – Rates starting at P51,888 nett, offering the ultimate tropical holiday experience.
Celebrate the season of giving with Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, where luxury meets culture and meaningful moments are made.
AS part of its pledge committed during National Indigenous Peoples Month in October, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, extended its commitment to community welfare by organizing a two-day optical mission and distribution of tablets to members of the Carol-an Indigenous Community in Kabankalan City.
Held on November 20 to 21, 2024 the medical mission reached 1,829 indigenous senior citizens from Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities across 12 barangays, providing much-needed eye care services and support. The Foundation offered free eye screenings, glasses, and eyedrops to the beneficiaries, ensuring 100 percent reach for all indigenous senior citizens of the community. Additionally, individuals requiring further medical attention were referred for advanced checkups and testing, giving comprehensive care for all. The initiative supported the Kabangkalan City Indigenous People Youth Organization (KaCIPYO) in their bid to give back to their elders for safeguarding their culture. The successful turnout of the program demonstrates the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to making healthcare more accessible in remote areas and vulnerable communities.
“We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved communities. This optical mission is part of our broader effort to
empower and support the well-being of Indigenous Peoples, especially senior citizens who are often marginalized in healthcare access,” said VP DigiPlus Interactive, COO BingoPlus Foundation Celeste Jovenir. Beyond healthcare for elders, BingoPlus Foundation also extended its support to the younger generation. During their Kabankalan City visit, 50 students from the KaCIPYO received tablets to assist in their studies. These beneficiaries, including high school, senior high school, and college students
lola
IP Community undergoes a free eye examination and glasses provided by BingoPlus Foundation.
IN the photo are, from left, Bobby Horrigan, owners’ representative; Monica Lorenzo, Business Development Manager of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC); Tomas Lorenzo, CEO of TLDC; Thanthita Nithimetheesanont, General Manager of Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort; Agustin Roble, MAFESCA representative; and Christoph Kuch, Cluster General Manager of Dusit Davao Hotels.
Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says US withdrawal from NATO is possible
By Ellen Knickmeyer & Joanna Kozlowska The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Donald
Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as presidentelect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office.
“Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness,” Trump wrote on social media, referring to Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a television interview that aired Sunday, Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the US national security community.
Asked on NBC’s “Meet the Press” if he were actively working to end the nearly 3-year-old Ukraine war, Trump said, “I am.” He refused to say if he had spoken to Putin since winning election in November. “I don’t want to say anything about that, because I don’t want to do anything that could impede the negotiation,” Trump said.
Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire went beyond the public policy stands taken by the Biden administration and Ukraine and drew a cautious response from Zelenskyy. It also marks Trump wading unusually deeply into efforts before his January 20 inauguration
Ousted
Dto resolve one of the major global crises facing the lame-duck Biden administration.
Trump made his proposal after a weekend meeting in Paris with French and Ukrainian leaders in Paris, where many world leaders gathered to celebrate the restoration of Notre Dame cathedral after a devastating fire. None of the advisers traveling with him appeared to have expertise on Ukraine. Kyiv would like to close a deal, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.”
“I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!” Trump added. He was referring to mediation efforts by China that many in the West have seen as favoring Russia. Zelenskyy described his discussions Saturday with Trump, brought together by French President Emmanuel Macron, as “constructive” but has given no further details.
Zelenskyy cautioned that Ukraine needs a “just and robust peace that Russians will not destroy within a few years.”
“When we talk about an effective peace with Russia, we must talk first of all about effective peace guarantees. Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else. Russia brought war to our land,” he said Sunday in a post on the Telegram messaging app.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump’s post by repeating Moscow’s long-standing message that it is open to talks with Ukraine. Peskov referenced a decree by Zelenskyy from October 2022 that declared the prospect of any talks “impossible” as long as Putin was Russia’s leader.
That decree came after Putin proclaimed four occupied regions of Ukraine to be part of Russia, in what Kyiv and the West said was a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Trump’s former national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, warned there was no such thing as a quick fix to ending Russia’s war with Ukraine.
“What I’m worried about is this kind of flawed idea that Putin can be placated, right, that Putin will come to some kind of a deal,” McMaster told “Fox News Sunday.”
“I think it’s really important for President Trump to adhere to his instinct in this connection ... peace through strength,” McMaster said, adding, “How about give them what they need to defend themselves, and then saying to Putin, ‘You’re going to lose this war?”’
While Trump has said before that he would like to see a quick ceasefire in Ukraine, his proposal Sunday was framed as a direct appeal to Russia. The quick responses from Ukraine and Russia demonstrated the seriousness with which they regarded the idea from the incoming American president.
Both Trump and President Joe Biden pointed this weekend to
Russia’s disengagement in Syria, where the Russian military largely moved out of the way while Syrian rebels overthrew the country’s Russian-allied president, as evidence of the extent to which the Ukraine war has sapped Russia’s resources.
Biden said at the White House on Sunday that resistance from Ukraine had “left Russia unable to protect its main ally in the Middle East.”
The Biden administration and other supporters of Ukraine have made a point of not being seen to press Ukraine for an immediate truce. Ukraine’s allies fear a quick deal would be largely on the terms of its more powerful neighbor, potentially forcing damaging concessions on Ukraine and allowing Russia to resume the war again once it has built back up its military strength.
Trump portrays himself as up to making fast deals to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that have frustrated many of the Biden administration’s own
mediation efforts.
There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so—unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise affect current US policy.
The Logan Act bars private citizens from trying to intervene in “disputes or controversies” between the United States and foreign powers without government approval. But the 1799 statute has produced just two criminal cases, none since the 1850s and neither resulting in a criminal conviction.
In the NBC interview taped Friday, Trump renewed his warning to NATO allies that he did not see continued US participation in the Western military alliance as a given during his second term.
Trump has long complained that European and the Canadian governments in the mutual-defense bloc are freeloading on military spending by the US, by far the most powerful partner in NATO.
NATO and its member governments say a majority of countries in the bloc are now hitting voluntary targets for military spending, due in part to pressure from Trump in his first term.
Asked whether he would consider the possibility of pulling out of NATO, Trump indicated that was an open question.
“If they’re paying their bills, and if I think they’re treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely I’d stay with NATO,” he said. But if not, he was asked if he would consider pulling the US out of the alliance. Trump responded, “Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.” Trump expressed the same openness when asked if Ukraine should brace for possible cuts in US aid.
“Possibly,” he said. US arms and other military support are vital to Ukraine’s efforts to fend off invading Russian forces, and Biden has been surging assistance to Ukraine before leaving office.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday announced nearly $1 billion more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine. Austin spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Sunday about the status of the war and US military backing, the Pentagon said.
Russian forces kept up their grinding advance in eastern Ukraine, taking the village of Blahodatne, according to a statement Sunday by Russia’s defense ministry. If confirmed, that gain would bring Russian forces a step closer toward capturing the town of Velyka Novosilka and disrupting a key logistics route for the Ukrainian army, military analysts said.
Kozlowska reported from London. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York and AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.
Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian media say
By Abdulrahman Shaheen, Sarah El Deeb & Abby Sewell The Associated Press
AMASCUS, Syria—Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally, Russian media said Sunday, hours after a stunning rebel advance seized control of Damascus and ended his family’s 50 years of iron rule.
Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire and waved the revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war.
The swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region.
“Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” President Joe Biden said, crediting action by the US and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers—Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He called the fall of Assad a “fundamental act of justice” but also a “moment of risk and uncertainty,” and said rebel groups are “saying the right things now” but the US would assess their actions.
Russia requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss Syria, according to Dmitry Polyansky, its deputy ambassador to the UN, in a post on Telegram. The arrival of Assad and his family in Moscow was reported by Russian agencies Tass and RIA, citing an unidentified source at the Kremlin. A spokesman there didn’t immediately respond to questions. RIA also said Syrian insurgents had guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria.
Earlier, Russia said Assad left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully.
The leader of Syria’s biggest rebel faction, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is poised to chart the country’s future. The former al-Qaida commander cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance. His Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, is considered a terrorist organization by the US and the UN
In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the Umayyad Mosque and described Assad’s fall as “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he said Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.”
The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling US-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in remote areas.
Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement saying Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They urged people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state,” and announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m.
An online video purported to show rebels freeing dozens of women at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed. At least one small child was seen among them.
“This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam
Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.”
Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state TV and sought to reassure religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.”
“We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did,” he added.
Celebrations in the capital DAMASCUS residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air.
Soldiers and police fled their posts and looters broke into the Defense Ministry.
Families wandered the presidential palace, walking by damaged portraits of Assad. Other parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed.
“It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up,” said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in
Damascus with “love.” Rebels stood guard at the Justice Ministry, where Judge Khitam Haddad said he and colleagues were protecting documents. Outside, residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad.
The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage.
Syria’s historically pro-government newspaper al-Watan called it “a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements ordered from above.
A statement from the Alawite sect that formed the core of Assad’s base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.”
The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has
sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe.
Calls for an orderly transition
The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. The road to Damascus from the Lebanese border was littered with military uniforms and charred armored vehicles.
Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, which provided crucial support to Assad, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts.
The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its proxies, already weakened by conflict with Israel. Iran said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned.
Hossein Akbari, Iran’s ambassador to Syria, said it was “effectively impossible” to help the Syrian government after it admitted the insurgents’ military superiority. Speaking on Iranian state media from an undisclosed location, he said Syria’s government decided Saturday night to hand over power peacefully.
“When the army and the people could not resist, it was a good decision to let go to prevent bloodshed and destruction,” Akbari said, adding that some of his colleagues left Syria before sunrise.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on state TV, said there were concerns about the “possibility of civil war, disintegration of Syria, total collapse and turning Syria into a shelter for terrorists.”
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali has said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and
turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office to a hotel.
The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.”
The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey.
Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground,” including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel’s military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions.
Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the US, views it as occupied, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall to occupy more territory. Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, contributed.
GOVERNMENT soldiers and allies sit on the ground as they are taken into custody by opposition fighters on the road between Homs and Damascus, near Homs, Syria on Sunday, December 8, 2024. AP/GHAITH ALSAYED
Mariveles
5150
offers unique, scenic course
THE 5150 FAB (Freeport Area of Bataan) Triathlon in Mariveles next year promises a unique and unforgettable race following rave reviews from the FAB Recon Race over the weekend.
The course features a 1.5-km swim in calm and clear waters, a challenging 40-km bike route with rolling hills and stunning coastal views and a flat and fast 10-km run through shaded paths.
Participants praised the wellorganized setup, pristine road conditions and breathtaking scenery with multi-titled triathlete Mervin Santiago comparing the bike course to New Zealand, highlighting its thrilling terrain and picturesque backdrop.
“The bike course is unique—it’s not your usual flat race. The rolling hills and downhill sections make it exciting, and the views are simply stunning,” Santiago said. “It felt like racing in New Zealand, with the West Philippine Sea as a beautiful backdrop.”
Details of the 2025 event will be announced shortly, according to Princess Galura, president of Sunrise Events Inc., part of The Ironman Group.
The course’s appeal lies not just in its challenges but also in its unique design. Athletes appreciated the environmentally friendly setup and controlled environment while noting that the scenic views and added difficulty made the race even more memorable.
First-time triathlete Samantha Lo overcame her fear of water and lack of biking experience to complete the course, calling it “difficult but awesome.”
She emphasized the support from organizers and described the race as fulfilling and rewarding.
“I’ve never biked before, so this part was a complete challenge for me,” Lo said. “But the support from the organizers, the ambulances, the team,
FIRST-TIME triathlete Samantha Lo calls the course “difficult but awesome.”
Guiao sees SMB tougher to beat than Long Lions
By Josef Ramos
or
UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) could complete its domination of De La Salle in Game 2 of their best-of-three Finals series in University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball action on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
But Goldwin Monteverde’s coaching smarts say the tougher tasks lie ahead in the race-to-two duel.
“Game 1s won’t win championships,” Monteverde told reporters moments after UP shackled the Green Archers in the second half for a 73-65 victory in Game 1 on Sunday night inside a packed Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Although the goal is to always win Game 1, one game away, we just have to focus on what we need to improve on in terms of our lapses … try to prepare for the next game.”
Both teams are again expected to pack the MOA facility when they collide starting at 5:30 p.m.
Defense, especially in the second half, was the key to UP’s go-ahead victory in the series—the Fighting Maroons punctuating this aspect by silencing De La Salle spitfire Kevin Quiambao who had 18 points in the first two quarters.
We know that each time we play De La Salle, defense is really the key to winning the game,” Monteverde said. “I felt that in the second half, we had more intensity defensively…we communicated better.”
“For me, it was a total team effort. Offensively, we moved the ball much better in second quarter and good thing, we sustained it in the second half,” he added.
UP is now one win away from adding a fourth title—the Fighting Maroons
last won the crown in 2022. De La Salle, on the other hand, is eyeing back-toback crowns to hike its championship haul in the league to 11 trophies.
UP p oured it all in the fourth quarter to take down the defending champions in front of 16,202 fans at the Big Dome and extend their streak to four consecutive Game 1 victories in the Finals dating back to their 81-74 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the bubble season.
Holding a slim 54-50 advantage heading into the fourth quarter, Quentin Millora-Brown and Aldous Torculas powered UP’s 11-4 run to open the fourth period and shove De La Salle down to an 11-point hole, 65-54, with six minutes left in the game.
The Green Archers closed in at 65-61 after back-to-back baskets from Mike Phillips and an inside hit from Lian
Ramiro in the 1:42 mark, but a fivepoint UP retaliation led by captain Gerry Abadiano gave the Fighting Maroons a 70-63 breather time down to 40 seconds.
Philips scored on a layup to make it 7065, but Harold Alarcon and JD Cagulangan sealed the win with three free throws— thus ending UP’s four-game skid against De La Salle since last season.
Millora-Brown starred for UP with 17 points with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block, while Cagulangan contributed 13 points, five assists and four rebounds and Francis Lopez scored 13 points to go with six rebounds amd four blocks.
Do-it-all Quiambao exploded for 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the first half, but could omly score a free throw in the last two quarters for De La Salle, which dew 17 points and 11 rebounds from Phillips and 11 points from EJ Gollena.
Taekwondo jins snatch 2 silvers, 8 bronzes in poomsae worlds in HK
THE Smart/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo capped another strong season with two silver and eight bronze medals in the
recent World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong. The partnership of Justin Kobe Macario and Juvenile Faye Crisostomo came through with a near-flawless
performance to finish second in the freestyle over 17-years category and so did Leno Maximuz Subaste and Julianna Martha Uy in the junior pair class. Their achievements were a fitting
THE world watches as the Philippines hosts the eFIBA World Finals presented by Predator on Wednesday and Thursday at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. E ight teams qualified through Regional Championships in eFIBA Season 3 with Group A composed of USA, Algeria, Portugal and Saudi Arabia and Group B made up of Brazil, New Zealand, Turkiye and the Philippines.
“Es ports has seen a massive rise in popularity in the past few years and FIBA wanted to grow the sport of basketball not just on the court but in that field as well,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy said.
“The SBP is fully committed to FIBA in this endeavour and that is the reason why we’re hosting the eFIBA World Finals in Clark,” Dy said. “The
SBP’s ability in hosting world-class events is proven and we’re hopeful the World Finals will be added to the long list of successful FIBA events we’ve had in the Philippines.”
A dmission is free in the event sponsored by Smart, PLDT, Red Bull and Nike.
To further heat up the event, the SBP is also hosting a 1v1 Showdown that is open to all 2K Gamers.
“ We’re inviting everyone to
Hillsborough is in second place, with about 16 percent of residents biking to work. The suburbs with the most cycling are usually in areas with good cycling infrastructure. Suburbs in the city’s northwest, where there are fewer cycleways, have lower uptake.
Bicycles are an integral part of the Kiwi way of life both recreationally and competitively.
Going to work and walking around the city, you Kiwis bringing their children to school on bikes. New Zealanders going to work also ride bicycles. Unfortunately, ignorance has gotten the best of me when it comes to cycling as you only work on the lower part of your body. I could be wrong and please pardon my difference in awareness.
reckon with in cycling.
According to the Cycling New Zealand website: New Zealand is a nation with a passion for the pedals, a nation that’s taken cycling to its heart. We ride road cycles, mountain bikes and BMX. We ride to work, we ride for fitness and fun, and we race. While more than
support the eFIBA World Finals and our very own eGilas Pilipinas as they take on the world’s best at the SMX Convention Center,” Dy said. “We appreciate the consistent support from Smart in all of the SBP events including the World Finals and we’ve also partnered with the Laus Group to give our eGilas the best shot at winning. We’re banking on the help of the hometown crowd to help them out.”
sequel to the gold medal feat of Tachiana Mangin in the women’s -49 kilogram class of the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea—the country’s first since Alex Borromeo reigned in the men’s -47kg division in the 1996 edition in Barcelona. Winning individual bronze medals for the team backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee were Darius Venerable (freestyle over 17), Ian Matthew Corton (male under-30), June Ninobla (male under-60), and Jaynazh Angelo Jamias (cadet male individual). A sian Games bronze medalist Patrick King Perez, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Janna Dominique Oliva, Justin Kobe Macario, and Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape also made it to the podium in the
Rexpects San Miguel Beer as a tougher
than guest team Hong Kong
which they beat last week in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
“It is going to be a different and dangerous San Miguel Beer team after they lost their last game,” Guiao told BusinessMirror on the eve of their Tuesday showdown with the Beermen at 7:30 p.m. at the FilOil Ecooil Center in San Juan City.
We cannot afford to relax against them,” added Guiao, whose Elasto Painters dealt the visiting Long Lions a morale-breaking 99-81 setback last Wednesday behind Deon Thompson’s 21 points and 15 rebounds. San Miguel Beer cannot afford to lose twice so we are expecting them to step up,” he added. “They will use that lost as a motivation to bounce back and that is going to be dangerous. But my players are ready.” T he Beermen lost to the NLEX Road Warrriors, 99-104, and line the Elasto Painters, they are 1-1 won-lost in the conference and are expected to fight back behind June Mar Fajardo, Quincy Miller, new acquisitions Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig. But for Leonard Santillan, everything remains a possibility against the Beermen for as long as they work as a unit. We must work harder than the last time in rebounding,” said Santillan, who had 18 points against the Long Lions. “Remember, San Miguel Beer has June Mar Fajardo, that’s why we have to work hard.”
T he Long Lions of coach Mensur Bajramovic try to get their winning ways back against the Blackwater Bossing in the first game at 5 p.m.
The visitors shoot for their third victory in four matches against the Bossing, who have yet to win this conference despite George King’s strong scoring performance.
a quarter of the population already ride, cycling ranks as the most popular sport kiwis want to try.
It is Cycling New Zealand’s mission to ensure cyclists of every age and ability are given the opportunity to participate, develop, compete and perform at the level they aspire to.
On October 19, 2024, as per www.rnz.co.nz: Cyclist Ally Wollaston became the first New Zealand rider to win two world championship titles at the same track world championships. The 23-year-old won the omnium at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in
Cycling New Zealand recognizes the need to provide longterm direction for the sport. In collaboration with cycling and commercial partners, central and local government, Cycling New Zealand provides the strategic framework for continued growth and success in cycling—continuing to increase participation, driving health and social benefits through cycling, and driving high-performance outcomes and success on the global stage.
Cycling New Zealand is
THE team members (standing, from left) Julian Mallillin, coach Nite Alparas and Clark Banzon and (seated from left) Prich Diez, Kenneth Gutierrez and Isaiah Alindada strike a pose. Hoops
MEMBERS of the Smart/MVPSF national taekwondo pose after the world poomsae championships in Hong Kong.
RAIN or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao knows the Beermen won’t be easy customers.
